As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 29, 2010
1933 Act Registration No. 333-122847
1940 Act Registration No. 811-21715
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549
 
FORM N-1A
 
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
[ X ]
 
Pre-Effective Amendment No.
 
     [    ]
 
 
Post-Effective Amendment No.
7
     [ X ]
 
     
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
[ X ]
   
9
     [ X ]
 

 (Check appropriate box or boxes)

 
Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds
(Formerly known as Neuberger Berman Institutional Liquidity Funds)
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
605 Third Avenue, 2nd Floor
New York, New York 10158-0180
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code:  (212) 476-8800
 
Robert Conti
Chief Executive Officer and President
Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds
605 Third Avenue, 2 nd Floor
New York, New York  10158-0180
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
 
With copies to:
 
Arthur C. Delibert, Esq.
K&L Gates LLP
1601 K Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C.  20006-1600
___________________________________
 
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: Continuous

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):
 
X
immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
 
on _______________ pursuant to paragraph (b)
 
60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
 
on _______________ pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
 
75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
 
on _______________ pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)

If appropriate, check the following box:
 
this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.



Title of Securities Being Registered:  Class A, Class C and Institutional Class shares of Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund

 
 
 

 

 
Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds
 
CONTENTS OF POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 7 ON FORM N-1A
 
This Post-Effective Amendment consists of the following papers and documents,
 
Cover Sheet
 
Contents of Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 on Form N-1A
 
Part A - Prospectus
 
Part B - Statement of Additional Information
 
Part C - Other Information
 
Signature Pages
 
Exhibit Index
 
Exhibits
 
 
 
 

 
 

Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund
 
Class A – (_____)
 
Class C – (_____)
 
Institutional Class – (_____)
 

 

 

 
Prospectus December 29, 2010
 
These securities, like the securities of all mutual funds, have not been approved or disapproved by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Securities and Exchange Commission has not determined if this prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
 

 
 

 

Contents
 
   
Fund Summary
1
 
Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund
1
Descriptions of Certain Practices and Security Types
7
Additional Information about Principal Investment Risks
8
Information about Additional Risks
13
Management of the Fund
15
Financial Highlights
17
Your Investment
18
 
Choosing a Share Class
18
 
Maintaining Your Account
19
 
Share Prices
24
 
Privileges and Services
26
 
Sales Charges
26
 
Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers
27
 
Distributions and Taxes
29
 
Grandfathered Investors
31
 
Market Timing Policy
35
 
Portfolio Holdings Policy
35
 
Fund Structure
35


 
 

 

Fund Summary
 
Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund
Class A Shares (_____), Class C Shares (_____), Institutional Class Shares (_____)
 
GOAL
 
The Fund seeks total return.
 
FEES AND EXPENSES
 
These tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. You may qualify for initial sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Neuberger Berman funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your investment provider and in “Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers” on page 27 in the Fund’s prospectus and in “Additional Purchase Information – Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers” on page 85 in the Fund’s SAI.
 
 
Class A
Class C
Class I
Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
     
Maximum initial sales charge on purchases (as a % of offering price)
5.75
None
None
Maximum contingent deferred sales charge (as a % of original purchase price) 1
None
1.00
None
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a % of the value of your investment)
     
Management fees
1.16
1.16
1.05
Distribution (12b-1) fees 
0.25
1.00
None
Other expenses 2
9.26
9.26
9.22
Acquired fund fees and expenses
0.12
0.12
0.12
Total annual operating expenses 
10.79
11.54
10.39
Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement
9.11
9.11
9.07
Total annual operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement 3
1.68
2.43
1.32
 
Example
 
The expense example can help you compare costs among mutual funds. The example assumes that you invested $10,000 for the periods shown, that the Fund earned a hypothetical 5% total return each year, and that the Fund’s expenses were those in the table. For Class A and Institutional Class shares, your costs would be the same whether you sold your shares or continued to hold them at the end of each period. Actual performance and expenses may be higher or lower.
 
 
1 Year
3 Years
Class A
$736
$1,074
Class C (assuming redemption)
$346
$758
Class C (assuming no redemption) 
$246
$758
Institutional Class
$134
$418
 
1      If you are selling all of your shares of the Fund, the contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) is based on the original purchase price or the current market value of the shares being sold, whichever is less.  For Class A shares, a CDSC of 1.00% applies on certain redemptions made within 18 months following purchases of $1 million or more made without an initial sales charge.  For Class C shares, the CDSC is eliminated one year after purchase.
2      “Other expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
3      Neuberger Berman Management LLC (NBM) has contractually undertaken to forgo current payment of fees and/or reimburse certain expenses of Class A, Class C and Institutional Class so that the total annual operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses, if any) of each class are limited to 1.56%, 2.31% and 1.20% of average net assets, respectively. Each of these undertakings lasts until 10/31/2013. The Fund has agreed that each of Class A, Class C and Institutional Class
 
 
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will repay NBM for fees and expenses forgone or reimbursed for the class provided that repayment does not cause annual operating expenses to exceed 1.56%, 2.31% and 1.20% of the class’ average net assets, respectively. Any such repayment must be made within three years after the year in which NBM incurred the expense.
 
Portfolio Turnover
 
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance.
 
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
 
To pursue its goal, the Fund employs proprietary investment models to allocate its investments in equity, debt, currency and short-term instruments of issuers in markets around the world. The Fund seeks to generate returns through asset allocation, security selection (including the use of derivative instruments) and currency management techniques. The Portfolio Managers also seek to manage risk by using the investment models to take on a predetermined target amount of risk in the Fund’s investment portfolio.  These techniques are integrated with fundamental analysis of global market and economic conditions.
 
The Portfolio Managers currently anticipate that the majority of the Fund’s investment exposure will be accomplished through the use of derivatives, with the balance of the Fund’s investment exposure from long and short positions in equity securities and ETFs. The Fund primarily uses three categories of derivatives: (i) futures contracts based on indices, government bonds and currencies; (ii) foreign exchange forwards; and (iii) total return swaps on broad-based indices. All of these derivatives may be used in an effort to: enhance returns; manage or adjust the risk profile of the Fund or the risk of individual positions; replace more traditional direct investments; obtain exposure to certain markets; establish net short positions for individual markets, currencies or securities; or adjust the duration of the portion of the Fund’s portfolio that is in fixed income securities (if any).
 
The Portfolio Managers believe that different categories of global assets are attractively valued at different times, due to differences in economic and business cycles.  These differences may result from differences in capital flows, government policies and regulations on trade and other factors. The Portfolio Managers seek to identify investments they believe are improperly valued and that provide exposure to different categories of global assets.
 
 
The Portfolio Managers seek to identify investment opportunities using a variety of quantitative and fundamental analyses as a part of a proprietary risk management and portfolio construction system, which look at a variety of factors .  These factors include one or more of the following: valuation, relative value, growth, asset flows, price dynamics, investor sentiment and other, similar attributes. The Portfolio Managers periodically review the allocation of the Fund’s investments among the different categories of global assets.  They may determine to reallocate the Fund’s investments based on an analysis of historic and projected relative returns of different asset classes.  This analysis is primarily dependent upon a review of a variety of economic factors, industry cycles, volatility forecasts and political trends.
 
The Portfolio Managers have considerable latitude in allocating the Fund’s investments, however, they will attempt to maintain exposure to all asset classes ( i.e. , equity, debt, currency and short-term instruments).  The Portfolio Managers also have considerable latitude in selecting instruments and securities and there is no requirement as to the percentage of the Fund’s portfolio that must be invested in any one type of security or other instrument.
 
The Fund’s investments may include futures, forward contracts and swaps, which may include those traded in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) markets; equity securities of companies of any market capitalization throughout the world (including the U.S.), which may include common and preferred stocks, convertible securities, rights and warrants to purchase common stock and depositary receipts; and debt securities, which may include debt securities of governments throughout the world (including the U.S.) as well as their agencies and/or instrumentalities, debt securities of corporations including corporations with below investment grade credit ratings (commonly known as “junk bonds”), inflation protected securities, convertible bonds, mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, and other collateralized debt securities.  The Fund may invest in issuers in both developed (including the U.S.) and emerging markets.  The currencies and indices upon which derivatives positions will be based will not be restricted to any region or market.
 
 
 
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Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest so that at least 40% of its investment exposure comes from non-U.S. securities and other instruments (unless market conditions are not deemed favorable by the Portfolio Managers, in which case the Fund would invest so that at least 30% of its investment exposure comes from non-U.S. securities and other instruments), which are securities or other instruments (i) of foreign government or quasi-governmental issuers or (ii) of non-governmental issuers (a) organized or located outside the U.S., (b) that primarily trade in a market located outside the U.S., or (c) that derive at least 50% of their revenue or profits from business outside the U.S. or have at least 50% of their sales or assets outside the U.S.  For temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may deviate substantially from the allocation described above.
 
The Fund may also use other derivative instruments to establish net short or net long positions in individual markets, indices, currencies and securities.
 
The Fund may invest in cash or cash equivalent instruments.  Because the Fund will use derivatives to gain exposure to certain market segments, and because derivatives may not require the Fund to deposit the full notional amount of the investment, the Fund expects to invest a significant amount of its assets in money market mutual funds.  The Fund currently expects to use a U.S. government money market fund for this purpose.
 
In an effort to achieve its goal, the Fund may engage in active and frequent trading.
 
The Fund has the ability to change its goal without shareholder approval, although it does not currently intend to do so.
 
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT RISKS
 
Most of the Fund’s performance depends on what happens in the equity, fixed income and currency markets. The Fund’s use of derivative instruments will also affect its performance and may amplify the risks that are associated with these markets.  The markets’ behavior is unpredictable, particularly in the short term.  There can be no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its goal.
 
The Fund’s investment program requires that the Portfolio Managers understand a variety of instruments traded in markets around the world, the relationships among those instruments and markets, and their relationship to broader political and economic events and trends.  A failure to properly understand those instruments or relationships, or to identify and take into account changes in their relationship, may result in losses to the Fund.
 
The actual risk exposure taken by the Fund in its investment program may vary over time, depending on various factors including, but not limited to, the strength of economic signals, consistency of investment views, risk forecasts, the accuracy of the overall quantitative model, new regulation in the U.S. and other countries and the Portfolio Managers’ asset allocation decisions.  There can be no guarantee that the Portfolio Managers will be successful in their attempts to manage the risk exposure of the Fund.
 
The Fund is a mutual fund, not a bank deposit, and is not guaranteed or insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The value of your investment may fall, sometimes sharply, and you could lose money by investing in the Fund.
 
The following factors can significantly affect the Fund’s performance:
 
Market Volatility. Markets are volatile and values of individual securities and other instruments can change significantly in response to issuer, political, regulatory, market or economic developments that may cause changes in broad market values.  To the extent that the Fund sells a portfolio position before it reaches its market peak, it may miss out on opportunities for higher performance.
 
Issuer-Specific Risk. The value of an individual security or particular type of security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the value of the market as a whole.
 
In addition, the Fund is considered non-diversified. As such, the percentage of the Fund’s assets invested in any single issuer is not limited by the Investment Company Act of 1940. Investing a higher percentage of its assets in any one issuer could increase the Fund’s risk of loss and its share price volatility, because the value of its shares would be more susceptible to events affecting that issuer.
 
Market Capitalization Risk. To the extent the Fund emphasizes small-, mid-, or large-cap stocks, it takes on the associated risks. Compared to small- and mid-cap companies, large-cap companies may be less responsive to changes and opportunities. At times, the stocks of larger companies may lag other types of stocks in performance. The stocks of small- and mid-cap companies are often more volatile and less liquid than the stocks of larger companies and may be more affected than other types of stocks by the underperformance of a sector or during
 
 
3

 
 
market downturns. Compared to large-cap companies, small- and mid-cap companies may have a shorter history of operations, and may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources.
 
Sector Risk. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in one sector, it thereby presents a more concentrated risk. Individual sectors may move up and down more than the broader market. The several industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. Because the Fund may hold a limited number of securities, it may at times be substantially over- and under-weighted in certain economic sectors. As such, the Fund’s performance is likely to be disproportionately affected by the factors influencing those sectors.
 
Interest Rate Risk. The Fund’s total return and share price will fluctuate in response to changes in interest rates. Generally, the value of investments with interest rate risk, such as fixed income securities, will move inversely to movements in interest rates. In general, the longer the maturity or duration of a fixed income security, the greater the effect a change in interest rates could have on the security’s price. Thus, the Fund’s sensitivity to interest rate risk will increase with any increase in the Fund’s overall duration. Also, because many investors buy stocks and derivatives with borrowed money, an increase in interest rates can cause a decline in those markets as well.
 
Prepayment and Extension Risk. The Fund’s performance could be affected if unexpected interest rate trends cause the Fund’s mortgage- or asset-backed securities to be paid off earlier or later than expected, shortening or lengthening their duration.
 
Call Risk. When interest rates are low, issuers will often repay the obligation underlying a “callable security” early, in which case the Fund may have to reinvest the proceeds in an investment offering a lower yield and may not benefit from any increase in value that might otherwise result from declining interest rates.
 
Credit Risk. A downgrade or default affecting any of the Fund’s securities could affect the Fund’s performance.
 
U.S. Government Securities Risk. Although the Fund may hold securities that carry U.S. government guarantees, these guarantees do not extend to shares of the Fund itself and do not guarantee the market price of the securities. Furthermore, not all securities issued by the U.S. government and its agencies and instrumentalities are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury.
 
Lower-Rated Debt Securities Risk. Lower-rated debt securities involve greater risks than investment grade debt securities. Lower-rated debt securities may fluctuate more widely in price and yield than investment grade debt securities and may fall in price during times when the economy is weak or is expected to become weak. Lower-rated debt securities carry a greater risk that the issuer of such securities will default in the timely payment of principal and interest. Issuers of securities that are in default may fail to resume principal or interest payments, in which case the Fund may lose its entire investment.
 
Foreign and Emerging Market Risk. Foreign securities, including the securities issued by foreign governments, involve risks in addition to those associated with comparable U.S. securities. Additional risks include exposure to less developed or less efficient trading markets; social, political or economic instability; fluctuations in foreign currencies; nationalization or expropriation of assets; settlement, custodial or other operational risks; and less stringent auditing and legal standards. As a result, foreign securities can fluctuate more widely in price, and may also be less liquid than, comparable U.S. securities. World markets may all react in similar fashion to important economic or political developments. In addition, foreign markets can perform differently than the U.S. market.
 
Investing in emerging market countries involves risks in addition to those generally associated with investing in developed foreign countries. Securities issued in these countries may be more volatile and less liquid than securities issued in foreign countries with more developed economies or markets.
 
Currency Risk. Currency fluctuations could negatively impact investment gains or add to investment losses.
 
Currency Transaction Risks . Non-U.S. currency forward contracts, options, swaps, or other derivatives contracts on non-U.S. currencies involve a risk of loss if currency exchange rates move against the Fund. Forward contracts are not guaranteed by an exchange or clearinghouse and a default by the counterparty may result in a loss to the Fund. Governmental authorities may impose credit controls to limit the level of forward trading to the detriment of the Fund. Neither the U.S. Commodities Future Trading Commission nor the U.S. banking authorities regulate forward currency transactions through banks. In respect of such trading, the Fund is subject to the risk of bank failure or the inability of or refusal by a bank to perform with respect to such contracts.
 
Asset Allocation Risk.   If the Fund favors exposure to an asset class during a period when that asset class underperforms other asset classes, performance may suffer.
 
 
4

 
 
Management Risk . Fund performance is dependent upon the success of the Portfolio Managers in implementing the Fund’s investment strategy in pursuit of its objective.  To a significant extent, the Fund’s performance will depend on the success of implementing and managing the investment models that seek to allocate the Fund’s assets.  Models that have been formulated on the basis of past market data may not be predictive of future price movements. Models may not be reliable if unusual or disruptive events cause market moves the nature or size of which are inconsistent with the historic correlation and volatility structure of the market. Models also may have hidden biases or exposure to broad structural or sentiment shifts. In the event that actual events fail to conform to the assumptions underlying such models, losses could be incurred.
 
Derivatives Risk. Derivatives may involve risks different from, or greater than, those associated with more traditional investments. Derivatives can be highly complex, can create investment leverage and may be highly volatile, and the Fund could lose more than the amount it invests. Derivatives may be difficult to value and highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative position at a particular time or at an anticipated price.
 
Counterparty Risk. The Fund’s investments in derivatives involve the risks associated with the Fund’s exposure to its counterparties.  The Fund’s investments in the OTC derivatives market introduce counterparty risk due to the possibility that the dealer providing the derivative or other product will fail to timely perform its payment and other obligations. The Fund’s investments in the futures markets also introduce the risk that its futures commission merchant (“FCM”) would default on an obligation set forth in an agreement between the Fund and the FCM, including the FCM’s obligation to return margin posted in connection with the Fund’s futures contracts.
 
Leverage Risk .  Leverage may amplify changes in the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”). Derivative instruments that the Fund uses may also create leverage and can result in losses to the Fund that exceed the amount originally invested in the derivative instruments.
 
Short Sales Risk.   Short sales involve selling a security the Fund does not own in anticipation that the security’s price will decline.  Short sales may help hedge against general market risk to the securities held in the portfolio but theoretically present unlimited risk on an individual stock basis, since the Fund may be required to buy the security sold short at a time when the security has appreciated in value.  Because the Fund may invest the proceeds of a short sale, another effect of short selling on the Fund is similar to the effect of leverage, in that it may amplify changes in the Fund’s NAV since it increases the exposure of the Fund to the market.
 
The Fund may not always be able to close out a short position at a favorable time and price. If the Fund covers its short sale at an unfavorable price, the cover transaction is likely to reduce or eliminate any gain, or cause a loss to the Fund, as a result of the short sale.
 
ETF Risk. ETFs are   subject to the risk that they may not replicate the performance of the index tracked by the ETF, if any, and may not be permitted to sell poorly performing stocks that are included in the index. ETFs may trade in the secondary market at prices below the value of their underlying portfolios and may not be liquid.
 
Other Investment Company Risk. Through its investment in exchange traded funds and other investment companies, the Fund is subject to the risks of the investment companies’ investments, as well as to the investment companies’ expenses.
 
Illiquid Securities Risk.   Illiquid securities may be more difficult to purchase or sell at an advantageous price or time, and there is a greater risk that the securities may not be sold for the price at which the Fund is carrying them.
 
Recent Market Conditions.   Recent events in the financial sector have resulted, and may continue to result, in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestic and foreign, and in the net asset values of many mutual funds, including to some extent the Fund. Because the situation is unprecedented and widespread, it may be unusually difficult to identify both risks and opportunities using past models of the interplay of market forces, or to predict the duration of these market events.
 
PERFORMANCE
 
The Fund is new and has no performance record to report.
 
INVESTMENT MANAGERS
 
Neuberger Berman Management LLC (NBM) is the Fund’s investment manager. Neuberger Berman Fixed Income LLC (NBFI) is the Fund’s sub-adviser.
 
 
5

 
 
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
 
The Fund is co-managed by Wai Lee (Managing Director of NBM and NBFI), Bobby T. Pornrojnangkool  (Senior Vice President of NBM and NBFI), Alexandre Da Silva (Senior Vice President of NBM and NBFI), Ping Zhou (Vice President of NBM and NBFI), Bradley Tank (Chief Investment Officer (Fixed Income) and Managing Director of NBM and Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of NBFI) and Joseph V. Amato (Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer (Equities) of NBM and Managing Director of NBFI and a Trustee of the Fund).
 
Messrs. Lee, Pornrojnangkool, Da Silva and Zhou are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund including security selection and asset allocation decisions.  Messrs. Amato and Tank provide fundamental analysis and inputs regarding the Fund’s equity and debt investments, respectively.  Each of the Portfolio Managers has managed the Fund since its inception in 2010.
 
BUYING AND SELLING SHARES
 
You may purchase, sell or exchange shares of the Fund on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open, at the Fund’s net asset value per share determined after your order has been accepted, subject to any applicable sales charge.
 
Shares of the Fund generally are available only through certain investment providers such as banks, brokerage firms, workplace retirement programs, and financial advisers. If you use an investment provider, you must contact that provider to buy or sell shares of the Fund.
 
For Institutional Class eligibility requirements see “Maintaining Your Account” in the prospectus.
 
For certain investors, Class A and Class C shares of the Fund are also available directly from NBM. See “Maintaining Your Account” and “Grandfathered Investors” in the prospectus. Such investors may buy or sell Class A and Class C shares directly in various ways:
 
By mail
If regular, first-class mail, send to :
Neuberger Berman Funds
Boston Service Center
P.O. Box 8403
Boston, MA 02266-8403
If express delivery, registered mail, or certified mail, send to :
Neuberger Berman Funds
c/o State Street Bank and Trust Company
30 Dan Road
Canton, MA 02021
 
By wire, by fax, by telephone, by exchange, or by systematic investment or withdrawal
 
Call 800-877-9700 for instructions
 
 
 
The minimum initial investment in Class A or Class C shares is $1,000. Additional investments can be as little as $100. These minimums may be waived in certain cases.
 
The minimum initial investment in Institutional Class shares is $1 million. This minimum may be waived in certain cases.
 
TAX INFORMATION
 
Except for tax-advantaged retirement plans and accounts and other tax-exempt investors, you will be subject to tax to the extent the Fund makes distributions to you of ordinary income or net capital gains.
 
PAYMENTS TO INVESTMENT PROVIDERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
 
If you purchase shares of the Fund through an investment provider or other financial intermediary, such as a bank, brokerage firm, workplace retirement program, or financial adviser (who may be affiliated with Neuberger Berman), the Fund and/or NBM and/or its affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the investment provider or other financial intermediary and its employees to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your investment provider or visit its website for more information.
 
 
6

 

Descriptions of Certain Practices and Security Types
 
Derivative Instruments.   Derivative instruments are generally financial contracts with a value that is derived from an underlying asset, reference rate, index or event.  These instruments may relate to stocks, bonds, credit, interest rates, currencies or currency exchange rates and related indices.  Derivatives may be traded on organized exchanges and clearing houses or CCHs, or in private transactions with other parties in the OTC market with a single dealer or a prime broker acting as an intermediary with respect to an executing dealer. Derivative instruments may be used for non-hedging and hedging purposes.
 
Futures. A futures contract is a standardized agreement to buy or sell a set quantity of an underlying asset at a future date, or to make or receive a cash payment based on the value of a securities index, or some other asset, at a stipulated future date. “Margin” with respect to a futures contract is the amount of assets that must be deposited by the Fund with, or for the benefit of, a futures commission merchant in order to initiate and maintain the position. If the price of the futures contract changes in an adverse way, the Fund may be required to post variation margin, a margin deposit that would be required in addition to the initial margin that is posted by the Fund to get into the futures position.
 
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts. Contracts for the purchase or sale of a specific foreign currency at a future date at a fixed price are referred to as “forward contracts.” The Fund may enter into forward contracts in an attempt to hedge against changes in prevailing currency exchange rates or for investment purposes. While prepaid forwards entail the upfront payment by the purchasing party, most forwards call for payment at some later date.  Forward contract transactions include forward sales or purchases of foreign currencies for the purpose of protecting the U.S. dollar value of securities held or to be acquired by the Fund that are denominated in a foreign currency or protecting the U.S. dollar equivalent of dividends, interest, or other payments on those securities. The Fund may also purchase and sell forward contracts for non-hedging purposes when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value, but securities in that currency do not present attractive investment opportunities and are not held in its investment portfolio.
 
Swaps. Swap agreements are bilateral contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods typically ranging from a few weeks to more than one year. Swap agreements are typically OTC instruments. In a standard “swap” transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in returns) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments, which may be adjusted for an interest factor. There are various types of swaps, including but not limited to, total return swaps, credit default swaps and interest rate swaps.
 
Total Return Swaps.   Total return swaps (“TRSs”) are contracts in which one party, the total return payer, agrees to make payments during a specified period of the total return of the underlying asset(s), which the parties designate as the underlier of the TRS.  The underlier may include securities, baskets of securities, or securities indices.  The total return payer makes those payments to the total return receiver in return for receiving a fee for the TRS which is equal to a fixed or floating rate of interest and, typically, a LIBOR-based spread (or the total return from another designated underlying asset(s)).  The total return receiver is obligated to pay that fee, plus any spread, in addition to any depreciation on the underlier.  The underlying assets may or may not be owned by a party to the TRS.
 
Credit Default Swaps.   In a credit default swap (“CDS”), one party pays the other for, in essence, protection against certain designated credit events that decrease the value of one or more underlying reference obligations.  The “buyer” of protection under the CDS is obligated to pay the “seller” a periodic stream of payments over the term of the swap in return for a contingent payment upon the occurrence of a credit event with respect to an underlying reference obligation, typically a bond. A credit event generally means a bankruptcy, failure to pay, a moratorium (with respect to sovereign underliers), obligation acceleration or restructuring. If a credit event occurs, the seller typically must pay the contingent payment to the buyer, which typically is the “par value” (full notional value less recovery rate) of
 
 
7

 
 
the reference obligation. The contingent payment may be a cash settlement or physical delivery of the reference obligation in return for payment of the face amount of the obligation.
 
Interest Rate Swaps. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of interest payments, such as an exchange of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments with respect to a notional amount of principal.  These swaps, if entered into within the United States in 2010, are effectuated in the OTC market, however it is likely that the CFTC will require that many interest rate swaps must be centrally cleared by CCHs. This process would require the Fund to enter into clearing documentation and post initial and maintenance margin.
 
Currency Swaps . A currency swap involve the exchange by the Fund and another party of the cash flows on a notional amount of two or more currencies based on the relative value differential among them, such as exchanging a right to receive a payment in foreign currency for the right to receive U.S. dollars. Currency swap agreements may be entered into on a net basis or may involve the delivery of the entire principal value of one designated currency in exchange for the entire principal value of another designated currency. In such cases, the entire principal value of a currency swap is subject to the risk that the counterparty will default on its contractual delivery obligations.
 
Lower-Rated Debt Securities . Lower-rated debt securities typically offer investors higher yields than other fixed income securities. The higher yields are usually justified by the weaker credit profiles of these issuers as compared to investment grade issuers. Lower-rated debt securities include debt obligations of all types issued by U.S. and non-U.S. corporate and governmental entities, including bonds, debentures and notes, bank loan interests and preferred stocks that have priority over any other class of stock of the entity as to the distribution of assets or the payment of dividends. A lower-rated debt security itself may be convertible into or exchangeable for equity securities, or it may carry with it the right to acquire equity securities evidenced by warrants attached to the security or acquired as part of a unit with the security.
 
Convertible Securities.   A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock, or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for equity securities. Convertible securities generally have features of both common stocks and debt securities. Convertible securities ordinarily provide a stream of income with generally higher yields than common stocks, but generally lower yields than non-convertible debt. The price of a convertible security often reflects variations in the price of the underlying common stock in a way that non-convertible debt may not. A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the security’s governing instrument.
 
Emerging Market Countries.   Emerging market countries are generally considered to be those countries whose economies are less developed than the economies of countries such as the United States or most nations in Western Europe.
 
Additional Information about Principal Investment Risks
 
This section provides additional information about the Funds’ principal investment risks described in the Fund Summary section.
 
Market Volatility. Markets are volatile and market values and values of individual securities or instruments can change significantly in response to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer can impact the market as a whole. Terrorism and other geo-political risks have led, and may in the future lead, to increased short-term market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on world economies and markets generally.
 
Issuer-Specific Risk. The value of an individual security or particular type of security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the value of the market as a whole. To the extent that the Fund sells a portfolio position before it reaches its market peak, it may miss out on opportunities for higher performance.
 
 
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Market Capitalization Risk (Small-, Mid- and Large-Cap Stocks Risk). To the extent the Fund emphasizes small-, mid-, or large-cap stocks, it takes on the associated risks. At any given time, any one of these market capitalizations may be out of favor with investors. Compared to small- and mid-cap companies, large-cap companies may be less responsive to changes and opportunities, but their returns have sometimes led those of smaller companies, often with lower volatility. The stocks of small- and mid-cap companies may fluctuate more widely in price than the market as a whole, may be difficult to sell when the economy is not robust or during market downturns, and may be more affected than other types of stocks by the underperformance of a sector or during market downturns. In addition, compared to large-cap companies, small- and mid-cap companies may depend on a limited management group, may have a shorter history of operations, and may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources. There may also be less trading in small- or mid-cap stocks, which means that buy and sell transactions in those stocks could have a larger impact on a stock’s price than is the case with large-cap stocks.
 
Sector Risk. The Fund’s investing approach may dictate an emphasis on certain sectors, industries, or sub-sectors of the market at any given time. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in one sector, industry, or sub-sector of the market, it thereby presents a more concentrated risk and its performance would be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affected those sectors, industries, or sub-sectors. In addition, the value of the Fund’s shares may change at different rates compared to the value of shares of a fund with investments in a more diversified mix of sectors and industries. An individual sector, industry, or sub-sector of the market may have above-average performance during particular periods, but may also move up and down more than the broader market. The several industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. The Fund’s performance could also be affected if the sectors, industries, or sub-sectors do not perform as expected.  Alternatively, the lack of exposure to one or more sectors or industries may adversely affect performance.
 
Interest Rate Risk . In general, the value of the Fund’s investments with interest rate risk, such as fixed income securities, will move inversely to movements in interest rates.  Debt securities have varying levels of sensitivity to changes in interest rates.  In general, the longer the maturity or duration of a debt security, the greater the effect a change in interest rates could have on the security’s price. Short-term securities tend to react to changes in short-term interest rates, and long-term securities tend to react to changes in long-term interest rates. Thus, the Fund’s sensitivity to interest rate risk will increase with any increase in the Fund’s overall duration. The link between interest rates and debt security prices tends to be weaker with lower-rated debt securities than with investment grade debt securities. Also, because many investors buy stocks and derivatives with borrowed money, an increase in interest rates can cause a decline in those markets as well.
 
Credit Risk . Credit risk is the risk that issuers may fail, or become less able, to make payments when due. Changes in the actual and perceived creditworthiness of an issuer, factors affecting an issuer directly (such as management changes, labor relations, collapse of key suppliers or customers, or material changes in overhead), factors affecting the industry in which a particular issuer operates (such as competition or technological advances) and changes in general social, economic or political conditions can increase the risk of default by an issuer, which can affect a security’s credit quality or value. A downgrade or default affecting any of the Fund’s securities could affect the Fund’s performance.
 
U.S. Government Securities Risk . Although the Fund may hold securities that carry U.S. government guarantees, these guarantees do not extend to shares of the Fund itself and do not guarantee the market price of the securities. Furthermore, not all securities issued by the U.S. government and its agencies and instrumentalities are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Some are backed by a right to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, while others are backed only by the credit of the issuing agency or instrumentality. These securities carry at least some risk of non-payment.
 
Lower-Rated Debt Securities Risk . Lower-rated debt securities involve greater risks than investment grade debt securities. Lower-rated debt securities may fluctuate more widely in price and yield than investment grade debt securities and may fall in price during times when the economy is weak or is expected to become weak. Lower-rated debt securities also may require a greater degree of judgment to establish a price, may be difficult to sell at the time and price the Fund desires, and may carry higher transaction costs. Lower-rated debt securities are considered predominantly speculative by the major rating agencies with respect to the issuer’s continuing ability to meet principal and interest payments and carry a greater risk that the issuer of such securities will default in the timely
 
 
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payment of principal and interest. Issuers of securities that are in default may fail to resume principal or interest payments, in which case the Fund may lose its entire investment.
 
Foreign and Emerging Market Risk. Foreign securities, including the securities issued by foreign governments,  involve risks in addition to those associated with comparable U.S. securities. Additional risks include exposure to less developed or less efficient trading markets; social, political or economic instability; fluctuations in foreign currencies; nationalization or expropriation of assets; settlement, custodial or other operational risks; and less stringent auditing and legal standards. In addition, key information about the issuer, the markets or the local government or economy may be unavailable, incomplete or inaccurate. As a result, foreign securities can fluctuate more widely in price, and may also be less liquid, than comparable U.S. securities. Although foreign securities offer added diversification potential, world markets may all react in similar fashion to important economic or political developments.
 
Investing in emerging market countries involves risks in addition to those generally associated with investing in developed foreign countries. For instance, the governments of emerging market countries may be more unstable and more likely to impose capital controls, nationalize a company or industry, place restrictions on foreign ownership and on withdrawing sale proceeds of securities from the country, and/or impose burdensome taxes that could adversely affect security prices. In addition, the economies of these countries may be dependent on relatively few industries that are more susceptible to local and global changes. These countries may also have less developed legal and accounting systems. Securities markets in these countries are also relatively small and have substantially lower trading volumes. As a result, securities issued in these countries may be more volatile and less liquid than securities issued in foreign countries with more developed economies or markets.
 
In addition, foreign markets can perform differently than the U.S. market. Over a given period of time, foreign securities may underperform U.S. securities—sometimes for years. The Fund could also underperform if the Fund’s Portfolio Managers invest in countries or regions whose economic performance falls short. To the extent that the Fund invests a portion of its assets in one country, state, region or currency, an adverse economic, business or political development may affect the value of the Fund’s investments more than if its investments were not so invested.
 
Investing in foreign securities may also involve a greater risk that the Fund would be subject to excessive trading of its shares due to “time-zone arbitrage.” If an event occurring after the close of a foreign market, but before the time the Fund computes its current net asset value, causes a change in the price of the foreign securities and such price is not reflected in the Fund’s current net asset value, investors may attempt to take advantage of anticipated price movements in securities held by the Fund based on such pricing discrepancies.
 
Currency Risk . To the extent that the Fund invests in securities or other instruments denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates bring an added dimension of risk. Currency fluctuations could negatively impact investment gains or add to investment losses. Although the Fund may attempt to hedge against currency risk, the hedging instruments may not always perform as the Fund expects and could produce losses. Suitable hedging instruments may not be available for currencies of emerging market countries.
 
Currency Transaction Risks . Non-U.S. currency forward contracts, options, swaps, or other derivatives contracts on non-U.S. currencies involve a risk of loss if currency exchange rates move against the Fund. Forward contracts are not guaranteed by an exchange or clearinghouse and a default by the forward contract counterparty may result in a loss to the Fund of the value of unrealized profits on the contract. There are no limitations on daily price movements of forward contracts. The imposition of credit controls by governmental authorities might limit the level of such forward trading to less than that which the Portfolio Manager would otherwise recommend, to the possible detriment of the Fund. Neither the U.S. Commodities Future Trading Commission (“CFTC”) nor the U.S. banking authorities regulate forward currency transactions through banks. It is contemplated that most non-U.S. currency forward contracts will be with banks. In respect of such trading, the Fund is subject to the risk of bank failure or the inability of or refusal by a bank to perform with respect to such contracts. Banks are not required to continue to make markets in currencies. There have been periods during which certain banks have refused to continue to quote prices for forward contracts or have quoted prices with an unusually wide spread (the difference between the price at which the bank is prepared to buy and that at which it is prepared to sell).
 
 
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Asset Allocation Risk.   The asset classes in which the Fund seeks investment exposure can perform differently from each other at any given time (as well as over the long term), so the Fund will be affected by its allocation among equity and debt securities and currencies.  If the Fund favors exposure to an asset class during a period when that asset class underperforms other asset classes, performance may suffer.
 
Management Risk .  To a significant extent the Portfolio Managers success will be dependent upon their implementation and management of their quantitative models.  Fund performance will also be affected by the fundamental analysis and inputs regarding equity and debt investments.  The success of quantitative investment strategies is heavily dependent on the proprietary mathematical models used by the Portfolio Managers in attempting to exploit short-term and long-term relationships among securities and currency prices and volatility. The Portfolio Managers may employ models that are not well-suited to prevailing market conditions. Models that have been formulated on the basis of past market data may not be predictive of future price movements. Models may not be reliable if unusual or disruptive events specific to particular corporations, or major events external to the operation of markets, cause market moves the nature or size of which are inconsistent with the historic correlation and volatility structure of the market. Models also may have hidden biases or exposure to broad structural or sentiment shifts. In the event that actual events fail to conform to the assumptions underlying such models, losses could be incurred.
 
Derivatives Risk . A derivative is a financial contract whose value depends on, or is derived from, changes in the value of one or more underlying assets, reference rates, indexes or events. The Fund’s use of derivatives – such as futures, forward foreign currency contracts, and swaps – may involve risks different from, or greater than, the risks associated with investing in more traditional investments, such as stocks and bonds. Derivatives can be highly complex and may perform in ways unanticipated by the Fund’s investment adviser.  The Fund’s use of derivatives involves the risk that the other party to the derivative contract will fail to make required payments or otherwise to comply with the terms of the contract. Derivatives can create investment leverage and may be highly volatile, and the Fund could lose more than the amount it invests. Derivatives may be difficult to value and highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative position at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Foreign exchange rates can be extremely volatile and a variance in the degree of volatility of the market or in the direction of the market from the Fund’s expectations may produce significant losses to the Fund. The Fund’s use of derivatives may increase the amount and affect the timing and character of taxable distributions payable to shareholders. Also, suitable derivative transactions may not be available in all circumstances. There can be no assurance that the Fund will engage in derivative transactions to reduce exposure to other risks when that might be beneficial.
 
The Fund may be required to enter into derivatives via exchanges and central clearing houses (“CCHs”).  Because the Fund is not a member of a CCH, if the Fund is required by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or the CFTC to centrally clear a derivative, the Fund would need to enter into clearing documentation with a member of a CCH, a process that would introduce counterparty risk to the Fund, which is described in greater detail below.  While unlikely, the Fund would also be exposed to the risk that a CCH could experience financial difficulty that would result in losses to the Fund in the event that the prudential measures taken by the CCH are insufficient.
 
The Fund will likely be required to segregate assets to cover its obligations relating to its purchase of derivative instruments in a manner that satisfies contractual undertakings with respect to the derivatives.  The Fund will set aside liquid assets in an amount equal to the Fund’s daily marked-to-market net obligation ( i.e ., the Fund’s daily net liability) under futures contracts or forward contracts that are contractually required to cash settle. For futures contracts or forward contracts that are not contractually required to cash settle, the Fund must set aside liquid assets equal to such contracts’ full notional value (generally, the total numerical value of the asset underlying a future or forward contract at the time of valuation) while the positions are open. By setting aside assets equal to only its net obligations under cash-settled futures and forward contracts, the Fund may employ leverage to a greater extent than if the Fund were required to segregate assets equal to the full notional value of such contracts.
 
Futures .   There can be no assurance that, at all times, a liquid market will exist for offsetting a futures contract that the Fund has previously bought or sold. This could be the case if, for example, a futures price has increased or decreased by the maximum allowable daily limit and there is no buyer willing to purchase the futures contract that the Fund needs to sell (or sell the futures contract that the Fund needs to buy).
 
 
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Forward Foreign Currency Contracts .  Foreign exchange rates can be extremely volatile and a variance in the degree of volatility of the market or in the direction of the market from the Portfolio Manager’s expectations may produce significant losses to the Fund.  At maturity of a forward contract, the Fund may either sell the portfolio security and make delivery of the foreign currency, or it may retain the security and terminate its contractual obligation to delivery the foreign currency by purchasing an “offsetting” contract obligating it to purchase, on the same maturity date, the same amount of foreign currency.
 
Total Return Swaps.   TRSs may be used to obtain exposure to a security or market without owning or taking physical custody of such security or market. TRSs may effectively add leverage to the Fund’s portfolio because, in addition to its total net assets, the Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap.  If the Fund is the total return receiver in a TRS, then the credit risk for an underlying asset is transferred to the Fund in exchange for its receipt of the return (appreciation) on that asset.  If the Fund is the total return payer, it is hedging the downside risk of an underlying asset but it is obligated to pay the amount of any appreciation on that asset.
 
Credit Default Swaps.   The Fund may be either the buyer or seller in a CDS. If the Fund is a buyer and no credit event occurs, the Fund may lose its investment (or premium) and recover nothing. If a credit event occurs, however, the buyer typically receives full notional value less the recovery rate for a reference obligation that may have little or no value. As a seller, the Fund receives a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the contract, which typically is between one month and five years, provided that no credit event occurs.  If a credit event occurs and the Fund is the seller, it would be required to pay the buyer the full notional value less the recovery rate of the reference obligation.   The CDS industry has streamlined the settlement of CDS upon the occurrence of a credit event using an auction mechanism.  Although this has streamlined the settlement of CDS, this has also had the effect of reducing, but not eliminating altogether, the recovery rate with respect to a reference obligation following a credit event.
 
Interest Rate Swaps. The Fund may enter into an interest rate swap in order to protect against declines in the value of fixed income securities held by the Fund. In such an instance, the Fund may agree with a counterparty to pay a fixed rate (multiplied by a notional amount) and the counterparty to pay a floating rate multiplied by the same notional amount. If long-term interest rates rise, resulting in a diminution in the value of the Fund’s portfolio, the Fund would receive payments under the swap that would offset, in whole or in part, such diminution in value; if interest rates fall, the Fund would likely lose money on the swap transaction.
 
Counterparty Risk. There are two separate categories of counterparty risk that arise out of the Fund’s investments in derivatives. The first relates to the risk that its total return swap or foreign exchange forward counterparties default, and the second category relates to the risk that a futures commission merchant (“FCM”) would default on an obligation set forth in an agreement between the Fund and the FCM.  As for the first category of risk, entering into derivatives in the OTC market introduces counterparty risk, which is the risk that (a) the dealer providing the derivative or other product will fail to timely perform its payment and other obligations, completely breach its performance obligations or experience financial difficulties, which may include filing for bankruptcy; and (b) the dealer will dispose of Fund collateral that the Fund posted to secure its OTC positions with the defaulting swaps dealer.  Therefore, to the extent that the Fund engages in trading in OTC markets, the Fund could be exposed to greater risk of loss through default than if it confined its trading to regulated exchanges. The second category of risk exists at and from the time that the Fund enters into a contractual arrangement with its FCM to bring about the settlement and clearing of futures contracts.  The FCM may hold margin posted in connection with those contracts and that margin may be rehypothecated (or re-pledged) by the FCM and lost or its return delayed due to a default by the FCM or other customer of the FCM.  The FCM may itself file for bankruptcy, which would either delay the return of, or jeopardize altogether the assets posted by the FCM as margin in response to margin calls relating to futures positions.
 
Recent Changes in the Law Governing Derivatives . Recent changes in federal law require the SEC and the CFTC to establish new rules governing derivatives.  These rules are expected to provide for central clearing of some derivatives that in the past were exclusively traded OTC, but may increase costs and margin requirements.
 
 
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Leverage Risk .  Leverage creates an opportunity for increased total return but, at the same time, creates special risk considerations. Leverage may amplify changes in the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”).  Derivative instruments that the Fund may use may create leverage.  Derivative instruments that involve leverage can result in losses to the Fund that exceed the amount originally invested in the derivative instruments. There is no specified limit on the amount that the Fund's investment exposure can exceed its NAV.  It is currently expected that the Fund’s use of derivative instruments and short positions will have the effect of leveraging the Fund and that the Fund’s investment exposure will exceed the Fund’s NAV by a significant amount .
 
Short Sale Risk.  Short sales involve selling a security the Fund does not own in anticipation that the security’s price will decline.  To complete the transaction, the Fund must borrow the stock to make delivery to the buyer. The Fund is then obligated to replace the stock borrowed by purchasing the stock at the market price at the time of replacement. The price at such time may be higher or lower than the price at which the stock was sold by the Fund. If the underlying stock goes up in price during the period during which the short position is outstanding, the Fund will realize a loss on the transaction. Any loss will be increased by the amount of compensation, interest or dividends and transaction costs the Fund must pay to a lender of the security.
 
Short sales may help hedge against general market risk to the securities held in the portfolio but theoretically present unlimited risk on an individual stock basis, since the Fund may be required to buy the security sold short at a time when the security has appreciated in value.  Because the Fund may invest the proceeds of a short sale, another effect of short selling on the Fund is similar to the effect of leverage, in that it may amplify changes in the Fund’s NAV since it increases the exposure of the Fund to the market and may increase losses and the volatility of returns.
 
The Fund may not always be able to close out a short position at a favorable time or price. A lender may request that borrowed securities be returned to it on short notice, and the Fund may have to buy the borrowed securities at an unfavorable price, which will potentially reduce or eliminate any gain or cause a loss for the Fund.
 
When the Fund is selling stocks short, it must maintain a segregated account with its custodian of cash or high-grade securities equal to the margin requirement. As a result, the Fund may maintain high levels of cash or liquid assets (such as U.S. Treasury bills, money market accounts, repurchase agreements, certificates of deposit, high quality commercial paper and long equity positions).
 
ETF Risk. ETFs, which are investment companies, are   subject to the risk that they may not replicate the performance of the index tracked by the ETF, if any, and may not be permitted to sell poorly performing stocks that are included in the index. ETFs may trade in the secondary market at prices below the value of their underlying portfolios and may not be liquid.  Moreover, an ETF may not fully replicate the performance of its benchmark index, if any, because of the temporary unavailability of certain index securities in the secondary market or discrepancies between the ETF and the index with respect to the weighting of securities or the number of stocks held.
 
Other Investment Company Risk. Through its investment in other investment companies, the Fund is subject to the risks of the investment companies’ investments, as well as to the investment companies’ expenses.
 
Illiquid Securities Risk.   Illiquid securities may be more difficult to purchase or sell at an advantageous price or time. Judgment plays a greater role in pricing these securities than it does in pricing securities having more active markets, and there is a greater risk that the securities may not be sold for the price at which the Fund is carrying them.
 
Recent Market Conditions. Recent events in the financial sector have resulted, and may continue to result, in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestic and foreign, and in the net asset values of many mutual funds, including to some extent the Fund. These events have also decreased liquidity in some markets and may continue to do so. Because the situation is unprecedented and widespread, it may be unusually difficult to identify both risks and opportunities using past models of the interplay of market forces, or to predict the duration of these market events.
 
 
 
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Information about Additional Risks
 
The Fund may engage in certain practices and invest in certain securities in addition to those described as its “principal investment strategies” in its Fund Summary section. For example, to the extent that a Fund engages in borrowing or securities lending, it will be subject to the additional risks associated with these practices.
 
Borrowing or securities lending could create investment leverage, meaning that certain gains or losses could be amplified, increasing share price movements.
 
The Fund may make commodities related investments in the future, however, the Fund has no current intention of making such investments.
 
When the Fund anticipates adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, or receives large cash inflows, it may temporarily depart from its goal and use a different investment strategy (including leaving a significant portion of its assets uninvested) for defensive purposes. Doing so could help the Fund avoid losses, but may mean lost opportunities. In addition, different factors could affect the Fund’s performance and the Fund may not achieve its goal.
 

 
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Management of the Fund
 
Investment Manager

Neuberger Berman Management LLC (“NBM” or the “Manager”) is the Fund’s investment manager, administrator, and distributor.  Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement, the Manager is responsible for choosing the Fund’s investments and handling its day-to-day business.  The Manager carries out its duties subject to the policies established by the Board of Trustees.  The investment advisory agreement establishes the fees the Fund pays to the Manager for its services as the Fund’s investment manager and the expenses paid directly by the Fund.  The Manager engages Neuberger Berman Fixed Income LLC (“NBFI”) as sub-adviser to choose the Fund’s investments and handle its day-to-day business. As investment manager, the Manager is responsible for overseeing the activities of NBFI. Together, the Neuberger Berman affiliates manage approximately $179.7   billion in total assets (as of 9/30/2010) and continue an asset management history that began in 1939. The Fund will pay the Manager fees at the annual rate of 0.900% of the first $1 billion, 0.875% of the next $1 billion, and 0.85% of amounts in excess of $2 billion of the Fund’s average daily net assets for investment management services. Each of Class A, Class C and Institutional Class of the Fund pays the Manager fees at the annual rate of 0.26%, 0.26% and 0.15%, respectively, of its average daily net assets for administrative services provided to the respective class of the Fund.
 
Portfolio Managers
 
Wai Lee, Ph.D., is a Managing Director of NBM and NBFI.  He joined the firm in 2004 and is the Chief Investment Officer and Director of Research for the Quantitative Investment Group.  Prior to joining the firm, he was the head of the quantitative engineering group at another asset manager.  He also managed an equity portfolio and was a founding member of the equity investment policy group for this asset manager.  Mr. Lee has served on the Advisory Board of The Journal of Portfolio Management since 1997.
 
Bobby T. Pornrojnangkool, Ph.D. , is a Senior Vice President of NBM and NBFI.  He joined the firm in 2005 and his primary responsibility is the research, development and implementation of global macro strategies.  Prior to joining the firm, he was at the World Bank, where he developed a quantitative currency trading system for its pension plan.
 
Alexandre Da Silva , is a Senior Vice President of NBM and NBFI.  He joined the firm in 2004 and his primary responsibility is the research, development and implementation of quantitative investment strategies covering stock selection and portfolio construction.   Prior to joining the firm, he worked at another asset management firm, where he developed risk management and portfolio construction tools that were used for asset allocation among other asset managers and investment strategies.
 
Ping Zhou , is a Vice President of NBM and of NBFI.  He joined the firm in 2006 and his primary responsibility is the research, development and implementation of quantitative investment strategies covering stock selection and portfolio construction.  Prior to joining the firm, he worked an assistant professor of the Stan Ross Department of Accountancy, Zicklin School of Business, City University of New York, Baruch College.
 
Joseph V. Amato, is Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer (Equities) of NBM and Managing Director of NBFI and a Trustee of the Fund.  Prior to this role, Mr. Amato served as Global Head of Asset Management in the Investment Management Division of Lehman Brothers, a position he held since 2006 and was also a member of Lehman Brother’s Management Committee.  Prior to that he held various senior positions at Lehman Brothers.
 
 
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Bradley Tank , is the Chief Investment Officer (Fixed Income) and Managing Director of NBM and Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of NBFI.  Mr. Tank joined the firm in 2002 after 23 years of experience in trading and asset management.
 
Please see the Statement of Additional Information for additional information about the Portfolio Managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the Portfolio Managers, and the Portfolio Managers’ ownership of Fund shares.

 
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Financial Highlights
 
When this prospectus was prepared, the Fund had not yet commenced operations and had no financial highlights to report.

 
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Your Investment
 
Shares of the Fund generally are available only through investment providers. For Grandfathered Investors (as defined below), Class A and Class C shares of the Fund are also available directly from Neuberger Berman Management LLC. See “Maintaining Your Account” and “Grandfathered Investors”.

Choosing a Share Class
 
The Fund offers different classes of shares through this prospectus. Each share class is available through various investment programs or accounts, including certain types of retirement plans and accounts (see limitations below). The services or share classes available to you may vary depending upon how you wish to purchase shares of the Fund.

Each share class represents investment in the same portfolio of securities, but each class has its own sales charge and expense structure, allowing you to choose the class that best fits your situation. When you purchase shares of the Fund, you should choose a share class. If none is chosen, your investment will be made in Class A shares.

Factors you should consider in choosing a class of shares include:

  
how long you expect to own the shares
 
  
how much you intend to invest
 
  
total expenses associated with owning shares of each class
 
  
whether you qualify for any reduction or waiver of sales charges (for example, Class A shares may be a less expensive option over time, particularly if you qualify for a sales charge reduction or waiver)
 
  
whether you plan to take any distributions in the near future
 
  
availability of (and eligibility for) share classes.
 

Each investor’s financial considerations are different. You should speak with your investment provider to help you decide which share class is best for you.

Summary of Primary Differences Among Share Classes

Class A Shares
 
Initial sales charge
Up to 5.75% (reduced for purchases of $50,000 or more and eliminated for purchases of $1 million or more)
Contingent deferred sales charge
None (except that a charge of 1.00% applies to certain redemptions made within 18 months following purchases of $1 million or more without an initial sales charge)
12b-1 fees
0.25% annually
Dividends
Generally higher than Class C due to lower annual expenses and lower than Institutional Class due to higher annual expenses
Purchase maximum
None
Conversion
None
   
Class C Shares
 
Initial sales charge
None
 
 
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Contingent deferred sales charge
1.00% if shares are sold within one year after purchase
12b-1 fees
1.00% annually
Dividends
Generally lower than Class A and Institutional Class due to higher annual expenses
Purchase maximum
See the discussion regarding purchase minimums and maximums in “Maintaining Your Account”
Conversion
None
   
Institutional Class Shares
 
Initial sales charge
None
Contingent deferred sales charge
None
12b-1 fees
None
Dividends
Generally higher than Class A and Class C due to lower annual expenses
Purchase maximum
None
Conversion
None

Maintaining Your Account
 
Purchase of Class A and Class C shares — To open an account and purchase Class A and Class C shares of the Fund, contact any investment provider authorized to sell the Fund’s shares. See “Investment Providers” if you are buying shares through an investment provider.

For Grandfathered Investors (as defined below), instructions for buying shares directly from Neuberger Berman Management LLC are under “Buying Shares.”

Purchase of Institutional Class shares— To open an account and purchase Institutional Class shares of the Fund, contact any investment provider authorized to sell the Fund’s shares. See “Investment Providers.” Institutional Class shares are available for purchase exclusively (i) through omnibus accounts (either at the plan level or at the level of the investment provider) by 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit-sharing and money purchase pension plans, defined benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, (ii) through omnibus accounts by banks, broker-dealers and other financial institutions (including registered investment advisors and financial planners) that have entered into an agreement with Neuberger Berman Management LLC or an affiliate, purchasing shares on behalf of clients participating in fixed or asset-based fee programs, (iii) by institutional investors, if approved by Neuberger Berman Management LLC, or (iv) by accounts or funds managed by Neuberger Berman Management LLC or an affiliate (including the funds in the Neuberger Berman family of funds).

When you buy shares — All investments must be made in U.S. dollars, and investment checks must be drawn on a U.S. bank.

When you buy shares, you will receive the next share price to be calculated after your order has been accepted. Purchase orders are deemed “accepted” when the Fund’s transfer agent has received payment for the shares. In the case of certain investment providers, Neuberger Berman Management LLC will accept purchase orders when received directly or through one of its administrative agents, on the basis of a pre-existing arrangement to make payment to Neuberger Berman Management LLC or its administrative agent by the following morning.  In addition, if you have established a systematic investment program (SIP) with the Fund, your order is deemed accepted on the date you pre-selected on your SIP application for the systematic investments to occur.
 
 
19

 
 
If you use an investment provider, you should check with that provider to find out by what time your purchase order must be received so that it can be processed the same day. Depending on when it accepts orders, it is possible that the Fund’s share price could change on days when you are unable to buy shares.  Whenever you make an initial investment in the Fund or add to your existing account (except with an automatic investment), you will be sent a statement confirming your transaction if you bought shares directly. Investors who bought shares through an investment provider should contact their investment provider for information regarding transaction statements.

Purchase minimums – The minimum initial investment in Class A or Class C shares is $1,000.  Additional investments in Class A or Class C shares can be as little as $100. The minimum initial investment in Institutional Class shares is $1 million.  These minimums may be waived in certain cases. See the Statement of Additional Information for more information.
 
Purchase maximums – For Class C shares, a purchase transaction may not (1) be $1 million or above or (2) increase an investor’s aggregate holdings in Class C shares to $1 million or above.

In addition, if you have significant holdings in the fund family, you may not be eligible to invest in Class C shares.  Specifically, you may not purchase Class C shares if you are eligible to purchase Class A shares at the $1 million or more sales charge discount rate ( i.e. , at net asset value).  See “Sales Charges” and the Statement of Additional Information for more information regarding sales charge discounts.

When you sell shares — To sell shares you bought through an investment provider, contact your investment provider. See “Investment Providers” if you are selling shares through an investment provider. For Grandfathered Investors, instructions for selling shares are under “Selling Shares.”  When you sell shares, you will receive the next share price to be calculated after your order has been accepted, minus any applicable contingent deferred sales charge. Redemption orders are deemed “accepted” when the Fund’s transfer agent has received your order to sell.

If you use an investment provider, you should check with that provider to find out by what time your redemption order must be received so that it can be processed the same day. Depending on when it accepts orders, it is possible that the Fund’s share price could change on days when you are unable to sell shares.

In some cases, you will have to place your order to sell shares in writing, and you will need a Medallion signature guarantee (see “Medallion Signature Guarantees”).

When selling Class A or Class C shares in an account that you do not intend to close, remember to leave at least $1,000 worth of shares in the account. When selling Institutional Class shares in an account that you do not intend to close, remember to leave at least $1 million worth of shares in the account. Otherwise, the Fund has the right to request that you bring the balance back up to the minimum level. If you have not done so within 60 days, we may close your account and redeem the proceeds.

The Fund reserves the right to pay in kind for redemptions. The Fund does not redeem in kind under normal circumstances, but would do so when the Board of Trustees has determined that it is in the best interests of the Fund’s shareholders as a whole. Institutional Class shareholders are urged to call 800-366-6264 before effecting any large redemption.

Class A and Class C only— If you notify your investment provider, you may reinvest proceeds from a redemption, dividend payment or capital gain distribution without a sales charge in the Fund or another fund in the fund family provided the reinvestment occurs within 90 days after the date of the redemption or distribution and is made into the same account from which you redeemed the shares or received the distribution. If the account has been closed, reinvestment can be made without a sales charge if the new
 
 
20

 
 
receiving account has the same registration as the closed account. Proceeds from a redemption and all dividend payments and capital gain distributions will be reinvested in the same share class from which the original redemption or distribution was made. Any contingent deferred sales charge on Class A or Class C shares will be credited to your account.  Proceeds will be reinvested at the next calculated net asset value after your request is accepted. Redemption proceeds from a systematic withdrawal plan are not eligible for reinvestment without a sales charge. This paragraph does not apply to rollover investments as described under “Rollovers from retirement plans to IRAs.”

Uncashed checks — We do not pay interest on uncashed checks from Fund distributions or the sale of Fund shares. We are not responsible for checks after they are sent to you. Checks will not be forwarded if the address of record is incorrect. After allowing a reasonable time for delivery, please call us if you have not received an expected check. While we cannot track a check, we may make arrangements for a replacement.

When you exchange Class A and Class C shares — Generally, you can move an investment from one fund to a comparable class of another fund in the fund family (or to an eligible money market fund outside the fund family) through an exchange of shares or by electing to use your cash distributions from one fund to purchase shares of the other fund both without a sales charge.   Exchanges from eligible money market funds outside the fund family will be subject to applicable sales charges on the fund being purchased, unless the eligible money market fund shares were acquired through an exchange from a fund in the fund family having a sales charge or by reinvestment or cross-reinvestment of dividends or capital gains from a fund in the fund family having a sales charge. Currently, only certain funds in the fund family offer Class A and Class C shares.

When you exchange Institutional Class shares — Generally, you can move an investment from one fund to a comparable class of another fund in the fund family (or to an eligible money market fund outside the fund family) through an exchange of shares or by electing to use your cash distributions from one fund to purchase shares of the other fund.

When you exchange shares — There are three things to remember when making an exchange:

  
both accounts must have the same registration
 
  
you will need to observe the minimum investment and minimum account balance requirements for the fund accounts involved
 
  
because an exchange is treated as a sale for tax purposes, consider any tax consequences before placing your order.
 
The exchange privilege can be withdrawn from any investor that we believe is trying to “time the market” or is otherwise making exchanges that we judge to be excessive. Frequent exchanges can interfere with Fund management and affect costs and performance for other shareholders.  Contact your investment providers to see if they allow you to take advantage of the fund exchange program and for its policies to effect an exchange.

Grandfathered Investors generally are also eligible to take advantage of the exchange privilege assuming that they meet the requirements set forth above.

Placing orders by telephone — If you use an investment provider, contact your investment provider for its policies regarding telephone orders.
 
 
21

 
 
Grandfathered Investors have the option of placing telephone orders, subject to certain restrictions. This option is available to you unless you indicate on your account application (or in a subsequent letter to us or to State Street Bank and Trust Company) that you do not want it.

Whenever we receive a telephone order, we take steps to make sure the order is legitimate. These may include asking for identifying information and recording the call. As long as the Fund and its representatives take reasonable measures to verify the authenticity of calls, investors may be responsible for any losses caused by unauthorized telephone orders.

In unusual circumstances, it may be difficult to place an order by phone. In these cases, consider sending your order by express delivery .

Proceeds from the sale of shares — For Class A and Class C shares, the proceeds from the shares you sell are generally sent out within three business days after your order is executed, and nearly always within seven business days. For Institutional Class shares, the proceeds from the shares you sell are generally sent out the next business day after your order is executed, and nearly always within seven business days. When you sell shares through your investment provider, contact your provider to find out when proceeds will be sent to you. There are two cases in which proceeds may be delayed beyond this time:

  
in unusual circumstances where the law allows additional time if needed
 
  
if a check you wrote to buy shares has not cleared by the time you sell those shares; clearance may take up to 15 calendar days from the date of purchase.

If you think you may need to sell shares soon after buying them, you can avoid the check clearing time by investing by wire.

The Fund does not issue certificates for shares.

Other policies — Under certain circumstances, the Fund reserves the right to:
 
  
suspend the offering of shares
 
  
reject any exchange or purchase order
 
  
suspend or reject future purchase orders from any investor who does not provide payment to settle a purchase order
 
  
change, suspend, or revoke the exchange privilege
 
  
suspend the telephone order privilege
 
  
satisfy an order to sell Fund shares with securities rather than cash, for certain very large orders
 
  
suspend or postpone your right to sell Fund shares or postpone payments on redemptions for more than seven days, on days when trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“Exchange”) is restricted, or as otherwise permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”)
 
  
suspend or postpone your right to sell Fund shares or postpone payments on redemptions for more than seven days, on days when the Exchange or the bond market is closed
 
  
suspend or postpone your right to sell Fund shares or postpone payments on redemptions for more than seven days, on days when the Exchange, the Federal Reserve or the bond market closes early (e.g., on the eve of a major holiday or because of a local emergency, such as a blizzard)
 
  
change its investment minimums or other requirements for buying and selling, or waive any minimums or requirements for certain investors
 
  
remain open and process orders to purchase or sell Fund shares when the Exchange is closed.
 
 
22

 
 
Medallion Signature Guarantees
 
You may need a Medallion signature guarantee when you sell shares directly or through an investment provider.  A Medallion signature guarantee is a guarantee that your signature is authentic.

Medallion signature guarantees are required for a variety of transactions including requests for changes to your account or to the instructions for distribution of proceeds. We reserve the right to require a Medallion signature guarantee on any transaction at our discretion.

Most banks, brokers, and other financial institutions can provide you with one. Some may charge a fee; others may not, particularly if you are a customer of theirs.

A notarized signature from a notary public is not a Medallion signature guarantee.

Investment Providers

The shares available in this prospectus can be purchased through certain investment providers such as banks, brokerage firms, workplace retirement programs, and financial advisers.

The minimum aggregate size for each investment provider’s account with the Fund is $1 million for Institutional Class shares. This minimum does not apply to your individual account; however, your investment provider may establish a minimum size for individual accounts. Neuberger Berman Management LLC can waive this $1 million minimum for investment providers in appropriate cases.

The fees and policies outlined in this prospectus are set by the Fund and by Neuberger Berman Management LLC. However, if you use an investment provider, most of the information you will need for managing your investment will come from that provider. This includes information on how to buy and sell shares, investor services, and additional policies.

If you use an investment provider, you must contact that provider to buy or sell shares of the Fund
described in this prospectus.

Most investment providers allow you to take advantage of the fund exchange program, which is designed for moving an investment from one fund to a comparable class of another fund in the fund family through an exchange of shares. Currently, only certain funds in the fund family offer Class A and Class C shares.

In exchange for the services it offers, your investment provider may charge fees, which are in addition to those described in this prospectus.

Additional Payments to Investment Providers

Neuberger Berman Management LLC and/or its affiliates pay additional compensation, out of their own resources and not as an expense of the Fund, to certain investment providers or other financial intermediaries, including affiliates, in connection with the sale, distribution, retention and/or servicing of Fund shares. If your investment provider receives such payments, these payments may create an incentive for your investment provider or its employees to recommend or sell shares of the Fund to you. If you have purchased shares of the Fund through an investment provider, please speak with your investment provider to learn more about any payments it receives from Neuberger Berman Management LLC and/or its affiliates, as well as fees and/or commissions the investment provider charges. You should also consult disclosures made by your investment provider at the time of purchase.
 
 
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Any such payments by Neuberger Berman Management LLC or its affiliates will not change the net asset value or the price of the Fund’s shares. For more information, please see the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information.

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Fees

The Fund has adopted plans pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Under the plans, Class A and Class C pay the Fund’s distributor, Neuberger Berman Management LLC, at an annual rate of 0.25% and 1.00%, respectively, of their average net assets to compensate financial intermediaries for providing distribution related services to the Fund and/or administrative or shareholder services to Fund shareholders. Neuberger Berman Management LLC may also retain part of this fee as compensation for providing these services. These fees increase the cost of investment. Over the long term, they could result in higher overall costs than other types of sales charges.

Information Required From New Accounts

To help the U.S. government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens an account.

When you open an account, we (which may include your investment provider acting on our behalf) will require your name, address, date of birth, and social security number or other identifying number. We may also require other identifying documents. If we cannot verify the information you supply to us or if it is incomplete, we may be required to return your funds or redeem your account.

Retirement Plans and Accounts

If you use an investment provider, contact it for information on retirement plans or accounts it may make available for investment in Fund shares.

Rollovers from Retirement Plans to IRAs

Assets from a retirement plan may be invested in Class A or Class C shares through an individual retirement account (“IRA”) rollover. Assets from a retirement plan invested in Class A shares through an IRA rollover will be subject to applicable sales charges and the terms and conditions generally applicable to Class A share investments described in this prospectus and in the Statement of Additional Information.

Internet Access

If you use an investment provider, contact it about the services and information it provides on the Internet.

Share Prices
 
Because Class A shares of the Fund have an initial sales charge, the price you pay for each Class A share of the Fund is the offering price, which is the Fund’s net asset value per share plus any applicable sales charge. The initial sales charge for Class A shares of the Fund may be eliminated in certain circumstances. Because Class C shares of the Fund do not have an initial sales charge, the price you pay for each Class C share of the Fund is the Fund’s net asset value per share. Unless a contingent deferred
 
 
24

 
sales charge is applied, the Fund pays you the full share price when you sell Class A or Class C shares. See “Sales Charges” for more information.

Because Institutional Class shares of the Fund do not have a sales charge, the price you pay for each Institutional Class share of the Fund is the Fund’s net asset value per share. The Fund pays you the full share price when you sell Institutional Class shares.

If you use an investment provider, that provider may charge fees that are in addition to those described in this prospectus.

The Fund is open for business every day the Exchange is open. The Exchange is generally closed on all national holidays and Good Friday; Fund shares will not be priced on those days or other days on which the Exchange is closed. The Fund may decide to remain open on a day when the Exchange is closed for unusual reasons. In such a case, the Fund would post a notice on www.nb.com.

The Fund calculates its share price as of the end of regular trading on the Exchange on business days, usually 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. In general, every buy or sell order you place will go through at the next share price calculated after your order has been accepted (see “Maintaining Your Account” for information on placing orders). If you use an investment provider, you should check with that provider to find out by what time your order must be received so that it can be processed the same day. Depending on when it accepts orders, it is possible that the Fund’s share price could change on days when you are unable to buy or sell shares.

Because foreign markets may be open on days when U.S. markets are closed, the value of foreign securities owned by the Fund could change on days when you cannot buy or sell Fund shares. Remember, though, any purchase or sale takes place at the next share price calculated after your order is accepted.

Share Price Calculations

The net asset value per share of each class of the Fund is the total value of Fund assets attributable to shares of that class minus the liabilities attributable to that class, divided by the total number of shares outstanding for that class. Because the value of the Fund’s securities changes every business day, the share price usually changes as well.

When valuing equity securities, the Fund uses market prices.  When valuing other securities or instruments, the Fund’s investments generally are valued by one or more independent pricing services approved by the Board of Trustees or on the basis of market quotations. However, in certain cases, events that occur after certain markets have closed may render these market prices, prices from a pricing service or quotations unreliable.

When a market price, price from a pricing service or quotation is not available or the Fund believes a price or quotation for a security or other instrument does not reflect the amount it would receive on a current sale of that security or other instrument, the Fund may substitute for the price or quotation a fair value estimate made according to methods approved by the Board of Trustees. The Fund may also use these methods to value certain types of illiquid securities or other instruments.

