Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 8, 2019
1933 Act Registration File No. 033-20827
1940 Act Registration File No. 811-05518
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 | x | ||
Pre-Effective Amendment No. | o | ||
Post-Effective Amendment No. | 251 | x |
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 | x | ||
Amendment No. | 253 | x |
(Check Appropriate Box or Boxes)
THE RBB FUND, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
615 East Michigan Street, |
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices, including Zip Code)
Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: ( 609) 731-6256
Copies to:
SALVATORE FAIA | MICHAEL P. MALLOY, ESQUIRE | |
The RBB Fund, Inc. | Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP | |
615 East Michigan Street, | One Logan Square, Suite 2000 | |
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-6996 |
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: As soon as practicable after the Registration Statement becomes effective.
o | immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) | ||
o | on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b) | ||
o | 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) | ||
o | on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) | ||
x | 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) | ||
o | on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485. |
If appropriate, check the following box:
o | This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment. |
|
The information in this Prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This Prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted
Subject to Completion—Dated March 8, 2019
Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund
of The RBB Fund, Inc.
Prospectus [ ], 2019
Institutional Class [ ]
The securities described in this prospectus have been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The SEC, however, has not judged these securities for their investment merit and has not determined the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Anyone who tells you otherwise is committing a criminal offense.
|
Table of Contents
A look at the investment objectives, strategies, risks, expenses and financial history of the Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund offered in this Prospectus.
Details about the Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund’s service providers offered in this Prospectus.
Policies and instructions for opening, maintaining and closing an account in the Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund.
|
SUMMARY SECTION — BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL EQUITY ADVANTAGE FUND
Investment Objective
The Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation.
Expenses and Fees
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Institutional Class shares of the Fund. You may be required to pay commissions and/or other forms of compensation to a broker for transactions in Institutional Class shares of the Fund, which are not reflected in the tables or the examples below.
Institutional Class | |||||
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a
percentage of the value of your investment) |
|||||
Management fees | 1.00 | % | |||
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees | None | ||||
Other expenses (1) | 0.25 | % | |||
Total annual Fund operating expenses | 1.25 | % | |||
Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement (2) | -0.20 | % | |||
Total annual Fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement | 1.05 | % |
(1) “Other expenses” are estimated for the current fiscal year.
(2) The Fund’s investment advisers, Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. (“Boston Partners” or a “Co-Adviser”) and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC (“Campbell” or a “Co-Adviser”), have contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of their advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the Total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares exceeds 1.05% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Institutional Class shares. In determining the Co-Advisers’ obligations to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net Total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 1.05%: short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until [December 31], 2021 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. If at any time the Fund’s Total annual Fund operating expenses (not including short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.05% or the expense cap then in effect, whichever is less, the Co-Advisers are entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees waived and other payments remitted by the Co-Advisers to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.
Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $100,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and that you sell all of your shares at the end of the period. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the operating expenses of the Fund remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
1 Year | 3 Years | |||||
Institutional Class | $1,071 | $3,768 |
1 |
|
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 Total annual Fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. Information on fund portfolio turnover will be noted once the Fund has an operating history.
Summary of Principal Investment Strategies
The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets (including borrowings for investment purposes) in a non-diversified portfolio of equity and equity-related securities issued by U.S. and non-U.S. companies of any capitalization size. The Fund may invest in all types of equity and equity- related securities, including without limitation exchange-traded and over-the-counter common and preferred stocks, warrants, options, rights, convertible securities, sponsored and unsponsored depositary receipts and shares, trust certificates, participatory notes, limited partnership interests, shares of other investment companies (including exchanged-traded funds (“ETFs”)), real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) and equity participations. An equity participation is a type of loan that gives the lender a portion of equity ownership in a property, in addition to principal and interest payments. 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.
The Fund defines non-U.S. companies as companies (i) that are organized under the laws of a foreign country; (ii) whose principal trading market is in a foreign country; or (iii) that have a majority of their assets, or that derive a significant portion of their revenue or profits from businesses, investments or sales, outside of the United States. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests significantly (ordinarily at least 40% — unless market conditions are not deemed favorable by the Fund, in which case the Fund would invest at least 30%) in non-U.S. companies. The Fund principally will be invested in issuers located in countries with developed securities markets, but may also invest in issuers located in emerging markets. The Fund will allocate its assets among various regions and countries, including the United States (but in no less than three different countries).
The Fund generally invests in the equity securities of issuers believed by a Co-Adviser to be undervalued in the marketplace, focusing on issuers that combine attractive valuations with catalysts for change. The Fund applies a bottom-up stock selection process (i.e., one that focuses primarily on issuer-specific factors) in managing the Fund, using a combination of fundamental and quantitative analysis. In selecting investments for the Fund, the Fund considers various factors such as price-to-book value, price-to-sales and earnings ratios, dividend yields, strength of management, and cash flow to identify securities that are trading at a price that appears to be lower than the issuer’s inherent value. The Fund may (but is not required to) invest in derivatives, including put and call options, futures, forward contracts and swaps, in lieu of investing directly in a security, currency or instrument, for hedging and non-hedging purposes.
The Fund may participate as a purchaser in initial public offerings of securities (“IPO”). An IPO is a company’s first offering of stock to the public. The Fund may also seek to increase its income by lending portfolio securities.
The Fund also seeks to diversify its overall portfolio by investing approximately 20% of its assets in the Campbell Advantage strategy, a systematic trend following program, which is diversified across global futures and forwards markets (types of derivative instruments).
The Fund’s investments may include investments in registered and unregistered funds managed by Campbell or an affiliate to obtain exposure to the Campbell Advantage strategy.
The Fund will invest in such affiliated funds only in accordance with the applicable restrictions of the 1940 Act, including Section 12(d)(1). The Fund may also indirectly invest through a wholly-owned subsidiary organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands to provide the Fund with indirect exposure to futures
2 |
|
contracts and commodities in a manner consistent with the limitations and requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) that apply to the Fund. To the extent they are applicable, any such subsidiary will be subject to the same investment restrictions and limitations, and follow the same compliance policies and procedures, as the Fund.
Additionally, portfolio risk is dynamically managed through a framework intended to maximize the Campbell Advantage strategy’s ability to complement the global long equity exposure in an attempt to limit the Fund’s downside risk during extended periods of high equity market volatility.
The Fund is “non-diversified” for purposes of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”) which means that the Fund may invest in fewer securities at any one time than a diversified fund. The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, including securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily available market or legal or contractual restrictions on resale.
The Fund’s Co-Advisers are Boston Partners and Campbell. Boston Partners is primarily responsible for managing the equity portion of the Fund’s portfolio, including equity securities and related derivative contracts. Campbell is primarily responsible for managing the Fund’s exposure to the Campbell Advantage strategy. Campbell is also primarily responsible for determining the allocation of the Fund’s portfolio between equity and other investments. Each Co-Adviser may also from time to time consult and work collaboratively with, or be informed by the decisions of or information from, one or both of the other Co-Advisers in connection with making certain investment decisions in regards to the Fund’s investment strategies and portfolio, in addition to various compliance, operational and administrative matters. While the Co-Advisers may work collaboratively in connection with the management of the Fund’s portfolio as described above, under certain circumstances, such as, for example, when certain personnel at another Co-Adviser are not available, a Co-Adviser may make decisions or otherwise act independently from the other Co-Advisers.
The Fund reserves the right to hold up to 100% of its assets, as a temporary defensive measure, in cash and eligible U.S. dollar-denominated money market instruments and make investments inconsistent with its investment objective. The Co-Advisers will determine when market conditions warrant temporary defensive measures.
Summary of Principal Risks
· Active Management Risk. The Co-Advisers’ judgments about the attractiveness, value, or potential appreciation of the Fund’s investments may prove to be incorrect. The Fund could underperform in comparison to other funds with a similar benchmark or similar objectives and investment strategies if the Fund’s overall asset allocation, investment selections or strategies fail to produce the intended results.
· Convertible Securities Risk. Securities that can be converted into common stock, such as certain securities and preferred stock, are subject to the usual risks associated with fixed income investments, such as interest rate risk and credit risk. In addition, because they react to changes in the value of the equity securities into which they will convert, convertible securities are also subject to the risks associated with equity securities.
· Counterparty Risk. The derivative contracts entered into by the Fund may be privately negotiated in the over-the-counter market. These contracts also involve exposure to credit risk, since contract performance depends in part on the financial condition of the counterparty. Relying on a counterparty exposes the Fund to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing the Fund to suffer a loss. If a counterparty defaults on its payment obligations to the Fund, this default will cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease. In addition, to the extent the Fund deals with a limited number of counterparties, it will be more susceptible to the credit risks associated with those counterparties. The Fund is neither restricted from dealing with any particular counterparty nor from concentrating any or all of its transactions with one counterparty. The ability of the Fund to transact business with any one or number of counterparties and the absence of a regulated market to facilitate settlement may increase the potential for losses by the Fund.
3 |
|
· Credit Risk. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of the security or a counterparty in respect of a derivative instrument will not be able to satisfy its payment obligations to the Fund when due. Changes in an issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of an issuer’s creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund’s investment in that issuer. Securities rated in the four highest categories by the rating agencies are considered investment grade but they may also have some speculative characteristics. Investment grade ratings do not guarantee that bonds will not lose value or default. In addition, the credit quality of securities may be lowered if an issuer’s financial condition changes.
· Currency Risk. Investment in foreign securities also involves currency risk associated with securities that trade or are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and which may be affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates. An increase in the strength of the U.S. dollar relative to a foreign currency may cause the U.S. dollar value of an investment in that country to decline. Foreign currencies also are subject to risks caused by inflation, interest rates, budget deficits and low savings rates, political factors and government controls.
· Derivatives Risk. Derivatives include instruments and contracts that are based on, and are valued in relation to, one or more underlying securities, financial benchmarks or indices, such as futures, options, swap agreements and forward contracts. Derivatives typically have economic leverage inherent in their terms. Such leverage will magnify any losses. See “Leverage/Volatility Risk” below. The primary types of derivatives in which the Fund invests in are swap agreements, futures contracts and forward contracts. Futures contracts, forward contracts and swap agreements can be highly volatile, illiquid and difficult to value, and changes in the value of such instruments held directly or indirectly by the Fund may not correlate with the underlying instrument or reference assets, or the Fund’s other investments. Although the value of futures contracts, forward contracts and swap agreements depend largely upon price movements in the underlying instrument or reference asset, there are additional risks associated with futures contracts, forward contracts and swap agreements that are possibly greater than the risks associated with investing directly in the underlying instruments or reference assets, including illiquidity risk, leveraging risk and counterparty credit risk. A small position in futures contracts, forward contracts or swap agreements could have a potentially large impact on the Fund’s performance. Trading restrictions or limitations may be imposed by an exchange, and government regulations may restrict trading in swap agreements, futures contracts and options and forward contracts.
· Emerging Markets Risk. Investment in emerging market securities involves greater risk than that associated with investment in securities of issuers in developed foreign countries. These risks include volatile currency exchange rates, periods of high inflation, increased risk of default, greater social, economic and political uncertainty and instability, less governmental supervision and regulation of securities markets, weaker auditing and financial reporting standards, lack of liquidity in the markets, and the significantly smaller market capitalizations of emerging market issuers.
· Equity Securities Risk. The Fund may invest in, or have exposure to, equity securities. Equity securities tend to be more volatile than other investment choices, such as debt and money market instruments. The value of your investment may decrease in response to overall stock market movements or the value of individual securities.
· Fixed Income Risk. Fixed income securities, such as U.S. Treasuries, or derivatives based on fixed income securities, are subject to credit risk and interest rate risk. Credit risk, as described more fully above, refers to the possibility that the issuer of a debt security will be unable to make interest payments or repay principal when it becomes due. Interest rate risk refers to fluctuations in the value of a debt security resulting from changes in the general level of interest rates. Prices of fixed income securities tend to move inversely with changes in interest rates. Typically, a rise in rates will adversely affect fixed income security prices and, accordingly, the Fund’s returns and share price. In addition, the Fund may be subject to “call” risk, which is the risk that during a period of falling interest rates the issuer may redeem a security by repaying it early (which may reduce the Fund’s income if the proceeds are reinvested at lower interest rates), and “extension” risk, which occurs during a rising interest rate environment because certain obligations will be paid off by an issuer more slowly than anticipated (causing the value of those securities held by the Fund to fall).
· Foreign Securities Risk. International investing is subject to special risks, including, but not limited to, currency exchange rate volatility, political, social or economic instability, and differences in taxation, auditing
4 |
|
and other financial practices. The Fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers either directly or depositary receipts. Trading on foreign exchanges is subject to the risks presented by exchange controls, expropriation, increased tax burdens and exposure to local economic declines and political instability. Depositary receipts may be available through “sponsored” or “unsponsored” facilities. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all of the costs of the unsponsored facility. The depository of an unsponsored facility is frequently under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through, to the holders of the receipts, voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. The depository of unsponsored depositary receipts may provide less information to receipt holders. Participatory notes (“P-notes”) are derivative instruments used by investors to take positions in certain foreign securities. P-notes present similar risks to investing directly in such securities and also expose investors to counterparty risk. Some foreign derivative markets are so-called principals’ markets in which performance is the responsibility only of the individual counterparty with whom the trader has entered into a commodity interest transaction and not of the exchange or clearing corporation.
· Futures and Forward Contracts and Related Risks. The successful use of forward and futures contracts draws upon an investment adviser’s skill and experience with respect to such instruments and are subject to special risk considerations. The primary risks associated with the use of futures contracts are (a) the imperfect correlation between the change in market value of instruments held by the Fund and the price of the forward or futures contract; (b) possible lack of a liquid secondary market, and possible regulatory position limits and restrictions, for a forward or futures contract and the resulting inability to close a forward or futures contract when desired; (c) losses caused by unanticipated market movements, which are potentially unlimited; (d) the possibility that the counterparty will default in the performance of its obligations; and (e) if the Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to sell securities from its portfolio to meet daily variation margin requirements, and the Fund may have to sell securities at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. The use of futures contracts, forward contracts and derivative instruments will have the economic effect of financial leverage. Financial leverage magnifies exposure to the swings in prices of an asset class underlying an investment and results in increased volatility, which means the Fund will have the potential for greater losses than if the Fund did not employ leverage in its investment activity. Leveraging tends to magnify, sometimes significantly, the effect of any increase or decrease in the Fund’s exposure to an asset class and may cause the value of the Fund’s securities or related derivatives instruments to be volatile. Exposure to the commodities markets (including financial futures markets) may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities.
· Government Agency Risk. Direct obligations of the U.S. Government such as Treasury bills, notes and bonds are supported by its full faith and credit. Indirect obligations issued by Federal agencies and government-sponsored entities generally are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Accordingly, while U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities may be chartered or sponsored by Acts of Congress, their securities are neither issued nor guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury. Some of these indirect obligations may be supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury; others are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase the agency’s obligations; still others are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality.
· Government Intervention and Regulatory Changes. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) (which was passed into law in July 2010) significantly expanded the rulemaking, supervisory and enforcement authority of federal bank, securities and commodities regulators. There can be no assurance that future regulatory actions including, but not limited to, those authorized by the Dodd-Frank Act will not adversely affect the Fund. Major changes resulting from legislative or regulatory actions could materially affect the profitability of the Fund or the value of investments made by the Fund or force the Fund to revise its investment strategy or divest certain of its investments. Any of these developments could expose the Fund to additional costs, taxes, liabilities, enforcement actions and reputational risk.
In addition, the SEC has proposed new regulations regarding mutual funds’ use of derivatives and leverage. These proposed rules, if adopted in substantially the same form as proposed, could have a substantial
5 |
|
effect on the ability of the Fund to implement fully its investment strategy as described herein, which may limit the Fund’s ability to achieve its objective.
· Illiquid Securities Risk. Investing in illiquid securities is subject to certain risks, such as limitations on resale and uncertainty in determining valuation. Limitations on resale may adversely affect the marketability of portfolio securities and the Fund might be unable to dispose of restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemptions within seven days. The Fund might, in order to dispose of restricted securities, have to register securities resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of such securities.
· Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that prices of fixed income securities generally increase when interest rates decline and decrease when interest rates increase. The Fund may lose money if short term or long term interest rates rise sharply or otherwise change in a manner not anticipated by a Co-Adviser. There will likely be less governmental action in the near future to maintain low interest rates. The negative effect on fixed income securities from the resulting rate increases for that and other reasons could be swift and significant.
· Investment Company and Exchange-Traded Fund Risk. Investing in other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), may result in duplication of expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to the Fund’s own expenses. The risk of owning an investment company or ETF generally reflects the risks of owning the underlying investments the investment company or ETF holds. The Fund may incur brokerage fees in connection with its purchase of ETF shares.
· IPO Risk. IPO risk is the risk that the market value of IPO shares will fluctuate considerably due to certain factors, such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, the small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the issuer. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. IPO shares are subject to market risk and liquidity risk. When the Fund’s asset base is small, a significant portion of the Fund’s performance could be attributable to investments in IPOs, because such investments would have a magnified impact on the Fund. As the Fund’s assets grow, the effect of the Fund’s investments in IPOs on the Fund’s performance probably will decline, which could reduce the Fund’s performance. Because of the price volatility of IPO shares, the Fund may choose to hold IPO shares for a very short period of time. This may increase the turnover of the Fund’s portfolio and may lead to increased expenses to the Fund, such as commissions and transaction costs. In addition, the Co-Advisers cannot guarantee continued access to IPOs.
· Leverage/Volatility Risk. Although the Fund will not borrow funds for trading, the Fund should be considered highly leveraged and is suitable only for investors with high tolerance for investment risk. Leverage embedded in the various derivative instruments traded may result in the Fund holding positions whose face or notional value may be many times the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”). For example, the amount of margin funds necessary to be deposited in order to enter into a futures, forward or option contract position is typically from 2% to 10% of the total face or notional value of the contract, and even a small movement in the price of a commodity can cause a correspondingly large profit or loss. Losses incurred on leveraged investments increase in direct proportion to the degree of leverage employed. Furthermore, derivative instruments and futures contracts are highly volatile and are subject to occasional rapid and substantial fluctuations. Consequently, you could lose all or substantially all of your investment in the Fund should the Fund’s trading positions suddenly turn unprofitable.
· Market Risk. The Fund’s NAV and investment return will fluctuate based upon changes in the value of its investments. You could lose money on your investment in the Fund, or the Fund could underperform other investments.
· Mid-Cap Companies Risk. The stocks of mid-sized companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than stocks of larger, more established companies.
· New Fund Risk. The Fund is new with no operating history and there can be no assurance that the Fund will grow to or maintain an economically viable size, in which case the Board may determine to liquidate the Fund.
6 |
|
· Non-Diversification Risk. The Fund is non-diversified. Compared to other funds, the Fund may invest more of its assets in a smaller number of companies. Gains or losses on a single stock may have greater impact on the Fund.
· Options Risk. An option is a type of derivative instrument that gives the holder the right (but not the obligation) to buy (a “call”) or sell (a “put”) an asset in the near future at an agreed upon price prior to the expiration date of the option. The Fund may “cover” a call option by owning the security underlying the option or through other means. The value of options can be highly volatile, and their use can result in loss if the Co-Adviser is incorrect in its expectation of price fluctuations.
· OTC Trading Risk. Certain of the derivatives in which the Fund may invest may be traded (and privately negotiated) in the “over-the-counter” or “OTC” market. While the OTC derivatives market is the primary trading venue for many derivatives, it is largely unregulated. The Fund is subject to counterparty credit risk with respect to such derivative contracts.
· REITs Risk. REITs may be affected by economic forces and other real estate industry factors. These risks include possible declines in the value of real estate, possible lack of availability of mortgage funds and unexpected vacancies of properties. REITs that invest in real estate mortgages are also subject to prepayment risk. Investing in REITs may involve risks similar to those associated with investing in small capitalization companies. REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities. Historically, small capitalization stocks, such as REITs, have been more volatile in price than the larger capitalization stocks included in the S&P 500 ® Index.
· Securities Lending Risk. The Fund may lend portfolio securities to institutions, such as certain broker- dealers. The Fund may experience a loss or delay in the recovery of its securities, if the borrowing institution breaches its agreement with the Fund.
· Short Sales Risk. The Fund may take a short position in a derivative instrument, such as a future, forward or swap or security. A short position on a derivative instrument or security involves the risk of a theoretically unlimited increase in the value of the underlying instrument. Short sales also involve transaction and other costs that will reduce potential Fund gains and increase potential Fund losses.
· Small-Cap Companies Risk. The stocks of smaller companies may be subject to more abrupt, erratic market movements than stocks of larger, more established companies. Small companies may have limited product lines or financial resources, or may be dependent on a small or inexperienced management group, and their securities may trade less frequently and in lower volume than securities of larger companies, which could lead to higher transaction costs. Generally, the smaller the company size, the greater the risk.
· Tax Risk. In order to qualify as a regulated investment company (“RIC”), the Fund must meet certain requirements regarding the source of its income, the diversification of its assets and the distribution of its income. Under the test regarding the source of a RIC’s income, at least 90% of the gross income of the RIC each year must be qualifying income, which consists of dividends, interest, gains on investment assets and other categories of investment income. In 2006, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) published a ruling that income realized from swaps with respect to a commodities index would not be qualifying income. If the Fund were to fail to qualify as a RIC and became subject to federal income tax, shareholders of the Fund would be subject to diminished returns.
Performance Information
Performance information for the Fund is not included because the Fund did not commence operations prior to the date of this Prospectus. In the future, performance information for the Fund will be presented in this section. Updated performance information will be available on the Fund’s website at […] or by calling the Fund toll free at [ ].
7 |
|
Management of the Fund
Co-Adviser – Boston Partners
Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc.
909 Third Avenue, 32
nd
Floor, New York, New York 10022
Portfolio Managers
Christopher K. Hart, Portfolio Manager of the Fund since inception
Joshua Jones, Portfolio Manager of the Fund since inception
Joseph F. Feeney, Jr., Chief Investment Officer of Boston Partners, Portfolio Manager of the Fund since inception
Joshua White, Portfolio Manager of the Fund since inception
Co-Adviser – Campbell
2850 Quarry Lake Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21209
Portfolio Managers
Campbell’s six-member Investment Committee, led by co-chairs G. William Andrews and Dr. Kevin Cole, has been responsible for the daily management of the Fund since inception.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Minimum Initial Investment: $100,000
Minimum Additional Investment: $5,000
You can purchase and redeem Institutional Class shares of the Fund only on days the New York Stock Exchange is open. Institutional Class shares of the Fund may be available through certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals (collectively, “Service Organizations”). Shares of the Fund may also be purchased and redeemed directly through The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) by the means described below.
Purchase and Redemption By Mail:
Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services P.O. Box 701 Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701 |
Purchase and Redemption By Wire:
Request routing instructions by calling the Fund’s transfer agent at 1-800-[ ]. |
Redemption By Telephone: If you select the option on your account application, you may call U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (the “Transfer Agent”) at 1-800-[ ].
Taxes
The Fund intends to make distributions that generally may be taxed at ordinary income or capital gains rates.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and other related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund versus another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
8 |
|
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND’S INVESTMENTS AND RISKS
The Fund is a series of the Company, a Maryland Corporation. This section provides some additional information about the Fund’s investments and certain portfolio management techniques that the Fund may use. More information about the Fund’s investments and portfolio management techniques, some of which entail risks, is included in the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).
Investment Objectives
The Fund’s investment objectives may be changed by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Company without shareholder approval. Shareholders will, however, receive 60 days’ prior notice of any changes. Any such changes may result in the Fund having investment objectives different from the objectives that the shareholder considered appropriate at the time of investment in the Fund.
Additional Information About the Fund’s Principal Investments and Risks
Active Management Risk. The Fund is subject to the risk of poor stock selection. Each Co-Adviser’s judgments about the attractiveness, value and potential positive or negative performance of any particular security or derivative in which the Fund invests or sells short may prove to be inaccurate and may not produce the desired results. Campbell’s trading is highly model driven, and is materially subject to possible flaws in the models. As market dynamics (for example, due to changed market conditions and participants) shift over time, a previously highly successful model often becomes outdated or inaccurate, sometimes without Campbell recognizing that fact before substantial losses are incurred. Even if the basic concepts of its models are sound, Campbell may make errors in developing algorithms for integrating the numerous factors and variables into them or in programming the algorithms. Those errors may cause the model to generate results different from those intended. They may be difficult to detect in many market conditions, possibly influencing outcomes only in periods of stress or change in market conditions. Campbell anticipates the continued modification, enhancement and development of models. Each new generation of models (including incremental improvements to current models) exposes the Fund to the possibility of unforeseen losses from a variety of factors, including conceptual failures and implementation failures. There can be no assurance that the models used by Campbell will be effective or that they will be effectively utilized by Campbell. Moreover, these can be no assurance that Campbell will be able to continue to develop, maintain and update the models so as to effectively implement its trading strategy.
Commodities Risk. Exposure to the commodities markets (including financial futures markets) may subject the Fund through its investment in the Subsidiary to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The values of commodities and commodity-linked investments are affected by events that might have less impact on the values of stocks and bonds and have recently experienced periods of significant volatility. Prices of commodities and related contracts may fluctuate significantly over short periods for a variety of reasons, including: changes in interest rates, supply and demand relationships and balances of payments and trade; weather and natural disasters; governmental, agricultural, trade, fiscal, monetary and exchange control programs and policies; acts of terrorism, tariffs and U.S. and international economic, political, military and regulatory developments.
The commodity markets are subject to temporary distortions or other disruptions. U.S. futures exchanges and some foreign exchanges have regulations that limit the amount of fluctuation in futures contract prices, which may occur during a single business day. Once a limit price has been reached in a particular contract, no trades may be made at a different price. Limit prices have the effect of precluding trading in a particular contract or forcing the liquidation of contracts at disadvantageous times or prices. These circumstances could adversely affect the value of the Fund’s commodity-linked investments.
Counterparty Risk. Some of the derivatives entered into by the Fund are not traded on an exchange but instead will be privately negotiated in the over-the-counter market. This means that these instruments are traded between counterparties based on contractual relationships. Relying on a counterparty exposes the Fund to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing the Fund to suffer a loss. A counterparty defaulting on its payment
9 |
|
obligations to the Fund will cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease. If the Fund deals with a limited number of counterparties, it will be more susceptible to the credit risks associated with those counterparties. The Fund is neither restricted from dealing with any particular counterparty nor from concentrating any or all of its transactions with one counterparty. The ability of the Fund to transact business with any one or number of counterparties and the absence of a regulated market to facilitate settlement may increase the potential for losses by the Fund. When the Fund is required to post margin or other collateral with a counterparty, including with a futures commission merchant or a clearing organization for futures or other derivative contracts, the counterparty may fail to segregate the collateral or may commingle the collateral with the counterparty’s own assets. In the event of the counterparty’s bankruptcy or insolvency, the Fund’s collateral may be subject to the conflicting claims of the counterparty’s creditors and the Fund may be exposed to the risk of being treated as a general unsecured creditor of the counterparty, rather than as the owner of the collateral.
The Fund is subject to the risk that issuers of the instruments in which it invests and trades may default on their obligations, and that certain events may occur that have an immediate and significant adverse effect on the value of those instruments. There can be no assurance that an issuer will not default, or that an event that has an immediate and significant adverse effect on the value of an instrument will not occur, and that the Fund will not sustain a loss on a transaction as a result.
Transactions entered into by the Fund may be executed on various U.S. and non-U.S. exchanges, and may be cleared and settled through various clearing houses, custodians, depositories and prime brokers throughout the world. A failure by any such entity may lead to a loss to the Fund.
Credit Risk. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of the security will not be able to make principal and interest payments when due. Changes in an issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of an issuer’s creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund’s investment in that issuer. The degree of credit risk depends on both the financial condition of the issuer and the terms of the obligation. Securities rated in the four highest categories (S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”) (AAA, AA, A and BBB), Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”) (AAA, AA, A and BBB) or Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) (Aaa, Aa, A and Baa)) by the rating agencies are considered investment grade but they may also have some speculative characteristics, meaning that they carry more risk than higher-rated securities and may have problems making principal and interest payments in difficult economic climates. Investment grade ratings do not guarantee that bonds will not lose value or default.
A security issuer’s default on its payment obligations to the Fund will cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease. Lower credit quality may lead to greater volatility in the price of a security and in shares of the Fund. Lower credit quality also may affect liquidity and make it difficult to sell the security. Default, or the market’s perception that an issuer is likely to default, could reduce the value and liquidity of securities, thereby reducing the value of your investment in Fund shares. In addition, default may cause the Fund to incur expenses in seeking recovery of principal or interest on its portfolio holdings.
When the Fund invests in over-the-counter derivatives (including options), it assumes a credit risk of the party with which it trades and also bears the risk of settlement default. These risks may differ materially from risks associated with transactions effected on an exchange, which generally are backed by clearing organization guarantees, daily mark-to-market and settlement, segregation and minimum capital requirements applicable to intermediaries. Transactions entered into directly between two counterparties generally do not benefit from such protections. Relying on any counterparty exposes the Fund to the risk that such counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, causing the Fund to suffer a loss. A counterparty’s default on its payment obligations to the Fund will cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease.
If the Fund deals with a limited number of counterparties, it will be more susceptible to the credit risks associated with those counterparties. The Fund is neither restricted from dealing with any particular counterparty nor from concentrating any or all of its transactions with one counterparty. The ability of the Fund to transact business with any one or number of counterparties and the absence of a regulated market to facilitate settlement may increase the potential for losses by the Fund.
10 |
|
U.S. Government Securities are generally considered to be among the safest type of investment in terms of credit risk, but they are not guaranteed against price movements due to changing interest rates. Obligations issued by some U.S. Government agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises, such as the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”), are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury, while obligations by others, such as Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) and Federal Home Loan Banks, are backed solely by the ability of the entity to borrow from the U.S. Treasury or by the entity’s own resources. No assurance can be given that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to U.S. Government agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises if it is not obliged to do so by law.
Currency Risk. The Fund’s exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. Dollar, or, in the case of short positions, that the U.S. Dollar will decline in value relative to the currency that the Fund is short. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad. In addition, the Fund may incur transaction costs in connection with conversions between various currencies.
Derivatives Risk. Derivatives include instruments and contracts that are based on, and are valued in relation to, one or more underlying securities, financial benchmarks or indices, such as futures, options, swap agreements and forward contracts. The value of a derivative depends largely upon price movements in the underlying instrument. Many of the risks applicable to trading the underlying instrument are also applicable to derivatives trading. However, derivatives trading is subject to a number of additional risks. Transactions in certain derivatives are subject to clearance on a U.S. national exchange and to regulatory oversight, while other derivatives are subject to risks of trading in the over-the-counter markets or on non-U.S. exchanges. A small investment in derivative instruments could have a potentially large effect on the Fund’s performance. Over-the-counter derivatives are subject to the risk of mispricing or improper valuation of the derivative.
Liquidity of Futures Contracts . The Fund utilizes futures as part of its strategy. Futures positions may be illiquid because certain commodity exchanges limit fluctuations in certain futures contract prices during a single day by regulations referred to as “daily price fluctuation limits” or “daily limits.” Under such daily limits, during a single trading day no trades may be executed at prices beyond the daily limits. Once the price of a particular futures contract has increased or decreased by an amount equal to the daily limit, positions in that contract can neither be entered into nor liquidated unless traders are willing to effect trades at or within the limit. Futures prices have occasionally moved beyond the daily limits for several consecutive days with little or no trading. OTC instruments generally are not as liquid as instruments traded on recognized exchanges. These constraints could prevent the Fund from promptly liquidating unfavorable positions, thereby subjecting the Fund to substantial losses. In addition, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) and various exchanges limit the number of positions that the Fund may indirectly hold or control in particular commodities.
Non-U.S. Futures Transactions . Foreign futures transactions involve the execution and clearing of trades on a foreign exchange. This is the case even if the foreign exchange is formally “linked” to a domestic exchange, whereby a trade executed on one exchange liquidates or establishes a position on the other exchange. No domestic organization regulates the activities of a foreign exchange, including the execution, delivery, and clearing of transactions on such an exchange, and no domestic regulator has the power to compel enforcement of the rules of the foreign exchange or the laws of the foreign country. Moreover, such laws or regulations will vary depending on the foreign country in which the transaction occurs. For these reasons, the Fund may not be afforded certain of the protections that apply to domestic transactions. In particular, funds received from the Fund to margin (collateralize) foreign futures transactions may not be provided the same protections as funds received to margin futures transactions on domestic exchanges. In addition, the price of any foreign futures or option contract and the resulting potential profit or loss, may be affected by any fluctuation in the foreign exchange rate between the time the order is placed and the foreign futures contract is liquidated or the foreign option contract is liquidated or exercised.
11 |
|
Forward Contracts . The Fund may utilize forward contracts that are not traded on exchanges and may not be regulated. There are no limitations on daily price movements of forward contracts. Banks and other dealers with which the Fund maintains accounts may require the Fund to deposit margin for such trading. The Fund’s counterparties are not required to continue making markets in such contracts. There have been periods during which certain counterparties have refused to continue to quote prices for forward contracts or have quoted prices with an unusually wide spread (the price at which the counterparty is prepared to buy and that at which it is prepared to sell). Arrangements to trade forward contracts may be made with only one or a few counterparties, and liquidity problems might be greater than if such arrangements were made with numerous counterparties. The imposition of credit controls by governmental authorities might limit such forward trading to less than the amount that a Co-Adviser would otherwise recommend, to the possible detriment of the Fund.
Swap Agreements . The Fund may enter into swap agreements. Swap agreements can be individually structured to include exposure to a variety of different types of investments or market factors. Depending on their structure, swap agreements may increase or decrease the Fund’s exposure to interest rates, foreign currency values, corporate borrowing rates, or other factors such as security prices, baskets of securities, or inflation rates. Swap agreements can take many different forms and are known by a variety of names. The Fund is not limited to any particular form of swap agreement.
Swap agreements will tend to shift the Fund’s investment exposure from one type of investment to another. For example, if the Fund agrees to exchange payments in dollars for payments in foreign currency, the swap agreement would tend to decrease the Fund’s exposure to U.S. interest rates and increase its exposure to foreign currency and interest rates. Depending on how they are used, swap agreements may increase or decrease the overall volatility of the Fund’s portfolio. The most significant factor in the performance of swap agreements is the change in the specific interest rate, currency, individual equity values or other factors that determine the amounts of payments due to and from the Fund. The Fund must be prepared to make swap payments when due. In addition, the value of a swap agreement is likely to decline if the counterparty’s creditworthiness declines. Such a decrease in value might cause the Fund to incur losses.
Equity and Equity-Related Securities. The Fund may invest in all types of equity securities. Equity securities include exchange-traded and over-the-counter common and preferred stocks, warrants, rights, convertible securities, depositary receipts and shares, trust certificates, limited partnership interests, shares of other investment companies and REITs, and equity participations. Investments in equity securities and equity derivatives in general are subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. The value of a convertible security may not increase or decrease as rapidly as the underlying common stock. Common stocks may decline over short or even extended periods of time. The purchase of rights or warrants involves the risk that the Fund could lose the purchase value of a right or warrant if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not executed prior to the right’s or warrant’s expiration. The value of such securities convertible into equity securities, such as warrants or convertible debt, is also affected by prevailing interest rates, the credit quality of the issuer and any call provision. Investing in REITs may involve risks similar to those associated with investing in small capitalization companies. REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities. State law governing partnerships is often less restrictive than state law governing corporations. Accordingly, there may be fewer protections afforded to investors in a limited partnership than investors in a corporation. Fluctuations in the value of equity securities in which a mutual fund invests will cause the Fund’s NAV to fluctuate. The number of issuers in the Fund’s portfolio will vary over time.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). The Fund may invest in ETFs to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and applicable SEC orders. ETFs are registered investment companies whose shares are listed and traded on U.S. stock exchanges or otherwise traded in the over-the-counter market. In general, ETFs seek to track a specified securities index or a basket of securities that an “index provider,” such as S&P Global, selects as representative of a market, market segment or industry sector. An ETF portfolio generally holds the same stocks or bonds as the index it tracks or it may hold a representative sample of such securities. An ETF typically is designed so that its performance will correspond closely with that of the index it tracks. In some cases, an ETF may be actively-
12 |
|
managed by an investment adviser and/or sub-advisers. Actively-managed ETFs are subject to the risk of poor investment selection, and the individual investments in an actively-managed ETF may not perform as well as its investment adviser and/or sub-advisers expected, and/or the actively-managed ETF’s portfolio management practices do not work to achieve their desired result. As a shareholder in an ETF, the Fund will bear its pro rata portion of an ETF’s expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to its own expenses.
The market for an ETF’s shares may become less liquid in response to deteriorating liquidity in the markets for the ETF’s underlying portfolio holdings, which could lead to differences between the market price of the ETF’s shares and the underlying value of those shares. An ETF’s market price may deviate from the value of the ETF’s underlying portfolio holdings, particularly in times of market stress, with the result that investors may pay significantly more or receive significantly less than the underlying value of the ETF shares bought or sold. An active trading market for shares of the ETF may not develop or be maintained. In times of market stress, market makers or authorized participants may step away from their respective roles in making a market in shares of the ETF and in executing purchase or redemption orders, which could also lead to variances between the market price of the ETF’s shares and the underlying value of those shares.
Fixed Income Risk. A substantial portion of the Fund’s assets may be invested in securities issued by the U.S. Government. When interest rates change, the value of the Fund’s fixed income investments will be affected. Prices of fixed income securities tend to move inversely with changes in interest rates. Typically, a rise in rates will adversely affect fixed income security prices and, accordingly, the Fund’s share price. The longer the effective maturity and duration of the Fund’s portfolio, the more the Fund’s share price is likely to react to interest rates. Some fixed income securities give the issuer the option to call, or redeem, the securities before their maturity dates. If an issuer calls its security during a time of declining interest rates, the Fund might have to reinvest the proceeds in an investment offering a lower yield, and therefore might not benefit from any increase in value as a result of declining interest rates. During periods of market illiquidity or rising interest rates, prices of callable issues are subject to increased price fluctuation. In addition, the Fund may be subject to extension risk, which occurs during a rising interest rate environment because certain obligations will be paid off by an issuer more slowly than anticipated, causing the value of those securities held by the Fund to fall.
Foreign Securities. The Fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers that are traded or denominated in U.S. dollars (including equity securities of foreign issuers trading in U.S. markets) directly or through American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”), European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) or International Depositary Receipts (“IDRs”). Depositary receipts may be available through “sponsored” or “unsponsored” facilities. A sponsored facility is established jointly by the issuer of the security underlying the receipt and the depositary. An unsponsored facility is established by the depositary without participation by the issuer of the underlying security. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all of the costs of the unsponsored facility. The depositary of an unsponsored facility is frequently under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through, to the holders of the receipts, voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. The depositary of unsponsored depositary receipts may provide less information to receipt holders.
In addition, the Fund may also invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies and in multinational currencies such as the Euro. The Fund will value its securities and other assets in U.S. dollars. Investments in securities of foreign issuers and securities denominated in foreign currencies involve special risks. These include possible political and economic instability and the possible imposition of exchange controls or other restrictions on investments. Changes in foreign currency rates relative to the U.S. dollar will affect the U.S. dollar value of the Fund’s assets denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Emerging market investments offer the potential for significant gains but also involve greater risks than investing in more developed countries. Political or economic instability, lack of market liquidity and government actions such as currency controls or seizure of private business or property may be more likely in emerging markets.
The Fund will normally invest a significant portion of its assets in the equity securities and equity-related instruments issued by non-U.S. companies. The Fund may invest in securities denominated in the currencies of a variety of developed and emerging market countries. Unless hedged, currency fluctuations may have a material impact on the performance of a portfolio of non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities and such a portfolio may experience a decline or increase in value, in U.S. dollar terms, due to fluctuations
13 |
|
in currency exchange rates. A Co-Adviser may, from time to time, but is not required to, hedge foreign currency exposure in the Fund’s portfolios. Further, the Fund may also from time to time enter into speculative currency positions.
The Fund may also invest in participatory notes. Participatory notes (commonly known as “P-notes”) are equity access products structured as debt obligations and used by investors to take positions in certain foreign securities. P-notes are generally issued by the associates of foreign-based foreign brokerages and domestic institutional brokerages. P-notes represent interests in securities listed on certain foreign exchanges, and thus present similar risks to investing directly in such securities. P-notes also expose investors to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the entity issuing the note may not be able to honor its financial commitments.
Government Intervention and Regulatory Changes. The Dodd-Frank Act significantly expanded the rulemaking, supervisory and enforcement authority of federal bank, securities and commodities regulators. There can be no assurance that future regulatory actions, including, but not limited to, those authorized by the Dodd-Frank Act will not adversely affect the Fund. Major changes could materially affect the profitability of the Fund or the value of investments made by the Fund or force the Fund to revise its investment strategy or divest certain of its investments. Any of these developments could expose the Fund to additional costs, taxes, liabilities, enforcement actions and reputational risk. The SEC has proposed new regulations regarding mutual funds’ use of derivatives and leverage. These proposed rules, if adopted in substantially the same form as proposed, could have a substantial impact on the ability of the Fund to implement fully its investment strategy as described herein, which may limit the Fund’s ability to achieve its objective.
Leverage/Volatility Risk. Although the Fund will not borrow funds for trading, the Fund should be considered highly leveraged and is suitable only for investors with high tolerance for investment risk. Leverage embedded in the various derivative instruments traded may result in the Fund or its Subsidiary holding positions whose face or notional value may be many times the Fund’s NAV. For example, the amount of margin funds necessary to be deposited in order to enter into a futures, forward or option contract position is typically from 2% to 10% of the total face or notional value of the contract. Even a small movement in the price of a commodity can cause a correspondingly large profit or loss. Losses incurred on leveraged investments increase in direct proportion to the degree of leverage employed.
The Fund’s NAV is expected over short-term periods to be volatile because of the significant use of direct and indirect investments that have a leveraging effect. Volatility is a statistical measurement of the magnitude of up and down asset price fluctuations over time. Rapid and dramatic price swings will result in high volatility. The Fund’s returns are expected to be volatile; however, the actual or realized volatility level for longer or shorter periods may be materially higher or lower depending on market conditions and investors may suffer a significant and possibly a complete loss on their investment in the Fund.
Liquidity Risk. The Fund may be subject to liquidity risk primarily due to investments in derivatives. The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities or instruments. Derivatives, such as swaps, options and warrants, may not be readily marketable and, therefore, may be deemed to be illiquid. An asset is not readily marketable if it cannot be sold within seven business days in the ordinary course of business for approximately the amount at which it is valued. Investments in illiquid assets involve the risk that the Fund may be unable to sell the asset or sell it at a reasonable price. In addition, the Fund may be required to liquidate positions or close out derivatives on unfavorable terms at a time contrary to the interests of the Fund in order to raise cash to pay redemptions.
In October 2016, the SEC adopted a liquidity risk management rule, Rule 22e-4 (the “Liquidity Rule”), that requires the Fund to establish a liquidity risk management program by June 1, 2019. On or about June 1, 2019, in connection with the implementation of the Liquidity Rule, the term “illiquid security” will be defined as a security which the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the security. If the limitation on illiquid securities is exceeded, other than by a change in market values, the condition will be reported to the Board and, when required by the Liquidity Rule, to the SEC.
The Liquidity Rule could affect the Fund’s performance and its ability to achieve its investment objective.
14 |
|
The Co-Advisers will monitor the liquidity of restricted securities in the Fund under the supervision of the Board. In reaching liquidity decisions, the Co-Advisers may consider, among others, the following factors: (1) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (2) the number of dealers wishing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other potential purchasers; (3) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; and (4) the nature of the security and the nature of the marketplace trades ( e.g ., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers and the mechanics of the transfer).
An investment in derivatives is also subject to the risk that the Fund may not be able to terminate the derivatives effective on whatever date it chooses, or that the settlement of any early termination may depend on subsequent market movements. As a result, the Fund may be exposed to the risk of additional losses due to such delays.
Market Risk. The Fund’s NAV and investment return will fluctuate based upon changes in the value of its investments. The market value of is the Fund’s holdings are based upon the market’s perception of value and is not necessarily an objective measure of an investment’s value. There is no assurance that the Fund will realize its investment objective, and an investment in the Fund is not, by itself, a complete or balanced investment program. You could lose money on your investment in the Fund, or the Fund could underperform other investments.
New Fund Risk. There can be no assurance that a newly organized Fund will grow to or maintain an economically viable size, in which case the Board may determine to liquidate the Fund. Liquidation can be initiated without shareholder approval by the Board if it determines it is in the best interest of shareholders. As a result, the timing of any liquidation may not be favorable to certain individual shareholders.
Non-Diversification Risk. The Fund is a non-diversified investment company, which means that more of the Fund’s assets may be invested in the securities of a single issuer than could be invested in the securities of a single issuer by a diversified investment company. This may make the value of the Fund’s shares more susceptible to certain risks than shares of a diversified investment company. As a non-diversified fund, the Fund has a greater potential to realize losses upon the occurrence of adverse events affecting a particular issuer.
OTC Trading Risk. Certain of the derivatives in which the Fund may invest, including swap agreements, may be traded (and privately negotiated) in the OTC market. The OTC derivatives market is the primary trading venue for many derivatives, but is largely unregulated and lacks transparency of the terms of OTC transactions. OTC derivatives are complex and often valued subjectively. Improper valuations can result in increased cash payment requirements to counterparties or a loss of value to the Fund. Such derivative instruments are often highly customized and tailored to meet the needs of the counterparties. If a derivative transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is illiquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous time or price. The Fund is subject to counterparty credit risk for such derivative contracts.
Other Investment Companies. The Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in the securities of other investment companies not affiliated with a Co-Adviser, but may not invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of any one investment company or acquire more than 3% of the voting securities of any other investment company. The Fund may rely on SEC orders that permit it to invest in certain ETFs beyond these limits, subject to certain terms and conditions. Among other things, the Fund may invest in money market mutual funds for cash management purposes by “sweeping” excess cash balances into such funds until the cash is invested or otherwise utilized. The Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees and other expenses paid by investment companies in which it invests in addition to the advisory and administration fees paid by the Fund.
Portfolio Turnover. The Fund may engage in active and frequent trading, resulting in high portfolio turnover. This may lead to the distribution to shareholders of higher capital gains, increasing their tax liability. Frequent trading may also increase transaction costs, which could detract from the Fund’s performance.
15 |
|
Private Fund Risk . The Fund, as an investor in a private fund, will not have the benefit of protections afforded by the 1940 Act to investors in registered investment companies. An investment in a private fund will cause the Fund to incur higher and duplicative expenses.
Securities Lending. The Fund may seek to increase its income by lending portfolio securities to institutions, such as certain broker-dealers. Portfolio security loans are secured continuously by collateral maintained on a current basis at an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned. The value of the securities loaned by the Fund will not exceed 33 1/3% of the value of the Fund’s total assets. The Fund may experience a loss or delay in the recovery of its securities if the borrowing institution breaches its agreement with the Fund.
Short Sales Risk. The Fund engages in short sales of derivative instruments– including those that are not “against the box,” which means that the Fund may make short sales where the Fund does not currently own or have the right to acquire, at no added cost, instruments identical to those sold short – in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act. In a typical short sale, the Fund borrows from a broker an instrument in order to sell the instrument to a third party. The Fund then is obligated to replace the instrument borrowed by purchasing it at the market price at the time of replacement. The Fund realizes a loss to the extent the instrument increases in value or a profit to the extent the instrument declines in value (after taking into account any associated costs). Until the Fund closes its short position, the Fund will: (a) maintain a segregated account containing cash or liquid assets at such a level that (i) the amount deposited in the account plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral will equal the current value of the instrument sold short; and (ii) the amount deposited in the segregated account plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral will not be less than the market value of the instrument at the time the instrument was sold short; or (b) otherwise cover the Fund’s short position.
Large Shareholder Transactions Risk. T he Fund may experience adverse effects when certain large shareholders purchase or redeem large amounts of shares of the Fund. Such large shareholder redemptions may cause the Fund to sell its securities at times it would not otherwise do so, which may negatively affect its liquidity. Large redemptions could lead to an increase in the Fund’s expense ratio due to a smaller asset base. However, this risk may be limited to the extent that the Co-Advisers and the Fund have entered into a fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement arrangement. Large Fund share purchases may adversely affect the Fund’s performance if the Fund is delayed in investing new cash and is required to maintain a larger cash position than it ordinarily would.
Subsidiary Risk. The Fund may in the future make investments through a wholly-owned subsidiary organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands. By investing in a subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the subsidiary’s investments. The derivatives and other investments held by a subsidiary are generally similar to those that are permitted to be held by the Fund and are subject to the same risks that apply to similar investments if held directly by the Fund. These risks are described elsewhere in this Prospectus. There can be no assurance that the investment objective of the subsidiary will be achieved.
A subsidiary will not be registered under the 1940 Act and will not be subject to all the investor protections of the 1940 Act. The Fund will wholly own and control any such subsidiary, making it unlikely that a subsidiary will take action contrary to the interests of the Fund and its shareholders. The Board has oversight responsibility for the investment activities of the Fund, including any investment in a subsidiary, and the Fund’s role as sole shareholder of the subsidiary. A subsidiary will be subject to the same investment restrictions and limitations, and follow the same compliance policies and procedures, as the Fund.
Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the Fund and/or its subsidiary to operate as described in this Prospectus and in the SAI and could adversely affect the Fund. For example, the Cayman Islands does not currently impose any income, corporate or capital gains tax, or withholding tax on a subsidiary. If Cayman Islands law changes such that a subsidiary must pay Cayman Islands taxes, Fund shareholders would likely suffer decreased investment returns.
Tax Risk. There is a risk that the IRS could assert that the income derived from the Fund’s investment in a subsidiary or in certain commodity-linked structured notes will not be considered qualifying income for
16 |
|
purposes of the Fund remaining qualified as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In 2016, the Treasury and the IRS issued proposed regulations that provide that the income from a foreign subsidiary that is a controlled foreign corporation is qualifying income for purposes of a fund remaining qualified as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes only to the extent such income is actually distributed by the foreign subsidiary to the RIC each year. In 2006, the IRS had published a ruling that income realized from swaps with respect to a commodities index would not be qualifying income. In a number of private letter rulings issued during 2006-2011, the IRS ruled that the income of such a foreign subsidiary would be qualified income each year even if it is not actually distributed to the RIC each year, but in 2011 the IRS suspended the issuance of such rulings. The new proposed regulations, if adopted as proposed, will apply for taxable years of RICs that begin on or after 90 days after the date of publication of the final regulations. If the proposed regulations are adopted as proposed, a subsidiary will have to distribute its income each year in order for such income to be treated as qualifying income of the Fund. In addition, during 2006-2011, the IRS had also issued private letter rulings to regulated investment companies concluding that income derived from their investment in certain commodity-linked structured notes would constitute qualifying income to the fund. In 2011, the IRS indicated that the granting of these types of private letter rulings was currently suspended, pending further internal review of the subject. In 2016, the IRS announced that it would not issue any such rulings in the future, and it revoked the previously issued rulings. If the Fund were to fail to qualify as a RIC and became subject to federal income tax, shareholders of the Fund would be subject to diminished returns.
Temporary Investments. The Fund may depart from its principal investment strategy in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions by taking a temporary defensive position (up to 100% of its assets) in all types of money market and short-term debt securities. If the Fund were to take a temporary defensive position, it may be unable for a time to achieve its investment objective.
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings
A description of the Company’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio securities is available in the Fund’s SAI.
Subject to the general supervision of the Board, each Co-Adviser manages its allocated portfolio of the Fund and is solely responsible for the selection and management of its allocated portfolio investments of the Fund in accordance with the Fund’s investment objectives and policies.
Investment Co-Adviser – Boston Partners
Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. provides investment management and advisory services to investment companies and other institutional and proprietary accounts.
Boston Partners, located at 909 Third Avenue, 32 nd Floor, New York, New York 10022, is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of ORIX Corporation, an integrated financial services group based in Tokyo, Japan.
Investment Co-Adviser – Campbell
Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC, a Delaware corporation founded in January 2005, is located at 2850 Quarry Lake Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21209. Campbell is an SEC-registered investment adviser, is registered as a Commodity Trading Advisor (“CTA”) with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and is a member of the National Futures Association.
Campbell is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Campbell & Company, LP (“Campbell & Company”). Campbell & Company and its predecessor organization, Campbell & Company, Inc., were organized in 1972 and have over forty years of experience in creating and managing alternative investment vehicles. Campbell has appointed Campbell & Company as the Fund’s Commodity Pool Operator (“CPO”). Campbell & Company is registered with the CFTC as a CPO and a CTA. Campbell & Company is a member of the NFA in such capacities.
17 |
|
Investment Advisory Agreement
For their services to the Fund, the Co-Advisers will each receive an equal amount of the advisory fee under their respective Advisory Agreements, computed at an annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
Until [December 31], 2021, the Co-Advisers have agreed to waive their fees to the extent necessary to maintain an annualized expense ratio of 1.05% of the Fund’s average daily net assets (excluding certain items discussed below). There can be no assurance that the Co-Advisers will continue such waivers after [December 31], 2021. In determining each Co-Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause the Fund’s net annualized expense ratio to exceed the applicable expense limitation: short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes.
If the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 1.05% of its average daily net assets, each Co-Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees waived and other payments remitted by the Co-Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Fund’s Advisory Agreements with each Co-Adviser will be available in the Fund’s first annual or semi-annual report to shareholders.
Portfolio Managers
Boston Partners
Joseph F. Feeney, Jr., Christopher K. Hart, Joshua Jones and Joshua White serve as portfolio managers for the Equity Portfolio of the Fund. Mr. Feeney is the Chief Investment Officer of Boston Partners and oversees both the team and the strategy.
Mr. Feeney is Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Boston Partners. He is responsible for the firm’s strategic, financial and operating decisions, and all aspects of investment management including the firm’s fundamental and quantitative research groups. He was one of the original partners of Boston Partners Asset Management in 1995. Prior to assuming these roles, he was Director of Research. Mr. Feeney joined the firm upon its inception in 1995 from Putnam Investments where he managed mortgage-backed securities portfolios. He began his career at the Bank of Boston where he was a loan officer specializing on highly leveraged loan portfolios. Mr. Feeney holds a B.S. degree in finance (Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa) from the University of New Hampshire and an M.B.A. with High Honors from the University of Chicago. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst ® designation and is past President of the Fixed Income Management Society of Boston. He has over 33 years of investment experience.
Mr. Hart is an equity portfolio manager for the Fund. Prior thereto, he was an assistant portfolio manager for the Boston Partners Small Cap Value products for three years. Before that, he was a research analyst and specialized in conglomerates, engineering and construction, building, machinery, aerospace & defense, and REITs sectors of the equity market. He joined the firm from Fidelity Investments where he was a research analyst. Mr. Hart holds a B.S. degree in finance, with a concentration in corporate finance from Clemson University. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst ® designation. He has over 27 years of investment experience.
Mr. Jones is a portfolio manager of the Fund and for the Boston Partners investment team, specializing in the energy, metals and mining sectors of the equity market and is a global generalist. Mr. Jones has been with Boston Partners since 2006. He joined the firm from Cambridge Associates where he was a consulting associate specializing in hedge fund clients. Mr. Jones holds a B.A. degree in economics from Bowdoin College. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst ® designation. He has over 14 years of professional experience.
Mr. White is a portfolio manager for the Fund. Prior to this role, he was an equity analyst with Boston Partners serving as a global generalist. Mr. White holds a B.A. degree in mathematics from Middlebury College. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst ® designation and has over 12 years of industry experience.
18 |
|
Campbell
Campbell’s six-member Investment Committee, led by co-chairs G. William Andrews and Dr. Kevin Cole, is responsible for portfolio risk management, capital allocation and portfolio construction, and approves all changes to the portfolio, including new models and enhancements.
G. William Andrews, Chief Executive Officer, joined Campbell in April 1997, and in November 2012 he was appointed to the Board of Directors and as Chief Executive Officer. He formerly held the positions of Co-Director of Research from November 2011 to October 2012, Chief Operating Officer from January 2010 to May 2012, Vice President & Director of Operations from April 2007 to January 2010, Vice President & Director of Research Operations from March 2006 to April 2007, and Research Assistant from April 1997 to February 2006. In March 2010, Mr. Andrews was appointed a Co-Chair of Campbell’s Investment Committee.
Dr. Kevin Cole, joined Campbell in October 2003 and has served as Chief Research Officer since June 2017. In February 2017, Dr. Cole was appointed to serve Campbell and its affiliates as an executive officer. Since joining the firm, Dr. Cole has had a significant role in the ongoing research and development of Campbell’s trading systems and models. Dr. Cole was appointed as Co-Chair of Campbell’s Investment Committee in September 2017. As Chief Research Officer, Dr. Cole is responsible for the management of the research and investment process at the firm.
The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers’ ownership of shares in the Fund.