Fair value pricing generally will be used if the exchange on which a portfolio security or other instrument is traded closes early or if trading in a particular security or other instrument was halted during the day and did not resume prior to the Fund’s net asset value calculation. The Fund may also use these methods to value securities or other instruments that trade in a foreign market, if significant events that appear likely to affect the value of those securities or other instruments occur between the time that the foreign market closes and the time the Exchange closes. Significant events may include (1) those impacting a single
 
 
25

 
 
issuer, (2) governmental actions that affect securities or instruments in one sector or country, (3) natural disasters or armed conflicts affecting a country or region, or (4) significant domestic or foreign market fluctuations. The effect of using fair value pricing is that the Fund’s net asset value will be subject to the judgment of Neuberger Berman Management LLC, operating under procedures approved by the Board of Trustees, instead of being determined by market prices.

Privileges and Services
 
If you purchase shares through an investment provider, consult your investment provider for information about privileges and services.  If you are a Grandfathered Investor, see “Grandfathered Investors” for information about privileges and services.

Sales Charges
 
Class A Sales Charges – The initial sales charge you pay each time you buy Class A shares differs depending upon the amount you invest and may be reduced or eliminated for larger purchases as indicated below.  The “offering price,” the price you pay to buy shares, includes any applicable sales charge, which will be deducted directly from your investment.  Shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions are not subject to an initial sales charge.

 
Sales charges as a percentage of:
Dealer commission as a percentage of offering price
Investment
Offering Price
Net amount invested
Less than $50,000
5.75%
6.10%
5.00%
$50,000 but less than $100,000
4.75%
4.99%
4.00%
$100,000 but less than $250,000
3.75%
3.90%
3.00%
$250,000 but less than $500,000
2.75%
2.83%
2.25%
$500,000 but less than $1 million
2.00%
2.04%
1.75%
$1 million or more and certain other investments described below
None
None
See below

The sales charge, expressed as a percentage of the offering price or the net amount invested, may be higher or lower than the percentages described in the table above due to rounding.  This is because the dollar amount of the sales charge is determined by subtracting the net asset value of the shares purchased from the offering price, which is calculated to two decimal places using standard rounding criteria.  The impact of rounding will vary with the size of the investment and the net asset value of the shares.  Similarly, any contingent deferred sales charge paid by you on investments in Class A shares may be higher or lower than the 1% charge described below due to rounding.

Except as provided below, investments in Class A shares of $1 million or more may be subject to a 1% contingent deferred sales charge if the shares are sold within 18 months of purchase.  The contingent deferred sales charge is a percentage of the original purchase price of the shares being sold.  However, if all shares of the Fund are being sold, the contingent deferred sales charge is based on the original purchase price or the current market value of the shares being sold, whichever is less.

Class A purchases not subject to sales charges - The following investments are not subject to any initial or contingent deferred sales charge if Neuberger Berman Management LLC is properly notified of the nature of the investment:
 
 
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investments in Class A shares made by endowments or foundations with $50 million or more in assets
 
  
investments in Class A shares by Grandfathered Investors (see “Grandfathered Investors” for more information)
 
  
investments made by accounts that are part of certain qualified fee-based programs and that purchased Class A shares before the discontinuation of your investment dealer’s load-waived A share program with the fund family.
 
Neuberger Berman Management LLC may pay investment providers up to 1% on investments made in Class A shares with no initial sales charge. The Fund may reimburse Neuberger Berman Management LLC for all or a portion of these payments through its plans of distribution.  See “Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Fees” for additional information regarding the Fund’s plans of distribution.

Certain other investors may qualify to purchase shares without a sales charge, such as employees of investment providers authorized to sell funds in the fund family, employees of Neuberger Berman and members of the Fund’s Board of Trustees. Please see the Statement of Additional Information for more information.

Class C Sales Charges – Class C shares are sold without any initial sales charge. For Class C shares, a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% applies if shares are sold within one year of purchase.

Any contingent deferred sales charge paid by you on investments in Class C shares, expressed as a percentage of the applicable redemption amount, may be higher or lower than the percentages described above due to rounding.

Shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. In addition, the contingent deferred sales charge may be waived in certain circumstances. See “Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers—Contingent deferred sales charge waivers”. The contingent deferred sales charge is a percentage of the original purchase price of the shares being sold.  However, if all shares of the Fund are being sold, the contingent deferred sales charge is based on the original purchase price or the current market value of the shares being sold, whichever is less. For purposes of determining the contingent deferred sales charge, if you sell only some of your shares, shares that are not subject to any contingent deferred sales charge will be sold first, followed by shares that you have owned the longest. Neuberger Berman Management LLC pays 1% of the amount invested to investment providers who sell Class C shares. See “Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Fees” for information regarding the Fund’s plans of distribution.

Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers
 
To receive a reduction in your Class A initial sales charge, you or your investment provider must let Neuberger Berman Management LLC know at the time you purchase shares that you qualify for such a reduction. If you or your investment provider does not let Neuberger Berman Management LLC know that you are eligible for a reduction, you may not receive a sales charge discount to which you are otherwise entitled.   In order to determine your eligibility to receive a sales charge discount, it may be necessary for you or your investment provider to provide Neuberger Berman Management LLC with information and records (including account statements) of all relevant accounts invested in the fund family.  To have your Class A or C contingent deferred sales charge waived, you or your investment provider must let Neuberger Berman Management LLC know at the time you redeem shares that you qualify for such a waiver.

 
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In addition to the information below, you may obtain more information about sales charge reductions and waivers from the Statement of Additional Information, from your investment provider or at http://www.nb.com.

Reducing your Class A initial sales charge – Consistent with the policies described in this prospectus, you and your “immediate family” (your spouse — or equivalent if recognized under local law — and your children under the age of 21) may combine all of your investments in the fund family to reduce your Class A sales charge.

Aggregating accounts to reduce Class A initial sales charge – To receive a reduced Class A sales charge, investments made by you and your immediate family (see above) may be aggregated if made for your own account(s) and/or certain other accounts, such as:

  
trust accounts established by the above individuals (please see the Statement of Additional Information for details regarding aggregation of trust accounts where the person(s) who established the trust is/are deceased)
 
  
solely controlled business accounts
 
  
single-participant retirement plans.
 
Concurrent purchases to reduce Class A initial sales charge – You may combine simultaneous purchases (including, upon your request, purchases for gifts) of any class of shares of two or more funds in the fund family to qualify for a reduced Class A sales charge.

Rights of accumulation to reduce Class A initial sales charge – You may take into account your accumulated holdings in all share classes of the fund family to determine the initial sales charge you pay on each purchase of Class A shares.  Subject to your investment provider’s capabilities, your accumulated holdings will be calculated as the higher of (a) the current value of your existing holdings or (b) the amount you invested (excluding capital appreciation) less any withdrawals. Please see the Statement of Additional Information for details. You should retain any records necessary to substantiate the historical amounts you have invested. If you make a gift of shares, upon your request, you may purchase the shares at the sales charge discount allowed under rights of accumulation of all of your accounts in the fund family.

Letter of Intent to reduce Class A initial sales charge – You may reduce your Class A sales charge by establishing a letter of intent. A letter of intent allows you to combine all purchases of all share classes of funds in the fund family you intend to make over a 13-month period (the “Period”) to determine the applicable sales charge; however, purchases made under a right of reinvestment, appreciation of your holdings, and reinvested dividends and capital gains do not count as purchases made during the Period. The market value of your existing holdings eligible to be aggregated as of the day immediately before the start of the Period may be credited toward satisfying the statement. A portion of your account may be held in escrow to cover additional Class A sales charges that may be due if your total purchases over the Period do not qualify you for the applicable sales charge reduction. Employer sponsored retirement plans may be restricted from establishing a letter of intent. See “Sales Charges” for more information.

Right of reinvestment – Please see “Maintaining Your Account -- When you sell shares” for information on how to reinvest proceeds from a redemption, dividend payment or capital gain distribution without a sales charge.

Contingent deferred sales charge waivers – The contingent deferred sales charge on Class A and C shares may be waived in the following cases:
 
 
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permitted exchanges of shares, except if shares acquired by exchange are then redeemed within the period during which contingent deferred sales charge would apply to the initial shares purchased
 
  
tax-free returns of excess contributions to IRAs
 
  
redemptions due to death or post-purchase disability of the shareholder (this generally excludes accounts registered in the names of trusts and other entities)
 
  
distributions from an IRA upon the shareholder’s attainment of age 59-1/2
 
  
IRA rollover from a fund in the fund family held in an employer sponsored retirement plan to Class A shares
 
  
redemptions due to the complete termination of a trust upon the death of the trustor/grantor or beneficiary, but only if such termination is specifically provided for in the trust document
 
  
the following types of transactions, if together they do not exceed 12% of the value of an account annually (see the Statement of Additional Information for more information about waivers regarding these types of transactions):
 
 
§  
redemptions due to receiving required minimum distributions from retirement accounts upon reaching age 70 ½ (required minimum distributions that continue to be taken by the beneficiary(ies) after the account owner is deceased also qualify for a waiver)
 
 
§  
if you have established a systematic withdrawal plan, redemptions through such a plan (including any dividends and/or capital gain distributions taken in cash)
 
 
§  
if no commission or transaction fee is paid by the distributor to authorized dealers at the time of purchase.
 
Exchanges of shares – Exchanges of shares are generally not subject to any applicable sales charges.  However, exchanges from eligible money market funds outside the fund family will be subject to applicable sales charges on the fund being purchased, unless the eligible money market fund shares were acquired through an exchange from a fund in the fund family having a sales charge or by reinvestment or cross-reinvestment of dividends or capital gains from a fund in the fund family having a sales charge.

Distributions and Taxes
 
Distributions — The Fund pays out to its shareholders any net investment income and net realized capital gains. Ordinarily, the Fund makes any distributions once a year (in December).

Unless you designate otherwise, your income and capital gain distributions from the Fund will be reinvested in additional shares of the distributing Class of the Fund. However, if you prefer, you may receive all distributions in cash or reinvest capital gain distributions but receive income distributions in cash. Distributions taken in cash can be sent to you by check or by electronic transfer to a designated bank account or invested in shares of the same Class of another fund in the fund family with the same account registration. To take advantage of one of these options, please indicate your choice on your application. If you use an investment provider, you must consult it about whether your income and capital gain distributions will be reinvested in additional shares of the distributing Class of the Fund or paid to you in cash.

How distributions are taxed — Except for tax-advantaged retirement plans and accounts and other tax-exempt investors, all Fund distributions you receive are generally taxable to you, regardless of whether you take them in cash or reinvest them in additional Fund shares.

Fund distributions to IRAs, Roth IRAs, and qualified retirement plans generally are tax-free. Eventual withdrawals from a Roth IRA also may be tax-free, while withdrawals from other retirement accounts and plans generally are subject to tax.
 
 
29

 
 
Distributions generally are taxable to you in the year you receive them. In some cases, however, distributions you receive in January are taxable as if they had been paid the previous December 31. Your tax statement (see “Taxes and You”) will help clarify this for you.

Distributions of net investment income and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss (“dividends”) are generally taxed as ordinary income. However, the Fund’s dividends attributable to “qualified dividend income” (generally, dividends it receives on stock of most U.S. and certain foreign corporations with respect to which it satisfies certain holding period and other restrictions) are subject to a 15% maximum federal income tax rate for individual shareholders who satisfy those restrictions with respect to their Fund shares on which the dividends are paid.

Distributions of net capital gain ( i.e ., the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) are generally taxed as long-term capital gain and are subject to that 15% maximum rate for individual shareholders. The tax treatment of capital gain distributions depends on how long the Fund held the securities it sold that generated the gain, not when you bought your shares of the Fund or whether you reinvested your distributions.

If, for any taxable year, the Fund distributes an amount that exceeds its taxable income and net realized gains for that year -- which might result from, among other things, the difference between book and tax accounting treatment of certain derivatives and foreign currency transactions -- that excess generally will be treated as a non-taxable return of capital, which will reduce your tax basis in your Fund shares. To the extent that excess is greater than your tax basis, it will be treated as gain from a sale of your shares (taxed as described below).

How share transactions are taxed — When you sell (redeem) or exchange Fund shares, you generally will realize a taxable gain or loss. An exception, once again, applies to tax-advantaged retirement plans and accounts and other tax-exempt investors. Any capital gain an individual shareholder recognizes on a redemption or exchange of his or her Fund shares that have been held for more than one year will qualify for the 15% maximum federal income tax rate mentioned above.

Taxes and You

The taxes you actually owe on Fund distributions and share transactions can vary with many factors, such as your marginal tax bracket, how long you held your shares, and whether you owe alternative minimum tax.

How can you figure out your tax liability on Fund distributions and share transactions? One helpful tool is the tax statement that we or your investment provider typically sends you by February. It details the distributions you received during the past year and shows their tax status. That statement, or a separate statement from us or your investment provider, covers your share transactions.

Most importantly, consult your tax professional. Everyone’s tax situation is different, and your tax professional should be able to help you answer any questions you may have.

Backup Withholding

The Fund is required to withhold 28% of the money you are otherwise entitled to receive from its distributions and redemption proceeds (regardless of whether you realize a gain or loss) if you are an individual or certain other non-corporate shareholder who fails to provide a correct taxpayer identification number to the Fund. Withholding at that rate also is required from the Fund’s distributions to which you are otherwise entitled if you are such a shareholder and the Internal
 
 
30

 
 
Revenue Service tells us that you are subject to backup withholding or you are subject to backup withholding for any other reason.

In the case of a custodial account for a newborn, if a social security number has been applied for but is not available when you complete the account application, you may open the account without that number, if we receive (from you or your investment provider) the custodian’s date of birth and social security number together with a copy of the request made to the Social Security Administration for the newborn’s social security number. However, we must receive the new number within 60 days or the account will be closed. For information on custodial accounts, call 800-877-9700. If you use an investment provider, consult it about opening a custodial account.

You must supply your signed taxpayer identification number form to your investment provider, if any, and it must supply its taxpayer identification number to us, in order to avoid backup withholding.

Buying Shares Before a Distribution

The money the Fund earns, either as income or as capital gains, is reflected in its share price until it distributes the money. At that time, the amount of the distribution is deducted from the share price. The amount of the distribution is either reinvested in additional shares of the distributing Class of the Fund or paid to shareholders in cash.

Because of this, if you buy shares just before the Fund makes a distribution, you will end up getting some of your investment back as a taxable distribution. You can avoid this situation by waiting to invest until after the record date for the distribution.

Generally, if you are investing in the Fund through a tax-advantaged retirement plan or account, there are no tax consequences to you from distributions.

Grandfathered Investors
 
“Grandfathered Investors” are investors in any fund in the Neuberger Berman family of funds who hold their shares directly with Neuberger Berman, who established accounts in Investor Class or Trust Class shares prior to March 1, 2008, and who have continuously maintained an account directly with Neuberger Berman since that date. Grandfathered Investors do not include any investment providers who have accounts with a fund or shareholders who invest through such investment providers.

Statements and Confirmations — Please review your account statements and confirmations carefully as soon as you receive them. You must contact us within 30 days if you have any questions or notice any discrepancies. Otherwise, you may adversely affect your right to make a claim about the transaction(s).

Systematic Investments — This plan lets you take advantage of dollar-cost averaging by establishing periodic investments of $100 or more a month. You choose the schedule and amount. Your investment money may come from an eligible money market fund outside the fund family or your bank account.

Systematic Withdrawals — This plan lets you arrange withdrawals of at least $100 from a fund in the fund family on a periodic schedule. You can also set up payments to distribute the full value of an account over a given time. While this service can be helpful to many investors, be aware that it could generate capital gains or losses.
 
 
31

 
 
Electronic Bank Transfers — When you sell Fund shares, you can have the money sent to your bank account electronically rather than mailed to you as a check. Please note that your bank must be a member of the Automated Clearing House, or ACH, system.

FUND fone ® — Get up-to-date performance and account information through our 24-hour automated service by calling 800-335-9366.

Dollar-Cost Averaging

Systematic investing allows you to take advantage of the principle of dollar-cost averaging. When you make regular investments of a given amount — say, $100 a month — you will end up investing at different share prices over time. When the share price is high, your $100 buys fewer shares; when the share price is low, your $100 buys more shares. Over time, this can help lower the average price you pay per share.

Dollar-cost averaging cannot guarantee you a profit or protect you from losses in a declining market. But it can be beneficial over the long term.

Internet Access

Grandfathered Investors with Internet access can enjoy many valuable and time-saving features by visiting us at www.nb.com.

The site offers more complete information on our funds, including current performance data, portfolio manager interviews, tax information plus educational articles, news and analysis. You can tailor the site so it serves up information that is most relevant to you.

As a Fund shareholder, you can use the web site to access account information 24 hours a day.

Retirement Plans and Accounts

We offer Grandfathered Investors a number of tax-advantaged plans and accounts for retirement saving:

Traditional IRAs allow money to grow tax-deferred until you take it out, usually at or after retirement. Contributions are deductible for some investors, but even when they are not, an IRA can be beneficial.

Roth IRAs offer tax-free growth like a traditional IRA, but instead of tax-deductible contributions, the withdrawals are tax-free for investors who meet certain requirements.

Also available: SEP-IRA, SIMPLE-IRA, Keogh, and other types of plans. Coverdell education savings accounts (formerly Education IRAs), though not for retirement savings, also are available. Consult your tax professional to find out which types of plans or accounts may be beneficial for you.  Call 800-877-9700 for information on any Neuberger Berman retirement plan or account.
 
 
32

 
 
BUYING SHARES – GRANDFATHERED INVESTORS

If you are a Grandfathered Investor buying or selling shares, instructions are provided in the following charts.

Method
Things to know
Instructions
Sending us a check
Your first investment must be at least $1,000
 
Additional investments can be as little as $100
 
We cannot accept cash, money orders, starter checks, cashier’s checks, travelers checks, or other cash equivalents
 
You will be responsible for any losses or fees resulting from a bad check; if necessary, we may sell other shares belonging to you in order to cover these losses
 
All checks must be made out to “Neuberger Berman Funds”; we cannot accept checks made out to you or other parties and signed over to us
Fill out the application and enclose your check
 
If regular first-class mail, send to:
        Neuberger Berman Funds
        Boston Service Center
        P.O. Box 8403
        Boston, MA 02266-8403
 
If express delivery, registered mail, or certified mail, send to:
Neuberger Berman Funds
c/o State Street Bank and Trust Company
30 Dan Road
Canton, MA 02021
 
Wiring money
All wires must be for at least $1,000
Before wiring any money, call 800-877-9700 for an order confirmation
 
Have your financial institution send your wire to State Street Bank and Trust Company
 
Include your name, the Fund name, your account number and other information as requested
 
Exchanging from another fund
All exchanges must be for at least $1,000
 
Both accounts involved must be registered in the same name, address and taxpayer ID number
 
An exchange order cannot be cancelled or changed once it has been placed
 
Call 800-877-9700 to place your order
By telephone
We do not accept phone orders for a first investment
 
Additional shares will be purchased when your order is accepted
 
Not available on retirement accounts
 
Call 800-877-9700 to notify us of your purchase
 
Immediately follow up with a wire or electronic transfer
Setting up systematic investments
All investments must be at least $100
Call 800-877-9700 for instructions


 
33

 

SELLING SHARES – GRANDFATHERED INVESTORS

Method
Things to know
Instructions
Sending us a letter
Unless you instruct us otherwise, we will mail your proceeds
by check to the address of record, payable to the registered
owner(s); checks will not be forwarded
 
If you have designated a bank account on your application, you can request that we wire the proceeds to this account;
if the total balance of all of your Neuberger Berman fund
accounts is less than $200,000, you will be charged
an $8.00 wire fee
 
You can also request that we send the proceeds to your designated bank account by electronic transfer (ACH) without a fee
 
You may need a Medallion signature guarantee
 
Please also supply us with your e-mail address and daytime telephone number when you write to us in the event we need to reach you
 
Send us a letter requesting us to sell shares signed by all registered owners; include your name, account number, the Fund name, the dollar amount or number of shares you want to sell, and any other instructions
 
If regular first-class mail, send to:
Neuberger Berman Funds
Boston Service Center
P.O. Box 8403
Boston, MA 02266-8403
 
If express delivery, registered mail, or certified mail, send to:
Neuberger Berman Funds
c/o State Street Bank and Trust Company
30 Dan Road
Canton, MA 02021
Sending us a fax
For amounts of up to $50,000
 
Not available if you have changed the address on the account in the past 15 days
 
Write a request to sell shares as described above
 
Call 800-877-9700 to obtain the appropriate fax number
Calling in your order
All phone orders to sell shares must be for at least $1,000 unless you are closing out an account
 
Not available if you have declined the phone option or are selling shares in certain retirement accounts (The only exception is for those retirement shareholders who are at least 59 1/2 or older and have their birthdates on file)
 
Not available if you have changed the address on the account in the past 15 days
 
Call 800-877-9700 to place your order
 
Give your name, account number, the Fund name, the dollar amount or number of shares you want to sell, and any other instructions
Exchanging into another fund
All exchanges must be for at least $1,000
 
Both accounts must be registered in the same name, address and taxpayer ID number
 
An exchange order cannot be cancelled or changed once it has been placed
 
Call 800-877-9700 to place your order
Setting up systematic withdrawals
For accounts with at least $5,000 worth of shares in them
 
Withdrawals must be at least $100
 
Call 800-877-9700 for instructions

 
34

 

Market Timing Policy
 
Frequent purchases, exchanges and redemptions of Fund shares (“market-timing activities”) can interfere with Fund management and affect costs and performance for other shareholders. To discourage market-timing activities by Fund shareholders, the Board of Trustees has adopted market-timing policies and has approved the procedures of the principal underwriter for implementing those policies. As described earlier in this prospectus, pursuant to such policies, the exchange privilege can be withdrawn from any investor that is believed to be “timing the market” or is otherwise making exchanges judged to be excessive. In furtherance of these policies, under certain circumstances, the Fund reserves the right to reject any exchange or purchase order; change, suspend or revoke the exchange privilege; or suspend the telephone order privilege.

Neuberger Berman Management LLC applies the Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to market-timing activities by monitoring trading activity in the Fund, identifying excessive trading patterns, and warning or prohibiting shareholders who trade excessively from making further purchases or exchanges of Fund shares. These policies and procedures are applied consistently to all shareholders. Although the Fund makes efforts to monitor for market-timing activities, the ability of the Fund to monitor trades that are placed by the underlying shareholders of omnibus accounts maintained by brokers, retirement plan accounts and other approved intermediaries may be limited in those instances in which the investment intermediary maintains the underlying shareholder accounts. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to eliminate all market-timing activities.

Portfolio Holdings Policy
 
A description of the Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information.

The complete portfolio holdings for the Fund are available at www.nb.com/holdings and are generally posted 15-30 days after the end of each calendar quarter.

The Fund’s complete portfolio holdings will remain available at this website until the subsequent quarterly holdings have been posted. Complete portfolio holdings for the Fund will also be available in reports on Form N-Q and Form N-CSR filed with the SEC. Historical portfolio holdings are available upon request.

Fund Structure
 
The Fund uses a “multiple class” structure. The Fund offers one or more classes of shares that have identical investment programs, but different arrangements for distribution and shareholder servicing and, consequently, different expenses. This prospectus relates solely to the Class A , Class C and Institutional Class shares of the Fund.


 
35

 

Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds
 
Global Allocation Fund
 
Class A, Class C and Institutional Shares
 
If you would like further details on this Fund you can request a free copy of the following documents:
 
Shareholder Reports — The shareholder reports offer information about the Fund’s recent performance, including:
 
  
a discussion by the Portfolio Managers about strategies and market conditions that significantly affected the Fund’s performance during the last fiscal year
  
Fund performance data and financial statements
  
portfolio holdings.
 
Statement of Additional Information (SAI) — The SAI contains more comprehensive information on the Fund, including:

  
various types of securities and practices, and their risks
  
investment limitations and additional policies
  
information about the Fund’s management and business structure.
 
The SAI is hereby incorporated by reference into this prospectus, making it legally part of the prospectus.
 
Investment manager: Neuberger Berman Management LLC
Sub-adviser: Neuberger Berman Fixed Income LLC

Ü  Obtaining Information
You can obtain a shareholder report, SAI, and other information from your investment provider, or from:
 
Neuberger Berman Management LLC
605 Third Avenue 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10158-0180
877-628-2583

Website: www.nb.com

You can also request copies of this information from the SEC for the cost of a duplicating fee by sending an e-mail request to publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing to the SEC’s Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549-1520. They are also available from the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
 
You may also view and copy the documents at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington. Call 202-551-8090 for information about the operation of the Public Reference Room.

The “Neuberger Berman” name and logo are registered service marks of Neuberger Berman Group LLC. “Neuberger Berman Management LLC” and the individual Fund name in this prospectus are either service marks or registered service marks of Neuberger Berman Management LLC. ©2010 Neuberger Berman Management LLC. All rights reserved.

SEC file number: 811-21715
 
36
 

 
 
 

 
NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
 
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
DATED DECEMBER 29, 2010

Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund
Institutional Class (_____), Class A (_____) and Class C (_____)
 
605 Third Avenue, 2 nd Floor, New York, NY 10158-0180
Toll-Free 800-877-9700
 
 
Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund (the “Fund”) is a mutual fund that offers shares pursuant to a Prospectus dated December 29, 2010.
 
The Prospectus provides more information about the Fund that you should know before investing. You can get a free copy of the Prospectus from Neuberger Berman Management LLC (“NB Management”), 605 Third Avenue, 2 nd Floor, New York, NY 10158-0180, or by calling 800-877-9700. You should read the Prospectus carefully before investing.
 
This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus.  This SAI is not an offer to sell any shares of any class of the Fund.  A written offer can be made only by a prospectus.
 
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations not contained in the Prospectus or in this SAI in connection with the offering made by the Prospectus, and, if given or made, such information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Fund or its distributor. The Prospectus and this SAI do not constitute an offering by the Fund or its distributor in any jurisdiction in which such offering may not lawfully be made.
 
The “Neuberger Berman” name and logo are registered service marks of Neuberger Berman Group LLC. “Neuberger Berman Management LLC” and the Fund name in this SAI are either service marks or registered service marks of Neuberger Berman Management LLC. ©2010 Neuberger Berman Management LLC. All rights reserved. ©2010 Neuberger Berman LLC. All rights reserved.
 



 
 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
Page
INVESTMENT INFORMATION
3
 
Investment Policies and Limitations
3
 
Cash Management and Temporary Defensive Positions
5
 
Additional Investment Information
6
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
48
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
48
 
Information about the Board of Trustees
49
 
Information about the Officers of the Trust
57
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION SERVICES
70
 
Investment Manager and Administrator
70
 
Management and Administration Fees
71
 
Contractual Expense Limitations
72
 
Sub-Adviser
72
 
Portfolio Manager Information
73
 
Other Investment Companies Managed
76
 
Codes of Ethics
77
 
Management and Control of NB Management and Neuberger Berman Fixed Income
77
DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENTS
  78
 
Distributor
78
 
Revenue Sharing
79
 
Distribution Plan (Class A Only)
80
 
Distribution Plan (Class C Only)
80
 
Distribution Plan (Class A and Class C)
81
ADDITIONAL PURCHASE INFORMATION
81
 
Share Prices and Net Asset Value
81
 
Financial Intermediaries
83
 
Automatic Investing and Dollar Cost Averaging
83
ADDITIONAL EXCHANGE INFORMATION
90
ADDITIONAL REDEMPTION INFORMATION
90
 
Suspension of Redemptions
92
 
Redemptions in Kind
92
DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS
92
ADDITIONAL TAX INFORMATION
94
 
 
 
i

 
 
 
 
Taxation of the Fund
94
 
Taxation of the Fund’s Shareholders
99
 
FUND TRANSACTIONS
99
 
Expense Offset Arrangement
102
 
Portfolio Turnover
103
 
Proxy Voting
103
 
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS DISCLOSURE
104
 
Portfolio Holdings Disclosure Policy
104
 
Portfolio Holdings Disclosure Procedures
104
 
Portfolio Holdings Approved Recipients
105
 
REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS
106
 
ORGANIZATION, CAPITALIZATION AND OTHER MATTERS
106
 
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT
107
 
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
107
 
LEGAL COUNSEL
108
 
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
108
 
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
108
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
108
   
APPENDIX A – LONG-TERM AND SHORT-TERM DEBT SECURITIES RATING DESCRIPTIONS
A-1

 
ii 

 
 
 
INVESTMENT INFORMATION
 
The Fund is a separate operating series of Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds (formerly known as Neuberger Berman Institutional Liquidity Funds) (“Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust that is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as an open-end management investment company.
 
The Fund had not yet commenced operations as of the date of this SAI.
 
The following information supplements the discussion in the Prospectus of the investment objective, policies, and limitations of the Fund. The investment objective and, unless otherwise specified, the investment policies and limitations of the Fund are not fundamental. Any investment objective, policy, or limitation that is not fundamental may be changed by the trustees of the Trust (“Fund Trustees”) without shareholder approval. The fundamental investment policies and limitations of the Fund may not be changed without the approval of the lesser of:
 
  (1)      67% of the units of beneficial interest (“shares”) of the Fund represented at a meeting at which more than 50% of the outstanding Fund shares are represented, or
 
  (2)      a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund.
 
These percentages are required by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended  (“1940 Act”), and are referred to in this SAI as a “1940 Act majority vote.”
 
NB Management has delegated day-to-day management of the Fund to Neuberger Berman Fixed Income LLC (“NBFI”).  Throughout this SAI, the term “Manager” refers to NB Management or NBFI, as appropriate.
 
Investment Policies and Limitations
 
Except as set forth in the limitation on borrowing and the limitation on illiquid securities, any investment policy or limitation that involves a maximum percentage of securities or assets will not be considered exceeded unless the percentage limitation is exceeded immediately after, and because of, a transaction by the Fund. If events subsequent to a transaction result in the Fund exceeding the percentage limitation on borrowing or illiquid securities, the Manager will take appropriate steps to reduce the percentage of borrowings or the percentage held in illiquid securities, as may be required by law, within a reasonable amount of time.
 
The following investment policies and limitations are fundamental:
 
1.  Borrowing .  The Fund may not borrow money, except that the Fund may (i) borrow money from banks for temporary or emergency purposes and for leveraging or investment and (ii) enter into reverse repurchase agreements for any purpose; provided that (i) and (ii) in combination do not exceed 33-1/3% of the value of its total assets (including the amount borrowed) less liabilities (other than borrowings). If at any time borrowings exceed 33-1/3% of
 

3
 
 

 

the value of the Fund’s total assets, the Fund will reduce its borrowings within three days (excluding Sundays and holidays) to the extent necessary to comply with the 33-1/3% limitation.
 
2. Commodities .  The Fund may not purchase physical commodities or contracts thereon, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief or unless acquired as a result of the ownership of securities or instruments, but this restriction shall not prohibit the Fund from purchasing futures contracts, options (including options on futures contracts, but excluding options or futures contracts on physical commodities other than foreign currency), foreign currencies or forward contracts, swaps, caps, collars, floors and other financial instruments or from investing in securities of any kind.
 
3. Industry Concentration .  The Fund may not purchase any security if, as a result, 25% or more of its total assets (taken at current value) would be invested in the securities of issuers having their principal business activities in the same industry. This limitation does not apply to securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities (“U.S. Government and Agency Securities”), securities of other investment companies and tax-exempt securities or such other securities as may be excluded for this purpose under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief.
 
4. Lending. The Fund may not lend any security or make any other loan if, as a result, more than 33-1/3% of its total assets (taken at current value) would be lent to other parties, except, in accordance with its investment objective, policies, and limitations, (i) through the purchase of a portion of an issue of debt securities, loans, loan participations or other forms of direct debt instruments or (ii) by engaging in repurchase agreements.
 
5. Real Estate .  The Fund may not purchase real estate unless acquired as a result of the ownership of securities or instruments, but this restriction shall not prohibit the Fund from purchasing securities issued by entities or investment vehicles that own or deal in real estate or interests therein or instruments secured by real estate or interests therein.
 
6. Senior Securities .  The Fund may not issue senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act.
 
7. Underwriting .  The Fund may not underwrite securities of other issuers, except to the extent that the Fund, in disposing of portfolio securities, may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“1933 Act”).
 
For purposes of the limitation on commodities, the Fund does not consider foreign currencies or forward contracts to be physical commodities.
 
The Fund has the following fundamental investment policy:
 
Notwithstanding any other investment policy of the Fund, the Fund may invest all of its investable assets (cash, securities, and receivables relating to securities) in an open-end management investment company having substantially the same investment objective, policies, and limitations as the Fund.
 
The following investment policies and limitations are non-fundamental:
 

 
4

 

1. Borrowing .  The Fund may not purchase securities if outstanding borrowings of money, including any reverse repurchase agreements, exceed 5% of its total assets.
 
2. Lending .  Except for the purchase of debt securities, loans, loan participations or other forms of direct debt instruments and engaging in repurchase agreements, the Fund may not make any loans other than securities loans.
 
3. Margin Transactions .  The Fund may not purchase securities on margin from brokers or other lenders, except that the Fund may obtain such short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of securities transactions. Margin payments in connection with transactions in futures contracts and options on futures contracts shall not constitute the purchase of securities on margin and shall not be deemed to violate the foregoing limitation.
 
4. Illiquid Securities .  The Fund may not purchase any security if, as a result, more than 15% of its net assets would be invested in illiquid securities. Illiquid securities include securities that cannot be sold within seven days in the ordinary course of business for approximately the amount at which the Fund has valued the securities, such as repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days.
 
5. Investments in Any One Issuer .  At the close of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year, (i) no more than 25% of the value of its total assets may be invested in the securities of a single issuer and (ii) with regard to 50% of the value of its total assets, no more than 5% of the value of its total assets may be invested in the securities of a single issuer. These limitations do not apply to government securities, as defined for purposes of Subchapter M of Chapter 1 of Subtitle A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Code”), or securities of another regulated investment company (“RIC”).
 
Senior Securities : The SEC has taken the position that certain instruments that create future obligations may be considered senior securities subject to provisions of the 1940 Act that limit the ability of investment companies to issue senior securities. Common examples include reverse repurchase agreements, short futures and options positions, forward contracts and when-issued securities. However, the SEC has clarified that, if a fund segregates cash or liquid securities sufficient to cover such obligations or holds off-setting positions (or, in some cases, uses a combination of such strategies), the SEC will not raise senior securities issues under the 1940 Act.
 
Cash Management and Temporary Defensive Positions
 
For temporary defensive purposes, or to manage cash pending investment or payout, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its total assets in cash or cash equivalents, U.S. Government and Agency Securities, commercial paper, and certain other money market instruments, as well as repurchase agreements collateralized by the foregoing.
 
In reliance on an SEC exemptive rule, the Fund may invest an unlimited amount of its uninvested cash and cash collateral received in connection with securities lending in shares of money market funds and unregistered funds that operate in compliance with Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act, whether or not advised by NB Management or an affiliate, under specified conditions.  Among other things, the conditions preclude the Fund from paying a sales charge, as defined in
 

 
5

 

rule 2830(b) of the NASD Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) (“sales charge”), or a service fee, as defined in that rule, in connection with its purchase or redemption of the money market fund’s or unregistered fund’s shares, or the Fund’s investment adviser must waive a sufficient amount of its advisory fee to offset any such sales charge or service fee.
 
Additional Investment Information
 
The Fund, as indicated below, may make the following investments, among others; some of which are part of the Fund’s principal investment strategies and some of which are not. The principal risks of the Fund’s principal investment strategies are discussed in the Prospectus. The Fund may not buy all of the types of securities or use all of the investment techniques that are described.
 
Illiquid Securities .  An illiquid security is a security that cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven calendar days at approximately the value ascribed to it by the Fund.  Illiquid securities may include unregistered or other restricted securities and repurchase agreements maturing in greater than seven days. Illiquid securities may also include commercial paper under section 4(2) of the 1933 Act and Rule 144A securities (restricted securities that may be traded freely among qualified institutional buyers pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the securities laws); the Manager will make a determination regarding the liquidity of these securities, acting pursuant to guidelines established by the Fund Trustees. Generally, foreign securities freely tradable in their principal market are not considered restricted or illiquid, even if they are not registered in the United States. Illiquid securities may be difficult for the Fund to value or dispose of due to the absence of an active trading market. The sale of some illiquid securities by the Fund may be subject to legal restrictions, which could be costly to the Fund.
 
Policies and Limitations .  The Fund may not purchase any security if, as a result, more than 15% of its net assets would be invested in illiquid securities.
 
Repurchase Agreements .  In a repurchase agreement, the Fund purchases securities from a bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve System or also from a foreign bank or from a U.S. branch or agency of a foreign bank or from a securities dealer that agrees to repurchase the securities from it at a higher price on a designated future date. Repurchase agreements generally are for a short period of time, usually less than a week. Costs, delays, or losses could result if the selling party to a repurchase agreement becomes bankrupt or otherwise defaults. The Manager monitors the creditworthiness of sellers.  If the Fund enters into a repurchase agreement subject to foreign law and the counter-party defaults, the Fund may not enjoy protections comparable to those provided to certain repurchase agreements under U.S. bankruptcy law and may suffer delays and losses in disposing of the collateral as a result.
 
Policies and Limitations .   Repurchase agreements with a maturity or demand of more than seven days are considered to be illiquid securities. The Fund may not enter into a repurchase agreement with a maturity or demand feature of more than seven days if, as a result, more than 15% of the value of its net assets would then be invested in such repurchase agreements and other illiquid securities. The Fund may enter into a repurchase agreement only if (1) the underlying securities are
 

 
6

 

of a type that the Fund’s investment policies and limitations would allow it to purchase directly, (2) the market value of the underlying securities, including accrued interest, at all times equals or exceeds the repurchase price, and (3) payment for the underlying securities is made only upon satisfactory evidence that the securities are being held for the Fund’s account by its custodian or a bank acting as the Fund’s agent.
 
Securities Loans . The Fund may lend portfolio securities to banks, brokerage firms, and other institutional investors judged creditworthy by the Manager, provided that cash or equivalent collateral, equal to at least 102% (105% in the case of foreign securities) of the market value of the loaned securities, is continuously maintained by the borrower with the Fund. The Fund many also borrow securities for purposes of effecting a short sale of such security, see the section entitled “Short Sales” for additional information on the Fund’s activities related to borrowing securities.  The Fund may invest the cash collateral and earn income, or it may receive an agreed upon amount of interest income from a borrower that has delivered equivalent collateral. During the time securities are on loan, the borrower will pay the Fund an amount equivalent to any dividends or interest paid on such securities. These loans are subject to termination at the option of the Fund or the borrower. The Fund may pay reasonable administrative and custodial fees in connection with a loan and may pay a negotiated portion of the interest earned on the cash or equivalent collateral to the borrower or placing broker.  The Fund does not have the right to vote on securities while they are on loan.  However, the Fund may attempt to terminate loans in time to vote those proxies that the Fund has determined are material to the interests of the Fund.  The Manager believes the risk of loss on these transactions is slight because if a borrower were to default for any reason, the collateral should satisfy the obligation. However, as with other extensions of secured credit, loans of portfolio securities involve some risk of loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. The Fund may also lend securities through State Street Bank & Trust Company (“State Street”), which acts as agent to lend securities to principal borrowers.
 
Policies and Limitations .   The Fund may lend portfolio securities with a value not exceeding 33-1/3% of its total assets to banks, brokerage firms, or other institutional investors. The Fund has authorized or will authorize State Street to effect loans of available securities of the Fund with entities on State Street’s approved list of borrowers, which includes State Street and its affiliates. The Fund may obtain a list of these approved borrowers. Borrowers are required continuously to secure their obligations to return securities on loan from the Fund by depositing collateral in a form determined to be satisfactory by the Fund Trustees. The collateral, which must be marked to market daily, must be equal to at least 102% (105% in the case of foreign securities) of the market value of the loaned securities, which will also be marked to market daily.  See the section entitled “Cash Management and Temporary Defensive Positions” for information on how the cash collateral may be invested.  The Fund does not count the collateral for purposes of any investment policy or limitation that requires the Fund to invest specific percentages of its assets in accordance with its principal investment program.
 
Restricted Securities and Rule 144A Securities .  The Fund may invest in restricted securities, which are securities that may not be sold to the public without an effective registration statement under the 1933 Act. Before they are registered, such securities may be sold only in a privately negotiated transaction or pursuant to an exemption from registration. Regulation S under the 1933 Act permits the sale abroad of securities that are not registered for sale in the United States.
 

 
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In recognition of the increased size and liquidity of the institutional market for unregistered securities and the importance of institutional investors in the formation of capital, the SEC has adopted Rule 144A under the 1933 Act. Rule 144A is designed to facilitate efficient trading among institutional investors by permitting the sale of certain unregistered securities to qualified institutional buyers. To the extent privately placed securities held by the Fund qualify under Rule 144A and an institutional market develops for those securities, the Fund likely will be able to dispose of the securities without registering them under the 1933 Act. To the extent that institutional buyers become, for a time, uninterested in purchasing these securities, investing in Rule 144A securities could increase the level of the Fund’s illiquidity. The Manager, acting under guidelines established by the Fund Trustees, may determine that certain securities qualified for trading under Rule 144A are liquid, after taking into account factors that include (1) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (2) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other potential purchasers; (3) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; (4) the nature of the security and the marketplace; and (5) whether the security trades on an exchange.
 
Where registration is required, the Fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expenses, and a considerable period may elapse between the decision to sell and the time the Fund may be permitted to sell a security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it decided to sell. Restricted securities for which no market exists are priced by a method that the Fund Trustees believe accurately reflects fair value.
 
Policies and Limitations .   To the extent restricted securities, including Rule 144A securities, are illiquid, purchases thereof will be subject to the Fund’s 15% limit on investments in illiquid securities.
 
Reverse Repurchase Agreements .  In a reverse repurchase agreement, the Fund sells portfolio securities subject to its agreement to repurchase the securities at a later date for a fixed price reflecting a market rate of interest. Reverse repurchase agreements may increase fluctuations in the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) and may be viewed as a form of leverage. There is a risk that the counter-party to a reverse repurchase agreement will be unable or unwilling to complete the transaction as scheduled, which may result in losses to the Fund.  The Manager monitors the creditworthiness of counterparties to reverse repurchase agreements.
 
Policies and Limitations .   Reverse repurchase agreements are considered borrowings for purposes of the Fund’s investment policies and limitations concerning borrowings. While a reverse repurchase agreement is outstanding, the Fund will deposit in a segregated account with its custodian, or designate on its records as segregated, cash or appropriate liquid securities, marked to market daily, in an amount at least equal to the Fund’s obligations under the agreement.
 
Leverage .  The Fund may engage in transactions that have the effect of leverage.  Leverage creates an opportunity for increased total return but, at the same time, creates special risk considerations. For example, leverage may amplify changes in the Fund’s NAV. Although the principal of any borrowings will be fixed, the Fund’s assets may change in value during the time the borrowing is outstanding. Leverage from borrowing creates interest expenses for the Fund. To the extent the income derived from securities purchased with borrowed funds exceeds the interest the
 

 
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Fund will have to pay, the Fund’s total return will be greater than it would be if leverage were not used. Conversely, if the income from the assets obtained with borrowed funds is not sufficient to cover the cost of leveraging, the net income of the Fund will be less than it would be if leverage were not used, and therefore the amount available for distribution to the Fund’s shareholders as dividends, if any, will be reduced. Reverse repurchase agreements create leverage and are considered borrowings for purposes of the Fund’s investment limitations.  In addition, securities lending transactions, when issued transactions and Financial Instruments (as defined below) may create leverage.
 
Policies and Limitations .   The Fund may make investments while borrowings are outstanding.  The Fund may borrow money for investment purposes, however, in general, the Fund does not intend to do so.  The Fund also may use leverage to purchase securities needed to close out short sales.  The Fund may engage in transactions that have the effect of leverage for investment purposes and hedging.
 
Foreign Securities .  The Fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers and foreign branches of U.S. banks, including negotiable certificates of deposit (“CDs”), bankers’ acceptances, and commercial paper. Foreign issuers are issuers organized and doing business principally outside the United States and include banks, non-U.S. governments, and quasi-governmental organizations. Investments in foreign securities involve sovereign and other risks, in addition to the credit and market risks normally associated with domestic securities. These risks include the possibility of adverse political and economic developments (including political or social instability, nationalization, expropriation, or confiscatory taxation); the potentially adverse effects of unavailability of public information regarding issuers, less governmental supervision and regulation of financial markets, reduced liquidity of certain financial markets, and the lack of uniform accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards or the application of standards that are different or less stringent than those applied in the United States; different laws and customs governing securities tracking; and possibly limited access to the courts to enforce the Fund’s rights as investors.  It may be difficult to invoke legal process or to enforce contractual obligations abroad, and it may be especially difficult to sue a foreign government in the courts of that country.
 
The Fund also may invest in equity, debt, or other income-producing securities that are denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, including (1) common and preferred stocks, (2) CDs (including similar time deposits), commercial paper, fixed time deposits, and bankers’ acceptances issued by foreign banks, (3) obligations of other corporations, and (4) obligations of foreign governments and their subdivisions, agencies, and instrumentalities, international agencies, and supranational entities. Investing in foreign currency denominated securities involves the special risks associated with investing in non-U.S. issuers, as described in the preceding paragraph, and the additional risks of (a) adverse changes in foreign exchange rates, (b) nationalization, expropriation, or confiscatory taxation, and (c) adverse changes in investment or exchange control regulations (which could prevent cash from being brought back to the United States). Additionally, dividends and interest payable on foreign securities (and gains realized on disposition thereof) may be subject to foreign taxes, including taxes withheld from those payments. Commissions on foreign securities exchanges are often at fixed rates and are generally higher than negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges, although the Fund endeavors to achieve the most favorable net results on portfolio transactions.
 

 
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Foreign securities often trade with less frequency and in less volume than domestic securities and therefore may exhibit greater price volatility. Additional costs associated with an investment in foreign securities may include higher custodial fees than apply to domestic custody arrangements and transaction costs of foreign currency conversions.
 
Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures. In certain markets, there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of the Fund are uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of the Fund to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of portfolio securities due to settlement problems could result in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the securities or, if the Fund has entered into a contract to sell the securities, could result in possible liability to the purchaser. The inability of the Fund to settle security purchases or sales due to settlement problems could cause the Fund to pay additional expenses, such as interest charges.
 
Interest rates prevailing in other countries may affect the prices of foreign securities and exchange rates for foreign currencies. Local factors, including the strength of the local economy, the demand for borrowing, the government’s fiscal and monetary policies, and the international balance of payments, often affect interest rates in other countries. Individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency, and balance of payments position.
 
The Fund may invest in ADRs, European Depository Receipts (“EDRs”), Global Depository Receipts (“GDRs”) and International Depository Receipts (“IDRs”). ADRs (sponsored or unsponsored) are receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company evidencing its ownership of the underlying foreign securities. Most ADRs are denominated in U.S. dollars and are traded on a U.S. stock exchange. However, they are subject to the risk of fluctuation in the currency exchange rate if, as is often the case, the underlying securities are denominated in foreign currency. Issuers of the securities underlying sponsored ADRs, but not unsponsored ADRs, are contractually obligated to disclose material information in the United States. Therefore, the market value of unsponsored ADRs are less likely to reflect the effect of such information. EDRs and IDRs are receipts typically issued by a European bank or trust company evidencing its ownership of the underlying foreign securities. GDRs are receipts issued by either a U.S. or non-U.S. banking institution evidencing its ownership of the underlying foreign securities and are often denominated in U.S. dollars.  EDRs, IDRs and GDRs involve many of the same risks of investing directly in foreign securities, including currency risks and risks of foreign investing.
 
Issuers of the securities underlying sponsored depositary receipts, but not unsponsored depositary receipts, are contractually obligated to disclose material information in the United States. Therefore, the market value of unsponsored depositary receipts is less likely to reflect the effect of such information.
 
The risks of foreign investing are generally heightened in emerging markets. Securities traded in certain emerging market countries may be subject to risks in addition to risks typically
 

 
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posed by foreign debt investing due to the inexperience of financial intermediaries, the lack of modern technology and lack of a sufficient capital base to expand business operations.
 
Policies and Limitations .   The Fund is not restricted in the amount it may invest in foreign securities including foreign securities denominated in any one foreign currency.
 
Securities of Issuers in Emerging Market Countries .   The risks described above for foreign securities may be heightened in connection with investments in emerging market countries. Historically, the markets of emerging market countries have been more volatile than the markets of developed countries, reflecting the greater uncertainties of investing in less established markets and economies. In particular, emerging market countries may have less stable governments; may present the risks of nationalization of businesses, restrictions on foreign ownership and prohibitions on the repatriation of assets; and may have less protection of property rights than more developed countries. The economies of emerging market countries may be reliant on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions and may suffer from high and volatile debt burdens or inflation rates. Local securities markets may trade a small number of securities and may be unable to respond effectively to increases in trading volume, potentially making prompt liquidation of holdings difficult or impossible at times.
 
In determining where an issuer of a security is based, the Manager may consider such factors as where the company is legally organized, maintains its principal corporate offices and/or conducts its principal operations.
 
Additional costs could be incurred in connection with the Fund’s investment activities outside the United States. Brokerage commissions may be higher outside the United States, and the Fund will bear certain expenses in connection with its currency transactions. Furthermore, increased custodian costs may be associated with maintaining assets in certain jurisdictions.
 
Certain risk factors related to emerging market countries include:
 
Currency fluctuations .  The Fund’s investments may be valued in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Certain emerging market countries’ currencies have experienced and may in the future experience significant declines against the U.S. dollar. For example, if the U.S. dollar appreciates against foreign currencies, the value of the Fund’s securities holdings would generally depreciate and vice versa. Consistent with its investment objective, the Fund can engage in certain currency transactions to hedge against currency fluctuations. See “Foreign Currency Transactions” below.
 
Government regulation .  The political, economic and social structures of certain developing countries may be more volatile and less developed than those in the United States. Certain emerging market countries lack uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, have less governmental supervision of financial markets than in the United States, and do not honor legal rights enjoyed in the United States. Certain governments may be more unstable and present greater risks of nationalization or restrictions on foreign ownership of local companies.
 

 
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Repatriation of investment income, capital and the proceeds of sales by foreign investors may require governmental registration and/or approval in some emerging market countries. While the Fund will only invest in markets where these restrictions are considered acceptable by the Manager, a country could impose new or additional repatriation restrictions after the Fund’s investment. If this happened, the Fund’s response might include, among other things, applying to the appropriate authorities for a waiver of the restrictions or engaging in transactions in other markets designed to offset the risks of decline in that country. Such restrictions will be considered in relation to the Fund’s liquidity needs and all other positive and negative factors. Further, some attractive equity securities may not be available to the Fund, or the Fund may have to pay a premium to purchase those equity securities, due to foreign shareholders already holding the maximum amount legally permissible.
 
While government involvement in the private sector varies in degree among emerging market countries, such involvement may in some cases include government ownership of companies in certain sectors, wage and price controls or imposition of trade barriers and other protectionist measures. With respect to any emerging market country, there is no guarantee that some future economic or political crisis will not lead to price controls, forced mergers of companies, expropriation, or creation of government monopolies to the possible detriment of the Fund’s investments.
 
Less developed securities markets .  Emerging market countries may have less well developed securities markets and exchanges. These markets have lower trading volumes than the securities markets of more developed countries. These markets may be unable to respond effectively to increases in trading volume. Consequently, these markets may be substantially less liquid than those of more developed countries, and the securities of issuers located in these markets may have limited marketability. These factors may make prompt liquidation of substantial portfolio holdings difficult or impossible at times.
 
Settlement risks .  Settlement systems in emerging market countries are generally less well organized than developed markets. Supervisory authorities may also be unable to apply standards comparable to those in developed markets. Thus, there may be risks that settlement may be delayed and that cash or securities belonging to the Fund may be in jeopardy because of failures of or defects in the systems. In particular, market practice may require that payment be made before receipt of the security being purchased or that delivery of a security be made before payment is received. In such cases, default by a broker or bank (the “counterparty”) through whom the transaction is effected might cause the Fund to suffer a loss. The Fund will seek, where possible, to use counterparties whose financial status is such that this risk is reduced. However, there can be no certainty that the Fund will be successful in eliminating this risk, particularly as counterparties operating in emerging market countries frequently lack the substance or financial resources of those in developed countries. There may also be a danger that, because of uncertainties in the operation of settlement systems in individual markets, competing claims may arise with respect to securities held by or to be transferred to the Fund.
 
Investor information .  The Fund may encounter problems assessing investment opportunities in certain emerging market securities markets in light of limitations on available information and different accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards. In such circumstances, the Manager will seek alternative sources of information, and to the extent it may
 

 
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not be satisfied with the sufficiency of the information obtained with respect to a particular market or security, the Fund will not invest in such market or security.
 
Taxation .  Taxation of dividends received and net capital gains realized by non-residents on securities issued in emerging market countries varies among those countries and, in some cases, is at comparatively high rates. In addition, emerging market countries typically have less well-defined tax laws and procedures, and such laws may permit retroactive taxation so that the Fund could in the future become subject to local tax liability that it had not reasonably anticipated in conducting its investment activities or valuing its assets.
 
Litigation.   The Fund and its shareholders may encounter substantial difficulties in obtaining and enforcing judgments against non-U.S. resident individuals and companies.
 
Fraudulent securities .  Securities purchased by the Fund may subsequently be found to be fraudulent or counterfeit, resulting in a loss to the Fund.
 
Risks of Investing in Frontier Emerging Market Countries. Frontier emerging market countries are countries that have smaller economies or less developed capital markets than traditional emerging markets.  Frontier emerging market countries tend to have relatively low gross national product per capita compared to the larger traditionally-recognized emerging markets. The frontier emerging market countries include the least developed countries even by emerging markets standards.  The risks of investments in frontier emerging market countries include all the risks described above for investment in foreign securities and emerging markets, although these risks are magnified in the case of frontier emerging market countries.
 
Structured Notes .  The Fund may invest in structured notes, such as participatory notes, issued by banks or broker-dealers that are designed to replicate the performance of certain issuers and markets.  Generally, investments in such notes are used to take positions in certain foreign securities.  Structured notes are a type of equity-linked derivative which generally are traded over-the-counter (“OTC”). The performance results of structured notes will not replicate exactly the performance of the issuers or markets that the notes seek to replicate due to transaction costs and other expenses. Investments in structured notes involve the same risks associated with a direct investment in the shares of the companies the notes seek to replicate. The return on a structured note that is linked to a particular underlying security generally is increased to the extent of any dividends paid in connection with the underlying security. However, the holder of a structured note typically does not receive voting rights as it would if it directly owned the underlying security. In addition, structured notes are subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the broker-dealer or bank that issues the notes will not fulfill its contractual obligation to complete the transaction with the Fund. Structured notes constitute general unsecured contractual obligations of the banks or broker-dealers that issue them, and the Fund is relying on the creditworthiness of such banks or broker-dealers and has no rights under a structured note against the issuers of the stocks underlying such notes. Structured notes involve transaction costs. Structured notes may be considered illiquid and, therefore, structured notes considered illiquid will be subject to the Fund’s percentage limitation on investments in illiquid securities.
 
Forward Commitments and When-Issued Securities .  The Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis and may purchase or sell securities on a forward
 

 
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commitment basis. These transactions involve a commitment by the Fund to purchase or sell securities at a future date (ordinarily within two months, although the Fund may agree to a longer settlement period). These transactions may involve mortgage-backed securities such as GNMA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac certificates. The price of the underlying securities (usually expressed in terms of yield) and the date when the securities will be delivered and paid for (the settlement date) are fixed at the time the transaction is negotiated. When-issued and delayed delivery purchases and forward commitment transactions are negotiated directly with the other party, and such commitments are not traded on exchanges.
 
When-issued and delayed delivery purchases and forward commitment transactions enable the Fund to “lock in” what the Manager believes to be an attractive price or yield on a particular security for a period of time, regardless of future changes in interest rates. For instance, in periods of rising interest rates and falling prices, the Fund might sell securities it owns on a forward commitment basis to limit its exposure to falling prices. In periods of falling interest rates and rising prices, the Fund might purchase a security on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment basis and sell a similar security to settle such purchase, thereby obtaining the benefit of currently higher yields. When issued, delayed-delivery and forward commitment transactions are subject to the risk that a counterparty may fail to complete the purchase or sale of the security. If this occurs, the Fund may lose the opportunity to purchase or sell the security at the agreed upon price. To reduce this risk, the Fund will enter into transactions with established counterparties and the managers will monitor the creditworthiness of such counterparties.
 
The value of securities purchased on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment basis and any subsequent fluctuations in their value are reflected in the computation of the Fund’s NAV starting on the date of the agreement to purchase the securities. Because the Fund has not yet paid for the securities, this produces an effect similar to leverage. The Fund does not earn interest on securities it has committed to purchase until the securities are paid for and delivered on the settlement date. Because the Fund is committed to buying them at a certain price, any change in the value of these securities, even prior to their issuance, affects the value of the Fund’s interests. The purchase of securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery  basis also involves a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines before the settlement date. When the Fund makes a forward commitment to sell securities it owns, the proceeds to be received upon settlement are included in the Fund’s assets. Fluctuations in the market value of the underlying securities are not reflected in the Fund’s NAV as long as the commitment to sell remains in effect.
 
When-issued, delayed-delivery and forward commitment transactions may cause the Fund to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its purchase or sale obligations.
 
Policies and Limitations .   The Fund will purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, or purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment basis only with the intention of completing the transaction and actually purchasing or selling the securities. If deemed advisable as a matter of investment strategy, however, the Fund may dispose of or renegotiate a commitment after it has been entered into. The Fund also may sell securities it has committed to purchase before those securities are delivered to the Fund on the settlement date. The Fund may realize capital gains or losses in connection with these transactions.
 

 
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The   Fund may also enter into a TBA agreement and “roll over” such agreement prior to the settlement date by selling the obligation to purchase the pools set forth in the agreement and entering into a new TBA agreement for future delivery of pools of mortgage-backed securities. TBA mortgage- backed securities may increase prepayment risks because the underlying mortgages may be less favorable than anticipated by the Fund.
 
When the Fund purchases securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment basis, the Fund will deposit in a segregated account with its custodian, or designate on its records as segregated, until payment is made, appropriate liquid securities having a value (determined daily) at least equal to the amount of the Fund’s purchase commitments. In the case of a forward commitment to sell portfolio securities, the portfolio securities will be held in a segregated account, or the portfolio securities will be designated on the Fund’s records as segregated, while the commitment is outstanding. These procedures are designed to ensure that the Fund maintains sufficient assets at all times to cover its obligations under when-issued and delayed delivery purchases and forward commitment transactions.
 
Futures Contracts, Options on Futures Contracts, Options on Securities and Indices,
Forward Contracts, and Options on Foreign
Currencies (collectively, “Financial Instruments”)
 
Futures Contracts and Options Thereon .
 
The Fund may enter into futures contracts and options on currencies, single stocks, debt securities, interest rates, and securities indices (including those on a narrow-based index) that are traded on exchanges regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) or on foreign exchanges. Trading on foreign exchanges is subject to the legal requirements of the jurisdiction in which the exchange is located and to the rules of such foreign exchange.
 
The Fund may sell futures contracts to offset a possible decline in the value of its portfolio securities. When a futures contract is sold by the Fund, the value of the contract will tend to rise when the value of the portfolio securities declines and will tend to fall when the value of such securities increases. The Fund may purchase futures contracts to fix what the Manager believes to be a favorable price for securities the Fund intends to purchase. If a futures contract is purchased by the Fund, the value of the contract will tend to change together with changes in the value of such securities. To compensate for anticipated differences in volatility between positions the Fund may wish to hedge the standardized futures contracts available to it, the Fund may purchase or sell futures contracts with a greater or lesser value than the securities it wishes to hedge.
 
With respect to currency futures, the Fund may sell a futures contract or a call option, or it may purchase a put option on such futures contract, if the Manager anticipates that exchange rates for a particular currency will fall. Such a transaction will be used as a hedge (or, in the case of a sale of a call option, a partial hedge) against a decrease in the value of portfolio securities denominated in that currency. If the Manager anticipates that a particular currency will rise, the Fund may purchase a currency futures contract or a call option to protect against an increase in the price of securities that are denominated in that currency and that the Fund intends to purchase. The Fund may also purchase a currency futures contract or a call option thereon for non-hedging purposes when the Manager anticipates that a particular currency will appreciate in value, but securities
 

 
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denominated in that currency do not present an attractive investment and are not included in the Fund.
 
The Fund may purchase and sell stock index futures contracts, and may purchase and sell options thereon, to increase its exposure to the performance of a recognized securities index, such as the Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Stock Index (“S&P 500 Index”).
 
A “sale” of a futures contract (or a “short” futures position) entails the assumption of a contractual obligation to deliver the securities or currency underlying the contract at a specified price at a specified future time. A “purchase” of a futures contract (or a “long” futures position) entails the assumption of a contractual obligation to acquire the securities or currency underlying the contract at a specified price at a specified future time. Certain futures, including stock and bond index futures, are settled on a net cash payment basis rather than by the sale and delivery of the securities underlying the futures.
 
U.S. futures contracts (except certain currency futures) are traded on exchanges that have been designated as “contract markets” by the CFTC; futures transactions must be executed through a futures commission merchant that is a member of the relevant contract market. In both U.S. and foreign markets, an exchange’s affiliated clearing organization guarantees performance of the contracts between the clearing members of the exchange.
 
Although futures contracts by their terms may require the actual delivery or acquisition of the underlying securities or currency, in most cases the contractual obligation is extinguished by being offset before the expiration of the contract, without the parties having to make or take delivery of the assets. A futures position is offset by buying (to offset an earlier sale) or selling (to offset an earlier purchase) an identical futures contract calling for delivery in the same month. This may result in a profit or loss. While futures contracts entered into by the Fund will usually be liquidated in this manner, the Fund may instead make or take delivery of underlying securities or currency whenever it appears economically advantageous for it to do so.
 
“Margin” with respect to a futures contract is the amount of assets that must be deposited by the Fund with, or for the benefit of, a futures commission merchant or broker in order to initiate (in the case of initial margin) and maintain (as variation margin) the Fund’s futures positions. Initial margin is the margin deposit made by the Fund when it enters into a futures contract.  Initial margin  is intended to assure performance of the contract by the Fund. If the price of the futures contract changes (i.e., increases, in the case of a short (sale) position or decreases in the case of a long (purchase) position), the Fund will be required to post variation margin.  However, if favorable price changes in the futures contract cause the margin deposit to exceed the required margin, the excess variation margin will be transferred to the Fund. The futures commission merchant or futures clearing house member that assists the fund in entering into and clearing futures contracts may require a third type of margin, excess margin. In computing its NAV, the   Fund marks to market the value of its open futures positions. The Fund also must make margin deposits with respect to options on futures that it has written (but not with respect to options on futures that it has purchased). If the futures commission merchant or broker holding the margin deposit goes bankrupt, the Fund could suffer a delay in recovering excess margin or other funds and could ultimately suffer a loss.
 

 
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An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in the contract (a long position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put) at a specified exercise price at any time during the option exercise period. The writer of the option is required upon exercise to assume a short futures position (if the option is a call) or a long futures position (if the option is a put). Upon exercise of the option, the accumulated cash balance in the writer’s futures margin account is delivered to the holder of the option. That balance represents the amount by which the market price of the futures contract at exercise exceeds, in the case of a call, or is less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option. Options on futures have characteristics and risks similar to those of securities options, as discussed herein.
 
Although the Fund believes that the use of futures contracts and options will benefit it, if the Manager’s judgment about the general direction of the markets or about interest rate or currency exchange rate trends is incorrect, the Fund’s overall return would be lower than if it had not entered into any such contracts. The prices of futures contracts and options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in interest or currency exchange rates, which in turn are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political and economic events. At best, the correlation between changes in prices of futures contracts or options and of securities being hedged can be only approximate due to differences between the futures and securities markets or differences between the securities or currencies underlying the Fund’s futures or options position and the securities held by or to be purchased for the Fund. The currency futures or options market may be dominated by short-term traders seeking to profit from changes in exchange rates. This would reduce the value of such contracts used for hedging purposes over a short-term period. Such distortions are generally minor and would diminish as the contract approaches maturity.
 
Because of the low margin deposits required, futures trading involves an extremely high degree of leverage; as a result, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in immediate and substantial loss, or gain, to the investor. Losses that may arise from certain futures transactions are potentially unlimited.
 
Most U.S. futures exchanges limit the amount of fluctuation in the price of a futures contract or option thereon during a single trading day; once the daily limit has been reached, no trades may be made on that day at a price beyond that limit. The daily limit governs only price movements during a particular trading day, however; it does not limit potential losses. In fact, it may increase the risk of loss, because prices can move to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing liquidation of unfavorable futures and options positions and subjecting traders to substantial losses. If this were to happen with respect to a position held by the Fund, it could (depending on the size of the position) have an adverse impact on the NAV of the Fund.
 
Many electronic trading facilities that support futures trading are supported by computer-based component systems for the order routing, execution, matching, registration or clearing of trades.  The Fund’s ability to recover certain losses may be subject to limits on liability imposed by the system provider, the market, the clearing house or member firms.
 
Single stock and narrow-based security index futures, and options thereon, have not been permitted to trade in the United States until very recently. Therefore, it may be very difficult, at
 

 
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least initially, to predict how the markets in these instruments will behave, particularly in unusual circumstances. In addition, as some of the markets on which such instruments will trade are also new (such as derivatives transaction execution facilities or “DTEFs”), they have no operating history. In addition, DTEFs are principal markets; therefore, no clearing house in effect guarantees performance of the counter-party to a contract executed on a DTEF.
 
Pursuant to a claim for exemption filed with the National Futures Association on behalf of the Fund, the Fund is not deemed to be a commodity pool operator or a commodity pool under the Commodity Exchange Act and is not subject to registration or regulation as such under the Commodity Exchange Act.
 
Policies and Limitations .
 
The Fund may purchase and sell futures for hedging purposes and for non-hedging purposes (i.e., in an effort to enhance returns). The Fund may also purchase and write put and call options on such futures contracts for hedging and non-hedging purposes.
 
The Fund may purchase and sell stock index futures contracts, and may purchase and sell options thereon. For purposes of managing cash flow, the Portfolio Managers may use such futures and options to increase the Fund’s exposure to the performance of a recognized securities index, such as the S&P 500 Index.
 
Call Options on Securities .  The Fund may write covered call options and may purchase call options on securities and in related closing transactions. The purpose of writing call options is to hedge ( i.e ., to reduce, at least in part, the effect of price fluctuations of securities held by the Fund on its NAV) or to earn premium income. Portfolio securities on which call options may be written and purchased by the Fund are purchased solely on the basis of investment considerations consistent with the Fund’s investment objective.
 
When the Fund writes a call option, it is obligated to sell a security to a purchaser at a specified price at any time until a certain date if the purchaser decides to exercise the option. The Fund receives a premium for writing the call option. So long as the obligation of the call option continues, the Fund may be assigned an exercise notice, requiring it to deliver the underlying security against payment of the exercise price. The Fund may be obligated to deliver securities underlying an option at less than the market price.
 
The writing of covered call options is a conservative investment technique that is believed to involve relatively little risk but is capable of enhancing the Fund’s total return. When writing a covered call option, the Fund, in return for the premium, gives up the opportunity for profit from a price increase in the underlying security above the exercise price, but conversely retains the risk of loss should the price of the security decline.
 
If a call option that the Fund has written expires unexercised, the Fund will realize a gain in the amount of the premium; however, that gain may be offset by a decline in the market value of the underlying security during the option period. If the call option is exercised, the Fund will realize a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying security.
 

 
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When the Fund purchases a call option, it pays a premium for the right to purchase a security from the writer at a specified price until a specified date.
 
Policies and Limitations .   The Fund may write covered call options and may purchase call options on securities and in related closing transactions. The Fund writes only “covered” call options on securities it owns (in contrast to the writing of “naked” or uncovered call options, which the Fund will not do).  The Fund would purchase a call option to offset a previously written call option.  The Fund may purchase call options for hedging or non-hedging purposes.
 
Put Options on Securities .  The Fund may write and purchase put options on securities. The Fund will receive a premium for writing a put option, which obligates the Fund to acquire a security at a certain price at any time until a certain date if the purchaser decides to exercise the option. The Fund may be obligated to purchase the underlying security at more than its current value.
 
When the Fund purchases a put option, it pays a premium to the writer for the right to sell a security to the writer for a specified amount at any time until a certain date. The Fund would purchase a put option in order to protect itself against a decline in the market value of a security it owns.
 
Portfolio securities on which the Fund may write and purchase put options are purchased solely on the basis of investment considerations consistent with the Fund’s investment objective. When writing a put option, the Fund, in return for the premium, takes the risk that it must purchase the underlying security at a price that may be higher than the current market price of the security. If a put option that the Fund has written expires unexercised, the Fund will realize a gain in the amount of the premium.
 
Policies and Limitations . The Fund generally writes and purchases put options on securities for hedging purposes ( i.e., to reduce, at least in part, the effect of price fluctuations of securities held by the Fund on its NAV).  However, the Fund also may use put options for non-hedging purposes.
 
General Information About Securities Options .   The exercise price of an option may be below, equal to, or above the market value of the underlying security at the time the option is written. Options normally have expiration dates between three and nine months from the date written. American-style options are exercisable at any time prior to their expiration date. The Fund also may purchase and sell European-style options, which are exercisable only immediately prior to their expiration date .   The obligation under any option written by the Fund terminates upon expiration of the option or, at an earlier time, when the writer offsets the option by entering into a “closing purchase transaction” to purchase an option of the same series. If an option is purchased by the Fund and is never exercised or closed out, the Fund will lose the entire amount of the premium paid.
 
Options are traded both on U.S. national securities exchanges and in the OTC market.  The Fund also may purchase and sell options that are traded on foreign exchanges. Exchange-traded options are issued by a clearing organization affiliated with the exchange on which the option is listed; the clearing organization in effect guarantees completion of every exchange-traded option. In contrast, OTC options are contracts between the Fund and a counter-party, with no clearing
 

 
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organization guarantee. Thus, when the Fund sells (or purchases) an OTC option, it generally will be able to “close out” the option prior to its expiration only by entering into a closing transaction with the dealer to whom (or from whom) the Fund originally sold (or purchased) the option. There can be no assurance that the Fund would be able to liquidate an OTC option at any time prior to expiration. Unless the Fund is able to effect a closing purchase transaction in a covered OTC call option it has written, it will not be able to liquidate securities used as cover until the option expires or is exercised or until different cover is substituted. In the event of the counter-party’s insolvency, the Fund may be unable to liquidate its options position and the associated cover. The Manager monitors the creditworthiness of dealers with which the Fund may engage in OTC options transactions.
 
The premium the Fund receives or pays when it writes (or purchases) an option is the amount at which the option is currently traded on the applicable market. The premium may reflect, among other things, the current market price of the underlying security, the relationship of the exercise price to the market price, the historical price volatility of the underlying security, the length of the option period, the general supply of and demand for credit, and the interest rate environment. The premium received by the Fund for writing an option is recorded as a liability on the Fund’s statement of assets and liabilities. This liability is adjusted daily to the option’s current market value, which is the last reported sales price before the time the Fund’s NAV is computed on the day the option is being valued or, in the absence of any trades thereof on that day, the mean between the bid and asked prices as of that time.
 
Closing transactions are effected in order to realize a profit (or minimize a loss) on an outstanding option, to prevent an underlying security from being called, or to permit the sale or the put of the underlying security. Furthermore, effecting a closing transaction permits the Fund to write another call option on the underlying security with a different exercise price or expiration date or both. There is, of course, no assurance that the Fund will be able to effect closing transactions at favorable prices. If the Fund cannot enter into such a transaction, it may be required to hold a security that it might otherwise have sold (or purchase a security that it would not have otherwise bought), in which case it would continue to be at market risk on the security.
 
The Fund will realize a profit or loss from a closing purchase transaction if the cost of the transaction is less or more than the premium received from writing the call or put option. Because increases in the market price of a call option generally reflect increases in the market price of the underlying security, any loss resulting from the repurchase of a call option is likely to be offset, in whole or in part, by appreciation of the underlying security owned by the Fund; however, the Fund could be in a less advantageous position than if it had not written the call option.
 
The Fund pays brokerage commissions or spreads in connection with purchasing or writing options, including those used to close out existing positions. From time to time, the Fund may purchase an underlying security for delivery in accordance with an exercise notice of a call option assigned to it, rather than delivering the security from its inventory. In those cases, additional brokerage commissions are incurred.
 
The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during which the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the options markets close before the markets for the
 

 
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underlying securities, significant price and rate movements can take place in the underlying market that cannot be reflected in the options markets.
 
Policies and Limitations .   The Fund may use American-style options.  The Fund may also purchase and sell European-style options and may purchase and sell options that are traded on foreign exchanges.
 
The assets used as cover (or segregated) for OTC options written by the Fund will be considered illiquid and thus subject to the Fund’s 15% limitation on illiquid securities, unless the OTC options are sold to qualified dealers who agree that the Fund may repurchase any OTC option it writes at a maximum price to be calculated by a formula set forth in the option agreement. The cover for an OTC call option written subject to this procedure will be considered illiquid only to the extent that the maximum repurchase price under the formula exceeds the intrinsic value of the option.
 
Put and Call Options on Securities Indices .  The Fund may purchase put and call options on securities indices for the purpose of hedging against the risk of price movements that would adversely affect the value of the Fund’s securities or securities the Fund intends to buy. The Fund may write securities index options to close out positions in such options that it has purchased.
 
For purposes of managing cash flow, the Fund may purchase put and call options on securities indices to increase the Fund’s exposure to the performance of a recognized securities index, such as the S&P 500 Index.
 
Unlike a securities option, which gives the holder the right to purchase or sell a specified security at a specified price, an option on a securities index gives the holder the right to receive a cash “exercise settlement amount” equal to (1) the difference between the exercise price of the option and the value of the underlying securities index on the exercise date (2) multiplied by a fixed “index multiplier.” A securities index fluctuates with changes in the market values of the securities included in the index. Options on stock indices are currently traded on the Chicago Board Options Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), the NYSE Amex, and other U.S. and foreign exchanges.
 
The effectiveness of hedging through the purchase of securities index options will depend upon the extent to which price movements in the securities being hedged correlate with price movements in the selected securities index. Perfect correlation is not possible because the securities held or to be acquired by the Fund will not exactly match the composition of the securities indices on which options are available.
 
Securities index options have characteristics and risks similar to those of securities options, as discussed herein.
 
Policies and Limitations . The Fund may purchase put and call options on securities indices for the purpose of hedging. All securities index options purchased by the Fund will be listed and traded on an exchange. The Fund currently does not expect to invest a substantial portion of its assets in securities index options.
 

 
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For purposes of managing cash flow, the Fund may purchase put and call options on securities indices to increase the Fund’s exposure to the performance of a recognized securities index, such as the S&P 500 Index. All securities index options purchased by the   Fund will be listed and traded on an exchange.
 
Foreign Currency Transactions .  The Fund may enter into contracts for the purchase or sale of a specific currency at a future date (usually less than one year from the date of the contract) at a fixed price (“forward contracts”). The Fund also may engage in foreign currency exchange transactions on a spot ( i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market.
 
Forward contracts are traded in the interbank market directly between dealers (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. A forward contract generally has no deposit requirement, and no commissions are charged at any stage for trades; foreign exchange dealers realize a profit based on the difference (the spread) between the prices at which they are buying and selling various currencies.
 
At the consummation of a forward contract to sell currency, the Fund may either make delivery of the foreign currency or terminate its contractual obligation to deliver by purchasing an offsetting contract. If the Fund chooses to make delivery of the foreign currency, it may be required to obtain such currency through the sale of portfolio securities denominated in such currency or through conversion of other assets of the Fund into such currency. If the Fund engages in an offsetting transaction, it will incur a gain or a loss to the extent that there has been a change in forward contract prices. Closing purchase transactions with respect to forward contracts are usually made with the currency dealer who is a party to the original forward contract.
 
The Manager believes that the use of foreign currency hedging techniques, including “proxy-hedges,” can provide significant protection of NAV in the event of a general rise or decrease in the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies. For example, the return available from securities denominated in a particular foreign currency would diminish if the value of the U.S. dollar increased against that currency. Such a decline could be partially or completely offset by an increase in value of a hedge involving a forward contract to sell that foreign currency or a proxy-hedge involving a forward contract to sell a different foreign currency whose behavior is expected to resemble the currency in which the securities being hedged are denominated but which is available on more advantageous terms.
 
However, a hedge or proxy-hedge cannot protect against exchange rate risks perfectly, and, if the Manager is incorrect in its judgment of future exchange rate relationships, the Fund could be in a less advantageous position than if such a hedge had not been established. If the Fund uses proxy-hedging, it may experience losses on both the currency in which it has invested and the currency used for hedging if the two currencies do not vary with the expected degree of correlation. Using forward contracts to protect the value of the Fund’s securities against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate fluctuations in the prices of the underlying securities. Because forward contracts are not traded on an exchange, the assets used to cover such contracts may be illiquid. The Fund may experience delays in the settlement of its foreign currency transactions.
 

 
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The Fund may purchase securities of an issuer domiciled in a country other than the country in whose currency the instrument is denominated. The Fund may also invest in securities denominated in currency baskets which consist of a selected group of currencies.
 
Policies and Limitations .   The Fund may enter into forward contracts for hedging or non-hedging purposes. When the Fund engages in foreign currency transactions for hedging purposes, it will not enter into forward contracts to sell currency or maintain a net exposure to such contracts if their consummation would obligate the Fund to deliver an amount of foreign currency materially in excess of the value of its portfolio securities or other assets denominated in that currency. The Fund may also purchase and sell forward contracts for non-hedging purposes when the Manager anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value.
 
Options on Foreign Currencies .  The Fund may write and purchase covered call and put options on foreign currencies.  The Fund may write (sell) put and covered call options on any currency in order to seek enhanced returns.
 
Currency options have characteristics and risks similar to those of securities options, as discussed herein. Certain options on foreign currencies are traded on the OTC market and involve liquidity and credit risks that may not be present in the case of exchange-traded currency options.
 
Policies and Limitations . The Fund would use options on foreign currencies to protect against declines in the U.S. dollar value of portfolio securities or increases in the U.S. dollar cost of securities to be acquired or to protect the U.S. dollar equivalent of dividends, interest, or other payments on those securities.  In addition, the Fund may purchase put and call options on foreign currencies for non-hedging purposes when the Manager anticipates that a currency will appreciate or depreciate in value, but securities denominated in that currency do not present attractive investment opportunities and are not included in the Fund.
 
Cover   for Financial Instruments .   Transactions using Financial Instruments, other than purchased options, expose the Fund to an obligation to another party. The Fund will not enter into any such transactions unless it owns either (1) an offsetting (“covering”) position in securities, currencies or other options, futures contracts or forward contracts, or (2) cash and liquid assets held in a segregated account, or designated on its records as segregated, with a value, marked-to-market daily, sufficient to cover its potential obligations to the extent not covered as provided in (1) above. The Fund will comply with SEC guidelines regarding “cover” for Financial Instruments and, if the guidelines so require, segregate the prescribed amount of cash or appropriate liquid securities.
 
Segregated securities cannot be sold while the futures, options, or forward strategy covered by those securities is outstanding, unless they are replaced with other suitable assets. As a result, segregation of a large percentage of the Fund’s assets could impede Fund management or the Fund’s ability to meet current obligations. The Fund may be unable to promptly dispose of assets that cover, or are segregated with respect to, an illiquid futures, options, or forward position; this inability may result in a loss to the Fund.
 
General Risks of Financial Instruments .   The primary risks in using Financial Instruments are (1) imperfect correlation or no correlation between changes in market value of the securities or currencies held or to be acquired by the Fund and the prices of Financial Instruments; (2) possible
 

 
23

 

lack of a liquid secondary market for Financial Instruments and the resulting inability to close out Financial Instruments when desired; (3) the fact that the skills needed to use Financial Instruments are different from those needed to select the Fund’s securities; (4) the fact that, although use of Financial Instruments for hedging purposes can reduce the risk of loss, they also can reduce the opportunity for gain, or even result in losses, by offsetting favorable price movements in hedged investments; and (5) the possible inability of the Fund to purchase or sell a portfolio security at a time that would otherwise be favorable for it to do so, or the possible need for the Fund to sell a portfolio security at a disadvantageous time, due to its need to maintain cover or to segregate securities in connection with its use of Financial Instruments. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s use of Financial Instruments will be successful.
 
The Fund’s use of Financial Instruments may be limited by the provisions of the Code, with which it must comply to qualify as a RIC. See “Additional Tax Information.” Financial Instruments may not be available with respect to some currencies, especially those of so-called emerging market countries.
 
Policies and Limitations . When hedging, the Manager intends to reduce the risk of imperfect correlation by investing only in Financial Instruments whose behavior is expected to resemble or offset that of the Fund’s underlying securities or currency. The Manager intends to reduce the risk that the Fund will be unable to close out Financial Instruments by entering into such transactions only if the Manager believes there will be an active and liquid secondary market.
 
Short Sales . The Fund may use short sales in an attempt to realize gain. To effect a short sale, the Fund borrows a security from a brokerage firm to make delivery to the buyer. The Fund then is obliged to replace the borrowed security by purchasing it at the market price at the time of replacement. Until the security is replaced, the Fund is required to pay the lender any dividends and may be required to pay a premium or interest.
 
The Fund will realize a gain if the security declines in price between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund replaces the borrowed security. The Fund will incur a loss if the price of the security increases between those dates. The amount of any gain will be decreased, and the amount of any loss increased, by the amount of any premium or interest the Fund is required to pay in connection with the short sale. A short position may be adversely affected by imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the securities sold short and the securities being hedged.
 
The Fund may also make short sales against-the-box, in which it sells securities short only if it owns or has the right to obtain without payment of additional consideration an equal amount of the same type of securities sold.
 
The effect of short selling is similar to the effect of leverage. Short selling may amplify changes in the Fund’s NAV. Short selling may also produce higher than normal portfolio turnover, which may result in increased transaction costs to the Fund.
 
Policies and Limitations . Under applicable guidelines of the SEC staff, if the Fund engages in a short sale (other than a short sale against-the-box), it must put in a segregated account (not with the broker), or designate on its records as segregated, an amount of cash or appropriate liquid
 

 
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securities equal to the difference between (1) the market value of the securities sold short at the time they were sold short and (2) any cash or securities required to be deposited as collateral with the lender or the lender’s agent in connection with the short sale (not including the proceeds from the short sale). In addition, until the Fund replaces the borrowed security, it must daily maintain the segregated assets at such a level that (1) the amount of segregated assets plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral equals the current market value of the securities sold short, and (2) the amount of segregated assets plus the amount deposited with the lender or the lender’s agent as collateral is not less than the market value of the securities at the time they were sold short.  The Fund’s ability to engage in short sales may be impaired by any temporary prohibitions on short selling imposed by domestic and certain foreign government regulators.
 
Risks of Fixed Income Securities . Fixed income securities are subject to the risk of an issuer’s inability to meet principal and interest payments on its obligations (“credit risk”) and are subject to price volatility due to such factors as interest rate sensitivity (“interest rate risk”), market perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer, and market liquidity (“market risk”).
 
Lower-rated securities are more likely to react to developments affecting market and credit risk than are more highly rated securities, which react primarily to movements in the general level of interest rates.
 
Call Risk. Some debt securities in which the Fund may invest are also subject to the risk that the issuer might repay them early (“call risk”). When market interest rates are low, issuers generally call securities paying higher interest rates. For this reason, the Fund holding a callable security may not enjoy the increase in the security’s market price that usually accompanies a decline in rates. Furthermore, the Fund would have to reinvest the proceeds from the called security at the current, lower rates.
 
Ratings of Fixed Income Securities.   The Fund may purchase securities rated by S&P, Moody’s, Fitch, Inc. or any other NRSRO (please see the Prospectus for further information). The ratings of an NRSRO represent its opinion as to the quality of securities it undertakes to rate. Ratings are not absolute standards of quality; consequently, securities with the same maturity, duration, coupon, and rating may have different yields. Although the Fund may rely on the ratings of any NRSRO, the Fund mainly refer to ratings assigned by S&P, Moody’s, and Fitch, Inc., which are described in Appendix A. The Fund may also invest in unrated securities that are deemed comparable in quality by the Manager to the rated securities in which the Fund may permissibly invest.
 
High-quality debt securities. High-quality debt securities are securities that have received a rating from at least one NRSRO, such as S&P, Moody’s or Fitch, Inc., in one of the two highest rating categories (the highest category in the case of commercial paper) or, if not rated by any NRSRO, such as U.S. Government and Agency Securities, have been determined by the Manager to be of comparable quality.
 
Investment Grade Debt Securities. An investment grade debt security is a security that has received ratings, from at least one NRSRO that has rated it, in one of the four highest rating categories or, if not rated by any NRSRO, has been determined by the Manager to be of comparable quality. Moody’s deems securities rated in its fourth highest category (Baa) to have
 

 
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speculative characteristics; a change in economic factors could lead to a weakened capacity of the issuer to repay.
 
Lower-Rated Debt Securities . Lower-rated debt securities or “junk bonds” are those rated below the fourth highest category (including those securities rated as low as D by S&P) or unrated securities of comparable quality. Securities rated below investment grade may be considered speculative. Securities rated B are judged to be predominantly speculative with respect to their capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligations. Although these securities generally offer higher yields than investment grade debt securities with similar maturities, lower-quality securities involve greater risks, including the possibility of default or bankruptcy by the issuer, or the securities may already be in default. See the additional risks described above for lower-rated debt securities.
 
Ratings Downgrades. Subsequent to its purchase by the Fund, the rating of an issue of debt securities may be reduced, so that the securities would no longer be eligible for purchase by the Fund.
 
Duration and Maturity.   Duration is a measure of the sensitivity of debt securities to changes in market interest rates, based on the entire cash flow associated with the securities, including payments occurring before the final repayment of principal.
 
For the Fund, the Manager utilizes duration as a tool in portfolio selection instead of the more traditional measure known as “term to maturity.” “Term to maturity” measures only the time until a debt security provides its final payment, taking no account of the pattern of the security’s payments prior to maturity. Duration incorporates a bond’s yield, coupon interest payments, final maturity and call features into one measure. Duration therefore provides a more accurate measurement of a bond’s likely price change in response to a given change in market interest rates. The longer the duration, the greater the bond’s price movement will be as interest rates change. For any fixed income security with interest payments occurring prior to the payment of principal, duration is always less than maturity.
 
Futures, options and options on futures have durations which are generally related to the duration of the securities underlying them. Holding long futures or call option positions will lengthen the Fund’s duration by approximately the same amount as would holding an equivalent amount of the underlying securities. Short futures or put options have durations roughly equal to the negative of the duration of the securities that underlie these positions, and have the effect of reducing portfolio duration by approximately the same amount as would selling an equivalent amount of the underlying securities.
 
There are some situations where even the standard duration calculation does not properly reflect the interest rate exposure of a security. For example, floating and variable rate securities often have final maturities of ten or more years; however, their interest rate exposure corresponds to the frequency of the coupon reset. Another example where the interest rate exposure is not properly captured by duration is the case of mortgage-backed securities. The stated final maturity of such securities is generally 30 years, but current and expected prepayment rates are critical in determining the securities’ interest rate exposure. In these and other similar situations, the Manager where permitted, will use more sophisticated analytical
 

 
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techniques that incorporate the economic life of a security into the determination of its interest rate exposure.
 
The Fund may invest in securities of any maturity and does not have a target average duration.

Policies and Limitations .   There are no restrictions as to the amount of the Fund’s assets that may be invested in fixed income securities or the ratings of such securities the Fund may acquire or the portion of its assets it may invest in debt securities in a particular ratings category.
 
U.S. Government and Agency Securities .   “U.S. Government Securities” are obligations of the U.S. Treasury backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.  Due to recent market turbulence, some investors have turned to the safety of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury, causing the prices of these securities to rise and their yields to decline.  As a result of this and other market influences, yields of short-term U.S. Treasury debt instruments are currently near historical lows.

“U.S. Government Agency Securities” are issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies, or by instrumentalities of the U.S. Government, such as the Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac (also known as the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation), Sallie Mae (also known as SLM Corp. and formerly known as the Student Loan Marketing Association), Federal Home Loan Banks (“FHLB”), and Tennessee Valley Authority.  Some U.S. Government Agency Securities are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States, while others may be supported by the issuer’s ability to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, subject to the U.S. Treasury’s discretion in certain cases, or only by the credit of the issuer.  Accordingly, there is at least a possibility of default.  U.S. Government Agency Securities include U.S. Government agency mortgage-backed securities.  (See “Mortgage-Backed Securities,” below.)  The market prices of U.S. Government Agency Securities are not guaranteed by the U.S. Government and generally fluctuate inversely with changing interest rates.

U.S. Government Agency Securities are deemed to include (i) securities for which the payment of principal and interest is backed by an irrevocable letter of credit issued by the U.S. Government, its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities and (ii) participations in loans made to foreign governments or their agencies that are so guaranteed.  The secondary market for certain of these participations is extremely limited.  In the absence of a suitable secondary market, such participations may therefore be regarded as illiquid.  

The Fund may invest in separately traded principal and interest components of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury.  The principal and interest components of selected securities are traded independently under the Separate Trading of Registered Interest and Principal of Securities (“STRIPS”) program.  Under the STRIPS program, the principal and interest components are individually numbered and separately issued by the U.S. Treasury at the request of depository financial institutions, which then trade the component parts independently.  The market prices of STRIPS generally are more volatile than that of U.S. Treasury bills with comparable maturities.

 
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Inflation-Indexed Securities .   The Fund may invest in U.S. Treasury securities the principal value of which is adjusted daily in accordance with changes to the Consumer Price Index. Such securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. Interest is calculated on the basis of the current adjusted principal value. The principal value of inflation-indexed securities declines in periods of deflation, but holders at maturity receive no less than par. If inflation is lower than expected during the period the Fund holds the security, the Fund may earn less on it than on a conventional bond.
 
Because the coupon rate on inflation-indexed securities is lower than fixed-rate U.S. Treasury securities, the Consumer Price Index would have to rise at least to the amount of the difference between the coupon rate of the fixed-rate U.S. Treasury issues and the coupon rate of the inflation-indexed securities, assuming all other factors are equal, in order for such securities to match the performance of the fixed-rate U.S. Treasury securities. Inflation-indexed securities are expected to react primarily to changes in the “real” interest rate ( i.e. , the nominal (or stated) rate less the rate of inflation), while a typical bond reacts to changes in the nominal interest rate. Accordingly, inflation-indexed securities have characteristics of fixed-rate U.S. Treasury securities having a shorter duration. Changes in market interest rates from causes other than inflation will likely affect the market prices of inflation-indexed securities in the same manner as conventional bonds.
 
Any increase in the principal value of an inflation-indexed security is taxable in the year the increase occurs, even though its holders do not receive cash representing the increase until the security matures. Because the Fund must distribute substantially all of its net income (including non-cash income attributable to those principal value increases) to its shareholders each taxable year to avoid payment of federal income and excise taxes, the Fund may have to dispose of other investments under disadvantageous circumstances to generate cash, or may be required to borrow, to satisfy its distribution requirements.
 
Banking and Savings Institution Securities .   These include CDs, time deposits, bankers’ acceptances, and other short-term and long-term debt obligations issued by commercial banks and savings institutions. The CDs, time deposits, and bankers’ acceptances in which the Fund invests typically are not covered by deposit insurance.
 
A certificate of deposit is a short-term negotiable certificate issued by a commercial bank against funds deposited in the bank and is either interest-bearing or purchased on a discount basis. A bankers’ acceptance is a short-term draft drawn on a commercial bank by a borrower, usually in connection with an international commercial transaction. The borrower is liable for payment as is the bank, which unconditionally guarantees to pay the draft at its face amount on the maturity date. Fixed time deposits are obligations of branches of U.S. banks or foreign banks that are payable at a stated maturity date and bear a fixed rate of interest. Although fixed time deposits do not have a market, there are no contractual restrictions on the right to transfer a beneficial interest in the deposit to a third party. Deposit notes are notes issued by commercial banks that generally bear fixed rates of interest and typically have original maturities ranging from eighteen months to five years.
 
Banks are subject to extensive governmental regulations that may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments that may be made and the interest rates and

 
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fees that may be charged. The profitability of this industry is largely dependent upon the availability and cost of capital, which can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change. Also, general economic conditions, consolidation and competition among banking and savings institutions play an important part in the operations of this industry and exposure to credit losses arising from possible financial difficulties of borrowers might affect a bank’s ability to meet its obligations. Bank obligations may be general obligations of the parent bank or may be limited to the issuing branch by the terms of the specific obligations or by government regulation.
 
In addition, securities of foreign banks and foreign branches of U.S. banks may involve investment risks in addition to those relating to domestic bank obligations. Such risks include future political and economic developments, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits, and the possible adoption of foreign governmental restrictions that might adversely affect the payment of principal and interest on such obligations. In addition, foreign branches of U.S. banks and foreign banks may be subject to less stringent reserve requirements and non-U.S. issuers generally are subject to different accounting, auditing, reporting and recordkeeping standards than those applicable to U.S. issuers.
 
Mortgage-Backed Securities .   Mortgage-backed securities represent direct or indirect participations in, or are secured by and payable from, pools of mortgage loans. Those securities may be guaranteed by a U.S. Government agency or instrumentality (such as Ginnie Mae); issued and guaranteed by government-sponsored stockholder-owned corporations, though not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States (such as by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, and described in greater detail below); or issued by fully private issuers. Private issuers are generally originators of and investors in mortgage loans and include savings associations, mortgage bankers, commercial banks, investment bankers, and special purpose entities. Private mortgage-backed securities may be supported by U.S. Government agency mortgage-backed securities or some form of non-governmental credit enhancement.
 
Government-related guarantors ( i.e. , not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government) include Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Fannie Mae is a government-sponsored corporation owned by stockholders. It is subject to general regulation by the Federal Housing Finance Authority (“FHFA”). Fannie Mae purchases residential mortgages from a list of approved seller/servicers that include state and federally chartered savings and loan associations, mutual savings banks, commercial banks and credit unions and mortgage bankers. Fannie Mae guarantees the timely payment of principal and interest on pass-through securities that it issues, but those securities are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.

Freddie Mac is a government-sponsored corporation formerly owned by the twelve Federal Home Loan Banks and now owned by stockholders. Freddie Mac issues Participation Certificates (“PCs”), which represent interests in mortgages from Freddie Mac’s national portfolio. Freddie Mac guarantees the timely payment of interest and ultimate collection of principal on the PCs it issues, but those PCs are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.

The U.S. Treasury has historically had the authority to purchase obligations of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.  In addition, in 2008, due to capitalization concerns, Congress provided the U.S. Treasury with additional authority to lend Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac emergency

 
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funds and to purchase the companies’ stock, as described below.  In September 2008, the U.S. Treasury and the FHFA announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac had been placed in conservatorship.

Since 2009, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have received significant capital support through U.S. Treasury preferred stock purchases and Federal Reserve purchases of their mortgage backed securities.  While the Federal Reserve’s purchases have terminated, the U.S. Treasury announced in December 2009 that it would continue its support for the entities’ capital as necessary to prevent a negative net worth through at least 2012. While the U.S. Treasury is committed to offset negative equity at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac through its preferred stock purchases through 2012, no assurance can be given that the Federal Reserve, U.S. Treasury, or FHFA initiatives discussed above will ensure that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will remain successful in meeting their obligations with respect to the debt and mortgage-backed securities they issue beyond that date. In addition, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac also are the subject of several continuing class action lawsuits and investigations by federal regulators over certain accounting, disclosure or corporate governance matters, which (along with any resulting financial restatements) may adversely affect the guaranteeing entities.  Importantly, the future of the entities is in serious question as the U.S. Government reportedly is considering multiple options, ranging on a spectrum from nationalization, privatization, consolidation, or abolishment of the entities.

Mortgage-backed securities may have either fixed or adjustable interest rates. Tax or regulatory changes may adversely affect the mortgage securities market. In addition, changes in the market’s perception of the issuer may affect the value of mortgage-backed securities. The rate of return on mortgage-backed securities may be affected by prepayments of principal on the underlying loans, which generally increase as market interest rates decline; as a result, when interest rates decline, holders of these securities normally do not benefit from appreciation in market value to the same extent as holders of other non-callable debt securities.
 
Because many mortgages are repaid early, the actual maturity and duration of mortgage-backed securities are typically shorter than their stated final maturity and their duration calculated solely on the basis of the stated life and payment schedule. In calculating its dollar-weighted average maturity and duration, the Fund may apply certain industry conventions regarding the maturity and duration of mortgage-backed instruments. Different analysts use different models and assumptions in making these determinations. The Fund uses an approach that the Manager believes is reasonable in light of all relevant circumstances. If this determination is not borne out in practice, it could positively or negatively affect the value of the Fund when market interest rates change. Increasing market interest rates generally extend the effective maturities of mortgage-backed securities, increasing their sensitivity to interest rate changes.
 
Mortgage-backed securities may be issued in the form of collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) or collateralized mortgage-backed bonds (“CBOs”). CMOs are obligations that are fully collateralized, directly or indirectly, by a pool of mortgages; payments of principal and interest on the mortgages are passed through to the holders of the CMOs, although not necessarily on a pro rata basis, on the same schedule as they are received. CBOs are general obligations of the issuer that are fully collateralized, directly or indirectly, by a pool
 

 
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of mortgages. The mortgages serve as collateral for the issuer’s payment obligations on the bonds, but interest and principal payments on the mortgages are not passed through either directly (as with mortgage-backed “pass-through” securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies or instrumentalities) or on a modified basis (as with CMOs). Accordingly, a change in the rate of prepayments on the pool of mortgages could change the effective maturity or the duration of a CMO but not that of a CBO (although, like many bonds, CBOs may be callable by the issuer prior to maturity). To the extent that rising interest rates cause prepayments to occur at a slower than expected rate, a CMO could be converted into a longer-term security that is subject to greater risk of price volatility.
 
Governmental, government-related, and private entities (such as commercial banks, savings institutions, private mortgage insurance companies, mortgage bankers, and other secondary market issuers, including securities broker-dealers and special purpose entities that generally are affiliates of the foregoing established to issue such securities) may create mortgage loan pools to back CMOs and CBOs. Such issuers may be the originators and/or servicers of the underlying mortgage loans, as well as the guarantors of the mortgage-backed securities. Pools created by non-governmental issuers generally offer a higher rate of interest than governmental and government-related pools because of the absence of direct or indirect government or agency guarantees. Various forms of insurance or guarantees, including individual loan, title, pool, and hazard insurance and letters of credit, may support timely payment of interest and principal of non-governmental pools. Governmental entities, private insurers, and mortgage poolers issue these forms of insurance and guarantees. The Manager considers such insurance and guarantees, as well as the creditworthiness of the issuers thereof, in determining whether a mortgage-backed security meets the Fund’s investment quality standards. There can be no assurance that private insurers or guarantors can meet their obligations under insurance policies or guarantee arrangements. The Fund may buy mortgage-backed securities without insurance or guarantees, if the Manager determines that the securities meet the Fund’s quality standards. The Manager will, consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives, policies and limitations and quality standards, consider making investments in new types of mortgage-backed securities as such securities are developed and offered to investors.
 
Policies and Limitations.   The Fund may not purchase mortgage-backed securities that, in the Manager’s opinion, are illiquid if, as a result, more than 15% of the Fund’s net assets would be invested in illiquid securities.
 
Freddie Mac Collateralized Mortgage Obligations . Freddie Mac CMOs are debt obligations of Freddie Mac issued in multiple tranches having different maturity dates that are secured by the pledge of a pool of conventional mortgage loans purchased by Freddie Mac. Unlike Freddie Mac PCs, payments of principal and interest on the CMOs are made semiannually, as opposed to monthly. The amount of principal payable on each semiannual payment date is determined in accordance with Freddie Mac’s mandatory sinking fund schedule, which, in turn, is equal to approximately 100% of FHA prepayment experience applied to the mortgage collateral pool. All sinking fund payments in the CMOs are allocated to the retirement of the individual tranches of bonds in the order of their stated maturities. Payment of principal on the mortgage loans in the collateral pool in excess of the amount of Freddie Mac’s minimum sinking fund obligation for any payment date are paid to the holders of the CMOs as additional

 
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sinking fund payments. This “pass-through” of prepayments has the effect of retiring most CMO tranches prior to their stated final maturity.

If collection of principal (including prepayments) on the mortgage loans during any semiannual payment period is not sufficient to meet Freddie Mac’s minimum sinking fund obligation on the next sinking fund payment date, Freddie Mac agrees to make up the deficiency from its general funds.

Criteria for the mortgage loans in the pool backing the Freddie Mac CMOs are identical to those of Freddie Mac PCs. Freddie Mac has the right to substitute collateral in the event of delinquencies and/or defaults.

Other Mortgage-Related Securities .   Other mortgage-related securities include securities other than those described above that directly or indirectly represent a participation in, or are secured by and payable from, mortgage loans on real property, including stripped mortgage-backed securities. Other mortgage-related securities may be equity or debt securities issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations, homebuilders, mortgage banks, commercial banks, investment banks, partnerships, trusts and special purpose entities of the foregoing.

Real Estate-Related Instruments .   Real estate-related instruments include shares of real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), commercial and residential mortgage-backed securities and real estate financings. Such instruments are sensitive to factors such as real estate values and property taxes, interest rates, cash flow of underlying real estate assets, overbuilding, and the management skill and creditworthiness of the issuer. Real estate-related instruments may also be affected by tax and regulatory requirements, such as those relating to the environment.
 
Equity REITs own real estate properties, while mortgage REITs make construction, development, and long-term mortgage loans. Their value may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property or the quality of the credit extended. Both types of REITs are dependent upon management skill, are not diversified, and are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers, self-liquidation, and the possibility of failing to qualify for conduit income tax treatment under the Code, and failing to maintain exemption from the 1940 Act.
 
REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are subject to interest rate risk. Rising interest rates may cause REIT investors to demand a higher annual yield, which may, in turn, cause a decline in the market price of the equity securities issued by a REIT. Rising interest rates also generally increase the costs of obtaining financing, which could cause the value of the Fund’s REIT investments to decline. During periods when interest rates are declining, mortgages are often refinanced. Refinancing may reduce the yield on investments in mortgage REITs. In addition, since REITs depend on payment under their mortgage loans and leases to generate cash to make distributions to their shareholders, investments in REITs may be adversely affected by defaults on such mortgage loans or leases.
 

 
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The shares of a REIT are subject to its management fees and other expenses. Therefore, investments in REITs would cause the Fund to bear its proportionate share of the costs of the REITs’ operations. At the same time, the Fund will continue to pay its own management fees and expenses with respect to all of its assets, including any portion invested in the shares of REITs. The Fund does not intend to invest in REITs unless, in the judgment of the Manager, the potential benefits of such investment justify the payment of any applicable fees.
 
Asset-Backed Securities . Asset-backed securities represent direct or indirect participations in, or are secured by and payable from, pools of assets such as, among other things, motor vehicle installment sales contracts, installment loan contracts, leases of various types of real and personal property, and receivables from revolving credit (credit card) agreements, or a combination of the foregoing. These assets are securitized through the use of trusts and special purpose corporations. Credit enhancements, such as various forms of cash collateral accounts or letters of credit, may support payments of principal and interest on asset-backed securities. Although these securities may be supported by letters of credit or other credit enhancements, payment of interest and principal ultimately depends upon individuals paying the underlying loans, which may be affected adversely by general downturns in the economy. Asset-backed securities are subject to the same risk of prepayment described with respect to mortgage-backed securities. The risk that recovery on repossessed collateral might be unavailable or inadequate to support payments, however, is greater for asset-backed securities than for mortgage-backed securities.
 
Certificates for Automobile Receivables SM (“CARS SM ”) represent undivided fractional interests in a trust whose assets consist of a pool of motor vehicle retail installment sales contracts and security interests in the vehicles securing those contracts. Payments of principal and interest on the underlying contracts are passed through monthly to certificate holders and are guaranteed up to specified amounts by a letter of credit issued by a financial institution unaffiliated with the trustee or originator of the trust. Underlying installment sales contracts are subject to prepayment, which may reduce the overall return to certificate holders. Certificate holders also may experience delays in payment or losses on CARS SM if the trust does not realize the full amounts due on underlying installment sales contracts because of unanticipated legal or administrative costs of enforcing the contracts; depreciation, damage, or loss of the vehicles securing the contracts; or other factors.
 
Credit card receivable securities are backed by receivables from revolving credit card agreements (“Accounts”). Credit balances on Accounts are generally paid down more rapidly than are automobile contracts. Most of the credit card receivable securities issued publicly to date have been pass-through certificates. In order to lengthen their maturity or duration, most such securities provide for a fixed period during which only interest payments on the underlying Accounts are passed through to the security holder; principal payments received on the Accounts are used to fund the transfer of additional credit card charges made on the Accounts to the pool of assets supporting the securities. Usually, the initial fixed period may be shortened if specified events occur which signal a potential deterioration in the quality of the assets backing the security, such as the imposition of a cap on interest rates. An issuer’s ability to extend the life of an issue of credit card receivable securities thus depends on the continued generation of principal amounts in the underlying Accounts and the non-occurrence of the specified events. The non-deductibility of consumer interest, as well as competitive and general economic factors, could
 

 
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adversely affect the rate at which new receivables are created in an Account and conveyed to an issuer, thereby shortening the expected weighted average life of the related security and reducing its yield. An acceleration in cardholders’ payment rates or any other event that shortens the period during which additional credit card charges on an Account may be transferred to the pool of assets supporting the related security could have a similar effect on its weighted average life and yield.
 
Credit cardholders are entitled to the protection of state and federal consumer credit laws. Many of those laws give a holder the right to set off certain amounts against balances owed on the credit card, thereby reducing amounts paid on Accounts. In addition, unlike the collateral for most other asset-backed securities, Accounts are unsecured obligations of the cardholder.
 
The Fund may invest in trust preferred securities, which are a type of asset-backed security. Trust preferred securities represent interests in a trust formed by a parent company to finance its operations. The trust sells preferred shares and invests the proceeds in debt securities of the parent. This debt may be subordinated and unsecured. Dividend payments on the trust preferred securities match the interest payments on the debt securities; if no interest is paid on the debt securities, the trust will not make current payments on its preferred securities. Unlike typical asset-backed securities, which have many underlying payors and are usually overcollateralized, trust preferred securities have only one underlying payor and are not overcollateralized. Issuers of trust preferred securities and their parents currently enjoy favorable tax treatment. If the tax characterization of trust preferred securities were to change, they could be redeemed by the issuers, which could result in a loss to the Fund.
 
Dollar Rolls . In a “dollar roll,” the Fund sells securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously agrees to repurchase substantially similar ( i.e. , same type and coupon) securities on a specified future date from the same party. During the period before the repurchase, the Fund forgoes principal and interest payments on the securities. The Fund is compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as the “drop”), as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale. Dollar rolls may increase fluctuations in the Fund’s NAV and may be viewed as a form of leverage. A “covered roll” is a specific type of dollar roll in which the Fund holds an offsetting cash position or a cash-equivalent securities position that matures on or before the forward settlement date of the dollar roll transaction. There is a risk that the counterparty will be unable or unwilling to complete the transaction as scheduled, which may result in losses to the Fund. The Manager monitors the creditworthiness of counterparties to dollar rolls.
 
Policies and Limitations. Dollar rolls are considered borrowings for purposes of the Fund’s investment policies and limitations concerning borrowings.
 
Lower-Rated Debt Securities . Lower-rated debt securities or “junk bonds” are those rated below the fourth highest category (including those securities rated as low as D by S&P) or unrated securities of comparable quality.  Securities rated below investment grade may be considered speculative. These securities are deemed to be predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Lower-rated debt securities generally offer a higher current yield than that available for investment grade issues with similar
 

 
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maturities, but they may involve significant risk under adverse conditions. In particular, adverse changes in general economic conditions and in the industries in which the issuers are engaged and changes in the financial condition of the issuers are more likely to cause price volatility and weaken the capacity of the issuer to make principal and interest payments than is the case for higher-grade debt securities. In addition, to the extent the Fund invests in lower-quality securities, it may incur additional expenses to the extent recovery is sought on defaulted securities. Because of the many risks involved in investing in lower-rated debt securities, the success of such investments is dependent on the credit analysis of the Manager.
 
During periods of economic downturn or rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers may experience financial stress which could adversely affect their ability to make payments of interest and principal and increase the possibility of default. In addition, such issuers may not have more traditional methods of financing available to them and may be unable to repay debt at maturity by refinancing. The risk of loss due to default by such issuers is significantly greater because such securities frequently are unsecured and subordinated to the prior payment of senior indebtedness.
 
At certain times in the past, the market for lower-rated debt securities has expanded rapidly in recent years, and its growth generally paralleled a long economic expansion. In the past, the prices of many lower-rated debt securities declined substantially, reflecting an expectation that many issuers of such securities might experience financial difficulties. As a result, the yields on lower-rated debt securities rose dramatically. However, such higher yields did not reflect the value of the income stream that holders of such securities expected, but rather the risk that holders of such securities could lose a substantial portion of their value as a result of the issuers’ financial restructuring or defaults. There can be no assurance that such declines will not recur.
 
The market for lower-rated debt issues generally is thinner or less active than that for higher quality securities, which may limit the Fund’s ability to sell such securities at fair value in response to changes in the economy or financial markets. Judgment may play a greater role in pricing such securities than it does for more liquid securities. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may also decrease the values and liquidity of lower rated debt securities, especially in a thinly traded market.
 
The Fund may invest in securities whose ratings imply an imminent risk of default with respect to such payments.  Issuers of securities in default may fail to resume principal or interest payments, in which case the Fund may lose its entire investment.
 
See Appendix A for further information about the ratings of debt securities assigned by S&P and Moody’s.
 
Policies and Limitations . The Fund does not normally invest in or continue to hold securities that are in default or have defaulted with respect to the payment of interest or repayment of principal but may do so depending on market conditions.  The Fund considers bonds rated by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating agency (“NRSRO”) below the fourth highest category to be lower-rated securities or “junk bonds.”
 

 
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Direct Debt Instruments . Direct debt includes interests in bank loans, notes and other interests in amounts owed to financial institutions by borrowers, such as companies and governments, including emerging market countries. Direct debt instruments are interests in amounts owed by corporate, governmental, or other borrowers (including emerging market countries) to lenders or lending syndicates. Purchasers of loans and other forms of direct indebtedness depend primarily upon the creditworthiness of the borrower for payment of principal and interest. The borrower may be in financial distress or may default or have a right to borrow additional cash from the owners of direct debt. If the Fund does not receive scheduled interest or principal payments on such indebtedness, the Fund’s share price and yield could be adversely affected. Direct debt instruments may involve a risk of insolvency of the lending bank or intermediary. In addition, there may be fewer legal protections for owners of direct debt than conventional debt securities.  Direct indebtedness of developing countries involves a risk that the governmental entities responsible for the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to pay interest and repay principal when due. See the additional risks described under “Foreign Securities” in this SAI.
 
Direct debt instruments may have floating interest rates.  These interest rates will vary depending on the terms of the underlying loan and market conditions.
 
Policies and Limitations. To the extent direct debt is deemed illiquid, such an investment is subject to the Fund’s 15% limitation on illiquid securities.
 
Bank Loans, Loan Assignments, and Loan Participations .   Floating rate securities, including bank loans, provide for automatic adjustment of the interest rate at fixed intervals ( e.g ., daily, weekly, monthly, or semi-annually) or automatic adjustment of the interest rate whenever a specified interest rate or index changes. The interest rate on floating rate securities ordinarily is determined by reference to LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate), a particular bank’s prime rate, the 90-day U.S. Treasury Bill rate, the rate of return on commercial paper or bank CDs, an index of short-term tax-exempt rates or some other objective measure.
 
Bank loan interests are a form of direct debt instrument in which the Fund may invest by taking an assignment of all or a portion of an interest in a loan previously held by another institution or by acquiring a participation in an interest in a loan that continues to be held by another institution.  The Fund may invest in secured and unsecured bank loans.  Bank loans are subject to the same risks as other direct debt instruments discussed above and carry additional risks described in this section.
 
Creditworthiness .  The Fund’s ability to receive payments in connection with bank loans depends on the financial condition of the borrower. The Manager will not rely solely on another lending institution’s credit analysis of the borrower, but will perform its own investment analysis of the borrowers. The Manager’s analysis may include consideration of the borrower’s financial strength, managerial experience, debt coverage, additional borrowing requirements or debt maturity schedules, changing financial conditions, and responsiveness to changes in business conditions and interest rates. Indebtedness of borrowers whose creditworthiness is poor involves substantially greater risks and may be highly speculative.  Borrowers that are in bankruptcy or restructuring may never pay off their indebtedness, or may pay only a small fraction of the amount owed.  In connection with the restructuring of a bank loan or other direct debt instrument
 

 
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outside of bankruptcy court in a negotiated work-out or in the context of bankruptcy proceedings, equity securities or junior debt securities may be received in exchange for all or a portion of an interest in the security.
 
Ratings .  Bank loan interests may not be rated by independent rating agencies and therefore, investments in a particular loan participation may depend almost exclusively on the credit analysis of the borrower performed by the Manager.
 
Agents.   Bank loans are typically administered by a bank, insurance company, finance company or other financial institution (the “agent”) for a lending syndicate of financial institutions.  In a typical bank loan, the agent administers the terms of the loan agreement and is responsible for the collection of principal and interest and fee payments from the borrower and the apportionment of these payments to all lenders that are parties to the loan agreement.  In addition, an institution (which may be the agent) may hold collateral on behalf of the lenders.  Typically, under loan agreements, the agent is given broad authority in monitoring the borrower’s performance and is obligated to use the same care it would use in the management of its own property.  In asserting rights against a borrower, the Fund normally will be dependent on the willingness of the lead bank to assert these rights, or upon a vote of all the lenders to authorize the action.
 
If an agent becomes insolvent, or has a receiver, conservator, or similar official appointed for it by the appropriate regulatory authority, or becomes a debtor in a bankruptcy proceeding, the agent’s appointment may be terminated and a successor agent would be appointed.  If an appropriate regulator or court determines that assets held by the agent for the benefit of the purchasers of bank loans are subject to the claims of the agent’s general or secured creditors, the purchasers might incur certain costs and delays in realizing payment on a bank loan or suffer a loss of principal and/or interest.
 
Collateral. Although most of the loans in which the Fund invests are secured, there is no assurance that the collateral can be promptly liquidated, or that its liquidation value will be equal to the value of the debt. In most loan agreements there is no formal requirement to pledge additional collateral if the value of the initial collateral declines.  As a result, a bank loan may not always be fully collateralized and can decline significantly in value.
 
If a borrower becomes insolvent, access to collateral may be limited by bankruptcy and other laws.  Borrowers that are in bankruptcy may pay only a small portion of the amount owed, if they are able to pay at all. If a secured loan is foreclosed, the Fund will likely be required to bear the costs and liabilities associated with owning and disposing of the collateral.  There is also a possibility that the Fund will become the owner of its pro rata share of the collateral which may carry additional risks and liabilities.  In addition, under legal theories of lender liability, the Fund potentially might be held liable as a co-lender.
 
Some bank loans are unsecured.  If the borrower defaults on an unsecured bank loan, the Fund will be a general creditor and will not have rights to any specific assets of the borrower.
 

 
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Liquidity. Bank loans are generally subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale.  Bank loans are not currently listed on any securities exchange or automatic quotation system.  As a result, there may not be a recognized, liquid public market for bank loan interests.
 
Prepayment Risk and Maturity .  Because many bank loans are repaid early, the actual maturity of bank loans is typically shorter than their stated final maturity calculated solely on the basis of the stated life and payment schedule. The degree to which borrowers prepay bank loans, whether as a contractual requirement or at their election, may be affected by general business conditions, market interest rates, the borrower’s financial condition and competitive conditions among lenders.  Such prepayments may require the Fund to replace an investment with a lower yielding security which may have an adverse affect on the Fund’s share price.  Prepayments cannot be predicted with accuracy.  Floating rate bank loans can be less sensitive to prepayment risk, but the Fund’s net asset value may still fluctuate in response to interest rate changes because variable interest rates may only reset periodically and may not rise or decline as much as interest rates in general.
 
Restrictive Covenants.   A borrower must comply with various restrictive covenants in a loan agreement such as restrictions on dividend payments and limits on total debt.  The loan agreement may also contain a covenant requiring the borrower to prepay the bank loan with any free cash flow.  A breach of a covenant is normally an event of default, which provides the agent or the lenders the right to call the outstanding bank loan.
 
Fees and Expenses .  Purchasers and sellers of bank loans may pay certain fees, such as an assignment fee.  In addition, the Fund incurs expenses associated with researching and analyzing potential bank loan investments, including legal fees.
 
Available Information. Bank loans normally are not registered with the SEC or any state securities commission or listed on any securities exchange. As a result, the amount of public information available about a specific bank loan historically has been less extensive than if the bank loan were registered or exchange traded.
 
Leveraged Buy-Out Transactions.   Loans purchased by the Fund may represent interests in loans made to finance highly leveraged corporate acquisitions, known as “leveraged buy-out” transactions, leveraged recapitalization loans and other types of acquisition financing.  The highly leveraged capital structure of the borrowers in such transactions may make such loans especially vulnerable to adverse changes in economic or market conditions.
 
Junior Loans.   The Fund may invest in second lien secured loans and secured and unsecured subordinated loans, including bridge loans (“Junior Loans”). In the event of a bankruptcy or liquidation, second lien secured loans are generally paid only if the value of the borrower’s assets is sufficient to satisfy the company's obligations to the first lien secured lenders.  Second lien secured loans give investors priority over general unsecured creditors in the event of an asset sale.
 
Junior Loans are subject to the same general risks inherent to any loan investment, including credit risk, market and liquidity risk, and interest rate risk. Due to their lower place in
 

 
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the borrower’s capital structure, Junior Loans involve a higher degree of overall risk than senior loans of the same borrower.
 
Bridge Loans.   Bridge loans or bridge facilities are short-term loan arrangements ( e.g ., 12 to 18 months) typically made by a borrower in anticipation of intermediate-term or long-term permanent financing. Most bridge loans are structured as floating-rate debt with step-up provisions under which the interest rate on the bridge loan rises over time.  Thus, the longer the loan remains outstanding, the more the interest rate increases. In addition, bridge loans commonly contain a conversion feature that allows the bridge loan investor to convert its loan interest into senior exchange notes if the loan has not been prepaid in full on or prior to its maturity date. Bridge loans may be subordinate to other debt and may be secured or unsecured. Like any loan, bridge loans involve credit risk. Bridge loans are generally made with the expectation that the borrower will be able to obtain permanent financing in the near future. Any delay in obtaining permanent financing subjects the bridge loan investor to increased risk. A borrower’s use of bridge loans also involves the risk that the borrower may be unable to locate permanent financing to replace the bridge loan, which may impair the borrower’s perceived creditworthiness.
 
Participation Interests – Intermediary Risk .  In a participation interest, the purchaser does not have any direct contractual relationship with the borrower.  If the Fund acquires a participation interest in a bank loan, the Fund may not be able to control the exercise of any remedies that the lender would have under the loan.  In addition, the Fund normally will have to rely on the participating lender to demand and receive payments in respect of the loans, and to pay those amounts on to the Fund; the Fund will be subject to the risk that the lender may be unwilling or unable to do so.  In such a case, the Fund would not likely have any rights against the borrower directly.
 
Policies and Limitations . Neither Fund intends to invest in loan instruments that could require additional investments upon the borrower’s demand.
 
The Fund’s policies limit the percentage of its assets that can be invested in the securities of one issuer or in issuers primarily involved in one industry. Legal interpretations by the SEC staff may require the Fund to treat both the lending bank and the borrower as “issuers” of a loan participation by the Fund. In combination, the Fund’s policies and the SEC staff’s interpretations may limit the amount the Fund can invest in loan participations.
 
For purposes of determining its dollar-weighted average maturity, the Fund calculates the remaining maturity of bank loans on the basis of the stated life and payment schedule.
 
Stripped Securities . Stripped Securities are the separate income or principal components of a debt security. The risks associated with stripped securities are similar to those of other debt securities, although stripped securities may be more volatile, and the value of certain types of stripped securities may move in the same direction as interest rates. U.S. Treasury securities that have been stripped by a Federal Reserve Bank are obligations issued by the U.S. Treasury.
 
Privately stripped government securities are created when a dealer deposits a U.S. Treasury security or other U.S. Government security with a custodian for safekeeping. The
 

 
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custodian issues separate receipts for the coupon payments and the principal payment, which the dealer then sells. These coupons are not obligations of the U.S. Treasury.
 
Stripped Mortgage Backed Securities (SMBS) . SMBS are derivative multi-class mortgage securities. SMBS may be issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government, or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations, mortgage banks, commercial banks, investment banks and special purpose entities of the foregoing.
 
SMBS are usually structured with two classes that receive different proportions of the interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage assets. A common type of SMBS will have one class receiving some of the interest and most of the principal from the mortgage assets, while the other class will receive most of the interest and the remainder of the principal. In the most extreme case, one class will receive all of the interest (the interest-only or “IO” class), while the other class will receive all of the principal (the principal-only or “PO” class). The yield to maturity on an IO class is extremely sensitive to the rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the related underlying mortgage assets, and a rapid rate of principal payments may have a material adverse effect on the Fund’s yield to maturity from these securities. If the underlying mortgage assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, the Fund may fail to recoup some or all of its initial investment in these securities even if the security is in one of the highest rating categories.
 
Although SMBS are purchased and sold by institutional investors through several investment banking firms acting as brokers or dealers, these securities were only recently developed. As a result, established trading markets have not yet developed and, accordingly, these securities may be deemed “illiquid” and subject to the Fund’s limitations on investment in illiquid securities.
 
Variable or Floating Rate Securities; Demand and Put Features . Variable rate and floating rate securities provide for automatic adjustment of the interest rate at fixed intervals (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly, or semi-annually) or automatic adjustment of the interest rate whenever a specified interest rate or index changes. The interest rate on variable and floating rate securities (collectively, “Adjustable Rate Securities”) ordinarily is determined by reference to a particular bank’s prime rate, the 90-day U.S. Treasury Bill rate, the rate of return on commercial paper or bank CDs, an index of short-term tax-exempt rates or some other objective measure.
 
Adjustable Rate Securities frequently permit the holder to demand payment of the obligations’ principal and accrued interest at any time or at specified intervals not exceeding one year. The demand feature usually is backed by a credit instrument (e.g., a bank letter of credit) from a creditworthy issuer and sometimes by insurance from a creditworthy insurer. In purchasing these securities, the Fund relies primarily on the creditworthiness of the credit instrument issuer or the insurer. The Fund can also buy fixed rate securities accompanied by a demand feature or by a put option, which permits the Fund to sell the security to the issuer or third party at a specified price. The Fund may rely on the creditworthiness of issuers of the credit enhancements in purchasing these securities.
 

 
40

 

Commercial Paper .  Commercial paper is a short-term debt security issued by a corporation or bank, usually for purposes such as financing current operations. The Fund may invest in commercial paper that cannot be resold to the public without an effective registration statement under the 1933 Act. While some restricted commercial paper normally is deemed illiquid, the Manager may in certain cases determine that such paper is liquid, pursuant to guidelines established by the Fund Trustees.
 
Policies and Limitations . The Fund may invest in commercial paper only if it has received the highest rating from S&P (A-1) or Moody’s (P-1) or is deemed by the Manager to be of comparable quality.  The Fund may also invest in such commercial paper as a defensive measure, to increase liquidity, or as needed for segregated assets.
 
Zero Coupon Securities .  The Fund may invest in zero coupon securities, which are debt obligations that do not entitle the holder to any periodic payment of interest prior to maturity or that specify a future date when the securities begin to pay current interest. Zero coupon securities are issued and traded at a discount from their face amount or par value (known as “original issue discount” or “OID”). OID varies depending on prevailing interest rates, the time remaining until cash payments begin, the liquidity of the security, and the perceived credit quality of the issuer.
 
OID must be included in the Fund’s gross income ratably prior to the receipt of any actual payments. Because the Fund must distribute substantially all of its net income (including its accrued OID) to its shareholders each year for federal income and excise tax purposes, it may have to dispose of portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances to generate cash, or may be required to borrow, to satisfy the distribution requirements. See “Additional Tax Information.”
 
The market prices of zero coupon securities generally are more volatile than the prices of securities that pay interest periodically. Zero coupon securities are likely to respond to changes in interest rates to a greater degree than other types of debt securities having a similar maturity and credit quality.
 
Convertible Securities .  The Fund may invest in convertible securities. A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock, or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. Convertible securities generally have features of both common stocks and debt securities. A convertible security entitles the holder to receive the interest paid or accrued on debt or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, such securities ordinarily provide a stream of income with generally higher yields than common stocks of the same or similar issuers, but lower than the yield on non-convertible debt. Convertible securities are usually subordinated to comparable-tier non-convertible securities but rank senior to common stock in a corporation’s capital structure. The value of a convertible security is a function of (1) its yield in comparison to the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege and (2) its worth if converted into the underlying common stock.
 
The price of a convertible security often reflects variations in the price of the underlying common stock in a way that non-convertible debt may not. Convertible securities are typically issued by smaller capitalization companies whose stock prices may be volatile. A convertible
 

 
41

 

security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the security’s governing instrument. If a convertible security held by the Fund is called for redemption, the Fund will be required to convert it into the underlying common stock, sell it to a third party or permit the issuer to redeem the security. Any of these actions could have an adverse effect on the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objectives.
 
Policies and Limitations .   Convertible securities are considered equity securities for purposes of the Fund’s non-fundamental policy to invest at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities.  Convertible debt securities are subject to the Fund’s investment policies and limitations concerning fixed income securities.
 
Preferred Stock .  The Fund may invest in preferred stock. Unlike interest payments on debt securities, dividends on preferred stock are generally payable at the discretion of the issuer’s board of directors. Preferred shareholders may have certain rights if dividends are not paid but generally have no legal recourse against the issuer. Shareholders may suffer a loss of value if dividends are not paid. The market prices of preferred stocks are generally more sensitive to changes in the issuer’s creditworthiness than are the prices of debt securities.
 
Warrants and Rights . Warrants and rights may be acquired by the Fund in connection with other securities or separately.  Warrants are securities permitting, but not obligating, their holder to subscribe for other securities or commodities at a later date.  Rights are similar to warrants but typically are issued by a company to existing holders of its stock and provide those holders the right to purchase additional shares of stock at a later date.  Rights also normally have a shorter duration than warrants.  Warrants and rights do not carry with them the right to dividends or voting rights with respect to the securities that they entitle their holder to purchase, and they do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuer. As a result, warrants and rights may be considered more speculative than certain other types of investments. In addition, the value of a warrant or right does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities.  The purchase of warrants or rights involves the risk that the Fund could lose the purchase value of a warrant or right if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not exercised prior to the warrants’ and rights’ expiration date since warrants and rights cease to have value if they are not exercised prior to their expiration date. Also, the purchase of warrants and rights involves the risk that the effective price paid for the warrants or rights added to the subscription price of the related security may exceed the value of the subscribed security’s market price such as when there is no movement in the price of the underlying security.  The market for warrants or rights may be very limited and it may be difficult to sell them promptly at an acceptable price.
 
Swap Agreements .  The Fund may enter into swap agreements to manage or gain exposure to particular types of investments (including equity securities or indices of equity securities in which the Fund otherwise could not invest efficiently). In a swap agreement, one party agrees to make regular payments equal to a floating rate on a specified amount in exchange for payments equal to a fixed rate, or a different floating rate, on the same amount for a specified period.
 
Swap agreements may be illiquid.  Swap agreements may involve leverage and may be highly volatile; depending on how they are used, they may have a considerable impact on the Fund’s performance. The risks of swap agreements depend upon the Fund’s ability to terminate its swap agreements or reduce its exposure through offsetting transactions. Moreover, the use of
 

 
42

 

a swap agreement also involves the risk that a loss may be sustained as a result of the insolvency or bankruptcy of the counterparty or the failure of the counterparty to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the agreement. If a firm's creditworthiness declines, the value of the agreement might decline, potentially resulting in losses. Changing conditions in a particular market area, such as those recently experienced in the subprime mortgage market, whether or not directly related to the referenced assets that underlie the swap agreement, may have an adverse impact on the creditworthiness of the counterparty. For example, the counterparty may have experienced losses as a result of its exposure to the subprime market that adversely affect its creditworthiness. If a default occurs by the other party to such transaction, the Fund may have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction.
 
The swaps market was largely unregulated prior to the enactment of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) on July 21, 2010. It is possible that developments in the swaps market, including government regulation, could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to terminate existing swap agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements.
 
Policies and Limitations . In accordance with SEC staff requirements, the Fund will segregate cash or appropriate liquid securities in an amount equal to its obligations under swap agreements; when an agreement provides for netting of the payments by the two parties, the Fund will segregate only the amount of its net obligation, if any.
 
Canadian Income Trusts .   Canadian income trusts commonly hold debt or equity securities in, or are entitled to receive royalties from, an underlying active business. The income trust structure is typically adopted by businesses that require a limited amount of capital in maintenance and that generate stable cash flows. The value of an income trust can rise or fall for the same reasons that affect equity securities or because of changes to interest rates.
 
An investment in units of Canadian income trusts is not the equivalent of owning shares in a corporation.  Unit holders do not have the statutory rights normally associated with owning shares in a corporation.  Investments in income trusts will have varying degrees of risk depending on the sector and the underlying assets.  They will also be subject to general risks associated with business cycles, commodity prices, interest rates and other economic factors.  Typically, income trusts are more volatile than fixed-income securities and preferred shares.  The value of income trust units may decline significantly if they are unable to meet distribution targets.  To the extent that claims against an income trust are not satisfied by the trust, investors in the income trust (including the Fund that invests in the income trust) could be held responsible for such obligations.  Certain, but not all, jurisdictions have enacted legislation to protect investors from some of this liability. There is also a risk that the tax rules relating to income trusts may change in a way that is negative to income trust investors.
 
Master Limited Partnerships . Master limited partnerships (“MLPs”) are limited partnerships (or similar entities) in which the ownership units ( e.g. , limited partnership interests) are publicly traded. MLP units are registered with the SEC and are freely traded on a securities exchange or in the OTC market. Many MLPs operate in the oil and gas related businesses, including energy processing and distribution.  Many MLPs are pass-through entities that
 

 
43

 

generally are taxed at the unitholder level and are not subject to federal or state income tax at the entity level. Annual income, gains, losses, deductions and credits of an MLP pass through directly to its unitholders. Distributions from an MLP may consist in part of a return of capital. Generally, an MLP is operated under the supervision of one or more general partners. Limited partners are not involved in the day-to-day management of an MLP.
 
Investing in MLPs involves certain risks related to investing in the underlying assets of the MLPs and risks associated with pooled investment vehicles. MLPs holding credit-related investments are subject to interest rate risk and the risk of default on payment obligations by debt issuers. MLPs that concentrate in a particular industry or a particular geographic region are subject to risks associated with such industry or region. Investments held by MLPs may be relatively illiquid, limiting the MLPs’ ability to vary their portfolios promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions. MLPs may have limited financial resources, their securities may trade infrequently and in limited volume, and they may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than securities of larger or more broadly based companies.
 
The risks of investing in an MLP are generally those inherent in investing in a partnership as opposed to a corporation. For example, state law governing partnerships is often less restrictive than state law governing corporations. Accordingly, there may be fewer protections afforded investors in an MLP than investors in a corporation. Although unitholders of an MLP are generally limited in their liability, similar to a corporation’s shareholders, creditors typically have the right to seek the return of distributions made to unitholders if the liability in question arose before the distributions were paid. This liability may stay attached to a unitholder even after it sells its units.
 
Money Market Fund Securities .   The Fund may invest a significant amount of its assets in the shares of money market funds, as consistent with its investment objective and policies.  The shares of money market funds are subject to the management fees and other expenses of those funds. Therefore, investments in money market funds will cause the Fund to bear proportionately the costs incurred by the money market funds’ operations. At the same time, the Fund will continue to pay its own management fees and expenses with respect to all of its assets, including any portion invested in the shares of other investment companies.
 
Investment in other investment companies may involve the payment of substantial premiums above the value of such issuer’s portfolio securities.  The Fund does not intend to invest in such investment companies unless, in the judgment of the Manager, the potential benefits of such investment justify the payment of any applicable premium or sales charge.
 
Although money market funds that operate in accordance with Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act seek to preserve a $1.00 share price, it is possible for the Fund to lose money by investing in money market funds.
 
Other Investment Company Securities .  The Fund may invest in shares of other investment companies (including shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”)).  When making such an investment, the Fund will be indirectly exposed to all the risks of such investment companies. Such an investment may be the most practical or only manner in which the Fund can participate in certain foreign markets because of the expenses involved or because other vehicles for investing in those countries may not be available at the time the Fund is ready to make an investment. The Fund
 

 
44

 

at times may invest in instruments structured as shares of investment companies to gain exposure to the performance of a recognized securities index, such as the S&P 500 Index.
 
As a shareholder in an investment company, the Fund would indirectly bear its pro rata share of that investment company’s expenses. Investment in other investment companies may involve the payment of substantial premiums above the value of such issuer’s portfolio securities. The Fund does not intend to invest in such investment companies unless, in the judgment of the Manager, the potential benefits of such investment justify the payment of any applicable premium or sales charge.
 
ETFs are investment companies that are registered as open-end management companies or unit investment trusts but possess some of the characteristics of closed-end funds.  For example, like closed-end funds, ETFs’ shares are listed and traded in the secondary market.
 
Many ETFs are passively managed and seek to provide returns that track the price and yield performance of a particular index.  Although such ETFs may invest in other instruments, they largely hold the securities ( e.g ., common stocks) in the relevant index.
 
Policies and Limitations .  The Fund may invest an unlimited amount of its uninvested cash in shares of money market funds that operate in compliance with Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act, whether or not advised by NB Management or an affiliate, under specified conditions.  See “Cash Management and Temporary Investment Policy.”
 
Otherwise, the Fund’s investment in securities of other investment companies is generally limited to (i) 3% of the total voting stock of any one investment company, (ii) 5% of the Fund’s total assets with respect to any one investment company and (iii) 10% of the Fund’s total assets in all investment companies in the aggregate.  However, the Fund may exceed these limits when investing in shares of an ETF, subject to the terms and conditions of an exemptive order from the SEC obtained by the ETF that permits an investing fund, such as the Fund, to invest in the ETF in excess of the limits described above.  In addition, the SEC has proposed a rule on which the Fund may rely that would, if adopted, permit funds to invest in ETFs in excess of those limits.
 
For purposes of the Fund’s industry concentration policy, the Fund will look through to underlying investments of the investment companies, including ETFs, in which the Fund has invested for purposes of determining the percentage of the Fund’s total assets that are invested in the securities of issuers having their principal business activities in the same industry.
 
The Fund is also able to invest up to 100% of its total assets in a master portfolio with the same investment objectives, policies and limitations as the Fund.
 
Indexed Securities .  The Fund may invest in indexed securities whose values are linked to currencies, interest rates, commodities, indices, or other financial indicators, domestic or foreign. Most indexed securities are short- to intermediate-term fixed income securities whose values at maturity or interest rates rise or fall according to the change in one or more specified underlying instruments. The value of indexed securities may increase or decrease if the underlying instrument appreciates, and they may have return characteristics similar to direct investment in the underlying instrument. Indexed securities may be more volatile than the underlying instrument itself.
 