Marketing Arrangements
Each Co-Adviser, or its affiliates, may pay additional compensation, out of profits derived from the Co-Adviser’s management fees and not as an additional charge to the Fund, to certain financial institutions (which may include banks, securities dealers and other industry professionals) for the sale and/or distribution of Fund shares or the retention and/or servicing of Fund investors and Fund shares (“revenue sharing”).These payments are in addition to any record keeping or sub-transfer agency fees payable by the Fund, or other fees described in the fee table or elsewhere in this Prospectus or the SAI. Examples of “revenue sharing” payments include, but are not limited to, payment to financial institutions for “shelf space” or access to a third party platform or fund offering list or other marketing programs, including, but not limited to, inclusion of the Fund on preferred or recommended sales lists, mutual fund “supermarket” platforms and other formal sales programs; granting a Co-Adviser access to the financial institution’s sales force, conferences and meetings; assistance in training and educating the financial institution’s personnel; and obtaining other forms of marketing support. The level of revenue sharing payments made to financial institutions may be a fixed fee or based upon one or more of the following factors: gross sales, current assets and/or number of accounts of the Fund attributable to the financial institution, or other factors as agreed to by a Co-Adviser and the financial institution or any combination thereof. The amount of these revenue sharing payments is determined at the discretion of the Co-Adviser from time to time, may be substantial, and may be different for different financial institutions depending upon the services provided by the financial institution. Such payments may provide an incentive for the financial institution to make shares of the Fund available to its customers and may allow the Fund greater access to the financial institution’s customers.
19 |
|
Other Service Providers. The following chart shows the Fund’s service providers and includes their addresses and principal activities.
20 |
|
Pricing of Fund Shares
Institutional Class shares of the Fund (“Shares”) are priced at their NAV. The NAV per share of the Fund is calculated as follows:
Value of Assets Attributable to the Institutional Class | |
NAV = | - Value of Liabilities Attributable to the Institutional Class |
Number of Outstanding Shares of the Institutional Class |
The Fund’s NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. The NYSE is generally open Monday through Friday, except national holidays. The NYSE also may be closed on national days of mourning or due to natural disaster or other extraordinary events or emergency. The Fund will effect purchases and redemptions of Shares at the NAV next calculated after receipt by the Transfer Agent of your purchase order or redemption request in good order (as described below). If the Fund holds securities that are primarily held on non-U.S. exchanges, the NAV of the Fund’s Shares may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem the Fund’s Shares.
The Fund’s equity securities listed on any national or foreign exchange market system will be valued at the last sale price, except for the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”). Equity securities listed on the NASDAQ will be valued at the official closing price. Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter market are valued at their closing prices. If there were no transactions on that day, equity securities will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. Foreign securities, currencies and other securities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate of such currencies against the U.S. dollar provided by a pricing service. All assets denominated in foreign currencies will be converted into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the time of valuation. If the Fund holds foreign equity securities, the calculation of the Fund’s NAV will not occur at the same time as the determination of the value of the foreign equities securities in the Fund’s portfolio, since these securities are traded on foreign exchanges.
Investments in other open-end investment companies are valued based on the NAV of those investment companies (which may use fair value pricing as discussed in their prospectuses). Investments in ETFs, REITs and closed-end investments companies will be valued at their market price.
If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable by the Fund’s administrator, in consultation with the Co-Adviser, securities will be valued by the Co-Adviser in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board and under the Board’s ultimate supervision. In addition, the prices of foreign securities may be affected by events that occur after the close of a foreign market but before the Fund prices its Shares. In such instances, a foreign security may be fair valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board. The Fund will regularly value its investments in derivative instruments at fair value. The Fund may use independent pricing services to assist in calculating the value of the Fund’s portfolio holdings. Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation involves the risk that the values used by the Fund to price its investments may be higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments.
Market Timing
In accordance with the policy adopted by its Board, the Company discourages and does not accommodate market timing and other excessive trading practices. Purchases should be made with a view to longer-term investment only. Excessive short-term (market timing) trading practices may disrupt portfolio management strategies, increase brokerage and administrative costs, harm Fund performance and result in dilution in the value of Shares held by long-term shareholders. The Company and the Co-Advisers reserve the right to (i) reject a purchase or exchange order, (ii) delay payment of immediate cash redemption proceeds for up to seven calendar days, (iii) revoke a shareholder’s privilege to purchase Shares (including exchanges), or (iv) limit the amount of any exchange involving the purchase of Shares. An investor may receive notice
21 |
|
that their purchase order or exchange has been rejected after the day the order is placed or after acceptance by a financial intermediary. It is currently expected that a shareholder would receive notice that its purchase order or exchange has been rejected within 48 hours after such purchase order or exchange has been received by the Company in good order. The Company and the Co-Advisers will not be liable for any loss resulting from rejected purchase orders. To minimize harm to the Company and its shareholders (or the Co-Advisers), the Company (or the Co-Advisers) will exercise its right if, in the Company’s (or a Co-Adviser’s) judgment, an investor has a history of excessive trading or if an investor’s trading, in the judgment of the Company (or a Co-Adviser), has been or may be disruptive to the Fund. No waivers of the provisions of the policy established to detect and deter market timing and other excessive trading activity are permitted that would harm the Fund and its shareholders or would subordinate the interests of the Fund and its shareholders to those of the Co-Advisers or any affiliated person or associated person of the Co-Advisers.
The Fund generally limits the number of exchanges to six (6) exchanges per year and one exchange per calendar month. The Fund may waive such exchange limits in certain circumstances. For further information on exchanges, please see the section titled “Shareholder Information — Exchange Privilege.”
Pursuant to the policy adopted by the Board, each Co-Adviser has developed criteria that it uses to identify trading activity that may be excessive. If, in its judgment, a Co-Adviser detects excessive, short-term trading, the Co-Adviser may reject or restrict a purchase request and may further seek to close an investor’s account with the Fund.
If necessary, the Company may prohibit additional purchases of Shares by a financial intermediary or by certain customers of the financial intermediary. Financial intermediaries may also monitor their customers’ trading activities in the Fund. The criteria used by intermediaries to monitor for excessive trading may differ from the criteria used by the Company. If a financial intermediary fails to enforce the Company’s excessive trading policies, the Company may take certain actions, including terminating the relationship.
There is no assurance that the Fund will be able to identify market timers, particularly if they are investing through intermediaries.
Purchase of Fund Shares
Shares representing interests in the Fund are offered continuously for sale by Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”). Institutional Class Shares of the Fund are available for purchase by investors who meet the investment minimums described below under “General.”
Purchases Through Intermediaries. Shares of the Fund may also be available through certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals (collectively, “Service Organizations”). Certain features of the Shares, such as the initial and subsequent investment minimums and certain trading restrictions, may be modified or waived by Service Organizations. Service Organizations may impose transaction or administrative charges or other direct fees, which charges and fees would not be imposed if Shares are purchased directly from the Company. Therefore, you should contact the Service Organization acting on your behalf concerning the fees (if any) charged in connection with a purchase or redemption of Shares and should read this Prospectus in light of the terms governing your accounts with the Service Organization. Service Organizations will be responsible for promptly transmitting client or customer purchase and redemption orders to the Company in accordance with their agreements with the Company or its agent and with clients or customers. Service Organizations or, if applicable, their designees that have entered into agreements with the Company or its agent may enter confirmed purchase orders on behalf of clients and customers, with payment to follow no later than the Company’s pricing on the following Business Day. If payment is not received by such time, the Service Organization could be held liable for resulting fees or losses. The Company will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when a Service Organization, or, if applicable, its authorized designee, accepts a purchase or redemption order in good order if the order is actually received by the Company in good order not later than the next business morning. If a purchase order is not received by the Fund in good order, the Transfer Agent will contact the financial intermediary to determine the status of the purchase order. Orders received by the Company in good order will be priced at the appropriate Fund’s NAV next computed after they are deemed to have been received by the Service Organization or its authorized designee.
For administration, subaccounting, transfer agency and/or other services, a Co-Adviser or its affiliates may pay Service Organizations and certain recordkeeping organizations a fee (the “Service Fee”) relating to the
22 |
|
average annual NAV of accounts with the Company maintained by such Service Organizations or recordkeepers. The Service Fee payable to any one Service Organization is determined based upon a number of factors, including the nature and quality of services provided, the operations processing requirements of the relationship and the standardized fee schedule of the Service Organization or recordkeeper.
The Fund may enter into agreements with Service Organizations pursuant to which the Fund will pay a Service Organization for networking, sub-transfer agency, sub-administration and/or sub-accounting services. These payments are generally based on either (1) a percentage of the average daily net assets of Fund shareholders serviced by the Service Organization or (2) a fixed dollar amount for each account serviced by the Service Organization. The aggregate amount of these payments may be substantial.
Institutional Class shares may also be available on brokerage platforms of firms that have agreements with the Company to offer such shares when acting solely on an agency basis for the purchase or sale of such shares. If you transact in Institutional Class shares through one of these programs, you may be required to pay a commission and/or other forms of compensation to the broker.
General. You may also purchase Shares of the Fund at the NAV per share next calculated after your order is received by the Transfer Agent in good order as described below. The Fund’s NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. After an initial purchase is made, the Transfer Agent will set up an account for you on the Company records. The minimum initial investment in the Fund is $100,000 and the minimum additional investment is $5,000. The minimum initial and subsequent investment requirements may be reduced or waived from time to time. For purposes of meeting the minimum initial purchase, purchases by clients which are part of endowments, foundations or other related groups may be combined. You can purchase Shares of the Fund only on days the NYSE is open and through the means described below. Shares may be purchased by principals and employees of a Co-Adviser and its subsidiaries and by their spouses and children either directly or through any trust that has the principal, employee, spouse or child as the primary beneficiaries, their individual retirement accounts, or any pension and profit-sharing plan of a Co-Adviser and its subsidiaries without being subject to the minimum investment limitations.
Initial Investment By Mail. Subject to acceptance by the Fund, an account may be opened by completing and signing an account application and mailing it to the Fund at the address noted below, together with a check payable to Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund. All checks must be in U.S. Dollars drawn on a domestic bank. The Fund will not accept payment in cash or money orders. The Fund does not accept post-dated checks or any conditional order or payment. To prevent check fraud, the Fund will not accept third party checks, Treasury checks, credit card checks, traveler’s checks or starter checks for the purchase of shares.
The Fund does not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be its agents. Therefore, deposit in the mail or with such services, or receipt at the Transfer Agent’s post office box, of purchase orders or redemption requests does not constitute receipt by the Transfer Agent of the Fund. Receipt of purchase orders or redemption requests is based on when the order is received at the Transfer Agent’s offices.
Shares will be purchased at the NAV next computed after the time the application and funds are received in proper order and accepted by the Fund. The Transfer Agent will charge a $25 fee against a shareholder’s account, in addition to any loss sustained by the Fund, for any payment that is returned. It is the policy of the Fund not to accept applications under certain circumstances or in amounts considered disadvantageous to shareholders. The Fund reserves the right to reject any application.
Initial Investment By Wire. If you are making your first investment in the Fund, before you wire funds, the Transfer Agent must have a completed account application. You may mail or overnight deliver your account
23 |
|
application to the Transfer Agent. Upon receipt of your completed account application, the Transfer Agent will establish an account for you. The account number assigned will be required as part of the instruction that should be provided to your bank to send the wire. Your bank must include both the name of the Fund you are purchasing, the account number, and your name so that monies can be correctly applied. Your bank should transmit funds by wire to:
U.S. Bank N.A.
777 East Wisconsin Ave
Milwaukee WI 53202
ABA 075000022
Credit:
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
Account #112-952-137
For Further Credit to:
Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund
(shareholder registration)
(shareholder account number)
Wired funds must be received prior to 4:00 p.m. Eastern time to be eligible for same day pricing. The Fund and U.S. Bank, N.A. are not responsible for the consequences of delays resulting from the banking or Federal Reserve wire system, or from incomplete wiring instructions.
For Subsequent Investments – By wire
Before sending your wire, please contact the Transfer Agent to advise them of your intent to wire funds. This will ensure prompt and accurate credit upon receipt of your wire.
Telephone Purchase. Investors may purchase additional shares of the Fund by calling 1-800-[ ]. If you did not decline this option on your account application, and your account has been open for at least 15 calendar days, telephone orders, in amounts of $100 or more, will be accepted via electronic funds transfer from your bank account through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network. You must have banking information established on your account prior to making a purchase. If you order is received prior to 4 p.m. Eastern time, your shares will be purchased at the NAV calculated on the day your order is placed.
Telephone trades must be received by or prior to market close. During periods of high market activity, shareholders may encounter higher than usual call waits. Please allow sufficient time to place your telephone transaction.
Additional Investments. Additional investments may be made at any time (minimum additional investment $5,000) by purchasing Shares of the Fund at the NAV per Share of the Fund by mailing a check to the Transfer Agent at the address noted under “Initial Investment by Mail” (payable to Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund), by electronic funds transfer through the ACH network as indicated under “Telephone Purchase”, or by wiring monies as outlined under “Initial Investment by Wire.” Initial and/or additional purchases made by check or electronic funds transfer through the ACH network cannot be redeemed until payment of the purchase has been collected. This may take up to 15 calendar days from the date of purchase.
Automatic Investment Plan. Once your account has been opened with the initial minimum investment you may make additional purchases at regular intervals through an automatic investment plan (the “Automatic Investment Plan”). The Automatic Investment Plan provides a convenient method to have monies deducted from your bank account, for investment into the Fund, on a monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual basis. In order to participate in the Automatic Investment Plan, each purchase must be in the amount of $5,000 or more, and your financial institution must be a member of the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network. If your bank rejects your payment, the Fund’s transfer agent will charge a $25 fee to your account. To begin participating in the Automatic Investment Plan, please complete the Automatic Investment Plan section on the account application or call the Fund’s transfer agent at 1-800-[ ] for instructions. Any request to change or terminate your Automatic Investment Plan should be submitted to the Transfer Agent five (5) days prior to effective date.
24 |
|
Retirement Plans. The Fund offers prototype documents for a variety of retirement accounts for individuals and small businesses. Please call 1-800-[ ] for information on:
· | Individual Retirement Plan, including Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs |
· | Small Business Retirement Plans, including Simple IRAs and SEP IRAs |
· | Coverdell Education Savings Accounts |
There may be special distribution requirements for retirement accounts, such as required distributions or mandatory Federal income tax withholding. For more information, call the number listed above. You may be charged a $15 annual account maintenance fee for each retirement account up to a maximum of $30 annually and a $25 fee for transferring assets to another custodian or for closing a retirement account.
Purchases in Kind. In certain circumstances, Shares of the Fund may be purchased “in kind” (i.e. in exchange for securities, rather than cash). The securities rendered in connection with an in-kind purchase must be liquid securities that are not restricted as to transfer and have a value that is readily ascertainable in accordance with the Company’s valuation procedures. Securities accepted by the Fund will be valued, as set forth in this Prospectus, as of the time of the next determination of NAV after such acceptance. The Shares of the Fund that are issued to the investor in exchange for the securities will be determined as of the same time. All dividend, subscription, or other rights that are reflected in the market price of accepted securities at the time of valuation become the property of the Fund and must be delivered to the Fund by the investor upon receipt from the issuer. The Fund will not accept securities in exchange for its Shares unless such securities are, at the time of the exchange, eligible to be held by the Fund and satisfy such other conditions as may be imposed by a Co-Adviser or the Company. Purchases in-kind may result in the recognition of gain or loss for federal income tax purposes on the securities transferred to the Fund.
Other Purchase Information. The Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to suspend the offering of Shares or to reject purchase orders when, in the judgment of management, such suspension or rejection is in the best interests of the Fund. Subject to the Board’s discretion, the Co-Advisers will monitor the Fund’s total assets and may decide to close the Fund at any time to new investments or to new accounts due to concerns that a significant increase in the size of the Fund may adversely affect the implementation of the Fund’s strategy. Subject to the Board’s discretion, the Co-Advisers may also choose to reopen the closed Fund to new investments at any time, and may subsequently close such Fund again should concerns regarding the Fund’s size recur. If the Fund closes to new investments, generally the closed Fund would be offered only to certain existing shareholders of the Fund and certain other persons, who are generally subject to cumulative, maximum purchase amounts, as follows:
a. Fee-based advisory model programs or financial advisors who manage fee-based wrap accounts that systematically trade in and out of the closed Fund based on model portfolio allocations;
b. Persons who already hold Shares of the closed Fund directly or through accounts maintained by brokers by arrangement with the Company;
c. Existing and future clients of registered investment advisers and planners whose clients already hold Shares of the closed Fund on transaction fee and non-transaction fee platforms;
d. Existing and future clients of consultants whose clients already hold shares of the closed Fund;
e. Certain financial intermediaries by arrangement with the Company;
f. Employees of each Co-Adviser and their spouses, parents and children;
g. Directors of the Company; and
h. Defined contribution retirement plans of private employers and governed by ERISA or of state and local governments.
Distributions to all shareholders of the closed Fund will continue to be reinvested unless a shareholder elects otherwise. The Co-Advisers, subject to the Board’s discretion, reserve the right to implement other purchase limitations at the time of closing, including limitations on current shareholders.
25 |
|
Purchases of the Shares will be made in full and fractional shares of the Fund calculated to three decimal places.
Each Co-Adviser is authorized to waive the minimum initial and subsequent investment requirements.
Good Order. A purchase request is considered to be in good order when the purchase request includes the name of the Fund, the dollar amount of shares to be purchased, your account application or investment stub, and a check payable to the Fund. Purchase requests not in good order may rejected.
Customer Identification Program. Please note that the Transfer Agent must verify certain information on your account application as part of the Company’s Anti-Money Laundering Program. You must supply your full name, date of birth, social security number and permanent street address. If you are opening the account in the name of a legal entity ( e.g ., partnership, limited liability company, business trust, corporation, etc.), you must also supply the identity of the beneficial owners. Mailing addresses containing only a P.O. Box will not be accepted. Applications without the required information, or without any indication that a social security or taxpayer identification number has been applied for, may not be accepted. After acceptance, to the extent permitted by applicable law or its customer identification program, the Company reserves the right (a) to place limits on transactions in any account until the identity of the investor is verified; or (b) to refuse an investment in a Company portfolio or to involuntarily redeem an investor’s Shares and close an account in the event that an investor’s identity is not verified. The Company and its agents will not be responsible for any loss in an investor’s account resulting from the investor’s delay in providing all required identifying information or from closing an account and redeeming an investor’s Shares when an investor’s identity cannot be verified.
Redemption of Fund Shares
Normally, your investment professional will send your request to redeem Shares to the Transfer Agent. Consult your investment professional for more information. You can redeem some or all of your Fund Shares directly through the Fund only if the account is registered in your name.
Investors may have a check sent to the address of record, proceeds may be wired to a shareholder’s bank account of record, or funds may be sent via electronic funds transfer through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network, also to the bank account of record. Wires are subject to a $15 fee paid by the investor, but the investor does not incur any charge when proceeds are sent via the ACH system.
IRA and other retirement plan redemptions
If you have an IRA, you must indicate on your written redemption request whether or not to withhold federal income tax. Redemption requests failing to indicate an election to have tax withheld will be subject to 10% withholding.
Shares held in IRA accounts may be redeemed by telephone at 1-888-261-4073. Investors will be asked whether or not to withhold taxes from any distribution.
Redemption By Mail. Your redemption request should be sent to:
Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund
c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services
P. O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701
If sent by overnight mail to:
Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund
c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
The Fund does not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be their agents. Therefore, deposit in the mail or with such services, or receipt at the Transfer Agent’s post office box, of purchase orders or redemption requests does not constitute receipt by the Transfer Agent of the
26 |
|
Fund. Receipt of purchase orders or redemption requests is based on when the order is received at the Transfer Agent’s offices.
A signature guarantee, from either a Medallion program member or a non-Medallion program member, is required in the following situations:
· | If ownership is being changed on your account; |
· | When redemption proceeds are payable or sent to any person, address or bank account not on record; |
· | When a redemption is received by the Transfer Agent and the account address has changed within the last 15 calendar days. |
The Fund may waive any of the above requirements in certain instances. In addition to the situations described above, the Fund and/or the Transfer Agent reserve the right to require a signature guarantee in other instances based on the circumstances relative to the particular situation.
Non-financial transactions, including establishing or modifying certain services on an account, may require a signature guarantee, signature verification from a Signature Validation Program member, or other acceptable form of authentication from a financial institution source.
Signature guarantees will generally be accepted from domestic banks, brokers, dealers, credit unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing agencies and savings associations, as well as from participants in the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program and the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (“STAMP”). A notary public is not an acceptable signature guarantor.
Redemption By Telephone. In order to request a telephone redemption please call the Transfer Agent at 1-800-[ ]. You must have returned your account application containing a telephone election. Adding telephone redemption to an existing account may require a signature guarantee or other acceptable form of authentication from a financial institution source.
Investors may have a check sent to the address of record, proceeds may be wired to a shareholder’s bank account of record, or funds may be sent via electronic funds transfer through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network, also to the bank account of record. Wires are subject to a $15 fee paid by the investor, but the investor does not incur any charge when proceeds are sent via the ACH system.
Once a telephone transaction has been placed, it cannot be canceled or modified after the close of regular trading on the NYSE (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern time).
Telephone trades must be received by or prior to market close. During periods of high market activity, shareholders may encounter higher than usual call waits. Please allow sufficient time to place your telephone transaction.
Before executing an instruction received by telephone, the Transfer Agent will use reasonable procedures to confirm that the telephone instructions are genuine. The telephone call may be recorded and the caller may be asked to verify certain personal identification information. If the Fund or its agents follow these procedures, they cannot be held liable for any loss, expense or cost arising out of any telephone redemption request that is reasonably believed to be genuine. This includes fraudulent or unauthorized requests. If an account has more than one owner or authorized person, the Fund will accept telephone instructions from any one owner or authorized person.
Involuntary Redemption. The Fund reserves the right to redeem a shareholder’s account in the Fund at any time the value of the account in the Fund falls below $500 as the result of a redemption or an exchange request. Shareholders will be notified in writing that the value of their account in the Fund is less than $500 and will be allowed 30 days to make additional investments before the redemption is processed.
The Fund may assert the right to redeem your shares at current NAV at any time and without prior notice if, and to the extent that, such redemption is necessary to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by
27 |
|
reason of your failure to make full payment for shares of the Fund you previously purchased or subscribed for.
Other Redemption Information. Redemption proceeds for Shares of the Fund recently purchased by check or electronic funds transfer through the ACH network may not be distributed until payment for the purchase has been collected, which may take up to fifteen calendar days from the purchase date. Shareholders can avoid this delay by utilizing the wire purchase option.
Other than as described above, payment of the redemption proceeds will be made within seven days after receipt of an order for a redemption. The Company may suspend the right of redemption or postpone the date at times when the NYSE is closed or under any emergency circumstances as determined by the SEC. The Fund typically expects to meet redemption requests by paying out proceeds from cash or cash equivalent portfolio holdings, or by selling portfolio securities. In stressed market conditions, redemption methods may include redeeming in kind.
If the Board determines that it would be detrimental to the best interests of the remaining shareholders of the Fund to make payment wholly or partly in cash, redemption proceeds may be paid in whole or in part by an in-kind distribution of readily marketable securities held by the Fund instead of cash in conformity with applicable rules of the SEC. Investors generally will incur brokerage charges on the sale of portfolio securities so received in payment of redemptions. If a shareholder receives redemption proceeds in-kind, the shareholder will bear the market risk of the securities received in the redemption until their disposition and should expect to incur transaction costs upon the disposition of the securities. The Company has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act, so that the Fund is obligated to redeem its Shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its NAV during any 90-day period for any one shareholder of the Fund.
Good Order. A redemption request is considered to be in good order when the redemption request includes the name of the Fund, the number of shares or dollar amount to be redeemed, the account number, and signatures by all of shareholders whose names appear on the account registration with a signature guarantee, if applicable. Redemption requests not in good order may be delayed.
Exchange Privilege
[The exchange privilege is available to shareholders residing in any state in which the Shares being acquired may be legally sold. The Boston Partners Investment Funds reserve the right, at their sole discretion, to change or discontinue the exchange privilege, or temporarily suspend the privilege during unusual market conditions when, in the judgment of management, such change or discontinuance is in the best interests of the Funds. A shareholder may exchange Institutional Class Shares of any Boston Partners Investment Fund for Institutional Class Shares in an identically registered account of another Boston Partners Investment Fund. Such an exchange will be effected at the NAV of the exchanged Institutional Class Shares and the NAV of the Institutional Class Shares to be acquired next determined after the Transfer Agent’s receipt of a request for an exchange. An exchange of Shares of one Boston Partners Investment Fund for Shares of another Boston Partners Investment Fund will be treated as a sale for federal income tax purposes. A shareholder may make an exchange by sending a written request to the Transfer Agent or, if authorized, by telephone (see “Redemption by Telephone” above). Defined contribution plans are not subject to the above exchange limitations.
If the exchanging shareholder does not currently own Institutional Class Shares of the Fund, a new account will be established with the same registration, dividend and capital gain options as the account from which Shares are exchanged, unless otherwise specified in writing by the shareholder with all signatures guaranteed. See “Redemption by Mail” for information on signature guarantees. The exchange privilege may be modified or terminated at any time, or from time to time, by the Funds, upon 60 days’ written notice to shareholders.
If a shareholder wants to exchange Shares into a new account in the Fund, the dollar value of the Shares acquired must equal or exceed the Fund’s minimum investment requirement for a new account. If a shareholder wants to exchange Shares into an existing account, the dollar value of the Shares must equal or exceed the Fund’s minimum investment requirement for additional investments. If an amount remains in the Fund from which the exchange is being made that is below the minimum account value required, the account will be subject to involuntary redemption.
28 |
|
In addition, beneficial holders with financial intermediary sponsored fee-based programs are eligible to exchange their shares in a particular share class of a Fund for Shares in a different share class of a Fund if the shareholder meets the eligibility requirement for that class of Shares or the shareholder is otherwise eligible to purchase that class of shares. Such an exchange will be affected at the NAV of the shares next calculated after the exchange request is received by the Transfer Agent in good order. Investors who hold Institutional Class Shares of any Boston Partners Investment Fund through a financial intermediary sponsored fee-based program, but who subsequently become ineligible to participate in the program or withdraw from the program, may be subject to conversion of their Institutional Class Shares by their program provider to another class of shares of the Fund having expenses (including Rule 12b-1 fees) that may be higher than the expenses of the Institutional Class Shares. Investors should contact their program provider to obtain information about their eligibility for the provider’s program and the class of shares they would receive upon such a conversion.
The Funds’ exchange privilege is not intended to afford shareholders a way to speculate on short-term movements in the market. Accordingly, in order to prevent excessive use of the exchange privilege, which may potentially disrupt the management of the Funds and increase transaction costs, the Funds have established a policy of limiting excessive exchange activity. Notwithstanding these limitations, the Funds reserve the right to reject any purchase request (including exchange purchases from other Boston Partners Investment Funds) that is deemed to be disruptive to efficient portfolio management.]
Dividends and Distributions
The Fund will distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, to its shareholders. All distributions are reinvested in the form of additional full and fractional Shares of the Fund unless a shareholder elects otherwise.
The Fund will declare and pay dividends from net investment income annually. Net realized capital gains (including net short-term capital gains), if any, will be distributed by the Fund at least annually. [The estimated amount of any annual distribution will be posted to www.[ ] or a free copy may be obtained by calling 1-800-[ ].
The Fund may pay additional distributions and dividends at other times if necessary for the Fund to avoid U.S. federal tax. The Fund’s distributions and dividends, whether received in cash or reinvested in additional Fund Shares, are subject to U.S. federal income tax.
All distributions will be reinvested in Fund shares unless you elect to receive cash. If you elect to receive distributions and/or capital gains paid in cash, and the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver the check, or if a check remains outstanding for six months, the Fund reserves the right to reinvest the distribution check in your account, at the Fund’s current NAV, and to reinvest all subsequent distributions. You may change the distribution option on your account at any time. You should notify the Transfer Agent in writing or by telephone at least five (5) days prior to the next distribution.
Taxes
The following is a summary of certain United States tax considerations relevant under current law, which may be subject to change in the future. Except where otherwise indicated, the discussion relates to investors who are individual United States citizens or residents. You should consult your tax adviser for further information regarding federal, state, local and/or foreign tax consequences relevant to your specific situation.
Federal Taxes of Distributions. The Fund contemplates distributing as dividends each year all or substantially all of its taxable income, including its net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss). Except as otherwise discussed below, you will be subject to federal income tax on Fund distributions regardless of whether they are paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares. Fund distributions attributable to short-term capital gains and net investment income will generally be taxable to you as ordinary income, except as discussed below.
Distributions attributable to the net capital gain of the Fund will be taxable to you as long-term capital gain, no matter how long you have owned your Fund shares. The maximum long-term capital gain rate applicable to individuals, estates, and trusts is currently 23.8% (which includes a 3.8% Medicare tax). You will be notified annually of the tax status of distributions to you.