 
45

 

 
Commodities Related Investments .  Although the Fund may not purchase precious metals (such as gold, silver and platinum) or other physical commodities or contracts thereon, the Fund may purchase securities backed by physical commodities, including interests in exchange-traded investment trusts and other similar entities, the value of whose shares relates directly to the value of precious metals or other physical commodities held by the entity.  As an investor in such an entity, the Fund would indirectly bear its pro rata share of the entity’s expenses, which may include storage and other costs relating to the entity’s investments in precious metals or other physical commodities.  In addition, the Fund will not qualify for treatment as a RIC if 10% or more of its annual gross income consists of non-qualifying income, which includes gains resulting from selling precious metals or any other physical commodity (or options or futures contracts thereon unless the gain is realized from certain hedging transactions) and certain other non-passive income.  See “Additional Tax Information.”  The Fund’s investment in securities backed by physical commodities generally would produce income that would be subject to this 10% limitation.  To remain within this limitation, the Fund may hold such an investment or sell it at a loss, or sell other investments, when for investment reasons it would not otherwise do so.  The availability of such measures does not guarantee that the Fund would be able to remain within the limitations of the Code.
 
Exposure to precious metals and other physical commodities may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities.  The value of such investments may be affected by overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as supply and demand, drought, floods, weather, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments.  Their value may also respond to investor perception of instability in the national or international economy, whether or not justified by the facts.  However, these investments may help to moderate fluctuations in the value of the Fund’s other holdings, because these investments may not correlate with investments in traditional securities. Because precious metals and other physical commodities do not generate investment income, the return on such investments will be derived solely from the appreciation or depreciation on such investments.
 
Policies and Limitations .   The Fund may not purchase precious metals or other physical commodities or contracts thereon, unless acquired as a result of the ownership of securities or instruments. However, the Fund may purchase securities backed by physical commodities, including interests in exchange-traded investment trusts and other similar entities, the value of whose shares relates directly to the value of precious metals or other physical commodities held by such an entity.  The Fund does not intend to sell such investments when doing so would cause it to fail to qualify as a RIC.
 
Terrorism Risks .  Some of the U.S. securities markets were closed for a four-day period as a result of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon on September 11, 2001. These terrorist attacks, the war with Iraq and its aftermath, continuing occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan by coalition forces and related events have led to increased short-term market volatility and may have long-term effects on U.S. and world economies and markets. Those events could also have an acute effect on individual issuers, related groups of issuers, or issuers
 

 
46

 

concentrated in a single geographic area. A similar disruption of the financial markets or other terrorist attacks could adversely impact interest rates, auctions, secondary trading, ratings, credit risk, inflation and other factors relating to portfolio securities and adversely affect Fund service providers and the Fund’s operations.
 
Recent Market Events.   Recent events in the financial sector have resulted in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets and the economy at large. Both domestic and international equity and fixed income markets have been experiencing heightened volatility and turmoil, with issuers that have exposure to the real estate, mortgage and credit markets particularly affected.  It is uncertain how long these conditions will continue.
 
These recent market conditions have resulted in fixed income instruments experiencing unusual liquidity issues, increased price volatility and, in some cases, credit downgrades and increased likelihood of default. These events have reduced the willingness and ability of some lenders to extend credit, and have made it more difficult for borrowers to obtain financing on attractive terms, if at all.  As a result, the values of many types of securities have been reduced, including, but not limited to, mortgage-backed, asset-backed and corporate debt securities.  During times of market turmoil, investors tend to look to the safety of securities issued or backed by the U.S. Treasury, causing the prices of these securities to rise and the yield to decline.
 
Mortgage-backed securities have been especially affected by these recent market events.  Throughout 2008, the market for mortgage-related securities experienced substantially, often dramatically, lower valuations and greatly reduced liquidity. Markets for other asset-backed securities have also been affected. In the mortgage sector, there have been rising delinquency rates. These defaults have caused unexpected losses for loan originators and certain lenders. Traditional market participants have been less willing to make a market in some types of debt instruments, which has affected the liquidity of those instruments.  Illiquid investments may be harder to value, especially in changing markets.  These risks may be heightened in the case of sub-prime mortgage-backed securities.
 
Some financial institutions and other enterprises may have large (but still undisclosed) exposure to certain types of securities, such as mortgage-backed securities, which could have a negative effect on the broader economy.  Events in the financial markets and the broader economy are also eroding the tax bases of many state and local governments, as well as their access to the credit markets.  This has put downward pressure on the value of many municipal securities.  Some traditional insurers of municipal securities have also experienced financial stress.
 
The U.S. federal government and certain foreign central banks have acted to calm credit markets and increase confidence in the U.S. and world economies. Certain of these entities have injected liquidity into the markets and taken other steps in an effort to stabilize the markets and grow the economy. The ultimate effect of these efforts is, of course, not yet known.  Withdrawal of this support, or other policy changes by governments or central banks, could negatively affect the value and liquidity of certain securities.
 
The situation in the financial markets has resulted in calls for increased regulation, and the need of many financial institutions for government help has given lawmakers and regulators
 

 
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new leverage.  In particular, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), was signed into law and is expected to be a dramatic revision of the U.S. financial regulatory framework.  The Dodd-Frank Act covers a broad range of topics, including (among many others) a reorganization of federal financial regulators; a process designed to ensure financial systemic stability and the resolution of potentially insolvent financial firms; new rules for derivatives trading; the creation of a consumer financial protection watchdog; the registration and regulation of hedge and private equity funds; the regulation of credit rating agencies; and new federal requirements for residential mortgage loans.
 
Instruments in which the Fund invests, the issuers of such instruments, and the process whereby the Fund may enter into, settle, clear or terminate a range of investment products will likely be affected by the Dodd-Frank Act and regulations that implement that new law.  With few exceptions, regulations that implement the Dodd-Frank Act are not in final form and will not be until mid-2011.
 
The statutory provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act significantly change in several resects the ways in which investment products are marketed, sold, settled or terminated.  In particular, the Dodd-Frank Act mandates the elimination of references to credit ratings in numerous securities laws, including the 1940 Act. Derivatives may be mandated for central clearing under the Dodd-Frank Act, which would likely require technological and other changes to Fund operations and the market in which it will trade. Central clearing would also entail the use of assets of the Fund to satisfy margin calls and this may have an affect on the performance of the Fund. The extent of margin requirements in the market after regulators impose clearing mandates is not yet known. The ultimate impact of the Dodd-Frank Act therefore is not yet certain.
 
The regulators that have been charged with the responsibility under the Dodd-Frank Act for implementing that act ( i.e., the SEC and the CFTC) are reviewing generally, and have proposed regulations on the use of futures by funds governed by the 1940 Act (in the case of the CFTC) and guidelines on the use of derivatives by 1940 Act funds (in the case of the SEC). It is not clear whether guidelines for such use will be published, or when these rules will become final. The impact of new guidance and regulations is also not certain.
 
Because the situation in the markets is widespread and largely unprecedented, it may be unusually difficult to identify both risks and opportunities using past models of the interplay of market forces, or to predict the duration of these market events.
 
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
 
The Fund’s performance figures will be based on historical results and are not intended to indicate future performance. The share price and total return of the Fund will vary, and an investment in the Fund, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than an investor’s original cost.
 
 
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
 
The following tables set forth information concerning the Fund Trustees and officers of the Trust. All persons named as Fund Trustees and officers also serve in similar capacities for other funds administered or managed by NB Management.
 

 
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Information about the Board of Trustees
 
Name, (Year of Birth), and Address (1)
 
Position and
Length of
Time Served (2)
 
Principal Occupation(s) (3)
 
Number of
Funds in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Fund Trustee
Other Directorships
Held Outside Fund
Complex by Fund
Trustee
 
Independent Fund Trustees
John Cannon (1930)
Trustee since inception
Consultant; formerly, Chairman, CDC Investment Advisers (registered investment adviser), 1993 to January 1999; formerly, President and Chief Executive Officer, AMA Investment Advisors, an affiliate of the American Medical Association.
43
Formerly, Independent Trustee or Director of three series of Oppenheimer Funds: Oppenheimer Limited Term New York Municipal Fund, Rochester Fund Municipals, and Oppenheimer Convertible Securities Fund, 1992 to 2009.
Faith Colish (1935)
 
Trustee since inception
Counsel, Carter Ledyard & Milburn LLP (law firm) since October 2002; formerly, Attorney-at-Law and President, Faith Colish, A Professional Corporation, 1980 to 2002.
43
Formerly, Director, 1997 to 2003, and Advisory Director, 2003 to 2006; ABA Retirement Funds (formerly, American Bar Retirement Association) (not-for-profit membership corporation).
 
 
 
49

 
 
 
 
Name, (Year
of Birth), and Address (1)
 
  Position and
Length of
Time Served (2)
 
 
Principal Occupation(s) (3)
 
  Number of
Funds in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Fund Trustee
 
  Other Directorships
 Held Outside Fund
Complex by Fund
Trustee
 
Martha C. Goss (1949)
Trustee since 2007
President, Woodhill Enterprises Inc./Chase Hollow Associates LLC (personal investment vehicle), since 2006; Chief Operating and Financial Officer, Hopewell Holdings LLC/ Amwell Holdings, LLC (a holding company for a healthcare reinsurance company start-up), since 2003; formerly, Consultant, Resources Connection (temporary staffing), 2002 to 2006.
43
Director, Ocwen Financial Corporation (mortgage servicing), since 2005; Director, American Water (water utility), since 2003; Director, Channel Reinsurance (financial guaranty reinsurance), since 2006; Director, Allianz Life of New York (insurance), since 2005; Director, Financial Women’s Association of New York (not-for-profit association), since 2003; Trustee Emerita, Brown University, since 1998; formerly, Advisory Board Member, Attensity (software developer), 2005 to 2007; formerly, Director, Bank Leumi (commercial bank), 2005 to 2007; formerly, Director, Claire’s Stores, Inc. (retailer), 2005 to 2007.
 
 
50

 
 
 
 
 
 
Name, (Year of
Birth), and Address (1)
 
 
 
   Position and Length of Time Served (2)
Principal Occupation(s) (3)
 
  Number of
Funds in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Fund Trustee
 
 
  Other Directorships
Held Outside Fund
Complex by Fund
Trustee
C. Anne Harvey (1937)
Trustee since inception
President, C.A. Harvey Associates, since October 2001; formerly, Director, AARP, 1978 to December 2001.
43
Formerly, President, Board of Associates to The National Rehabilitation Hospital’s Board of Directors, 2001 to 2002; formerly, Member, Individual Investors Advisory Committee to the New York Stock Exchange Board of Directors, 1998 to 2002.
Robert A. Kavesh (1927)
Trustee since inception
Retired; Marcus Nadler Professor Emeritus of Finance and Economics, New York University Stern School of Business; formerly, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, American Finance Association, 1961 to 1979.
43
Formerly, Director, The Caring Community (not-for-profit), 1997 to 2006; formerly, Director, DEL Laboratories, Inc. (cosmetics and pharmaceuticals), 1978 to 2004; formerly, Director, Apple Bank for Savings, 1979 to 1990; formerly, Director, Western Pacific Industries, Inc., (public company), 1972 to 1986.
Michael M. Knetter (1960)
Trustee since 2007
President and Chief Executive Officer, University of Wisconsin Foundation, October 2010 to Present; formerly, Dean, School of Business, University of Wisconsin - Madison; formerly, Professor of International Economics and Associate Dean, Amos Tuck School of Business - Dartmouth College, 1998 to 2002.
43
Director, American Family Insurance (a mutual company, not publicly traded), since March 2009; Trustee, Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., since February 2007; Director, Wausau Paper, since 2005; formerly, Director, Great Wolf Resorts, 2004 to 2009.
 
 
51

 
 
 
 
 
Name, (Year of
Birth), and Address (1)
 
 
 
  Position and Length of Time Served (2)
 
 
 
 
Principal Occupation(s) (3)
  Number of
Funds in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Fund Trustee
 
  Other Directorships
Held Outside Fund
Complex by Fund
Trustee
 
Howard A. Mileaf (1937)
Trustee since inception
Retired; formerly, Vice President and General Counsel, WHX Corporation (holding company), 1993 to 2001.
43
Formerly, Director, Webfinancial Corporation (holding company), 2002 to 2008; formerly, Director, WHX Corporation (holding company), 2002 to 2005; formerly, Director, State Theatre of New Jersey (not-for-profit theatre), 2000 to 2005.
George W. Morriss (1947)
Trustee since 2007
Retired; formerly, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, People’s Bank, Connecticut (a financial services company), 1991 to 2001.
43
Manager, Old Mutual Funds of Hedge Funds fund complex (consisting of six funds), since 2006 for four funds and since 2007 for two funds; formerly, Member NASDAQ Issuers’ Affairs Committee, 1995 to 2003.
Edward I. O’Brien (1928)
Trustee since inception
Retired; formerly, Member, Investment Policy Committee, Edward Jones, 1993 to 2001; President, Securities Industry Association (“SIA”) (securities industry’s representative in government relations and regulatory matters at the federal and state levels),  1974 to 1992; Adviser to SIA, November 1992 to November 1993.
43
Formerly, Director, Legg Mason, Inc. (financial services holding company), 1993 to July 2008; formerly, Director, Boston Financial Group (real estate and tax shelters), 1993 to 1999.
 
 
52

 
 
 
 
 
Name, (Year of
Birth), and Address (1)
 
 
 
  Position and Length of Time Served (2)
 
 
 
 
Principal Occupation(s) (3)
   Number of
Funds in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Fund Trustee
 
 
  Other Directorships
Held Outside Fund
Complex by Fund
Trustee
Cornelius T. Ryan (1931)
Trustee since inception
General Partner and Adviser, TD2, TD3, and TOF1 Healthcare Venture Capital Partnerships;   Founding General Partner, Oxford Partners and Oxford Bioscience Partners (venture capital investing) and President, Oxford Venture Corporation, since 1981.
43
Trustee, Norwalk Hospital Foundation, since 2000; Director, Supply Pro (privately held company), since 2008; formerly, Trustee, Norwalk Hospital, 1995 to 2004; formerly, President and Director, Randolph Computer Corp., 1966 to 1984; formerly, Director of numerous privately held portfolio companies of Oxford Partners and Oxford Bioscience Partners, 1981 to 2005.
Tom D. Seip (1950)
Trustee since inception; Chairman of the Board since 2008; Lead Independent Trustee from 2006 to 2008
General Partner, Seip Investments LP (a private investment partnership); formerly, President and CEO, Westaff, Inc. (temporary staffing), May 2001 to January 2002; formerly, Senior Executive, The Charles Schwab Corporation, 1983 to 1998, including Chief Executive Officer, Charles Schwab Investment Management, Inc.; Trustee, Schwab Family of Funds and Schwab Investments, 1997 to 1998; and Executive Vice President-Retail Brokerage, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., 1994 to 1997.
43
Director, H&R Block, Inc. (financial services company), since May 2001; Chairman, Compensation Committee, H&R Block, Inc., since 2006; formerly, Director, Forward Management, Inc. (asset management company), 1999 to 2006.
 
 
53

 
 
 
 
 
Name, (Year of
Birth), and Address (1)
 
 
 
  Position and Length of Time Served (2)
 
 
 
 
Principal Occupation(s) (3)
   Number of
Funds in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Fund Trustee
 
 
  Other Directorships
Held Outside Fund
Complex by Fund
Trustee
Candace L. Straight (1947)
Trustee since inception
Private investor and consultant specializing in the insurance industry; formerly, Advisory Director, Securitas Capital LLC (a global private equity investment firm dedicated to making investments in the insurance sector), 1998 to December 2003.
43
Director, Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd. (reinsurance company), since 2006; formerly, Director, National Atlantic Holdings Corporation (property and casualty insurance company), 2004 to 2008; formerly, Director, The Proformance Insurance Company (property and casualty insurance company), 2004 to 2008; formerly, Director, Providence Washington Insurance Company (property and casualty insurance company), 1998 to 2006; formerly, Director, Summit Global Partners (insurance brokerage firm), 2000 to 2005.
Peter P. Trapp (1944)
Trustee since inception
Retired; formerly, Regional Manager for Mid-Southern Region, Ford Motor Credit Company, September 1997 to 2007; formerly, President, Ford Life Insurance Company, April 1995 to August 1997.
43
None.
 
 
54

 
 
 
 
 
Name, (Year of
Birth), and Address (1)
 
 
 
  Position and Length of Time Served (2)
 
 
 
 
Principal Occupation(s) (3)
   Number of
Funds in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Fund Trustee
 
 
  Other Directorships
Held Outside Fund
Complex by Fund
Trustee
Fund Trustees who are “Interested Persons”
Joseph V. Amato*
(1962)
Trustee since 2009
President and Director, Neuberger Berman Group LLC, since 2009; President and Chief Executive Officer, Neuberger Berman LLC (“Neuberger Berman”) and Neuberger Berman Holdings LLC (including its predecessor, Neuberger Berman Inc.), since 2007; Chief Investment Officer, Neuberger Berman, since 2009; Chief Investment Officer (Equities) and Managing Director, NB Management, since 2009; Managing Director, NBFI since 2007; Board member of NBFI since 2006; formerly, Global Head of Asset Management of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc.’s (“LBHI”) Investment Management Division, 2006 to 2009; formerly, member of LBHI’s Investment Management Division's Executive Management Committee, 2006 to 2009; formerly, Managing Director, Lehman Brothers Inc. (“LBI”), 2006 to 2008; formerly, Chief Recruiting and Development Officer, LBI, 2005 to 2006; formerly, Global Head of LBI's Equity Sales and a Member of its Equities Division Executive Committee, 2003 to 2005.
43
Member of Board of Advisors, McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University, since 2001; Member of New York City Board of Advisors, Teach for America, since 2005; Trustee, Montclair Kimberley Academy (private school), since 2007.
 
 
55

 
 
 
 
 
 
Name, (Year of
Birth), and Address (1)
 
 
 
  Position and Length of Time Served (2)
 
 
 
 
Principal Occupation(s) (3)
 
   Number of
Funds in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Fund Trustee
 
  Other Directorships
Held Outside Fund
Complex by Fund
Trustee
 
Robert Conti* (1956)
Chief Executive Officer, President and Trustee since 2008; prior thereto, Executive Vice President in 2008 and Vice President from inception to 2008
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman, since 2007; formerly, Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman, 2003 to 2006; formerly, Vice President, Neuberger Berman, 1999 to 2003; President and Chief Executive Officer, NB Management, since 2008; formerly, Senior Vice President, NB Management, 2000 to 2008.
43
Chairman of the Board, Staten Island Mental Health Society since 2008.
Jack L. Rivkin* (1940)
Trustee since inception; President from inception to 2008
Formerly, Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, Neuberger Berman Holdings LLC (holding company), 2002 to August 2008 and 2003 to August 2008, respectively; formerly, Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer, Neuberger Berman, December 2005 to August 2008 and 2003 to August 2008, respectively; formerly, Executive Vice President, Neuberger Berman, December 2002 to 2005; formerly, Director and Chairman, NB Management, December 2002 to August 2008; formerly, Executive Vice President, Citigroup Investments, Inc., September 1995 to February 2002; formerly, Executive Vice President, Citigroup Inc., September 1995 to February 2002.
43
Director, Idealab (private company), since 2009; Director, Distributed World Power (private company), since 2009; Director, Dale Carnegie and Associates, Inc. (private company), since 1999; Director, Solbright, Inc. (private company), since 1998; Director, SA Agricultural Fund, since 2009; Chairman and Director, Essential Brands (consumer products) since 2008; formerly, Director, New York Society of Security Analysts, 2006 to 2008.
 
(1)
The business address of each listed person is 605 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10158.
 
 
(2)
Pursuant to the Trust’s Trust Instrument, each of these Fund Trustees shall hold office for life or until his or her successor is elected or the Trust terminates; except that (a) any Fund Trustee may resign by delivering a written resignation; (b) any Fund Trustee may be removed with or without cause at any time by a written instrument signed by at least two-thirds of the other Fund Trustees; (c) any Fund Trustee who requests to be retired, or who has become unable to serve, may be retired by a written instrument signed by a majority of the
 

 
56

 

 
other Fund Trustees; and (d) any Fund Trustee may be removed at any shareholder meeting by a vote of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares.
 
 
(3)
Except as otherwise indicated, each individual has held the positions shown for at least the last five years.
 
 
*
Indicates a Fund Trustee who is an “interested person” within the meaning of the 1940 Act. Mr. Amato and Mr. Conti are interested persons of the Trust by virtue of the fact that each is an officer of NB Management and/or their affiliates.  Mr. Rivkin may be deemed an interested person of the Trust by virtue of the fact that, until August 2008, he was a director of NB Management.
 
Information about the Officers of the Trust
 
Name, (Year of Birth), and Address (1)
 
Position and Length of
Time Served (2)
 
Principal Occupation(s) (3)
 
Andrew B. Allard (1961)
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer since inception
Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman, since 2006; Deputy General Counsel, Neuberger Berman, since 2004; formerly, Vice President, Neuberger Berman, 2000 to 2005; Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer, nine registered investment companies for which NB Management acts as investment manager and administrator (six since 2002, one since 2003, one since 2005 and one since 2006).
Claudia A. Brandon (1956)
Executive Vice President since 2008 and Secretary since inception
Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman, since 2007 and Employee since 1999; Senior Vice President, NB Management, since 2008 and Assistant Secretary since 2004; formerly, Vice President, Neuberger Berman, 2002 to 2006; formerly, Vice President-Mutual Fund Board Relations, NB Management, 2000 to 2008; Executive Vice President, nine registered investment companies for which NB Management acts as investment manager and administrator (nine since 2008); Secretary, nine registered investment companies for which NB Management acts as investment manager and administrator (three since 1985, three since 2002, one since 2003, one since 2005 and one since 2006).
 
 
57

 
 
 
 
Name, (Year of Birth), and Address (1)
 
Position and Length of
Time Served (2)
 
Principal Occupation(s) (3)
Maxine L. Gerson (1950)
Executive Vice President since 2008 and Chief Legal Officer since inception (only for purposes of sections 307 and 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman, since 2009, and Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, Neuberger Berman, since 2001; Managing Director, NB Management, since 2009, and Secretary and General Counsel, NB Management, since 2004; formerly, Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman, 2002 to 2009; formerly, Senior Vice President, NB Management, 2006 to 2009; Executive Vice President, nine registered investment companies for which NB Management acts as investment manager and administrator (nine since 2008); Chief Legal Officer (only for purposes of sections 307 and 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002), nine registered investment companies for which NB Management acts as investment manager and administrator (eight since 2005 and one since 2006).
Sheila R. James (1965)
Assistant Secretary since inception
Vice President, Neuberger Berman, since 2008 and Employee since 1999; formerly, Assistant Vice President, Neuberger Berman, 2007; Assistant Secretary, nine registered investment companies for which NB Management acts as investment manager and administrator (six since 2002, one since 2003, one since 2005 and one since 2006).
Brian Kerrane (1969)
Vice President since 2008
Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman, since 2006; formerly, Vice President, Neuberger Berman, 2002 to 2006; Vice President, NB Management, since 2008 and Employee since 1991; Vice President, nine registered investment companies for which NB Management acts as investment manager and administrator (nine since 2008).
Kevin Lyons (1955)
Assistant Secretary since inception
Assistant Vice President, Neuberger Berman, since 2008 and Employee since 1999; Assistant Secretary, nine registered investment companies for which NB Management acts as investment manager and administrator (seven since 2003, one since 2005 and one since 2006).
Owen F. McEntee, Jr. (1961)
Vice President since 2008
Vice President, Neuberger Berman, since 2006; Employee, NB Management, since 1992; Vice President, nine registered investment companies for which NB Management acts as investment manager and administrator (nine since 2008).
 
 
58

 
 
 
Name, (Year of Birth), and Address (1)
 
Position and Length of
Time Served (2)
 
Principal Occupation(s) (3)
John M. McGovern (1970)
Treasurer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer since inception
Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman, since 2007; formerly, Vice President, Neuberger Berman, 2004 to 2006; Employee, NB Management, since 1993; Treasurer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer, nine registered investment companies for which NB Management acts as investment manager and administrator (eight since 2005 and one since 2006); formerly, Assistant Treasurer, eight registered investment companies for which NB Management acts as investment manager and administrator, 2002 to 2005.
Andrew Provencher (1965)
Vice President since 2008
Managing Director, NB Management, since 2008; Managing Director, Neuberger Berman, since 2005; formerly, Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman, 2003 to 2005; Vice President, nine registered investment companies for which NB Management acts as investment manager and administrator (nine since 2008).
Frank Rosato (1971)
Assistant Treasurer since inception
Vice President, Neuberger Berman, since 2006; Employee, NB Management, since 1995; Assistant Treasurer, nine registered investment companies for which NB Management acts as investment manager and administrator (eight since 2005 and one since 2006).
Neil S. Siegel (1967)
Vice President since 2008
Managing Director, NB Management, since 2008; Managing Director, Neuberger Berman, since 2006; formerly, Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman, 2004 to 2006; Vice President, nine registered investment companies for which NB Management acts as investment manager and administrator (nine since 2008).
 
 
59

 
 
 
 
Name, (Year of Birth), and Address (1)
 
Position and Length of
Time Served (2)
 
Principal Occupation(s) (3)
Chamaine Williams (1971)
Chief Compliance Officer since inception
Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman, since 2007; Chief Compliance Officer, NB Management, since 2006; Chief Compliance Officer, nine registered investment companies for which NB Management acts as investment manager and administrator (eight since 2005 and one since 2006); formerly, Senior Vice President, LBI, 2007 to 2008; formerly, Vice President, LBI, 2003 to 2006; formerly, Chief Compliance Officer, Lehman Brothers Asset Management Inc., 2003 to 2007; formerly, Chief Compliance Officer, Lehman Brothers Alternative Investment Management LLC, 2003 to 2007.
____________________
 
 
(1)
The business address of each listed person is 605 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10158.
 
 
(2)
Pursuant to the By-Laws of the Trust, each officer elected by the Fund Trustees shall hold office until his or her successor shall have been elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, inability to serve, or resignation. Officers serve at the pleasure of the Fund Trustees and may be removed at any time with or without cause.
 
 
(3)
Except as otherwise indicated, each individual has held the positions shown for at least the last five years.
 
The Board of Trustees
 
The Board of Trustees (“Board”) is responsible for managing the business and affairs of the Trust. Among other things, the Board generally oversees the portfolio management of the Fund and reviews and approves the Fund’s investment advisory and sub-advisory contracts and other principal contracts. It is the Trust’s policy that at least three quarters of the Board shall be comprised of Fund Trustees who are not “interested persons” of NB Management (including its affiliates) or the Trust (“Independent Fund Trustees”).
 
The Board has appointed an Independent Fund Trustee to serve in the role of Chairman of the Board.  The Chair’s primary responsibilities are (i) to participate in the preparation of the agenda for meetings of the Board and in the identification of information to be presented to the Board; (ii) to preside at all meetings of the Board; (iii) to act as the Board’s liaison with management between meetings of the Board; and (iv) to act as the primary contact for board communications.  The Chair may perform such other functions as may be requested by the Board from time to time.  Except for any duties specified herein or pursuant to the Trust’s Declaration of Trust or By-laws, the designation as Chair does not impose on such Independent Fund Trustee any duties, obligations or liability that is greater than the duties, obligations or liability imposed on such person as a member of the Board, generally.
 
As described below, the Board has an established committee structure through which the Board considers and addresses important matters involving the Fund, including those identified as presenting conflicts or potential conflicts of interest for management.  The Independent Fund
 

 
60

 

Trustees also regularly meet outside the presence of management and are advised by experienced independent legal counsel knowledgeable in matters of investment company regulation.  The Board periodically evaluates its structure and composition as well as various aspects of its operations.  The Board believes that its leadership structure, including its Independent Chair and its committee structure, is appropriate in light of, among other factors, the asset size of the fund complex overseen by the Board, the nature and number of funds overseen by the Board, the number of Fund Trustees, the range of experience represented on the Board, and the Board’s responsibilities.
 
Additional Information About Trustees
 
In choosing each Trustee to serve, the Board was generally aware of each Fund Trustee’s skills, experience, judgment, analytical ability, intelligence, common sense, previous profit and not-for-profit board membership and, for each Independent Fund Trustee, their demonstrated willingness to take an independent and questioning stance toward management.  Each Fund Trustee also now has considerable familiarity with the Trust and each fund of the Trust, their investment manager, sub-advisers, administrator and distributor, and their operations, as well as the special regulatory requirements governing regulated investment companies and the special responsibilities of investment company directors as a result of his or her substantial prior service as a trustee of the Trust.  No particular qualification, experience or background establishes the basis for any Fund Trustee’s position on the Board and the Governance and Nominating Committee and individual Board members may have attributed different weights to the various factors.
 
In addition to the information set forth in the table above and other relevant qualifications, experience, attributes or skills applicable to a particular Fund Trustee, the following provides further information about the qualifications and experience of each Fund Trustee.
 
Independent Fund Trustees
 
John Cannon :  Mr. Cannon has experience in senior management of registered investment advisers and a mutual fund group.  He has served as a member of the boards of other mutual funds.  He has served as a Fund Trustee for multiple years.
 
Faith Colish :  Ms. Colish has experience as an attorney practicing securities law with the SEC and in private practice, with a focus on broker-dealer and investment management matters and matters of regulatory compliance under the securities laws.  She has served as a member of the board of a not-for-profit membership corporation involving oversight of a substantial investment program.  She has served as a Fund Trustee for multiple years.
 
Martha C. Goss :  Ms. Goss has experience as chief operating and financial officer of an insurance holding company.  She has experience managing a personal investment vehicle.  She has served as a member of the boards of various profit and not-for-profit organizations and a university.  She has served as a Fund Trustee for multiple years.
 
C. Anne Harvey :  Ms. Harvey has experience in senior management of a major not-for-profit membership organization.  She has served as a member of the advisory board of a not-for-profit organization. She has served as a member of an advisory committee to the board of the NYSE.  She has served as a Fund Trustee for multiple years.
 

 
61

 

Robert A. Kavesh :  Dr. Kavesh has academic experience as a professor of finance and economics.  He has experience in senior management of an academic association focused on financial economics.  He has served as a member of the boards of various profit and not-for-profit organizations including a bank and a public company.  He has served as a Fund Trustee for multiple years.
 
Michael M. Knetter :  Dr. Knetter has organizational management experience as a dean of a major university business school.  He has academic experience as a professor of international economics.  He has served as a member of the boards of various profit organizations and another mutual fund.  He has served as a Fund Trustee for multiple years.
 
Howard A. Mileaf :  Mr. Mileaf is a CPA with experience in senior management and as general counsel of an industrial corporation and an industrial holding company.  He has accounting and management experience at a major accounting firm.  He has served as a member of the boards of various profit and not-for-profit organizations.  He has served as a Fund Trustee for multiple years.
 
George W. Morriss :  Mr. Morriss has experience in senior management and as chief financial officer of a financial services company.  He has investment management experience as a portfolio manager managing personal and institutional funds.  He has served as a member of a committee of representatives from companies listed on NASDAQ.  He has served as a member of the board of funds of hedge funds.  He has served as a Fund Trustee for multiple years.
 
Edward I. O’Brien :  Mr. O’Brien has experience in senior management of an investment adviser. He has experience as a securities industry’s representative in government relations and regulatory matters at the federal and state levels.  He has served as a member of the boards of financial services companies.  He has served as a Fund Trustee for multiple years.
 
Cornelius T. Ryan :  Mr. Ryan has experience as a general partner and adviser of various healthcare venture capital partnerships.  He has experience as a founder and president of a substantial venture capital investing firm.  He has served as a member of the boards of a foundation, hospital and various privately and publicly held companies.  He has served as a Fund Trustee for multiple years.
 
Tom D. Seip :  Mr. Seip has experience in senior management and as chief executive officer and director of a financial services company overseeing other mutual funds and brokerage.  He has experience as director of an asset management company.  He has experience in management of a private investment partnership.  He has served as a Fund Trustee for multiple years and as Independent Chair and/or Lead Independent Trustee of the Board.
 
Candace L. Straight :  Ms. Straight has experience as a private investor and consultant in the insurance industry.  She has experience in senior management of a global private equity investment firm.  She has served as a member of the boards of various profit companies.  She has served as a Fund Trustee for multiple years.
 
Peter P. Trapp :  Mr. Trapp has experience in senior management of a credit company and several insurance companies.  He has served as a member of the board of other mutual funds.  He has served as a Fund Trustee for multiple years.
 

 
62

 

Fund Trustee who is an “Interested Person”
 
Joseph V. Amato :  Mr. Amato has investment management experience as an executive with Neuberger Berman and another financial services firm.  He serves as Neuberger Berman’s Chief Investment Officer for equity investments.  He has experience in leadership roles within Neuberger Berman and its affiliated entities.  He has served as a member of the board of a major university business school.  He has served as a Fund Trustee since 2009.
 
Robert Conti :  Mr. Conti has investment management experience as an executive with Neuberger Berman.  He has experience in leadership roles within Neuberger Berman and its affiliated entities. He has served as a member of the board of a not-for-profit organization.  He has served as a Fund Trustee since 2008.
 
Jack L. Rivkin :  Mr. Rivkin has extensive investment research and investment management experience as a chief investment officer and executive with Neuberger Berman and other financial service companies.  He has experience in leadership roles within Neuberger Berman and its affiliated entities.  He has served on the board of various private companies.  He serves on the board a not-for-profit educational forum for the investment community.  He has served as a Fund Trustee for multiple years.  He previously served as Chief Investment Officer of Neuberger Berman.
 
Information About Committees

The Board has established several standing committees to oversee particular aspects of the Fund’s management. The standing committees of the Board are described below.
 
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee’s purposes are (a) in accordance with exchange requirements and Rule 32a-4 under the 1940 Act, to oversee the accounting and financial reporting processes of the Fund and, as the Committee deems appropriate, to inquire into the internal control over financial reporting of service providers; (b) in accordance with exchange requirements and Rule 32a-4 under the 1940 Act, to oversee the quality and integrity of the Fund’s financial statements and the independent audit thereof; (c) in accordance with exchange requirements and Rule 32a-4 under the 1940 Act, to oversee, or, as appropriate, assist Board oversight of, the Fund’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements that relate to the Fund’s accounting and financial reporting, internal control over financial reporting and independent audits; (d) to approve prior to appointment the engagement of the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm and, in connection therewith, to review and evaluate the qualifications, independence and performance of the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm; and (e) to act as a liaison between the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm and the full Board. Its members are Martha C. Goss (Vice Chair), George W. Morriss (Chair), Edward I. O’Brien, Cornelius T. Ryan, Tom D. Seip, and Candace L. Straight. All members are Independent Fund Trustees. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010, the Committee met once.
 
Contract Review Committee. The Contract Review Committee is responsible for overseeing and guiding the process by which the Independent Fund Trustees annually consider whether to renew the Trust’s principal contractual arrangements and Rule 12b-1 plans. Its members are Faith Colish, Martha C. Goss, Howard A. Mileaf (Vice Chair), Candace L. Straight
 

 
63

 

(Chair) and Peter P. Trapp. All members are Independent Fund Trustees. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010, the Committee met once.
 
Ethics and Compliance Committee. The Ethics and Compliance Committee generally oversees: (a) the Trust’s program for compliance with Rule 38a-1 and the Trust’s implementation and enforcement of its compliance policies and procedures; (b) the compliance with the Trust’s Code of Ethics, which restricts the personal securities transactions, including transactions in Fund shares, of employees, officers, and trustees; (c) the activities of the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”); and (d) activities of management personnel responsible for operational risk management. The Committee shall not assume oversight duties to the extent that such duties have been assigned by the Board expressly to another Committee of the Board (such as oversight of internal controls over financial reporting, which has been assigned to the Audit Committee.)  The Committee’s primary function is oversight.  Each investment adviser, subadviser, principal underwriter, administrator and transfer agent (collectively, “Service Providers”) is responsible for its own compliance with the federal securities laws and for devising, implementing, maintaining and updating appropriate policies, procedures and codes of ethics to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.  The CCO is responsible for administering the Fund’s Compliance Program, including devising and implementing appropriate methods of testing compliance by the Fund and its Service Providers.  Its members are John Cannon (Chair), Faith Colish, C. Anne Harvey, Howard A. Mileaf (Vice Chair) and Cornelius T. Ryan. All members are Independent Fund Trustees. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010, the Committee met once. The entire Board will receive at least annually a report on the compliance programs of the Trust and service providers and the required annual reports on the administration of the Code of Ethics and the required annual certifications from the Trust, NB Management, Neuberger Berman and NBFI.
 
Executive Committee. The Executive Committee is responsible for acting in an emergency when a quorum of the Board of Trustees is not available; the Committee has all the powers of the Board of Trustees when the Board is not in session to the extent permitted by Delaware law. Its members are Faith Colish, Robert Conti (Vice Chair), George W. Morriss, Tom D. Seip (Chair) and Candace L. Straight. All members except for Mr. Conti are Independent Fund Trustees. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010, the Committee did not meet.
 
Governance and Nominating Committee. The Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for: (a) considering and evaluating the structure, composition and operation of the Board of Trustees and each committee thereof, including the operation of the annual self-evaluation by the Board; (b) evaluating and nominating individuals to serve as Fund Trustees including as Independent Fund Trustees, as members of committees, as Chair of the Board and as officers of the Trust; and (c) considering and making recommendations relating to the compensation of Independent Fund Trustees and of those officers (except the CCO) as to whom the Board is charged with approving compensation. Its members are Martha C. Goss, C. Anne Harvey (Chair), Robert A. Kavesh, Michael M. Knetter (Vice Chair) and Tom D. Seip. All members are Independent Fund Trustees. The selection and nomination of candidates to serve as independent trustees is committed to the discretion of the current Independent Fund Trustees. The Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders; shareholders may send resumes of recommended persons to the attention of Claudia A. Brandon, Secretary, Neuberger
 

 
64

 

Berman Alternative Funds, 605 Third Avenue, 2 nd Floor, New York, NY, 10158-0180. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010, the Committee did not meet.
 
Investment Performance Committee. The Investment Performance Committee is responsible for overseeing and guiding the process by which the Board reviews Fund performance and interfacing with management personnel responsible for investment risk management.  Its members are Joseph V. Amato, Martha C. Goss, Robert A. Kavesh, George W. Morriss, Edward I. O’Brien, Jack L. Rivkin (Vice Chair), Cornelius T. Ryan and Peter P. Trapp (Chair). All members except for Mr. Amato and Mr. Rivkin are Independent Fund Trustees.  During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010, the Committee met once.
 
Portfolio Transactions and Pricing Committee. The Portfolio Transactions and Pricing Committee: (a) generally monitors the operation of policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure that each portfolio holding is valued in an appropriate and timely manner, reflecting information known to the manager about current market conditions (“Pricing Procedures”); (b) considers and evaluates, and recommends to the Board when the Committee deems it appropriate, amendments to the Pricing Procedures proposed by management, counsel, the auditors and others; (c) from time to time, as required or permitted by the Pricing Procedures, establishes or ratifies a method of determining the fair value of portfolio securities for which market pricing is not readily available; (d) generally oversees the program by which the manager seeks to monitor and improve the quality of execution for portfolio transactions; and (e) generally oversees the adequacy and fairness of the arrangements for securities lending; in each case with special emphasis on any situations in which the Fund deals with the manager or any affiliate of the manager as principal or agent.  Its members are Faith Colish (Chair), C. Anne Harvey, Robert A. Kavesh, Michael M. Knetter (Vice Chair), Jack L. Rivkin and Candace L. Straight. All members except for Mr. Rivkin are Independent Fund Trustees. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010, the Committee met once.
 
Risk Management Oversight
 
As an integral part of its responsibility for oversight of the Fund in the interests of shareholders, the Board oversees risk management of the Fund’s administration and operations.  The Board views risk management as an important responsibility of management.
 
The Fund faces a number of risks, such as investment risk, counterparty risk, valuation risk, reputational risk, risk of operational failure or lack of business continuity, and legal, compliance and regulatory risk.  Risk management seeks to identify and address risks, i.e., events or circumstances that could have material adverse effects on the business, operations, shareholder services, investment performance or reputation of the Fund.  Under the overall supervision of the Board, the Fund, the Fund’s investment manager, the Fund’s sub-adviser, and the affiliates of the investment manager and the sub-adviser, or other service providers to the Fund, employ a variety of processes, procedures and controls to identify various of those possible events or circumstances, to lessen the probability of their occurrence and/or to mitigate the effects of such events or circumstances if they do occur.  Different processes, procedures and controls are employed with respect to different types of risks.
 

 
65

 

The Board exercises oversight of the investment manager’s risk management processes primarily through the Board’s committee structure.  The various committees, as appropriate, and, at times, the Board, meet periodically with the investment manager’s head of investment risk, head of operational risk, the Chief Compliance Officer, the Treasurer, the Chief Investment Officers for equity and for fixed income, the heads of Internal Audit, and the Fund’s independent auditor.  The committees review with these individuals, among other things, the design and implementation of risk management strategies in their respective areas, and events and circumstances that have arisen and responses thereto.
 
The Board recognizes that not all risks that may affect the Fund can be identified, that it may not be practical or cost-effective to eliminate or mitigate certain risks, that it may be necessary to bear certain risks (such as investment-related risks) to achieve the Fund’s goals, and that the processes, procedures and controls employed to address certain risks may be limited in their effectiveness.  Moreover, reports received by the Fund Trustees as to risk management matters are typically summaries of the relevant information.  Furthermore, it is in the very nature of certain risks that they can be evaluated only as probabilities, and not as certainties.  As a result of the foregoing and other factors, the Board’s risk management oversight is subject to substantial limitations, and no risk management program can predict the likelihood or seriousness of, or mitigate the effects of, all potential risks.
 
Compensation and Indemnification
 
The Trust’s Trust Instrument provides that the Trust will indemnify its Fund Trustees and officers against liabilities and expenses reasonably incurred in connection with litigation in which they may be involved because of their offices with the Trust, unless it is adjudicated that they (a) engaged in bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of their offices, or (b) did not act in good faith in the reasonable belief that their action was in the best interest of the Trust. In the case of settlement, such indemnification will not be provided unless it has been determined (by a court or other body approving the settlement or other disposition, by a majority of disinterested trustees based upon a review of readily available facts, or in a written opinion of independent counsel) that such officers or Fund Trustees have not engaged in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of their duties.
 
Officers and Fund Trustees who are interested persons of the Trust, as defined in the 1940 Act, receive no salary or fees from the Trust.
 
For serving as a trustee of the   Neuberger Berman Funds, each Independent Fund Trustee and each Interested Trustee who is not an employee of NB Management receives an annual retainer of $90,000, paid quarterly, and a fee of $10,000 for each of the six regularly scheduled meetings he or she attends in-person or by telephone.  For any additional special in-person or telephonic meeting of the Board, the Governance and Nominating Committee Chair will determine whether a fee is warranted. To compensate for the additional time commitment, the Chair of each Committee receives $10,000 per year.  No additional compensation is provided for service on a Board committee.  The Chair who is also an Independent Fund Trustee receives an additional $35,000 per year.
 

 
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The Neuberger Berman Funds reimburse Independent Fund Trustees for their travel and other out-of-pocket expenses related to attendance at Board meetings.  The Independent Fund Trustee compensation is allocated to each fund in the fund family based on a method the Board of Trustees finds reasonable.
 
The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation of the Fund Trustees. The Trust does not have any retirement plan for the Fund Trustees.
 
TABLE OF COMPENSATION
FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING 10/31/2011*
 
Name and Position with the Trust
 
Aggregate Compensation
from the Trust
 
Total Compensation from
Investment Companies in the
Neuberger Berman
Fund Complex Paid to Fund
Trustees
 
Independent Fund Trustees
   
John Cannon
Trustee
$3,902
$160,000
Faith Colish
Trustee
$3,902
$160,000
Martha C. Goss
Trustee
$3,659
$150,000
C. Anne Harvey
Trustee
$3,902
$150,000
Robert A. Kavesh
Trustee
$3,659
$150,000
Michael M. Knetter
Trustee
$3,659
$160,000
Howard A. Mileaf
Trustee
$3,659
$150,000
George W. Morriss
Trustee
$3,902
$160,000
Edward I. O’Brien
Trustee
$3,659
$150,000
Cornelius T. Ryan
Trustee
$3,659
$150,000
Tom D. Seip
Trustee
$4,512
$185,000
 
 
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Name and Position with the Trust
 
 
 
  Aggregate Compensation
from the Trust
  Total Compensation from
Investment Companies in the
Neuberger Berman
Fund Complex Paid to Fund
Trustees
Candace L. Straight
Trustee
$3,902
$160,000
Peter P. Trapp
Trustee
$4,146
$170,000
Fund Trustees who are “Interested Persons”
Joseph V. Amato
Trustee
$0
$0
Robert Conti
Chief Executive Officer, President and Trustee
$0
$0
Jack L. Rivkin
Trustee
$3,902
$160,000
* Because the Fund has not yet commenced  operations, the amounts shown in the table are estimates for the Fund’s first full fiscal year ended October 31, 2011.

As the Fund was not operational prior to the date of this SAI, the Fund Trustees and officers of the Trust, as a group, owned beneficially or of record less than 1% of the outstanding shares of each Class of the Fund.
 
Ownership of Securities
 
The following table shows the aggregate dollar range that each Fund Trustee held in all the Neuberger Berman Funds as of December 31, 2009.
 
Name of Fund Trustee
Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in all
Registered Investment Companies Overseen by
Fund Trustee in Family of Investment Companies*
Independent Fund Trustees
John Cannon
E
Faith Colish
E
Martha C. Goss
E
C. Anne Harvey
E
Robert A. Kavesh
E
Michael M. Knetter
E
Howard A. Mileaf
E
George W. Morriss
E
Edward I. O’Brien
E
Cornelius T. Ryan
E
Tom D. Seip
E
 
 
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Name of Fund Trustee
Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in all
Registered Investment Companies Overseen by
Fund Trustee in Family of Investment Companies*
Candace L. Straight
E
Peter P. Trapp
E
Fund Trustees who are “Interested Persons”
Joseph V. Amato
A
Robert Conti
E
Jack L. Rivkin
A
* Valuation as of December 31, 2009.
 
A = None  B = $1-$10,000  C = $10,001 - $50,000  D = $50,001-$100,000  E = over $100,000
 
Independent Fund Trustees Ownership of Securities
 
No Independent Fund Trustee (including his/her immediate family members) owns any securities (not including shares of registered investment companies) in any Neuberger Berman entity.
 

 
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INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION SERVICES
 
Investment Manager and Administrator
 
NB Management serves as the investment manager to the Fund pursuant to a management agreement with the Trust, dated December 29, 2010 (“Management Agreement”).
 
The Management Agreement provides, in substance, that NB Management will make and implement investment decisions for the Fund in its discretion and will continuously develop an investment program for the Fund’s assets. The Management Agreement permits NB Management to effect securities transactions on behalf of the Fund through associated persons of NB Management. The Management Agreement also specifically permits NB Management to compensate, through higher commissions, brokers and dealers who provide investment research and analysis to the Fund.
 
NB Management provides to the Fund, without separate cost, office space, equipment, and facilities and the personnel necessary to perform executive, administrative, and clerical functions. NB Management pays all salaries, expenses, and fees of the officers, trustees, and employees of the Trust who are officers, directors, or employees of NB Management. Two directors of NB Management, who also serve as officers of NB Management, presently serve as Fund Trustees and/or officers of the Trust.  See “Trustees and Officers.”  The Fund pays NB Management a management fee based on the Fund’s average daily net assets, as described below.
 
NB Management provides facilities, services, and personnel as well as accounting, record keeping and other services to the Fund pursuant to three administration agreements with the Trust, one for Institutional Class dated December 29, 2010, one for Class A dated December 29, 2010 and one for Class C dated December 29, 2010 (each, an “Administration Agreement”). For such administrative services, each Class of the Fund pays NB Management a fee based on the Class’s average daily net assets, as described below.
 
Under each Administration Agreement, NB Management also provides to each Class and its shareholders certain shareholder, shareholder-related, and other services that are not furnished by the Fund’s shareholder servicing agent or third party investment providers. NB Management provides the direct shareholder services specified in the Administration Agreements and assists the shareholder servicing agent or third party investment providers in the development and implementation of specified programs and systems to enhance overall shareholder servicing capabilities. NB Management or the third party investment provider solicits and gathers shareholder proxies, performs services connected with the qualification of the Fund’s shares for sale in various states, and furnishes other services the parties agree from time to time should be provided under the Administration Agreements.
 
From time to time, NB Management or the Fund may enter into arrangements with registered broker-dealers or other third parties pursuant to which it pays the broker-dealer or third party a per account fee or a fee based on a percentage of the aggregate net asset value of Fund shares purchased by the broker-dealer or third party on behalf of its customers, in payment for administrative and other services rendered to such customers.
 

 
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Third parties may be subject to federal or state laws that limit their ability to provide certain administrative or distribution related services. NB Management and the Fund intend to contract with third parties for only those services they may legally provide. If, due to a change in laws governing those third parties or in the interpretation of any such law, a third party is prohibited from performing some or all of the above-described services, NB Management or the Fund may be required to find alternative means of providing those services. Any such change is not expected to impact the Fund or its shareholders adversely.
 
The Management Agreement continues until October 31, 2012. The Management Agreement is renewable thereafter from year to year with respect to the Fund, so long as its continuance is approved at least annually (1) by the vote of a majority of the Independent Fund Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval and (2) by the vote of a majority of the Fund Trustees or by a 1940 Act majority vote of the outstanding interests in the Fund. The Administration Agreement continues until October 31, 2010. The Administration Agreement is renewable from year to year with respect to the Fund, so long as its continuance is approved at least annually (1) by the vote of a majority of the Independent Fund Trustees, and (2) by the vote of a majority of the Fund Trustees or by a 1940 Act majority vote of the outstanding shares in the Fund.
 
The Management Agreement is terminable, without penalty, with respect to the Fund on 60 days’ written notice either by the Trust or by NB Management. The Administration Agreement is terminable, without penalty, with respect to the Fund on 60 days’ written notice either by NB Management or by the Trust. Each Agreement terminates automatically if it is assigned.
 
Management and Administration Fees
 
For investment management services, the Fund pays NB Management a fee at the annual rate of 0.900% of the first $1 billion of the Fund’s average daily net assets, 0.875% of the next $1 billion and 0.850% of average daily net assets in excess of $2 billion.
 
For administrative services, the Institutional Class of the Fund pays NB Management a fee at the annual rate of 0.15% of the Class’s average daily net assets, plus out-of-pocket expenses for technology used for shareholder servicing and shareholder communications, subject to the prior approval of an annual budget by the Fund Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Fund Trustees, and periodic reports to the Board of Trustees on actual expenses. With the Fund’s consent NB Management may subcontract to third parties, including investment providers, some of its responsibilities to the Fund under the Administration Agreement and may compensate each such third party that provides such services.  In addition, the Fund may compensate third parties, including investment providers, for recordkeeping, accounting or other services.
 
For administrative services, Class A and Class C of the Fund each pay NB Management a fee at the annual rate of 0.26% of that Class’s average daily net assets, plus certain out-of-pocket expenses for technology used for shareholder servicing and shareholder communications, subject to the prior approval of an annual budget by the Fund Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Fund Trustees, and periodic reports to the Board of Trustees on actual expenses.
 

 
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With the Fund’s consent, NB Management may subcontract to third parties, including investment providers, some of its responsibilities to the Fund under the Administration Agreement and may compensate each such third party that provides such services. (A portion of this compensation may be derived from the Rule 12b-1 fee paid to NB Management by Class A and Class C of the Fund; see “Distribution Arrangements,” below.)
 
Contractual Expense Limitations
 
NB Management has contractually undertaken, during the respective period noted below, to forgo current payment of fees and/or reimburse annual operating expenses of each Class of the Fund listed below so that its total operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses, if any) (“Operating Expenses”) do not exceed the rate per annum noted below (“Expense Limitation”).
 
The Fund has agreed to repay NB Management out of assets attributable to its respective Class noted below for any fees forgone by NB Management under the Expense Limitation or any Operating Expenses NB Management reimburses in excess of the Expense Limitation, provided the repayments do not cause that Class’ Operating Expenses to exceed the respective annual rate of average daily net assets as noted below and the repayments are made within three years after the year in which NB Management incurred the expense.
 
The appropriateness of these undertakings is determined on a Class-by-Class basis.
 
Fund
Class
Limitation Period
Expense Limitation
       
Global Allocation
Institutional
10/31/2013
1.20%
 
A
10/31/2013
1.56%
 
C
10/31/2013
2.31%

Sub-Adviser
 
NB Management retains NBFI, 200 South Wacker Drive, Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60601, as sub-adviser with respect to the Fund pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement dated December 29, 2010 (“Sub-Advisory Agreement”).
 
Pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, NB Management has delegated responsibility for the Fund’s   day-to-day management to NBFI. The Sub-Advisory Agreement provides in substance that NBFI will make and implement investment decisions for the Fund in its discretion and will continuously develop an investment program for the Fund’s assets.  The Sub-Advisory Agreement permits NBFI to effect securities transactions on behalf of the Fund through associated persons of NBFI.  The Sub-Advisory Agreement also specifically permits NBFI to compensate, through higher commissions, brokers and dealers who provide investment research and analysis to the Fund, although NBFI has no current plans to pay a material amount of such compensation.
 
The Sub-Advisory Agreement continues until October 31, 2012   and is renewable from year to year, subject to approval of its continuance in the same manner as the Management
 

 
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Agreement. The Sub-Advisory Agreement is subject to termination, without penalty, with respect to the Fund by the Fund Trustees or a 1940 Act majority vote of the outstanding interests in the Fund, by NB Management, or by NBFI on not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ prior written notice. The Sub-Advisory Agreement also terminates automatically with respect to the Fund if it is assigned or if the Management Agreement terminates with respect to the Fund.
 
Portfolio Manager Information
 
Accounts Managed
 
The table below lists the Portfolio Managers of the Fund.
 
Portfolio Manager
Fund Managed
Alexandre Da Silva
Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund
Wai Lee
Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund
Bobby T. Pornrojnangkool
Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund
Joseph Amato
Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund
Bradley Tank
Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund
Ping Zhou
Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund
 
The table below describes the accounts for which the Portfolio Managers have day-to-day management responsibility as of October 31, 2010.
 
Type of Account
Number of
Accounts
Managed
Total
Assets
Managed
($ millions)
Number of Accounts
Managed for which
Advisory Fee is
Performance-Based
Assets Managed for
which Advisory Fee
is
Performance-Based
($ millions)
Alexandre Da Silva
       
Registered Investment
Companies*
0
N/A
0
N/A
Other Pooled
Investment Vehicles
2
$169
2
$169
Other Accounts**
5
$1,427
0
N/A
Wai Lee
       
Registered Investment
Companies*
0
N/A
0
N/A
Other Pooled
Investment Vehicles
2
$169
2
$169
Other Accounts**
5
$1,427
0
N/A
Bobby T.
Pornrojnangkool
       
 
 
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Type of Account
 
Number of
Accounts
Managed
 
Total
Assets
Managed
($ millions)
 
Number of Accounts
Managed for which
Advisory Fee is
Performance-Based
 
Assets Managed for
which Advisory Fee
is
Performance-Based
($ millions)
Registered Investment
Companies*
0
N/A
0
N/A
Other Pooled
Investment Vehicles
2
$169
2
$169
Other Accounts**
5
$1,427
0
N/A
Joseph Amato
       
Registered Investment
Companies*
0
N/A
0
N/A
Other Pooled
Investment Vehicles
0
N/A
0
N/A
Other Accounts**
0
N/A
0
N/A
Bradley Tank
       
Registered Investment
Companies*
2
$507
0
N/A
Other Pooled
Investment Vehicles
0
N/A
0
N/A
Other Accounts**
212
$34,525
0
N/A
Ping Zhou
       
Registered Investment
Companies*
0
N/A
0
N/A
Other Pooled
Investment Vehicles
2
$169
2
$169
Other Accounts**
5
$1,427
0
N/A
*Registered Investment Companies include all mutual funds managed by the Portfolio Manager, including the Fund.
**Other Accounts include: Institutional Separate Accounts, Sub-Advised, and Managed Accounts (WRAP).

Conflicts of Interest

Actual or apparent conflicts of interest may arise when a Portfolio Manager has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to more than one Fund or other account. The management of multiple funds and accounts (including proprietary accounts) may give rise to actual or potential conflicts of interest if the funds and accounts have different or similar objectives, benchmarks, time horizons, and fees, as the Portfolio Manager must allocate his time and investment ideas across multiple funds and accounts.  The Portfolio Manager may execute transactions for another fund or account that may adversely impact the value of securities held by the Fund, and which may include transactions that are directly contrary to the positions taken by the Fund.  For example, a Portfolio Manager may engage in short sales of securities for another account that are the same type of securities in which the Fund it manages also invests.  In such a case, the Portfolio Manager could be seen as harming the performance of the Fund for the benefit of the account engaging in short sales if the short sales cause the market value of the securities to

 
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fall.  Additionally, if a Portfolio Manager identifies a limited investment opportunity that may be suitable for more than one fund or other account, the Fund may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity.  If one account were to buy or sell portfolio securities shortly before another account bought or sold the same securities, it could affect the price paid or received by the second account.  Securities selected for funds or accounts other than the Fund may outperform the securities selected for the Fund.  Finally, a conflict of interest may arise if NB Management and a Portfolio Manager have a financial incentive to favor one account over another, such as a performance-based management fee that applies to one account but not the Fund or accounts for which the Portfolio Manager is responsible.

NB Management, NBFI and the Fund have adopted certain compliance procedures which are designed to address these types of conflicts. However, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect each and every situation in which a conflict arises.

Compensation of Portfolio Managers by NB Management and NBFI
 
Our compensation philosophy is one that focuses on rewarding performance and incentivizing our employees.  We are also focused on creating a compensation process that we believe is fair, transparent, and competitive with the market.

Compensation for Portfolio Managers consists of fixed and variable compensation but is more heavily weighted on the variable portion of total compensation and reflects individual performance, overall contribution to the team, collaboration with colleagues across Neuberger Berman and, most importantly, overall investment performance.  In particular, the bonus for a Portfolio Manager is determined by using a formula and may or may not contain a discretionary component.  If applicable, the discretionary component is determined on the basis of a variety of criteria, including investment performance (including the pre-tax   three-year track record in order to emphasize long-term performance), utilization of central resources (including research, sales and operations/support), business building to further the longer term sustainable success of the investment team, effective team/people management, and overall contribution to the success of Neuberger Berman.  In addition, compensation of portfolio managers at other comparable firms is considered, with an eye toward remaining competitive with the market.

The terms of our long-term retention incentives are as follows:

Employee-Owned Equity.   An integral part of the Acquisition (the management buyout of Neuberger Berman in 2009) was implementing an equity ownership structure which embodies the importance of incentivizing and retaining key investment professionals.

The senior Portfolio Managers on the mutual fund teams are key shareholders in the equity ownership structure.  On a yearly basis over the next five years, the equity ownership allocations will be re-evaluated and re-allocated based on performance and other key metrics. A set percentage of employee equity and preferred stock is subject to vesting.

Contingent Compensation Plan.   We have also established the Neuberger Berman Group Contingent Compensation Plan pursuant to which a certain percentage of a Portfolio Manager’s compensation is deemed contingent and vests over a three-year period.  Under the plan,

 
75

 

participating Portfolio Managers and other participating employees who are members of mutual fund investment teams will receive a cash return on their contingent compensation with a portion of such return being determined based on the team’s investment performance, as well as the performance of a portfolio of other investment funds managed by Neuberger Berman Group investment professionals.

Restrictive Covenants.   Portfolio Managers who have received equity interests have agreed to certain restrictive covenants, which impose obligations and restrictions on the use of confidential information and the solicitation of Neuberger Berman employees and clients over a specified period of time if the Portfolio Manager leaves the firm.

Other Accounts. Certain Portfolio Managers may manage products other than mutual funds, such as high net worth separate accounts.  For the management of these accounts, a Portfolio Manager may generally receive a percentage of pre-tax revenue determined on a monthly basis less certain deductions (e.g., a “finder’s fee” or “referral fee” paid to a third party).  The percentage of revenue a Portfolio Manager receives will vary based on certain revenue thresholds.

Ownership of Securities
 
As of the date of this SAI, the Fund was new and had not yet issued any shares.
 
Other Investment Companies Managed
 
The investment decisions concerning the Fund and the other registered investment companies managed by NB Management and NBFI (collectively, “Other NB Funds”) have been and will continue to be made independently of one another. In terms of their investment objectives, most of the Other NB Funds differ from the Fund. Even where the investment objectives are similar, however, the methods used by the Other NB Funds and the Fund to achieve their objectives may differ. The investment results achieved by all of the registered investment companies managed by NB Management and NBFI have varied from one another in the past and are likely to vary in the future.
 
There may be occasions when the Fund and one or more of the Other NB Funds or other accounts managed by NBFI are contemporaneously engaged in purchasing or selling the same securities from or to third parties. When this occurs, the transactions are averaged as to price and allocated, in terms of amount, in accordance with a formula considered to be equitable to the Fund and accounts involved. Although in some cases this arrangement may have a detrimental effect on the price or volume of the securities as to the Fund, in other cases it is believed that the Fund’s ability to participate in volume transactions may produce better executions for it. In any case, it is the judgment of the Fund Trustees that the desirability of the Fund having its advisory arrangements with NBFI outweighs any disadvantages that may result from contemporaneous transactions.
 
The Fund is subject to certain limitations imposed on all advisory clients of NBFI (including the Fund, the Other NB Funds, and other managed accounts) and personnel of NBFI and its affiliates. These include, for example, limits that may be imposed in certain industries or
 

 
76

 

by certain companies, and policies of NBFI that limit the aggregate purchases, by all accounts under management, of the outstanding shares of public companies.
 
Codes of Ethics
 
The Fund, NB Management and NBFI have personal securities trading policies that restrict the personal securities transactions of employees, officers, and Fund Trustees. Their primary purpose is to ensure that personal trading by these individuals does not disadvantage any fund managed by NB Management. The Fund’s Portfolio Managers and other investment personnel who comply with the policies’ preclearance and disclosure procedures may be permitted to purchase, sell or hold certain types of securities which also may be or are held in the Fund they advise, but are restricted from trading in close conjunction with their Fund or taking personal advantage of investment opportunities that may belong to the Fund. Text-only versions of the Codes of Ethics can be viewed online or downloaded from the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s internet web site at www.sec.gov. You may also review and copy those documents by visiting the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 202-942-8090. In addition, copies of the Codes of Ethics may be obtained, after mailing the appropriate duplicating fee, by writing to the SEC’s Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549-0102 or by e-mail request at publicinfo@sec.gov.
 
Management and Control of NB Management and NBFI
 
NB Management and NBFI are indirect and direct subsidiaries of Neuberger Berman Group LLC (“NBG,” and together with its consolidated subsidiaries “NB Group”). The directors, officers and/or employees of NB Management who are deemed “control persons,” all of whom have offices at the same address as NB Management, are: Kevin Handwerker, Joseph Amato, and Robert Conti. Mr. Amato is a Trustee of the Trust and Mr. Conti is both a Trustee and an officer of the Trust.  The directors, officers and/or employees of NBFI who are deemed “control persons,” all of whom have offices at the same address as NBFI, are: Andrew Johnson and Bradley C. Tank.
 
On May 4, 2009, NBSH Acquisition, LLC (“NBSH”), an entity organized by key members of NB Group’s senior management, acquired a majority interest in the business conducted by NB Management and NBFI, as well as Neuberger Berman and certain alternative asset management businesses of LBHI’s Investment Management Division (together with NB Management and NBFI, the “Acquired Businesses”) (the “Acquisition”). Prior to that date, NBFI and the predecessor in interest of NB Management were indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of LBHI. On September 15, 2008, LBHI filed a voluntary petition under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, and on December 22, 2008, the bankruptcy court having jurisdiction over the LBHI matter approved the sale of the Acquired Businesses to NBSH (or its successor or assign).

Through NBSH, portfolio managers, NB Group’s management team, and certain of its key employees and senior professionals now indirectly own 52% of the voting equity of NBG.  LBHI and certain affiliates of LBHI own the remaining 48% of NBG’s voting equity. NB Management and NBFI continue to operate in the ordinary course of business as the investment manager and sub-adviser of funds in the fund family.

 
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DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENTS
 
The Fund offers three classes of shares, known as Institutional Class, Class A and Class C shares.
 
Distributor
 
NB Management serves as the distributor (“Distributor”) in connection with the offering of the Fund’s shares. Institutional Class shares are offered on a no-load basis.  Class A, Class C (with the exception of Grandfathered Investors as defined in the Class A and Class C shares Prospectus) are available only through investment providers (“Institutions”) that have made arrangements with NB Management for shareholder servicing and administration and/or entered into selling agreements with NB Management.
 
In connection with the sale of its shares, the Fund has authorized the Distributor to give only the information, and to make only the statements and representations, contained in the Prospectus and this SAI or that properly may be included in sales literature and advertisements in accordance with the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act, and applicable rules of self-regulatory organizations. Sales may be made only by the Prospectus, which may be delivered personally, through the mails, or by electronic means. The Distributor is the Fund’s “principal underwriter” within the meaning of the 1940 Act.  It acts as agent in arranging for the sale of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares without sales commission or other compensation and bears all advertising and promotion expenses incurred in the sale of those shares.  The Distributor also acts as agent in arranging for the sale of the Fund’s Class A and Class C shares to Institutions and bears all advertising and promotion expenses incurred in the sale of those shares.  However, for Class A shares, the Distributor receives commission revenue consisting of the portion of Class A sales charge remaining after the allowances by the Distributor to Institutions.  For Class C shares, the Distributor receives any contingent deferred sales charges that apply during the first year after purchase.  The Fund pays the Distributor for advancing the immediate service fees and commissions paid to qualified Institutions of Class C shares.
 
For each Fund that is sold directly to investors (currently the Fund’s Class A shares for Grandfathered Investors, as defined in the Class A and Class C shares Prospectus), the Distributor or one of its affiliates may, from time to time, deem it desirable to offer to shareholders of the Fund, through use of their shareholder lists, the shares of other mutual funds for which the Distributor acts as distributor or other products or services. Any such use of the Fund’s shareholder lists, however, will be made subject to terms and conditions, if any, approved by a majority of the Independent Fund Trustees. These lists will not be used to offer the Fund’s shareholders any investment products or services other than those managed or distributed by NB Management or NBFI.
 
The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and the Distributor are parties to a Distribution Agreement with respect to the Fund’s Institutional Class, and Distribution and Shareholder Services Agreements with respect to Class A and Class C of the Fund (“Distribution Agreements”). The Distribution Agreements continue until October 31, 2010. The Distribution Agreements may be renewed annually if specifically approved by (1) the vote of a majority of the Fund Trustees or a
 

 
78

 

1940 Act majority vote of the Fund’s outstanding shares and (2) the vote of a majority of the Independent Fund Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Distribution Agreements may be terminated by either party and will terminate automatically on their assignment, in the same manner as the Management Agreements.
 
Revenue Sharing
 
NB Management and/or its affiliates may pay additional compensation and/or provide incentives (out of their own resources and not as an expense of the Fund) to certain brokers, dealers, or other financial intermediaries (“Financial Intermediaries”) in connection with the sale, distribution, retention and/or servicing of Fund shares (“revenue sharing payments”).
 
Such payments are intended to provide additional compensation to Financial Intermediaries for various services, including without limitation, participating in joint advertising with a Financial Intermediary, granting NB Management personnel reasonable access to a Financial Intermediary’s financial advisers and consultants, and allowing NB Management personnel to attend conferences.  NB Management and its affiliates may make other payments or allow other promotional incentives to Financial Intermediaries to the extent permitted by SEC and FINRA rules and by other applicable laws and regulations.
 
In addition, NB Management may pay for: placing the Fund on the Financial Intermediary’s sales system, preferred or recommended fund list, providing periodic and ongoing education and training of Financial Intermediary personnel regarding the Fund; disseminating to Financial Intermediary personnel information and product marketing materials regarding the Fund; explaining to clients the features and characteristics of the Fund; conducting due diligence regarding the Fund; providing reasonable access to sales meetings, sales representatives and management representatives of a Financial Intermediary; and furnishing marketing support and other services.  Additional compensation also may include non-cash compensation, financial assistance to Financial Intermediaries in connection with conferences, seminars for the public and advertising campaigns, technical and systems support and reimbursement of ticket charges (fees that a Financial Intermediary charges its representatives for effecting transactions in Fund shares) and other similar charges.
 