29 |
|
Distributions of “qualifying dividends” will also generally be taxable to you at long-term capital gain rates, as long as certain requirements are met. In general, if 95% or more of the gross income of the Fund (other than net capital gain) consists of dividends received from domestic corporations or “qualified” foreign corporations (“qualifying dividends”), then all distributions paid by the Fund to individual shareholders will be taxed at long-term capital gains rates. But if less than 95% of the gross income of the Fund (other than net capital gain) consists of qualifying dividends, then distributions paid by the Fund to individual shareholders will be qualifying dividends only to the extent they are derived from qualifying dividends earned by the Fund. For the lower rates to apply, you must have owned your Fund shares for at least 61 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date that is 60 days before the Fund’s ex-dividend date (and the Fund will need to have met a similar holding period requirement with respect to the shares of the corporation paying the qualifying dividend).The amount of the Fund’s distributions that qualify for this favorable treatment may be reduced as a result of the Fund’s securities lending activities (if any), a high portfolio turnover rate or investments in debt securities or non-qualified foreign corporations.
Distributions from the Fund will generally be taxable to you in the taxable year in which they are paid, with one exception. Distributions declared by the Fund in October, November or December and paid in January of the following year are taxed as though they were paid on December 31.
It is expected that the Fund will be subject to foreign withholding or other foreign income taxes with respect to dividends or interest received from (and, in some cases, gains recognized on shares of stock of) non-U.S. companies. The Fund may, to the extent eligible, make an election to treat a proportionate amount of those taxes as constituting a distribution to each shareholder, which would allow you either (1) to credit that proportionate amount of taxes against U.S. federal income tax liability as a foreign tax credit, subject to applicable limitations, or (2) to take that amount as an itemized deduction.
A portion of distributions paid by the Fund to shareholders that are corporations may also qualify for the dividends-received deduction for corporations, subject to certain holding period requirements and debt financing limitations. Only the portions of Fund dividends that are attributable to dividends the Fund receives from U.S. companies may qualify for this dividends-received deduction. The amount of the dividends qualifying for this deduction may, however, be reduced as a result of the Fund’s securities lending activities (if any), by a high portfolio turnover rate or by investments in debt securities or foreign corporations.
If you purchase shares just before a distribution, the purchase price will reflect the amount of the upcoming distribution, but you will be taxed on the entire amount of the distribution received, even though, as an economic matter, the distribution simply constitutes a return of capital. This adverse tax result is known as “buying into a dividend.”
Sales and Exchanges. You will generally recognize taxable gain or loss for federal income tax purposes on a sale, exchange or redemption of your shares, [including an exchange for shares of another Fund], based on the difference between your tax basis in the shares and the amount you receive for them. Generally, you will recognize long-term capital gain or loss if you have held your Fund shares for over twelve months at the time you dispose of them.
Any loss realized on shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends that were received on the shares. Additionally, any loss realized on a disposition of shares of the Fund may be disallowed under “wash sale” rules to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced with other shares of the same Fund within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the shares are disposed of, such as pursuant to a dividend reinvestment in shares of the Fund. If disallowed, the loss will be reflected in an upward adjustment to the basis of the shares acquired.
The Fund (or relevant broker or financial adviser) is required to compute and report to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and furnish to Fund shareholders cost basis information when such shares are sold or exchanged. The Fund has elected to use the average cost method, unless you instruct the Fund to use a different IRS-accepted cost basis method, or choose to specifically identify your shares at the time of each sale or exchange. If your account is held by your broker or other financial adviser, they may select a different cost basis method. In these cases, please contact your broker or other financial adviser to obtain information with respect to the available methods and elections for your account. You should carefully review the cost basis information provided by the Fund and make any additional basis, holding period or
30 |
|
other adjustments that are required when reporting these amounts on your federal and state income tax returns. Fund shareholders should consult with their tax advisers to determine the best IRS-accepted cost basis method for their tax situation and to obtain more information about how the cost basis reporting requirements apply to them.
IRAs and Other Tax-Qualified Plans. The one major exception to the preceding tax principles is that distributions on, and sales, exchanges and redemptions of, shares held in an IRA (or other tax-qualified plan) will not be currently taxable unless such shares were acquired with borrowed funds.
Backup Withholding. The Fund may be required in certain cases to withhold and remit to the IRS a percentage of taxable dividends or gross proceeds realized upon sale payable to shareholders who have failed to provide a correct tax identification number in the manner required, or who are subject to withholding by the IRS for failure to properly include on their return payments of taxable interest or dividends, or who have failed to certify to the Fund that they are not subject to backup withholding when required to do so or that they are “exempt recipients.” The current backup withholding rate is 24%.
U.S. Tax Treatment of Foreign shareholders. Generally, nonresident aliens, foreign corporations and other foreign investors are subject to a 30% withholding tax on dividends paid by a U.S. corporation, although the rate may be reduced for an investor that is a qualified resident of a foreign country with an applicable tax treaty with the United States. In the case of regulated investment companies such as the Fund, however, certain categories of dividends are exempt from the 30% withholding tax. These generally include dividends attributable to the Fund’s net capital gains (the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses), dividends attributable to the Fund’s interest income from U.S. obligors and dividends attributable to net short-term capital gains of the Fund.
Foreign shareholders will generally not be subject to U.S. tax on gains realized on the sale, exchange or redemption of shares in the Fund, except that a nonresident alien individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in a calendar year will be taxable on such gains and on capital gain dividends from the Fund.
In contrast, if a foreign investor conducts a trade or business in the United States and the investment in the Fund is effectively connected with that trade or business, then the foreign investor’s income from the Fund will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax at graduated rates in a manner similar to the income of a U.S. citizen or resident.
The Fund will also generally be required to withhold 30% tax on certain payments to foreign entities that do not provide a Form W-8BEN-E that evidences their compliance with, or exemption from, specified information reporting requirements under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act.
All foreign investors should consult their own tax advisers regarding the tax consequences in their country of residence of an investment in the Fund.
Shares of the Fund have not been registered for sale outside of the United States and certain United States territories.
State and Local Taxes. You may also be subject to state and local taxes on income and gain from Fund shares. State income taxes may not apply, however, to the portions of the Fund’s distributions, if any, that are attributable to interest on U.S. government securities. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the tax status of distributions in your state and locality.
More information about taxes is contained in the SAI.
Electronic Delivery
Consistent with the Fund’s commitment to environmental sustainability, you may sign up to receive quarterly statements, and tax forms statements electronically. You may also sign up to receive the Fund’s financial statements and Prospectuses electronically at www.[ ]. You may change your delivery preference and
31 |
|
resume receiving these documents through the mail at any time by updating your electronic delivery preferences at www.[ ] or by contacting the Fund at 1-800-[ ].
Householding
In an effort to decrease costs, the Fund intends to reduce the number of duplicate prospectuses and annual and semi-annual reports you receive by sending only one copy of each to those addresses shared by two or more accounts and to shareholders we reasonably believe are from the same family or household. Once implemented, if you would like to discontinue householding for your accounts, please call toll-free at 1-888-261-4073 to request individual copies of these documents. Once the Fund receives notice to stop householding, we will begin sending individual copies thirty days after receiving your request. This policy does not apply to account statements.
Lost Shareholder, Inactive Accounts and Unclaimed Property
It is important that the Fund maintains a correct address for each shareholder. An incorrect address may cause a shareholder’s account statements and other mailings to be returned to the Fund. Based upon statutory requirements for returned mail, the Fund will attempt to locate the shareholder or rightful owner of the account. If the Fund is unable to locate the shareholder, then they will determine whether the shareholder’s account can legally be considered abandoned. Your mutual fund account may be transferred to the state government of your state of residence if no activity occurs within your account during the “inactivity period” specified in your state’s abandoned property laws. The Fund is legally obligated to escheat (or transfer) abandoned property to the appropriate state’s unclaimed property administrator in accordance with statutory requirements. The shareholder’s last known address of record determines which state has jurisdiction. Please proactively contact the Transfer Agent at 1-800-[ ] (toll free) at least annually to ensure your account remains in active status.
If you are a resident of the state of Texas, you may designate a representative to receive notifications that, due to inactivity, your mutual fund account assets may be delivered to the Texas Comptroller. Please contact the Transfer Agent if you wish to complete a Texas Designation of Representative form.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR IN THE FUND’S SAI INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR ITS DISTRIBUTOR. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING BY THE COMPANY OR BY THE DISTRIBUTOR IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.
32 |
|
Financial highlights information is not available because the Fund did not commence operations prior to the date of this prospectus.
33 |
|
|
|
European Union’s General Data Protection
Regulation
|
In addition to the above information, where applicable, you have the following rights under the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and U.S. Privacy Laws, as applicable and to the extent permitted by law, to · Check whether we hold personal information about you and to access such data (in accordance with our policy) · Request the correction of personal information about you that is inaccurate · Have a copy of the personal information we hold about you provided to you or another “controller” where technically feasible · Request the erasure of your personal information · Request the restriction of processing concerning you
The legal grounds for processing of your personal information is for contractual necessity and compliance with law. If you wish to exercise any of your rights above, please call: 1-800-[ ].
You are required to ensure the personal information we hold about you is up-to-date and accurate and you must notify us of any changes to the personal data you provided to us.
The Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund shall retain your personal data for as long as you are an investor in the Fund and thereafter as long as necessary to comply with applicable laws that require the Fund to retain your personal data, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission’s data retention rules. Your personal data will be transferred to the United States so that the Fund may provide the agreed upon services for you. No adequacy decision has been rendered by the European Commission as to the data protection of your personal data when transferring it to the United States. However, the Fund does take the security of your personal data seriously.
|
Definitions | |
Affiliates |
Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies. Our affiliates include: · ORIX Corporation · Boston Partners Securities, LLC · Campbell & Company, LP · Campbell Financial Services, LLC · Campbell & Company Delaware, LLC.
|
Nonaffiliates |
Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.
· The Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund doesn’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you. The Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund may share information with nonaffiliates that perform marketing services on our behalf. |
|
Joint marketing |
A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.
· The Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund may share your information with other financial institutions with whom we have joint marketing arrangements who may suggest additional fund services or other investment products which may be of interest to you.
|
Controller | “Controller” means the natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data; where the purposes and means of such processing are determined by European union or European Member state law, the controller or the specific criteria for its nomination may be provided for by European union or European Member state law. |
|
BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL EQUITY ADVANTAGE FUND of The RBB Fund,
Inc.
1-800-[ ]
For More Information:
This Prospectus contains important information you should know before you invest. Read it carefully and keep it for future reference. More information about the Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund is available free of charge, upon request, including:
Annual/Semi-Annual Reports
Once available, additional information about the Fund’s investments is available in the Fund’s annual and semiannual reports to shareholders. The annual report will contain a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance during their most recently completed fiscal year.
Statement of Additional Information
The Fund’s SAI, dated [ ], 2019, has been filed with the SEC. The SAI, which includes additional information about the Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund, may be obtained free of charge, along with the annual and semi-annual reports, by calling 1-800-[ ]. The SAI, as supplemented from time to time, is incorporated by reference into this prospectus (and is legally part of the prospectus). The SAI is available at www.[ ].
Shareholder Inquiries
Representatives are available to discuss account balance information, mutual fund prospectuses, literature, programs and services available. Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Eastern time) Monday-Friday. Call: 1-800-[ ] or visit the website at www.[ ].
Purchases and Redemptions
Call 1-800-[ ]
Written Correspondence
Street Address:
Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund, c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202
P.O. Box Address:
Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund, c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701
Securities and Exchange Commission
You may also view and copy information about the Company and the Fund, including the SAI, by visiting the SEC’s Internet site at www.sec.gov.You may also obtain copies of Fund documents by paying a duplicating fee and sending an electronic request to the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT FILE NO. 811-05518
|
The information in this Statement of Additional Information is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This Statement of Additional Information is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted
Subject to Completion—Dated March 8, 2019
STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL EQUITY ADVANTAGE FUND
of
The RBB Fund, Inc.
Institutional Class – [ticker]
[ ], 2019
This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) provides information about the Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund (the “Fund”). The Fund is a series of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”). This information is in addition to the information contained in the Fund’s Prospectus dated [ ], 2019 ( the “Prospectus”).
This SAI is not a prospectus. This SAI is intended to provide you with additional information regarding the activities and operations of the Fund and the Company, and it should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus. Copies of the Prospectus and Annual and Semi-Annual Reports (when available) may be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-[ ].
|
TABLE OF CONTENTS
|
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Company is an open-end management investment company currently consisting of [33] separate portfolios. The Company is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”) and was organized as a Maryland corporation on February 29, 1988. This SAI pertains to the Institutional Class shares representing interests in the Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund, a non-diversified portfolio which is offered by the Prospectus.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS AND POLICIES
The following supplements the information contained in the Prospectus concerning the investment objectives and policies of the Fund. To the extent an investment policy is discussed in this SAI but not in the Prospectus, such policy is not a principal policy of the Fund.
The Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets (including borrowings for investment purposes) in a non-diversified portfolio of equity and equity-related securities issued by U.S. and non-U.S. companies of any capitalization size. The Fund defines non-U.S. companies as companies (i) that are organized under the laws of a foreign country; (ii) whose principal trading market is in a foreign country; or (iii) that have a majority of their assets, or that derive a significant portion of their revenue or profits from businesses, investments or sales, outside of the United States. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests significantly (ordinarily at least 40% — unless market conditions are not deemed favorable by the Fund, in which case the Fund would invest at least 30%) in non-U.S. companies. The Fund will allocate its assets among various regions and countries, including the United States (but in no less than three different countries). The Fund also seeks to diversify its overall portfolio by investing approximately 20% of its assets in the Campbell Advantage strategy, a systematic trend following program, which is diversified across global futures and forwards markets (types of derivative instruments).
Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. (“Boston Partners” or a “Co-Adviser”) and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC (“Campbell” or a “Co-Adviser”) serve as the investment advisers to the Fund.
The Co-Advisers may not necessarily invest in all of the instruments or use all of the investment techniques permitted by the Fund’s Prospectus and this SAI, or invest in such instruments or engage in such techniques to the full extent permitted by the Fund’s investment policies and limitations.
Bank and Corporate Obligations. The Fund may purchase obligations of issuers in the banking industry, such as short-term obligations of bank holding companies, certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances and time deposits issued by U.S. or foreign banks or savings institutions having total assets at the time of purchase in excess of $1 billion. Investment in obligations of foreign banks or foreign branches of U.S. banks may entail risks that are different from those of investments in obligations of U.S. banks due to differences in political, regulatory and economic systems and conditions. The Fund may also make interest-bearing savings deposits in commercial and savings banks in amounts not in excess of 5% of its total assets.
The activities of banks are subject to extensive regulations which may limit both the amount and types of loans that may be made and the interest rates that may be charged. In addition, the profitability of the banking industry is largely dependent upon the availability and costs of funds for the purpose of financing lending operations under prevailing money market conditions. General economic conditions as well as exposure to credit losses arising from possible financial difficulties play an important part in the operation of this industry.
The Fund may invest in debt obligations, such as bonds and debentures, issued by corporations and other business organizations that are rated at the time of purchase within the three highest ratings categories of S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”), Fitch, Inc. / Fitch Ratings Ltd. (“Fitch”) or Moody’s Investors, Inc. (“Moody’s”) (or which, if unrated, are determined by a Co-Adviser to be of comparable quality). Unrated securities will be determined to be of comparable quality to rated debt obligations if, among other things, other outstanding obligations of the issuers of such securities are rated A or better. See Appendix A to this SAI for a description of corporate debt ratings. An issuer of debt obligations may default on its obligation to pay interest and repay principal. Also, changes in the financial strength of an issuer or changes in the credit rating of a security may affect its value.
1 |
|
Borrowing. The Fund may borrow up to 33 1/3 % of its total assets. A Co-Adviser intends to borrow only for temporary or emergency purposes, including to meet portfolio redemption requests so as to permit the orderly disposition of portfolio securities, or to facilitate settlement transactions on portfolio securities. Although the principal of such borrowings will be fixed, the Fund’s assets may change in value during the time the borrowing is outstanding. The Fund expects that some of its borrowings may be made on a secured basis. In such situations, either the custodian will segregate the pledged assets for the benefit of the lender or arrangements will be made with a suitable subcustodian, which may include the lender. If the securities held by the Fund should decline in value while borrowings are outstanding, the net asset value (“NAV”) of the Fund’s outstanding shares will decline in value by proportionately more than the decline in value suffered by the Fund’s securities. As a result, the Fund’s share price may be subject to greater fluctuation until the borrowing is paid off. The Fund’s short sales and related borrowings are not subject to the restrictions outlined above. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund will be required to maintain asset coverage of at least 300% for borrowings from a bank. In the event that such asset coverage is below 300%, the Fund will be required to reduce the amount of its borrowings to obtain 300% asset coverage within three business days.
Commodity-Linked Investments. The Fund may attempt to provide exposure to the returns of real assets that trade in the commodity markets without direct investment in real assets. Real assets include oil, gas, industrial and precious metals, livestock, and agricultural or meat products, or other items that have tangible properties. Commodity-linked derivative instruments include commodity index-linked securities and other derivative instruments that provide exposure to the investment returns of the commodities markets. Commodity-linked investments may be more volatile and less liquid than the underlying instruments and their value may be affected by the performance of commodities as well as weather, tax, and other regulatory or political developments, overall market movements and other factors affecting the value of particular industries or commodities, such as disease, embargoes, acts of war or terrorism.
The Fund may invest in commodity-linked derivative instruments such as commodity-linked structured notes. The Fund may invest in commodity-linked notes that pay a return linked to the performance of a commodities index or basket of futures contracts with respect to all of the commodities in an index. In some cases, the return will be based on some multiple of the performance of the index, and this embedded leverage will magnify the positive and negative return the Fund earns from these notes as compared to the index. The principal and/or interest payments of commodity-linked derivatives are tied to the value of a real asset or commodity index. Structured notes may be structured by the issuer and the purchaser of the note. The notes are derivative debt instruments with principal payments generally linked to the value of commodities, commodity futures contracts or the performance of commodity indices and interest and coupon payments pegged to a market-based interest rate, such as LIBOR or a bank’s prime rate. The value of these notes will rise or fall in response to changes in the underlying commodity or related index or investment. These notes expose the Fund economically to movements in commodity prices.
Convertible Securities and Preferred Stocks. 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. A convertible security entitles the holder to receive 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, convertible securities have characteristics similar to nonconvertible debt securities; they ordinarily provide a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than those of common stocks of the same or similar issuers. Convertible securities rank senior to common stock in a corporation’s capital structure but are usually subordinated to comparable nonconvertible securities. Investments in convertible securities generally entail less risk than the corporation’s common stock, although the extent to which such risk is reduced depends in large measure upon the degree to which the convertible security sells above its value as a fixed income security. Convertible securities have unique investment characteristics; in that they generally: (1) have higher yields than common stocks, but lower yields than comparable non-convertible securities; (2) are less subject to fluctuation in value than the underlying stock since they have fixed income characteristics; and (3) provide the potential for capital appreciation if the market price of the underlying common stock increases.
The value of a convertible security is a function of its “investment value” (determined by its yield in comparison with the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege) and its “conversion value” (the security’s worth, at market value, if converted into the underlying common stock). The investment value of a convertible security is influenced by changes in interest rates, with investment value declining
2 |
|
as interest rates increase and increasing as interest rates decline. The credit standing of the issuer and other factors also may have an effect on the convertible security’s investment value. The conversion value of a convertible security is determined by the market price of the underlying common stock. If the conversion value is low relative to the investment value, the price of the convertible security is governed principally by its investment value. Generally the conversion value decreases as the convertible security approaches maturity. To the extent the market price of the underlying common stock approaches or exceeds the conversion price, the price of the convertible security will be increasingly influenced by its conversion value. A convertible security generally will sell at a premium over its conversion value by the extent to which investors place value on the right to acquire the underlying common stock while holding a fixed income security.
A convertible security might be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security’s governing instrument. If a convertible security held by the Fund is called for redemption, that Fund will be required to permit the issuer to redeem the security, convert it into the underlying common stock or sell it to a third party. The Fund does not presently intend to invest more than 10% of its net assets in convertible securities or securities received by the Fund upon conversion thereof.
Preferred stocks are securities that represent an ownership interest in an issuer and provide their owner with claims on the company’s earnings and assets prior to the claims of owners of common stocks but after those of bond owners. Preferred stocks in which the Fund may invest include sinking fund, convertible, perpetual fixed and adjustable rate (including auction rate) preferred stocks. There is no minimum credit rating applicable to the Fund’s investment in preferred stocks and securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stock.
Equity Markets. The Fund invests primarily in equity markets at all times. Equity markets can be highly volatile, so that investing in the Fund involves substantial risk.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). The Fund may invest in open-end investment companies whose shares are listed for trading on a national securities exchange or the Nasdaq Market System. ETF shares typically trade like shares of common stock and provide investment results that generally correspond to the price and yield performance of the component stocks of a widely recognized index such as the S&P 500® Index. There can be no assurance, however, that this can be accomplished as it may not be possible for an ETF to replicate the composition and relative weightings of the securities of its corresponding index. Additionally, some ETFs are actively-managed by an investment adviser and/or sub-advisers and do not seek to provide investment results that correspond to an index.
ETFs are subject to risks of an investment in a broadly based portfolio of common stocks, including the risk that the general level of stock prices may decline, thereby adversely affecting the value of such investment. Actively-managed ETFs may not perform as well as its investment adviser and/or sub-advisers expect and/or the actively-managed ETFs portfolio management practices do not work to achieve their desired result. Individual shares of an ETF are generally not redeemable at their NAV, but trade on an exchange during the day at prices that are normally close to, but not the same as, their NAV. There is no assurance that an active trading market will be maintained for the shares of an ETF or that market prices of the shares of an ETF will be close to their NAVs.
Investments in securities of ETFs beyond the limitations set forth in Section 12(d)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act are subject to certain terms and conditions set forth in an exemptive order issued by the SEC to the exchange-traded fund. Section 12(d)(1)(A) states that a mutual fund may not acquire shares of other investment companies, such as ETFs, in excess of: 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of the investment company; 5% of its total assets invested in the investment company; or more than 10% of the fund’s total assets were to be invested in the aggregate in all investment companies. The purchase of shares of ETFs may result in duplication of expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to the Fund’s own expenses.
The Fund may also acquire investment company shares received or acquired as dividends, through offers of exchange or as a result of reorganization, consolidation or merger. The purchase of shares of other investment companies may result in duplication of expenses such that investors indirectly bear a proportionate share of the expenses of such mutual funds including operating costs and investment advisory and administrative fees.
Foreign Securities. The Fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers either directly or through American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”), European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) or
3 |
|
International Depositary Receipts (“IDRs”). ADRs are securities, typically issued by a U.S. financial institution (a “depositary”), that evidence ownership interests in a security or pool of securities issued by a foreign issuer and deposited with the depositary. ADRs may be listed on a national securities exchange or may trade in the over-the-counter market. ADR prices are denominated in U.S. dollars; the underlying security may be denominated in a foreign currency. GDRs, EDRs and IDRs are securities that represent ownership interests in a security or pool of securities issued by a non-U.S. or U.S. corporation. Depositary receipts may be available through “sponsored” or “unsponsored” facilities. A sponsored facility is established jointly by the issuer of the security underlying the receipt and the depositary, whereas an unsponsored facility is established by the depositary without participation by the issuer of the underlying security. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all of the costs of the unsponsored facility. The depositary of an unsponsored facility is frequently under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through, to the holders of the receipts, voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. The depositary of unsponsored depositary receipts may provide less information to receipt holders. Investments in depositary receipts do not eliminate the risks in investing in foreign issuers. The underlying security may be subject to foreign government taxes, which would reduce the yield on such securities.
Investments in foreign securities involve higher costs than investments in U.S. securities, including higher transaction costs as well as the imposition of additional taxes by foreign governments. Foreign investments may include additional risks associated with currency exchange rates and less complete financial information about the issuers, market liquidity and political stability. Volume and liquidity in most foreign bond markets are less than in the United States and volatility or price can be greater than in the United States. Future political and economic information, the possible imposition of withholding taxes on interest income, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, the possible establishment of exchange controls, or the adoption of other governmental restrictions, might adversely affect the payment of principal and interest on foreign obligations. Inability to dispose of Fund securities due to settlement problems could result either in 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. Individual foreign economies may differ from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth or gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position.
Fixed commissions on foreign securities exchanges are generally higher than negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges and there is generally less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges, brokers, dealers and listed companies than in the United States.
Settlement mechanics (e.g., mail service between the United States and foreign countries) may be slower or less reliable than within the United States, thus increasing the risk of delayed settlements of portfolio transactions. Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures, and 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. Such delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of the Fund is 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.
The Fund values its securities and other assets in U.S. dollars. As a result, the NAV of the Fund’s shares may fluctuate with U.S. dollar exchange rates as well as the price changes of the Fund’s securities in the various local markets and currencies. A change in the value of the U.S. dollar compared to the currencies in which the Fund makes its investments could affect the price of the Fund’s securities in their local markets. In addition to favorable and unfavorable currency exchange rate developments, the Fund is subject to the possible imposition of exchange control regulations or freezes on convertibility of currency.
The Fund may invest in obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks (Eurodollars) and U.S. branches of foreign banks (Yankee dollars) as well as foreign branches of foreign banks. These investments involve risks that are different from investments in securities of U.S. banks, including potential unfavorable political and economic developments, different tax provisions, seizure of foreign deposits, currency controls, interest limitations or other governmental restrictions which might affect payment of principal or interest. The Fund may also invest in Yankee bonds, which are issued by foreign governments and their agencies and foreign corporations, but pay interest in U.S. dollars and are typically issued in the United States.
4 |
|
European countries can be affected by the significant fiscal and monetary controls that the European Economic and Monetary Union (“EMU”) imposes for membership. Europe’s economies are diverse, its governments are decentralized, and its cultures vary widely. Several European Union (“EU”) countries, including Greece, Ireland, Italy, Spain and Portugal, have faced budget issues, some of which may have negative long-term effects for the economies of those countries and other EU countries. There is continued concern about national-level support for the euro and the accompanying coordination of fiscal and wage policy among EMU member countries. Member countries are required to maintain tight control over inflation, public debt, and budget deficit to qualify for membership in the EMU. These requirements can severely limit the ability of EMU member countries to implement monetary policy to address regional economic conditions.
In June of 2016, the United Kingdom (the “UK”) approved a referendum to leave the EU, commonly referred to as “Brexit,” which sparked depreciation in the value of the British pound and heightened risk of continued worldwide economic volatility. Pursuant to Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon, the UK gave notice in March 2017 of its withdrawal from the EU and commenced negotiations on the terms of withdrawal. With notice given, the negotiation period could last for two years or more. The UK is currently scheduled to withdraw from the EU on March 29, 2019. It is unclear what the potential consequences may be. In addition, it is possible that measures could be taken to revote the issue of the withdrawal, or that regions of the UK could seek to separate and remain a part of the EU. As a result of the scheduled withdrawal, the Fund may be exposed to volatile trading markets and significant and unpredictable currency fluctuations over a short period of time, and potentially lower economic growth in the UK, Europe and globally. Securities issued by companies domiciled in the UK could be subject to changing regulatory and tax regimes. Banking and financial services companies that operate in the UK or EU could be disproportionately affected by Brexit. Further insecurity in EU membership or the abandonment of the euro could exacerbate market and currency volatility and negatively affect the Fund’s investments in securities of issuers located in the EU. The effects of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, are not clear but could be significant and far-reaching.
Forward Commitment and When-Issued Transactions. The Fund may purchase or sell securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis (subject to its investment policies and restrictions). These transactions involve a commitment by the Fund to purchase or sell securities at a future date (ordinarily one or two months later). 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 purchases and forward commitments are negotiated directly with the other party, and such commitments are not traded on exchanges. The Fund will not enter into such transactions for the purpose of leverage.
When-issued purchases and forward commitments enable the Fund to lock in what is believed by the Co-Adviser 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 sell securities it owns and purchase the same or a similar security on a when-issued or forward commitment basis, thereby obtaining the benefit of currently higher yields. When-issued securities or forward commitments involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines prior to the settlement date.
The value of securities purchased on a when-issued 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, and the Fund is subject to the rights and risks of ownership of the securities on that date. The Fund does not earn interest on the securities it has committed to purchase until they are paid for and delivered on 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. Settlement of when-issued purchases and forward commitment transactions generally takes place within two months after the date of the transaction, but the Fund may agree to a longer settlement period.
The Fund will make commitments to purchase securities on a when-issued basis or to 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. The Fund also may sell securities it has committed to purchase before those securities are delivered to
5 |
|
the Fund on the settlement date. The Fund may realize a capital gain or loss in connection with these transactions, and its distributions from any net realized capital gains will be taxable to shareholders.