The level of revenue sharing payments made to Financial Intermediaries may be a fixed fee or based upon one or more of the following factors: reputation in the industry, ability to attract and retain assets, target markets, customer relationships, quality of service, gross sales, current assets and/or number of accounts of the Fund attributable to the Financial Intermediary, the particular Fund or fund type or other measures as agreed to by NB Management and/or their affiliates and the Financial Intermediaries or any combination thereof. The amount of these payments is determined at the discretion of NB Management and/or its affiliates from time to time, may be substantial, and may be different for different Financial Intermediaries based on, for example, the nature of the services provided by the Financial Intermediary.
 
Receipt of, or the prospect of receiving, this additional compensation, may influence a Financial Intermediary’s recommendation of the Fund or of any particular share class of the Fund.  These payment arrangements, however, will not change the price that an investor pays for Fund shares or the amount that the Fund receives to invest on behalf of an investor and will not
 

 
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increase Fund expenses. You should review your Financial Intermediary’s compensation disclosure and/or talk to your Financial Intermediary to obtain more information on how this compensation may have influenced your Financial Intermediary’s recommendation of the Fund.
 
In addition to the compensation described above, the Fund and/or NB Management may pay fees to Financial Intermediaries and their affiliated persons for maintaining Fund share balances and/or for subaccounting, administrative or transaction processing services related to the maintenance of accounts for retirement and benefit plans and other omnibus accounts (“subaccounting fees”).  Such subaccounting fees paid by the Fund may differ depending on the Fund and are designed to be equal to or less than the fees the Fund would pay to its transfer agent for similar services.  Because some subaccounting fees are directly related to the number of accounts and assets for which a Financial Intermediary provides services, these fees will increase with the success of the Financial Intermediary’s sales activities.
 
NB Management and its affiliates are motivated to make the payments described above since they promote the sale of Fund shares and the retention of those investments by clients of Financial Intermediaries.  To the extent Financial Intermediaries sell more shares of the Fund or retain shares of the Fund in their clients' accounts, NB Management and/or its affiliates benefit from the incremental management and other fees paid to NB Management and/or its affiliates by the Fund with respect to those assets.
 
Distribution Plan (Class A Only)
 
The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has also adopted a Plan with respect to Class A of the Fund.  The Plan provides that Class A of the Fund will compensate NB Management for administrative and other services provided to Class A of the Fund, its activities and expenses related to the sale and distribution of Class A shares, and ongoing services to investors in Class A of the Fund. Under the Plan, NB Management receives from Class A of the Fund a fee at the annual rate of 0.25% of that Class’s average daily net assets. NB Management may pay up to the full amount of this fee to Institutions that make available Class A shares and/or provide services to Class A and its shareholders. The fee paid to an Institution is based on the level of such services provided. Institutions may use the payments for, among other purposes, compensating employees engaged in sales and/or shareholder servicing. The amount of fees paid by Class A of the Fund during any year may be more or less than the cost of distribution and other services provided to that class of the Fund and its investors. FINRA rules limit the amount of annual distribution and service fees that may be paid by a mutual fund and impose a ceiling on the cumulative distribution fees paid. Class A’s plan complies with these rules.
 
Distribution Plan (Class C Only)
 
The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has also adopted a Plan with respect to Class C of the Fund.  The Plan provides that Class C of the Fund will compensate NB Management for administrative and other services provided to Class C of the Fund, its activities and expenses related to the sale and distribution of Class C shares, and ongoing services to investors in Class C of the Fund. Under the Plan, NB Management receives from Class C of the Fund a fee at the annual rate of 1.00% of that Class’s average daily net assets of which 0.75% is a distribution fee and 0.25% is a service fee. NB Management may pay up to the full amount of this fee to
 

 
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Institutions that make available Class C shares and/or provide services to Class C and its shareholders. The fee paid to an Institution is based on the level of such services provided. Institutions may use the payments for, among other purposes, compensating employees engaged in sales and/or shareholder servicing. The amount of fees paid by Class C of the Fund during any year may be more or less than the cost of distribution and other services provided to that class of the Fund and its investors. FINRA rules limit the amount of annual distribution and service fees that may be paid by a mutual fund and impose a ceiling on the cumulative distribution fees paid. Class C’s plan complies with these rules.
 
Distribution Plan (Class A and Class C)
 
Each Plan requires that NB Management provide the Fund Trustees for their review a quarterly written report identifying the amounts expended by each Class and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.
 
Prior to approving the Plans, the Fund Trustees considered various factors relating to the implementation of each Plan and determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Plans will benefit the applicable Classes of the Fund and their shareholders. To the extent the Plans allow the Fund to penetrate markets to which they would not otherwise have access, the Plans may result in additional sales of Fund shares; this, in turn, may enable the Fund to achieve economies of scale that could reduce expenses. In addition, certain on-going shareholder services may be provided more effectively by Institutions with which shareholders have an existing relationship.
 
Each Plan is renewable from year to year, with respect to a class of the Fund, so long as its continuance is approved at least annually (1) by the vote of a majority of the Fund Trustees and (2) by a vote of the majority of those Independent Fund Trustees who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the Distribution Agreement or the Plans pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 12b-1 Trustees”), cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Plans may not be amended to increase materially the amount of fees paid by any class of the Fund thereunder unless such amendment is approved by a 1940 Act majority vote of the outstanding shares of the class and by the Fund Trustees in the manner described above. A Plan is terminable with respect to a class of the Fund at any time by a vote of a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Trustees or by a 1940 Act majority vote of the outstanding shares in the class.
 
From time to time, the Fund may be closed to new investors. Because the Plans for Class A and Class C shares of the Fund pay for ongoing shareholder and account services, the Board may determine that it is appropriate for the Fund to continue paying a 12b-1 fee, even though the Fund is closed to new investors.
 
 
ADDITIONAL PURCHASE INFORMATION
 
Share Prices and Net Asset Value
 
The Fund’s shares are bought or sold at the offering price or at a price that is the Fund’s NAV per share. The NAV for each Class of the Fund is calculated by subtracting total liabilities of that Class from total assets attributable to that Class (the market value of the securities the
 

 
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Fund holds plus cash and other assets). The Fund’s per share NAV is calculated by dividing its NAV by the number of Fund shares outstanding attributable to that Class and rounding the result to the nearest full cent. The Fund calculates its NAV as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE, usually 4 p.m. Eastern time, on each day the NYSE is open.
 
The Fund uses an independent pricing service to value its equity portfolio securities (including options) and other securities or instruments for which market quotations are readily available.  The independent pricing service values equity portfolio securities (including options) listed on the NYSE, the American Stock Exchange or other national securities exchanges, and other securities or instruments for which market quotations are readily available, at the last reported sale price on the day the securities are being valued. The independent pricing service values foreign equity securities at the last reported sale price on the principal exchange or in the principal OTC market in which such securities are traded, as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE on the day the securities are being valued.  Securities traded primarily on the Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) are normally valued by the independent pricing service at the Nasdaq Official Closing Price (“NOCP”) provided by Nasdaq each business day. The NOCP is the most recently reported price as of 4:00:02 p.m., Eastern time, unless that price is outside the range of the “inside” bid and asked prices (i.e., the bid and asked prices that dealers quote to each other when trading for their own accounts); in that case, Nasdaq will adjust the price to equal the inside bid or asked price, whichever is closer. Because of delays in reporting trades, the NOCP may not be based on the price of the last trade to occur before the market closes.
 
If there is no reported sale of a security or other instrument on a particular day, the independent pricing service may value the security or other instrument based on reported market quotations.  If a valuation is not available from an independent pricing service, the Fund seeks to obtain quotations from principal market makers.  If quotations are not readily available, securities or other instruments are valued by a method that the Fund Trustees believe accurately reflects fair value.
 
The Fund uses an independent pricing service to value its debt securities and other instruments.  Valuations of debt securities and other instruments provided by an independent pricing service are based on readily available bid quotations, or if quotations are not available, by methods which include considerations such as: yields or prices of securities of comparable quality, coupon, maturity and type; indications as to values from dealers; and general market conditions.  If a valuation is not available from an independent pricing service, the Fund seeks to obtain quotations from principal market makers.  If quotations are not readily available, securities or other instruments are valued by a method that the Fund Trustees believe accurately reflects fair value. The Fund periodically verifies valuations provided by the pricing services. Short-term securities with remaining maturities of less than 60 days may be valued at cost which, when combined with interest earned, approximates market value.
 
The Fund’s foreign security prices are furnished by independent quotation services and expressed in local currency values. Foreign security prices are translated from the local currency into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate as of 4:00 p.m., Eastern time. The Board has approved the use of Interactive Data Pricing and Reference Data, Inc. (“Interactive”) to assist in determining the fair value of the Fund’s foreign equity securities when changes in the value of a certain index suggest that the closing prices on the foreign exchanges may no longer represent
 

 
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the amount that the Fund could expect to receive for those securities.  In this event, Interactive will provide adjusted prices for certain foreign equity securities using a statistical analysis of historical correlations of multiple factors.
 
If, after the close of the principal market on which a security is traded, and before the time the Fund’s securities are priced that day, an event occurs that NB Management deems likely to cause a material change in the value of such security, the Fund Trustees have authorized NB Management, subject to the Board’s review, to ascertain a fair value for such security. Such events may include circumstances in which the value of the U.S. markets changes by a percentage deemed significant. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund is required to act in good faith in determining the fair value of portfolio securities. The SEC has recognized that a security’s valuation may differ depending on the method used for determining value. The fair value ascertained for a security is an estimate and there is no assurance, given the limited information available at the time of fair valuation, that a security’s fair value will be the same as or close to the subsequent opening market price for that security.
 
If NB Management believes that the price of a security or other instrument obtained under the Fund’s valuation procedures (as described above) does not represent the amount that the Fund reasonably expects to receive on a current sale of the security or other instrument, the Fund will value the security based on a method that the Fund Trustees believe accurately reflects fair value. Numerous factors may be considered when determining the fair value of a security or other instrument, including available analyst, media or other reports, trading in futures or ADRs and whether the issuer of the security or other instrument being fair valued has other securities or other instruments outstanding.
 
Financial Intermediaries
 
The Fund has authorized one or more financial intermediaries to receive purchase and redemption orders on its behalf.  Such financial intermediaries are authorized to designate other administrative intermediaries to receive purchase and redemption orders on the Fund’s behalf.  The Fund will be deemed to have received a purchase and redemption order when a financial intermediary or its designee receives the order.  Purchase and redemption orders will be priced at the next share price or offering price to be calculated after the order has been “accepted” as defined in the Prospectus.
 
Automatic Investing and Dollar Cost Averaging
 
For each Class that is sold directly to investors (currently Class A shares for Grandfathered Investors as defined in the Class A and Class C shares Prospectus), shareholders in that Fund (“Direct Shareholders”) may arrange to have a fixed amount automatically invested in Fund shares each month. To do so, a Direct Shareholder must complete an application, available from the Distributor, electing to have automatic investments funded either through (1) redemptions from his or her account in an eligible money market fund outside the Neuberger Berman fund family or (2) withdrawals from the shareholder’s checking account. In either case, the minimum monthly investment is $100. Direct Shareholders who elect to participate in automatic investing through his or her checking account must include a voided check with the
 

 
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completed application. A completed application should be sent to Neuberger Berman Funds, Boston Service Center, P.O. Box 8403, Boston, MA 02266-8403.
 
Automatic investing enables a Direct Shareholder to take advantage of “dollar cost averaging.” As a result of dollar cost averaging, a Direct Shareholder’s average cost of Fund shares generally would be lower than if the shareholder purchased a fixed number of shares at the same pre-set intervals. Additional information on dollar cost averaging may be obtained from the Distributor.
 
Sales Charges
 
Class A Purchases
 
Purchases by certain 403(b) plans.   Individual 403(b) plans may be treated similarly to employer-sponsored plans for Class A sales charge purposes ( i.e. , individual participant accounts are eligible to be aggregated together) if: (a) the Neuberger Berman Funds are principal investment options; (b) the employer facilitates the enrollment process by, for example, allowing for onsite group enrollment meetings held during working hours; and (c) there is only one dealer firm assigned to the plans.
 
Other Purchases.   Pursuant to a determination of eligibility by NB Management, Class A shares of the Fund may be sold at net asset value to:
 
 
1.
current or retired directors, trustees, and officers of the Neuberger Berman Funds, current or retired employees and partners of NB Management or Neuberger Berman and its affiliated companies, certain family members and employees of the above persons, and trusts or plans primarily for such persons;
 
 
2.
currently registered representatives and assistants directly employed by such representatives, retired registered representatives with respect to accounts established while active, or full-time employees (collectively, “Eligible Persons”)  (and their (a) spouses or equivalents if recognized under local law, (b) parents and children, including parents and children in step and adoptive relationships, sons-in- law and daughters-in-law, and (c) parents-in-law, if the Eligible Persons or the spouses, children or parents of the Eligible Persons are listed in the account registration with the parents-in-law) of dealers who have sales agreements with the Distributor (or who clear transactions through such dealers), plans for the dealers, and plans that include as participants only the Eligible Persons, their spouses, parents and/or children;
 
 
3.
currently registered investment advisers (“RIAs”) and assistants directly employed by such RIAs, retired RIAs with respect to accounts established while active, or full-time employees (collectively, “Eligible Persons”) (and their (a) spouses or equivalents if recognized under local law, (b) parents and children, including parents and children in step and adoptive relationships, sons-in-law and daughters-in-law and (c) parents-in-law, if the Eligible Persons or the spouses, children or parents of the Eligible Persons are listed in the account registration with the parents-in-law) of RIA firms that are authorized to sell shares of the
 

 
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Fund, plans for the RIA firms, and plans that include as participants only the Eligible Persons, their spouses, parents and/or children;
 
 
4.
companies exchanging securities with the Fund through a merger, acquisition or exchange offer;
 
 
5.
insurance company separate accounts;
 
 
6.
accounts managed by NB Management or Neuberger Berman and its affiliated companies;
 
 
7.
NB Management or Neuberger Berman and its affiliated companies;
 
 
8.
an individual or entity with a substantial business relationship with NB Management or Neuberger Berman and its affiliated companies, or an individual or entity related or relating to such individual or entity;
 
 
9.
wholesalers and full-time employees directly supporting wholesalers involved in the distribution of insurance company separate accounts whose underlying investments are managed by NB Management or Neuberger Berman and its affiliated companies;
 
 
10.
full-time employees of banks that have sales agreements with the Distributor, who are solely dedicated to directly supporting the sale of mutual funds;
 
 
11.
directors, officers and employees of financial institutions that have a selling group agreement with the Distributor;
 
 
12.
banks, broker-dealers and other financial institutions (including registered investment advisors and financial planners) that have entered into an agreement with the Distributor or one of its affiliates, purchasing shares on behalf of clients participating in a fund supermarket or in a wrap program, asset allocation program or other program in which the clients pay an asset-based fee;
 
 
13.
clients of authorized dealers purchasing shares in fixed or flat fee brokerage accounts;
 
 
14.
Employer-sponsored defined contribution – type plans, including 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer sponsored 403(b) plans, profit-sharing and money purchase pension plans, defined benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, and individual retirement account (“IRA”) rollovers involving retirement plan assets invested in the funds in the fund family; and
 
 
15.
Employee benefit and retirement plans for NB Management and its affiliates.
 
Shares are offered at net asset value to these persons and organizations due to anticipated economies in sales effort and expense. Once an account is established under this net asset value privilege, additional investments can be made at net asset value for the life of the account.
 

 
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Moving between accounts.
 
Investments in certain account types may be moved to other account types without incurring additional Class A sales charges. These transactions include, for example:
 
 
redemption proceeds from a non-retirement account (for example, a joint tenant account) used to purchase Fund shares in an IRA or other individual-type retirement account;
 
 
required minimum distributions from an IRA or other individual-type retirement account used to purchase Fund shares in a non-retirement account; and
 
 
death distributions paid to a beneficiary’s account that are used by the beneficiary to purchase Fund shares in a different account.
 
Loan repayments.
 
Repayments on loans taken from a retirement plan or an IRA or other individual-type retirement account are not subject to sales charges if NB Management is notified of the repayment.
 
Dealer commissions and compensation.
 
Commissions (up to 1.00%) are paid to dealers who initiate and are responsible for certain Class A share purchases not subject to sales charges. These purchases consist of aggregate purchases of $1 million or more, purchases by employer-sponsored defined contribution-type retirement plans investing $1 million or more or with 100 or more eligible employees, and purchases made at net asset value by certain retirement plans, endowments and foundations with assets of $50 million or more. Commissions on such investments (other than IRA rollover assets that roll over at no sales charge under the Fund’s IRA rollover policy as described in the Class A and Class C Prospectus) are paid to dealers at the following rates: 1.00% on amounts from $1 million to $1,999,999, 0.75% on amounts from $2 million to $2,999,999, 0.50% on amounts from $3 million to $4,999,999 and 0.25% on amounts from $5 million and above. Commissions are based on cumulative investments and are annually reset.
 
A dealer concession of up to 1% may be paid by the Fund under its Class A plan of distribution to reimburse the Distributor in connection with dealer and wholesaler compensation paid by it with respect to investments made with no initial sales charge.
 
Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers
 
Reducing your Class A sales charge.
 
As described in the Class A and Class C Prospectus, there are various ways to reduce your sales charge when purchasing Class A shares. Additional information about Class A sales charge reductions is provided below.
 

 
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Letter of Intent.   By establishing a letter of intent (the “Letter”), you enter into a nonbinding commitment to purchase shares of funds in the fund family over a 13-month period and receive the same sales charge (expressed as a percentage of your purchases) as if all shares had been purchased at once.
 
The market value of your existing holdings eligible to be aggregated (see below) as of the day immediately before the start of the Letter period may be credited toward satisfying the Letter.
 
The Letter may be revised upward at any time during the Letter period, and such a revision will be treated as a new Letter, except that the Letter period during which the purchases must be made will remain unchanged. Purchases made from the date of revision will receive the reduced sales charge, if any, resulting from the revised Letter.
 
The Letter will be considered completed if the shareholder dies within the 13-month Letter period. Commissions to dealers will not be adjusted or paid on the difference between the Letter amount and the amount actually invested before the shareholder’s death.
 
When a shareholder elects to use a Letter, shares equal to 5% of the dollar amount specified in the Letter may be held in escrow in the shareholder’s account out of the initial purchase (or subsequent purchases, if necessary) by the Fund’s transfer agent. All dividends and capital gain distributions on shares held in escrow will be credited to the shareholder’s account in shares (or paid in cash, if requested). If the intended investment is not completed within the specified Letter period, the purchaser may be required to remit to the Distributor the difference between the sales charge actually paid and the sales charge which would have been paid if the total of such purchases had been made at a single time. Any dealers assigned to the shareholder’s account at the time a purchase was made during the Letter period will receive a corresponding commission adjustment if appropriate. If the difference is not paid by the close of the Letter period, the appropriate number of shares held in escrow will be redeemed to pay such difference. If the proceeds from this redemption are inadequate, the purchaser may be liable to the Distributor for the balance still outstanding.
 
Shareholders purchasing shares at a reduced sales charge under a Letter indicate their acceptance of these terms and those in the Class A and Class C Prospectus with their first purchase.
 
Aggregation.   Qualifying investments for aggregation include those made by you and your “immediate family” as defined in the Class A and Class C Prospectus, if all parties are purchasing shares for their own accounts and/or:
 
 
individual-type employee benefit plans, such as an IRA, individual 403(b) plan (see exception in “Purchases by certain 403(b) plans” under “Sales Charges”) or single-participant Keogh-type plan;
 
 
business accounts solely controlled by you or your immediate family (for example, you own the entire business);
 

 
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trust accounts established by you or your immediate family (for trusts with only one primary beneficiary, upon the trustor’s death the trust account may be aggregated with such beneficiary’s own accounts; for trusts with multiple primary beneficiaries, upon the trustor’s death the trustees of the trust may instruct the Fund’s transfer agent to establish separate trust accounts for each primary beneficiary; each primary beneficiary’s separate trust account may then be aggregated with such beneficiary’s own accounts);
 
 
endowments or foundations established and controlled by you or your immediate family; or
 
 
529 accounts, which will be aggregated at the account owner level (Class 529-E accounts may only be aggregated with an eligible employer plan).
 
Individual purchases by a trustee(s) or other fiduciary(ies) may also be aggregated if the investments are:
 
 
for a single trust estate or fiduciary account, including employee benefit plans other than the individual-type employee benefit plans described above;
 
 
made for two or more employee benefit plans of a single employer or of affiliated employers as defined in the 1940 Act, excluding the individual-type employee benefit plans described above;
 
 
for a diversified common trust fund or other diversified pooled account not specifically formed for the purpose of accumulating Fund shares;
 
 
for nonprofit, charitable or educational organizations, or any endowments or foundations established and controlled by such organizations, or any employer-sponsored retirement plans established for the benefit of the employees of such organizations, their endowments, or their foundations; or
 
 
for individually established participant accounts of a 403(b) plan that is treated similarly to an employer-sponsored plan for sales charge purposes (see “Purchases by certain 403(b) plans” under “Sales Charges” above), or made for two or more such 403(b) plans that are treated similarly to employer-sponsored plans for sales charge purposes, in each case of a single employer or affiliated employers as defined in the 1940 Act.
 
Purchases made for nominee or street name accounts (securities held in the name of an investment dealer or another nominee such as a bank trust department instead of the customer) may not be aggregated with those made for other accounts and may not be aggregated with other nominee or street name accounts unless otherwise qualified as described above.
 
Concurrent purchases.   As described in the Class A and Class C Prospectus, you may reduce your Class A sales charge by combining purchases of all classes of shares in the funds in the fund family.
 

 
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Rights of accumulation.   Subject to the limitations described in the aggregation policy, you may take into account your accumulated holdings in all share classes of the funds in the fund family to determine your sales charge on investments in accounts eligible to be aggregated. Subject to your investment dealer’s or recordkeeper’s capabilities, your accumulated holdings will be calculated as the higher of (a) the current value of your existing holdings (the “market value”) or (b) the amount you invested (including reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions, but excluding capital appreciation) less any withdrawals (the “cost value”). Depending on the entity on whose books your account is held, the value of your holdings in that account may not be eligible for calculation at cost value. For example, accounts held in nominee or street name may not be eligible for calculation at cost value and instead may be calculated at market value for purposes of rights of accumulation.
 
You must contact your financial adviser or NB Management if you have additional information that is relevant to the calculation of the value of your holdings.
 
You may not purchase Class C shares if such combined holdings cause you to be eligible to purchase Class A shares at the $1 million or more sales charge discount rate ( i.e. at net asset value).
 
If you make a gift of Class A shares, upon your request, you may purchase the shares at the sales charge discount allowed under rights of accumulation of all of your funds in the fund family.
 
CDSC waivers for Class A and Class C shares.
 
As noted in the Class A and Class C Prospectus, a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) may be waived in the following cases:
 
 
redemptions due to death or post-purchase disability of a shareholder (this generally excludes accounts registered in the names of trusts and other entities). In the case of joint tenant accounts, if one joint tenant dies, a surviving joint tenant, at the time he or she notifies the Fund’s transfer agent of the other joint tenant’s death and removes the decedent’s name from the account, may redeem shares from the account without incurring a CDSC. Redemptions made after the Fund’s transfer agent is notified of the death of a joint tenant will be subject to a CDSC;
 
 
tax-free returns of excess contributions to IRAs;
 
 
permitted exchanges of shares, except if shares acquired by exchange are then redeemed within the period during which a contingent deferred sales charge would apply to the initial shares purchased;
 
 
distributions from an IRA upon the shareholder’s attainment of age 59-1/2;
 
 
IRA rollover from a fund in the fund family held in a employer sponsored retirement plan to Class A shares; and
 

 
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redemptions due to the complete termination of a trust upon the death of the trustor/grantor or beneficiary, but only if such termination is specifically provided for in the trust document.
 
In addition, a CDSC may be waived for the following types of transactions, if together they do not exceed 12% of the value of an “account” (defined below) annually (the “12% limit”):
 
 
Required minimum distributions taken from retirement accounts upon the shareholder’s attainment of age 70-1/2 (required minimum distributions that continue to be taken by the beneficiary(ies) after the account owner is deceased also qualify for a waiver).
 
 
Redemptions through a systematic withdrawal plan (SWP). For each SWP payment, assets that are not subject to a CDSC, such as appreciation on shares and shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends and/or capital gain distributions, will be redeemed first and will count toward the 12% limit. If there is an insufficient amount of assets not subject to a CDSC to cover a particular SWP payment, shares subject to the lowest CDSC will be redeemed next until the 12% limit is reached. Any dividends and/or capital gain distributions taken in cash by a shareholder who receives payments through a SWP will also count toward the 12% limit. In the case of a SWP, the 12% limit is calculated at the time a systematic redemption is first made, and is recalculated at the time each additional systematic redemption is made. Shareholders who establish a SWP should be aware that the amount of a payment not subject to a CDSC may vary over time depending on fluctuations in the value of their accounts. This privilege may be revised or terminated at any time.
 
 
Purchases where the Distributor pays no commission or transaction fee to authorized dealers.
 
For purposes of this paragraph, “account” means:
 
 
in the case of Class A shares, your investment in Class A shares of all funds in the fund family; and
 
 
in the case of Class C shares, your investment in Class C shares of the particular fund from which you are making the redemption.
 
CDSC waivers are allowed only in the cases listed here and in the Class A and Class C Prospectus.
 
 
ADDITIONAL EXCHANGE INFORMATION
 
As more fully set forth in the Fund’s Prospectus, if shareholders purchased Institutional, Investor or Trust Class shares of a fund in the fund family directly, they may redeem at least $1,000 worth of the fund’s shares and invest the proceeds in shares of the corresponding class of one or more of the other funds in the fund family, provided that the minimum investment requirements of the other fund(s) are met.  Investor Class may also be exchanged for Trust Class
 

 
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shares where NB Management is the Institution acting as the record owner on behalf of the shareholder making the exchange.
 
In addition, Grandfathered Investors (as defined in the Class A and Class C shares Prospectuses) may exchange their shares (either Investor Class or Trust Class) for Class A shares where Investor Class or Trust Class shares of the other fund in the fund family are not available; otherwise, they will exchange their shares into the corresponding class of the other fund in the fund family.
 
An Institution may exchange a fund’s Investor Class, Advisor Class, Trust Class, Institutional Class, Class A, Class C, and Class R3 shares (if the shareholder did not purchase the fund’s shares directly) for shares of the corresponding class of one or more of the other funds in the fund family, if made available through that Institution.  Most Institutions allow you to take advantage of the exchange program.
 
If shareholders purchased shares of a fund in the fund family directly, they may exchange those shares for shares of the following eligible money market funds (and classes): Investment Class shares of State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund, Investment Class shares of State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund, Investment Class shares of State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund, Institutional Class shares of JPMorgan Tax Free Money Market Fund, and Morgan Class shares of JPMorgan New York Municipal Money Market Fund. An investor may exchange shares of an eligible money market fund for shares of a particular class of a fund in the Neuberger Berman fund family only if the investor holds, through NB Management, both the shares of the eligible money market fund and shares of that particular class of that fund in the Neuberger Berman fund family.

Exchanges are generally not subject to any applicable sales charges.  However, exchanges from eligible money market funds are subject to any applicable sales charges on the fund in the Neuberger Berman fund family being purchased, unless the eligible money market fund shares were acquired through an exchange from a fund in the Neuberger Berman fund family having a sales charge or by reinvestment or cross-reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions from a fund in the Neuberger Berman fund family having a sales charge.
 
Most investment providers allow you to take advantage of the exchange program.  Please contact your investment provider or NB Management for further information on exchanging your shares.
 
Any of the Neuberger Berman Funds may terminate or modify its exchange privilege in the future. Before effecting an exchange, fund shareholders must obtain and should review a currently effective prospectus of the fund into which the exchange is to be made. An exchange is treated as a sale and purchase of the shares of the two funds for federal income tax purposes, and, depending on the circumstances, a capital gain or loss may be realized on the sale.
 
Each of the Neuberger Berman Funds, except Neuberger Berman Emerging Markets Equity Fund, Neuberger Berman International Fund, Neuberger Berman International Institutional Fund, Neuberger Berman International Large Cap Fund and Neuberger Berman Real Estate Fund may terminate or materially alter its exchange privilege without notice to
 

 
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shareholders. Because Neuberger Berman Emerging Markets Equity Fund, Neuberger Berman International Fund, Neuberger Berman International Institutional Fund, Neuberger Berman International Large Cap Fund and Neuberger Berman Real Estate Fund charge shareholders a redemption fee on exchanges of fund shares held 60 days or less, the funds will provide at least 60 days’ notice prior to terminating or materially altering its exchange privilege, except in the following cases:
 
 
If the effect of the amendment to the exchange privilege is to reduce or eliminate the redemption fee payable at the time of the exchange; or
 
 
In certain extraordinary circumstances, such as the suspension of the redemption of the fund’s shares under Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, or where a fund temporarily delays or ceases the sales of its shares because it is unable to invest amounts effectively in accordance with applicable investment objectives, policies and restrictions.
 
ADDITIONAL REDEMPTION INFORMATION
 
Suspension of Redemptions
 
The right to redeem Fund shares may be suspended or payment of the redemption price postponed (1) when the NYSE is closed, (2) when trading on the NYSE is restricted, (3) when an emergency exists as a result of which it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to dispose of securities it owns or fairly to determine the value of its net assets, or (4) for such other period as the SEC may by order permit for the protection of the Fund’s shareholders. Applicable SEC rules and regulations shall govern whether the conditions prescribed in (2) or (3) exist. If the right of redemption is suspended, shareholders may withdraw their offers of redemption, or they will receive payment at the NAV per share in effect at the close of business on the first day the NYSE is open (“Business Day”) after termination of the suspension.
 
Redemptions in Kind
 
The Fund reserves the right, under certain conditions, to honor any request for redemption by making payment in whole or in part in securities valued as described in “Share Prices and Net Asset Value” above. If payment is made in securities, a shareholder or Institution generally will incur brokerage expenses or other transaction costs in converting those securities into cash and will be subject to fluctuation in the market prices of those securities until they are sold. The Fund does not redeem in kind under normal circumstances, but would do so when the Fund Trustees determined that it was in the best interests of the Fund’s shareholders as a whole.
 
Abandoned Property
 
It is the responsibility of the investor to ensure that NB Management maintains a correct address for the investor’s account(s). An incorrect address may cause an investor’s account statements and other mailings to be returned to NB Management. If NB Management is unable to locate the investor, then it will determine whether the investor’s account has legally been abandoned. NB Management is legally obligated to escheat (or transfer) abandoned property to the appropriate state’s unclaimed property administrator in accordance with statutory
 

 
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requirements. The investor’s last known address of record determines which state has jurisdiction.
 
CONVERSION INFORMATION
 
If consistent with your investment provider’s program, Class A shares of the Fund that have been purchased by an investment provider on behalf of clients participating in (i) 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit-sharing and money purchase pension plans, defined benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans or (ii) investment programs in which the clients pay a fixed or asset-based fee, may be converted into Institutional Class shares of the same Fund if the investment provider satisfies any then-applicable eligibility requirements for investment in Institutional Class shares of the Fund.  Any such conversion will be effected at net asset value without the imposition of any sales load, fee or other charges by the Fund.  Please contact your investment provider about any fees that it may charge.
 
DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS
 
The Fund distributes to its shareholders substantially all of its net investment income (by Class, after deducting expenses attributable to the Class), net capital gains and net gains from foreign currency transactions it earns or realizes that are allocable to that Class. Capital gain realization is one factor that the Portfolio Managers may consider in deciding when to sell a security. The Fund’s net investment income, for financial accounting purposes, consists of all income accrued on its assets less accrued expenses but does not include capital and foreign currency gains and losses. Net investment income and realized gains and losses are reflected in the Fund’s NAV until they are distributed. The Fund calculates its net investment income and NAV per share as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE on each Business Day (usually 4:00 p.m. Eastern time).
 
The Fund normally pays dividends from net investment income and distributions of net realized capital and foreign currency gains, if any, once annually, in December.
 
The Fund’s dividends and other distributions are automatically reinvested in additional shares of the distributing Class of the Fund, unless the shareholder elects to receive them in cash (“cash election”). Direct Shareholders may make a cash election on the original account application or at a later date by writing to State Street, c/o Boston Service Center, P.O. Box 8403, Boston, MA 02266-8403. Cash distributions can be paid by check or through an electronic transfer to a bank account or used to purchase shares of another fund in the fund family, designated in the shareholder’s original account application. To the extent dividends and other distributions are subject to federal, state, and/or local income taxation, they are taxable to the shareholders whether received in cash or reinvested in Fund shares.
 
A cash election with respect to the Fund remains in effect until the shareholder (or Institution) notifies State Street in writing to discontinue the election. If it is determined, however, that the U.S. Postal Service cannot properly deliver the Fund’s mailings to a shareholder for 180 days, the Fund will terminate the shareholder’s cash election. Thereafter, the shareholder’s dividends and other distributions will automatically be reinvested in additional
 

 
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Fund shares of the relevant Class until the shareholder (or Institution) requests in writing to State Street or the Fund that the cash election be reinstated.
 
Dividend or other distribution checks that are not cashed or deposited within 180 days from being issued will be reinvested in additional shares of the distributing Class of the Fund at its NAV per share on the day the check is reinvested. No interest will accrue on amounts represented by uncashed dividend or other distribution checks.
 
ADDITIONAL TAX INFORMATION
 
Taxation of the Fund
 
To qualify for treatment as a RIC under the Code, the Fund – which is treated as a separate corporation for federal tax purposes – must distribute to its shareholders for each taxable year at least 90% of its investment company taxable income (consisting generally of net investment income, the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss (“net short-term capital gain”), and net gains and losses from certain foreign currency transactions, all determined without regard to any deduction for dividends paid) (“Distribution Requirement”) and must meet several additional requirements. These requirements include the following: (1) the Fund must derive at least 90% of its gross income each taxable year from (i) dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, and gains from the sale or other disposition of securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including gains from Financial Instruments) derived with respect to its business of investing in securities or those currencies, and (ii) net income from an interest in a “qualified publicly traded partnership” (“QPTP”) (“Income Requirement”); and (2) at the close of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the value of its total assets must be represented by cash and cash items, Government securities, securities of other RICs, and other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount that does not exceed 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets and that does not represent more than 10% of the issuer’s outstanding voting securities (equity securities of QPTPs being considered voting securities for these purposes), and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of its total assets may be invested in (a) securities (other than Government securities or securities of other RICs) of any one issuer, (b) securities (other than securities of other RICs) of two or more issuers the Fund controls that are determined to be engaged in the same, similar, or related trades or businesses, or (c) securities of one or more QPTPs.  If the Fund  invests cash collateral received in connection with securities lending in an unregistered fund (as noted above under “Investment Information -- Cash Management and Temporary Defensive Positions”), the Fund generally will be treated as (x) owning a proportionate share of the unregistered fund’s assets for purposes of determining the Fund’s compliance with the foregoing diversification requirements and certain other provisions (including the provision that permits it to enable its shareholders to get the benefit of foreign taxes it pays, as described below) and (y) being entitled to the income on that share for purposes of determining whether it satisfies the Income Requirement.
 
By qualifying for treatment as a RIC, the Fund (but not its shareholders) will be relieved of federal income tax on the part of its investment company taxable income and net capital gain ( i.e. , the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) that it distributes to its shareholders.  If the Fund failed to qualify for that treatment for any taxable year, (1) it would be taxed on the full amount of its taxable income for that year without being able to deduct the
 

 
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distributions it makes to its shareholders and (2) the shareholders would treat all those distributions, including distributions of net capital gain, as dividends to the extent of the Fund’s earnings and profits.  Those dividends would be taxable as ordinary income, except that, for individual shareholders, the part thereof that is “qualified dividend income” (as described in the Prospectus) (“QDI”) would be taxable for federal tax purposes at the rate for net capital gain (a maximum of 15%). In addition, the Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest, and make substantial distributions before requalifying for RIC treatment.
 
The Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax (“Excise Tax”) to the extent it fails to distribute by the end of any calendar year substantially all of its ordinary income for that year and capital gain net income for the one-year period ended on October 31 of that year, plus certain other amounts. The Fund intends to make its distributions in accordance with this calendar year distribution requirement.
 
Dividends and interest the Fund receives, and gains it realizes, on foreign securities may be subject to income, withholding, or other taxes imposed by foreign countries and U.S. possessions that would reduce the total return on its securities. Tax treaties between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate those taxes, however, and many foreign countries do not impose taxes on capital gains in respect of investments by foreign investors.
 
The Fund may invest in the stock of “passive foreign investment companies” (“PFICs”). A PFIC is any foreign corporation (with certain exceptions) that, in general, meets either of the following tests: (1) at least 75% of its gross income for the taxable year is passive or (2) an average of at least 50% of its assets produce, or are held for the production of, passive income. Under certain circumstances, the Fund will be subject to federal income tax on a portion of any “excess distribution” it receives on the stock of any PFIC or of any gain on its disposition of the stock (collectively, “PFIC income”), plus interest thereon, even if the Fund distributes the PFIC income as a taxable dividend to its shareholders. The balance of the PFIC income will be included in the Fund’s investment company taxable income and, accordingly, will not be taxable to it to the extent it distributes that income to its shareholders. The Fund’s distributions attributable to PFIC income will not be eligible for the 15% maximum federal income tax rate on individuals’ QDI.
 
If the Fund invests in a PFIC and elects to treat the PFIC as a “qualified electing fund” (“QEF”), then in lieu of the Fund’s incurring the foregoing tax and interest obligation, the Fund would be required to include in income each taxable year its pro rata share of the QEF’s annual ordinary earnings and net capital gain -- which the Fund most likely would have to distribute to satisfy the Distribution Requirement and avoid imposition of the Excise Tax -- even if the Fund did not receive those earnings and gain from the QEF. In most instances it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to make this election because of certain requirements thereof.
 
The Fund may elect to “mark-to-market” any stock in a PFIC it owns at the end of its taxable year. “Marking-to-market,” in this context, means including in gross income each taxable year (and treating as ordinary income) the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the stock over the Fund’s adjusted basis therein as of the end of that year. Pursuant to the election, the Fund also would be allowed to deduct (as an ordinary, not a capital, loss) the excess, if any, of its
 

 
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adjusted basis in PFIC stock over the fair market value thereof as of the taxable year-end, but only to the extent of any net mark-to-market gains with respect to that stock the Fund included in income for prior taxable years under the election. The Fund’s adjusted basis in each PFIC’s stock subject to the election would be adjusted to reflect the amounts of income included and deductions taken thereunder.
 
Investors should be aware that the Fund may not be able, at the time it acquires a foreign issuer’s shares, to ascertain whether the issuer is a PFIC and that a foreign corporation may become a PFIC after the Fund acquires shares therein. While the Fund generally will seek to minimize its investments in PFIC shares, and to make appropriate elections when they are available, to lessen the adverse tax consequences detailed above, there are no guarantees that the Fund will be able to do so.
 
The Fund’s use of hedging strategies, such as writing (selling) and purchasing options and futures contracts and entering into forward contracts, involves complex rules that will determine for income tax purposes the amount, character, and timing of recognition of the gains and losses the Fund realizes in connection therewith. Gains from the disposition of foreign currencies, and gains from Financial Instruments the Fund derives with respect to its business of investing in securities or foreign currencies, will be treated as qualifying income under the Income Requirement.
 
Exchange-traded futures contracts (other than “securities futures contracts,” as defined in section 1234B(c) of the Code), certain foreign currency contracts, and “nonequity” options ( i.e. , certain listed options, such as those on a “broad-based” securities index) that are subject to section 1256 of the Code (“Section 1256 contracts”) in which the Fund may invest are required to be “marked-to-market” (that is, treated as having been sold at market value) for federal income tax purposes at the end of the Fund’s taxable year. Sixty percent of any net gain or loss recognized as a result of these deemed sales, and 60% of any net realized gain or loss from any actual sales, of Section 1256 contracts are treated as long-term capital gain or loss; the remainder is treated as short-term capital gain or loss. These rules may operate to increase the amount that the Fund must distribute to satisfy the Distribution Requirement ( i.e. , with respect to the portion treated as short-term capital gain), which will be taxable to its shareholders as ordinary income when distributed to them, and to increase the net capital gain the Fund recognizes, without in either case increasing the cash available to it. Section 1256 contracts also may be marked-to-market for purposes of the Excise Tax. The Fund may elect to exclude certain transactions from the operation of section 1256, although doing so may have the effect of increasing the relative proportion of short-term capital gain (as noted above, taxable to its shareholders as ordinary income when distributed to them) and/or increasing the amount of dividends it must distribute to meet the Distribution Requirement and avoid imposition of the Excise Tax.
 
If the Fund has an “appreciated financial position” -- generally, an interest (including an interest through an option, futures or forward contract, or short sale) with respect to any stock, debt instrument (other than “straight debt”), or partnership interest the fair market value of which exceeds its adjusted basis -- and enters into a “constructive sale” of the position, the Fund will be treated as having made an actual sale thereof, with the result that it will recognize gain at that time. A constructive sale generally consists of a short sale, an offsetting notional principal contract, or a futures or forward contract the Fund or a related person enters into with respect to
 

 
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the same or substantially identical property. In addition, if the appreciated financial position is itself a short sale or such a contract, acquisition of the underlying property or substantially identical property will be deemed a constructive sale. The foregoing will not apply, however, to any transaction during any taxable year that otherwise would be treated as a constructive sale if the transaction is closed within 30 days after the end of that year and the Fund holds the appreciated financial position unhedged for 60 days after that closing ( i.e ., at no time during that 60-day period is the Fund’s risk of loss regarding that position reduced by reason of certain specified transactions with respect to substantially identical or related property, such as having an option to sell, being contractually obligated to sell, making a short sale of, or granting an option to buy substantially identical stock or securities).
 
The Fund may acquire zero coupon securities or other securities issued with OID. As a holder of those securities, the Fund must take into income the OID that accrues on the securities during the taxable year, even if it receives no corresponding payment on them during the year. Similarly, the Fund must include in its gross income each taxable year any increase for that year in the net principal value of each inflation-indexed security it holds, even though it does not receive cash representing the increase until the security matures. Because the Fund annually must distribute substantially all of its investment company taxable income (including accrued OID and other non-cash income) to satisfy the Distribution Requirement and avoid imposition of the Excise Tax, the Fund may be required in a particular year to distribute as a dividend an amount that is greater than the total amount of cash it actually receives. Those distributions will be made from the Fund’s cash assets or, if necessary, from the proceeds of sales of its securities. The Fund may realize capital gains or losses from those sales, which would increase or decrease its investment company taxable income and/or net capital gain.
 
The Fund may invest in units of Canadian income trusts.  The tax consequences to the Fund of an investment in an income trust depend on the trust’s classification for federal tax purposes; an income trust generally is classified for those purposes as a corporation or a partnership.
 
(1) If an income trust is classified as a corporation, it would be a PFIC (with the income tax consequences to the Fund described above) if it primarily held equity or debt securities of an underlying operating entity but would not be a PFIC if it was actively engaged in a business, such as oil and gas exploration (as a large proportion of Canadian income trusts are), and did not hold substantial investment-type assets. In the latter event, distributions from the income trust to the Fund would be treated as dividends that likely would be treated as QDI.
 
(2) If a Canadian income trust is classified for federal tax purposes as a partnership (by making a certain election or otherwise), it likely would be a QPTP, in which event all its net income (regardless of source) would be qualifying income to the Fund under the Income Requirement.  But if such an income trust is not a QPTP (because, for example, it satisfies the Income Requirement, i.e. , generates at least 90% of its gross income from the passive sources described above), then (a) it would be a publicly traded partnership that likely would be treated for federal tax purposes as a corporation, with the income tax consequences mentioned in paragraph (1) above, or (b) if not, (i) the Fund would treat its share of the trust’s income as qualifying income under the Income Requirement only to the extent it would be qualifying income if
 

 
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realized directly by the Fund in the same manner as realized by the trust and (ii) any non-qualifying income of the trust would pass-
through to the Fund.
 
The Fund may invest in interests in MLPs, which generally are classified as partnerships for federal tax purposes.  Most MLPs in which the Fund may invest are expected to be QPTPs, all the net income from which (regardless of source) would be qualifying income to the Fund under the Income Requirement.  If the Fund invests in an MLP,or a company principally engaged in the real estate industry that is classified for federal tax purposes as a partnership (and not as a corporation or REIT), that is not a QPTP, the net income the Fund earns therefrom would be treated as qualifying income under the Income Requirement only to the extent it would be qualifying income if realized directly by the Fund in the same manner as realized by that MLP or company.
 
The Fund may invest in REITs that (1) hold residual interests in real estate mortgage investment conduits (“REMICs”) or (2) engage in mortgage securitization transactions that cause the REITs to be taxable mortgage pool (“TMPs”) or have a qualified REIT subsidiary that is a TMP. A portion of the net income allocable to REMIC residual interest holders may be an “excess inclusion.” The Code authorizes the issuance of regulations dealing with the taxation and reporting of excess inclusion income of REITs and RICs that hold residual REMIC interests and of REITs, or qualified REIT subsidiaries, that are TMPs.  Although those regulations have not yet been issued, in 2006 the U.S. Treasury Department and the Service issued a notice (“Notice”) announcing that, pending the issuance of further guidance, the Service would apply the principles in the following paragraphs to all excess inclusion income, whether from REMIC residual interests or TMPs.
 
The Notice provides that a REIT must (1) determine whether it or its qualified REIT subsidiary (or a part of either) is a TMP and, if so, calculate the TMP’s excess inclusion income under a “reasonable method,” (2) allocate its excess inclusion income to its shareholders generally in proportion to dividends paid, (3) inform shareholders that are not “disqualified organizations” ( i.e. , governmental units and tax-exempt entities that are not subject to the unrelated business income tax) of the amount and character of the excess inclusion income allocated thereto, (4) pay tax (at the highest federal income tax rate imposed on corporations) on the excess inclusion income allocated to its disqualified organization shareholders, and (5) apply the withholding tax provisions with respect to the excess inclusion part of dividends paid to foreign persons without regard to any treaty exception or reduction in tax rate. Excess inclusion income allocated to certain tax-exempt entities (including qualified retirement plans, IRAs, and public charities) constitutes unrelated business taxable income to them.
 
A RIC with excess inclusion income is subject to rules identical to those in clauses (2) through (5) (substituting “that are nominees” for “that are not ‘disqualified organizations’” in clause (3) and inserting “record shareholders that are” after “its” in clause (4)).  The Notice further provides that a RIC is not required to report the amount and character of the excess inclusion income allocated to its shareholders that are not nominees, except that (1) a RIC with excess inclusion income from all sources that exceeds 1% of its gross income must do so and (2) any other RIC must do so by taking into account only excess inclusion income allocated to the RIC from REITs the excess inclusion income of which exceeded 3% of its dividends.  The Fund will not invest directly in REMIC residual interests and does not intend to invest in REITs
 

 
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that, to its knowledge, invest in those interests or are TMPs or have a qualified REIT subsidiary that is a TMP.
 
Taxation of the Fund’s Shareholders
 
If Fund shares are sold at a loss after being held for six months or less, the loss will be treated as long-term, instead of short-term, capital loss to the extent of any capital gain distributions received on those shares.
 
The Fund is required to withhold 28% of all dividends, capital gain distributions, and redemption proceeds (regardless of the extent to which gain or loss may be realized) otherwise payable to any individuals and certain other non-corporate shareholders who do not provide the Fund with a correct taxpayer identification number. Withholding at that rate also is required from dividends and other distributions otherwise payable to such shareholders who are subject to backup withholding for any other reason.
 
Dividends the Fund pays to a foreign shareholder, other than (1) dividends paid to a foreign shareholder whose ownership of shares is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business the shareholder carries on and (2) capital gain distributions paid to a nonresident alien individual who is physically present in the United States for no more than 182 days during the taxable year, generally will be subject to a federal withholding tax of 30% (or lower treaty rate).  Two categories of dividends, however, “short-term capital gain dividends” and “interest related dividends,” if reported by the Fund in writing to its shareholders, will be exempt from that tax.  “Short-term capital gain dividends” are dividends that are attributable to net short-term capital gain, computed with certain adjustments.  “Interest related dividends” are dividends that are attributable to “qualified net interest income” (“qualified interest income” less allocable deductions), which generally consists of certain OID, interest on obligations “in registered form,” and interest on deposits.  The exemption from withholding tax will apply to short-term capital gain dividends and interest related dividends the Fund pays to foreign investors, with certain exceptions, with respect to taxable years beginning before January 1, 2012.
 
As described in “Maintaining Your Account” in the Prospectus, the Fund may close a shareholder’s account and redeem the remaining shares if the account balance falls below the specified minimum and the shareholder fails to re-establish the minimum balance after being given the opportunity to do so. If an account that is closed pursuant to the foregoing was maintained for an IRA (including a Roth IRA) or a qualified retirement plan (including a simplified employee pension plan, savings incentive match plan for employees, Keogh plan, corporate profit-sharing and money purchase pension plan, Code section 401(k) plan, and Code section 403(b)(7) account), the Fund’s payment of the redemption proceeds may result in adverse tax consequences for the accountholder. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers regarding any such consequences.
 
FUND TRANSACTIONS
 
In effecting securities transactions, the Fund seeks to obtain the best price and execution of orders.  Affiliates of NB Management may act as a broker for the Fund in the purchase and sale of its portfolio securities (other than certain securities traded on the OTC market) where
 

 
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such a broker is capable of providing best execution (“Affiliated Brokers”).  For Fund transactions which involve securities traded on the OTC market; the Fund purchases and sells OTC securities in principal transactions with dealers who are the principal market makers for such securities.
 
Commission rates, being a component of price, are considered along with other relevant factors in evaluating best price and execution. The Fund may use an Affiliated Broker where, in the judgment of NB Management, that firm is able to obtain a price and execution at least as favorable as other qualified brokers. To the Fund’s knowledge, no affiliate of the Fund receives give-ups or reciprocal business in connection with its securities transactions.
 
The use of an Affiliated Broker for the Fund is subject to the requirements of Section 11(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Section 11(a) prohibits members of national securities exchanges from retaining compensation for executing exchange transactions for accounts which they or their affiliates manage, except where they have the authorization of the persons authorized to transact business for the account and comply with certain annual reporting requirements. Before an Affiliated Broker is used, the Trust and NB Management expressly authorize the Affiliated Broker to retain such compensation, and the Affiliate Broker would have to agree to comply with the reporting requirements of Section 11(a).
 
Under the 1940 Act, commissions paid by the Fund to an Affiliated Broker in connection with a purchase or sale of securities on a securities exchange may not exceed the usual and customary broker’s commission. Accordingly, it is the Fund’s policy that the commissions paid an Affiliated Broker must be (1) at least as favorable as commissions contemporaneously charged by the Affiliated Broker on comparable transactions for its most favored unaffiliated customers, except for accounts for which the Affiliated Broker acts as a clearing broker for another brokerage firm and customers of the Affiliated Broker considered by a majority of the Independent Fund Trustees not to be comparable to the Fund and (2) at least as favorable as those charged by other brokers having comparable execution capability in NB Management’s judgment. The Fund does not deem it practicable and in its best interests to solicit competitive bids for commissions on each transaction effected by an Affiliated Broker. However, consideration regularly will be given to information concerning the prevailing level of commissions charged by other brokers on comparable transactions during comparable periods of time. The 1940 Act generally prohibits an Affiliated Broker from acting as principal in the purchase of portfolio securities from, or the sale of portfolio securities to, the Fund unless an appropriate exemption is available.
 
A committee of Independent Fund Trustees from time to time will review, among other things, information relating to the commissions charged by an Affiliated Broker to the Fund and to its other customers and information concerning the prevailing level of commissions charged by other brokers having comparable execution capability. In addition, the procedures pursuant to which an Affiliated Broker determines that the commissions paid to the Affiliated Broker by the Fund are fair and reasonable must be reviewed and approved no less often than annually by a majority of the Independent Fund Trustees.
 
To ensure that accounts of all investment clients, including the Fund, are treated fairly in the event that an Affiliated Broker receives transaction instructions regarding the same security
 

 
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for more than one investment account at or about the same time, the Affiliated Broker may combine orders placed on behalf of clients, including advisory accounts in which affiliated persons have an investment interest, for the purpose of negotiating brokerage commissions or obtaining a more favorable price. Where appropriate, securities purchased or sold may be allocated, in terms of amount, to a client according to the proportion that the size of the order placed by that account bears to the aggregate size of orders contemporaneously placed by the other accounts, subject to de minimis exceptions. All participating accounts will pay or receive the same price when orders are combined.
 
Under policies adopted by the Board of Trustees, an Affiliated Broker may enter into agency cross-trades on behalf of the Fund. An agency cross-trade is a securities transaction in which the same broker acts as agent on both sides of the trade and the broker or an affiliate has discretion over one of the participating accounts. In this situation, the Affiliated Broker would receive brokerage commissions from both participants in the trade. The other account participating in an agency cross-trade with the Fund cannot be an account over which the Affiliated Broker exercises investment discretion. A member of the Board of Trustees who will not be affiliated with the Affiliated Broker will review information about each agency cross-trade that the Fund participates in.
 
In selecting a broker to execute Fund transactions other than an Affiliated Broker, NB Management considers the quality and reliability of brokerage services, including execution capability, speed of execution, overall performance, and financial responsibility, and may consider, among other factors, research and other investment information provided by those brokers as well as any expense offset arrangements offered by the brokers.
 
A committee comprised of officers of NB Management and/or employees of NBFI who are Portfolio Managers of the Fund and Other NB Funds (collectively, “NB Funds”) and some of NBFI’s managed accounts (“Managed Accounts”) evaluates quarterly the nature and quality of the brokerage and research services provided by other brokers. Based on this evaluation, the committee establishes a list and projected rankings of preferred brokers for use in determining the relative amounts of commissions to be allocated to those brokers. Ordinarily, the brokers on the list effect a large portion of the brokerage transactions for the NB Funds and the Managed Accounts. However, in any semi-annual period, brokers not on the list may be used, and the relative amounts of brokerage commissions paid to the brokers on the list may vary substantially from the projected rankings. These variations reflect the following factors, among others: (1) brokers not on the list or ranking below other brokers on the list may be selected for particular transactions because they provide better price and/or execution, which is the primary consideration in allocating brokerage; (2) adjustments may be required because of periodic changes in the execution capabilities of or research or other services provided by particular brokers or in the execution or research needs of the NB Funds and/or the Managed Accounts; and (3) the aggregate amount of brokerage commissions generated by transactions for the NB Funds and the Managed Accounts may change substantially from one semi-annual period to the next.
 
The commissions paid to a broker other than an Affiliated Broker may be higher than the amount another firm might charge if the Manager determines in good faith that the amount of those commissions is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services
 

 
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provided by the broker. The Manager believes that those research services benefit the Fund by supplementing the information otherwise available to the Manager. That research may be used by the Manager in servicing Other NB Funds and, in some cases, by NBFI in servicing the Managed Accounts. On the other hand, research received by the Manager from brokers effecting portfolio transactions on behalf of the Other NB Funds and by NBFI from brokers effecting portfolio transactions on behalf of the Managed Accounts may be used for the Fund’s benefit.
 
In certain instances the Manager specifically allocates brokerage for research services (including research reports on issuers, industries as well as economic and financial data) which may otherwise be purchased for cash. While the receipt of such services has not reduced the Manager’s normal internal research activities, the Manager’s expenses could be materially increased if it were to generate such additional information internally. To the extent such research services are provided by others, the Manager is relieved of expenses it may otherwise incur. In some cases research services are generated by third parties but provided to the Manager by or through broker dealers. Research obtained in this manner may be used in servicing any or all clients of the Manager and may be used in connection with clients other than those client’s whose brokerage commissions are used to acquire the research services described herein. With regard to allocation of brokerage to acquire research services described above, the Manager always considers its best execution obligation when deciding which broker to utilize.
 
Insofar as Fund transactions result from active management of equity securities, and insofar as Fund transactions of the Fund result from seeking capital appreciation by selling securities whenever sales are deemed advisable without regard to the length of time the securities may have been held, it may be expected that the aggregate brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers (including to Affiliated Brokers) may be greater than if securities were selected solely on a long-term basis.
 
The Fund may, from time to time, loan portfolio securities to broker-dealers affiliated with NB Management (“Affiliated Borrowers”) in accordance with the terms and conditions of an order issued by the SEC. The order exempts such transactions from the provisions of the 1940 Act that would otherwise prohibit these transactions, subject to certain conditions. In accordance with the order, securities loans made by the Fund to Affiliated Borrowers are fully secured by cash collateral. Each loan to an Affiliated Borrower by the Fund will be made on terms at least as favorable to the Fund as comparable loans to unaffiliated borrowers, and no loans will be made to an Affiliated Borrower unless the Affiliated Borrower represents that the terms are at least as favorable to the Fund as those it provides to unaffiliated lenders in comparable transactions. All affiliated loans will be made with spreads that are not lower than those provided for in a schedule of spreads established by the Independent Fund Trustees. The schedule of spreads will set the lowest spread that can apply with respect to a loan and will permit the spread for each individual loan to be adjusted to cover costs and realize net income for the Fund. All transactions with Affiliated Borrowers will be reviewed periodically by officers of the Trust and reported to the Board of Trustees.
 
Expense Offset Arrangement
 
The Fund will have an expense offset arrangement in connection with its custodian contract.
 

 
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Portfolio Turnover
 
The Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing (1) the lesser of the cost of the securities purchased or the proceeds from the securities sold by the Fund during the fiscal year (other than securities, including options, whose maturity or expiration date at the time of acquisition was one year or less) by (2) the month-end average of the value of such securities owned by the Fund during the fiscal year.
 
Proxy Voting
 
The Board of Trustees has delegated to NB Management the responsibility to vote proxies related to the securities held in the Fund’s portfolio. Under this authority, NB Management is required by the Board of Trustees to vote proxies related to portfolio securities in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. The Board of Trustees permits NB Management to contract with a third party to obtain proxy voting and related services, including research of current issues.
 
NB Management has implemented written Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (“Proxy Voting Policy”) that are designed to reasonably ensure that NB Management votes proxies prudently and in the best interest of its advisory clients for whom NB Management has voting authority, including the Fund. The Proxy Voting Policy also describes how NB Management addresses any conflicts that may arise between its interests and those of its clients with respect to proxy voting.
 
NB Management’s Proxy Committee is responsible for developing, authorizing, implementing and updating the Proxy Voting Policy, overseeing the proxy voting process and engaging and overseeing any independent third-party vendors as voting delegate to review, monitor and/or vote proxies. In order to apply the Proxy Voting Policy noted above in a timely and consistent manner, NB Management utilizes Glass, Lewis & Co. (“Glass Lewis”) to vote proxies in accordance with NB Management’s voting guidelines.
 
NB Management’s guidelines adopt the voting recommendations of Glass Lewis. NB Management retains final authority and fiduciary responsibility for proxy voting. NB Management believes that this process is reasonably designed to address material conflicts of interest that may arise between NB Management and a client as to how proxies are voted.
 
In the event that an investment professional at NB Management believes that it is in the best interests of a client or clients to vote proxies in a manner inconsistent with NB Management’s proxy voting guidelines or in a manner inconsistent with Glass Lewis recommendations, the Proxy Committee will review information submitted by the investment professional to determine that there is no material conflict of interest between NB Management and the client with respect to the voting of the proxy in that manner.
 
If the Proxy Committee determines that the voting of a proxy as recommended by the investment professional presents a material conflict of interest between NB Management and the client or clients with respect to the voting of the proxy, the Proxy Committee shall: (i) take no further action, in which case Glass Lewis shall vote such proxy in accordance with the proxy voting guidelines or as Glass Lewis recommends; (ii) disclose such conflict to the client or
 

 
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clients and obtain written direction from the client as to how to vote the proxy; (iii) suggest that the client or clients engage another party to determine how to vote the proxy; or (iv) engage another independent third party to determine how to vote the proxy.
 
Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available, without charge, by calling 1-800-877-9700 (toll-free) or visiting www.nb.com or the website of the SEC, www.sec.gov .
 
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS DISCLOSURE
 
Portfolio Holdings Disclosure Policy
 
The Fund prohibits the disclosure of information about its portfolio holdings, before such information is publicly disclosed, to any outside parties, including individual investors, institutional investors, intermediaries, third party service providers to NB Management or the Fund, rating and ranking organizations, and affiliated persons of the Fund or NB Management (the “Potential Recipients”) unless such disclosure is consistent with the Fund’s legitimate business purposes and is in the best interests of its shareholders (the “Best Interests Standard”).
 
NB Management and the Fund have determined that the only categories of Potential Recipients that meet the Best Interests Standard are certain mutual fund rating and ranking organizations and third party service providers to NB Management or the Fund with a specific business reason to know the portfolio holdings of the Fund (e.g., securities lending agents) (the “Allowable Recipients”). As such, certain procedures must be adhered to before the Allowable Recipients may receive the portfolio holdings prior to their being made public. Allowable Recipients that get approved for receipt of the portfolio holdings are known as “Approved Recipients.” The President or a Senior Vice President of NB Management may determine to expand the categories of Allowable Recipients only if he or she first determines that the Best Interests Standard has been met (e.g., for disclosure to a newly hired investment adviser or sub-adviser to the Fund prior to commencing its duties), and only with the written concurrence of NB Management’s legal and compliance department.
 
Portfolio Holdings Disclosure Procedures
 
Disclosure of portfolio holdings may be requested only by an officer of NB Management or the Fund by completing a holdings disclosure form. The completed form must be submitted to the President or a Senior Vice President of NB Management (who may not be the officer submitting the request) for review and approval. If the Proposed Recipient is an affiliated person of the Fund or NB Management, the reviewer must ensure that the disclosure is in the best interests of Fund shareholders and that no conflict of interest exists between the shareholders and the Fund or NB Management. Following this approval, the form is submitted to NB Management’s legal and compliance department or to the Chief Compliance Officer of NB Management for review, approval and processing.
 
Neither the Fund, NB Management nor any affiliate of either may receive any compensation or consideration for the disclosure of portfolio holdings, although usual and customary compensation may be paid in connection with a service delivered, such as securities lending. Each Allowable Recipient must sign a non-disclosure agreement before they may
 

 
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become an Approved Recipient. Pursuant to a duty of confidentiality set forth in the non-disclosure agreement, Allowable Recipients are (1) required to keep all portfolio holdings information confidential and (2) prohibited from trading based on such information. In consultation with the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer, the Board of Trustees reviews the Fund’s portfolio holdings disclosure policy and procedures annually to determine their effectiveness and to adopt changes as necessary.
 
Pursuant to Codes of Ethics adopted by the Fund, NB Management and NBFI (“Code of Ethics”), Investment Personnel, Access Persons and employees of each are prohibited from revealing information relating to current or anticipated investment intentions, portfolio holdings, portfolio transactions or activities of the Fund except to persons whose responsibilities are determined to require knowledge of the information in accordance with procedures established by the Legal and Compliance Department in the best interests of the Fund’s shareholders.  The Code of Ethics also prohibits any person associated with the Fund, NB Management or NBFI, in connection with the purchase or sale, directly or indirectly, by such person of a security held or to be acquired by the Fund from engaging in any transaction in a security while in possession of material nonpublic information regarding the security or the issuer of the security.
 
Portfolio Holdings Approved Recipients
 
The Fund currently has ongoing arrangements to disclose portfolio holdings information prior to their being made public with the following Approved Recipients:
 
State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”) . The Fund has selected State Street as custodian for its securities and cash. Pursuant to a custodian contract, the Fund employs State Street as the custodian of its assets.  As custodian, State Street creates and maintains all records relating to the Fund’s activities and supplies the Fund with a daily tabulation of the securities it owns and that are held by State Street. Pursuant to such contract, State Street agrees that all books, records, information and data pertaining to the business of the Fund which are exchanged or received pursuant to the contract shall remain confidential, shall not be voluntarily disclosed to any other person, except as may be required by law, and shall not be used by State Street for any purpose not directly related to the business of the Fund, except with the Fund’s written consent. State Street receives reasonable compensation for its services and expenses as custodian.
 
Securities Lending Agent .  The Fund has entered or intends to enter into a securities lending agreement with State Street under which State Street acts as agent to lend securities to entities on State Street’s approved list of borrowers, which includes State Street and its affiliates.  Those principal borrowers may receive the Fund’s portfolio holdings daily.  Each such principal borrower that receives such information is or will be subject to an agreement, that all financial, statistical, personal, technical and other data and information related to the Fund’s operations that is designated by the Fund as confidential will be protected from unauthorized use and disclosure by the principal borrower.  The Fund pays State Street a fee for agency and/or administrative services related to its role as lending agent.  The Fund also pays the principal borrowers a fee with respect to the cash collateral that it receives and retains the income earned on reinvestment of that cash collateral.
 

 
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Other Third-Party Service Providers .  The Fund may also disclose portfolio holdings information prior to their being made public to its independent registered public accounting firms, legal counsel, financial printers, proxy voting firms and other third-party service providers to the Fund who require access to this information to fulfill their duties to the Fund.
 
In addition, the Fund may disclose portfolio holdings information to third parties that calculate information derived from holdings for use by NB Management and/or NBFI.  Currently, the Fund provides its complete portfolio holdings to FactSet Research Systems Inc. (“FactSet”) each day for this purpose.  FactSet receives reasonable compensation for its services.
 
In all cases the third-party service provider receiving the information has agreed in writing (or is otherwise required by professional and/or written confidentiality requirements or fiduciary duty) to keep the information confidential, to use it only for the agreed-upon purpose(s) and not to trade securities on the basis of such information.
 
Rating, Ranking and Research Agencies .  The Fund sends its complete portfolio holdings information to the following rating, ranking and research agencies for the purpose of having such agency develop a rating, ranking or specific research product for the Fund.  The Fund provides its complete portfolio holdings to: Vestek each day, Lipper, a Reuters company, on the sixth business day of each month, Bloomberg and Morningstar on the sixth business day of each month, with a one month delay (except that if the Fund posts its holdings quarterly, it provides its holdings on a quarterly basis) and RiskMetrics on the sixth business day of each month (holdings that are sent are on a two-month delay).  The Fund also provides its complete month-end portfolio holdings to Data Communiqué International (“DCI”), a company that provides automated data publishing, printing, and distribution technologies to financial services companies, on the first business day of each following month so that DCI can create a list of the Fund’s top 10 holdings.  No compensation is received by the Fund, NB Management, NBFI or any other person in connection with the disclosure of this information.  The Fund either has or expects to enter shortly into a written confidentiality agreement, with each rating, ranking or research agency in which the agency agrees or will agree to keep the Fund’s portfolio holdings confidential and to use such information only in connection with developing a rating, ranking or research product for the Fund.
 
 
REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS
 
Shareholders of the Fund receive unaudited semi-annual financial statements, as well as year-end financial statements audited by the independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund. The Fund’s statements show the investments owned by it and the market values thereof and provide other information about the Fund and its operations.
 
ORGANIZATION, CAPITALIZATION AND OTHER MATTERS
 
The Fund is a separate ongoing series of the Trust, a Delaware statutory trust organized pursuant to an amended and restated Trust Instrument dated as of April 1, 2009. The Trust is registered under the 1940 Act as a diversified, open-end management investment company, commonly known as a mutual fund. The Trust has one separate operating series (the Fund).  The Fund Trustees may establish additional series or classes of shares without the approval of
 

 
106

 

shareholders. The assets of each series belong only to that series, and the liabilities of each series are borne solely by that series and no other.
 
Description of Shares .  The Fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest (par value $0.001 per share). Shares of the Fund represent equal proportionate interests in the assets of the Fund only and have identical voting, dividend, redemption, liquidation, and other rights except that expenses allocated to a Class may be borne solely by such Class as determined by the Fund Trustees and a Class may have exclusive voting rights with respect to matters affecting only that Class. All shares issued are fully paid and non-assessable, and shareholders have no preemptive or other rights to subscribe to any additional shares.
 