When the Fund purchases securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis, the Fund or its custodian will maintain in a segregated account cash or liquid securities having a value (determined daily) at least equal to the amount of the Fund’s purchase commitments. These procedures are designed to ensure that the Fund will maintain sufficient assets at all times to cover its obligations under when-issued purchases and forward commitments.
Forward Foreign Currency Transactions. The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts in order to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency exchange rates or to seek to increase total return. The Fund will conduct its foreign currency exchange transactions either on a spot ( i.e. , cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market, or through entering into forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies. A forward foreign currency exchange contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days (usually less than one year) from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts are traded in the interbank market conducted directly between traders (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. Although foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for conversion, they do realize a profit based on the difference (the spread) between the price at which they are buying and selling various currencies.
The Fund may engage in cross-hedging by using forward contracts in one currency to hedge against fluctuations in the value in financial instruments denominated or quoted in a different currency or to seek to increase total return. Cross-hedging may also include entering into a forward transaction involving two foreign currencies, using one foreign currency as a proxy for the U.S. dollar to hedge against variations in the other foreign currency.
The Fund may terminate its contractual obligation by purchasing an offsetting contract obligating it to purchase at the same maturity date, the same amount of such foreign currency and the Fund will realize 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 effected with the currency trader who is a party to the original forward contract.
The Fund’s transactions in forward contracts will be limited to those described above. The Fund is not required to enter into such transactions with regard to its foreign currency quoted or denominated instruments, and the Fund will not do so unless deemed appropriate by Campbell.
The Fund is required to “cover” its forward contracts position in order to limit leveraging and related risks. To cover its position, the Fund may segregate (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) cash or liquid assets that, when added to any amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the market value of the forward contract or otherwise “cover” its position in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and SEC interpretations thereunder. The segregated account functions as a practical limit on the amount of leverage which the Fund may undertake and on the potential increase in the speculative character of the Fund’s outstanding portfolio holdings. Additionally, such segregated accounts will generally assure the availability of adequate funds to meet the obligations of the Fund arising from such investment activities.
The Fund may enter into agreements with a futures commission merchant (“FCM”) which require the FCM to accept physical settlement for certain financial instruments. If this occurs, the Fund would treat the financial instrument as being cash-settled for purposes of determining the Fund’s coverage requirements. The SEC has not declared whether or not the use of such agreements are sufficient for the purpose of compliance with Section 18 of the 1940 Act. There is a risk, therefore, that the SEC may deem the use of such agreements as insufficient and that the Fund may not be permitted to continue to gain exposure to these contracts through the use of such agreements.
The Fund uses forward contracts as a method of protecting against a decline in the value of a currency but does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the investments and establishes a rate of exchange which can be achieved at some future point in time. The precise projection of short-term currency market movements is not possible. Short-term hedging provides a means of fixing the U.S. dollar value of only a portion of the Fund’s foreign assets but reduces any potential gain which may have otherwise occurred had the currency value increased above the settlement price of the contract.
6 |
|
Forward contracts used to reduce currency exchange rate risks or to increase total return involve certain other risks. Unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in a poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not engaged in any such transactions. There may be imperfect correlation between the Fund’s portfolio holdings denominated in a particular currency and forward contracts entered into by the Fund, causing the Fund to sustain losses which will prevent the Fund from achieving a complete hedge or expose the Fund to the risk of foreign exchange loss.
Forward contracts are subject to the risks that the counterparty to such contract will default on its obligations. A default on a forward foreign currency exchange contract would deprive the Fund of unrealized profits, transaction costs or the benefits of a currency hedge or force the Fund to cover its purchase or sale commitments, if any, at the current market price.
The Fund’s foreign currency transactions (including related options, futures and forward contracts) may be limited by the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), for qualification as a regulated investment company.
Foreign Currency Hedging Strategies. A “settlement hedge” or “transaction hedge” is designed to protect the Fund against an adverse change in foreign currency values between the date an instrument is purchased or sold and the date on which payment is made or received. Entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale of the amount of foreign currency involved in an underlying transaction for a fixed amount of U.S. dollars “locks in” the U.S. dollar price of the instrument. The Fund may also use forward contracts to purchase or sell a foreign currency when it anticipates purchasing or selling instruments denominated in foreign currency, even if it has not yet selected the specific investments.
The Fund may use forward contracts to hedge against a decline in the value of existing investments denominated in foreign currency. Such a hedge, sometimes referred to as a “position hedge,” would tend to offset both positive and negative currency fluctuations, but would not offset changes in values caused by other factors. The Fund could also hedge the position by selling another currency expected to perform similarly to the currency in which the Fund’s investment is denominated. This type of hedge, sometimes referred to as a “proxy hedge,” could offer advantages in terms of cost, yield, or efficiency, but generally would not hedge currency exposure as effectively as a direct hedge into U.S. dollars. Proxy hedges may result in losses if the currency used to hedge does not perform similarly to the currency in which the hedged securities are denominated.
Transaction and position hedging do not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the instruments that the Fund owns or intends to purchase or sell, they establish a rate of exchange that one can achieve at some future point in time. These techniques tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency and to limit any potential gain that might result from the increase in value of such currency.
The Fund may enter into forward contracts to shift its investment exposure from one currency into another. Such transactions may call for the delivery of one foreign currency in exchange for another foreign currency, including currencies in which its holdings are not then denominated. This may include shifting exposure from U.S. dollars to a foreign currency, or from one foreign currency to another foreign currency. This type of strategy, sometimes known as a “crosshedge,” will tend to reduce or eliminate exposure to the currency that is sold, and increase exposure to the currency that is purchased. Cross-hedges may protect against losses resulting from a decline in the hedged currency, but will cause the Fund to assume the risk of fluctuations in the value of the currency it purchases. Cross hedging transactions also involve the risk of imperfect correlation between changes in the values of the currencies involved.
The market value of portfolio holding at the expiration or maturity of a forward or futures contract cannot be forecast with precision and the Fund may have to transact additional foreign currency on the spot market.
There can be no assurance that any foreign currency hedge will be effective or that there will be a hedge in place at any given time.
Futures and Options on Futures. Futures contracts provide for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a financial instrument at a future time and at a price. An option on a futures
7 |
|
contract gives the purchaser the right, in exchange for a premium, to assume a position in a futures contract at a specified exercise price during the term of the option. The Fund may use futures contracts and related options for: bona fide hedging; attempting to offset changes in the value of financial instruments held or expected to be acquired or be disposed of; attempting to minimize fluctuations in foreign currencies; attempting to gain exposure to a particular market, index or instrument; or other risk management purposes.
The Fund is subject to regulation by the CFTC as a commodity pool and Campbell’s parent, Campbell & Company, LP (“Campbell & Company”) is subject to regulation by the CFTC as a commodity pool operator (“CPO”) for the Fund under the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”). Campbell & Company does not currently rely on an exclusion from the definition of CPO in CFTC Rule 4.5 for the Fund.
Transactions in futures and options by the Fund are subject to limitations established by futures and option exchanges governing the maximum number of futures and options that may be written or held by a single investor or group of investors acting in concert, regardless of whether the futures or options were written or purchased on the same or different exchanges or are held in one or more accounts or through one or more different exchanges or through one or more brokers. Thus the number of futures or options which the Fund may write or hold may be affected by futures or options written or held by other entities, including other investment companies advised by Campbell. An exchange may order the liquidation of positions found to be in violation of those limits and may impose certain other sanctions.
An index futures contract is a bilateral agreement where two parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of cash equal to a specified currency amount times the difference between the index value at the close of trading of the contract and the price at which the futures contract is originally struck. No physical delivery of the securities comprising the index is made; generally contracts are closed out prior to the expiration date of the contract.
When the Fund purchases or sells a futures contract, or sells an option thereon, the Fund is required to “cover” its position in order to limit leveraging and related risks. To cover its position, the Fund may segregate (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) cash or liquid assets that, when added to any amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the market value of the futures contract or otherwise “cover” its position in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and SEC interpretations thereunder. The segregated account functions as a practical limit on the amount of leverage which the Fund may undertake and on the potential increase in the speculative character of the Fund’s outstanding portfolio holdings. Additionally, such segregated accounts will generally assure the availability of adequate funds to meet the obligations of the Fund arising from such investment activities.
The Fund may enter into agreements with a FCM which require the FCM to accept physical settlement for certain financial instruments. If this occurs, the Fund would treat the financial instrument as being cash-settled for purposes of determining the Fund’s coverage requirements. The SEC has not declared whether or not the use of such agreements are sufficient for the purpose of compliance with Section 18 of the 1940 Act. There is a risk, therefore, that the SEC may deem the use of such agreements as insufficient and that the Fund may not be permitted to continue to gain exposure to these contracts through the use of such agreements.
The Fund may also cover its long position in a futures contract by purchasing a put option on the same futures contract with a strike price (i.e., an exercise price) as high or higher than the price of the futures contract. In the alternative, if the strike price of the put is less than the price of the futures contract, the Fund will segregate cash or liquid assets equal in value to the difference between the strike price of the put and the price of the futures contract. The Fund may also cover its long position in a futures contract by taking a short position in the instruments underlying the futures contract, or by taking positions in instruments with prices which are expected to move relatively consistently with the futures contract. The Fund may cover its short position in a futures contract by taking a long position in the instruments underlying the futures contracts, or by taking positions in instruments with prices which are expected to move relatively consistently with the futures contract.
The Fund may cover its sale of a call option on a futures contract by taking a long position in the underlying futures contract at a price less than or equal to the strike price of the call option. In the alternative, if the long position in the underlying futures contract is established at a price greater than the strike price of the written (sold) call, the Fund will maintain in a segregated account cash or liquid assets equal in value to the difference between the strike
8 |
|
price of the call and the price of the futures contract. The Fund may also cover its sale of a call option by taking positions in instruments with prices which are expected to move relatively consistently with the call option. The Fund may cover its sale of a put option on a futures contract by taking a short position in the underlying futures contract at a price greater than or equal to the strike price of the put option, or, if the short position in the underlying futures contract is established at a price less than the strike price of the written put, the Fund will maintain in a segregated account cash or liquid assets equal in value to the difference between the strike price of the put and the price of the futures contract. The Fund may also cover its sale of a put option by taking positions in instruments with prices which are expected to move relatively consistently with the put option.
There are significant risks associated with the Fund’s use of futures contracts and related options, including the following: (1) the success of a hedging strategy may depend on Campbell’s ability to predict movements in the prices of individual securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (2) there may be an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the instruments held by the Fund and the prices of futures and options on futures; (3) there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract or option; (4) trading restrictions or limitations may be imposed by an exchange; and (5) government regulations may restrict trading in futures contracts and options on futures. In addition, some strategies reduce the Fund’s exposure to price fluctuations, while others tend to increase its market exposure.
Investing in Emerging Markets, including Asia and Eastern Europe. The Fund may invest in securities of issuers located in emerging markets. Securities in emerging markets are less liquid and subject to greater price volatility, and have a smaller market capitalization, than the U.S. securities markets. In certain countries, there may be fewer publicly traded securities and the market may be dominated by a few issues or sectors. Issuers and securities markets in such countries are not subject to as extensive and frequent accounting, financial and other reporting requirements or as comprehensive government regulations as are issuers and securities markets in the U.S. In particular, the assets and profits appearing on the financial statements of emerging country issuers may not reflect their financial position or results of operations in the same manner as financial statements for U.S. issuers. Substantially less information may be publicly available about emerging market issuers than is available about issuers in the United States.
Emerging markets are typically marked by a high concentration of market capitalization and trading volume in a small number of issuers representing a limited number of industries, as well as a high concentration of ownership of such securities by a limited number of investors. Certain emerging markets are in the earliest stages of their development. Even the markets for relatively widely traded securities in emerging markets may not be able to absorb, without price disruptions, a significant increase in trading volume or trades of a size customarily undertaken by institutional investors in the securities markets of developed countries. The limited size of many of these markets can cause prices to be erratic for reasons apart from factors that affect the soundness and competitiveness of the securities issuers. For example, prices may be unduly influenced by traders who control large positions in these markets. Additionally, market making and arbitrage activities are generally less extensive in such markets, which may contribute to increased volatility and reduced liquidity of such markets. The limited liquidity of emerging country securities may also affect the Fund’s ability to value accurately its portfolio securities or to acquire or dispose of securities at the price and time it wishes to do so or in order to meet redemption requests.
Antiquated legal systems in certain emerging markets may have an adverse impact on the Fund. For example, while the potential liability of a shareholder in a U.S. corporation for acts of the corporation is generally limited to the amount of the shareholder’s investment, the notion of limited liability is less clear in certain emerging markets. Similarly, the rights of investors in emerging market companies may be more limited than those of shareholders in U.S. corporations.
Transaction costs, including brokerage commissions or dealer mark-ups, in emerging markets may be higher than in the United States and other developed securities markets. In addition, existing laws and regulations are often inconsistently applied. As legal systems in emerging countries develop, foreign investors may be adversely affected by new or amended laws and regulations. In circumstances where adequate laws exist, it may not be possible to obtain swift and equitable enforcement of the law.
Foreign investment in the securities markets of certain emerging countries is restricted or controlled to varying degrees. These restrictions may limit the Fund’s investment in certain emerging countries and may increase the
9 |
|
expenses of the Fund. Certain emerging countries require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons or limit investment by foreign persons to only a specified percentage of an issuer’s outstanding securities or a specific class of securities which may have less advantageous terms (including price) than securities of the company available for purchase by nationals. In addition, the repatriation of both investment income and capital from emerging countries may be subject to restrictions which require governmental consents or prohibit repatriation entirely for a period of time. Even where there is no outright restriction on repatriation of capital, the mechanics of repatriation may affect certain aspects of the operation of the Fund. The Fund may be required to establish special custodial or other arrangements before investing in certain emerging countries.
Emerging countries may be subject to a substantially greater degree of economic, political and social instability than is the case in the United States, Japan and most Western European countries. This instability may result from, among other things, the following: (i) authoritarian governments or military involvement in political and economic decision making, including changes or attempted changes in governments through extra-constitutional means; (ii) popular unrest associated with demands for improved conditions; (iii) internal insurgencies; (iv) hostile relations with neighboring countries; (v) ethnic, religious and racial disaffection or conflict; and (vi) the absence of developed legal structures governing foreign private investments and private property. Such economic, political and social instability could disrupt the principal financial markets in which the Fund may invest and adversely affect the value of the Fund’s assets. The Fund’s investments can also be adversely affected by any increase in taxes or by political, economic or diplomatic developments.
The economies of emerging countries may differ unfavorably from the U.S. economy in growth of gross domestic product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resources, self-sufficiency and balance of payments. Many emerging countries have experienced in the past, and continue to experience, high rates of inflation. In certain countries, inflation has at times accelerated rapidly to hyperinflationary levels, creating a negative interest rate environment and sharply eroding the value of outstanding financial assets in those countries. Other emerging countries, on the other hand, have recently experienced deflationary pressures and are in economic recessions. The economies of many emerging countries are heavily dependent upon international trade and are accordingly affected by protective trade barriers and the economic conditions of their trading partners. In addition, the economies of some emerging countries are vulnerable to weakness in world prices for their commodity exports. The Fund’s income and, in some cases, capital gains from foreign stocks and securities will be subject to applicable taxation in certain of the countries in which it invests, and treaties between the U.S. and such countries may not be available in some cases to reduce the otherwise applicable tax rates.
Investing in Frontier Countries. Frontier markets are a sub-set of emerging market countries. Frontier market countries generally have smaller economies or less developed capital markets than traditional emerging markets, and, as a result, the risks of investing in emerging market countries are magnified in frontier countries. The economies of frontier countries are less correlated to global economic cycles than those of their more developed counterparts and their markets have low trading volumes and the potential for extreme price volatility and illiquidity. These factors make investing in frontier countries significantly riskier than in other countries and any one of them could cause the price of the Fund’s NAV to decline.
Investments in China A-shares. The Fund may invest in equity securities of companies domiciled in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) that are listed and traded on the Shanghai Stock Exchange and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (“China A-shares”). Historically, foreign investors have been restricted from investing in China A-shares, other than through a license granted under regulations in the PRC that permits investment in China A-shares only up to a specified quota. In November 2014, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (“HKEx”), the Shanghai Stock Exchange and China Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation Limited (“ChinaClear”) launched the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect program, an investment channel that established cross-border, mutual stock market access. The Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect program (together with the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect program, “Stock Connect”) launched in 2016. Stock Connect provides foreign investors, such as the Fund, access to invest in China A-shares through their brokers in Hong Kong without obtaining a license.
Investments in Chinese securities involve the risks of investing in emerging markets, which may include an authoritarian government, nationalization or expropriation of private assets, less developed markets and currency devaluations. China A-shares are settled only in Renminbi (“RMB”), which may subject the Fund to the risk of currency fluctuations. Trading on the Shanghai Stock Exchange and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange is also subject to
10 |
|
daily price limits. Orders for China A-shares may not vary from the previous day’s closing price by more than 10%. There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist for any particular China A-share.
Investments through Stock Connect may be subject to additional risks. Stock Connect recently launched and regulations governing access to and use of Stock Connect are untested. The regulations are subject to change and there is no certainty as to how the regulations will be applied or interpreted. Regulators in the PRC or Hong Kong may issue additional regulations that affect a foreign investor’s ability to transact in China A-shares through Stock Connect, which regulations may adversely affect the Fund. Investments in China A-shares through Stock Connect are subject to Chinese securities regulations and listing rules. Securities regulations implemented in the PRC and Hong Kong differ significantly and trading through Stock Connect may give rise to issues based on these differences. Different fees, costs and taxes are imposed on foreign investors acquiring China A-shares through Stock Connect, and these fees, costs and taxes may be higher than comparable fees, costs and taxes imposed on owners of other securities providing similar investment exposure.
The Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of HKEx (“HKSCC”), and ChinaClear are responsible for the clearing, settlement and the provision of depository, nominee and other related services for trades initiated by investors in their respective markets. China A-shares purchased by a foreign investor through Stock Connect are held in an omnibus account registered in the name of HKSCC, as nominee on behalf of investors. The nature and rights, and methods of enforcing any rights, of the Fund as beneficial owner of China A-shares held through HKSCC as nominee are not well-defined under PRC law. There is lack of a clear definition of, and distinction between, legal ownership and beneficial ownership under PRC law and there have been few cases involving a nominee account structure in the PRC courts. The exact nature and methods of enforcement of the rights and interests of the Fund under PRC law is also uncertain. In the event that HKSCC becomes subject to winding up proceedings in Hong Kong there is a risk that the China A-shares may not be regarded as held for the beneficial ownership of the Fund or as part of the general assets of HKSCC available for general distribution to its creditors. Notwithstanding the fact that HKSCC does not claim proprietary interests in the China A-shares held in its omnibus stock account at ChinaClear, ChinaClear as the share registrar for China A-shares will still treat HKSCC as one of the shareholders when it handles corporate actions in respect of such China A-shares. HKSCC monitors the corporate actions affecting China A-shares and keeps participants of HKEx’s Central Clearing and Settlement System (“CCASS”) informed of all such corporate actions that require CCASS participants to take steps in order to participate in them. Investors may only exercise their voting rights by providing their voting instructions to the HKSCC through participants of the CCASS. All voting instructions from CCASS participants will be consolidated by HKSCC, who will then submit a combined single voting instruction to the relevant listed company.
The Fund’s investments in China A-shares through Stock Connect are not covered by Hong Kong’s Investor Compensation Fund. Hong Kong’s Investor Compensation Fund is established to pay compensation to investors of any nationality who suffer pecuniary losses as a result of default of a licensed intermediary or authorized financial institution in relation to exchange-traded products in Hong Kong. In addition, since the Fund is carrying out trading in China A-shares through securities brokers in Hong Kong but not PRC brokers, it is not protected by the China Securities Investor Protection Fund in the PRC.
Trading through Stock Connect may only be done on days when both PRC and Hong Kong markets are open for trading and when banking services in both markets are available on the corresponding settlement days. If either market is closed, the Fund will not be able to buy or sell China A-shares through Stock Connect in a timely manner. Therefore, an investment in China A-shares through Stock Connect may subject the Fund to the risk of price fluctuations on days where the Chinese market is open, but Stock Connect is not trading. Additionally, same day trading in China A-shares is not permitted. China A-shares will settle on the trade date (T), with cash settlement on the following day (T+1). An investor transacting in China A-shares must have a cash amount not less than the purchase price, or a number of shares not less than the size of the sell order, in its brokerage account on the day prior to the trade date. If an investor does not have sufficient funds or shares in its account, the investor’s buy or sell order will be rejected. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange conducts pre-trading checks to ensure compliance with these requirements.
Foreign investors trading China A-shares through Stock Connect are not subject to any individual investment quotas on trading activity, but are subject to daily quotas on the level of all trading activity through Stock Connect on a “net buy” basis. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange tracks daily trading activity in China A-shares through Stock Connect in real time. If trading activity on any given day exceeds the daily quota, buy orders will not be accepted for
11 |
|
the rest of that trading day, unless cancellation orders result in a positive daily quota balance during the trading day. Investors may continue to sell China A-shares or input order cancellation requests after the daily quota has been exceeded. The investment quotas may restrict the Fund from investing in China A-shares on a timely basis, which could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to effectively pursue its investment strategy, and such quotas are subject to change.
China A-shares purchased through Stock Connect may only be sold through Stock Connect and are not otherwise transferable. China A-shares designated as eligible for trading through Stock Connect may lose such designation at any time, and thereafter may be sold, but not purchased, through Stock Connect. Moreover, since all trades of eligible China A-shares through Stock Connect must be settled in RMB, investors must have timely access to a reliable supply of offshore RMB, which cannot be guaranteed.
Initial Public Offerings. The Fund may purchase stock in an initial public offering (“IPO”). An IPO is a company’s first offering of stock to the public. Risks associated with IPOs may include considerable fluctuation in the market value of IPO shares due to certain factors, such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, a limited number of shares available for trading, lack of information about the issuer and limited operating history. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. When the Fund’s asset base is small, a significant portion of the Fund’s performance could be attributable to investments in IPOs, because such investments would have a magnified impact on the Fund. As the Fund’s assets grow, the effect of the Fund’s investments in IPOs on the Fund’s performance probably will decline, which could reduce the Fund’s performance. Because of the price volatility of IPO shares, the Fund may choose to hold IPO shares for a very short period of time. This may increase the turnover of the Fund’s portfolio and may lead to increased expenses to the Fund, such as commissions and transaction costs. In addition, the Co-Adviser cannot guarantee continued access to IPOs.
Investment Company Securities. The Fund may invest in securities issued by other investment companies to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund’s investments in such securities currently are limited to, subject to certain exceptions, (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 with respect to investment companies in the aggregate. Investments in the securities of other investment companies will involve duplication of advisory fees and certain other expenses. Rule 12d1-1 under the 1940 Act permits the Fund to invest an unlimited amount of its uninvested cash in a money market fund so long as, among other things, said investment is consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives and policies. As a shareholder in an investment company, the Fund would bear its pro rata portion of the investment company’s expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to its own expenses.
Lending of Portfolio Securities. The Fund may lend its portfolio securities to financial institutions in accordance with the investment restrictions described below. Such loans would involve risks of delay in receiving additional collateral in the event the value of the collateral decreased below the value of the securities loaned or of delay in recovering the securities loaned or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. However, loans will be made only to borrowers deemed by the Co-Adviser to be of good standing and only when, in the Co-Adviser’s judgment, the income to be earned from the loans justifies the attendant risks. Any loans of the Fund’s securities will be fully collateralized and marked to market daily. The Fund does not have the right to vote loaned securities. The Fund will attempt to call all loaned securities back to permit the exercise of voting rights, if time and jurisdictional restrictions permit. There is no guarantee that all loans can be recalled.
Margin Deposits and Cover Requirements. Unlike the purchase or sale of portfolio securities, no price is paid or received by the Fund upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract. Initially, the Fund will be required to deposit with the broker an amount of cash or cash equivalents, known as initial margin, based on the value of the contract. The nature of initial margin in futures transactions is different from that of margin in securities transactions in that futures contract margin does not involve the borrowing of funds by the customer to finance the transactions. Rather, the initial margin is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the contract which is returned to the Fund upon termination of the futures contract, assuming all contractual obligations have been satisfied. Subsequent payments, called variation margin, to and from the broker, will be made on a daily basis as the price of the underlying instruments fluctuates, making the long and short positions in the futures contract more or less valuable, a process known as “marking to the market.” For example, when the Fund has purchased a futures contract and the price of the contract has risen in response to a rise in the price of the underlying instruments, that position will have increased in
12 |
|
value and the Fund will be entitled to receive from the broker a variation margin payment equal to that increase in value. Conversely, where the Fund has purchased a futures contract and the price of the futures contract has declined in response to a decrease in the underlying instruments, the position would be less valuable and the Fund would be required to make a variation margin payment to the broker. At any time prior to expiration of the futures contract, Campbell may elect to close the position by taking an opposite position, subject to the availability of a secondary market, which will operate to terminate the Fund’s position in the futures contract. A final determination of variation margin is then made, additional cash is required to be paid by or released to the Fund, and the Fund realizes a loss or gain.
The Fund will comply with guidelines established by the SEC with respect to coverage of forwards, futures, swaps and options. For example, when entering into a contract that must be cash settled, the Fund will cover (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) its position, when added to the amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the daily mark-to-market obligation, rather than the notional value of the contract.
When entering into a contract that does not need to be settled in cash, the Fund is also required to “cover” its position in order to limit leveraging and related risks. To cover its position, the Fund may segregate (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) cash or liquid assets that, when added to any amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the market value of the contract or otherwise “cover” its position in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and SEC interpretations thereunder. The segregated account functions as a practical limit on the amount of leverage which the Fund may undertake and on the potential increase in the speculative character of the Fund’s outstanding portfolio holdings. Additionally, such segregated accounts will generally assure the availability of adequate funds to meet the obligations of the Fund arising from such investment activities. Segregated assets cannot be sold or transferred unless equivalent assets are substituted in their place or it is no longer necessary to segregate them. As a result, there is a possibility that segregation of a large percentage of the Fund’s assets could impede portfolio management or the Fund’s ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations. If the Fund invests through a subsidiary, such subsidiary will comply with these coverage requirements to the same extent as the Fund that holds the subsidiary’s securities.
The Fund may enter into agreements with a FCM which require the FCM to accept physical settlement for certain financial instruments. If this occurs, the Fund would treat the financial instrument as being cash-settled for purposes of determining the Fund’s coverage requirements. The SEC has not declared whether or not the use of such agreements are sufficient for the purpose of compliance with Section 18 of the 1940 Act. There is a risk, therefore, that the SEC may deem the use of such agreements as insufficient and that the Fund may not be permitted to continue to gain exposure to these contracts through the use of such agreements.
The Fund may also cover its position in relation to forwards, futures, swaps and options through ownership of the underlying financial instrument, commodity index, or currency or by other portfolio positions or by other means consistent with applicable regulatory policies.
Market Fluctuation. The market value of the Fund’s investments and the Fund’s NAV will change in response to market conditions affecting the value of its portfolio securities. When interest rates decline, the value of fixed rate obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of fixed rate obligations can be expected to decline. In contrast, as interest rates on adjustable rate loans are reset periodically, yields on investments in such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates, causing the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed rate obligations. Because the investment alternatives available to the Fund may be limited by the specific objective of the Fund, investors should be aware that an investment in the Fund may be subject to greater market fluctuation than an investment in a portfolio of securities representing a broader range of investment alternatives. In view of the specialized nature of the investment activities of the Fund, an investment in the Fund should not be considered a complete investment program.
Micro-Cap, Small-Cap and Mid-Cap Stocks. The Fund may invest in securities of companies with micro-, small- and mid-size capitalizations which tend to be riskier than securities of companies with large capitalizations. Micro-, small- and mid-cap companies typically have smaller product lines and less access to liquidity than large cap companies, and are more sensitive to economic downturns. Growth prospects of micro-, small- and mid-cap companies tend to be less certain than large cap companies, and the dividends paid on micro-, small- and mid-cap stocks are
13 |
|
frequently negligible. Micro-, small- and mid-cap stocks have, on occasion, fluctuated in the opposite direction of large cap stocks or the general stock market. Securities of micro-, small- and mid-cap companies tend to be more volatile than those of large-cap companies. The market for micro- and small-cap securities may be thinly traded and as a result, greater fluctuations in the price of micro- and small-cap securities may occur.
Options. The Fund may purchase and write put and call options on indices, currencies, commodities or other financial instruments and enter into related closing transactions. A put option gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell, and the writer of the option the obligation to buy, the underlying instrument at any time during the option period. A call option gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the writer of the option the obligation to sell, the underlying instrument at any time during the option period. The premium paid to the writer is the consideration for undertaking the obligations under the option contract. Call options on foreign currency written by the Fund will be “covered” as set out below.