Shareholder Meetings .  The Fund Trustees do not intend to hold annual meetings of shareholders of the Fund. The Fund Trustees will call special meetings of shareholders of the Fund or Class only if required under the 1940 Act or in their discretion or upon the written request of holders of 10% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund entitled to vote at the meeting.
 
Certain Provisions of Trust Instrument .  Under Delaware law, the shareholders of the Fund will not be personally liable for the obligations of the Fund; a shareholder is entitled to the same limitation of personal liability extended to shareholders of a Delaware corporation. To guard against the risk that Delaware law might not be applied in other states, the Trust Instrument requires that every written obligation of the Trust or the Fund contain a statement that such obligation may be enforced only against the assets of the Trust or Fund and provides for indemnification out of Trust or Fund property of any shareholder nevertheless held personally liable for Trust or Fund obligations, respectively, merely on the basis of being a shareholder.
 
Other.   Because Institutional Class, Class A and Class C shares may be bought, owned and sold through an account with an Institution, a client of an Institution may be unable to purchase additional shares and/or may be required to redeem shares (and possibly incur a tax liability) if the client no longer has a relationship with the Institution or if the Institution no longer has a contract with NB Management to perform services. Depending on the policies of the Institution involved, an investor may be able to transfer an account from one Institution to another.
 
 
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT
 
The Fund has selected State Street, 2 Avenue de Lafayette, Boston, MA 02110, as custodian for its securities and cash. State Street also serves as the Fund’s transfer and shareholder servicing agent, administering purchases, redemptions, and transfers of Fund shares and the payment of dividends and other distributions through its Boston Service Center. All correspondence should be mailed to Neuberger Berman Funds, Institutional Services, 605 Third Avenue, 2 nd Floor, New York, NY 10158-0180.
 
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
The   Fund has selected Ernst & Young LLP, 200 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA 02116, as the independent registered public accounting firm that will audit its financial statements.
 

 
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LEGAL COUNSEL
 
The Trust has selected K&L Gates LLP, 1601 K Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20006-1600, as its legal counsel.
 
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
 
The Fund had not yet commenced operations as of the date of this SAI and therefore had no beneficial and record owners of more than five percent of the Fund’s shares.
 
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
 
This SAI and the Prospectus do not contain all the information included in the Trust’s registration statement filed with the SEC under the 1933 Act with respect to the securities offered by the Prospectus. The registration statement, including the exhibits filed therewith, may be examined at the SEC’s offices in Washington, D.C. The SEC maintains a Website (http://www.sec.gov) that contains this SAI, material incorporated by reference, and other information regarding the Fund.
 
Statements contained in this SAI and in the Prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document are not necessarily complete. In each instance where reference is made to the copy of any contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, each such statement is qualified in all respects by such reference.
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
The Fund had not yet commenced operations as of the date of this SAI and therefore had no financial statements.
 

 

 
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Appendix A
 
Long-Term and Short-Term Debt Securities Rating Descriptions
 
Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) Corporate Long-Term Issue Ratings :
 
The following descriptions of S&P’s long-term issue ratings have been published by Standard & Poor’s Financial Service LLC.

AAA – An obligation rated ‘AAA’ has the highest rating assigned by S&P. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.

AA – An obligation rated ‘AA’ differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.

A – An obligation rated ‘A’ is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.

BBB – An obligation rated ‘BBB’ exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

BB, B, CCC, CC, and C – Obligations rated ‘BB’, ‘B’, ‘CCC’, ‘CC’, and ‘C’ are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. ‘BB’ indicates the least degree of speculation and ‘C’ the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.

BB – An obligation rated ‘BB’ is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B – An obligation rated ‘B’ is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated ‘BB’, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CCC – An obligation rated ‘CCC’ is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CC – An obligation rated ‘CC’ is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.
 

 
 
A-1

 
 
C – A ‘C’ rating is assigned to obligations that are currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, obligations that have payment arrearages allowed by the terms of the documents, or obligations of an issuer that is the subject of a bankruptcy petition or similar action which have not experienced a payment default. Among others, the ‘C’ rating may be assigned to subordinated debt, preferred stock or other obligations on which cash payments have been suspended in accordance with the instrument’s terms or when preferred stock is the subject of a distressed exchange offer, whereby some or all of the issue is either repurchased for an amount of cash or replaced by other instruments having a total value that is less than par.

D – An obligation rated ‘D’ is in payment default. The ‘D’ rating category is used when payments on an obligation, including a regulatory capital instrument, are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor’s believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The ‘D’ rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized. An obligation's rating is lowered to ‘D’ upon completion of a distressed exchange offer, whereby some or all of the issue is either repurchased for an amount of cash or replaced by other instruments having a total value that is less than par.

Plus (+) or Minus (-) – The ratings from ‘AA’ to ‘CCC’ may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

NR – This indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that Standard & Poor’s does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.

Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.’s (“Moody’s”) Long-Term Obligation Ratings :
 
The following descriptions of Moody’s long-term obligation ratings have been published by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
 
 
Aaa – Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, with minimal credit risk.
 
 
Aa – Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.
 
 
A – Obligations rated A are considered upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.
 
 
Baa – Obligations rated Baa are subject to moderate credit risk. They are considered medium-grade and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.
 
 
Ba – Obligations rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements and are subject to substantial credit risk.
 
 
B – Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.
 
 
Caa – Obligations rated Caa are judged to be of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.
 

 
 
A-2

 

 
Ca – Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.
 
 
C – Obligations rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.
 
 
Modifiers: Moody’s appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.
 
Fitch Ratings’ (“Fitch”) Corporate Finance Obligations – Long-Term Ratings :
 
The following descriptions of Fitch’s long-term corporate finance obligation ratings have been published by Fitch, Inc. and Fitch Ratings Ltd. and its subsidiaries.
 
AAA – Highest credit quality. ‘ AAA ’ ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.
 
AA – Very high credit quality. ‘ AA ’ ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.
 
A – High credit quality. ‘ A ’ ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.
 
BBB – Good credit quality.   BBB ’ ratings indicate that expectations of credit risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.
 
BB – Speculative. ‘ BB ’ ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to credit risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met.
 
B – Highly speculative. ‘ B ’ ratings indicate that material credit risk is present.  For performing obligations, default risk is commensurate with the issuer being rated with an Issuer Default Risk (“IDR”) in the ranges ‘BB’ to ‘C’. For issuers with an IDR below ‘B’, the overall credit risk of this obligation is moderated by the expected level of recoveries should a default occur.  For issuers with an IDR above ‘B’, the overall credit risk of this obligation is exacerbated by the expected low level of recoveries should a default occur.  For non-performing obligations, the obligation or issuer is in default, or has deferred payment, but the rated obligation is expected to have extremely high recovery rates consistent with a Recovery Rating of ‘RR1’ (outstanding recovery prospects given default).
 

 
 
A-3

 

CCC – Substantial credit risk. ‘ CCC ’ ratings indicate that substantial credit risk is present. For performing obligations, default risk is commensurate with an IDR in the ranges ‘B’ to ‘C’.  For issuers with an IDR below ‘CCC’, the overall credit risk of this obligation is moderated by the expected level of recoveries should a default occur.  For issuers with an IDR above ‘CCC’, the overall credit risk of this obligation is exacerbated by the expected low level of recoveries should a default occur. For non-performing obligations, the obligation or issuer is in default, or has deferred payment, but the rated obligation is expected to have a superior recovery rate consistent with a Recovery Rating of ‘RR2’ (superior recovery prospects given default).
 

CC – Very high levels of credit risk. ‘ CC ’ ratings indicate very high levels of credit risk.  For performing obligations, default risk is commensurate with an IDR in the ranges ‘B’ to ‘C’. For issuers with an IDR below ‘CC’, the overall credit risk of this obligation is moderated by the expected level of recoveries should a default occur.  For issuers with an IDR above ‘CC’, the overall credit risk of this obligation is exacerbated by the expected low level of recoveries should a default occur.  For non-performing obligations, the obligation or issuer is in default, or has deferred payment, but the rated obligation is expected to have a good recovery rate consistent with a Recovery Rating of ‘RR3’ (good recovery prospects given default).

C – Exceptionally high levels of credit risk. ‘ C ’ indicates exceptionally high levels of credit risk. For performing obligations, default risk is commensurate with an IDR in the ranges ‘B’ to ‘C’. The overall credit risk of this obligation is exacerbated by the expected low level of recoveries should a default occur. For non-performing obligations, the obligation or issuer is in default, or has deferred payment, and the rated obligation is expected to have an average, below-average or poor recovery rate consistent with a Recovery Rating of ‘RR4’ (average recovery prospects given default), ‘RR5’ (below average recovery prospects given default) or ‘RR6’ (poor recovery prospects given default).

Defaulted obligations typically are not assigned 'D' ratings, but are instead rated in the 'B' to 'C' rating categories, depending upon their recovery prospects and other relevant characteristics. This approach better aligns obligations that have comparable overall expected loss but varying vulnerability to default and loss.
 
Plus (+) or Minus (-) The modifiers “+” or “-” may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the ‘AAA’ obligation rating category, or to corporate finance obligation ratings in the categories below ‘B’.

emr – The subscript 'emr' is appended to a rating to denote embedded market risk which is beyond the scope of the rating. The designation is intended to make clear that the rating solely addresses the counterparty risk of the issuing bank. It is not meant to indicate any limitation in the analysis of the counterparty risk, which in all other respects follows published Fitch criteria for analyzing the issuing financial institution. Fitch does not rate these instruments where the principal is to any degree subject to market risk.

DBRS’ Long Term Obligations :
 

 
 
A-4

 

The following descriptions of DBRS’ long-term obligation ratings have been published by Dominion Bond Rating Service.
 
AAA – Highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is exceptionally high and unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.
 
AA – Superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered high.  Credit quality differs from AAA only to a small degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.
 
A – Good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is substantial, but of lesser credit quality than AA. May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.
 
BBB – Adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.
 
BB – Speculative, non investment-grade credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is uncertain. Vulnerable to future events.
 
B – Highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet financial obligations.
 
CCC, CC, C – Very highly speculative credit quality. In danger of defaulting on financial obligations. There is little difference between these three categories, although CC and C ratings are normally applied to obligations that are seen as highly likely to default, or subordinated to obligations rated in the CCC to B range. Obligations in respect of which default has not technically taken place but is considered inevitable may be rated in the C category.
 
D – A financial obligation has not been met or it is clear that a financial obligation will not be met in the near future or a debt instrument has been subject to a distressed exchange. A downgrade to D may not immediately follow an insolvency or restructuring filing as grace periods or extenuating circumstances may exist.
 
High or Low – Each rating category is denoted by the subcategories “high” and “low”. The absence of either a “high” or “low” designation indicates the rating is in the “middle” of the category. The AAA and D categories do not utilize “high”, “middle”, and “low” as differential grades.
 
S&P’s Short-Term Issue Credit Ratings :
 
The following descriptions of S&P’s short-term issue credit ratings have been published by Standard & Poor’s Financial Service LLC.

A-1 – A short-term obligation rated ‘A-1’ is rated in the highest category by Standard & Poor’s. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.
 

 
 
A-5

 

A-2 - A short-term obligation rated ‘A-2’ is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.
 
A-3 - A short-term obligation rated ‘A-3’ exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
 
B - A short-term obligation rated ‘B’ is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. Ratings of ‘B-1’, ‘B-2’, and ‘B-3’ may be assigned to indicate finer distinctions within the ‘B’ category. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
 
B-1 - A short-term obligation rated ‘B-1’ is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics, but the obligor has a relatively stronger capacity to meet its financial commitments over the short-term compared to other speculative-grade obligors.
 
B-2 - A short-term obligation rated ‘B-2’ is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics, and the obligor has an average speculative-grade capacity to meet its financial commitments over the short-term compared to other speculative-grade obligors.
 
B-3 - A short-term obligation rated ‘B-3’ is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics, and the obligor has a relatively weaker capacity to meet its financial commitments over the short-term compared to other speculative-grade obligors.
 
C - A short-term obligation rated ‘C’ is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
 
D - A short-term obligation rated ‘D’ is in payment default. The ‘D’ rating category is used when payments on an obligation, including a regulatory capital instrument, are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The ‘D’ rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.
 
Dual Ratings S&P assigns “dual” ratings to all debt issues that have a put option or demand feature as part of their structure. The first rating addresses the likelihood of repayment of principal and interest as due, and the second rating addresses only the demand feature. The long-term rating symbols are used for bonds to denote the long-term maturity and the short-term rating symbols for the put option (for example, ‘AAA/A-1+’). With U.S. municipal short-term demand debt, note rating symbols are used with the short-term issue credit rating symbols (for example, ‘SP-1+/A-1+’).

 
 
A-6

 

Moody’s Short-Term Obligation Ratings :
 
The following descriptions of Moody’s short-term obligation ratings have been published by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
 
P-1 - Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
 
P-2 - Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
 
P-3 - Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.
 
NP - Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.
 
Note: Canadian issuers rated P-1 or P-2 have their short-term ratings enhanced by the senior-most long-term rating of the issuer, its guarantor or support-provider.
 
Fitch’s Short-Term Obligation Ratings:
 
The following descriptions of Fitch’s short-term obligation ratings have been published by Fitch Inc. and Fitch Ratings Ltd. and its subsidiaries.
 
F1 - Highest short-term credit quality. Indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.
 
F2 - Good short-term credit quality. Good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.
 
F3 - Fair short-term credit quality. The intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.
 
B Speculative short-term credit quality. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.
 
C - High short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility.
 
RD Restricted default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Applicable to entity ratings only.
 
D Default. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a specific short-term obligation.
 

 
 
A-7

 

 
DBRS Commercial Paper and Short-Term Debt Ratings:
 
The following descriptions of DBRS’s commercial paper and short-term debt ratings have been published by Dominion Bond Rating Service.
 
R-1 (high) Highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is exceptionally high. Unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.
 
R-1 (middle) Superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is very high. Differs from R-1 (high) by a relatively modest degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.
 
R-1 (low) Good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is substantial. Overall strength is not as favourable as higher rating categories. May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.
 
R-2 (high) Upper end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.
 
R-2 (middle) Adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events or may be exposed to other factors that could reduce credit quality.
 
R-2 (low) Lower end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events. A number of challenges are present that could affect the issuer’s ability to meet such obligations.
 
R-3 Lowest end of adequate credit quality. There is a capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due. May be vulnerable to future events and the certainty of meeting such obligations could be impacted by a variety of developments.
 
R-4 Speculative credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is uncertain.
 
R-5 Highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet short-term financial obligations as they fall due.
 
D A financial obligation has not been met or it is clear that a financial obligation will not be met in the near future, or a debt instrument has been subject to a distressed exchange. A downgrade to D may not immediately follow an insolvency or restructuring filing as grace periods, other procedural considerations, or extenuating circumstance may exist.

 
A-8
 

 
 
NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
 
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 7 ON FORM N-1A
 
PART C
 
OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 28 .                       Exhibits
 
Exhibit
Number
Description
 
(a)
(1)
Restated Certificate of Trust.  Incorporated by Reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A, File Nos. 333-122847 and 811-21715 (Filed October 15, 2010).
 
 
(2)
Trust Instrument, Amended and Restated.  Incorporated by Reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A, File Nos. 333-122847 and 811-21715 (Filed October 15, 2010).
 
(b)
By-Laws, Amended and Restated.  Incorporated by Reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A, File Nos. 333-122847 and 811-21715 (Filed October 15, 2010).
 
(c)
(1)
By-Laws, Amended and Restated, Articles V, VI, and VIII.  Incorporated by Reference to Item (b) above.
 
 
(2)
Trust Instrument, Amended and Restated, Articles IV, V and VI.  Incorporated by Reference to Item (a)(2) above.
 
(d)
(1)
Management Agreement with respect to Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund.  (Filed herewith).
 
 
(2)
Sub-Advisory Agreement with respect to Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund.  (Filed herewith).
 
(e)
(1)
Distribution and Services Agreement with respect to Class A shares for Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund.  (Filed herewith).
 
 
(2)
Distribution and Services Agreement with respect to Class C shares for Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund.  (Filed herewith).
 
 
(3)
Distribution Agreement with respect to Institutional Class shares for Neuberger Berman Global Allocation .  (Filed herewith).
 
(f)
Bonus, Profit Sharing Contracts.  None.
 
(g)
 
Custodian Contract Between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company.  Incorporated by Reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A, File Nos. 333-122847 and 811-21715 (Filed December 15, 2006).
 
(h)
(1)
Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company.  Incorporated by Reference to Post Effective Amendment No. 116 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Neuberger Berman Equity Funds, File Nos. 2-11357 and 811-00582 (Filed June 2, 2006).
 
 
(2)
Administration Agreement with respect to Class A shares for Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund.  (Filed herewith).
 
 
(3)
Administration Agreement with respect to Class C shares for Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund.  (Filed herewith).
 
 
(4)
Administration Agreement with respect to Institutional Class shares for Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund.  (Filed herewith).

 
 

 


Exhibit Number
Description
 
 
(5)
Expense Limitation Agreement with respect to Class A, Class C and Institutional Class shares for Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund.  (Filed herewith).
 
(i)
Opinion and Consent of K&L Gates LLP with Respect to Securities Matters of Registrant.   (Filed herewith).
 
(j)
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.  None.
 
(k)
Financial Statements Omitted from Prospectus.  None.
 
(l)
Letter of Investment Intent.  Incorporated by Reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A, File Nos. 333-122847 and 811-21715 (Filed December 15, 2006).
 
(m)
(1)
Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 with respect to Class A shares for Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund.  (Filed herewith).
 
 
(2)
Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 with respect to Class C shares for Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund.  (Filed herewith).
 
(n)
Plan pursuant to Rule 18f-3 for Class A, Class C and Institutional Class shares of Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund.  (Filed herewith).
 
(o)
Powers of Attorney for Registrant.  Incorporated by Reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A, File Nos. 333-122847 and 811-21715 (Filed October 15, 2010).
 
(p)
(1)
Code of Ethics for Registrant and NB Management.  Incorporated by Reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Lehman Brothers Reserve Liquidity Funds, File Nos. 333-122846 and 811-21716 (Filed April 8, 2005).
 
 
(2)
Code of Ethics for Neuberger Berman Fixed Income LLC.  Incorporated by Reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Neuberger Berman Income Funds, File Nos. 2-85229 and 811-3802 (Filed March 18, 2005).
 
Item 29 .   Persons Controlled By or Under Common Control with Registrant .
 
No person is controlled by or under common control with the Registrant.
 
Item 30 .   Indemnification .
 
A Delaware business trust may provide in its governing instrument for indemnification of its officers and trustees from and against any and all claims and demands whatsoever.  Article IX, Section 2 of the Trust Instrument provides that “every person who is, or has been, a Trustee or an officer, employee or agent of the Trust (“Covered Person”) shall be indemnified by the Trust or the appropriate Series to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his being or having been a Covered Person and against amounts paid or incurred by him in the settlement thereof…”.  Indemnification will not be provided to a person adjudicated by a court or other body to be liable to the Registrant or its shareholders by reason of “willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office” (“Disabling Conduct”), or not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his or her action was in the best interest of the Registrant.  In the event of a settlement, no indemnification may be provided unless there has been a determination that the officer or trustee did not engage in Disabling Conduct (i) by the court or other body approving the settlement; (ii) by at least a majority of those trustees who are neither interested persons, as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), of the Registrant (“Independent Trustees”), nor parties to the matter based upon a review of readily available facts; or (iii) by written opinion of independent legal counsel based upon a review of readily available facts.
 
Pursuant to Article IX, Section 3 of the Trust Instrument, if any present or former shareholder of any series (“Series”) of the Registrant shall be held personally liable solely by reason of his or her being or having been a shareholder and not because of his or her acts or omissions or for some other reason, the present or former shareholder (or his or her heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives or in the case of any entity,
 

 
 

 

its general successor) shall be entitled out of the assets belonging to the applicable Series to be held harmless from and indemnified against all loss and expense arising from such liability.  The Registrant, on behalf of the affected Series, shall, upon request by such shareholder, assume the defense of any claim made against such shareholder for any act or obligation of the Series and satisfy any judgment thereon from the assets of the Series.
 
Section 9 of the Management Agreement between Neuberger Berman Management LLC (“NB Management”) and the Registrant provides that neither NB Management nor any director, officer or employee of NB Management performing services for any series of the Registrant at the direction or request of NB Management in connection with NB Management’s discharge of its obligations under the Agreement shall be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by a series in connection with any matter to which the Agreement relates; provided, that nothing in the Agreement shall be construed (i) to protect NB Management against any liability to the Registrant or any series thereof or its interest holders to which NB Management would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties, or by reason of NB Management’s reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Agreement, or (ii) to protect any director, officer or employee of NB Management who is or was a trustee or officer of the Registrant against any liability to the Registrant or its interest holders to which such person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such person’s office with the Registrant.
 
Section 6 of the Investment Advisory Agreement between NB Management and  Neuberger Berman Fixed Income LLC (formerly known as Lehman Brothers Asset Management LLC) (“NBFI”) with respect to the Registrant provides that, neither NBFI nor any director, officer or employee of NBFI performing services for any series of the Registrant shall be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by NB Management or the Registrant in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or reckless disregard of its duties and obligations under the Agreement.
 
Section 12 of the Administration Agreement between the Registrant and NB Management on behalf of each series of the Registrant provides that the Registrant shall indemnify NB Management and hold it harmless from and against any and all losses, damages and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, incurred by NB Management that result from:  (i) any claim, action, suit or proceeding in connection with NB Management’s entry into or performance of this Agreement with respect to such series; or (ii) any action taken or omission to act committed by NB Management in the performance of its obligations under the Agreement with  respect  to such  series;  or (iii) any action of NB Management upon instructions  believed  in good  faith  by it to have  been  executed  by a duly authorized  officer or  representative of the Registrant with respect to such series; provided , that NB Management shall not be entitled to such  indemnification in respect of actions or omissions constituting  negligence or misconduct on the part of NB Management or that of its  employees,  agents  or  contractors.  Before confessing any claim against it which may be subject to indemnification by a series under the Agreement, NB Management shall give such series reasonable opportunity to defend against such claim in its own name or in the name of NB Management. Section 13 of the Administration Agreement provides that NB Management will indemnify the Registrant and hold it harmless from and against any and all losses, damages and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, incurred by the Registrant that result from:  (i) NB Management’s failure to comply with the terms of the Agreement; or (ii) NB Management’s lack of good faith in performing its obligations under the Agreement; or (iii) the negligence or misconduct of NB Management, or its employees, agents or contractors in connection with the Agreement.  The Registrant shall not be entitled to such indemnification in respect of actions or omissions constituting negligence or misconduct on the part of the Registrant or its employees, agents or contractors other than NB Management, unless such negligence or misconduct results from or is accompanied by negligence or misconduct on the part of NB Management, any affiliated person of NB Management, or any affiliated person of an affiliated person of NB Management.
 
Section 11 of the Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and NB Management provides that NB Management shall look only to the assets of a class of a series for the performance of the Agreement by the Registrant on behalf of such series, and neither the Shareholders, the Trustees nor any of the Registrant’s officers, employees or agents, whether past, present or future, shall be personally liable therefor.
 
Section 14 of the Distribution and Services Agreement between the Registrant and NB Management provides that NB Management shall look only to the assets of a class of a series for the performance of the Agreement by the Registrant on behalf of such series, and neither the Shareholders, the Trustees nor any of the Registrant’s officers, employees or agents, whether past, present or future, shall be personally liable therefor.
 

 
 

 

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“1933 Act”), may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustee, officer or controlling person, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.  The Registrant also maintains Directors and Officers Insurance.
 
Item 31 .               Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser.
 
There is set forth below information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each director or officer of NB Management is, or at any time during the past two years has been, engaged for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.
 
NAME
BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS
 
Joseph V. Amato
Chief Investment Officer (Equities)
and Managing Director, NB
Management
Chief Executive Officer and President, Neuberger Berman Holdings LLC (including its predecessor, Neuberger Berman Inc.), since 2007; President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer, Neuberger Berman LLC, since 2009; Director and Managing Director of Neuberger Berman Fixed Income LLC (formerly known as Lehman Brothers Asset Management LLC) (“NBFI”) since 2007; formerly, Global Head of Asset Management in the Investment Management Division, Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., 2006-2009; formerly, Member of the Investment Management Division’s Executive Management Committee, Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., 2006-2009; Board member of NBFI since 2006; formerly, Managing Director, Lehman Brothers Inc., 2006 to 2008; Trustee, Neuberger Berman Income Funds; Trustee, Neuberger Berman Equity Funds; Trustee, Neuberger Berman Advisers Management Trust; Trustee, Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds; Director, Neuberger Berman Intermediate Municipal Fund Inc.; Director, Neuberger Berman New York Intermediate Municipal Fund Inc.; Director, Neuberger Berman California Intermediate Municipal Fund Inc.; Director, Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund Inc.; Director, Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund Inc.; Portfolio Manager.
 
Thanos Bardas
Senior Vice President, NB Management
 
Senior Vice President, NBFI; Portfolio Manager.
John J. Barker
Managing Director, NB Management
 
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman LLC; Portfolio Manager.
Ann H. Benjamin
Managing Director, NB Management
 
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman LLC; Managing Director, NBFI; Portfolio Manager.
Michael L. Bowyer
Managing Director, NB Management
Associate Portfolio Manager.


 
 

 


NAME
BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS
 
Claudia A. Brandon
Senior Vice President and Assistant Secretary, NB Management
Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman LLC since 2007; formerly, Vice President, Neuberger Berman LLC, 2002 to 2006 and Employee since 1999; Executive Vice President and Secretary, Neuberger Berman Advisers Management Trust; Executive Vice President and Secretary, Neuberger Berman Equity Funds; Executive Vice President and Secretary, Neuberger Berman Income Funds; Executive Vice President and Secretary, Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds; Executive Vice President and Secretary, Neuberger Berman Intermediate Municipal Fund Inc.; Executive Vice President and Secretary, Neuberger Berman New York Intermediate Municipal Fund Inc.; Executive Vice President and Secretary, Neuberger Berman California Intermediate Municipal Fund Inc.; Executive Vice President and Secretary, Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund Inc.; Executive Vice President and Secretary, Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund Inc.
 
David M. Brown
Managing Director, NB Management
 
Managing Director, NBFI; Portfolio Manager.
David H. Burshtan
Managing Director, NB Management
 
Portfolio Manager.
Robert Conti
President and Chief Executive Officer, NB Management
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman LLC since 2007; formerly, Senior Vice President of Neuberger Berman LLC, 2003 to 2006; formerly, Vice President, Neuberger Berman LLC, from 1999 to 2003; President, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee, Neuberger Berman Income Funds; President, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee, Neuberger Berman Equity Funds; President, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee, Neuberger Berman Advisers Management Trust; President, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee, Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds; President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, Neuberger Berman Intermediate Municipal Fund Inc.; President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, Neuberger Berman New York Intermediate Municipal Fund Inc.; President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, Neuberger Berman California Intermediate Municipal Fund Inc.; President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund Inc.; President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund Inc.
 
Robert W. D’Alelio
Managing Director, NB Management
 
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman LLC; Portfolio Manager.
Alexandre Da Silva
Vice President,  NB Management
 
Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman LLC; Portfolio Manager.
John C. Donohue
Vice President, NB Management
 
Portfolio Manager .
John Dorogoff
Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director, NB Management
 
Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director, Neuberger Berman, LLC.
Ingrid Dyott
Managing Director, NB Management
 
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman LLC; Associate Portfolio Manager; Portfolio Manager.
Janet Fiorenza
Managing Director, NB Management
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman LLC.


 
 

 


NAME
BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS
 
Lawrence K. Fisher
Managing Director, NB Management
 
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman LLC; Portfolio Manager.
Daniel J. Fletcher
Managing Director, NB Management
 
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman LLC; Portfolio Manager.
Michael Foster
Senior Vice President, NB Management
 
Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman LLC; Senior Vice President, NBFI; Portfolio Manager.
Greg Francfort
Managing Director, NB Management
 
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman LLC; Portfolio Manager.
William J. Furrer
Senior Vice President, NB Management
 
Senior Vice President, NBFI; Portfolio Manager.
Maxine L. Gerson
Secretary, General Counsel and Managing Director, NB Management
Managing Director, Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, Neuberger Berman LLC; Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, Neuberger Berman Income Funds; Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, Neuberger Berman Equity Funds; Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, Neuberger Berman Advisers Management Trust; Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds; Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, Neuberger Berman Intermediate Municipal Fund Inc.; Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, Neuberger Berman New York Intermediate Municipal Fund Inc.; Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, Neuberger Berman California Intermediate Municipal Fund Inc.; Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund Inc.; Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund Inc.
 
Anthony Gleason
Managing Director, NB Management
 
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman LLC; Portfolio Manager.
Richard Grau
Senior Vice President, NB Management
 
Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman LLC; Senior Vice President, NBFI; Portfolio Manager.
Todd E. Heltman
Vice President, NB Management
 
None; Formerly, Portfolio Manager.
James L. Iselin
Senior Vice President, NB Management
 
Senior Vice President, NBFI; Portfolio Manager.
Andrew A. Johnson
Managing Director, NB Management
 
Managing Director, NBFI; Portfolio Manager.
Brian Jones
Senior Vice President, NB Management
Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman LLC; Portfolio Manager.


 
 

 


NAME
BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS
 
Kristina Kalebich
Managing Director, NB Management
 
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman LLC; Portfolio Manager.
Gerald Kaminsky
Managing Director, NB Management
 
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman LLC; Portfolio Manager.
Michael Kaminsky
Managing Director, NB Management
 
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman LLC; Portfolio Manager.
Brian Kerrane
Chief Administrative Officer and Senior Vice President, NB Management
 
Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman LLC; Vice President, Neuberger Berman Income Funds; Vice President, Neuberger Berman Equity Funds; Vice President, Neuberger Berman Advisers Management Trust; Vice President, Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds; Vice President, Neuberger Berman Intermediate Municipal Fund Inc.; Vice President, Neuberger Berman New York Intermediate Municipal Fund Inc.; Vice President, Neuberger Berman California Intermediate Municipal Fund Inc.; Vice President, Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund Inc.; Vice President, Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund Inc.
 
Sajjad S. Ladiwala
Managing Director, NB Management
 
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman LLC; Associate Portfolio Manager.
Wai Lee
Vice President, NB Management
 
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman LLC; Portfolio Manager
David M. Levine
Senior Vice President, NB Management
 
Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman LLC; Portfolio Manager.
Richard S. Levine
Managing Director, NB Management
 
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman LLC; Portfolio Manager.
Kristian J. Lind
Senior Vice President, NB Management
 
Senior Vice President, NBFI; Portfolio Manager.
James F. McAree
Senior Vice President, NB Management
 
Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman LLC; Senior Vice President, NBFI; Portfolio Manager.
S. Blake Miller
Senior Vice President, NB Management
 
Senior Vice President, NBFI; Portfolio Manager.
Arthur Moretti
Managing Director, NB Management
 
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman LLC; Portfolio Manager.
S. Basu Mullick
Managing Director, NB Management
 
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman LLC; Portfolio Manager.
Richard S. Nackenson
Managing Director, NB Management
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman LLC; Portfolio Manager.


 
 

 


NAME
BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS
 
Benjamin H. Nahum
Managing Director, NB Management
 
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman LLC; Portfolio Manager.
Thomas P. O’Reilly
Managing Director, NB Management
 
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman LLC; Managing Director, NBFI; Portfolio Manager.
Loraine Olavarria
Assistant Secretary, NB Management
 
None.
Kevin Pemberton
Vice President, NB Management
 
None.
Alexandra Pomeroy
Managing Director, NB Management
 
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman LLC; Portfolio Manager.
Bobby T. Pornrojnangkool
Vice President, NB Management
 
Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman LLC; Portfolio Manager.
Andrew Provencher
Managing Director, NB Management
 
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman LLC; Vice President, Neuberger Berman Income Funds; Vice President, Neuberger Berman Equity Funds; Vice President, Neuberger Berman Advisers Management Trust; Vice President, Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds; Vice President, Neuberger Berman Intermediate Municipal Fund Inc.; Vice President, Neuberger Berman New York Intermediate Municipal Fund Inc.; Vice President, Neuberger Berman California Intermediate Municipal Fund Inc.; Vice President, Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund Inc.; Vice President, Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund Inc.
 
Elizabeth Reagan
Managing Director, NB Management
 
None.
Brett S. Reiner
Managing Director, NB Management
 
Associate Portfolio Manager.
Daniel D. Rosenblatt
Managing Director, NB Management
 
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman LLC; Portfolio Manager.
Conrad A. Saldanha
Managing Director, NB Management
 
Portfolio Manager.
Mindy Schwartzapfel
Senior Vice President, NB Management
 
Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman LLC; Portfolio Manager.
Benjamin E. Segal
Managing Director, NB Management
 
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman LLC; Portfolio Manager.
Steve S. Shigekawa
Managing Director, NB Management
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman LLC; Portfolio Manager.


 
 

 


NAME
BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS
 
Neil S. Siegel
Managing Director, NB Management
 
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman LLC; Vice President, Neuberger Berman Income Funds; Vice President, Neuberger Berman Equity Funds; Vice President, Neuberger Berman Advisers Management Trust; Vice President, Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds; Vice President, Neuberger Berman Intermediate Municipal Fund Inc.; Vice President, Neuberger Berman New York Intermediate Municipal Fund Inc.; Vice President, Neuberger Berman California Intermediate Municipal Fund Inc.; Vice President, Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund Inc.; Vice President, Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund Inc.
 
Ronald B. Silvestri
Managing Director, NB Management
 
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman LLC; Portfolio Manager.
Amit Soloman
Senior Vice President, NB Management
 
Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman LLC; Portfolio Manager.
Thomas A. Sontag
Managing Director, NB Management
 
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman LLC; Managing Director, NBFI; Portfolio Manager.
Michelle B. Stein
Managing Director, NB Management
 
Portfolio Manager.
Mamundi Subhas
Senior Vice President, NB Management
 
Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman LLC; Portfolio Manager.
Bradley C. Tank
Chief Investment Officer (Fixed Income) and Managing Director, NB Management
 
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman LLC; Managing Director, NBFI; Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer and Director, NBFI; Portfolio Manager.
Kenneth J. Turek
Managing Director, NB Management
 
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman LLC; Portfolio Manager.
Judith M. Vale
Managing Director, NB Management
 
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman LLC; Portfolio Manager.
Richard Werman
Managing Director, NB Management
 
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman LLC; Portfolio Manager.
Chamaine Williams
Chief Compliance Officer and Senior Vice President, NB Management
Chief Compliance Officer, Neuberger Berman Income Funds; Chief Compliance Officer, Neuberger Berman Equity Funds; Chief Compliance Officer, Neuberger Berman Advisers Management Trust; Chief Compliance Officer, Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds; Chief Compliance Officer, Neuberger Berman Intermediate Municipal Fund Inc.; Chief Compliance Officer, Neuberger Berman New York Intermediate Municipal Fund Inc.; Chief Compliance Officer, Neuberger Berman California Intermediate Municipal Fund Inc.; Chief Compliance Officer, Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund Inc.; Chief Compliance Officer, Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund Inc.

 
 

 

 
The principal address of NB Management and of each of the investment companies named above, is 605 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10158.
 
 
Information as to the directors and officers of Neuberger Berman Fixed Income LLC, together with information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature engaged in by the directors and officers of Neuberger Berman Fixed Income LLC in the last two years, is included in its application for registration as an investment adviser on Form ADV (File No. 801-61757) filed under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and is incorporated by reference thereto.
 
Item 32 .                   Principal Underwriters.
 
(a)           NB Management, the principal underwriter distributing securities of the Registrant, is also the principal underwriter and distributor for each of the following investment companies:
 
Neuberger Berman Advisers Management Trust
Neuberger Berman Equity Funds
Neuberger Berman Income Funds
 
(b)           Set forth below is information concerning the directors and officers of the Registrant’s principal underwriter.  The principal business address of each of the persons listed is 605 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10158-0180, which is also the address of the Registrant’s principal underwriter.
 
NAME
POSITIONS AND OFFICES
WITH UNDERWRITER
POSITIONS AND OFFICES
WITH REGISTRANT
 
Joseph V. Amato
 
Chief Investment Officer (Equities) and Managing Director
Trustee
Thanos Bardas
 
Senior Vice President
None
John J. Barker
 
Managing Director
None
Ann H. Benjamin
 
Managing Director
None
Michael L. Bowyer
 
Managing Director
None
Claudia A. Brandon
 
Senior Vice President & Assistant Secretary
Executive Vice President and Secretary
David M. Brown
 
Managing Director
None
David H. Burshtan
 
Managing Director
None
Robert Conti
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
Chief Executive Officer, President and Trustee
Robert W. D’Alelio
 
Managing Director
None
Alexandre Da Silva
 
Senior Vice President
None
John C. Donohue
 
Vice President
None
John Dorogoff
 
Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director
None
Ingrid Dyott
 
Managing Director
None
Janet Fiorenza
 
Managing Director
None
Lawrence K. Fisher
 
Managing Director
None
Daniel J. Fletcher
 
Managing Director
None
Michael Foster
 
Senior Vice President
None
Greg Francfort
 
Managing Director
None
William J. Furrer
 
Senior Vice President
None
Maxine L. Gerson
Secretary, General Counsel and Managing Director
Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer (only for purposes of sections 307 and 406 of the Sarbanes – Oxley Act of 2002)


 
 

 
 

NAME
POSITIONS AND OFFICES
WITH UNDERWRITER
 
POSITIONS AND OFFICES
WITH REGISTRANT
Anthony Gleason
 
Managing Director
None
Richard Grau
 
Senior Vice President
None
Todd E. Heltman
 
Vice President
None
James L. Iselin
 
Senior Vice President
None
Andrew A. Johnson
 
Managing Director
None
Brian Jones
 
Senior Vice President
None
Kristina Kalebich
 
Managing Director
None
Gerald Kaminsky
 
Managing Director
None
Michael Kaminsky
 
Managing Director
None
Brian Kerrane
 
Chief Administrative Officer and Senior Vice President
Senior Vice President
Sajjad S. Ladiwala
 
Managing Director
None
Wai Lee
 
Managing Director
None
David M. Levine
 
Senior Vice President
None
Richard S. Levine
 
Managing Director
None
Kristian Lind
 
Senior Vice President
None
James F. McAree
 
Senior Vice President
None
S. Blake Miller
 
Senior Vice President
None
Arthur Moretti
 
Managing Director
None
S. Basu Mullick
 
Managing Director
None
Richard S. Nackenson
 
Managing Director
None
Benjamin H. Nahum
 
Managing Director
None
Thomas P. O’Reilly
 
Managing Director
None
Loraine Olavarria
 
Assistant Secretary
None
Kevin Pemberton
 
Vice President
None
Alexandra Pomeroy
 
Managing Director
None
Bobby T. Pornrojnangkool
 
Vice President
None
Andrew Provencher
 
Managing Director
Vice President
Elizabeth Reagan
 
Managing Director
None
Brett S. Reiner
 
Managing Director
None
Daniel D. Rosenblatt
 
Managing Director
None
Conrad A. Saldanha
 
Managing Director
None
Mindy Schwartzapfel
 
Senior Vice President
None
Benjamin E. Segal
 
Managing Director
None
Steve S. Shigekawa
 
Managing Director
None
Neil S. Siegel
 
Managing Director
Vice President
Ronald B. Silvestri
 
Managing Director
None
Amit Soloman
 
Senior Vice President
None
Thomas A. Sontag
 
Managing Director
None
Michelle B. Stein
 
Managing Director
None
Mamundi Subhas
 
Senior Vice President
None
Bradley C. Tank
 
Chief Investment Officer (Fixed Income) and Managing Director
None
Kenneth J. Turek
 
Managing Director
None
Judith M. Vale
Managing Director
None


 
 

 


NAME
POSITIONS AND OFFICES
WITH UNDERWRITER
 
POSITIONS AND OFFICES
WITH REGISTRANT
Richard Werman
 
Managing Director
None
Chamaine Williams
Chief Compliance Officer and Senior Vice President
Chief Compliance Officer
 
(c)           No commissions or other compensation were received directly or indirectly from the Registrant by any principal underwriter who was not an affiliated person of the Registrant.
 
Item 33 .                   Location of Accounts and Records.
 
All accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act, as amended, and the rules promulgated thereunder with respect to the Registrant are maintained at the offices of State Street Bank and Trust Company, 2 Avenue de Lafayette, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, except for the Registrant’s Trust Instrument and By-Laws, minutes of meetings of the Registrant’s Trustees and shareholders and the Registrant’s policies and contracts, which are maintained at the offices of the Registrant, 605 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10158-0180.
 
Item 34 .                   Management Services.
 
Other than as set forth in Parts A and B of this Post-Effective Amendment, the Registrant is not a party to any management-related service contract.
 
Item 35 .                   Undertakings.
 
None.
 

 
 

 

SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“1933 Act”), and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this registration statement under Rule 485(b) under the 1933 Act and has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to its Registration Statement on Form N-1A to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City and State of New York on the 29th day of December 2010.


 
NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
 
 
 
By:
/s/Robert Conti
 
Name:
Robert Conti
 
Title:
President and Chief Executive Officer

 
Pursuant to the requirements of the 1933 Act, Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
Title
Date
 
 
/s/Robert Conti
President, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee
December 29, 2010
Robert Conti
 
   
 
/s/John M. McGovern
Treasurer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer
December 29, 2010
John M. McGovern
 
   
/s/Joseph V. Amato
Trustee
December 23, 2010
Joseph V. Amato*
 
   
/s/John Cannon
Trustee
December 23, 2010
John Cannon*
 
   
/s/Faith Colish
Trustee
December 23, 2010
Faith Colish*
 
   
/s/Martha C. Goss
Trustee
December 23, 2010
Martha C. Goss*
 
   
/s/C. Anne Harvey
Trustee
December 23, 2010
C. Anne Harvey*
 
   
/s/Robert A. Kavesh
Trustee
December 23, 2010
Robert A. Kavesh*
 
   
/s/Michael M. Knetter
Trustee
December 23, 2010
Michael M. Knetter*
 
   
/s/Howard A. Mileaf
Trustee
December 23, 2010
Howard A. Mileaf*
 
   

 
 

 


Signature
Title
Date
 
/s/George W. Morriss
Trustee
December 23, 2010
George W. Morriss*
   
 
/s/Edward I. O’Brien
Trustee
December 23, 2010
Edward I. O’Brien*
 
   
/s/Jack L. Rivkin
Trustee
December 23, 2010
Jack L. Rivkin*
 
   
/s/Cornelius T. Ryan
Trustee
December 23, 2010
Cornelius T. Ryan*
 
   
/s/Tom D. Seip
Chairman of the Board and Trustee
December 23, 2010
Tom D. Seip*
 
   
/s/Candace L. Straight
Trustee
December 23, 2010
Candace L. Straight*
 
   
/s/Peter P. Trapp
Trustee
December 23, 2010
Peter P. Trapp*
 
   
*Signatures affixed by Lori L. Schneider on December 23, 2010 pursuant to a power of attorney filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A, File Nos. 333-122847 and 811-21715 on October 15, 2010.


 


 
 

 

NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
EXHIBIT INDEX
 

Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
(d)
(1)
Management Agreement with respect to Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund.
 
 
(2)
Sub-Advisory Agreement with respect to Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund.
 
(e)
(1)
Distribution and Services Agreement with respect to Class A shares for Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund.
 
 
(2)
Distribution and Services Agreement with respect to Class C shares for Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund.
 
 
(3)
Distribution Agreement with respect to Institutional Class shares for Neuberger Berman Global Allocation.
 
(h)
(2)
Administration Agreement with respect to Class A shares for Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund.
 
 
(3)
Administration Agreement with respect to Class C shares for Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund.
 
 
(4)
Administration Agreement with respect to Institutional Class shares for Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund.
 
 
(5)
Expense Limitation Agreement with respect to Class A, Class C and Institutional Class shares for Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund.
 
(i)
Opinion and Consent of K&L Gates LLP with Respect to Securities Matters of Registrant.
 
(m)
(1)
Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 with respect to Class A shares for Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund.
 
 
(2)
Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 with respect to Class C shares for Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund.
 
(n)
Plan pursuant to Rule 18f-3 for Class A, Class C and Institutional Class shares of Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund.


MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
 
NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
 
This Agreement is made as of December 29, 2010, between Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds, a Delaware statutory trust (“Trust”), and Neuberger Berman Management LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Manager”).
 
WITNESSETH :
 
WHEREAS, Trust is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), as an open-end, diversified management investment company and has established one or more separate series of shares (“Series”) with each Series having its own assets and investment policies; and
 
WHEREAS, Trust desires to retain the Manager as investment adviser to furnish investment advisory and portfolio management services to each Series listed in Schedule A attached hereto, to such other Series of Trust hereinafter established as agreed to from time to time by the parties, evidenced by an addendum to Schedule A (hereinafter “Series” shall refer to each Series which is subject to this Agreement), and the Manager is willing to furnish such services;
 
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein contained, it is agreed between the parties hereto as follows:
 
1.           Services of the Manager
 
1.1            Investment Management Services .  The Manager shall act as the investment adviser to the Series and, as such, shall (i) obtain and evaluate such information relating to the economy, industries, businesses, securities markets and securities as it may deem necessary or useful in discharging its responsibilities hereunder, (ii) formulate a continuing program for the investment of the assets of the Series in a manner consistent with its investment objectives, policies and restrictions, and (iii) determine from time to time securities to be purchased, sold, retained or lent by the Series, and implement those decisions, including the selection of entities with or through which such purchases, sales or loans are to be effected; provided, that the Manager will place orders pursuant to its investment determinations either directly with the issuer or with a broker or dealer, and if with a broker or dealer, (a) will attempt to obtain the best net price and most favorable execution of its orders, and (b) may nevertheless in its discretion purchase and sell portfolio securities from and to brokers and dealers who provide the Manager with research, analysis, advice and similar services and pay such brokers and dealers in return a higher commission or spread than may be charged by other brokers or dealers.
 
The Series hereby authorizes any entity or person associated with the Manager which is a member of a national securities exchange to effect or execute any transaction on the exchange for the account of the Series which is permitted by Section 11(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 11a2-2(T) thereunder, and the Series hereby
 

 
 

 

consents to the retention of compensation for such transactions in accordance with Rule 11a2-2(T)(a)(2)(iv).
 
The Manager shall carry out its duties with respect to the Series’ investments in accordance with applicable law and the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Series adopted by the trustees of Trust (“Trustees”), and subject to such further limitations as the Series may from time to time impose by written notice to the Manager.
 
1.2            Administrative Services .  The Manager shall supervise the Series’ business and affairs and shall provide such services required for effective administration of the Series as are not provided by employees or other agents engaged by the Series; provided, that the Manager shall not have any obligation to provide under this Agreement any direct or indirect services to the holders of interests in the Series (“Interestholders”), any services related to the sale of interests in the Series, or any other services which are the subject of a separate agreement or arrangement between the Series and the Manager.  Subject to the foregoing, in providing administrative services hereunder, the Manager shall:
 
1.2.1            Office Space, Equipment and Facilities .  Furnish without cost to the Series, or pay the cost of, such office space, office equipment and office facilities as are adequate for the Series’ needs.
 
1.2.2            Personnel .  Provide, without remuneration from or other cost to Trust or the Series, the services of individuals competent to perform all of the Series’ executive, administrative and clerical functions which are not performed by employees or other agents engaged by the Series or by the Manager acting in some other capacity pursuant to a separate agreement or arrangement with the Series.
 
1.2.3            Agents .  Assist the Series in selecting and coordinating the activities of the other agents engaged by the Series, including the Series’ custodian, independent auditors and legal counsel.
 
1.2.4            Trustees and Officers .  Authorize and permit the Manager’s directors, officers and employees who may be elected or appointed as trustees or officers of Trust to serve in such capacities, without remuneration from or other cost to Trust or the Series.
 
1.2.5            Books and Records .  Assure that all financial, accounting and other records required to be maintained and preserved by Trust and/or the Series are maintained and preserved by it or on its behalf in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
 
1.2.6            Reports and Filings .  Assist in the preparation of (but not pay for) all periodic reports by Trust or the Series to Interestholders of the Series and all reports and filings required to maintain the registration and qualification of the Series, or to meet other regulatory or tax requirements applicable to the Series, under federal and state securities and tax laws.
 

 
 

 

1.3           The Manager can use any of the officers and employees of Neuberger Berman LLC to provide any of the non-investment advisory services described herein, and can subcontract to third parties, provided the Manager remains as fully responsible to the Trust or Series, as applicable, under this contract as if the Manager had provided the services directly.
 
2.           Expenses of the Series
 
2.1            Expenses to be Paid by the Manager .  The Manager shall pay all salaries, expenses and fees of the officers, trustees and employees of the Trust who are officers, directors or employees of the Manager.
 
In the event that the Manager pays or assumes any expenses of Trust or a Series not required to be paid or assumed by the Manager under this Agreement, the Manager shall not be obligated hereby to pay or assume the same or any similar expense in the future; provided , that nothing herein contained shall be deemed to relieve the Manager of any obligation to Trust or to a Series under any separate agreement or arrangement between the parties.
 
2.2            Expenses to be Paid by the Series .  Each Series shall bear the expenses of its operation, except those specifically allocated to the Manager under this Agreement or under any separate agreement between a Series and the Manager.  Expenses to be borne by a Series shall include both expenses directly attributable to the operation of the Series and the placement of interests therein, as well as the portion of any expenses of Trust that is properly allocable to the Series in a manner approved by the trustees of Trust. Subject to any separate agreement or arrangement between Trust or a Series and the Manager, the expenses hereby allocated to each Series, and not to the Manager, include, but are not limited to:
 
2.2.1            Custody .  All charges of depositories, custodians, and other agents for the transfer, receipt, safekeeping, and servicing of its cash, securities, and other property.
 
2.2.2            Interestholder Servicing .  All expenses of maintaining and servicing Interestholder accounts, including but not limited to the charges of any Interestholder servicing agent, dividend disbursing agent or other agent engaged by a Series to service Interestholder accounts.
 
2.2.3            Interestholder Reports .  All expenses of preparing, setting in type, printing and distributing reports and other communications to Interestholders of a Series.
 
2.2.4            Pricing and Portfolio Valuation .  All expenses of computing a Series’ net asset value per share, including any equipment or services obtained for the purpose of pricing shares or valuing the Series’ investment portfolio.
 
2.2.5            Communications .  All charges for equipment or services used for communications between the Manager or the Series and any custodian, Interestholder servicing agent, portfolio accounting services agent, or other agent engaged by a Series.
 

 
 

 

2.2.6            Legal and Accounting Fees .  All charges for services and expenses of a Series’ legal counsel and independent auditors.
 
2.2.7            Trustees’ Fees and Expenses .  With respect to each Series, all compensation of Trustees other than those affiliated with the Manager, all expenses incurred in connection with such unaffiliated Trustees’ services as Trustees, and all other expenses of meetings of the Trustees or committees thereof.
 
2.2.8            Interestholder Meetings .  All expenses incidental to holding meetings of Interestholders, including the printing of notices and proxy materials, and proxy solicitation therefor.
 
2.2.9            Bonding and Insurance .  All expenses of bond, liability, and other insurance coverage required by law or regulation or deemed advisable by the Trustees, including, without limitation, such bond, liability and other insurance expense that may from time to time be allocated to the Series in a manner approved by the Trustees.
 
2.2.10            Brokerage Commissions .  All brokers’ commissions and other charges incident to the purchase, sale or lending of a Series’ portfolio securities.
 
2.2.11            Taxes .  All taxes or governmental fees payable by or with respect to a Series to federal, state or other governmental agencies, domestic or foreign, including stamp or other transfer taxes.
 
2.2.12            Trade Association Fees .  All fees, dues and other expenses incurred in connection with a Series’ membership in any trade association or other investment organization.
 
2.2.13            Nonrecurring and Extraordinary Expenses .  Such nonrecurring and extraordinary expenses as may arise, including the costs of actions, suits, or proceedings to which the Series is a party and the expenses a Series may incur as a result of its legal obligation to provide indemnification to Trust’s officers, Trustees and agents.
 
2.2.14            Organizational Expenses .  Any and all organizational expenses of a Series paid by the Manager shall be reimbursed by such Series at such time or times agreed by such Series and the Manager.
 
3.           Advisory Fee
 
3.1            Fee .  As compensation for all services rendered, facilities provided and expenses paid or assumed by the Manager under this Agreement, each Series shall pay the Manager an annual fee as set out in Schedule B to this Agreement.
 
3.2            Computation and Payment of Fee .  The advisory fee shall accrue on each calendar day, and shall be payable monthly on the first business day of the next succeeding calendar month.  The daily fee accruals shall be computed by multiplying the fraction of one divided by the number of days in the calendar year by the applicable annual advisory fee rate (as set forth in Schedule B hereto), and multiplying this product by the net assets
 

 
 

 

of the Series, determined in the manner established by the Trustees, as of the close of business on the last preceding business day on which the Series’ net asset value was determined.
 
3.3            State Expense Limitation .  If in any fiscal year the operating expenses of any Series (“Aggregate Operating Expenses,” which includes any fees or expense reimbursements payable to the Manager pursuant to this Agreement and any compensation payable to the Manager pursuant to (i) the Administration Agreement between such Series and the Manager or (ii) any other Agreement or arrangement with Trust with respect to that Series, but excludes interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, litigation and indemnification expenses, and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of business) exceed the lowest applicable percentage expense limitation imposed under the securities law and regulations of any state in which such Series’s shares are qualified for sale (the “State Expense Limitation”), then the Manager shall pay such Series the amount of such excess, less the amount of any reduction of the administration fee referred to below; provided, that the Manager shall have no obligation hereunder to pay such Series for any such expenses which exceed the pro rata portion of such advisory fee attributable to such Series.
 
No payment shall be made to such Series hereunder unless and until the administration fee payable by such Series under a similar State Expense Limitation of its Administration Agreement with the Manager has been reduced to zero. Any payment to a Series hereunder shall be made monthly, by annualizing the Aggregate Operating Expenses for each month as of the last day of such month.  An adjustment shall be made on or before the last day of the first month of the next succeeding fiscal year if Aggregate Operating Expenses for such fiscal year do not exceed the State Expense Limitation or if for such fiscal year there is no applicable State Expense Limitation.
 
4.           Ownership of Records
 
All records required to be maintained and preserved by the Series pursuant to the provisions or rules or regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and maintained and preserved by the Manager on behalf of the Series are the property of the Series and shall be surrendered by the Manager promptly on request by the Series; provided, that the Manager may at its own expense make and retain copies of any such records.
 
5.           Reports to Manager
 
The Series shall furnish or otherwise make available to the Manager such copies of that Series’ financial statements, proxy statements, reports, and other information relating to its business and affairs as the Manager may, at any time or from time to time, reasonably require in order to discharge its obligations under this Agreement.
 
6.           Reports to the Series
 
The Manager shall prepare and furnish to the Series such reports, statistical data and other information in such form and at such intervals as the Series may reasonably request.
 

 
 

 

7.           Retention of Sub-Adviser
 
The Manager may enter into an Advisory Agreement with an investment adviser, in which the Manager, at its own cost and expense, delegates to the investment adviser any or all of its duties specified in Section 1.1 hereof, provided that the investment adviser agrees to be bound by all duties and conditions to which the Manager is subject hereunder, and provided further that the Advisory Agreement meets all requirements of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder.  Retention of an investment adviser shall in no way reduce the responsibilities or obligations of the Manager under this Agreement and the Manager shall be responsible to Trust and the Series for all acts or omissions of the investment adviser in connection with the performance of the Manager’s duties hereunder.
 
8.           Services to Other Clients
 
Nothing herein contained shall limit the freedom of the Manager or any affiliated person of the Manager to render investment management and administrative services to other investment companies, to act as investment adviser or investment counselor to other persons, firms or corporations, or to engage in other business activities.
 
9.           Limitation of Liability of Manager and its Personnel
 
Neither the Manager nor any director, officer or employee of the Manager performing services for the Series at the direction or request of the Manager in connection with the Manager’s discharge of its obligations hereunder shall be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by a Series in connection with any matter to which this Agreement relates; provided, that nothing herein contained shall be construed (i) to protect the Manager against any liability to Trust or a Series or its Interestholders to which the Manager would otherwise be subject by reason of the Manager’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of the Manager’s duties, or by reason of the Manager’s reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, or (ii) to protect any director, officer or employee of the Manager who is or was a Trustee or officer of Trust against any liability to Trust or a Series or its Interestholders to which such person would  otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such person’s office with Trust.
 
10.           No Liability of other Series
 
This Agreement is made by each Series pursuant to authority granted by the Trustees, and the obligations created hereby are not binding on any of the Trustees or Interestholders of the Series individually, but bind only the property of that Series and no other.
 
11.           Effect of Agreement
 
Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to require the Series to take any action contrary to the Trust’s Trust Instrument or By-Laws, any actions of the Trustees binding upon the Series, or any applicable law, regulation or order to which the Series is subject
 

 
 

 

or by which it is bound, or to relieve or deprive the Trustees of their responsibility for and control of the conduct of the business and affairs of the Series or Trust.
 
12.           Term of Agreement
 
The term of this Agreement shall begin on the date first above written with respect to each Series listed in Schedule A on that date and, unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided, this Agreement shall remain in effect through October 31, 2012.  With respect to each Series added by execution of an Addendum to Schedule A, the term of this Agreement shall begin on the date of such execution and, unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided, this Agreement shall remain in effect through the second October 31 following the date of execution.  Thereafter, in each case, this Agreement shall continue in effect with respect to each Series from year to year, subject to the termination provisions and all other terms and conditions hereof, provided, such continuance with respect to a Series is approved at least annually by vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Series or by the Trustees, provided, that in either event such continuance is also approved annually by the vote, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of either party hereto; and provided further that the Manager shall not have notified a Series in writing at least sixty (60) days prior to the first expiration date hereof or at least sixty (60) days prior to any expiration date hereof of any year thereafter that it does not desire such continuation.  The Manager shall furnish to Trust and the Series, promptly upon their request, such information as may reasonably be necessary to evaluate the terms of this Agreement or any extension, renewal or amendment thereof.
 
13.           Amendment or Assignment of Agreement
 
Any amendment to this Agreement shall be in writing signed by the parties hereto; provided, that no such amendment shall be effective unless authorized on behalf of any Series (i) by resolution of the Trustees, including the vote or written consent of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of either party hereto, and (ii), as and to the extent required under the 1940 Act, by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Series.  This Agreement shall terminate automatically and immediately in the event of its assignment.
 
14.           Termination of Agreement
 
This Agreement may be terminated at any time by either party hereto, without the payment of any penalty, upon sixty (60) days’ prior written notice to the other party; provided, that in the case of termination by any Series, such action shall have been authorized (i) by resolution of the Trustees, including the vote or written consent of a majority of Trustees who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons’ of either party hereto, or (ii) by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Series.
 

 
 

 

15.           Name of the Series
 
Each Series hereby agrees that if the Manager shall at any time for any reason cease to serve as investment adviser to a Series, the Series shall, if and when requested by the Manager, eliminate from the Series’ name the name “Neuberger Berman” and thereafter refrain from using the name “Neuberger Berman” or the initials “NB” in connection with its business or activities, and the foregoing agreement of a Series shall survive any termination of this Agreement and any extension or renewal thereof.
 
16.           Interpretation and Definition of Terms
 
Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from a term or provision of the 1940 Act shall be resolved by reference to such term or provision of the 1940 Act and to interpretation thereof, if any, by the United States courts or, in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court, by rules, regulations or orders of the Securities and Exchange Commission validly issued pursuant to the 1940 Act.  Specifically, the terms “vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities,” “interested person,” “assignment” and “affiliated person,” as used in this Agreement shall have the meanings assigned to them by Section 2(a) of the 1940 Act.  In addition, when the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act reflected in any provision of this Agreement is modified, interpreted or relaxed by a rule, regulation or order of the Securities and Exchange Commission, whether of special or of general application, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation or order.
 
17.           Choice of Law
 
This Agreement is made and to be principally performed in the State of New York and except insofar as the 1940 Act or other federal laws and regulations may be controlling, this Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York.
 
18.           Captions
 
The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or delineate any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.
 
19.           Execution in Counterparts
 
This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
 

 
 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized and their respective seals to be hereunto affixed, as of the day and year first above written.
 
 
NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
   
  /s/ Robert Conti 
 
Name:
Robert Conti 
 
Title:
President 
     
     
     
 
NEUBERGER BERMAN MANAGEMENT LLC
   
  /s/ Robert Conti 
 
Name:
Robert Conti 
 
Title:
President 
   
   
   
   
 
Date:  December 29, 2010

 

 
 

 

NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

SCHEDULE A

SERIES OF NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS



Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund


Date: December 29, 2010


 
 

 

NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
SCHEDULE B
RATE OF COMPENSATION


Compensation pursuant to Paragraph 3 of the Management Agreement shall be calculated in accordance with the following schedules:
 
NEUBERGER BERMAN GLOBAL ALLOCATION FUND

0.900% of the first $1 billion of average daily net assets
0.875% of the next $1 billion of average daily net assets
0.850% of average daily net assets in excess of $2 billion
 
Date: December 29, 2010


 
SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
 
This Sub-Advisory Agreement (“Agreement”) is made as of December 29, 2010, between Neuberger Berman Management LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Manager”) and Neuberger Berman Fixed Income LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Adviser”).
 
WITNESSETH:
 
WHEREAS, Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds, a Delaware statutory trust (“Trust”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), as an open-end, diversified management investment company and has established one or more separate series of shares (“Series”) with each Series having its own assets and investment policies; and
 
WHEREAS, Trust has retained Manager to provide investment advisory and administrative services to certain of the Series of the Trust pursuant to a Management Agreement dated December 29, 2010, which agreement specifically provides for the retention of a sub-adviser to provide the investment advisory services described therein; and
 
WHEREAS, Manager desires to retain Adviser as investment adviser to furnish investment advisory and portfolio management services to each Series listed in Schedule A attached hereto, to such other Series of Trust hereinafter established as agreed to from time to time by the parties, evidenced by an addendum to Schedule A (hereinafter “Series” shall refer to each Series which is subject to this Agreement), and the Adviser is willing to furnish such services;
 
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein contained, it is agreed between the parties hereto as follows:
 
      1.    SERVICES OF THE ADVISER
 
1.1   INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES. The Adviser shall act as the investment adviser to the Series and, as such, shall (i) obtain and evaluate such information relating to the economy, industries, businesses, securities markets and securities as it may deem necessary or useful in discharging its responsibilities hereunder, (ii) formulate a continuing program for the investment of the assets of the Series in a manner consistent with its investment objectives, policies and restrictions, and (iii) determine from time to time securities to be purchased, sold, retained or lent by the Series, and implement those decisions, including the selection of entities with or through which such purchases, sales or loans are to be effected; provided, that the Adviser will place orders pursuant to its investment determinations either directly with the issuer or with a broker or dealer, and if with a broker or dealer, (a) will attempt to obtain the best net price and most favorable execution of its orders, and (b) may nevertheless in its discretion purchase and sell portfolio securities from and to brokers and dealers who provide the Adviser with research, analysis, advice and similar services and pay such
 

 
 

 

brokers and dealers in return a higher commission or spread than may be charged by other brokers or dealers.
 
The Series hereby authorizes any entity or person associated with the Adviser which is a member of a national securities exchange to effect or execute any transaction on the exchange for the account of the Series which is permitted by Section 11(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 11a2-2(T) thereunder, and the Series hereby consents to the retention of compensation for such transactions in accordance with Rule 11a2-2(T)(a)(2)(iv).
 
The Adviser shall carry out its duties with respect to the Series' investments in accordance with applicable law and the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Series adopted by the trustees of Trust (“Trustees”), and subject to such further limitations as the Series may from time to time impose by written notice to the Adviser.
 
1.2   ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES.  The Adviser shall:
 
            1.2.1 BOOKS AND RECORDS. Assure that all records required to be maintained and preserved by Trust and/or the Series with respect to securities transactions are maintained and preserved by it or on its behalf in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
 
            1.2.2 REPORTS AND FILINGS. Assist in the preparation of (but not pay for) all periodic reports by Trust or the Series to Interestholders of the Series and all reports and filings required to maintain the registration and qualification of the Series, or to meet other regulatory or tax requirements applicable to the Series, under federal and state securities and tax laws.
 
            1.2.3 REPORTS TO THE MANAGER. Prepare and furnish to Manager such reports, statistical data and other information in such form and at such intervals as Manager may reasonably request.
 
            1.2.4 OTHER SERVICES. The Adviser shall perform such other functions of management and supervision as may be requested by the Manager and agreed to by the Adviser.
 
      2.    ADVISORY FEE
 
2.1   FEE. As compensation for all services rendered, facilities provided and expenses paid or assumed by the Adviser under this Agreement, Manager shall pay the Adviser an annual fee as set out in Schedule B to this Agreement.
 
2.2   COMPUTATION AND PAYMENT OF FEE. The advisory fee shall accrue on each calendar day, and shall be payable monthly on the first business day of the next succeeding calendar month. The daily fee accruals shall be computed by multiplying the fraction of one divided by the number of days in the calendar year by the applicable annual advisory fee rate (as set forth in Schedule B hereto), and multiplying this product by the net assets of the Series, determined in the manner established by the Trustees, as of
 

 
2

 

the close of business on the last preceding business day on which the Series' net asset value was determined. The fee provided in this Agreement for any Series shall be adjusted proportionately with any waiver or rebate of the fee due to the Manager from that Series, whether voluntary, contractual, or compelled by law.
 
2.3   EXPENSES. During the term of this Agreement, Adviser will pay all expenses incurred by it in connection with its activities under this Agreement other than the cost of securities (including brokerage commissions, if any) purchased for any Series.
 
      3.     OWNERSHIP AND HOLDING PERIOD OF RECORDS
 
All records required to be maintained and preserved by the Series pursuant to the rules or regulations under Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and maintained and preserved by the Adviser on behalf of the Series are the property of the Series and shall be surrendered by the Adviser promptly on request by the Series; provided, that the Adviser may at its own expense make and retain copies of any such records. The Adviser agrees to preserve for the period prescribed by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act any such records required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act.
 
      4.     REPORTS TO ADVISER
 
Manager shall furnish or otherwise make available to the Adviser such copies of each Series' registration statements, financial statements, proxy statements, reports, and other information relating to the Series' business and affairs as the Adviser may, at any time or from time to time, reasonably require in order to discharge its obligations under this Agreement.
 
      5.     SERVICES TO OTHER CLIENTS
 
Nothing herein contained shall limit the freedom of the Adviser or any affiliated person of the Adviser to render investment management to other investment companies, to act as investment adviser or investment counselor to other persons, firms or corporations, or to engage in other business activities.
 
      6. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OF ADVISER AND ITS PERSONNEL
 
Neither the Adviser nor any director, officer or employee of the Adviser performing services for the Series at the direction or request of the Adviser in connection with the Adviser's discharge of its obligations hereunder shall be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Manager or a Series in connection with any matter to which this Agreement relates; provided, that nothing herein contained shall be construed (i) to protect the Adviser against any liability to Trust or a Series or its Interestholders to which the Adviser would otherwise be subject by reason of the Adviser's willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of the Adviser's duties, or by reason of the Adviser's reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, or (ii) to protect any director, officer or employee of the Adviser who is or was a Trustee or officer of Trust against any liability to Trust or a Series or its Interestholders to which such person would otherwise be subject by reason of
 

 
3

 

willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such person's office with Trust.
 
      7.    TERM OF AGREEMENT
 
The term of this Agreement shall begin on the date first above written with respect to each Series listed in Schedule A on that date and, unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided, this Agreement shall remain in effect through October 31, 2012. With respect to each Series added by execution of an Addendum to Schedule A, the term of this Agreement shall begin on the date of such execution and, unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided, this Agreement shall remain in effect through the second October 31 following the date of execution. Thereafter, in each case, this Agreement shall continue in effect with respect to each Series from year to year, subject to the termination provisions and all other terms and conditions hereof, provided, such continuance with respect to a Series is approved at least annually by vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Series or by the Trustees, provided, that in either event such continuance is also approved annually by the vote, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of either party hereto; and provided further that neither party hereto shall have notified the other party in writing at least sixty (60) days prior to the first expiration date hereof or at least sixty (60) days prior to any expiration date hereof of any year thereafter that it does not desire such continuation. The Adviser shall furnish to the Manager, promptly upon its request, such information as the Trustees of the Trust deem reasonably necessary to evaluate the terms of this Agreement or any extension, renewal or amendment thereof.
 
      8.    AMENDMENT OR ASSIGNMENT OF AGREEMENT
 
Any amendment to this Agreement shall be in writing signed by the parties hereto; provided, that no such amendment shall be effective unless authorized on behalf of any Series (i) by resolution of the Trustees, including the vote or written consent of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of either party hereto, and (ii), as and to the extent required under the 1940 Act, by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Series. This Agreement shall terminate automatically and immediately in the event of its assignment.
 
      9.    TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT
 
This Agreement may be terminated at any time with respect to any Series by either party hereto, without the payment of any penalty, upon sixty (60) days' prior written notice to the other party. This Agreement shall terminate automatically and immediately with respect to a Series if the Management Agreement between the Trust and Manager terminates with respect to that Series.  This Agreement may also be terminated with respect to any Series on sixty (60) days notice to the Adviser, without the payment of any penalty, by a vote of the Board of Trustees of the Trust or by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Series.
 

 
4

 

      10.   INTERPRETATION AND DEFINITION OF TERMS
 
Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from a term or provision of the 1940 Act shall be resolved by reference to such term or provision of the 1940 Act and to interpretation thereof, if any, by the United States courts or, in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court, by rules, regulations or orders of the Securities and Exchange Commission validly issued pursuant to the 1940 Act. Specifically, the terms “vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities,” “interested person,” “assignment” and “affiliated person,” as used in this Agreement shall have the meanings assigned to them by Section 2(a) of the 1940 Act. In addition, when the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act reflected in any provision of this Agreement is modified, interpreted or relaxed by a rule, regulation or order of the Securities and Exchange Commission, whether of special or of general application, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation or order.
 
      11.   CHOICE OF LAW
 
This Agreement is made and to be principally performed in the State of New York and except insofar as the 1940 Act or other federal laws and regulations may be controlling, this Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York.
 
      12.   CAPTIONS
 
The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or delineate any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.
 
      13.   EXECUTION IN COUNTERPARTS
 
This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
 

 
5

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized and their respective seals to be hereunto affixed, as of the day and year first above written.
 
 
NEUBERGER BERMAN MANAGEMENT LLC
   
   
  /s/ Robert Conti 
 
Name:
Robert Conti 
 
Title:
President 
   
   
   
 
NEUBERGER BERMAN FIXED INCOME LLC
   
   
  /s/ Robert Conti  
 
Name:
Robert Conti 
 
Title:
Managing Director 
   
   
   
   
 
Date: December 29, 2010
 
 
 
6

 

SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
 
SCHEDULE A
 
SERIES OF NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
 
Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund
 
Date: December 29, 2010

 
 

 

SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
 
SCHEDULE B
 
RATE OF COMPENSATION
 

FUND
RATE OF COMPENSATION
BASED ON EACH FUND'S
AVERAGE DAILY NET
ASSETS
Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund
0.15%

 
Date:  December 29, 2010
 
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICES AGREEMENT

NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
CLASS A

This Agreement is made as of December 29, 2010, between Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds, a Delaware statutory trust (“Trust”), and Neuberger Berman Management LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Distributor”), on behalf of Class A of the series listed on Schedule A.

WHEREAS, the Trust is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), as an open-end, diversified management investment company and has established one or more separate series of shares (each a “Series”), with each Series having one or more classes and with each Series having its own assets and investment policies;

WHEREAS, the Trust desires to retain the Distributor to furnish certain distribution, shareholder, and administrative services to Class A of each Series listed in Schedule A attached hereto, and to Class A of such other Series of the Trust hereinafter established as agreed to from time to time by the parties, evidenced by an addendum to Schedule A (hereinafter “Series” shall refer to each Series which is subject to this Agreement, and all agreements and actions described herein to be made or taken by a Series shall be made or taken by the Trust on behalf of the Series), and the Distributor is willing to furnish such services; and

WHEREAS, the Trust has approved a plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (“Plan”) with respect to Class A of each Series;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein contained, the parties agree as follows:

1.           The Trust hereby appoints the Distributor as agent to sell the shares of beneficial interest of Class A of each Series (“Shares”) and the Distributor hereby accepts such appointment.  All sales by the Distributor shall be expressly subject to acceptance by the Trust, acting on behalf of the Series.  The Trust may suspend sales of the Shares of any one or more Series at any time, and may resume sales at any later time.  The Distributor, in consultation with the investment manager, may suspend sales of the Shares of any one or more Series or Classes at any time, may grandfather continuing sales to any group or category of existing shareholders, and may resume sales at any later time, subject in each case to a requirement that the Distributor promptly notify the Board of Trustees of the decision and subject to the authority of the Board of Trustees to override such decision.


2.           (a)           The Distributor agrees that: (i) all Shares sold by the Distributor shall be sold at the offering price (which is the net asset value (“NAV”) thereof as described in Section 3 hereof plus any applicable sales charge) as described in the then-current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) of Class A of each Series, and (ii) the Series shall receive 100% of such offering price.

 
 

 

(b)           The Distributor may enter into agreements, in form and substance satisfactory to the Trust, with dealers selected by the Distributor, providing for the sale to such dealers and resale by such dealers of Shares at their offering price.  The Distributor may compensate dealers for services they provide under such agreements with any applicable sales charge described in a Series’ Prospectus and SAI (or a portion thereof) or other payment from the Distributor’s own resources as the Distributor may determine from time to time.  Payment of any such sales charge or other payment shall be the sole obligation of the Distributor.  This provision shall not be deemed to prohibit payments by the Distributor to dealers where such payments are made under a distribution plan adopted by a Series pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.

(c)           The Distributor can use any of the officers and employees of Neuberger Berman LLC to provide any of the services or reports required under this Agreement.
 
3.           The Trust agrees to supply to the Distributor, promptly after the time or times at which NAV is determined, on each day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for unrestricted trading and on such other days as the Board of Trustees of the Trust (“Trustees”) may from time to time determine (each such day being hereinafter called a “business day”), a statement of the NAV of each Series, determined in the manner set forth in the then-current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) of Class A of each Series.  Each determination of NAV shall take effect as of such time or times on each business day as set forth in the then-current Prospectus of Class A of each Series.

4.           Upon receipt by the Trust at its principal place of business of a written order from the Distributor, together with delivery instructions, the Trust shall, if it elects to accept such order, as promptly as practicable, cause the Shares purchased by such order to be delivered in such amounts and in such names as the Distributor shall specify, against payment therefor in such manner as may be acceptable to the Trust.  The Trust may, in its discretion, refuse to accept any order for the purchase of Shares that the Distributor may tender to it.

5.           (a)           All sales literature and advertisements used by the Distributor in connection with sales of Shares shall be subject to approval by the Trust.  The Trust authorizes the Distributor, in connection with the sale or arranging for the sale of Shares of any Series, to provide only such information and to make only such statements or representations as are contained in the Series’ then-current Prospectus and SAI of Class A or in such financial and other statements furnished to the Distributor pursuant to the next paragraph or as may properly be included in sales literature or advertisements in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“1933 Act”), the 1940 Act and applicable rules of self-­regulatory organizations.  Neither the Trust nor any Series shall be responsible in any way for any information provided or statements or representations made by the Distributor or its representatives or agents other than the information, statements and representations described in the preceding sentence.

(b)           Each Series shall keep the Distributor fully informed with regard to its affairs, shall furnish the Distributor with a certified copy of all of its financial statements and a signed copy of each report prepared for it by its independent auditors, and shall cooperate fully in the efforts of the Distributor to negotiate and sell Shares of such Series and in the Distributor’s performance of all its duties under this Agreement.

 
 

 

6.           The Distributor, as agent of each Series and for the account and risk of each Series, is authorized, subject to the direction of the Trust, to redeem outstanding Shares of such Series when properly tendered by shareholders pursuant to the redemption right granted to such Series’ shareholders by the Trust Instrument of the Trust, as from time to time in effect, at a redemption price equal to the NAV per Share of such Series next determined after proper tender and acceptance (subject to any applicable redemption fee or contingent deferred sales charge as described below).  The Trust has delivered to the Distributor a copy of the Trust’s Trust Instrument as currently in effect and agrees to deliver to the Distributor any amendments thereto promptly.  This does not prohibit the Distributor from charging any applicable redemption fee or contingent deferred sales charge as described in the then-current Prospectus and SAI of Class A of each Series.

7.           The Distributor shall assume and pay or reimburse each Series for the following expenses of such Series:  (i) costs of printing and distributing reports, prospectuses and SAIs for other than existing shareholders used in connection with the sale or offering of the Series’ Shares; (ii) costs of preparing, printing and distributing all advertising and sales literature relating to such Series printed at the instruction of the Distributor; and (iii) counsel fees and expenses in connection with the foregoing.  The Distributor shall pay all its own costs and expenses connected with the sale of Shares and may pay the compensation and expenses, including overhead and telephone and other communication expenses, of organizations and employees that engage in or support the distribution of Shares.

8.           Each Series shall maintain a currently effective Registration Statement on Form N-1A with respect to the Shares of such Series and shall file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) such reports and other documents as may be required under the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act or by the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder.

Each Series represents and warrants that the Registration Statement, post-effective amendments, Prospectus and SAI (excluding statements relating to the Distributor and the services it provides that are based upon written information furnished by the Distributor expressly for inclusion therein) of such Series shall not contain any untrue statement of material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and that all statements or information furnished to the Distributor, pursuant to Section 5(b) hereof, shall be true and correct in all material respects.

9.           In addition to the foregoing, the Distributor agrees to provide or obtain certain administrative and shareholder services for Class A of each Series.  Such services shall include, but are not limited to, administering periodic investment and periodic withdrawal programs; researching and providing historical account activity information for shareholders requesting it; preparing and mailing account and confirmation statements to account holders; preparing and mailing tax forms to account holders; serving as custodian for retirement plans investing in Shares; dealing appropriately with abandoned accounts; collating and reporting the number of Shares attributable to each state for blue sky registration and reporting purposes; identifying and reporting transactions exempt from blue sky registration requirements; and providing and maintaining ongoing shareholder services for the duration of the shareholders’ investment in Class A of each Series, which may include updates on performance, total return, other related statistical information, and a continual analysis of the suitability of the investment in Class A of each Series.  The Distributor may subcontract to third

 
 

 

parties some or all of its responsibilities to the Series under this paragraph.  The Distributor may pay compensation and expenses, including overhead and telephone and other communication expenses, to organizations and employees who provide such services.

10.           As compensation for the distribution, shareholder and administrative services provided under this Agreement, the Distributor shall receive from Class A of each Series a fee at the rate and under the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan adopted by Class A of the Series, as such Plan may be amended from time to time as well as any sales charge applicable upon the sale or redemption of Shares as described in the Series’ Prospectus and SAI.  In addition to the expenditures specifically authorized herein, the Distributor may spend with respect to Class A such amounts as it deems appropriate for any purpose consistent with the Plan, as amended from time to time.

11.           To the extent required by Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, the Distributor shall prepare, at least quarterly, reports for the Trustees showing expenditures under this Agreement and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.  Such reports shall be in a format suitable to ensure compliance with the applicable requirements of the SEC and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

12.           (a)           This Agreement, as amended, shall become effective on the date first written above and shall remain in full force and effect until October 31, 2012 and may be continued from year to year thereafter; provided , that such continuance shall be specifically approved each year by the Trustees or by a majority of the outstanding voting securities of Class A of the Series, and in either case, also by a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust or the Distributor (“Disinterested Trustees”) and by a majority of those Disinterested Trustees who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the Plan or this Agreement  (“Rule 12b-1 Trustees”).  This Agreement may be amended as to any Series with the approval of the Trustees or of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of Class A of such Series; provided , that in either case, such amendment also shall be approved by a majority of the Disinterested Trustees and the Rule 12b-1 Trustees.

(b)           Either party may terminate this Agreement without the payment of any penalty, upon not more than sixty days’ nor less than thirty days’ written notice delivered personally or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, to the other party; provided , that in the case of termination by any Series, such action shall have been authorized (i) by resolution of the Trustees, or (ii) by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of Class A of such Series, or (iii) by written consent of a majority of the Disinterested Trustees or the Rule 12b-1 Trustees.

(c)           This Agreement shall automatically terminate if it is assigned by the Distributor.

(d)           Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from a term or provision of the 1940 Act shall be resolved by reference to such term or provision of the 1940 Act and to interpretation thereof, if any, by the United States courts or, in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court, by rules, regulations or orders of the SEC validly issued pursuant to the 1940 Act.  Specifically, the terms

 
 

 

“interested persons,” “assignment” and “vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities,” as used in this Agreement, shall have the meanings assigned to them by Section 2(a) of the 1940 Act.  In addition, when the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act reflected in any provision of this Agreement is modified, interpreted or relaxed by a rule, regulation or order of the SEC, whether of special or of general application, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation or order.  The Trust and the Distributor may from time to time agree on such provisions interpreting or clarifying the provisions of this Agreement as, in their joint opinion, are consistent with the general tenor of this Agreement and with the specific provisions of this Section 12(d).  Any such interpretations or clarifications shall be in writing signed by the parties and annexed hereto, but no such interpretation or clarification shall be effective if in contravention of any applicable federal or state law or regulations, and no such interpretation or clarification shall be deemed to be an amendment of this Agreement.

No term or provision of this Agreement shall be construed to require the Distributor to provide distribution, shareholder, or administrative services to any series of the Trust other than the Series, or to require Class A or any Series to pay any compensation or expenses that are properly allocable, in a manner approved by the Trustees, to a class or series of the Trust other than Class A or such Series.

(e)           This Agreement is made and to be principally performed in the State of New York, and except insofar as the 1940 Act or other federal laws and regulations may be controlling, this Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York.

(f)           This Agreement is made by the Trust solely with respect to the Series, and the obligations created hereby with respect to Class A of one Series bind only assets belonging to Class A of that Series and are not binding on any other series of the Trust or any other class of that series.

13.           The Distributor or one of its affiliates may from time to time deem it desirable to offer to the list of shareholders of Class A of each Series the shares of other mutual funds for which it acts as Distributor, including other series of the Trust or other products or services; however, any such use of the list of shareholders of any Series shall be made subject to such terms and conditions, if any, as shall be approved by a majority of the Disinterested Trustees.

14.           The Distributor shall look only to the assets of Class A of a Series for the performance of this Agreement by the Trust on behalf of such Series and such Class of such Series, and neither the shareholders, the Trustees nor any of the Trust’s officers, employees or agents, whether past, present or future, shall be personally liable therefor.


 
 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be duly executed by their duly authorized officers and under their respective seals.
 
 
NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
   
   
  /s/ Robert Conti 
 
Name:   Robert Conti
  Title:     President 
   
   
   
 
NEUBERGER BERMAN MANAGEMENT LLC
   
   
  /s/ Robert Conti  
  Name:   Robert Conti 
  Title:     President 
   
   
   
   
 
Date: December 29, 2010

 
 

 

NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS

CLASS A
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICES AGREEMENT

SCHEDULE A
 
The Series currently subject to this Agreement is as follows:
 
Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund


Date: December 29, 2010

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICES AGREEMENT
 
NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
CLASS C
 
This Agreement is made as of December 29, 2010, between Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds, a Delaware statutory trust (“Trust”), and Neuberger Berman Management LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Distributor”), on behalf of Class C of the series listed on Schedule A.
 
WHEREAS, the Trust is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), as an open-end, diversified management investment company and has established one or more separate series of shares (each a “Series”), with each Series having one or more classes and with each Series having its own assets and investment policies;
 
WHEREAS, the Trust desires to retain the Distributor to furnish certain distribution, shareholder, and administrative services to Class C of each Series listed in Schedule A attached hereto, and to Class C of such other Series of the Trust hereinafter established as agreed to from time to time by the parties, evidenced by an addendum to Schedule A (hereinafter “Series” shall refer to each Series which is subject to this Agreement, and all agreements and actions described herein to be made or taken by a Series shall be made or taken by the Trust on behalf of the Series), and the Distributor is willing to furnish such services; and
 
WHEREAS, the Trust has approved a plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (“Plan”) with respect to Class C of each Series;
 
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein contained, the parties agree as follows:
 
1.           The Trust hereby appoints the Distributor as agent to sell the shares of beneficial interest of Class C of each Series (“Shares”) and the Distributor hereby accepts such appointment.  All sales by the Distributor shall be expressly subject to acceptance by the Trust, acting on behalf of the Series.  The Trust may suspend sales of the Shares of any one or more Series at any time, and may resume sales at any later time. The Distributor, in consultation with the investment manager, may suspend sales of the Shares of any one or more Series or Classes at any time, may grandfather continuing sales to any group or category of existing shareholders, and may resume sales at any later time, subject in each case to a requirement that the Distributor promptly notify the Board of Trustees of the decision and subject to the authority of the Board of Trustees to override such decision.
 
 
2.           (a)           The Distributor agrees that: (i) all Shares sold by the Distributor shall be sold at the offering price (which is the net asset value (“NAV”) thereof as described in Section 3 hereof plus any applicable sales charge) as described in the then-current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) of Class C of each Series, and (ii) the Series shall receive 100% of such offering price.

 
 

 

(b)           The Distributor may enter into agreements, in form and substance satisfactory to the Trust, with dealers selected by the Distributor, providing for the sale to such dealers and resale by such dealers of Shares at their offering price.  The Distributor may compensate dealers for services they provide under such agreements with any applicable sales charge described in a Series’ Prospectus and SAI (or a portion thereof) or other payment from the Distributor’s own resources as the Distributor may determine from time to time.  Payment of any such sales charge or other payment shall be the sole obligation of the Distributor.  This provision shall not be deemed to prohibit payments by the Distributor to dealers where such payments are made under a distribution plan adopted by a Series pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.
 
(c)           The Distributor can use any of the officers and employees of Neuberger Berman LLC to provide any of the services or reports required under this Agreement.
 
3.           The Trust agrees to supply to the Distributor, promptly after the time or times at which NAV is determined, on each day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for unrestricted trading and on such other days as the Board of Trustees of the Trust (“Trustees”) may from time to time determine (each such day being hereinafter called a “business day”), a statement of the NAV of each Series,  determined in the manner set forth in the then-current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) of Class C of each Series.  Each determination of NAV shall take effect as of such time or times on each business day as set forth in the then-current Prospectus of Class C of each Series.
 
4.           Upon receipt by the Trust at its principal place of business of a written order from the Distributor, together with delivery instructions, the Trust shall, if it elects to accept such order, as promptly as practicable, cause the Shares purchased by such order to be delivered in such amounts and in such names as the Distributor shall specify, against payment therefor in such manner as may be acceptable to the Trust.  The Trust may, in its discretion, refuse to accept any order for the purchase of Shares that the Distributor may tender to it.
 
5.           (a)           All sales literature and advertisements used by the Distributor in connection with sales of Shares shall be subject to approval by the Trust.  The Trust authorizes the Distributor, in connection with the sale or arranging for the sale of Shares of any Series, to provide only such information and to make only such statements or representations as are contained in the Series’ then-current Prospectus and SAI of Class C or in such financial and other statements furnished to the Distributor pursuant to the next paragraph or as may properly be included in sales literature or advertisements in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“1933 Act”), the 1940 Act and applicable rules of self-­regulatory organizations.  Neither the Trust nor any Series shall be responsible in any way for any information provided or statements or representations made by the Distributor or its representatives or agents other than the information, statements and representations described in the preceding sentence.
 
(b)           Each Series shall keep the Distributor fully informed with regard to its affairs, shall furnish the Distributor with a certified copy of all of its financial statements and a signed copy of each report prepared for it by its independent auditors, and shall cooperate fully in the efforts of the Distributor to negotiate and sell Shares of such Series and in the Distributor’s performance of all its duties under this Agreement.

 
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6.           The Distributor, as agent of each Series and for the account and risk of each Series, is authorized, subject to the direction of the Trust, to redeem outstanding Shares of such Series when properly tendered by shareholders pursuant to the redemption right granted to such Series’ shareholders by the Trust Instrument of the Trust, as from time to time in effect, at a redemption price equal to the NAV per Share of such Series next determined after proper tender and acceptance (subject to any applicable redemption fee or contingent deferred sales charge as described below).  The Trust has delivered to the Distributor a copy of the Trust’s Trust Instrument as currently in effect and agrees to deliver to the Distributor any amendments thereto promptly.  This does not prohibit the Distributor from charging any applicable redemption fee or contingent deferred sales charge as described in the then-current Prospectus and SAI of Class C of each Series.
 
7.           The Distributor shall assume and pay or reimburse each Series for the following expenses of such Series:  (i) costs of printing and distributing reports, prospectuses and SAIs for other than existing shareholders used in connection with the sale or offering of the Series’ Shares; (ii) costs of preparing, printing and distributing all advertising and sales literature relating to such Series printed at the instruction of the Distributor; and (iii) counsel fees and expenses in connection with the foregoing.  The Distributor shall pay all its own costs and expenses connected with the sale of Shares and may pay the compensation and expenses, including overhead and telephone and other communication expenses, of organizations and employees that engage in or support the distribution of Shares.
 
8.           Each Series shall maintain a currently effective Registration Statement on Form N-1A with respect to the Shares of such Series and shall file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) such reports and other documents as may be required under the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act or by the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder.
 
Each Series represents and warrants that the Registration Statement, post-effective amendments, Prospectus and SAI (excluding statements relating to the Distributor and the services it provides that are based upon written information furnished by the Distributor expressly for inclusion therein) of such Series shall not contain any untrue statement of material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and that all statements or information furnished to the Distributor, pursuant to Section 5(b) hereof, shall be true and correct in all material respects.
 
9.           In addition to the foregoing, the Distributor agrees to provide or obtain certain administrative and shareholder services for Class C of each Series.  Such services shall include, but are not limited to, administering periodic investment and periodic withdrawal programs; researching and providing historical account activity information for shareholders requesting it; preparing and mailing account and confirmation statements to account holders; preparing and mailing tax forms to account holders; serving as custodian for retirement plans investing in Shares; dealing appropriately with abandoned accounts; collating and reporting the number of Shares attributable to each state for blue sky registration and reporting purposes; identifying and reporting transactions exempt from blue sky registration requirements; and providing and maintaining ongoing shareholder services for the duration of the shareholders’ investment in Class C of each Series, which may include updates on performance, total return, other related statistical information, and a continual analysis of the

 
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suitability of the investment in Class C of each Series.  The Distributor may subcontract to third parties some or all of its responsibilities to the Series under this paragraph.  The Distributor may pay compensation and expenses, including overhead and telephone and other communication expenses, to organizations and employees who provide such services.
 
10.           As compensation for the distribution, shareholder and administrative services provided under this Agreement, the Distributor shall receive from Class C of each Series a fee at the rate and under the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan adopted by Class C of the Series, as such Plan may be amended from time to time as well as any sales charge applicable upon the sale or redemption of Shares as described in the Series’ Prospectus and SAI.  In addition to the expenditures specifically authorized herein, the Distributor may spend with respect to Class C such amounts as it deems appropriate for any purpose consistent with the Plan, as amended from time to time.
 
11.           To the extent required by Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, the Distributor shall prepare, at least quarterly, reports for the Trustees showing expenditures under this Agreement and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.  Such reports shall be in a format suitable to ensure compliance with the applicable requirements of the SEC and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
 
12.           (a)           This Agreement, as amended, shall become effective on the date first written above and shall remain in full force and effect until October 31, 2012 and may be continued from year to year thereafter; provided , that such continuance shall be specifically approved each year by the Trustees or by a majority of the outstanding voting securities of Class C of the Series, and in either case, also by a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust or the Distributor (“Disinterested Trustees”) and by a majority of those Disinterested Trustees who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the Plan or this Agreement  (“Rule 12b-1 Trustees”).  This Agreement may be amended as to any Series with the approval of the Trustees or of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of Class C of such Series; provided , that in either case, such amendment also shall be approved by a majority of the Disinterested Trustees and the Rule 12b-1 Trustees.
 
(b)           Either party may terminate this Agreement without the payment of any penalty, upon not more than sixty days’ nor less than thirty days’ written notice delivered personally or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, to the other party; provided , that in the case of termination by any Series, such action shall have been authorized (i) by resolution of the Trustees, or (ii) by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of Class C of such Series, or (iii) by written consent of a majority of the Disinterested Trustees or the Rule 12b-1 Trustees.
 
(c)           This Agreement shall automatically terminate if it is assigned by the Distributor.
 
(d)           Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from a term or provision of the 1940 Act shall be resolved by reference to such term or provision of the 1940 Act and to interpretation thereof, if any, by the United States courts or, in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court, by rules,

 
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regulations or orders of the SEC validly issued pursuant to the 1940 Act.  Specifically, the terms “interested persons,” “assignment” and “vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities,” as used in this Agreement, shall have the meanings assigned to them by Section 2(a) of the 1940 Act.  In addition, when the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act reflected in any provision of this Agreement is modified, interpreted or relaxed by a rule, regulation or order of the SEC, whether of special or of general application, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation or order.  The Trust and the Distributor may from time to time agree on such provisions interpreting or clarifying the provisions of this Agreement as, in their joint opinion, are consistent with the general tenor of this Agreement and with the specific provisions of this Section 12(d).  Any such interpretations or clarifications shall be in writing signed by the parties and annexed hereto, but no such interpretation or clarification shall be effective if in contravention of any applicable federal or state law or regulations, and no such interpretation or clarification shall be deemed to be an amendment of this Agreement.
 
No term or provision of this Agreement shall be construed to require the Distributor to provide distribution, shareholder, or administrative services to any series of the Trust other than the Series, or to require Class C or any Series to pay any compensation or expenses that are properly allocable, in a manner approved by the Trustees, to a class or series of the Trust other than Class C or such Series.
 
(e)           This Agreement is made and to be principally performed in the State of New York, and except insofar as the 1940 Act or other federal laws and regulations may be controlling, this Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York.
 
(f)           This Agreement is made by the Trust solely with respect to the Series, and the obligations created hereby with respect to Class C of one Series bind only assets belonging to Class C of that Series and are not binding on any other series of the Trust or any other class of that series.
 
13.           The Distributor or one of its affiliates may from time to time deem it desirable to offer to the list of shareholders of Class C of each Series the shares of other mutual funds for which it acts as Distributor, including other series of the Trust or other products or services; however, any such use of the list of shareholders of any Series shall be made subject to such terms and conditions, if any, as shall be approved by a majority of the Disinterested Trustees.
 
14.           The Distributor shall look only to the assets of Class C of a Series for the performance of this Agreement by the Trust on behalf of such Series and such Class of such Series, and neither the shareholders, the Trustees nor any of the Trust’s officers, employees or agents, whether past, present or future, shall be personally liable therefor.
 

 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be duly executed by their duly authorized officers and under their respective seals.
 
 
NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
 
     
     
  /s/ Robert Conti   
  Name:   Robert Conti   
  Title:     President   
     
     
     
 
NEUBERGER BERMAN MANAGEMENT LLC
 
     
     
  /s/ Robert Conti    
  Name:   Robert Conti   
  Title:     President   
     
     
     
     
 
Date: December 29, 2010
 

 

 
-6 -

 

NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
 
CLASS C
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICES AGREEMENT

SCHEDULE A
 
The Series currently subject to this Agreement is as follows:
 
Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund
 
 
Date: December 29, 2010
 
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS

This Agreement is made as of December 29, 2010, between Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds, a Delaware statutory trust (“Trust”), and Neuberger Berman Management LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Distributor”), on behalf of the Institutional Class of the series listed on Schedule A.

WHEREAS, the Trust is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), as an open-end, diversified management investment company and has established one or more separate series of shares (each a “Series”), with each Series having one or more classes and with each Series having its own assets and investment policies;

WHEREAS, the Trust desires to retain the Distributor to furnish distribution services to the Institutional Class of each Series listed in Schedule A attached hereto, and to the Institutional Class of such other Series of the Trust hereinafter established as agreed to from time to time by the parties, evidenced by an addendum to Schedule A (hereinafter “Series” shall refer to each Series which is subject to this Agreement, and all agreements and actions described herein to be made or taken by a Series shall be made or taken by the Trust on behalf of the Series), and the Distributor is willing to furnish such services,

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein contained, the parties agree as follows:

1.           The Trust hereby appoints the Distributor as agent to sell the shares of beneficial interest of the Institutional Class of each Series (“Shares”) and the Distributor hereby accepts such appointment.  All sales by the Distributor shall be expressly subject to acceptance by the Trust, acting on behalf of the Series.  The Trust may suspend sales of the Shares of any one or more Series at any time, and may resume sales at any later time. The Distributor, in consultation with the investment manager, may suspend sales of the Shares of any one or more Series or Classes at any time, may grandfather continuing sales to any group or category of existing shareholders, and may resume sales at any later time, subject in each case to a requirement that the Distributor promptly notify the Board of Trustees of the decision and subject to the authority of the Board of Trustees to override such decision.

2.           (a)           The Distributor agrees that (i) all Shares sold by the Distributor shall be sold at the net asset value (“NAV”) thereof as described in Section 3 hereof, and (ii) the Series shall receive 100% of such NAV.

   (b)           The Distributor may enter into agreements, in form and substance satisfactory to the Trust, with dealers selected by the Distributor, providing for the sale to such dealers and resale by such dealers of Shares at their NAV.

 
 

 

   (c)           The Distributor can use any of the officers and employees of Neuberger Berman LLC to provide any of the services or reports required under this Agreement.

3.           The Trust agrees to supply to the Distributor, promptly after the time or times at which NAV is determined, on each day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for unrestricted trading and on such other days as the Board of Trustees of the Trust (“Trustees”) may from time to time determine (each such day being hereinafter called a “business day”), a statement of the NAV of each Series, determined in the manner set forth in the then-current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) of the Institutional Class of each Series.  Each determination of NAV shall take effect as of such time or times on each business day as set forth in the then-current Prospectus of the Institutional Class of each Series.

4.           Upon receipt by the Trust at its principal place of business of a written order from the Distributor, together with delivery instructions, the Trust shall, if it elects to accept such order, as promptly as practicable, cause the Shares purchased by such order to be delivered in such amounts and in such names as the Distributor shall specify, against payment therefor in such manner as may be acceptable to the Trust.  The Trust may, in its discretion, refuse to accept any order for the purchase of Shares that the Distributor may tender to it.

5.           (a)           All sales literature and advertisements used by the Distributor in connection with sales of Shares shall be subject to approval by the Trust.  The Trust authorizes the Distributor, in connection with the sale or arranging for the sale of Shares of any Series, to provide only such information and to make only such statements or representations as are contained in the Series’ then-current Prospectus and SAI of the Institutional Class or in such financial and other statements furnished to the Distributor pursuant to the next paragraph or as may properly be included in sales literature or advertisements in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“1933 Act”), the 1940 Act and applicable rules of self-­regulatory organizations.  Neither the Trust nor any Series shall be responsible in any way for any information provided or statements or representations made by the Distributor or its representatives or agents other than the information, statements and representations described in the preceding sentence.

   (b)           Each Series shall keep the Distributor fully informed with regard to its affairs, shall furnish the Distributor with a certified copy of all of its financial statements and a signed copy of each report prepared for it by its independent auditors, and shall cooperate fully in the efforts of the Distributor to negotiate and sell Shares of such Series and in the Distributor’s performance of all its duties under this Agreement.

6.           The Distributor, as agent of each Series and for the account and risk of each Series, is authorized, subject to the direction of the Trust, to redeem outstanding Shares of such Series when properly tendered by shareholders pursuant to the redemption right granted to such Series’ shareholders by the Trust Instrument of the Trust, as from time to time in effect, at a redemption price equal to the NAV per Share of such Series next determined after proper tender and acceptance (subject to any applicable redemption fee as described below).  The Trust has delivered to the Distributor a copy of the Trust’s Trust Instrument as currently in effect and agrees to deliver to the Distributor any amendments thereto promptly. This does not prohibit the Distributor from charging

 
 

 

any applicable redemption fee as described in the then-current Prospectus and SAI of the Institutional Class of each Series.

7.           The Distributor shall assume and pay or reimburse each Series for the following expenses of such Series:  (i) costs of printing and distributing reports, prospectuses and SAIs for other than existing shareholders used in connection with the sale or offering of the Series’ Shares; (ii) costs of preparing, printing and distributing all advertising and sales literature relating to such Series printed at the instruction of the Distributor; and (iii) counsel fees and expenses in connection with the foregoing.  The Distributor shall pay all its own costs and expenses connected with the sale of Shares.

8.           Each Series shall maintain a currently effective Registration Statement on Form N-1A with respect to the Shares of such Series and shall file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) such reports and other documents as may be required under the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act or by the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder.

Each Series represents and warrants that the Registration Statement, post-effective amendments, Prospectus and SAI (excluding statements relating to the Distributor and the services it provides that are based upon written information furnished by the Distributor expressly for inclusion therein) of such Series shall not contain any untrue statement of material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and that all statements or information furnished to the Distributor, pursuant to Section 5(b) hereof, shall be true and correct in all material respects.

9.        (a)           This Agreement, as amended, shall become effective on the date first written above and shall remain in full force and effect until October 31, 2012 and may be continued from year to year thereafter; provided , that such continuance shall be specifically approved each year by the Trustees or by a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Institutional Class of the Series, and in either case, also by a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust or the Distributor (“Disinterested Trustees”).  This Agreement may be amended as to any Series with the approval of the Trustees or of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Institutional Class of such Series; provided , that in either case, such amendment also shall be approved by a majority of the Disinterested Trustees.

(b)           Either party may terminate this Agreement without the payment of any penalty, upon not more than sixty days’ nor less than thirty days’ written notice delivered personally or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, to the other party; provided , that in the case of termination by any Series, such action shall have been authorized (i) by resolution of the Trustees, or (ii) by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Institutional Class of such Series, or (iii) by written consent of a majority of the Disinterested Trustees.

(c)           This Agreement shall automatically terminate if it is assigned by the Distributor.

(d)           Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from a term or provision of the 1940 Act shall be

 
 

 

resolved by reference to such term or provision of the 1940 Act and to interpretation thereof, if any, by the United States courts or, in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court, by rules, regulations or orders of the SEC validly issued pursuant to the 1940 Act.  Specifically, the terms “interested persons,” “assignment” and “vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities,” as used in this Agreement, shall have the meanings assigned to them by Section 2(a) of the 1940 Act.  In addition, when the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act reflected in any provision of this Agreement is modified, interpreted or relaxed by a rule, regulation or order of the SEC, whether of special or of general application, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation or order.  The Trust and the Distributor may from time to time agree on such provisions interpreting or clarifying the provisions of this Agreement as, in their joint opinion, are consistent with the general tenor of this Agreement and with the specific provisions of this Section 9(d).  Any such interpretations or clarifications shall be in writing signed by the parties and annexed hereto, but no such interpretation or clarification shall be effective if in contravention of any applicable federal or state law or regulations, and no such interpretation or clarification shall be deemed to be an amendment of this Agreement.

No term or provision of this Agreement shall be construed to require the Distributor to provide distribution services to any series of the Trust other than the Series, or to require Institutional Class or any Series to pay any compensation or expenses that are properly allocable, in a manner approved by the Trustees, to a class or series of the Trust other than Institutional Class or such Series.

   (e)           This Agreement is made and to be principally performed in the State of New York, and except insofar as the 1940 Act or other federal laws and regulations may be controlling, this Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York.

   (f)           This Agreement is made by the Trust solely with respect to the Series, and the obligations created hereby with respect to Institutional Class of one Series bind only assets belonging to Institutional Class of that Series and are not binding on any other series of the Trust or any other class of that series.

10.           The Distributor or one of its affiliates may from time to time deem it desirable to offer to the list of shareholders of Institutional Class of each Series the shares of other mutual funds for which it acts as Distributor, including other series of the Trust or other products or services; however, any such use of the list of shareholders of any Series shall be made subject to such terms and conditions, if any, as shall be approved by a majority of the Disinterested Trustees.

11.           The Distributor shall look only to the assets of Institutional Class of a Series for the performance of this Agreement by the Trust on behalf of such Series and such Class of such Series, and neither the shareholders, the Trustees nor any of the Trust’s officers, employees or agents, whether past, present or future, shall be personally liable therefor.


 
 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be duly executed by their duly authorized officers and under their respective seals.
 
 
 
NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
   
   
  /s/ Robert Conti 
  Name:   Robert Conti 
  Title:     President 
   
   
   
 
NEUBERGER BERMAN MANAGEMENT LLC
   
   
  /s/ Robert Conti  
  Name:   Robert Conti 
  Title:     President 
   
   
   
   
 
Date: December 29, 2010


 
 

 


NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS

INSTITUTIONAL CLASS
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

SCHEDULE A


The Series currently subject to this Agreement is as follows:
 
                Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund
 
 
Date: December 29, 2010

ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT
 
NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
CLASS A
 
This Agreement is made as of December 29, 2010, between Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds, a Delaware statutory trust (“Trust”), and Neuberger Berman Management LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Administrator”) with respect to Class A shares of the series listed on Schedule A.
 
WHEREAS, the Trust is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), as an open-end, diversified management investment company and has established one or more separate series of shares (“Series”), with each Series having its own assets and investment policies, and with each Series having one or more classes of shares;
 
WHEREAS, the Trust desires to retain the Administrator to furnish administrative services, including shareholder accounting, recordkeeping, and other services to shareholders, to each Series listed in Schedule A attached hereto (as it may be amended from time to time, or as appropriate, Class A of each such Series), and the Administrator is willing to furnish such services,
 
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein contained, the parties agree as follows:
 
1.            Services of the Administrator .
 
1.1   Administrative Services .  The Administrator shall supervise the business and affairs of each Series and its Class A and shall provide such services required for effective administration of such Series as are not provided by employees or other agents engaged by such Series; provided , that the Administrator shall not have any obligation to provide under this Agreement any services related to the distribution of a Series’ shares, or any other services that are the subject of a separate agreement or arrangement between a Series and the Administrator.  The Administrator can use any of the officers and employees of Neuberger Berman LLC to provide any of the services or reports required under this agreement.  Subject to the foregoing, in providing administrative services hereunder, the Administrator shall:
 
1.1.1   Office Space, Equipment and Facilities . Furnish without cost to each Series and its Class A, or pay the cost of, such office space, office equipment and office facilities as are adequate for the needs of its Series and their Class A;
 
1.1.2   Personnel .  Provide, without remuneration from or other cost to each Series, the services of individuals competent to perform all of the executive, administrative and clerical functions of each Series and its Class A that are not performed by employees or other agents engaged by the Series or by the Administrator acting in some other capacity pursuant to a separate agreement or arrangement with the Series;
 

 
 

 

1.1.3   Agents .  Assist each Series in selecting and coordinating the activities of the other agents engaged by the Series, including the Series’ shareholder servicing agent, custodian, independent auditors and legal counsel;
 
1.1.4   Trustees and Officers .  Authorize and permit the Administrator’s directors, officers or employees who may be elected or appointed as trustees or officers of the Trust to serve in such capacities, without remuneration from or other cost to the Trust or any Series;
 
1.1.5   Books and Records .  Assure that all financial, accounting and other records required to be maintained and preserved by each Series are maintained and preserved by it or on its behalf in accordance with applicable laws and regulations; and
 
1.1.6   Reports and Filings .  Assist in the preparation of (but not pay for) all periodic reports by each Series or its Class A to shareholders of such Series or Class and all reports and filings required to maintain the registration and qualification of the Series and its Class A shares, or to meet other regulatory or tax requirements applicable to the Series or its Class A, under federal and state securities and tax laws.
 
1.2   Shareholder and Related Services (Institutions) .  The Administrator shall provide each of the following services as may be required by any Series, its shareholders (some of which will be either a broker-dealer, pension plan administrator, or other institution that provides certain accounting, recordkeeping and other services to its accounts (“Accounts”) and which has entered into an administrative services agreement with the Administrator (each, an “Institution”)), or the Accounts, as specified; provided , that the Administrator’s obligation to furnish any service to Accounts or Account holders of any Institution shall be dependent upon receipt of all necessary information from that Institution:
 
1.2.1   Purchase Orders .  Receive for acceptance, as agent for the Series, orders from Institutions and Accounts for the purchase of Series shares transmitted or delivered to the office of the Administrator, note the time and date of each order when received, promptly deliver payment for such purchases to the Series’ custodian (“Custodian”), and coordinate with the Series or its designees for the issuance of the appropriate number of shares so purchased to the appropriate Institution or Account;
 
1.2.2   Records .  Maintain records of the number of shares of each Series attributable to each Account (including name, address and taxpayer identification number), record all changes to such shares held in each Account on a daily basis, and furnish to each Series each business day the total number of shares of such Series attributable to all Accounts;
 
1.2.3   Redemption Requests .  Receive for acceptance requests and directions from Institutions and Accounts for the redemption of Series shares transmitted or delivered to the office of the Administrator, note the time and date of each request when received, process such requests and directions in accordance with the redemption procedures set forth in the then current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) of the Series, and deliver the appropriate documentation to the Custodian;
 
1.2.4   Wire Transfers .  Coordinate and implement bank-to-bank wire transfers in connection with Series share purchases and redemptions by Institutions;
 

 
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1.2.5   Redemption Payments .  Upon receipt of monies paid to it by the Custodian with respect to any redemption of Series shares, pay or cause such monies to be paid pursuant to instructions by the appropriate Account or Institution.
 
1.2.6   Exchanges .  Receive and execute orders from Accounts and Institutions to exchange shares by concurrent purchases and redemptions of shares of a Series and shares of other Series or of other investment companies or series thereof pursuant to each Series’ then current Prospectus and SAI;
 
1.2.7   Dividends .  Based upon information received from a Series regarding dividends or other distributions on Series shares, calculate the dividend or distribution attributable to each Account; if such dividend or distribution is payable in shares or by reinvestment in shares, calculate such shares for each Account and record same in the share records for each Account, and if such dividend or distribution is payable in cash, upon receipt of monies therefor from the Custodian, pay or cause such monies to be paid to the appropriate Account or as such Account may direct;
 
1.2.8   Inquiries .  Respond to telephonic, mail, and in-person inquiries from Institutions, Account holders, or their representatives requesting information regarding matters such as shareholder account or transaction status, net asset value (“NAV”) of Series shares, Series performance, Series services, plans and options, Series investment policies, Series portfolio holdings, and Series distributions and taxation thereof;
 
1.2.9   Complaints .  Deal with complaints and correspondence of Institutions and Account holders directed to or brought to the attention of the Administrator;
 
1.2.10   Reports; Proxies .  Distribute as appropriate to all Account holders all Series reports, dividend and distribution notices, and proxy material relating to any meeting of Series shareholders, and soliciting, processing and tabulating proxies for such meetings;
 
1.2.11   Special Reports .  Generate or develop and distribute special data, notices, reports, programs and literature required by Institutions or by Account holders generally in light of developments, such as changes in tax laws; and
 
1.2.12   Agents .  Assist any institutional servicing agent (“Agent”) engaged by the Series in the development, implementation and maintenance of the following special programs and systems to enhance each Series’ capability to service its shareholders and Account holders servicing capability:
 
(a)  Training programs for personnel of such Agent;
 
(b)  Joint programs with such Agent for the development of systems software, shareholder information reports, and other special reports;
 
(c)  Automatic data exchange facilities with shareholders and such Agent;
 

 
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(d)  Automated clearing house transfer procedures between shareholders and such Agent; and
 
(e)  Touch-tone telephone information and transaction systems for shareholders.
 
1.3 Shareholder and Related Services (Shareholders purchasing directly only).
 
The Administrator shall provide such of the following services as are required by any Series or its shareholders who purchase shares directly:
 
1.3.1           Direct shareholder services, consisting of:
 
(a)           Processing Series share purchase and redemption requests transmitted or delivered to the office of the Administrator;
 
(b)           Coordinating and implementing bank-to-bank wire transfers in connection with Series share purchases and redemptions;
 
(c)           Executing exchange orders involving concurrent purchases and redemption of shares of a Series and shares of other Series or of other investment companies or series thereof;
 
(d)           Responding to telephonic and in-person inquiries from existing shareholders or their representatives requesting information regarding matters such as shareholder account or transaction status, net asset value (“NAV”) of Series shares, and Series performance, Series services, plans and options, Series investment policies, Series portfolio holdings, and Series distributions and classification thereof for tax purposes;
 
(e)           Dealing with shareholder complaints and correspondence directed to or brought to the attention of the Administrator; and
 
(f)           Generating or developing and distributing special data, notices, reports, programs and literature required by large shareholders, by shareholders with specialized informational needs, or by shareholders generally in light of developments, such as changes in tax laws.
 
1.3.2           Assisting any institutional servicing agent engaged by the Series in the development, implementation and maintenance of the following special programs and systems to enhance overall Series shareholder servicing capability, consisting of:
 
(a)           Training programs for personnel of such institutional servicing agent;
 
(b)           Joint programs with such institutional servicing agent for the development of systems software, shareholder information reports, and other special reports;
 
(c)           Automatic data exchange facilities with shareholders and such institutional servicing agent;
 

 
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(d)           Automated clearinghouse transfer procedures between shareholders and such institutional servicing agent; and
 
(e)           Touch-tone telephone information and transaction systems for shareholders.
 
1.3.3           Such other shareholder and shareholder-related services, whether similar to or different from those described in Subparagraphs 1.3.1, 1.3.2 and 1.3.3 of this Paragraph 1.3, as the parties may from time to time agree in writing.
 
1.4            Blue Sky Services .  The Administrator shall maintain under this Agreement the registration or qualification of a Series and its shares under state Blue Sky or securities laws and regulations, as necessary; provided that such Series shall pay all related filing fees and registration or qualification fees.
 
1.5            Other Services .  The Administrator shall provide such other services required by a Series as the parties may from time to time agree in writing are appropriate to be provided under this Agreement.
 
2.            Expenses of each Series .
 
2.1   Expenses to be Paid by the Administrator .  The Administrator shall pay all salaries, expenses and fees of the officers, trustees, or employees of the Trust who are officers, directors or employees of the Administrator.  If the Administrator pays or assumes any expenses of the Trust, Series or Class not required to be paid or assumed by the Administrator under this Agreement, the Administrator shall not be obligated hereby to pay or assume the same or any similar expense in the future; provided , that nothing herein contained shall be deemed to relieve the Administrator of any obligation to the Trust or to a Series or Class under any separate agreement or arrangement between the parties.
 
2.2   Expenses to be Paid by the Series .  Each Series shall bear all expenses of its operation, except those specifically allocated to the Administrator under this Agreement or under any separate agreement between such Series and the Administrator.  Expenses to be borne by such Series shall include both expenses directly attributable to the operation of that Series and the offering of its shares, as well as the portion of any expenses of the Trust that is properly allocable to such Series in a manner approved by the trustees of the Trust (“Trustees”).  (The allocation of such expenses among the classes of a Series, on either a class-specific or a pro rata basis, shall be made in accordance with the Trust’s Rule 18f-3 Plan, if applicable.)  Subject to any separate agreement or arrangement between the Trust or a Series and the Administrator, the expenses hereby allocated to each Series, and not to the Administrator, include, but are not limited to:
 
2.2.1   Custody .  All charges of depositories, custodians, and other agents for the transfer, receipt, safekeeping, and servicing of its cash, securities, and other property;
 
2.2.2   Shareholder Servicing .  All expenses of maintaining and servicing shareholder accounts, including but not limited to the charges of any shareholder servicing agent, dividend disbursing agent or other agent (other than the Administrator hereunder) engaged by a Series to service shareholder accounts;
 

 
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2.2.3   Shareholder Reports .  All expenses of preparing, setting in type, printing and distributing reports and other communications to shareholders of a Series;
 
2.2.4   Prospectuses .  All expenses of preparing, setting in type, printing and mailing annual or more frequent revisions of a Series’ Prospectus and SAI and any supplements thereto and of supplying them to shareholders of the Series and Account holders;
 
2.2.5   Pricing and Portfolio Valuation .  All expenses of computing a Series’ net asset value (“NAV”) per share, including any equipment or services obtained for the purpose of pricing shares or valuing the Series’ investment portfolio;
 
2.2.6   Communications .  All charges for equipment or services used for communications between the Administrator or the Series and any custodian, shareholder servicing agent, portfolio accounting services agent, or other agent engaged by a Series;
 
2.2.7   Legal and Accounting Fees .  All charges for services and expenses of a Series’ legal counsel and independent auditors;
 
2.2.8   Trustees’ Fees and Expenses .  All compensation of Trustees other than those affiliated with the Administrator, all expenses incurred in connection with such unaffiliated Trustees’ services as Trustees, and all other expenses of meetings of the Trustees or committees thereof;
 
2.2.9   Shareholder Meetings .  All expenses incidental to holding meetings of shareholders, including the printing of notices and proxy materials, and proxy solicitation therefor;
 
2.2.10   Federal Registration Fees .  All fees and expenses of registering and maintaining the registration of the Trust and each Series under the 1940 Act and the registration of each Series’ shares under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), including all fees and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, setting in type, printing, and filing of any Registration Statement, Prospectus and SAI under the 1933 Act or the 1940 Act, and any amendments or supplements that may be made from time to time;
 
2.2.11   State Registration Fees .  All fees and expenses of qualifying and maintaining the qualification of the Trust and each Series and of each Series’ shares for sale under securities laws of various states or jurisdictions, and of registration and qualification of each Series under all other laws applicable to a Series or its business activities (including registering the Series as a broker-dealer, or any officer of the Series or any person as agent or salesman of the Series in any state);
 
2.2.12   Share Certificates .  All expenses of preparing and transmitting a Series’ share certificates, if any;
 
2.2.13   Confirmations .  All expenses incurred in connection with the issue and transfer of a Series’ shares, including the expenses of confirming all share transactions;
 
2.2.14   Bonding and Insurance .  All expenses of bond, liability, and other insurance coverage required by law or regulation or deemed advisable by the Trustees, including, without
 

 
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limitation, such bond, liability and other insurance expense that may from time to time be allocated to the Series in a manner approved by the Trustees;
 
2.2.15   Brokerage Commissions .  All brokers’ commissions and other charges incident to the purchase, sale or lending of a Series’ portfolio securities;
 
2.2.16   Taxes .  All taxes or governmental fees payable by or with respect to a Series to federal, state or other governmental agencies, domestic or foreign, including stamp or other transfer taxes;
 
2.2.17   Trade Association Fees .  All fees, dues and other expenses incurred in connection with a Series’ membership in any trade association or other investment organization;
 
2.2.18   Nonrecurring and Extraordinary Expenses . Such nonrecurring and extraordinary expenses as may arise, including the costs of actions, suits, or proceedings to which the Series is a party and the expenses a Series may incur as a result of its legal obligation to provide indemnification to the Trust’s officers, Trustees and agents;
 
2.2.19   Organizational Expenses .  All organizational expenses of each Series paid or assessed by the Administrator, which such Series shall reimburse to the Administrator at such time or times and subject to such condition or conditions as shall be specified in the Prospectus and SAI pursuant to which such Series makes the initial public offering of its shares; and
 
2.2.20   Investment Advisory Services .  Any fees and expenses for investment advisory services that may be incurred or contracted for by a Series.
 
3.            Administration Fee .
 
3.1   Fee .  As compensation for all services rendered, facilities provided and expenses paid or assumed by the Administrator to or for each Series or its Class A under this Agreement, the Class A of such Series shall pay the Administrator an annual fee as set out in Schedule B to this Agreement.
 
3.2   Computation and Payment of Fee .  The administration fee shall accrue on each calendar day, and shall be payable monthly on the first business day of the next succeeding calendar month.  The daily fee accruals for each Series shall be computed by multiplying the fraction of one divided by the number of days in the calendar year by the applicable annual administration fee rate (as set forth in Schedule B hereto), and multiplying this product by the NAV of the Class A of such Series, determined in the manner set forth in such Series’ then-current Class A Prospectus, as of the close of business on the last preceding business day on which such Series’ Class A NAV was determined.
 
4.   Ownership of Records .  All records required to be maintained and preserved by each Series pursuant to the provisions or rules or regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and maintained and preserved by the Administrator on behalf of such Series are the property of such Series and shall be surrendered by the Administrator promptly on request by the Series; provided , that the Administrator may at its own expense make and retain copies of any such records.
 

 
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5.   Reports to Administrator .  Each Series shall furnish or otherwise make available to the Administrator such copies of that Series’ Class A Prospectus, SAI, financial statements, proxy statements, reports, and other information relating to its business and affairs as the Administrator may, at any time or from time to time, reasonably require in order to discharge its obligations under this Agreement.
 
6.   Reports to each Series .  The Administrator shall prepare and furnish to each Series such reports, statistical data and other information in such form and at such intervals as such Series may reasonably request.
 
7.   Ownership of Software and Related Materials .  All computer programs, written procedures and similar items developed or acquired and used by the Administrator in performing its obligations under this Agreement shall be the property of the Administrator, and no Series will acquire any ownership interest therein or property rights with respect thereto.
 
8.   Confidentiality .  The Administrator agrees, on its own behalf and on behalf of its employees, agents and contractors, to keep confidential any and all records maintained and other information obtained hereunder which relates to any Series or to any of a Series’ former, current or prospective shareholders, except that the Administrator may deliver records or divulge information (a) when requested to do so by duly constituted authorities after prior notification to and approval in writing by such Series (which approval will not be unreasonably withheld and may not be withheld by such Series where the Administrator advises such Series that it may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt proceedings or other penalties for failure to comply with such request) or (b) whenever requested in writing to do so by such Series.
 
9.   The Administrator’s Actions in Reliance on Series’ Instructions, Legal Opinions, Etc.; Series’ Compliance with Laws .
 
9.1  The Administrator may at any time apply to an officer of the Trust for instructions, and may consult with legal counsel for a Series or with the Administrator’s own legal counsel, in respect of any matter arising in connection with this Agreement; and the Administrator shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken in good faith and with due care in accordance with such instructions or with the advice or opinion of such legal counsel.  The Administrator shall be protected in acting upon any such instructions, advice or opinion and upon any other paper or document delivered by a Series or such legal counsel which the Administrator believes to be genuine and to have been signed by the proper person or persons, and the Administrator shall not be held to have notice of any change of status or authority of any officer or representative of the Trust, until receipt of written notice thereof from the Series.
 
9.2  Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement or in any separate agreement between the parties and except for the accuracy of information furnished to each Series by the Administrator, each Series assumes full responsibility for the preparation, contents, filing and distribution of its Class A Prospectus and SAI, and full responsibility for other documents or actions required for compliance with all applicable requirements of the 1940 Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the 1933 Act, and any other applicable laws, rules and regulations of governmental authorities having jurisdiction over such Series.
 

 
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10.   Services to Other Clients .  Nothing herein contained shall limit the freedom of the Administrator or any affiliated person of the Administrator to render administrative or shareholder services to other investment companies, to act as administrator to other persons, firms, or corporations, or to engage in other business activities.
 
11.   Limitation of Liability Regarding the Trust .  The Administrator shall look only to the assets of each Series for performance of this Agreement by the Trust on behalf of such Series, and neither the Trustees nor any of the Trust’s officers, employees or agents, whether past, present or future shall be personally liable therefor.
 
12.   Indemnification by Series .  Each Series shall indemnify the Administrator and hold it harmless from and against any and all losses, damages and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, incurred by the Administrator that result from: (i) any claim, action, suit or proceeding in connection with the Administrator’s entry into or performance of this Agreement with respect to such Series; or (ii) any action taken or omission to act committed by the Administrator in the performance of its obligations hereunder with respect to such Series; or (iii) any action of the Administrator upon instructions believed in good faith by it to have been executed by a duly authorized officer or representative of the Trust with respect to such Series; provided , that the Administrator shall not be entitled to such indemnification in respect of actions or omissions constituting negligence or misconduct on the part of the Administrator or its employees, agents or contractors.  Before confessing any claim against it which may be subject to indemnification by a Series hereunder, the Administrator shall give such Series reasonable opportunity to defend against such claim in its own name or in the name of the Administrator.
 
13.   Indemnification by the Administrator .  The Administrator shall indemnify each Series and hold it harmless from and against any and all losses, damages and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, incurred by such Series which result from: (i) the Administrator’s failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement with respect to such Series; or (ii) the Administrator’s lack of good faith in performing its obligations hereunder with respect to such Series; or (iii) the Administrator’s negligence or misconduct or that of its employees, agents or contractors in connection herewith with respect to such Series.  A Series shall not be entitled to such indemnification in respect of actions or omissions constituting negligence or misconduct on the part of that Series or its employees, agents or contractors other than the Administrator unless such negligence or misconduct results from or is accompanied by negligence or misconduct on the part of the Administrator, any affiliated person of the Administrator, or any affiliated person of an affiliated person of the Administrator.  Before confessing any claim against it which may be subject to indemnification hereunder, a Series shall give the Administrator reasonable opportunity to defend against such claim in its own name or in the name of the Trust on behalf of such Series.
 
14.   Effect of Agreement .  Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to require the Trust or any Series to take any action contrary to the Trust Instrument or By-laws of the Trust or any applicable law, regulation or order to which it is subject or by which it is bound, or to relieve or deprive the Trustees of their responsibility for and control of the conduct of the business and affairs of the Series or Trust.
 
15.   Term of Agreement .  The term of this Agreement shall begin on the date first written above with respect to each Series and, unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided, this
 

 
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Agreement shall remain in effect through October 31, 2012. Thereafter, this Agreement shall continue in effect with respect to each Series from year to year, subject to the termination provisions and all other terms and conditions hereof; provided , such continuance with respect to a Series is approved at least annually by vote or written consent of the Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of either party hereto (“Disinterested Trustees”); and provided further , that the Administrator shall not have notified a Series in writing at least sixty days prior to the first expiration date hereof or at least sixty days prior to any expiration date in any year thereafter that it does not desire such continuation.  The Administrator shall furnish any Series, promptly upon its request, such information as may reasonably be necessary to evaluate the terms of this Agreement or any extension, renewal or amendment thereof.
 
16.   Amendment or Assignment of Agreement .  Any amendment to this Agreement shall be in writing signed by the parties hereto; provided , that no such amendment shall be effective unless authorized on behalf of any Series (i) by resolution of the Trustees, including the vote or written consent of a majority of the Disinterested Trustees, or (ii) by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Class A of such Series.  This Agreement shall terminate automatically and immediately in the event of its assignment; provided, that with the consent of a Series, the Administrator may subcontract to another person any of its responsibilities with respect to such Series.
 
17.   Termination of Agreement .  This Agreement may be terminated at any time by either party hereto, without the payment of any penalty, upon at least sixty days’ prior written notice to the other party; provided , that in the case of termination by any Series, such action shall have been authorized (i) by resolution of the Trustees, including the vote or written consent of the Disinterested Trustees, or (ii) by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Class A of such Series.
 
18.   Name of a Series.   Each Series hereby agrees that if the Administrator shall at any time for any reason cease to serve as administrator to a Series, such Series shall, if and when requested by the Administrator, eliminate from such Series’ name the name “Neuberger Berman” and thereafter refrain from using the name “Neuberger Berman” or the initials “NB” in connection with its business or activities, and the foregoing agreement of each Series shall survive any termination of this Agreement and any extension or renewal thereof.
 
19.   Interpretation and Definition of Terms .  Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from a term or provision of the 1940 Act shall be resolved by reference to such term or provision of the 1940 Act and to interpretation thereof, if any, by the United States courts or, in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court, by rules, regulations or orders of the SEC validly issued pursuant to the 1940 Act.  Specifically, the terms “vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities,” “interested persons,” “assignment” and “affiliated person,” as used in this Agreement shall have the meanings assigned to them by Section 2(a) of the 1940 Act.  In addition, when the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act reflected in any provision of this Agreement is modified, interpreted or relaxed by a rule, regulation or order of the SEC, whether of special or of general application, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation or order.
 

 
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20.   Choice of Law .  This Agreement is made and to be principally performed in the State of New York, and except insofar as the 1940 Act or other federal laws and regulations may be controlling, this Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York.
 
21.   Captions .  The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or delineate any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.
 
22.   Execution in Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
 

 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized and their respective seals to be hereunto affixed, as of the day and year first above written.
 
 
 
NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
   
   
  /s/ Robert Conti 
  Name:   Robert Conti 
  Title:     President 
   
   
   
 
NEUBERGER BERMAN MANAGEMENT LLC
   
   
  /s/ Robert Conti  
  Name:   Robert Conti 
  Title:     President 
   
   
   
   
 
Date: December 29, 2010

 
 
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NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS

CLASS A
ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT

SCHEDULE A


The Class A of the Series of Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds currently subject to this Agreement is as follows:
 
Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund
 
 
Date: December 29, 2010

 
 

 

NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
 
CLASS A
ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT
 
SCHEDULE B
 
 
Compensation pursuant to Paragraph 3 of the Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds Class A Administration Agreement shall be:
 
 
(1)
For the services provided to the Trust or to each Series without regard to class, 0.06% per annum of the average daily net assets of the Class A of each Series;
 
 
 
(2)
For the services provided to the Class A of a Series and its shareholders (including amounts paid to third parties), 0.20% per annum of the average daily net assets of the Class A of said Series; plus in each case
 
 
 
(3)
Certain out-of-pocket expenses for technology used for shareholder servicing and shareholder communication, subject to the prior approval of an annual budget by the Trust’s Board of Trustees, including a majority of those Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust or of Neuberger Berman Management LLC, and periodic reports to the Board of Trustees on actual expenses.
 
 
 
Date: December 29, 2010
 
 
ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT
 
NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
CLASS C
 
This Agreement is made as of December 29, 2010, between Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds, a Delaware statutory trust (“Trust”), and Neuberger Berman Management LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Administrator”) with respect to Class C shares of the series listed on Schedule A.
 
WHEREAS, the Trust is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), as an open-end, diversified management investment company and has established one or more separate series of shares (“Series”), with each Series having its own assets and investment policies, and with each Series having one or more classes of shares;
 
WHEREAS, the Trust desires to retain the Administrator to furnish administrative services, including shareholder accounting, recordkeeping, and other services to shareholders, to each Series listed in Schedule A attached hereto (as it may be amended from time to time, or as appropriate, Class C of each such Series), and the Administrator is willing to furnish such services,
 
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein contained, the parties agree as follows:
 
1.            Services of the Administrator .
 
1.1   Administrative Services .  The Administrator shall supervise the business and affairs of each Series and its Class C and shall provide such services required for effective administration of such Series as are not provided by employees or other agents engaged by such Series; provided , that the Administrator shall not have any obligation to provide under this Agreement any services related to the distribution of a Series’ shares, or any other services that are the subject of a separate agreement or arrangement between a Series and the Administrator.  The Administrator can use any of the officers and employees of Neuberger Berman LLC to provide any of the services or reports required under this agreement.  Subject to the foregoing, in providing administrative services hereunder, the Administrator shall:
 
1.1.1   Office Space, Equipment and Facilities . Furnish without cost to each Series and its Class C, or pay the cost of, such office space, office equipment and office facilities as are adequate for the needs of its Series and their Class C;
 
1.1.2   Personnel .  Provide, without remuneration from or other cost to each Series, the services of individuals competent to perform all of the executive, administrative and clerical functions of each Series and its Class C that are not performed by employees or other agents engaged by the Series or by the Administrator acting in some other capacity pursuant to a separate agreement or arrangement with the Series;
 

 
 

 

1.1.3   Agents .  Assist each Series in selecting and coordinating the activities of the other agents engaged by the Series, including the Series’ shareholder servicing agent, custodian, independent auditors and legal counsel;
 
1.1.4   Trustees and Officers .  Authorize and permit the Administrator’s directors, officers or employees who may be elected or appointed as trustees or officers of the Trust to serve in such capacities, without remuneration from or other cost to the Trust or any Series;
 
1.1.5   Books and Records .  Assure that all financial, accounting and other records required to be maintained and preserved by each Series are maintained and preserved by it or on its behalf in accordance with applicable laws and regulations; and
 
1.1.6   Reports and Filings .  Assist in the preparation of (but not pay for) all periodic reports by each Series or its Class C to shareholders of such Series or Class and all reports and filings required to maintain the registration and qualification of the Series and its Class C shares, or to meet other regulatory or tax requirements applicable to the Series or its Class C, under federal and state securities and tax laws.
 
1.2   Shareholder and Related Services (Institutions) .  The Administrator shall provide each of the following services as may be required by any Series, its shareholders (some of which will be either a broker-dealer, pension plan administrator, or other institution that provides certain accounting, recordkeeping and other services to its accounts (“Accounts”) and which has entered into an administrative services agreement with the Administrator (each, an “Institution”)), or the Accounts, as specified; provided , that the Administrator’s obligation to furnish any service to Accounts or Account holders of any Institution shall be dependent upon receipt of all necessary information from that Institution:
 
1.2.1   Purchase Orders .  Receive for acceptance, as agent for the Series, orders from Institutions and Accounts for the purchase of Series shares transmitted or delivered to the office of the Administrator, note the time and date of each order when received, promptly deliver payment for such purchases to the Series’ custodian (“Custodian”), and coordinate with the Series or its designees for the issuance of the appropriate number of shares so purchased to the appropriate Institution or Account;
 
1.2.2   Records .  Maintain records of the number of shares of each Series attributable to each Account (including name, address and taxpayer identification number), record all changes to such shares held in each Account on a daily basis, and furnish to each Series each business day the total number of shares of such Series attributable to all Accounts;
 
1.2.3   Redemption Requests .  Receive for acceptance requests and directions from Institutions and Accounts for the redemption of Series shares transmitted or delivered to the office of the Administrator, note the time and date of each request when received, process such requests and directions in accordance with the redemption procedures set forth in the then current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) of the Series, and deliver the appropriate documentation to the Custodian;
 
1.2.4   Wire Transfers .  Coordinate and implement bank-to-bank wire transfers in connection with Series share purchases and redemptions by Institutions;
 

 
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1.2.5   Redemption Payments .  Upon receipt of monies paid to it by the Custodian with respect to any redemption of Series shares, pay or cause such monies to be paid pursuant to instructions by the appropriate Account or Institution.
 
1.2.6   Exchanges .  Receive and execute orders from Accounts and Institutions to exchange shares by concurrent purchases and redemptions of shares of a Series and shares of other Series or of other investment companies or series thereof pursuant to each Series’ then current Prospectus and SAI;
 
1.2.7   Dividends .  Based upon information received from a Series regarding dividends or other distributions on Series shares, calculate the dividend or distribution attributable to each Account; if such dividend or distribution is payable in shares or by reinvestment in shares, calculate such shares for each Account and record same in the share records for each Account, and if such dividend or distribution is payable in cash, upon receipt of monies therefor from the Custodian, pay or cause such monies to be paid to the appropriate Account or as such Account may direct;
 
1.2.8   Inquiries .  Respond to telephonic, mail, and in-person inquiries from Institutions, Account holders, or their representatives requesting information regarding matters such as shareholder account or transaction status, net asset value (“NAV”) of Series shares, Series performance, Series services, plans and options, Series investment policies, Series portfolio holdings, and Series distributions and taxation thereof;
 
1.2.9   Complaints .  Deal with complaints and correspondence of Institutions and Account holders directed to or brought to the attention of the Administrator;
 
1.2.10   Reports; Proxies .  Distribute as appropriate to all Account holders all Series reports, dividend and distribution notices, and proxy material relating to any meeting of Series shareholders, and soliciting, processing and tabulating proxies for such meetings;
 
1.2.11   Special Reports .  Generate or develop and distribute special data, notices, reports, programs and literature required by Institutions or by Account holders generally in light of developments, such as changes in tax laws; and
 
1.2.12   Agents .  Assist any institutional servicing agent (“Agent”) engaged by the Series in the development, implementation and maintenance of the following special programs and systems to enhance each Series’ capability to service its shareholders and Account holders servicing capability:
 
(a)  Training programs for personnel of such Agent;
 
(b)  Joint programs with such Agent for the development of systems software, shareholder information reports, and other special reports;
 
(c)  Automatic data exchange facilities with shareholders and such Agent;
 

 
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(d)  Automated clearing house transfer procedures between shareholders and such Agent; and
 
(e)  Touch-tone telephone information and transaction systems for shareholders.
 