Put and call options on indices are similar to options on securities except that options on an index give the holder the right to receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the closing level of the underlying index is greater than (or less than, in the case of puts) the exercise price of the option. This amount of cash is equal to the difference between the closing price of the index and the exercise price of the option, expressed in dollars multiplied by a specified number. Thus, unlike options on individual securities, all settlements are in cash, and gain or loss depends on price movements in the particular market represented by the index generally, rather than the price movements in individual securities.
The Fund or the Subsidiary may enter into agreements with a FCM which require the FCM to accept physical settlement for certain financial instruments. If this occurs, the Fund would treat the financial instrument as being cash-settled for purposes of determining the Fund’s coverage requirements. Similarly, the Fund or Subsidiary may enter into agreements with counterparties which require the counterparty to settle currency forward contracts in US Dollar, rather than the deliverable currency. If this occurs, the Fund would treat the financial instrument as being cash-settled for purposes of determining the Fund’s coverage requirements. The SEC has not declared whether or not the use of such agreements are sufficient for the purpose of compliance with Section 18 of the 1940 Act. There is a risk, therefore, that the SEC may deem the use of such agreements as insufficient and that the Fund may not be permitted to continue to gain exposure to these contracts through the use of such agreements.
The initial purchase (sale) of an option contract is an “opening transaction.” In order to close out an option position, the Fund may enter into a “closing transaction,” which is simply the sale (purchase) of an option contract on the same instrument with the same exercise price and expiration date as the option contract originally opened. If the Fund is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction with respect to an option it has written, it will not be able to sell the underlying instrument until the option expires or the Fund delivers the instrument upon exercise.
The Fund may purchase options to protect against a decline in the market value of the holdings in its portfolio, to anticipate an increase in the market value of instruments that the Fund may seek to purchase in the future or to seek to increase total return. The Fund purchasing options pays a premium therefore. If price movements in the underlying instruments are such that exercise of the options would not be profitable for the Fund, loss of the premium paid may be offset by an increase in the value of the Fund’s instruments or by a decrease in the cost of acquisition of instruments by the Fund.
The Fund may write covered call options as a means of increasing the yield on its assets and as a means of providing limited protection against decreases in its market value. When the Fund writes an option, if the underlying instruments do not increase or decrease to a price level that would make the exercise of the option profitable to the holder thereof, the option generally will expire without being exercised and the Fund will realize as profit the premium received for such option. When a call option of which the Fund is the writer is exercised, the Fund will be required to sell the underlying instruments to the option holder at the strike price, and will not participate in any increase in the price of such securities above the strike price. When a put option of which the Fund is the writer is exercised, the Fund will be required to purchase the underlying instruments at a price in excess of the market value of such securities.
The Fund may purchase and write options on an exchange or over-the-counter. Over-the-counter options (“OTC options”) differ from exchange-traded options in several respects. They are transacted directly with dealers and not with a clearing corporation, and therefore entail the risk of non-performance by the dealer. OTC options are available
14 |
|
for a greater variety of securities and for a wider range of expiration dates and exercise prices than are available for exchange-traded options. Because OTC options are not traded on an exchange, pricing is done normally by reference to information from a market maker. The SEC believes that OTC options are generally illiquid.
The market value of an option generally reflects the market price of an underlying instrument. Other principal factors affecting market value include supply and demand, interest rates, the pricing volatility of the underlying instrument and the time remaining until the expiration date.
Risks associated with options transactions include: (1) the success of a hedging strategy may depend on an ability to predict movements in the prices of individual instruments, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (2) there may be an imperfect correlation between the movement in prices of options and the instruments underlying them; (3) there may not be a liquid secondary market for options; and (4) while the Fund will receive a premium when it writes covered call options, it may not participate fully in a rise in the market value of the underlying instrument.
Portfolio Turnover. Those investment strategies that require periodic changes to portfolio holdings with the expectation of outperforming equity indices are typically referred to as “active” strategies. These strategies contrast with “passive” (“index”) strategies that buy and hold only the stocks in the equity indices. Passive strategies tend to trade infrequently—only as the stocks in the indices change (largely due to changes in the sizes of the companies in the indices, takeovers or bankruptcies). Most equity mutual funds pursue active strategies, which have higher turnover than passive strategies.
The generally higher portfolio turnover of active investment strategies can adversely affect taxable investors, especially those in higher marginal tax brackets, in two particularly significant ways. First, short-term capital gains, which often accompany higher turnover investment strategies, are currently taxed at ordinary income rates. Ordinary income tax rates are generally higher than long-term capital gain tax rates. Thus, the tax liability is often higher for investors in active strategies. Second, the more frequent realization of gains caused by higher turnover investment strategies means that taxes will be paid sooner. Such acceleration of the tax liability is financially more costly to investors. Less frequent realization of capital gains allows the payment of taxes to be deferred until later years, allowing more of the gains to compound before taxes are paid. Consequently, after-tax compound rates of return will generally be higher for taxable investors using investment strategies with very low turnover, compared with high turnover strategies. The difference is particularly large when the general market rates of return are higher than average.
There are no limitations on the length of time that securities must be held by the Fund and the Fund’s annual portfolio turnover rate may vary significantly from year to year. A high rate of portfolio turnover (100% or more) involves correspondingly greater transaction costs, which must be borne by the applicable Fund and its shareholders.
In determining such portfolio turnover, U.S. government securities and all other securities (including options) which have maturities at the time of acquisition of one year or less (“short-term securities”) are excluded. The annual portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of the cost of purchases or proceeds from sales of portfolio securities for the year by the monthly average of the value of the portfolio securities owned by the Fund during the year. The monthly average is calculated by totaling the values of the portfolio securities as of the beginning and end of the first month of the year and as of the end of the succeeding 11 months and dividing the sum by 13. A turnover rate of 100% would occur if all of the Fund’s portfolio securities (other than short-term securities) were replaced once in a period of one year. If the Fund were to write a substantial number of options, which are exercised, the portfolio turnover rate of the Fund would increase. Increased portfolio turnover results in increased brokerage costs, which the Fund must pay, and the possibility of more short-term gains, distributions of which are taxable as ordinary income.
The Fund will trade its portfolio securities without regard to the length of time for which they have been held. To the extent that the Fund’s portfolio is traded for short-term market considerations and portfolio turnover rate exceeds 100%, the annual portfolio turnover rate of the Fund could be higher than most mutual funds.
Real Estate Investment Trust Securities. The Fund may invest in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”). REITs generally invest directly in real estate, in mortgages or in some combination of the two. Individual REITs may own a limited number of properties and may concentrate in a particular region or property type. A REIT is a corporation, or a business trust that would otherwise be taxed as a corporation, which meets the definitional
15 |
|
requirements of the Code. The Code permits a qualifying REIT to deduct dividends paid, thereby effectively eliminating corporate level Federal income tax and making the REIT a pass-through vehicle for Federal income tax purposes. To meet the definitional requirements of the Code, a REIT must, among other things, invest substantially all of its assets in interests in real estate (including mortgages and other REITs) or cash and government securities, derive most of its income from rents from real property or interest on loans secured by mortgages on real property, and distribute to shareholders annually a substantial portion of its otherwise taxable income.
Generally, REITs can be classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs and hybrid REITs. Equity REITs invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive their income primarily from rents and capital gains from appreciation realized through property sales. Mortgage REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive their income primarily from interest payments. Hybrid REITs combine the characteristics of both equity and mortgage REITs. The values of securities issued by REITs are affected by tax and regulatory requirements and by perceptions of management skill. They also are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers or tenants, self-liquidation and the possibility of failing to qualify for tax-free status under the Code or to maintain exemption from the 1940 Act. Unexpected high rates of default on the mortgages held by a mortgage pool may adversely affect the value of a mortgage-backed security and could result in losses to a mortgage REIT. The risk of such defaults is generally higher in the case of mortgage pools that include subprime mortgages. To the extent that a mortgage REIT’s portfolio is exposed to lower-rated, unsecured or subordinated instruments, the risk of loss may increase, which may have a negative impact on the Fund.
The REITs in which the Fund may invest may be affected by economic forces and other factors related to the real estate industry. REITs are sensitive to factors such as changes in real estate values, property taxes, interest rates, cash flow of underlying real estate assets, occupancy rates, government regulations affecting zoning, land use and rents, and management skill and creditworthiness of the issuer. Companies in the real estate industry may also be subject to liabilities under environmental and hazardous waste laws. REITS whose underlying assets include long-term health care properties; such as nursing, retirement and assisted living homes, may be impacted by federal regulations concerning the health care industry. The Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of expenses, including management fees, paid by each REIT in which it invests in addition to the expenses of the Fund. The Fund is also subject to the risk that the REITs in which it invests will fail to qualify for tax-free pass-through of income under the Code, and/or fail to qualify for an exemption from registration as an investment company under the 1940 Act. Mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of the credit extended. A REIT’s return may be adversely affected when interest rates are high or rising.
Investing in REITs may involve risks similar to those associated with investing in small capitalization companies. REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities. Historically, small capitalization stocks, such as REITs, have been more volatile in price than the larger capitalization stocks included in the S&P 500 ® .
Restricted and Illiquid Securities. The Fund may not invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, which are defined as securities which the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the security. Illiquid securities include securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily available market or legal or contractual restrictions on resale. Illiquid securities include: repurchase agreements and time deposits with a notice or demand period of more than seven days; interest rate; currency, mortgage and credit default swaps; interest rate caps; floors and collars; municipal leases; certain restricted securities, such as those purchased in a private placement of securities, unless it is determined, based upon a review of the trading markets for a specific restricted security, that such restricted security is liquid; and certain over-the-counter options. Securities that have legal or contractual restrictions on resale but have a readily available market are not considered illiquid for purposes of this limitation. With respect to the Fund, repurchase agreements subject to demand are deemed to have a maturity equal to the notice period.
Mutual funds do not typically hold a significant amount of restricted or other illiquid securities because of the potential for delays on resale and uncertainty in valuation. Limitations on resale may have an adverse effect on the marketability of portfolio securities and a mutual fund might be unable to dispose of restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty in satisfying redemptions within
16 |
|
seven days. A mutual fund might also have to register such restricted securities in order to dispose of them resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of securities.
The Fund may purchase securities which are not registered under the Securities Act but which may be sold to “qualified institutional buyers” in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act (“Restricted Securities”). These securities will not be considered illiquid so long as it is determined by a Co-Adviser that an adequate trading market exists for the securities. This investment practice could have the effect of increasing the level of illiquidity in the Fund during any period that qualified institutional buyers become uninterested in purchasing restricted securities.
The Co-Advisers will monitor the liquidity of Restricted Securities held by the Fund under the supervision of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). In reaching liquidity decisions, a Co-Adviser may consider, among others, the following factors: (1) the unregistered nature of the security; (2) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (3) the number of dealers wishing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other potential purchasers; (4) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; and (5) the nature of the security and the nature of the marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers and the mechanics of the transfer).
The purchase price and subsequent valuation of Restricted Securities normally reflect a discount from the price at which such securities trade when they are not restricted, since the restriction makes them less liquid. The amount of the discount from the prevailing market price is expected to vary depending upon the type of security, the character of the issuer, the party who will bear the expenses of registering the Restricted Securities and prevailing supply and demand conditions.
In October 2016, the SEC adopted a liquidity risk management rule, Rule 22e-4 (the “Liquidity Rule”), that requires the Fund to establish a liquidity risk management program by December 1, 2018, although certain requirements under the rule will not go into effect until June 1, 2019. The impact the Liquidity Rule will have on the Fund is not yet fully known, but the Liquidity Rule could impact the Fund’s performance and its ability to achieve its investment objective. If the limitation on illiquid securities is exceeded, other than by a change in market values, the condition will be reported to the Board and, when required, to the SEC.
Risk Considerations of Medium Grade Securities. Obligations in the lowest investment grade (i.e., BBB or Baa), referred to as “medium grade” obligations, have speculative characteristics, and changes in economic conditions and other factors are more likely to lead to weakened capacity to make interest payments and repay principal on these obligations than is the case for higher rated securities. In the event that a security purchased by the Fund is subsequently downgraded below investment grade, a Co-Adviser will consider such event in its determination of whether the Fund should continue to hold the security.
Special Situation Companies. The Fund may invest in “Special Situations.” The term “Special Situation” shall be deemed to refer to a security of a company in which an unusual and possibly non-repetitive development is taking place which, in the opinion of the investment adviser of the Fund, may cause the security to attain a higher market value independently, to a degree, of the trend in the securities market in general. The particular development (actual or prospective), which may qualify a security as a “Special Situation,” may be one of many different types.
Such developments may include, among others, a technological improvement or important discovery or acquisition which, if the expectation for it materialized, would effect a substantial change in the company’s business; a reorganization; a recapitalization or other development involving a security exchange or conversion; a merger, liquidation or distribution of cash, securities or other assets; a breakup or workout of a holding company; litigation which, if resolved favorably, would improve the value of the company’s stock; a new or changed management; or material changes in management policies. A “Special Situation” may often involve a comparatively small company, which is not well known, and which has not been closely watched by investors generally, but it may also involve a large company. The fact, if it exists, that an increase in the company’s earnings, dividends or business is expected, or that a given security is considered to be undervalued, would not in itself be sufficient to qualify as a “Special Situation.” The Fund may invest in securities (even if not “Special Situations”) which, in the opinion of the investment adviser of the Fund, are appropriate investments for the Fund, including securities which the investment adviser of the Fund believes are undervalued by the market. The Fund shall not be required to invest any minimum percentage of its
17 |
|
aggregate portfolio in “Special Situations,” nor shall it be required to invest any minimum percentage of its aggregate portfolio in securities other than “Special Situations.”
Securities of Unseasoned Issuers. The Fund may invest in securities of unseasoned issuers, including equity securities of unseasoned issuers which are not readily marketable, to the extent consistent with the Fund’s primary investment strategies as set forth in the Prospectus and with the Fund’s policy on investments in illiquid securities.
Securities Lending. The Fund may lend portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other financial organizations that meet capital and other credit requirements or other criteria established by the Board. These loans, if and when made, may not exceed 33 1/3 % of the total asset value of the Fund (including the loan collateral). The Fund will not lend portfolio securities to the Co-Adviser or its affiliates unless permissible under the 1940 Act and the rules and promulgations thereunder. Loans of portfolio securities will be fully collateralized by cash, letters of credit or U.S. government securities, and the collateral will be maintained in an amount equal to at least 102% of the current market value of the loaned domestic securities (105% of loaned foreign securities) by marking to market daily. Any gain or loss in the market price of the securities loaned that might occur during the term of the loan would be for the account of the Fund.
The Fund may pay a part of the interest earned from the investment of collateral, or other fee, to an unaffiliated or, to the extent consistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and SEC interpretations thereunder, affiliated third party for acting as the Fund’s securities lending agent.
By lending its securities, the Fund may increase its income by receiving payments from the borrower that reflect the amount of any interest or any dividends payable on the loaned securities as well as by either investing cash collateral received from the borrower in short-term instruments or obtaining a fee from the borrower when U.S. government securities or letters of credit are used as collateral. The Fund does not have the right to vote loaned securities. The Fund will attempt to call all loaned securities back to permit the exercise of voting rights on material matters, if time and jurisdictional restrictions permit. There is no guarantee that all loans can be recalled.
Short Sales. As consistent with the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund may each enter into short sales that are “uncovered”. Uncovered short sales are transactions in which the Fund sells an instrument it does not own. To complete such a transaction, the Fund must borrow the instrument to make delivery to the buyer. The Fund then is obligated to replace the instrument borrowed by purchasing the instrument at the market price at the time of replacement. The price at such time may be more or less than the price at which the instrument was sold by the Fund. Until the instrument is replaced, the Fund is required to pay to the lender amounts equal to any dividends or interest that accrue during the period of the loan. To borrow the instrument, the Fund also may be required to pay a premium, which would increase the cost of the instrument sold. The proceeds of the short sale will be retained by the broker, to the extent necessary to meet margin requirements, until the short position is closed out.
Until the Fund replaces a borrowed instrument in connection with a short sale, the Fund will: (a) maintain daily a segregated account, containing cash, cash equivalents, or liquid assets at such a level that the amount deposited in the account plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral will equal the current value of the instrument sold short or (b) otherwise cover its short position in accordance with positions taken by the staff of the SEC.
The Fund will incur a loss as a result of the short sale if the price of the instrument increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund replaces the borrowed instrument. The Fund will realize a gain if the instrument declines in price between those dates. This result is the opposite of what one would expect from a cash purchase of a long position in an instrument. The amount of any gain will be decreased, and the amount of any loss increased, by the amount of any premium or amounts in lieu of interest the Fund may be required to pay in connection with a short sale. The Fund may purchase call options to provide a hedge against an increase in the price of an instrument sold short by the Fund. See the section entitled “Options” above.
In addition to the short sales discussed above, the Fund may make short sales “against the box,” transactions in which the Fund enters into a short sale of a security that the Fund owns or has the right to obtain at no additional cost. The proceeds of the short sale will be held by a broker until the settlement date at which time the Fund delivers the security to close the short position. The Fund receives the net proceeds from the short sale.
18 |
|
Structured Securities. The Fund may invest in structured securities. The value of the principal of and/or interest on structured securities is determined by reference to changes in the value of specific currencies, commodities, securities, indices or other financial indicators (the “Reference”) or the relative change in two or more References. The interest rate or the principal amount payable upon maturity or redemption may be increased or decreased depending upon changes in the applicable Reference. Examples of structured securities include, but are not limited to, notes where the principal repayment at maturity is determined by the value of the relative change in two or more specified securities or securities indices.
The terms of some structured securities may provide that in certain circumstances no principal is due at maturity and, therefore, the Fund could suffer a total loss of its investment. Structured securities may be positively or negatively indexed, so that appreciation of the Reference may produce an increase or decrease in the interest rate or value of the security at maturity. In addition, changes in the interest rate or the value of the security at maturity may be a multiple of the changes in the value of the Reference. Consequently, structured securities may entail a greater degree of market risk than other types of securities. Structured securities may also be more volatile, less liquid and more difficult to accurately price than less complex securities due to their derivative nature.
Subsidiary Risk. The Fund may in the future make investments through a subsidiary of the Fund organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands. Investment in a subsidiary is expected to provide the Fund with exposure to the commodity markets within the limitations of Subchapter M of Subtitle A, Chapter 1, of the Code.
While a subsidiary may be considered similar to an investment company, it is not registered under the 1940 Act and, unless otherwise noted in the Prospectus and this SAI, is not subject to all of the investor protections of the 1940 Act and other U.S. regulations. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the Fund and/or a subsidiary to operate as described in the Prospectuses and this SAI and could negatively affect the Fund and its shareholders.
Swap Agreements. Swap agreements are two-party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging from a day to more than one-year. In a standard “swap” transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments. The gross returns to be exchanged or “swapped” between the parties are calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” i.e. , the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested in a “basket” of securities representing a particular index. Forms of swap agreements include interest rate caps, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates exceed a specified rate, or “cap,” interest rate floors, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates fall below a specified level, or “floor,” and interest rate dollars, under which a party sells a cap and purchases a floor or vice versa in an attempt to protect itself against interest rate movements exceeding given minimum or maximum levels.
Most swap agreements entered into by the Fund calculate the obligations of the parties to the agreement on a “net basis.” Consequently, the Fund’s current obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the “net amount”). The Fund’s current obligations under a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owing to the Fund) and any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed to a swap counterparty will be covered by segregating assets determined to be liquid.
Obligations under swap agreements so covered will not be construed to be “senior securities” for purposes of the Fund’s investment restriction concerning senior securities. Because they are two party contracts and because they may have terms of greater than seven days, swap agreements may be considered to be illiquid for the Fund’s illiquid investment limitation. The Fund will not enter into any swap agreement unless Campbell believes that the other party to the transaction is creditworthy. The Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty.
The Fund may enter into swap agreements to invest in a market without owning or taking physical custody of securities in circumstances in which direct investment is restricted for legal reasons or is otherwise impracticable. The counterparty to any swap agreement will typically be a bank, investment banking firm or broker/dealer. The counter-party will generally agree to pay the Fund the amount, if any, by which the notional amount of the swap agreement
19 |
|
would have increased in value had it been invested in the particular stocks, plus the dividends that would have been received on those stocks. The Fund will agree to pay to the counter-party a floating rate of interest on the notional amount of the swap agreement plus the amount, if any, by which the notional amount would have decreased in value had it been invested in such stocks. Therefore, the return to the Fund on any swap agreement should be the gain or loss on the notional amount plus dividends on the stocks less the interest paid by the Fund on the notional amount.
Swap agreements typically are settled on a net basis, which means that the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. Payments may be made at the conclusion of a swap agreement or periodically during its term. Swap agreements do not involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to swap agreements is limited to the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the other party to a swap agreement defaults, the Fund’s risk of loss consists of the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually entitled to receive, if any. The net amount of the excess, if any, of the Fund’s obligations over its entitlements with respect to each equity swap will be accrued on a daily basis and an amount of cash or liquid assets, having an aggregate net asset value at least equal to such accrued excess will be maintained in a segregated account by the Fund’s custodian. Inasmuch as these transactions are entered into for hedging purposes or are offset by segregated cash of liquid assets, as permitted by applicable law, the Fund and Campbell believe that these transactions do not constitute senior securities under the 1940 Act and, accordingly, will not treat them as being subject to the Fund’s borrowing restrictions.
Global regulatory changes could adversely affect the Fund by restricting its trading activities and/or increasing the costs or taxes to which its investors are subject. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) in the U.S., and the European Market Infrastructure Regulation (“EMIR”) in the EU (among others), grant prudential and financial regulators (notably the SEC and CFTC in the U.S. and European Securities and Markets Authority in the EU) the jurisdictional and rulemaking authority necessary to impose comprehensive regulations on the OTC and cleared derivatives markets. These regulations include, but are not limited to, requirements relating to disclosure, trade processing, trade reporting, margin and registration requirements. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, regulations are now in effect that require swap dealers to post and collect variation margin (comprised of specified liquid instruments and subject to a required haircut) in connection with trading of OTC swaps with the Fund. Requirements for posting of initial margin in connection with OTC swaps will be phased-in through 2020. The implementation of these margin requirements with respect to OTC swaps, as well as the other types of regulations described above and other global regulatory initiatives, could adversely impact the Fund by increasing transaction costs and/or regulatory compliance costs, limiting the availability of certain derivatives or otherwise adversely affecting the value or performance of derivatives that the Fund trades. Other potentially adverse regulatory obligations can develop suddenly and be imposed without notice.
· Total Return Swaps. Total return swaps are contracts in which one party agrees to make payments of the total return from the underlying asset during the specified period, in return for payments equal to a fixed or floating rate of interest or the total return from another underlying asset. The total return includes appreciation or depreciation on the underlying asset, plus any interest or dividend payments. Payments under the swap are based upon an agreed upon principal amount but since the principal amount is not exchanged, it represents neither an asset nor a liability to either counterparty, and is referred to as notional. Total return swaps are marked to market daily using different sources, including quotations from counterparties, pricing services, brokers or market makers. The unrealized appreciation (depreciation) related to the change in the valuation of the notional amount of the swap is combined with the amount due to the Fund at termination or settlement. The primary risks associated with total returns swaps are credit risks (if the counterparty fails to meet its obligations) and market risk (if there is no liquid market for the agreement or unfavorable changes occur to the underlying asset).
· Interest Rate Swaps. Interest rate swaps are financial instruments that involve the exchange of one type of interest rate for another type of interest rate cash flow on specified dates in the future. Some of the different types of interest rate swaps are “fixed-for floating rate swaps,” “termed basis swaps” and “index amortizing swaps.” Fixed-for floating rate swaps involve the exchange of fixed interest rate cash flows for floating rate cash flows. Termed basis swaps entail cash flows to both parties based on floating interest rates, where the interest rate indices are different. Index amortizing swaps are typically fixed-for floating swaps where the notional amount changes if certain conditions are met.
20 |
|
Like a traditional investment in a debt security, the Fund could lose money by investing in an interest rate swap if interest rates change adversely. For example, if the Fund enters into a swap where it agrees to exchange a floating rate of interest for a fixed rate of interest, the Fund may have to pay more money than it receives. Similarly, if the Fund enters into a swap where it agrees to exchange a fixed rate of interest for a floating rate of interest, the Fund may receive less money than it has agreed to pay.
· Currency Swaps. A currency swap is an agreement between two parties in which one party agrees to make interest rate payments in one currency and the other promises to make interest rate payments in another currency. The Fund may enter into a currency swap when it has one currency and desires a different currency. Typically the interest rates that determine the currency swap payments are fixed, although occasionally one or both parties may pay a floating rate of interest. Unlike an interest rate swap, however, the principal amounts are exchanged at the beginning of the contract and returned at the end of the contract. Changes in foreign exchange rates and changes in interest rates, as described above may negatively affect currency swaps.
· Caps, Collars and Floors. Caps and floors have an effect similar to buying or writing options. In a typical cap or floor agreement, one party agrees to make payments only under specified circumstances, usually in return for payment of a fee by the other party. For example, the buyer of an interest rate cap obtains the right to receive payments to the extent that a specified interest rate exceeds an agreed-upon level. The seller of an interest rate floor is obligated to make payments to the extent that a specified interest rate falls below an agreed-upon level. An interest rate collar combines elements of buying a cap and selling a floor.
Each Co-Adviser, under the supervision of the Board, is responsible for determining and monitoring the liquidity of Fund transactions in swap agreements. The use of swaps is a highly specialized activity, which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions.
Recent market developments related to swaps have prompted increased scrutiny with respect to these instruments. As a result of the Dodd-Frank Act, swaps may in the future be subject to increased regulation. Such regulation may limit the Fund’s ability to use swaps and increase the cost of using swaps.
Special Note Regarding Market Events. Events in the financial sector over the past several years have resulted in reduced liquidity in credit and fixed income markets and in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestically and internationally. While entire markets have been impacted, issuers that have exposure to the real estate, mortgage and credit markets have been particularly affected. These events and the potential for continuing market turbulence may have an adverse effect on the Fund’s investments. It is uncertain how long these conditions will continue.
The instability in the financial markets has led the U.S. government to take a number of unprecedented actions designed to support certain financial institutions and certain segments of the financial markets. Federal, state and foreign governments, regulatory agencies, and self-regulatory organizations may take actions that affect the regulation of the instruments in which the Fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that are unforeseeable. Such legislation or regulation could limit or preclude the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective.
Governments or their agencies may also acquire distressed assets from financial institutions and acquire ownership interests in those institutions. The implications of government ownership and disposition of these assets are unclear, and such ownership or disposition may have positive or negative effects on the liquidity, valuation and performance of the Fund’s holdings.
Tax Risk. The Fund intends to qualify annually to be treated as a regulated investment company under the Code. To qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code, the Fund must invest in assets which produce the types of income specified in the Code and the Treasury regulations (“Qualifying Income”). Whether the income from certain derivatives, swaps, commodity-linked derivatives and other commodity/natural resource-related securities, including income from the Fund’s investment in any subsidiary, is Qualifying Income is unclear. The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has issued a ruling that income realized from certain types of commodity-linked derivatives would not be Qualifying Income. The Fund’s investment in a subsidiary is expected to provide the Fund with exposure to the commodities markets within the limitations of the Code for qualification as a regulated investment company, but there is a risk that the IRS could assert that the income derived from the Fund’s investment in a subsidiary
21 |
|
and certain commodity-linked structured notes will not be considered Qualifying Income. In addition, pursuant to recent guidance issued by the Treasury and the IRS, a subsidiary’s commodity related income for a taxable year will only be treated as Qualifying Income to the extent the subsidiary actually distributes such income out of its earnings and profits to the Fund for such taxable year. If the Fund’s income from these types of securities and from any subsidiary is determined to not be Qualifying Income, it may cause the Fund to fail to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code. Moreover, an investment in a subsidiary generally may not exceed 25% of the value of the gross assets of the Fund at the end of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year. If the subsidiary does exceed 25% of the value of the gross assets of the Fund, in any quarter, the Fund may fail to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code.
U.S. Government Obligations. The Fund may purchase U.S. government agency and instrumentality obligations that are debt securities issued by U.S. government-sponsored enterprises and federal agencies. Some obligations of agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government or by U.S. Treasury guarantees, such as securities of the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) and the Federal Housing Authority; others, by the ability of the issuer to borrow, provided approval is granted, from the U.S. Treasury, such as securities of Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) and others, only by the credit of the agency or instrumentality issuing the obligation, such as securities of Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) and the Federal Home Loan Banks (“FHLBs”). Such guarantees of U.S. government securities held by the Fund do not, however, guarantee the market value of the shares of the Fund. There is no guarantee that the U.S. government will continue to provide support to its agencies or instrumentalities in the future. U.S. government obligations that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government are subject to greater risks than those that are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. All U.S. government obligations are subject to interest rate risk.