1.3 Shareholder and Related Services (Shareholders purchasing directly only).
 
 The Administrator shall provide such of the following services as are required by any Series or its shareholders who purchase shares directly:
 
1.3.1           Direct shareholder services, consisting of:
 
(a)           Processing Series share purchase and redemption requests transmitted or delivered to the office of the Administrator;
 
(b)           Coordinating and implementing bank-to-bank wire transfers in connection with Series share purchases and redemptions;
 
(c)           Executing exchange orders involving concurrent purchases and redemption of shares of a Series and shares of other Series or of other investment companies or series thereof;
 
(d)           Responding to telephonic and in-person inquiries from existing shareholders or their representatives requesting information regarding matters such as shareholder account or transaction status, net asset value (“NAV”) of Series shares, and Series performance, Series services, plans and options, Series investment policies, Series portfolio holdings, and Series distributions and classification thereof for tax purposes;
 
(e)           Dealing with shareholder complaints and correspondence directed to or brought to the attention of the Administrator; and
 
(f)           Generating or developing and distributing special data, notices, reports, programs and literature required by large shareholders, by shareholders with specialized informational needs, or by shareholders generally in light of developments, such as changes in tax laws.
 
1.3.2           Assisting any institutional servicing agent engaged by the Series in the development, implementation and maintenance of the following special programs and systems to enhance overall Series shareholder servicing capability, consisting of:
 
(a)           Training programs for personnel of such institutional servicing agent;
 
(b)           Joint programs with such institutional servicing agent for the development of systems software, shareholder information reports, and other special reports;
 
(c)           Automatic data exchange facilities with shareholders and such institutional servicing agent;
 

 
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(d)           Automated clearinghouse transfer procedures between shareholders and such institutional servicing agent; and
 
(e)           Touch-tone telephone information and transaction systems for shareholders.
 
1.3.3           Such other shareholder and shareholder-related services, whether similar to or different from those described in Subparagraphs 1.3.1, 1.3.2 and 1.3.3 of this Paragraph 1.3, as the parties may from time to time agree in writing.
 
1.4            Blue Sky Services .  The Administrator shall maintain under this Agreement the registration or qualification of a Series and its shares under state Blue Sky or securities laws and regulations, as necessary; provided that such Series shall pay all related filing fees and registration or qualification fees.
 
1.5            Other Services .  The Administrator shall provide such other services required by a Series as the parties may from time to time agree in writing are appropriate to be provided under this Agreement.
 
2.            Expenses of each Series .
 
2.1   Expenses to be Paid by the Administrator .  The Administrator shall pay all salaries, expenses and fees of the officers, trustees, or employees of the Trust who are officers, directors or employees of the Administrator.  If the Administrator pays or assumes any expenses of the Trust, Series or Class not required to be paid or assumed by the Administrator under this Agreement, the Administrator shall not be obligated hereby to pay or assume the same or any similar expense in the future; provided , that nothing herein contained shall be deemed to relieve the Administrator of any obligation to the Trust or to a Series or Class under any separate agreement or arrangement between the parties.
 
2.2   Expenses to be Paid by the Series .  Each Series shall bear all expenses of its operation, except those specifically allocated to the Administrator under this Agreement or under any separate agreement between such Series and the Administrator.  Expenses to be borne by such Series shall include both expenses directly attributable to the operation of that Series and the offering of its shares, as well as the portion of any expenses of the Trust that is properly allocable to such Series in a manner approved by the trustees of the Trust (“Trustees”).  (The allocation of such expenses among the classes of a Series, on either a class-specific or a pro rata basis, shall be made in accordance with the Trust’s Rule 18f-3 Plan, if applicable.)  Subject to any separate agreement or arrangement between the Trust or a Series and the Administrator, the expenses hereby allocated to each Series, and not to the Administrator, include, but are not limited to:
 
2.2.1   Custody .  All charges of depositories, custodians, and other agents for the transfer, receipt, safekeeping, and servicing of its cash, securities, and other property;
 
2.2.2   Shareholder Servicing .  All expenses of maintaining and servicing shareholder accounts, including but not limited to the charges of any shareholder servicing agent, dividend disbursing agent or other agent (other than the Administrator hereunder) engaged by a Series to service shareholder accounts;
 

 
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2.2.3   Shareholder Reports .  All expenses of preparing, setting in type, printing and distributing reports and other communications to shareholders of a Series;
 
2.2.4   Prospectuses .  All expenses of preparing, setting in type, printing and mailing annual or more frequent revisions of a Series’ Prospectus and SAI and any supplements thereto and of supplying them to shareholders of the Series and Account holders;
 
2.2.5   Pricing and Portfolio Valuation .  All expenses of computing a Series’ net asset value (“NAV”) per share, including any equipment or services obtained for the purpose of pricing shares or valuing the Series’ investment portfolio;
 
2.2.6   Communications .  All charges for equipment or services used for communications between the Administrator or the Series and any custodian, shareholder servicing agent, portfolio accounting services agent, or other agent engaged by a Series;
 
2.2.7   Legal and Accounting Fees .  All charges for services and expenses of a Series’ legal counsel and independent auditors;
 
2.2.8   Trustees’ Fees and Expenses .  All compensation of Trustees other than those affiliated with the Administrator, all expenses incurred in connection with such unaffiliated Trustees’ services as Trustees, and all other expenses of meetings of the Trustees or committees thereof;
 
2.2.9   Shareholder Meetings .  All expenses incidental to holding meetings of shareholders, including the printing of notices and proxy materials, and proxy solicitation therefor;
 
2.2.10   Federal Registration Fees .  All fees and expenses of registering and maintaining the registration of the Trust and each Series under the 1940 Act and the registration of each Series’ shares under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), including all fees and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, setting in type, printing, and filing of any Registration Statement, Prospectus and SAI under the 1933 Act or the 1940 Act, and any amendments or supplements that may be made from time to time;
 
2.2.11   State Registration Fees .  All fees and expenses of qualifying and maintaining the qualification of the Trust and each Series and of each Series’ shares for sale under securities laws of various states or jurisdictions, and of registration and qualification of each Series under all other laws applicable to a Series or its business activities (including registering the Series as a broker-dealer, or any officer of the Series or any person as agent or salesman of the Series in any state);
 
2.2.12   Share Certificates .  All expenses of preparing and transmitting a Series’ share certificates, if any;
 
2.2.13   Confirmations .  All expenses incurred in connection with the issue and transfer of a Series’ shares, including the expenses of confirming all share transactions;
 
2.2.14   Bonding and Insurance .  All expenses of bond, liability, and other insurance coverage required by law or regulation or deemed advisable by the Trustees, including, without
 

 
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limitation, such bond, liability and other insurance expense that may from time to time be allocated to the Series in a manner approved by the Trustees;
2.2.15   Brokerage Commissions .  All brokers’ commissions and other charges incident to the purchase, sale or lending of a Series’ portfolio securities;
 
2.2.16   Taxes .  All taxes or governmental fees payable by or with respect to a Series to federal, state or other governmental agencies, domestic or foreign, including stamp or other transfer taxes;
 
2.2.17   Trade Association Fees .  All fees, dues and other expenses incurred in connection with a Series’ membership in any trade association or other investment organization;
 
2.2.18   Nonrecurring and Extraordinary Expenses . Such nonrecurring and extraordinary expenses as may arise, including the costs of actions, suits, or proceedings to which the Series is a party and the expenses a Series may incur as a result of its legal obligation to provide indemnification to the Trust’s officers, Trustees and agents;
 
2.2.19   Organizational Expenses .  All organizational expenses of each Series paid or assessed by the Administrator, which such Series shall reimburse to the Administrator at such time or times and subject to such condition or conditions as shall be specified in the Prospectus and SAI pursuant to which such Series makes the initial public offering of its shares; and
 
2.2.20   Investment Advisory Services .  Any fees and expenses for investment advisory services that may be incurred or contracted for by a Series.
 
3.            Administration Fee .
 
3.1   Fee .  As compensation for all services rendered, facilities provided and expenses paid or assumed by the Administrator to or for each Series or its Class C under this Agreement, the Class C of such Series shall pay the Administrator an annual fee as set out in Schedule B to this Agreement.
 
3.2   Computation and Payment of Fee .  The administration fee shall accrue on each calendar day, and shall be payable monthly on the first business day of the next succeeding calendar month.  The daily fee accruals for each Series shall be computed by multiplying the fraction of one divided by the number of days in the calendar year by the applicable annual administration fee rate (as set forth in Schedule B hereto), and multiplying this product by the NAV of the Class C of such Series, determined in the manner set forth in such Series’ then-current Class C Prospectus, as of the close of business on the last preceding business day on which such Series’ Class C NAV was determined.
 
4.   Ownership of Records .  All records required to be maintained and preserved by each Series pursuant to the provisions or rules or regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and maintained and preserved by the Administrator on behalf of such Series are the property of such Series and shall be surrendered by the Administrator promptly on request by the Series; provided , that the Administrator may at its own expense make and retain copies of any such records.
 

 
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5.   Reports to Administrator .  Each Series shall furnish or otherwise make available to the Administrator such copies of that Series’ Class C Prospectus, SAI, financial statements, proxy statements, reports, and other information relating to its business and affairs as the Administrator may, at any time or from time to time, reasonably require in order to discharge its obligations under this Agreement.
 
6.   Reports to each Series .  The Administrator shall prepare and furnish to each Series such reports, statistical data and other information in such form and at such intervals as such Series may reasonably request.
 
7.   Ownership of Software and Related Materials .  All computer programs, written procedures and similar items developed or acquired and used by the Administrator in performing its obligations under this Agreement shall be the property of the Administrator, and no Series will acquire any ownership interest therein or property rights with respect thereto.
 
8.   Confidentiality .  The Administrator agrees, on its own behalf and on behalf of its employees, agents and contractors, to keep confidential any and all records maintained and other information obtained hereunder which relates to any Series or to any of a Series’ former, current or prospective shareholders, except that the Administrator may deliver records or divulge information (a) when requested to do so by duly constituted authorities after prior notification to and approval in writing by such Series (which approval will not be unreasonably withheld and may not be withheld by such Series where the Administrator advises such Series that it may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt proceedings or other penalties for failure to comply with such request) or (b) whenever requested in writing to do so by such Series.
 
9.   The Administrator’s Actions in Reliance on Series’ Instructions, Legal Opinions, Etc.; Series’ Compliance with Laws .
 
9.1  The Administrator may at any time apply to an officer of the Trust for instructions, and may consult with legal counsel for a Series or with the Administrator’s own legal counsel, in respect of any matter arising in connection with this Agreement; and the Administrator shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken in good faith and with due care in accordance with such instructions or with the advice or opinion of such legal counsel.  The Administrator shall be protected in acting upon any such instructions, advice or opinion and upon any other paper or document delivered by a Series or such legal counsel which the Administrator believes to be genuine and to have been signed by the proper person or persons, and the Administrator shall not be held to have notice of any change of status or authority of any officer or representative of the Trust, until receipt of written notice thereof from the Series.
 
9.2  Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement or in any separate agreement between the parties and except for the accuracy of information furnished to each Series by the Administrator, each Series assumes full responsibility for the preparation, contents, filing and distribution of its Class C Prospectus and SAI, and full responsibility for other documents or actions required for compliance with all applicable requirements of the 1940 Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the 1933 Act, and any other applicable laws, rules and regulations of governmental authorities having jurisdiction over such Series.
 

 
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10.   Services to Other Clients .  Nothing herein contained shall limit the freedom of the Administrator or any affiliated person of the Administrator to render administrative or shareholder services to other investment companies, to act as administrator to other persons, firms, or corporations, or to engage in other business activities.
 
11.   Limitation of Liability Regarding the Trust .  The Administrator shall look only to the assets of each Series for performance of this Agreement by the Trust on behalf of such Series, and neither the Trustees nor any of the Trust’s officers, employees or agents, whether past, present or future shall be personally liable therefor.
 
12.   Indemnification by Series .  Each Series shall indemnify the Administrator and hold it harmless from and against any and all losses, damages and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, incurred by the Administrator that result from: (i) any claim, action, suit or proceeding in connection with the Administrator’s entry into or performance of this Agreement with respect to such Series; or (ii) any action taken or omission to act committed by the Administrator in the performance of its obligations hereunder with respect to such Series; or (iii) any action of the Administrator upon instructions believed in good faith by it to have been executed by a duly authorized officer or representative of the Trust with respect to such Series; provided , that the Administrator shall not be entitled to such indemnification in respect of actions or omissions constituting negligence or misconduct on the part of the Administrator or its employees, agents or contractors.  Before confessing any claim against it which may be subject to indemnification by a Series hereunder, the Administrator shall give such Series reasonable opportunity to defend against such claim in its own name or in the name of the Administrator.
 
13.   Indemnification by the Administrator .  The Administrator shall indemnify each Series and hold it harmless from and against any and all losses, damages and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, incurred by such Series which result from: (i) the Administrator’s failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement with respect to such Series; or (ii) the Administrator’s lack of good faith in performing its obligations hereunder with respect to such Series; or (iii) the Administrator’s negligence or misconduct or that of its employees, agents or contractors in connection herewith with respect to such Series.  A Series shall not be entitled to such indemnification in respect of actions or omissions constituting negligence or misconduct on the part of that Series or its employees, agents or contractors other than the Administrator unless such negligence or misconduct results from or is accompanied by negligence or misconduct on the part of the Administrator, any affiliated person of the Administrator, or any affiliated person of an affiliated person of the Administrator.  Before confessing any claim against it which may be subject to indemnification hereunder, a Series shall give the Administrator reasonable opportunity to defend against such claim in its own name or in the name of the Trust on behalf of such Series.
 
14.   Effect of Agreement .  Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to require the Trust or any Series to take any action contrary to the Trust Instrument or By-laws of the Trust or any applicable law, regulation or order to which it is subject or by which it is bound, or to relieve or deprive the Trustees of their responsibility for and control of the conduct of the business and affairs of the Series or Trust.
 
15.   Term of Agreement .  The term of this Agreement shall begin on the date first written above with respect to each Series and, unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided, this
 

 
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Agreement shall remain in effect through October 31, 2012. Thereafter, this Agreement shall continue in effect with respect to each Series from year to year, subject to the termination provisions and all other terms and conditions hereof; provided , such continuance with respect to a Series is approved at least annually by vote or written consent of the Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of either party hereto (“Disinterested Trustees”); and provided further , that the Administrator shall not have notified a Series in writing at least sixty days prior to the first expiration date hereof or at least sixty days prior to any expiration date in any year thereafter that it does not desire such continuation.  The Administrator shall furnish any Series, promptly upon its request, such information as may reasonably be necessary to evaluate the terms of this Agreement or any extension, renewal or amendment thereof.
 
16.   Amendment or Assignment of Agreement .  Any amendment to this Agreement shall be in writing signed by the parties hereto; provided , that no such amendment shall be effective unless authorized on behalf of any Series (i) by resolution of the Trustees, including the vote or written consent of a majority of the Disinterested Trustees, or (ii) by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Class C of such Series.  This Agreement shall terminate automatically and immediately in the event of its assignment; provided, that with the consent of a Series, the Administrator may subcontract to another person any of its responsibilities with respect to such Series.
 
17.   Termination of Agreement .  This Agreement may be terminated at any time by either party hereto, without the payment of any penalty, upon at least sixty days’ prior written notice to the other party; provided , that in the case of termination by any Series, such action shall have been authorized (i) by resolution of the Trustees, including the vote or written consent of the Disinterested Trustees, or (ii) by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Class C of such Series.
 
18.   Name of a Series.   Each Series hereby agrees that if the Administrator shall at any time for any reason cease to serve as administrator to a Series, such Series shall, if and when requested by the Administrator, eliminate from such Series’ name the name “Neuberger Berman” and thereafter refrain from using the name “Neuberger Berman” or the initials “NB” in connection with its business or activities, and the foregoing agreement of each Series shall survive any termination of this Agreement and any extension or renewal thereof.
 
19.   Interpretation and Definition of Terms .  Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from a term or provision of the 1940 Act shall be resolved by reference to such term or provision of the 1940 Act and to interpretation thereof, if any, by the United States courts or, in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court, by rules, regulations or orders of the SEC validly issued pursuant to the 1940 Act.  Specifically, the terms “vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities,” “interested persons,” “assignment” and “affiliated person,” as used in this Agreement shall have the meanings assigned to them by Section 2(a) of the 1940 Act.  In addition, when the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act reflected in any provision of this Agreement is modified, interpreted or relaxed by a rule, regulation or order of the SEC, whether of special or of general application, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation or order.
 

 
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20.   Choice of Law .  This Agreement is made and to be principally performed in the State of New York, and except insofar as the 1940 Act or other federal laws and regulations may be controlling, this Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York.
 
21.   Captions .  The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or delineate any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.
 
22.   Execution in Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
 

 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized and their respective seals to be hereunto affixed, as of the day and year first above written.
 
 
NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
   
   
  /s/ Robert Conti 
  Name:   Robert Conti 
  Title:     President 
   
   
   
 
NEUBERGER BERMAN MANAGEMENT LLC
   
   
  /s/ Robert Conti  
  Name:   Robert Conti 
  Title:     President 
   
   
   
   
 
Date: December 29, 2010

 
 
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NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS

CLASS C
ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT

SCHEDULE A
  
  
  

The Class C of the Series of Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds currently subject to this Agreement is as follows:
    
  
       Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund
  
  
  
  
Date: December 29, 2010

 
 

 



NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS

CLASS C
ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT

SCHEDULE B

Compensation pursuant to Paragraph 3 of the Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds Class C Administration Agreement shall be:
  
 
(1)
For the services provided to the Trust or to each Series without regard to class, 0.06% per annum of the average daily net assets of the Class C of each Series;
 
 
 
(2)
For the services provided to the Class C of a Series and its shareholders (including amounts paid to third parties), 0.20% per annum of the average daily net assets of the Class C of said Series; plus in each case
 
 
 
(3)
Certain out-of-pocket expenses for technology used for shareholder servicing and shareholder communication, subject to the prior approval of an annual budget by the Trust’s Board of Trustees, including a majority of those Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust or of Neuberger Berman Management LLC, and periodic reports to the Board of Trustees on actual expenses.
    
  
  
Date: December 29, 2010
 
ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT
 
NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS
 
This Agreement is made as of December 29, 2010, between Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds, a Delaware statutory trust (“Trust”), and Neuberger Berman Management LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Administrator”) with respect to the Institutional Class shares of the series listed on Schedule A.
 
WHEREAS, the Trust is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), as an open-end, diversified management investment company and has established one or more separate series of shares (“Series”), with each Series having its own assets and investment policies, and with each Series having one or more classes of shares;
 
WHEREAS, the Trust desires to retain the Administrator to furnish administrative services, including shareholder accounting, recordkeeping, and other services to shareholders, to each Series listed in Schedule A attached hereto (as it may be amended from time to time, or as appropriate, the Institutional Class of each such Series), and the Administrator is willing to furnish such services,
 
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein contained, the parties agree as follows:
 
1.            Services of the Administrator .
 
1.1            Administrative Services .  The Administrator shall supervise the business and affairs of each Series and its Institutional Class and shall provide such services required for effective administration of such Series as are not provided by employees or other agents engaged by such Series; provided , that the Administrator shall not have any obligation to provide under this Agreement any services related to the distribution of a Series’ shares, or any other services that are the subject of a separate agreement or arrangement between a Series and the Administrator.  The Administrator can use any of the officers and employees of Neuberger Berman LLC to provide any of the services or reports required under this agreement.  Subject to the foregoing, in providing administrative services hereunder, the Administrator shall:
 
1.1.1            Office Space, Equipment and Facilities . Furnish without cost to each Series and its Institutional Class, or pay the cost of, such office space, office equipment and office facilities as are adequate for the needs of its Series and their Institutional Class;
 
1.1.2            Personnel .  Provide, without remuneration from or other cost to each Series, the services of individuals competent to perform all of the executive, administrative and clerical functions of each Series and its Institutional Class that are not performed by employees or other agents engaged by the Series or by the Administrator acting in some other capacity pursuant to a separate agreement or arrangement with the Series;
 

 
 

 

1.1.3            Agents .  Assist each Series in selecting and coordinating the activities of the other agents engaged by the Series, including the Series’ shareholder servicing agent, custodian, independent auditors and legal counsel;
 
1.1.4            Trustees and Officers .  Authorize and permit the Administrator’s directors, officers or employees who may be elected or appointed as trustees or officers of the Trust to serve in such capacities, without remuneration from or other cost to the Trust or any Series;
 
1.1.5            Books and Records .  Assure that all financial, accounting and other records required to be maintained and preserved by each Series are maintained and preserved by it or on its behalf in accordance with applicable laws and regulations; and
 
1.1.6            Reports and Filings .  Assist in the preparation of (but not pay for) all periodic reports by each Series or its Institutional Class to shareholders of such Series or Class and all reports and filings required to maintain the registration and qualification of the Series and its Institutional Class shares, or to meet other regulatory or tax requirements applicable to the Series or its Institutional Class, under federal and state securities and tax laws.
 
1.2            Shareholder and Related Services (Institutions) .  The Administrator shall provide each of the following services as may be required by any Series, its shareholders (some of which will be either a broker-dealer, pension plan administrator, or other institution that provides certain accounting, recordkeeping and other services to its accounts (“Accounts”) and which has entered into an administrative services agreement with the Administrator (each, an “Institution”)), or the Accounts, as specified; provided , that the Administrator’s obligation to furnish any service to Accounts or Account holders of any Institution shall be dependent upon receipt of all necessary information from that Institution:
 
1.2.1            Purchase Orders .  Receive for acceptance, as agent for the Series, orders from Institutions and Accounts for the purchase of Series shares transmitted or delivered to the office of the Administrator, note the time and date of each order when received, promptly deliver payment for such purchases to the Series’ custodian (“Custodian”), and coordinate with the Series or its designees for the issuance of the appropriate number of shares so purchased to the appropriate Institution or Account;
 
1.2.2            Records .  Maintain records of the number of shares of each Series attributable to each Account (including name, address and taxpayer identification number), record all changes to such shares held in each Account on a daily basis, and furnish to each Series each business day the total number of shares of such Series attributable to all Accounts;
 
1.2.3            Redemption Requests .  Receive for acceptance requests and directions from Institutions and Accounts for the redemption of Series shares transmitted or delivered to the office of the Administrator, note the time and date of each request when received, process such requests and directions in accordance with the redemption procedures set forth in the then current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) of the Series, and deliver the appropriate documentation to the Custodian;
 
1.2.4            Wire Transfers .  Coordinate and implement bank-to-bank wire transfers in connection with Series share purchases and redemptions by Institutions;
 

 
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1.2.5            Redemption Payments .  Upon receipt of monies paid to it by the Custodian with respect to any redemption of Series shares, pay or cause such monies to be paid pursuant to instructions by the appropriate Account or Institution.
 
1.2.6            Exchanges .  Receive and execute orders from Accounts and Institutions to exchange shares by concurrent purchases and redemptions of shares of a Series and shares of other Series or of other investment companies or series thereof pursuant to each Series’ then current Prospectus and SAI;
 
1.2.7            Dividends .  Based upon information received from a Series regarding dividends or other distributions on Series shares, calculate the dividend or distribution attributable to each Account; if such dividend or distribution is payable in shares or by reinvestment in shares, calculate such shares for each Account and record same in the share records for each Account, and if such dividend or distribution is payable in cash, upon receipt of monies therefor from the Custodian, pay or cause such monies to be paid to the appropriate Account or as such Account may direct;
 
1.2.8            Inquiries .  Respond to telephonic, mail, and in-person inquiries from Institutions, Account holders, or their representatives requesting information regarding matters such as shareholder account or transaction status, net asset value (“NAV”) of Series shares, Series performance, Series services, plans and options, Series investment policies, Series portfolio holdings, and Series distributions and taxation thereof;
 
1.2.9            Complaints .  Deal with complaints and correspondence of Institutions and Account holders directed to or brought to the attention of the Administrator;
 
1.2.10            Reports; Proxies .  Distribute as appropriate to all Account holders all Series reports, dividend and distribution notices, and proxy material relating to any meeting of Series shareholders, and soliciting, processing and tabulating proxies for such meetings;
 
1.2.11            Special Reports .  Generate or develop and distribute special data, notices, reports, programs and literature required by Institutions or by Account holders generally in light of developments, such as changes in tax laws; and
 
1.2.12            Agents .  Assist any institutional servicing agent (“Agent”) engaged by the Series in the development, implementation and maintenance of the following special programs and systems to enhance each Series’ capability to service its shareholders and Account holders servicing capability:
 
(a)         Training programs for personnel of such Agent;
 
(b)         Joint programs with such Agent for the development of systems software, shareholder information reports, and other special reports;
 
(c)         Automatic data exchange facilities with shareholders and such Agent;
 

 
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(d)         Automated clearing house transfer procedures between shareholders and such Agent; and
 
(e)         Touch-tone telephone information and transaction systems for shareholders.
 
1.3            Shareholder and Related Services (Shareholders purchasing directly only).
 
The Administrator shall provide such of the following services as are required by any Series or its shareholders who purchase shares directly:
 
1.3.1           Direct shareholder services, consisting of:
 
(a)           Processing Series share purchase and redemption requests transmitted or delivered to the office of the Administrator;
 
(b)           Coordinating and implementing bank-to-bank wire transfers in connection with Series share purchases and redemptions;
 
(c)           Executing exchange orders involving concurrent purchases and redemption of shares of a Series and shares of other Series or of other investment companies or series thereof;
 
(d)           Responding to telephonic and in-person inquiries from existing shareholders or their representatives requesting information regarding matters such as shareholder account or transaction status, net asset value (“NAV”) of Series shares, and Series performance, Series services, plans and options, Series investment policies, Series portfolio holdings, and Series distributions and classification thereof for tax purposes;
 
(e)           Dealing with shareholder complaints and correspondence directed to or brought to the attention of the Administrator; and
 
(f)           Generating or developing and distributing special data, notices, reports, programs and literature required by large shareholders, by shareholders with specialized informational needs, or by shareholders generally in light of developments, such as changes in tax laws.
 
1.3.2           Assisting any institutional servicing agent engaged by the Series in the development, implementation and maintenance of the following special programs and systems to enhance overall Series shareholder servicing capability, consisting of:
 
(a)           Training programs for personnel of such institutional servicing agent;
 
(b)           Joint programs with such institutional servicing agent for the development of systems software, shareholder information reports, and other special reports;
 
(c)           Automatic data exchange facilities with shareholders and such institutional servicing agent;
 

 
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(d)           Automated clearinghouse transfer procedures between shareholders and such institutional servicing agent; and
 
(e)           Touch-tone telephone information and transaction systems for shareholders.
 
1.3.3           Such other shareholder and shareholder-related services, whether similar to or different from those described in Subparagraphs 1.3.1, 1.3.2 and 1.3.3 of this Paragraph 1.3, as the parties may from time to time agree in writing.
 
1.4            Blue Sky Services .  The Administrator shall maintain under this Agreement the registration or qualification of a Series and its shares under state Blue Sky or securities laws and regulations, as necessary; provided that such Series shall pay all related filing fees and registration or qualification fees.
 
1.5            Other Services .  The Administrator shall provide such other services required by a Series as the parties may from time to time agree in writing are appropriate to be provided under this Agreement.
 
2.            Expenses of each Series .
 
2.1            Expenses to be Paid by the Administrator .  The Administrator shall pay all salaries, expenses and fees of the officers, trustees, or employees of the Trust who are officers, directors or employees of the Administrator.  If the Administrator pays or assumes any expenses of the Trust, Series or Class not required to be paid or assumed by the Administrator under this Agreement, the Administrator shall not be obligated hereby to pay or assume the same or any similar expense in the future; provided , that nothing herein contained shall be deemed to relieve the Administrator of any obligation to the Trust or to a Series or Class under any separate agreement or arrangement between the parties.
 
2.2            Expenses to be Paid by the Series .  Each Series shall bear all expenses of its operation, except those specifically allocated to the Administrator under this Agreement or under any separate agreement between such Series and the Administrator.  Expenses to be borne by such Series shall include both expenses directly attributable to the operation of that Series and the offering of its shares, as well as the portion of any expenses of the Trust that is properly allocable to such Series in a manner approved by the trustees of the Trust (“Trustees”).  (The allocation of such expenses among the classes of a Series, on either a class-specific or a pro rata basis, shall be made in accordance with the Trust’s Rule 18f-3 Plan, if applicable.)  Subject to any separate agreement or arrangement between the Trust or a Series and the Administrator, the expenses hereby allocated to each Series, and not to the Administrator, include, but are not limited to:
 
2.2.1            Custody .  All charges of depositories, custodians, and other agents for the transfer, receipt, safekeeping, and servicing of its cash, securities, and other property;
 
2.2.2            Shareholder Servicing .  All expenses of maintaining and servicing shareholder accounts, including but not limited to the charges of any shareholder servicing agent, dividend disbursing agent or other agent (other than the Administrator hereunder) engaged by a Series to service shareholder accounts;
 

 
- 5 -

 

2.2.3            Shareholder Reports .  All expenses of preparing, setting in type, printing and distributing reports and other communications to shareholders of a Series;
 
2.2.4            Prospectuses .  All expenses of preparing, setting in type, printing and mailing annual or more frequent revisions of a Series’ Prospectus and SAI and any supplements thereto and of supplying them to shareholders of the Series and Account holders;
 
2.2.5            Pricing and Portfolio Valuation .  All expenses of computing a Series’ net asset value (“NAV”) per share, including any equipment or services obtained for the purpose of pricing shares or valuing the Series’ investment portfolio;
 
2.2.6            Communications .  All charges for equipment or services used for communications between the Administrator or the Series and any custodian, shareholder servicing agent, portfolio accounting services agent, or other agent engaged by a Series;
 
2.2.7            Legal and Accounting Fees .  All charges for services and expenses of a Series’ legal counsel and independent auditors;
 
2.2.8            Trustees’ Fees and Expenses .  All compensation of Trustees other than those affiliated with the Administrator, all expenses incurred in connection with such unaffiliated Trustees’ services as Trustees, and all other expenses of meetings of the Trustees or committees thereof;
 
2.2.9            Shareholder Meetings .  All expenses incidental to holding meetings of shareholders, including the printing of notices and proxy materials, and proxy solicitation therefor;
 
2.2.10            Federal Registration Fees .  All fees and expenses of registering and maintaining the registration of the Trust and each Series under the 1940 Act and the registration of each Series’ shares under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), including all fees and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, setting in type, printing, and filing of any Registration Statement, Prospectus and SAI under the 1933 Act or the 1940 Act, and any amendments or supplements that may be made from time to time;
 
2.2.11            State Registration Fees .  All fees and expenses of qualifying and maintaining the qualification of the Trust and each Series and of each Series’ shares for sale under securities laws of various states or jurisdictions, and of registration and qualification of each Series under all other laws applicable to a Series or its business activities (including registering the Series as a broker-dealer, or any officer of the Series or any person as agent or salesman of the Series in any state);
 
2.2.12            Share Certificates .  All expenses of preparing and transmitting a Series’ share certificates, if any;
 
2.2.13            Confirmations .  All expenses incurred in connection with the issue and transfer of a Series’ shares, including the expenses of confirming all share transactions;
 
2.2.14            Bonding and Insurance .  All expenses of bond, liability, and other insurance coverage required by law or regulation or deemed advisable by the Trustees, including, without
 

 
- 6 -

 

limitation, such bond, liability and other insurance expense that may from time to time be allocated to the Series in a manner approved by the Trustees;
 
2.2.15            Brokerage Commissions .  All brokers’ commissions and other charges incident to the purchase, sale or lending of a Series’ portfolio securities;
 
2.2.16            Taxes .  All taxes or governmental fees payable by or with respect to a Series to federal, state or other governmental agencies, domestic or foreign, including stamp or other transfer taxes;
 
2.2.17            Trade Association Fees .  All fees, dues and other expenses incurred in connection with a Series’ membership in any trade association or other investment organization;
 
2.2.18            Nonrecurring and Extraordinary Expenses . Such nonrecurring and extraordinary expenses as may arise, including the costs of actions, suits, or proceedings to which the Series is a party and the expenses a Series may incur as a result of its legal obligation to provide indemnification to the Trust’s officers, Trustees and agents;
 
2.2.19            Organizational Expenses .  All organizational expenses of each Series paid or assessed by the Administrator, which such Series shall reimburse to the Administrator at such time or times and subject to such condition or conditions as shall be specified in the Prospectus and SAI pursuant to which such Series makes the initial public offering of its shares; and
 
2.2.20            Investment Advisory Services .  Any fees and expenses for investment advisory services that may be incurred or contracted for by a Series.
 
3.            Administration Fee .
 
3.1            Fee .  As compensation for all services rendered, facilities provided and expenses paid or assumed by the Administrator to or for each Series or its Institutional Class under this Agreement, the Institutional Class of such Series shall pay the Administrator an annual fee as set out in Schedule B to this Agreement.
 
3.2            Computation and Payment of Fee .  The administration fee shall accrue on each calendar day, and shall be payable monthly on the first business day of the next succeeding calendar month.  The daily fee accruals for each Series shall be computed by multiplying the fraction of one divided by the number of days in the calendar year by the applicable annual administration fee rate (as set forth in Schedule B hereto), and multiplying this product by the NAV of the Institutional Class of such Series, determined in the manner set forth in such Series’ then-current Institutional Class Prospectus, as of the close of business on the last preceding business day on which such Series’ Institutional Class NAV was determined.
 
4.            Ownership of Records .  All records required to be maintained and preserved by each Series pursuant to the provisions or rules or regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and maintained and preserved by the Administrator on behalf of such Series are the property of such Series and shall be surrendered by the Administrator promptly on request by the Series; provided , that the Administrator may at its own expense make and retain copies of any such records.
 

 
- 7 -

 

5.            Reports to Administrator .  Each Series shall furnish or otherwise make available to the Administrator such copies of that Series’ Institutional Class Prospectus, SAI, financial statements, proxy statements, reports, and other information relating to its business and affairs as the Administrator may, at any time or from time to time, reasonably require in order to discharge its obligations under this Agreement.
 
6.            Reports to each Series .  The Administrator shall prepare and furnish to each Series such reports, statistical data and other information in such form and at such intervals as such Series may reasonably request.
 
7.            Ownership of Software and Related Materials .  All computer programs, written procedures and similar items developed or acquired and used by the Administrator in performing its obligations under this Agreement shall be the property of the Administrator, and no Series will acquire any ownership interest therein or property rights with respect thereto.
 
8.            Confidentiality .  The Administrator agrees, on its own behalf and on behalf of its employees, agents and contractors, to keep confidential any and all records maintained and other information obtained hereunder which relates to any Series or to any of a Series’ former, current or prospective shareholders, except that the Administrator may deliver records or divulge information (a) when requested to do so by duly constituted authorities after prior notification to and approval in writing by such Series (which approval will not be unreasonably withheld and may not be withheld by such Series where the Administrator advises such Series that it may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt proceedings or other penalties for failure to comply with such request) or (b) whenever requested in writing to do so by such Series.
 
9.            The Administrator’s Actions in Reliance on Series’ Instructions, Legal Opinions, Etc.; Series’ Compliance with Laws .
 
9.1           The Administrator may at any time apply to an officer of the Trust for instructions, and may consult with legal counsel for a Series or with the Administrator’s own legal counsel, in respect of any matter arising in connection with this Agreement; and the Administrator shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken in good faith and with due care in accordance with such instructions or with the advice or opinion of such legal counsel.  The Administrator shall be protected in acting upon any such instructions, advice or opinion and upon any other paper or document delivered by a Series or such legal counsel which the Administrator believes to be genuine and to have been signed by the proper person or persons, and the Administrator shall not be held to have notice of any change of status or authority of any officer or representative of the Trust, until receipt of written notice thereof from the Series.
 
9.2           Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement or in any separate agreement between the parties and except for the accuracy of information furnished to each Series by the Administrator, each Series assumes full responsibility for the preparation, contents, filing and distribution of its Institutional Class Prospectus and SAI, and full responsibility for other documents or actions required for compliance with all applicable requirements of the 1940 Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the 1933 Act, and any other applicable laws, rules and regulations of governmental authorities having jurisdiction over such Series.
 

 
- 8 -

 

10.            Services to Other Clients .  Nothing herein contained shall limit the freedom of the Administrator or any affiliated person of the Administrator to render administrative or shareholder services to other investment companies, to act as administrator to other persons, firms, or corporations, or to engage in other business activities.
 
11.            Limitation of Liability Regarding the Trust .  The Administrator shall look only to the assets of each Series for performance of this Agreement by the Trust on behalf of such Series, and neither the Trustees nor any of the Trust’s officers, employees or agents, whether past, present or future shall be personally liable therefor.
 
12.            Indemnification by Series .  Each Series shall indemnify the Administrator and hold it harmless from and against any and all losses, damages and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, incurred by the Administrator that result from: (i) any claim, action, suit or proceeding in connection with the Administrator’s entry into or performance of this Agreement with respect to such Series; or (ii) any action taken or omission to act committed by the Administrator in the performance of its obligations hereunder with respect to such Series; or (iii) any action of the Administrator upon instructions believed in good faith by it to have been executed by a duly authorized officer or representative of the Trust with respect to such Series; provided , that the Administrator shall not be entitled to such indemnification in respect of actions or omissions constituting negligence or misconduct on the part of the Administrator or its employees, agents or contractors.  Before confessing any claim against it which may be subject to indemnification by a Series hereunder, the Administrator shall give such Series reasonable opportunity to defend against such claim in its own name or in the name of the Administrator.
 
13.            Indemnification by the Administrator .  The Administrator shall indemnify each Series and hold it harmless from and against any and all losses, damages and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, incurred by such Series which result from: (i) the Administrator’s failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement with respect to such Series; or (ii) the Administrator’s lack of good faith in performing its obligations hereunder with respect to such Series; or (iii) the Administrator’s negligence or misconduct or that of its employees, agents or contractors in connection herewith with respect to such Series.  A Series shall not be entitled to such indemnification in respect of actions or omissions constituting negligence or misconduct on the part of that Series or its employees, agents or contractors other than the Administrator unless such negligence or misconduct results from or is accompanied by negligence or misconduct on the part of the Administrator, any affiliated person of the Administrator, or any affiliated person of an affiliated person of the Administrator.  Before confessing any claim against it which may be subject to indemnification hereunder, a Series shall give the Administrator reasonable opportunity to defend against such claim in its own name or in the name of the Trust on behalf of such Series.
 
14.            Effect of Agreement .  Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to require the Trust or any Series to take any action contrary to the Trust Instrument or By-laws of the Trust or any applicable law, regulation or order to which it is subject or by which it is bound, or to relieve or deprive the Trustees of their responsibility for and control of the conduct of the business and affairs of the Series or Trust.
 
15.            Term of Agreement .  The term of this Agreement shall begin on the date first written above with respect to each Series and, unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided, this
 

 
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Agreement shall remain in effect through October 31, 2012. Thereafter, this Agreement shall continue in effect with respect to each Series from year to year, subject to the termination provisions and all other terms and conditions hereof; provided , such continuance with respect to a Series is approved at least annually by vote or written consent of the Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of either party hereto (“Disinterested Trustees”); and provided further , that the Administrator shall not have notified a Series in writing at least sixty days prior to the first expiration date hereof or at least sixty days prior to any expiration date in any year thereafter that it does not desire such continuation.  The Administrator shall furnish any Series, promptly upon its request, such information as may reasonably be necessary to evaluate the terms of this Agreement or any extension, renewal or amendment thereof.
 
16.            Amendment or Assignment of Agreement .  Any amendment to this Agreement shall be in writing signed by the parties hereto; provided , that no such amendment shall be effective unless authorized on behalf of any Series (i) by resolution of the Trustees, including the vote or written consent of a majority of the Disinterested Trustees, or (ii) by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Institutional Class of such Series.  This Agreement shall terminate automatically and immediately in the event of its assignment; provided, that with the consent of a Series, the Administrator may subcontract to another person any of its responsibilities with respect to such Series.
 
17.            Termination of Agreement .  This Agreement may be terminated at any time by either party hereto, without the payment of any penalty, upon at least sixty days’ prior written notice to the other party; provided , that in the case of termination by any Series, such action shall have been authorized (i) by resolution of the Trustees, including the vote or written consent of the Disinterested Trustees, or (ii) by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Institutional Class of such Series.
 
18.            Name of a Series.   Each Series hereby agrees that if the Administrator shall at any time for any reason cease to serve as administrator to a Series, such Series shall, if and when requested by the Administrator, eliminate from such Series’ name the name “Neuberger Berman” and thereafter refrain from using the name “Neuberger Berman” or the initials “NB” in connection with its business or activities, and the foregoing agreement of each Series shall survive any termination of this Agreement and any extension or renewal thereof.
 
19.            Interpretation and Definition of Terms .  Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from a term or provision of the 1940 Act shall be resolved by reference to such term or provision of the 1940 Act and to interpretation thereof, if any, by the United States courts or, in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court, by rules, regulations or orders of the SEC validly issued pursuant to the 1940 Act.  Specifically, the terms “vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities,” “interested persons,” “assignment” and “affiliated person,” as used in this Agreement shall have the meanings assigned to them by Section 2(a) of the 1940 Act.  In addition, when the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act reflected in any provision of this Agreement is modified, interpreted or relaxed by a rule, regulation or order of the SEC, whether of special or of general application, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation or order.
 

 
- 10 -

 

20.            Choice of Law .  This Agreement is made and to be principally performed in the State of New York, and except insofar as the 1940 Act or other federal laws and regulations may be controlling, this Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York.
 
21.            Captions .  The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or delineate any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.
 
22.            Execution in Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
 

 
- 11 -

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized and their respective seals to be hereunto affixed, as of the day and year first above written.
 
 
NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
   
   
  /s/ Robert Conti 
  Name:   Robert Conti 
  Title:     President 
   
   
   
 
NEUBERGER BERMAN MANAGEMENT LLC
   
   
  /s/ Robert Conti  
  Name:   Robert Conti 
  Title:     President 
   
   
   
   
 
Date: December 29, 2010


 
- 12 -

 

NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS

INSTITUTIONAL CLASS
ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT

SCHEDULE A

 

The Institutional Class of the Series of Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds currently subject to this Agreement is as follows:
 
 
Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund
 
 
Date: December 29, 2010

 
 

 


 
NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS

INSTITUTIONAL CLASS
ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT

SCHEDULE B
 
Compensation pursuant to Paragraph 3 of the Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds Institutional Class Administration Agreement shall be:
 
 
(1)
For the services provided to the Trust or to each Series without regard to class, 0.06% per annum of the average daily net assets of the Institutional Class of each Series;
 
 
 
(2)
For the services provided to the Institutional Class of a Series and its shareholders (including amounts paid to third parties), 0.09% per annum of the average daily net assets of the Institutional Class of said Series; plus in each case
 
 
 
(3)
Certain out-of-pocket expenses for technology used for shareholder servicing and shareholder communication, subject to the prior approval of an annual budget by the Trust’s Board of Trustees, including a majority of those Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust or of Neuberger Berman Management LLC, and periodic reports to the Board of Trustees on actual expenses.
 
 
 
 
Date: December 29, 2010
 
 
 
EXPENSE LIMITATION AGREEMENT
NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
NEUBERGER BERMAN GLOBAL ALLOCATION FUND

605 Third Avenue
New York, New York  10158-0180

December 29, 2010

Neuberger Berman Management LLC
605 Third Avenue, 2 nd Floor
New York, New York  10158-0180

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:

Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund (the “Fund”) is a series of Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds, a Delaware statutory trust (“Trust”).

           You hereby agree until the date noted on Schedule A (“Limitation Period”), to forgo current payment of fees and/or reimburse annual operating expenses of the Fund’s respective Class noted on Schedule A (excluding interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses, if any, of the Fund) (“Operating Expenses”), so that the Operating Expenses of the Fund’s respective Class are limited to the rate per annum, as noted on Schedule A, of that Class’ average daily net assets (“Expense Limitation”).

The Fund agrees to repay you out of assets attributable to its respective Class noted on Schedule A for any fees forgone by you under the Expense Limitation or any Operating Expenses you reimburse in excess of the Expense Limitation, provided the repayments do not cause that Class’ total operating expenses (exclusive of interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses, if any) to exceed the respective annual rate of average daily net assets as noted on Schedule A and the repayments are made within three years after the year in which you incurred the expense.
 
           You understand that you shall look only to the assets attributable to the respective Class of the Fund for performance of this Agreement and for payment of any claim you may have hereunder, and neither any other series of the Trust or class of the Fund, nor any of the Trust’s trustees, officers, employees, agents, or shareholders, whether past, present or future, shall be personally liable therefor.

           This Agreement is made and to be performed principally in the State of New York, and except insofar as the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or other federal laws and regulations may be controlling, this Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York.  Any amendment to this Agreement shall be in writing signed by the parties hereto.

 
 

 

           If you are in agreement with the foregoing, please sign the form of acceptance on the enclosed counterpart hereof and return the same to us.

 
Very truly yours,
 
 
NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS,
   
on behalf of
 
NEUBERGER BERMAN GLOBAL ALLOCATION FUND
 
    By:  /s/ Robert Conti   
 
    Name:  Robert Conti   
 
    Title:  President  
         
The foregoing Agreement is hereby accepted as of December 29, 2010
         
NEUBERGER BERMAN MANAGEMENT LLC
         
By: /s/ Robert Conti    
         
Name:  Robert Conti    
         
Title:  President    


 
 

 

SCHEDULE A

Fund
Class
Limitation
Period
Expense
Limitation
       
Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund
Class A
10/31/2013
1.56%
 
Class C
10/31/2013
2.31%
 
Institutional
10/31/2013
1.20%
       

 
 

December 29, 2010
 

 
Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds
605 Third Avenue, Second Floor
New York, NY  10158-0180
 
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
We have acted as counsel to Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Trust”), in connection with the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to the Trust's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 333-122847; 811-21715) (the “Post-Effective Amendment”), registering an indefinite number of Class A, Class C and Institutional Class shares of beneficial interest of Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund, a series of the Trust, (the “Shares”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”).
 
You have requested our opinion as to the matters set forth below in connection with the filing of the Post-Effective Amendment.  For purposes of rendering that opinion, we have examined the Post-Effective Amendment, the trust instrument, as amended, and bylaws of the Trust, and the action of the trustees of the Trust that provides for the issuance of the Shares, and we have made such other investigation as we have deemed appropriate.  We have examined and relied upon certificates of public officials and, as to certain matters of fact that are material to our opinions, we have also relied on a certificate of an officer of the Trust.  In rendering our opinion, we also have made the assumptions that are customary in opinion letters of this kind.  We have not verified any of those assumptions.
 
Our opinion, as set forth herein, is based on the facts in existence and the laws in effect on the date hereof and is limited to the federal laws of the United States of America and the laws of the State of Delaware that, in our experience, generally are applicable to the issuance of shares by entities such as the Trust.  We express no opinion with respect to any other laws.

Based upon and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:  (1) the Shares to be issued pursuant to the Post-Effective Amendment have been duly authorized for issuance by the Trust; and (2) when issued and paid for upon the terms provided in the Post-Effective Amendment, the Shares to be issued pursuant to the Post-Effective Amendment will be validly issued, fully paid, and nonassessable.

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the SEC in connection with the Post-Effective Amendment and to the reference to this firm in the statement of additional information that is being filed as part of the Post-Effective Amendment.  In giving our consent we do not

 
 

 


Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds
December 29, 2010
Page 2

 

thereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the 1933 Act or the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder.


Very truly yours,


/s/ K&L Gates LLP



NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
CLASS A
PLAN PURSUANT TO RULE 12b-1


WHEREAS, Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds (“Trust”) is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), and offers for public sale shares of beneficial interest in one or more series (each series a “Fund”);

WHEREAS, the shares of beneficial interest of each Fund are divided into several classes, one of which is designated Class A;

WHEREAS, the Trust desires to adopt a plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act for Class A, and the Board of Trustees has determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that adoption of said plan will benefit Class A and its shareholders; and

WHEREAS, the Trust has employed Neuberger Berman Management LLC (“NBM”) as principal underwriter of the shares of each class of the Trust;

NOW, THEREFORE, the Trust, with respect to Class A, hereby adopts this Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (“Plan”) in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act on the following terms and conditions:

1.           This Plan applies to the Funds listed on Schedule A.

2.            A.           Class A of each Fund shall pay to NBM, as compensation for selling Class A shares and/or for providing services to Class A shareholders, a fee at the rate specified for that Fund on Schedule A, such fee to be calculated and accrued daily and paid monthly or at such other intervals as the Board shall determine.

B.           The fees payable hereunder are payable without regard to the aggregate amount that may be paid over the years, provided that , so long as the limitations set forth in Rule 2830 of the Conduct Rules (“Rule 2830”) of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (“NASD”) remain in effect and apply to recipients of payments made under this Plan, the amounts paid hereunder shall not exceed those limitations, including permissible interest.  Amounts expended in support of the activities described in Paragraph 3.B. of this Plan may be excluded in determining whether expenditures under the Plan exceed the appropriate percentage of new gross assets specified in Rule 2830.

3.            A.           As principal underwriter of the Trust’s shares, NBM may spend such amounts hereunder as it deems appropriate on any activities or expenses primarily intended to result in the sale of Class A shares of the Funds, including, but not limited to, compensation to employees of NBM; compensation to NBM and other broker-dealers that engage in or support the distribution of shares; expenses of NBM and such other broker-dealers and entities, including

 
 

 

overhead and telephone and other communication expenses; the printing of prospectuses, statements of additional information, and reports for other than existing shareholders; and the preparation and distribution of sales literature and advertising materials.  This section does not preclude NBM from making additional payments outside of the Plan.

B.           NBM may spend such amounts hereunder as it deems appropriate on the administration and servicing of Class A shareholder accounts, including, but not limited to, responding to inquiries from shareholders or their representatives requesting information regarding matters such as shareholder account or transaction status, net asset value of shares, performance, services, plans and options, investment policies, portfolio holdings, and distributions and taxation thereof; and dealing with complaints and correspondence of shareholders; including compensation to organizations and employees who service Class A shareholder accounts, and expenses of such organizations, including overhead and telephone and other communications expenses.  This section does not preclude NBM from making additional payments outside of the Plan.

4.           This Plan shall take effect on December 29, 2010 and shall continue in effect with respect to each Fund for successive periods of one year from its execution for so long as such continuance is specifically approved with respect to such Fund at least annually together with any related agreements, by votes of a majority of both (a) the Board of Trustees of the Trust and (b) those Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust, as defined in the 1940 Act, and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or any agreements related to it (the “Rule 12b-1 Trustees”), cast in person at a meeting or meetings called for the purpose of voting on this Plan and such related agreements; and only if the Trustees who approve the implementation or continuation of the Plan have reached the conclusion required by Rule 12b-1(e) under the 1940 Act.

5.           Any person authorized to direct the disposition of monies paid or payable by a Fund pursuant to this Plan or any related agreement shall provide to the Trust’s Board of Trustees and the Board shall review, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts so expended and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.

6.           This Plan may be terminated with respect to a Fund at any time by vote of a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of Class A of that Fund.

7.           This Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of fees to be paid by any Fund hereunder unless such amendment is approved by a vote of a majority of the outstanding securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of Class A of that Fund, and no material amendment to the Plan shall be made unless such amendment is approved in the manner provided in Paragraph 4 hereof for annual approval.

 
 

 

8.           While this Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination of Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust, as defined in the 1940 Act, shall be committed to the discretion of Trustees who are themselves not interested persons.

9.           The Trust shall preserve copies of this Plan and any related agreements for a period of not less than six years from the date of expiration of the Plan or agreement, as the case may be, the first two years in an easily accessible place; and shall preserve copies of each report made pursuant to Paragraph 5 hereof for a period of not less than six years from the date of such report, the first two years in an easily accessible place.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Trust has executed this Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 as of the day and year set forth below.
 

 
Date:  December 29, 2010
 
NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
   
 
 
 
 
    By:  /s/ Robert Conti   
 
    Name:  Robert Conti   
 
    Title:  President  
         
         
         
Agreed and assented to:
         
NEUBERGER BERMAN MANAGEMENT LLC
         
         
By: /s/ Robert Conti    
         
Name:  Robert Conti    
         
Title:  President    
 
 
 
 

 


NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
CLASS A
PLAN PURSUANT TO RULE 12b-1

SCHEDULE A

Class A of the following series of Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds is subject to this Plan Pursuant to 12b-1, at the fee rates specified:


     
Fee (as a Percentage of Average
Series
   
Daily Net Assets of Class A)
       
Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund
 
0.25%
       
       
       
       
Dated:  December 29, 2010
   

 

 
NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
CLASS C
PLAN PURSUANT TO RULE 12b-1


WHEREAS, Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds (“Trust”) is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), and offers for public sale shares of beneficial interest in one or more series (each series a “Fund”);

WHEREAS, the shares of beneficial interest of each Fund are divided into several classes, one of which is designated Class C;

WHEREAS, the Trust desires to adopt a plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act for Class C, and the Board of Trustees has determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that adoption of said plan will benefit Class C and its shareholders; and

WHEREAS, the Trust has employed Neuberger Berman Management LLC (“NBM”) as principal underwriter of the shares of each class of the Trust;

NOW, THEREFORE, the Trust, with respect to Class C, hereby adopts this Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (“Plan”) in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act on the following terms and conditions:

1.           This Plan applies to the Funds listed on Schedule A.

2.           A.           Class C of each Fund shall pay to NBM, as compensation: (i) a distribution fee at the rate specified for that Fund on Schedule A for selling Class C shares; and (ii) a service fee at the rate specified for that Fund on Schedule A for providing services to Class C shareholders, such fees to be calculated and accrued daily and paid monthly or at such other intervals as the Board shall determine.

B.           The fees payable hereunder are payable without regard to the aggregate amount that may be paid over the years, provided that , so long as the limitations set forth in Rule 2830 of the Conduct Rules (“Rule 2830”) of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (“NASD”) remain in effect and apply to recipients of payments made under this Plan, the amounts paid hereunder shall not exceed those limitations, including permissible interest.  Amounts expended in support of the activities described in Paragraph 3.B. of this Plan may be excluded in determining whether expenditures under the Plan exceed the appropriate percentage of new gross assets specified in Rule 2830.

3.           A.           Subject to the rates specified in 2.A of the Plan, as principal underwriter of the Trust’s shares, NBM may spend such amounts hereunder as it deems appropriate on any activities or expenses primarily intended to result in the sale of Class C shares of the Funds,

 
 

 

including, but not limited to, compensation to employees of NBM; compensation to NBM and other broker-dealers that engage in or support the distribution of shares; expenses of NBM and such other broker-dealers and entities, including overhead and telephone and other communication expenses; the printing of prospectuses, statements of additional information, and reports for other than existing shareholders; and the preparation and distribution of sales literature and advertising materials.  This section does not preclude NBM from making additional payments outside of the Plan.

B.           Subject to the rates specified in 2.A of the Plan, NBM may spend such amounts hereunder as it deems appropriate on the administration and servicing of Class C shareholder accounts, including, but not limited to, responding to inquiries from shareholders or their representatives requesting information regarding matters such as shareholder account or transaction status, net asset value of shares, performance, services, plans and options, investment policies, portfolio holdings, and distributions and taxation thereof; and dealing with complaints and correspondence of shareholders; including compensation to organizations and employees who service Class C shareholder accounts, and expenses of such organizations, including overhead and telephone and other communications expenses.  This section does not preclude NBM from making additional payments outside of the Plan.

4.           This Plan shall take effect on December 29, 2010 and shall continue in effect with respect to each Fund for successive periods of one year from its execution for so long as such continuance is specifically approved with respect to such Fund at least annually together with any related agreements, by votes of a majority of both (a) the Board of Trustees of the Trust and (b) those Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust, as defined in the 1940 Act, and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or any agreements related to it (the “Rule 12b-1 Trustees”), cast in person at a meeting or meetings called for the purpose of voting on this Plan and such related agreements; and only if the Trustees who approve the implementation or continuation of the Plan have reached the conclusion required by Rule 12b-1(e) under the 1940 Act.

5.           Any person authorized to direct the disposition of monies paid or payable by a Fund pursuant to this Plan or any related agreement shall provide to the Trust’s Board of Trustees and the Board shall review, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts so expended and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.

6.           This Plan may be terminated with respect to a Fund at any time by vote of a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of Class C of that Fund.

7.           This Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of fees to be paid by any Fund hereunder unless such amendment is approved by a vote of a majority of the outstanding securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of Class C of that Fund, and no material amendment to the Plan shall be made unless such amendment is approved in the manner provided in Paragraph 4 hereof for annual approval.

 
 

 

8.           While this Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination of Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust, as defined in the 1940 Act, shall be committed to the discretion of Trustees who are themselves not interested persons.

9.           The Trust shall preserve copies of this Plan and any related agreements for a period of not less than six years from the date of expiration of the Plan or agreement, as the case may be, the first two years in an easily accessible place; and shall preserve copies of each report made pursuant to Paragraph 5 hereof for a period of not less than six years from the date of such report, the first two years in an easily accessible place.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Trust has executed this Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 as of the day and year set forth below.
 

Date:  December 29, 2010
 
NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
   
 
 
 
 
    By:  /s/ Robert Conti   
 
    Name:  Robert Conti   
 
    Title:  President  
         
         
         
Agreed and assented to:
         
NEUBERGER BERMAN MANAGEMENT LLC
         
         
By: /s/ Robert Conti    
         
Name:  Robert Conti    
         
Title:  President    
 

 
 

 


NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
CLASS C
PLAN PURSUANT TO RULE 12b-1

SCHEDULE A

Class C of the following series of Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds is subject to this Plan Pursuant to 12b-1, at the fee rates specified:


   
Distribution Fee (as a Percentage of Average
Series
 
Daily Net Assets of Class C)
     
Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund
 
0.75%
     
     
     
     
     
     
   
Service Fee (as a Percentage of Average
Series
 
Daily Net Assets of Class C)
     
Neuberger Berman Global Allocation Fund
 
0.25%
     
     
     
Dated:  December 29, 2010
   

 


NEUBERGER BERMAN ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
 
AMENDED AND RESTATED MULTIPLE CLASS PLAN
PURSUANT TO RULE 18f-3
 
Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds (“Trust”) hereby adopts this Amended and Restated Multiple Class Plan pursuant to Rule 18f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”) on behalf of its current series and any series that may commence operations in the future (each a “Series”).
 
A.
General Description of Classes Offered.
 
Each Series shall have one or more of the following Classes, as may from time to time be created by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (“Board”) acting pursuant to the Amended and Restated Trust Instrument.
 
1.             Institutional Class Shares. As set forth in each Series’ prospectus, Institutional Class shares are sold to the general public and/or are available for purchase by pension and profit-sharing plans (collectively, “Plans”), broker-dealers, banks, pension administrators and certain other investment providers (collectively, “Institutions”) and any client that meets the investment minimum set forth in the Series’ prospectus.
 
Institutional Class shares are subject to no front-end or back-end sales load and pay no distribution fee. Institutional Class shares pay a fee for administration and shareholder services at an annual rate of 0.15% of average daily net assets plus an amount approved by the Board for certain technology costs, as set forth in the Administration Agreement for the Class.
 
Shareholder services are provided to Institutional Class shareholders by Neuberger Berman Management LLC (“NBM”) and the transfer agent.  Shareholder services are provided to Institutional Class beneficial owners (or trusts holding on behalf of beneficial owners) by the Institutions through which they hold shares, and where appropriate, the recordkeeper.
 
2.             Class A Shares.   As set forth in each Series’ prospectus, Class A shares are available for purchase directly by a beneficial owner that is a “grandfathered investor” as defined in the Series’ prospectus   and/or by Institutions who act as record owners on behalf of their clients and customers, who are the beneficial owners or trusts holding on behalf of the beneficial owners.
 
Class A shares are offered and sold subject to an initial sales load set forth in the Series’ prospectus.  This initial sales charge may be waived for certain eligible purchasers and reduced for certain other eligible purchasers, as described in the Series’ prospectus.  The maximum sales charge is 5.75% of the public offering price for Class A shares. Class A shares purchased pursuant to the sales charge waiver for purchases of $1 million or more are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) of 1.00% of net asset value of the Class A shares of the Series at the time of the purchase or sale, whichever is less, on shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase.  Class A shares held 18 months or longer, and Class A shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions on shares otherwise subject to this Class A CDSC, are not subject to the CDSC.
 

 
 
 

 

Class A shares pay a fee for administration and shareholder services at an annual rate of 0.26% of average daily net assets plus an amount approved by the Board for certain technology costs, as set forth in the Administration Agreement for the Class.  Class A shares also pay a fee for distribution and shareholder services at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets pursuant to a Distribution and Shareholder Services Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.
 
Shareholder services are provided to Class A recordholders or beneficial owners, as applicable, by NBM and the transfer agent.  Shareholder services are provided to Class A beneficial owners (or trusts holding on behalf of beneficial owners), who purchase through Institutions, by the Institutions through which they hold shares.
 
3.             Class C Shares.   As set forth in each Series’ prospectus, Class C shares are available for purchase by Institutions who act as record owners on behalf of their clients and customers, who are the beneficial owners or trusts holding on behalf of the beneficial owners.
 
Class C shares are subject to no front-end sales load but are offered and sold subject to a CDSC and the purchase maximum set forth in the Series’ prospectus.  This CDSC may be waived for certain eligible purchasers, as described in the Series’ prospectus.  The maximum CDSC is 1.00% of net asset value of the Class C shares of the Series at the time of the purchase or sale, whichever is less, on shares redeemed within one year of purchase.  Class C shares held one year or longer, and Class C shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions on shares otherwise subject to this Class C CDSC, are not subject to the CDSC.
 
Class C shares pay a fee for administration and shareholder services at an annual rate of 0.26% of average daily net assets plus an amount approved by the Board for certain technology costs, as set forth in the Administration Agreement for the Class.  Class C shares also pay a fee for distribution and shareholder services at an annual rate of up to 1.00% of average daily net assets pursuant to a Distribution and Shareholder Services Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.
 
Shareholder services are provided to Class C recordholders by NBM and the transfer agent.  Shareholder services are provided to Class C beneficial owners (or trusts holding on behalf of beneficial owners), who purchase through Institutions, by the Institutions through which they hold shares.
 
B.
Expense Allocations of Each Class
 
1.           Certain expenses may be attributable to a particular Class of shares (“Class Expenses”). Class Expenses are charged directly to the net assets of the particular Class and, thus, are borne on a pro rata basis by the outstanding shares of that Class. Fees and expenses that are not Class Expenses are allocated among the Classes on the basis of their respective net asset values.
 
In addition to the administration, service and distribution fees described above, each Class also could pay a different amount of the following other expenses:
 

 
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(a)           transfer agent fees identified as being attributable to a specific Class of shares;
 
 
(b)
stationery, printing, postage and delivery expenses related to preparing and distributing materials such as shareholder reports, prospectuses and proxy statements to current shareholders of a specific Class of shares;
 
 
(c)
Blue Sky fees incurred by a specific Class of shares;
 
 
(d)
SEC registration fees incurred by a specific Class of shares;
 
 
(e)
Trustees’ fees or expenses incurred as a result of issues relating to a specific Class of shares;
 
 
(f)
accounting expenses relating solely to a specific Class of shares;
 
 
(g)
auditors’ fees, litigation expenses and legal fees and expenses relating to a specific Class of shares;
 
 
(h)
expenses incurred in connection with shareholders meetings as a result of issues relating to a specific Class of shares; and
 
 
(i)
other expenses incurred attributable to a specific Class of shares.
 
2.           NBM may agree to waive or forgo current payment of fees and/or reimburse the Class Expenses of any Class of any Series.
 
3.           NBM may agree to waive or forgo current payment of fees and/or reimburse the non-Class Expenses of any Series. Such waiver or reimbursement will be allocated to each Class of the Series in the same proportion as the fee or expense being waived or reimbursed.
 
C.           Exchange Privileges
 
Class A shares of any Series where NBM or its affiliate is the Institution acting as the record owner on behalf of the Class A shareholder may be exchanged for (i) Investor Class shares of any series of Neuberger Berman Income Funds (“Income Series”), or of any series of Neuberger Berman Equity Funds (“Equity Series”), (ii) Trust Class shares of any Income Series or Equity Series if that Income Series or Equity Series does not have an Investor Class, or (iii) Class A shares of a Series, Income Series or Equity Series on a load-waived basis if that Series, Income Series or Equity Series does not have an Investor Class or Trust Class, provided (i) NBM or its affiliate is the Institution acting as the record owner on behalf of the shareholder making the exchange, and (ii) the conditions of exchange set forth in the prospectuses and SAIs of each Series, Income Series or Equity Series, as the case may be, involved in the exchange are complied with.
 
Class A shares (except Class A shares of a Series where NBM or its affiliate is the Institution acting as the record owner on behalf of the Class A shareholder) and Class C shares of any Series may be exchanged for Class A and Class C shares, respectively, of any other Series or

 
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any Income Series or Equity Series, provided (i) the conditions of exchange set forth in the prospectuses and SAIs of each Series, Income Series or Equity Series, as the case may be, involved in the exchange are complied with, (ii) the Institution, broker-dealer or other institution (“BD”), or Plan that is the recordholder of the shares, if applicable, permits such an exchange, and (iii) any conditions duly established by the Institution, BD, or Plan, if applicable, are complied with.
 
Institutional Class shares of any Series may be exchanged for Institutional Class shares of any other Series or Institutional Class shares of any Income Series or Equity Series, provided that either (a)(i) NBM or its affiliate is the Institution acting as the record owner on behalf of the shareholder making the exchange, and (ii) the conditions of exchange set forth in the prospectuses and SAIs of each Series, Income Series or Equity Series, as the case may be, involved in the exchange are complied with; or (b)(i) the conditions of exchange set forth in the prospectuses and SAIs of each Series, Income Series or Equity Series, as the case may be, involved in the exchange are complied with, (ii) the Institution, BD, or Plan that is the recordholder of the shares, if applicable, permits such an exchange, and (iii) any conditions duly established by the Institution, BD, or Plan, if applicable, are complied with.
 
Institutional Class shares and Class A shares of any Series may be exchanged for Investment Class shares of State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund, Investment Class shares of State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund, Investment Class shares of State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund, Institutional Class shares of JPMorgan Tax Free Money Market Fund or Morgan Class shares of JPMorgan New York Municipal Money Market Fund (each fund, a “State Street/JP Morgan Series”), provided that (i) NBM or its affiliate is the Institution acting as the record owner on behalf of the shareholder making the exchange, and (ii) the conditions of exchange set forth in the prospectuses and SAIs of each Series or State Street/JPMorgan Series, as the case may be, involved in the exchange are complied with.
 
D.           Conversion Features
 
Consistent with an investment provider’s program, Class A shares of a Series that have been purchased by an investment provider on behalf of clients participating in (i) 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit-sharing and money purchase pension plans, defined benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans or (ii) investment programs in which the clients pay a fixed or asset-based fee, may be converted into Institutional Class shares of the same Series if the investment provider satisfies any then-applicable eligibility requirements for investment in Institutional Class shares of the Series.  Any such conversion will be effected at net asset value without the imposition of any sales load, fee or other charges by the Series.

Except as the Board may approve in a Plan of Share Class conversion, there are no other conversion features among the Classes.
 
E.            Class Designation
 
 

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Subject to approval by the Board, a Series may alter the nomenclature for the designations of one or more of its Classes of shares.
 
F.             Additional Information
 
The prospectus and SAI for each Class may contain additional information about the Classes and the Trust’s multiple class structure.
 
G.            Effective Date; Amendments
 
This Plan was originally effective on December 29, 2010. Before any material amendments can be made to this Plan, a majority of the Board, and a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust (as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act) must find that the Plan as proposed to be amended, including the expense allocation, is in the best interests of each Class individually and the Trust as a whole.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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