In September 2008, the U.S. Treasury Department and Federal Housing finance Agency (“FHFA”) announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would be placed in conservatorship under the FHFA. On June 16, 2010, FHFA ordered Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s stock de-listed from the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) after the price of common stock in Fannie Mae fell below the NYSE’s minimum average closing price of $1 for more than 30 days. The long-term effect that this conservatorship will have on Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s debt and equity and on securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is unclear.
The Fund’s net assets may be invested in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury or the agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government, including, if applicable, options and futures on such obligations. The maturities of U.S. government securities usually range from three months to thirty years. Examples of types of U.S. government obligations include U.S. Treasury Bills, Treasury Notes and Treasury Bonds and the obligations of Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Farm Credit Banks, Federal Land Banks, the Federal Housing Administration, Farmers Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Small Business Administration, Fannie Mae, GNMA, General Services Administration, Central Bank for Cooperatives, Freddie Mac, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, the Maritime Administration, the Asian-American Development Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. U.S. government securities may include inflation-indexed fixed income securities, such as U.S. Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (“TIPS”). The interest rate of TIPS, which is set at auction, remains fixed throughout the term of the security and the principal amount of the security is adjusted for inflation. The inflation-adjusted principal is not paid until maturity.
There is risk that the U.S. government will not provide financial support to its agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. The Fund may purchase U.S. government securities that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, such as those issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some U.S. government securities held by the Fund may greatly exceed their current resources, including their legal right to support from the U.S. Treasury. It is possible that these issuers will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future.
NON-PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS
Commercial Paper. The Fund may purchase commercial paper rated (at the time of purchase) “A-1” by S&P® or “Prime-1” by Moody’s or, when deemed advisable by a Co-Adviser, issues rated “A-2” or “Prime-2” by S&P® or Moody’s, respectively. These rating categories are described in Appendix “A” to this SAI. The Fund may
22 |
|
also purchase unrated commercial paper provided that such paper is determined to be of comparable quality by a Co-Adviser pursuant to guidelines approved by the Board. Commercial paper issues in which the Fund may invest include securities issued by corporations without registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) in reliance on the exemption from such registration afforded by Section 3(a) (3) thereof, and commercial paper issued in reliance on the so-called “private placement” exemption from registration, which is afforded by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act (“Section 4(2) paper”). Section 4(2) paper is restricted as to disposition under the federal securities laws in that any resale must similarly be made in an exempt transaction. Section 4(2) paper is normally resold to other institutional investors through or with the assistance of investment dealers who make a market in Section 4(2) paper, thus providing liquidity. The Fund does not presently intend to invest more than 5% of its net assets in commercial paper.
Cyber Security Risk. The Fund and its service providers may be prone to operational and information security risks resulting from breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption, or lose operational capacity. Breaches in cyber security include, among other behaviors, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, denial of service attacks on websites, the unauthorized release of confidential information or various other forms of cyber-attacks. Cyber security breaches affecting the Fund, each Co-Adviser, custodian, transfer agent, intermediaries and other third-party service providers may adversely impact the Fund. For instance, cyber security breaches may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, impact the Fund’s ability to calculate its NAVs, cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential business information, impede trading, subject the Fund to regulatory fines or financial losses and/or cause reputational damage. The Fund may also incur additional costs for cyber security risk management purposes. Similar types of cyber security risks are also present for issuers of securities in which the Fund may invest, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause the Fund’s investment in such companies to lose value. While the Fund and its service providers have established IT and data security programs and have in place business continuity plans and other systems designed to prevent losses and mitigate cyber security risk, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified or that cyber-attacks may be highly sophisticated.
Holding Company Depository Receipts. The Fund may invest in Holding Company Depository Receipts (“HOLDRS”). HOLDRS represent trust-issued receipts that represent individual and undivided beneficial ownership interests in the common stock or ADRs of specific companies in a particular industry, sector or group. The Fund does not presently intend to invest more than 5% of their respective net assets in HOLDRS.
Indexed Securities. The Fund may invest in indexed securities whose value is linked to securities indices. Most such securities have values which rise and fall according to the change in one or more specified indices, and may have characteristics similar to direct investments in the underlying securities. Depending on the index, such securities may have greater volatility than the market as a whole. The Fund does not presently intend to invest more than 5% of its respective net assets in indexed securities.
Large Shareholder Purchase and Redemption Risk. The Fund may experience adverse effects when certain large shareholders purchase or redeem large amounts of shares of the Fund. Such large shareholder redemptions may cause the Fund to sell its securities at times when it would not otherwise do so, which may negatively impact the Fund’s NAV and liquidity. Similarly, large share purchases may adversely affect the Fund’s performance to the extent that the Fund is delayed in investing new cash and is required to maintain a larger cash position than it ordinarily would. In addition, a large redemption could result in the Fund’s current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the Fund’s expense ratio. However, this risk may be limited to the extent that the C-Adviser and the Fund have entered into a fee waiver and/or reimbursement arrangement.
Money Market Instruments. The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in short-term, high-quality instruments for purposes of temporary defensive measures, which instruments include, among other things, bank obligations. Bank obligations include bankers’ acceptances, negotiable certificates of deposit, and non-negotiable time deposits earning a specified return and issued by a U.S. bank which is a member of the Federal Reserve System or insured by the Bank Insurance Fund of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), or by a savings and loan association or savings bank which is insured by the Savings Association Insurance Fund of the FDIC. Such deposits are not FDIC insured and the Fund bears the risk of bank failure. Bank obligations also include U.S. dollar-denominated obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks and obligations of domestic branches of foreign banks.
23 |
|
Such investments may involve risks that are different from investments in securities of domestic branches of U.S. banks. These risks may include future unfavorable political and economic developments, possible withholding taxes on interest income, seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits, currency controls, interest limitations, or other governmental restrictions which might affect the payment of principal or interest on the securities held in the Fund. Additionally, these institutions may be subject to less stringent reserve requirements and to different accounting, auditing, reporting and recordkeeping requirements than those applicable to domestic branches of U.S. banks. The Fund will invest in obligations of domestic branches of foreign banks and foreign branches of domestic banks only when a Co-Adviser believes that the risks associated with such investment are minimal. The value of money market instruments tends to fall when current interest rates rise. Money market instruments are generally less sensitive to interest rate changes than longer-term securities.
Purchase Warrants. The Fund may invest in purchase warrants and similar rights. Purchase warrants are privileges issued by a corporation which enable the owner to subscribe to and purchase a specified number of shares of the corporation at a specified price during a specified period of time. Subscription rights normally have a short lifespan to expiration. The purchase of warrants involves the risk that the Fund could lose the purchase value of a warrant if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not executed prior to the warrants’ expiration. Also, the purchase of warrants involves the risk that the effective price paid for the warrant 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 level of the underlying security. The Fund may not invest more than 5% of its respective net assets in purchase warrants and similar rights.
Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may agree to purchase securities from financial institutions subject to the seller’s agreement to repurchase them at an agreed-upon time and price (“repurchase agreements”). The securities held subject to a repurchase agreement may have stated maturities exceeding 397 days, provided the repurchase agreement itself matures in less than 13 months. Default by or bankruptcy of the seller would, however, expose the Fund to possible loss because of adverse market action or delays in connection with the disposition of the underlying obligations.
The repurchase price under the repurchase agreements described above generally equals the price paid by the Fund plus interest negotiated on the basis of current short-term rates (which may be more or less than the rate on the securities underlying the repurchase agreement). The financial institutions with whom the Fund may enter into repurchase agreements will be banks which a Co-Adviser considers creditworthy pursuant to criteria approved by the Board of Directors and non-bank dealers of U.S. government securities that are listed on the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s list of reporting dealers. The Co-Adviser will consider the creditworthiness of a seller in determining whether to have the Fund enter into a repurchase agreement. The seller under a repurchase agreement will be required to maintain the value of the securities subject to the agreement at not less than the repurchase price plus accrued interest. The Co-Adviser will mark to market daily the value of the securities, and will, if necessary, require the seller to maintain additional securities, to ensure that the value is not less than the repurchase price.
Default by or bankruptcy of the seller would, however, expose the Fund to possible loss because of adverse market action or delays in connection with the disposition of the underlying obligations.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements with respect to portfolio securities for temporary purposes (such as to obtain cash to meet redemption requests) when the liquidation of portfolio securities is deemed disadvantageous or inconvenient by a Co-Adviser. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the sale of securities held by the Fund subject to the Fund’s agreement to repurchase the securities at an agreed-upon price, date and rate of interest. Such agreements are considered to be borrowings under the 1940 Act, and may be entered into only for temporary or emergency purposes. While reverse repurchase transactions are outstanding, the Fund will maintain in a segregated account with the Fund’s custodian or a qualified sub-custodian, cash or liquid securities of an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities, plus accrued interest, subject to the agreement and will monitor the account to ensure that such value is maintained. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of the securities sold by the Fund may decline below the price of the securities the Fund is obligated to repurchase and the interest received on the cash exchanged for the securities.
Temporary Investments. Although the Fund invests primarily in equity securities, for temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may hold cash or invest in a variety of money market instruments and short-term and medium-
24 |
|
term debt securities including: (a) obligations of the United States or foreign governments, their respective agencies or instrumentalities; (b) bank deposits and bank obligations (including certificates of deposit, time deposits and bankers’ acceptances) of U.S. or foreign banks denominated in any currency; (c) floating rate securities and other instruments denominated in any currency issued by international development agencies; (d) finance company and corporate commercial paper and other short-term corporate debt obligations of U.S. and foreign corporations; and (e) repurchase agreements with banks and broker-dealers with respect to such securities. If the Fund were to take a temporary defensive position, it may be unable to achieve its investment objective for a period of time.
Failure to Receive Timely and Accurate Market Data from Third Party Vendors Could Cause Disruptions or the Inability to Trade. Campbell’s strategies are dependent to a significant degree on the receipt of timely and accurate market data from third party vendors. Accordingly, the failure to receive such data in a timely manner or the receipt of inaccurate data, whether due to acts or omissions of such third party vendors or otherwise, could disrupt trading to the detriment of the Fund or make trading impossible until such failure or inaccuracy is remedied. Any such failure or inaccuracy could, in certain market conditions, cause the Fund to experience significant trading losses, effect trades in a manner which it otherwise would not have done, or miss opportunities for profitable trading. For example, the receipt of inaccurate market data may cause Campbell to establish (or exit) a position which it otherwise would not have established (or exited), or fail to establish (or exit) a position which it otherwise would have established (or exited), and any subsequent correction of such inaccurate data may cause Campbell to reverse such action or inaction, all of which may ultimately be to the detriment of the Fund.
The Fund’s Service Providers Could Fail. The institutions with which the Fund trades or invests may encounter financial difficulties that impair the operational capabilities or the capital position of the Fund. A futures broker is generally required by U.S. law to segregate all funds received from such broker’s customers from such broker’s proprietary assets. If the futures broker did not do so to the full extent required by law, the assets of the Fund might not be fully protected in the event of the bankruptcy of the futures broker. Furthermore, in the event of the futures broker’s bankruptcy, the Fund could be limited to recovering only a pro rata share of all available funds segregated on behalf of the futures broker’s combined customer accounts, even though certain property specifically traceable to the Fund (for example, Treasury bills deposited by the Fund with the futures broker as margin) was held by the futures broker.
Although Campbell regularly monitors the financial condition of the counterparties it uses, if the counterparties were to become insolvent or the subject of liquidation proceedings in the United States (either under the Securities Investor Protection Act of the United States Bankruptcy Code), there exists the risk that the recovery of the Fund’s or subsidiary’s assets from such counterparty will be delayed or be a value less than the value of the assets originally entrusted to such counterparty.
The Fund has adopted the following fundamental investment limitations which may not be changed with respect to the Fund without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding shares (as defined in Section 2(a)(42) of the 1940 Act). As used in this SAI and in the Prospectus, “shareholder approval” and a “majority of the outstanding shares” of the Fund means, with respect to the approval of an investment advisory agreement, a distribution plan or a change in a fundamental investment limitation, the lesser of (1) 67% of the shares of the Fund represented at a meeting at which the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present in person or by proxy, or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. The Fund’s investment goals and strategies described in the Prospectus may be changed by the Board without the approval of the Fund’s shareholders.
The Fund may not:
1. | Borrow money, except that the Fund may borrow from banks and enter into reverse repurchase agreements provided that there is at least 300% asset coverage for the borrowings of the Fund. The Fund may not mortgage, pledge or hypothecate any assets, except in connection with any such borrowing and then in amounts not in excess of one-third of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the time of such borrowing. However, the amount shall not be in excess of lesser of the dollar amounts borrowed or 33 1/3 % of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the time of such borrowing, provided that: (a) short sales and related borrowings of securities are not subject to this restriction; and (b) for the purposes of this restriction, collateral |
25 |
|
arrangements with respect to options, short sales, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, collateral arrangements with respect to initial and variation margin and collateral arrangements with respect to derivatives instruments are not deemed to be a pledge or other encumbrance of assets. Securities held in escrow or separate accounts in connection with the Fund’s investment practices are not considered to be borrowings or deemed to be pledged for purposes of this limitation; | ||
2. | Issue senior securities as defined in the 1940 Act, except as permitted by rule, regulation or order of the SEC; | |
3. | Act as an underwriter of securities within the meaning of the Securities Act, except insofar as it might be deemed to be an underwriter upon disposition of certain portfolio securities acquired within the limitation on purchases of restricted securities; | |
4. | Purchase or sell real estate (including real estate limited partnership interests), provided that the Fund may invest: (a) in securities secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies that invest in real estate or interests therein; or (b) in real estate investment trusts; | |
5. | Purchase or sell commodities, except as permitted by the 1940 Act, as amended, and as interpreted or modified by the regulatory authority having jurisdiction from time to time; | |
6. | Make loans, except through loans of portfolio securities and repurchase agreements, provided that for purposes of this restriction the acquisition of bonds, debentures or other debt instruments or interests therein and investment in government obligations, loan participations and assignments, short-term commercial paper, certificates of deposit and bankers’ acceptances shall not be deemed to be the making of a loan; or | |
7. | Invest 25% or more of its total assets, taken at market value at the time of each investment, in the securities of one or more issuers in any particular industry (excluding the U.S. government and its agencies and instrumentalities). | |
For purposes of Investment Restriction No.7, the Fund may not: |
Purchase any securities which would cause 25% or more of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the time of purchase to be invested in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry, provided that (a) there is no limitation with respect to (i) instruments issued or guaranteed by the United States or any of its authorities, agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions, and (ii) repurchase agreements secured by the instruments described in clause (i); (b) wholly-owned finance companies will be considered to be in the industries of their parents if their activities are primarily related to financing the activities of the parents; and (c) utilities will be divided according to their services, for example, gas, gas transmission, electric and gas, electric and telephone will each be considered a separate industry.
In addition to the fundamental investment limitations specified above, the Fund is subject to the following non-fundamental limitations. These non-fundamental restrictions may be changed without shareholder approval, in compliance with applicable law and regulatory policy. The Fund may not:
1. | Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or management, but investments by the Fund in wholly-owned investment entities created under the laws of certain countries will not be deemed the making of investments for the purpose of exercising control or management; or | |
2. | Purchase securities on margin, except that the Fund may use margin to the extent necessary to engage in short sales and may obtain such short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of portfolio transactions; and provided that margin deposits in connection with options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts or other derivative instruments, including foreign exchange forward contracts, shall not constitute purchasing securities on margin. |
Senior securities may include any obligation or instrument issued by the Fund evidencing indebtedness. The 1940 Act generally prohibits funds from issuing senior securities, although it does not treat certain transactions as
26 |
|
senior securities, such as certain borrowings, short sales, reverse repurchase agreements, firm commitment agreements and standby commitments, with appropriate earmarking or segregation of assets to cover such obligation.
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
The Company has adopted, on behalf of the Fund, a policy relating to the selective disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings by each Co-Adviser, Board, officers, or third party service providers, in accordance with regulations that seek to ensure that disclosure of information about portfolio holdings is in the best interest of the Fund’s shareholders. The policies relating to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings are designed to allow disclosure of portfolio holdings information where necessary to the Fund’s operation without compromising the integrity or performance of the Fund. It is the policy of the Company that disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings to a select person or persons prior to the release of such holdings to the public (“selective disclosure”) is prohibited, unless there are legitimate business purposes for selective disclosure.
The Company discloses portfolio holdings information as required in regulatory filings and shareholder reports, discloses portfolio holdings information as required by federal and state securities laws and may disclose portfolio holdings information in response to requests by governmental authorities. As required by the federal securities laws, including the 1940 Act, the Company will disclose the Fund’s portfolio holdings in applicable regulatory filings, including shareholder reports, reports on Form N-CSR, Form N-CEN, and Form N-Q or such other filings, reports or disclosure documents as the applicable regulatory authorities may require.
Boston Partners will make the Fund’s complete portfolio holdings, top ten holdings, sector weightings and other portfolio characteristics publicly available on its web site, www.boston-partners.com as disclosed in the following table:
Information Posting | Frequency of Disclosure | Date of Web Posting | ||
Complete Portfolio Holdings | Monthly/Quarterly | 15 days after the end of each calendar month for the Fund | ||
Top 10 Portfolio Holdings and other portfolio characteristics | Monthly/Quarterly | 10 days after the end of each calendar month for the Fund |
The scope of the information relating to the Fund’s portfolio that is made available on the web site may change from time to time without notice. A Co-Adviser or its affiliates may include the Fund’s portfolio information that has already been made public through a Web posting or SEC filing in marketing literature and other communications to shareholders, advisors or other parties, provided that, in the case of information made public through the Web, the information is disclosed no earlier than the day after the date of posting to the Web site.
The Company may distribute or authorize the distribution of information about the Fund’s portfolio holdings that is not publicly available to its third-party service providers, which include U.S. Bank, N.A., the custodian; U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“Fund Services”); Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm; Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, legal counsel; Command Financial, the financial printer; the Fund’s proxy voting service(s); and the Company’s liquidity classification agent. These service providers are required to keep such information confidential, and are prohibited from trading based on the information or otherwise using the information except as necessary in providing services to the Fund. Such holdings are released on conditions of confidentiality, which include appropriate trading prohibitions. “Conditions of confidentiality” include confidentiality terms included in written agreements, implied by the nature of the relationship (e.g. attorney-client relationship), or required by fiduciary or regulatory principles (e.g., custody services provided by financial institutions). Portfolio holdings may also be provided earlier to shareholders and their agents who receive redemptions in kind that reflect a pro rata allocation of all securities held in the Fund’s portfolio.
Portfolio holdings may also be disclosed, upon authorization by a designated officer of a Co-Adviser, to (i) certain independent reporting agencies recognized by the SEC as acceptable agencies for the reporting of industry statistical information, and (ii) financial consultants to assist them in determining the suitability of the Fund as an investment for their clients, in each case in accordance with the anti-fraud provisions of the federal securities laws and
27 |
|
the Company’s and each Co-Adviser’s fiduciary duties to Fund shareholders. Disclosures to financial consultants are also subject to a confidentiality agreement and/or trading restrictions. The foregoing disclosures are made pursuant to the Company’s policy on selective disclosure of portfolio holdings. The Board or a committee thereof may, in limited circumstances, permit other selective disclosure of portfolio holdings subject to a confidentiality agreement and/or trading restrictions.
Each Co-Adviser reserves the right to refuse to fulfill any request for portfolio holdings information from a shareholder or non-shareholder if it believes that providing such information will be contrary to the best interests of the Fund.
The Board provides ongoing oversight of the Company’s policies and procedures and compliance with such policies and procedures. As part of this oversight function, the Board receives from the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) as necessary, reports on compliance with these policies and procedures. In addition, the Board receives an annual assessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of the policies and procedures with respect to the Fund, and any changes thereto, and an annual review of the operation of the policies and procedures. Any violation of the policy set forth above as well as any corrective action undertaken to address such violation must be reported by each Co-Adviser, director, officer or third party service provider to the Company’s CCO, who will determine whether the violation should be reported immediately to the Board or at its next quarterly Board meeting.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
Portfolio turnover measures the percentage of the Fund’s total portfolio market value that was purchased or sold during the period. The Fund’s turnover rate provides an indication of how transaction costs (which are not included in the Fund’s expenses) may affect the Fund’s performance. Also, funds with a high turnover may be more likely to distribute capital gains that may be taxable to shareholders. The Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated by the value of the investment securities purchased or sold, excluding all instruments whose maturities at the time of acquisition were one year or less, divided by the average monthly value of such securities owned during the year. Based on this calculation, instruments, including options and futures contracts, with remaining maturities of less than one year are excluded from the portfolio turnover rate. If such instruments were included, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate would be higher.
No portfolio turnover information is provided since the Fund had not commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI.
MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY
The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the oversight of the Board, subject to the laws of the State of Maryland and the Company’s Charter. The Directors are responsible for deciding matters of overall policy and overseeing the actions of the Company’s service providers. The officers of the Company conduct and supervise the Company’s daily business operations.
Directors who are not deemed to be “interested persons” of the Company (as defined in the 1940 Act) are referred to as “Independent Directors.” Directors who are deemed to be “interested persons” of the Company are referred to as “Interested Directors.” The Board is currently composed of seven Independent Directors and one Interested Director. The Board has selected Arnold M. Reichman, an Independent Director, to act as Chairman. Mr. Reichman’s duties include presiding at meetings of the Board and interfacing with management to address significant issues that may arise between regularly scheduled Board and Committee meetings. In the performance of his duties, Mr. Reichman will consult with the other Independent Directors and the Company’s officers and legal counsel, as appropriate. The Chairman may perform other functions as requested by the Board from time to time.
The Board meets as often as necessary to discharge its responsibilities. Currently, the Board conducts regular, in-person meetings at least four times a year, and holds special in-person or telephonic meetings as necessary to address specific issues that require attention prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting. The Board also relies on professionals, such as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firms and legal counsel, to assist the Directors in performing their oversight responsibilities.
28 |
|
The Board has established nine standing committees — Audit, Contract, Executive, Investment Risk, Nominating and Governance, Product Development, Regulatory Oversight, Strategic Oversight, and Valuation Committees. The Board may establish other committees, or nominate one or more Directors to examine particular issues related to the Board’s oversight responsibilities, from time to time. Each Committee meets periodically to perform its delegated oversight functions and reports its findings and recommendations to the Board. For more information on the Committees, see the section entitled “Standing Committees.”
The Board has determined that the Company’s leadership structure is appropriate because it allows the Board to effectively perform its oversight responsibilities.
Directors and Executive Officers
The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below.
29 |
|
Name, Address,
and Age |
Position(s)
Held with Company |
Term of Office
and Length of Time Served 1 |
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years |
Number of
Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director* |
Other
Directorships Held by Director in the Past 5 Years |
|||||
Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 Age: 75 |
Director | 2006 to present | Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations. | 33 | Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until September 2017); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios)(registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance). | |||||
Arnold M. Reichman
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 Age: 70 |
Chairman
Director |
2005 to present
1991 to present |
Since 2006, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Lifebooker, LLC (online beauty and health appointment booking service). | 33 | Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company). | |||||
Brian T. Shea
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 Age: 58 |
Director | 2018 to present | From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm). | 33 | WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company); Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company). | |||||
Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 Age: 77 |
Director | 2006 to present | Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm). | 33 | Reich and Tang Group (asset management). |
30 |
|
31 |
|
Name, Address,
and Age |
Position(s)
Held with Company |
Term of Office
and Length of Time Served 1 |
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years |
Number of
Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director* |
Other
Directorships Held by Director in the Past 5 Years |
|||||
Robert Amweg
Vigilant Compliance, LLC Gateway Corporate Center Suite 216 223 Wilmington West Chester Pike Chadds Ford, PA 19317 Age: 65 |
Assistant Treasurer | 2016 to present | Since 2013, Compliance Director, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2012, Consultant to the financial services industry; from 2007 to 2012, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, Turner Investments, LP (registered investment company). | N/A | N/A | |||||
Jennifer Witt
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 Age: 36 |
Assistant Treasurer | 2018 to present | Since 2016, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (fund administrative services firm); from 2007 to 2016, Supervisor, Nuveen Investments (investment company). | N/A | N/A | |||||
Edward Paz
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 Age: 47 |
Assistant Secretary | 2016 to present | Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (fund administrative services firm). | N/A | N/A | |||||
Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square Suite 2000 Philadelphia, PA 19103 Age: 59 |
Assistant
Secretary |
1999 to present | Since 1993, Partner, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm). | N/A | N/A | |||||
Jillian L. Bosmann
One Logan Square Suite 2000 Philadelphia, PA 19103 Age: 39 |
Assistant
Secretary |
2017 to present | Since 2017, Partner, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm); Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (2006 to present). | N/A | N/A |
* | Each Director oversees 33 portfolios of the Company. |
1. | Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his successor is elected and qualified or his death, resignation or removal. The Board |
32 |
|
reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed. | |
2. | Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer. |
Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills
The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Carnall has decades of senior executive-level management experience in the banking and financial services industry and also serves on the boards of various corporations and a bank. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the investment services industry, including service on the boards of industry regulatory organizations and a university.
Standing Committees
The responsibilities of each Committee of the Board and its members are described below.
Audit Committee. The Board has an Audit Committee comprised of three Independent Directors. The current members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Brodsky, Chandler and Giordano. The Audit Committee, among other things, reviews results of the annual audit and approves the firm(s) to serve as independent auditors. The Audit Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2018.
Contract Committee. The Board has a Contract Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Contract Committee are Messrs. Brodsky, Chandler, Sablowsky and Straniere. The Contract Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Board regarding the approval and continuation of agreements and plans of the Company. The Contract Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2018.
Executive Committee. The Board has an Executive Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Executive Committee are Messrs. Chandler, Giordano, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Executive Committee may generally carry on and manage the business of the Company when the Board is not in session. The Executive Committee did not meet during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2018.
Investment Risk Committee. The Board has an Investment Risk Committee comprised of the Interested Director and one Independent Director. The current members of the Investment Risk Committee are Messrs. Sablowsky and Shea. The Investment Risk Committee ensures that the Company’s investment advisers have adopted investment risk management policies and procedures. The Investment Risk Committee did not meet during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2018.
Nominating and Governance Committee. The Board has a Nominating and Governance Committee comprised of three Independent Directors. The current members of the Nominating and Governance Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Giordano and Reichman. The Nominating and Governance Committee recommends to the Board all persons to be nominated as Directors of the Company. The Nominating and Governance Committee will consider
33 |
|
nominees recommended by shareholders. Recommendations should be submitted to the Committee care of the Company’s Secretary. The Nominating and Governance Committee convened three times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2018.
Product Development Committee. The Board has a Product Development Committee comprised of the Interested Director and one Independent Director. The current members of the Product Development Committee are Messrs. Reichman and Sablowsky. The Product Development Committee oversees the process regarding the addition of new investment advisers and investment products to the Company. The Product Development Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2018.
Regulatory Oversight Committee. The Board has a Regulatory Oversight Committee comprised of the Interested Director and four Independent Directors. The current members of the Regulatory Oversight Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Reichman, Sablowsky, Shea and Straniere. The Regulatory Oversight Committee monitors regulatory developments in the mutual fund industry and focuses on various regulatory aspects of the operation of the Company. The Regulatory Oversight Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2018.
Strategic Oversight Committee. The Board has a Strategic Oversight Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Strategic Oversight Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Chandler, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Strategic Oversight Committee assists the Board in its oversight and review of the Company’s strategic plan and operations. The Strategic Oversight Committee did not meet during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2018.
Valuation Committee. The Board has a Valuation Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three officers of the Company. The members of the Valuation Committee are Messrs. Amweg, Faia, Sablowsky and Shaw. The Valuation Committee is responsible for reviewing fair value determinations. The Valuation Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2018.
Risk Oversight
The Board performs its risk oversight function for the Company through a combination of (1) direct oversight by the Board as a whole and Board committees and (2) indirect oversight through the Company’s investment advisers and other service providers, Company officers and the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer. The Company is subject to a number of risks, including but not limited to investment risk, compliance risk, operational risk, reputational risk, credit risk and counterparty risk. Day-to-day risk management with respect to the Company is the responsibility of the Company’s investment advisers or other service providers (depending on the nature of the risk) that carry out the Company’s investment management and business affairs. Each of the investment advisers and the other service providers have their own independent interest in risk management and their policies and methods of risk management will depend on their functions and business models and may differ from the Company’s and each other’s in the setting of priorities, the resources available or the effectiveness of relevant controls.
The Board provides risk oversight by receiving and reviewing on a regular basis reports from the Company’s investment advisers or other service providers, receiving and approving compliance policies and procedures, periodic meetings with the Company’s portfolio managers to review investment policies, strategies and risks, and meeting regularly with the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer to discuss compliance reports, findings and issues. The Board also relies on the Company’s investment advisers and other service providers, with respect to the day-to-day activities of the Company, to create and maintain procedures and controls to minimize risk and the likelihood of adverse effects on the Company’s business and reputation.
Board oversight of risk management is also provided by various Board Committees. For example, the Audit Committee meets with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firms to ensure that the Company’s respective audit scopes include risk-based considerations as to the Company’s financial position and operations.
The Board may, at any time and in its discretion, change the manner in which it conducts risk oversight. The Board’s oversight role does not make the Board a guarantor of the Company’s investments or activities.
34 |
|
Director Ownership of Shares of the Company
The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each Director in the Fund and in all of the portfolios of the Company (which for each Director comprise all registered investment companies within the Company’s family of investment companies overseen by him), as of December 31, 2018.
Name of Director | Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Fund* |
Aggregate
Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in All Registered Investment Companies Overseen by Director within the Family of Investment Companies |
|||
Independent Directors | |||||
Julian A. Brodsky | None | Over $100,000 | |||
J. Richard Carnall | None | $50,001 - $100,000 | |||
Gregory P. Chandler | None | $1 - $10,000 | |||
Nicholas A. Giordano | None | $10,001 - $50,000 | |||
Arnold M. Reichman | None | Over $100,000 | |||
Brian T. Shea** | None | None | |||
Robert A. Straniere | None | $1 - $10,000 | |||
Interested Director | |||||
Robert Sablowsky | None | Over $100,000 |
*The Fund had not commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI.
**Mr. Shea was appointed to the Board effective May 9, 2018.
As of December 31, 2017, the Independent Directors and their respective immediate family members (spouse or dependent children) did not own beneficially or of record any securities of the Company’s investment advisers or distributor, or of any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment advisers or distributor.
Directors’ and Officers’ Compensation
Effective April 1, 2019, the Company will pay each Director a retainer at the rate of $125,000 annually, $10,000 for each regular meeting of the Board, $3,500 for each committee meeting attended in-person, and $2,000 for each committee meeting attended telephonically or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each will receive an additional fee of $20,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Contract Committee and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee will receive an additional fee of $10,000 per year for his services. The Chairman of the Investment Risk Committee will receive an additional fee of $7,500 per year for his services. The Vice Chairman of the Board will receive an additional fee of $35,000 per year for his services in this capacity and the Chairman of the Board will receive an additional fee of $75,000 per year for his services in this capacity.
From January 1, 2018, to March 31, 2019, the Company pays each Director a retainer at the rate of $100,000 annually, $10,000 for each regular meeting of the Board, $3,500 for each committee meeting attended in-person, and $2,000 for each committee meeting attended telephonically or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each receive an additional fee of $15,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Contract Committee receives an additional fee of $10,000 per year for his services, and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee and Chairman of the Investment Risk Committee each receive an additional fee of $7,500 per year for his services. The Vice Chairman of the Board receives an additional fee of $25,000 per year for his services in this capacity and the Chairman of the Board receives an additional fee of $50,000 per year for his services in this capacity.
From January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017, the Company paid each Director a retainer at the rate of $100,000 annually, $5,000 for each regular meeting of the Board, $2,500 for each committee meeting attended in-person, and $2,000 for each committee meeting attended telephonically or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each received an additional fee of $15,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Contract Committee received an additional fee of $10,000 for his services and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee received an additional
35 |
|
fee of $7,500 for his services. Effective June 1, 2017, the Chairman of the Investment Risk Committee received an additional fee of $7,500 for his services. The Vice Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $25,000 for his services in this capacity and the Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $50,000 for his services in this capacity.
Directors are reimbursed for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board or any committee thereof. Employees of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serve as President, Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Treasurer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company, and such compensation is determined by the Board. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2018, Vigilant Compliance, LLC received $663,750 in the aggregate from all series of the Company for services provided. An employee of the Company serves as the Treasurer and Secretary and is compensated for services provided.
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2018, each of the following members of the Board and the Treasurer and Secretary received compensation from the Company in the following amounts:
Name
of
Director/Officer |
Compensation from the Fund |
Pension
or
Retirement Benefits Accrued |
Estimated
Annual Benefits Upon Retirement |
Total
Compensation From Fund Complex Paid to Directors or Officer |
Independent Directors: | ||||
Julian A. Brodsky, Director | $0 | N/A | N/A | $148,000 |
J. Richard Carnall, Director | $0 | N/A | N/A | $147,000 |
Gregory P. Chandler, Director | $0 | N/A | N/A | $173,000 |
Nicholas A. Giordano, Director | $0 | N/A | N/A | $153,000 |
Sam Lambroza, Director* | $0 | N/A | N/A | $41,875 |
Arnold M. Reichman, Director and Chairman | $0 | N/A | N/A | $197,000 |
Brian T. Shea, Director** | $0 | N/A | N/A | $49,247 |
Robert A. Straniere, Director | $0 | N/A | N/A | $149,500 |
Interested Director: | ||||
Robert Sablowsky, Director | $0 | N/A | N/A | $191,250 |
Officer: | ||||
James G. Shaw, Treasurer and Secretary | $0 | N/A | N/A | $240,000 |
* Mr. Lambroza resigned from the Board effective January 26, 2018.
** Mr. Shea was appointed to the Board effective May 9, 2018.
Each compensated Director is entitled to participate in the Company’s deferred compensation plan (the “DC Plan”). Under the DC Plan, a compensated Director may elect to defer all or a portion of his compensation and have the deferred compensation treated as if it had been invested by the Company in shares of one or more of the portfolios of the Company. The amount paid to the Directors under the DC Plan will be determined based upon the performance of such investments.
The Company and each Co- Adviser have each adopted a code of ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act that permits personnel subject to the codes to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Company, subject to certain restrictions.
The Board has delegated the responsibility of voting proxies with respect to the portfolio securities purchased and/or held by the Fund to the Co-Advisers, subject to the Board’s continuing oversight. In exercising its voting
36 |
|
obligations, each Co-Adviser is guided by its general fiduciary duty to act prudently and in the interest of the Fund. Each Co-Adviser will consider factors affecting the value of the Fund’s investments and the rights of shareholders in its determination on voting portfolio securities. The Fund and Campbell have agreed that Campbell will abstain from voting any proxies received relating to its management of the Fund.
Boston Partners has adopted proxy voting procedures with respect to voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by portion of the Fund’s assets managed by Boston Partners. Boston Partners employs a third party service provider, Institutional Shareholder Services, to assist in the voting of proxies. These procedures have been provided to the service provider, who analyzes the proxies and makes recommendations, based on Boston Partners’ policy, as to how to vote such proxies. A copy of Boston Partners’ Proxy Voting Policy is included with this SAI. Please see Appendix B to this SAI for further information.
Information regarding how the Fund votes proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 will be available, without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-[ ] or by visiting the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
No ownership information is provided as the Fund had not commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI.
Investment Co-Advisers
Boston Partners, located at 909 Third Avenue, 32 nd Floor, New York, New York 10022, is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of ORIX Corporation, an integrated financial services group based in Tokyo, Japan. Boston Partners provides investment management and investment advisory services to other institutional and proprietary accounts. Boston Partners has investment discretion for the equity portion of the Fund’s portfolio, including equity securities and related derivative contracts.
Campbell is located at 2850 Quarry Lake Drive, Baltimore, MD 21209. Campbell was founded in 2005. Campbell is registered as an Investment Adviser with the SEC and as a Commodity Trading Adviser with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and is a member of the National Futures Association. Campbell is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Campbell & Company, LP (“Campbell & Company”). Campbell & Company LLC is the General Partner of Campbell & Company. Campbell & Company, LLC is controlled by KC Holding, Inc. Campbell & Company and its predecessor organization, Campbell & Company, Inc., was formed in 1972 and have over forty years of experience in creating and managing alternative investment vehicles. Campbell & Company is registered with the CFTC as a CPO and a CTA. Campbell & Company is a member of the NFA in such capacities. Campbell has appointed Campbell & Company as the Fund’s Commodity Pool Operator. Campbell & Company’s officers are: G. William Andrews, Chief Executive Officer; Kevin Cole, Chief Research Officer; Michael S. Harris, President; and Thomas P. Lloyd, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer. Campbell is primarily responsible for investing approximately 20% of the Fund’s assets in the Campbell Advantage strategy, a systematic trend following program, which is diversified across global futures and forwards markets (types of derivative instruments). Campbell is also primarily responsible for determining the allocation of the Fund’s portfolio between equity and other investments.
Subject to the supervision of the Board, the Co-Advisers will provide for the overall management of the Fund, including (i) the provision of a continuous investment program for the Fund, including investment research and management with respect to all securities, investments, cash and cash equivalents, (ii) the determination from time to time of what securities and other investments will be purchased, retained or sold by the Fund, and (iii) the placement from time to time of orders for all purchases and sales made for the Fund. Each Co-Adviser will provide the services rendered by it in accordance with the Fund’s investment goals, restrictions and policies as stated in the Prospectus and in this SAI.
For their services to the Fund, the Co-Advisers will each receive an equal amount of the advisory fee under their respective Advisory Agreements, computed at an annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
37 |
|
Until [December 31], 2021, the Co-Advisers have agreed to waive their fees to the extent necessary to maintain an annualized expense ratio of 1.05%of the Fund’s average daily net assets (excluding certain items discussed below). There can be no assurance that the Co-Advisers will continue such waivers after [December 31], 2021. In determining each Co-Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause the Fund’s net annualized expense ratio to exceed the applicable expense limitation: short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes.
If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 1.05% of its average daily net assets, each Co-Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees waived and other payments remitted by the Co-Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.
The Fund bears its own expenses not specifically assumed by the Co-Advisers. General expenses of the Company not readily identifiable as belonging to a portfolio of the Company are allocated among all investment portfolios by or under the direction of the Board in such manner as it deems to be fair and equitable. Expenses borne by a portfolio include, but are not limited to the expenses listed in the Prospectus and the following (or a portfolio’s share of the following): (a) the cost (including brokerage commissions) of securities purchased or sold by a portfolio and any losses incurred in connection therewith; (b) fees payable to and expenses incurred on behalf of a portfolio by the Co-Advisers; (c) any costs, expenses or losses arising out of a liability of or claim for damages or other relief asserted against the Company or a portfolio for violation of any law; (d) any extraordinary expenses; (e) fees, voluntary assessments and other expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; (f) the cost of investment company literature and other publications provided by the Company to its Directors and officers; (g) organizational costs; (h) fees to the investment advisers and Fund Services; (i) fees and expenses of officers and Directors who are not affiliated with a portfolio’s investment adviser or Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”); (j) taxes; (k) interest; (l) legal fees; (m) custodian fees; (n) auditing fees; (o) brokerage fees and commissions; (p) certain of the fees and expenses of registering and qualifying the portfolios and their shares for distribution under federal and state securities laws; (q) expenses of preparing prospectuses and statements of additional information and distributing annually to existing shareholders that are not attributable to a particular class of shares of the Company; (r) the expense of reports to shareholders, shareholders’ meetings and proxy solicitations that are not attributable to a particular class of shares of the Company; (s) fidelity bond and directors’ and officers’ liability insurance premiums; (t) the expense of using independent pricing services; and (u) other expenses which are not expressly assumed by a portfolio’s investment adviser under its advisory agreement with the portfolio.
Under the Advisory Agreements, a Co-Adviser will not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund or the Company in connection with the performance of the Advisory Agreement, except a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty with respect to the receipt of compensation for services or a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of a Co-Adviser in the performance of their respective duties or from reckless disregard of their duties and obligations there under.
Each Advisory Agreement is terminable with respect to the Fund by vote of the Board or by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, at any time without penalty, on 60 days’ written notice to the Co-Adviser. A Advisory Agreement may also be terminated by the Co-Adviser on 60 days’ written notice to the Company. The Advisory Agreements terminate automatically in the event of assignment thereof.
No advisory fee information is provided for the Fund because the Fund had not commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI.
Portfolio Managers – Boston Partners
Description of Compensation . As of the date of this SAI, the portfolio managers’ compensation is comprised of an industry competitive base salary and a discretionary bonus and long-term incentives. Through the firm’s bonus program, key investment professionals are rewarded primarily for strong investment performance. The discretionary
38 |
|
bonus is based upon the unique structure of each team and consideration may be given to one or more of the following criteria, depending on the team.
· | Individual Contribution: an evaluation of the professional’s individual contribution based on the expectations established at the beginning of each year; |
· | Product Investment Performance: the performance of the investment product(s) with which the individual is involved versus the pre-designed index based on the excess return; |
· | Investment Team Performance: the financial results of the Portfolio Manager’s investment group; and |
· | Firm-Wide Performance: the overall financial performance of the firm. |
Compensation for portfolio managers who are also members of Boston Partners’ senior management team is typically derived from a base salary and a discretionary bonus. The bonus is largely tied to firm financial performance against established goals and aligned with the primary focus on investment performance results versus benchmarks.
The firm also provides a long-term incentive program. Portions of the annual bonuses are deferred for up to 3 years.
Other Accounts . The table below discloses accounts, other than the Fund, for which each Portfolio Manager is primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management, as of [ ], 2019.
Name of Portfolio
Manager or Team Member |
Type of Accounts |
Total # of
Accounts Managed |
Total
Assets |
# of Accounts
Managed that Advisory Fee Based on Performance |
Total Assets that
Advisory Fee Based on Performance |
||||||||
Joseph F. Feeney, Jr. | Other Registered Investment Company | [ ] | $ | [ ] billion | 0 | $ | 0 | ||||||
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | [ ] | $ | [ ] billion | 0 | $ | 0 | |||||||
Other Accounts | [ ] | $ | [ ] billion | 0 | $ | 0 | |||||||
Christopher K. Hart | Other Registered Investment Company | [ ] | $ | [ ] billion | 0 | $ | 0 | ||||||
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | [ ] | $ | [ ] billion | 0 | $ | 0 | |||||||
Other Accounts | [ ] | $ | [ ] billion | 0 | $ | 0 | |||||||
Joshua Jones | Other Registered Investment Company | [ ] | $ | [ ] billion | 0 | $ | 0 | ||||||
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | [ ] | $ | [ ] billion | 0 | $ | 0 | |||||||
Other Accounts | [ ] | $ | [ ] billion | 0 | $ | 0 | |||||||
Joshua White | Other Registered Investment Companies | [ ] | $ | [ ] billion | 0 | $ | 0 | ||||||
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | [ ] | $ | [ ] billion | 0 | $ | 0 | |||||||
Other Accounts | [ ] | $ | [ ] billion | 0 | $ | 0 |
Conflict of Interest . Investment decisions for the Fund’s portfolios are made in conjunction with decisions for other accounts and/or funds for the same strategy. Boston Partners recognizes that potential conflicts may arise with respect to the side-by-side management of registered investment companies and “investment accounts,” which include
39 |
|
privately offered funds, separately managed accounts of high net worth individuals and institutional investors, and the other funds. These risks include, but may not be limited to: differing fee structures (including performance based fees), differing investments selected for various vehicles, and inequitable allocation and aggregation trading practices. Private investment partnerships, registered funds and separately managed accounts are generally invested pari passu thus mitigating many of the perceived risk associated with simultaneous management if possible. Additionally, the Compliance Department has developed comprehensive monitoring policies and procedures designed to mitigate any actual or perceived conflicts.
Securities Ownership . As of the date of this SAI, no shares of the Fund were outstanding.
Campbell
Other Accounts. In addition to the Fund, the portfolio managers are responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as listed below. The information below is provided as of [ ], 2019.
Name of Portfolio
Manager
or Team Member |
Type of Accounts |
Total
# of Accounts Managed |
Total Assets |
# of Accounts
Managed that Advisory Fee Based on Performance |
Total Assets
that Advisory Fee Based on Performance |
||||||||
1. G. William Andrews | Other Registered Investment Companies: | [ ] | $ | [ ] million | 0 | $ | 0 | ||||||
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles: | [ ] | $ | [ ] billion | [ ] | $ | [ ] billion | |||||||
Other Accounts: | [ ] | $ | [ ] billion | [ ] | $ | [ ] billion | |||||||
2. Dr. Kevin Cole | Other Registered Investment Companies: | [ ] | $ | [ ] million | 0 | $ | 0 | ||||||
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles: | [ ] | $ | [ ] billion | [ ] | $ | [ ] billion | |||||||
Other Accounts: | [ ] | $ | [ ] billion | [ ] | $ | [ ] billion |
Compensation. Campbell compensates the Fund’s portfolio managers for their management of the Fund. As of the date of this SAI, the portfolio managers’ compensation consists of a cash base salary and a discretionary bonus that is based on the individual performance of the portfolio manager and overall profitability of Campbell, which is, in part, dependent on the performance of the Fund, and therefore in part based on the value of the Fund’s net assets and other client accounts they are managing.
Conflicts of Interests. The portfolio managers’ management of other accounts may give rise to potential conflicts of interest in connection with their management of the Fund’s investments, on the one hand, and the investments of the other accounts, on the other. The other accounts may have the same investment objective as the Fund. Therefore, a potential conflict of interest may arise as a result of the identical investment objectives, whereby a portfolio manager could favor one account over another. Another potential conflict could include the portfolio managers’ knowledge about the size, timing and possible market impact of Fund trades, whereby a portfolio manager could use this information to the advantage of other accounts and to the disadvantage of the Fund. However, Campbell has established policies and procedures to ensure that the purchase and sale of securities and other investments among all accounts it manages are fairly and equitably allocated.
Campbell, its affiliates and their respective employees manage other investment funds that may pursue investment objectives similar to, or materially different from, those of the Fund. Campbell, its affiliates and their respective employees may also manage discretionary accounts in which the Fund will have no interest, some of which may have investment objectives similar to, or materially different from, those of the Fund. Conflicts of interest among the Fund and any such affiliated entities may include, but are not limited to, those described herein.
Principals of Campbell and its affiliates may trade futures, forward and options contracts for his or her own account. In addition, Campbell and its affiliates manage proprietary accounts for itself, its deferred compensation plan and for certain principals and employees. There are written procedures that govern proprietary trading by principals and employees. For instance, Campbell and its affiliates have implemented employee trading policies that prohibit
40 |
|
employee trading in futures and options on futures unless consent is given to the employee in writing. Such consent will only be given on a case by case basis. All employees must preclear all trades in equities, equity options, equity indices or equity index options through a computer-based system. The proposed trades are compared to a restricted list that includes positions traded in material amounts. The daily feed received from its approved brokerage firms is compared against the preclearance lists to assure compliance. A conflict of interest exists if proprietary trades are executed and cleared at more favorable rates than trades executed and cleared on behalf of the Fund. It is Campbell’s policy to objectively allocate trade executions that afford each account the same likelihood of receiving favorable or unfavorable executions over time.
Conflicts of interest may also arise from the fact that Campbell and its affiliates generally will be carrying on substantial investment activities for other clients, including other investment funds and discretionary accounts, in which the Fund will have no interest. Campbell may have financial incentives to favor certain of such accounts over the Fund. Any of their proprietary accounts and other customer accounts may use the same or different information and trading strategies as those which are utilized on behalf of the Fund, may compete with the Fund for specific trades, or may hold positions opposite to positions maintained on behalf of the Fund. Campbell may give advice and recommend securities to, or buy or sell securities for, the Fund, which advice or securities may differ from advice given to, or securities recommended or bought or sold for, other accounts and customers, even though their investment objectives may be the same as, or similar to, those of the Fund. The performance of the Fund may be adversely affected by the manner in which particular orders are entered for all accounts managed by and customers of Campbell.
Campbell may determine that an investment opportunity is appropriate for a particular investment fund or discretionary account that it manages or for itself, but not for the Fund. Situations may arise in which private investment funds managed by Campbell or its affiliates have made investments that would have been suitable for investment by the Fund but, for various reasons, were not pursued by, or available to, the Fund. To the extent that entities affiliated with Campbell trade pursuant to portfolios other than that which is traded on behalf of the Fund, the Fund may not participate in certain investment opportunities pursued by such other portfolios. Campbell, its affiliates, their respective employees and other investment funds or discretionary accounts, other than the Fund, managed by Campbell or its affiliates may invest on terms more favorable than those available to the Fund and may act in ways adverse to the interest of the Fund. Campbell and its affiliates regard their analyses as proprietary and confidential, and Campbell will not disclose its analyses, opinions or purchase and sale activities on behalf of the Fund, except to Shareholders in the periodic reports distributed by the Fund.
Campbell and its affiliates are major participants in the global currency, equity, commodity, fixed income, derivative and other markets. As such, Campbell and its affiliates are actively engaged in transactions in the same securities and other instruments in which the Fund may invest. Campbell and its affiliates are not under any obligation to share any investment opportunity, idea or strategy with the Fund. As a result, Campbell and its affiliates may indirectly compete with the Fund for appropriate investment opportunities, or engage in trading activities, either for its proprietary account or on behalf of other clients, that is detrimental to the trading positions of the Fund. The proprietary activities or other portfolio strategies of Campbell or its affiliates, or the activities or strategies used for other accounts managed by Campbell or its affiliates, could conflict with the transactions and strategies employed on behalf of the Fund and may affect the prices and availability of the securities and instruments in which the Fund invests.
Campbell may invest the Fund’s cash reserve in investment funds managed or maintained by Campbell or its affiliates, to the extent permitted by applicable law. In such event, the Fund pays any expenses and fees associated with such investment, including any fees payable to Campbell or its affiliates. Accordingly, Campbell has a conflict of interest in evaluating any such investment.
Market quotations regarding certain investments by Campbell may not always be available. In such cases, valuations of such Fund investments may be made by Campbell in accordance with the Fund’s valuation procedures. Campbell will have a conflict of interest in making certain valuations, because any such valuation will affect the Fund’s NAV and, consequently, the amount of the advisory fee that Campbell receives for its services. However, any determination of the value of the Fund is ultimately the responsibility of the Board.
Other present and future activities of Campbell or its affiliates may give rise to additional conflicts of interest.
41 |
|
Securities Ownership . As of the date of this SAI, no shares of the Fund were outstanding.
Custodian Agreement
U.S. Bank, N.A., 1555 North River Center Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212, (the “Custodian”) is Custodian of the Fund’s assets pursuant to a custodian agreement (the “Custodian Agreement”). Under the Custodian Agreement, the Custodian: (a) maintains a separate account or accounts in the name of the Fund; (b) holds and transfers portfolio investments on account of the Fund; (c) accepts receipts and makes disbursements of money on behalf of the Fund; (d) collects and receives all income and other payments and distributions on account of the Fund’s portfolio investments; and (e) makes periodic reports to the Board concerning the Fund’s operations. The Custodian is authorized to select one or more banks or trust companies to serve as sub-custodian on behalf of the Fund, provided that the Custodian remains responsible for the performance of all of its duties under the Custodian Agreement and holds the Fund harmless from the acts and omissions of any affiliate, sub-custodian or domestic sub-custodian. For its services to the Fund under the Custodian Agreement, the Custodian receives a fee based on the Fund’s average gross assets calculated daily and payable monthly. Transaction charges and out-of-pocket expenses are also charged to the Fund.
Transfer Agency Agreement
Fund Services, 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, serves as the transfer and dividend disbursing agent for the Fund pursuant to a transfer agency and servicing agreement (the “Transfer Agency Agreement”), under which Fund Services: (a) issues and redeems shares of the Fund; (b) addresses and mails all communications by the Fund to record owners of the shares, including reports to shareholders, dividend and distribution notices and proxy materials for its meetings of shareholders; (c) maintains shareholder accounts and, if requested, sub-accounts; and (d) makes periodic reports to the Board concerning the operations of the Fund. Fund Services may, subject to the Board’s approval, assign its duties as transfer and dividend disbursing agent to any affiliate of Fund Services. For its services to the Fund under the Transfer Agency Agreement, Fund Services receives an annual fee based on the number of accounts in the Fund and the Fund’s average gross assets calculated daily and payable monthly. Transaction charges and out-of-pocket expenses are also charged to the Fund.
Fund Services also provides services relating to the implementation of the Company’s Anti-Money Laundering Program. In addition, Fund Services provides services relating to the implementation of the Fund’s Customer Identification Program, including verification of required customer information and the maintenance of records with respect to such verification.
Administration and Accounting Agreement
Fund Services, 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, serves as fund administrator to the Fund pursuant to a fund administration servicing agreement, and serves as fund accountant pursuant to a fund accounting servicing agreement (the “Administration Agreements”). Under the fund accounting servicing agreement, Fund Services has agreed to furnish to the Fund statistical and research data, clerical, accounting and bookkeeping services, and certain other services required by the Fund. Under the fund administration servicing agreement, Fund Services has agreed to provide fund administration services to the Company. These services include the preparation and coordination of the Company’s annual post-effective amendment filing and supplements to the Fund’s registration statement, the preparation and assembly of board meeting materials, and certain other services necessary to the Company’s fund administration. In addition, Fund Services has agreed to prepare and file various reports with the appropriate regulatory agencies and prepare materials required by the SEC or any state securities commission having jurisdiction over the Fund.
The Administration Agreements provide that Fund Services shall be obligated to exercise reasonable care in the performance of its duties and that Fund Services shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or any loss suffered by the Company in connection with its duties under the Administration Agreements, except a loss resulting from Fund Services’ refusal or failure to comply with the terms of the applicable Administration Agreement or from its bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties thereunder.
42 |
|
Fund Services receives a fee under the Administration Agreements based on the average daily net assets of the Company.
No administration fee information is provided for the Fund because the Fund had not commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI.
Distribution Agreement and Plans of Distribution
Quasar Distributors, LLC, whose principal business address is 777 East Wisconsin Avenue, 6 th Floor, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, serves as the underwriter to the Fund pursuant to a distribution agreement (the “Distribution Agreement”). The Distributor is a registered broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). The Distributor is not affiliated with the Company or a Co-Adviser. The Distributor, U.S. Bank, N.A., and Fund Services are affiliates.
Under the Distribution Agreement with the Company, the Distributor acts as the agent of the Company in connection with the continuous offering of shares of the Fund. The Distributor continually distributes shares of the Fund on a best efforts basis. The Distributor has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of Fund shares. The Distributor and its officers have no role in determining the investment policies or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Company.
The Distributor may enter into agreements with selected broker-dealers, banks or other financial intermediaries for distribution of shares of the Fund. With respect to certain financial intermediaries and related fund “supermarket” platform arrangements, the Fund and/or a Co-Adviser, rather than the Distributor, typically enter into such agreements. These financial intermediaries may charge a fee for their services and may receive shareholder service or other fees from parties other than the Distributor. These financial intermediaries may otherwise act as processing agents and are responsible for promptly transmitting purchase, redemption and other requests to the Fund.
Investors who purchase shares through financial intermediaries will be subject to the procedures of those intermediaries through which they purchase shares, which may include charges, investment minimums, cutoff times and other restrictions in addition to, or different from, those listed herein. Information concerning any charges or services will be provided to customers by the financial intermediary through which they purchase shares. Investors purchasing shares of the Fund through financial intermediaries should acquaint themselves with their financial intermediary’s procedures and should read the Prospectus in conjunction with any materials and information provided by their financial intermediary. The financial intermediary, and not its customers, will be the shareholder of record, although customers may have the right to vote shares depending upon their arrangement with the financial intermediary. The Distributor does not receive compensation from the Fund for its distribution services except the distribution/service fees with respect to the shares of those classes for which a Rule 12b-1 distribution plan is effective. The Co-Advisers pay the Distributor a fee for certain distribution-related services.
The Distribution Agreement has an initial term of up to two years and will continue in effect only if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by vote of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities in accordance with the 1940 Act. The Distribution Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Company on behalf of the Fund on no less than 60 days’ written notice when authorized either by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the members of the Board who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Company and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Distribution Agreement, or by the Distributor, and will automatically terminate in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in the 1940 Act). The Distribution Agreement provides that the Distributor shall not be liable for any loss suffered by the Company in connection with the performance of the Distributor’s obligations and duties under the Distribution Agreement, except a loss resulting from the Distributor’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of such duties and obligations, or by reason of its reckless disregard thereof.
Institutional Class. Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, Quasar Distributors, LLC will use best efforts to distribute the Fund’s shares. Quasar Distributors, LLC does not receive compensation from the Company for the distribution of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares; however, the Co-Advisers pay an annual fee to Quasar
43 |
|
Distributors, LLC as compensation for underwriting services rendered to the Fund pursuant to the Distribution Agreement.
Subject to policies established by the Board and applicable rules, each Co-Adviser is responsible for the execution of portfolio transactions and the allocation of brokerage transactions for its allocation of the Fund. In executing portfolio transactions, each Co-Adviser seeks to obtain the best price and most favorable execution for the Fund, taking into account such factors as the price (including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), size of the order, difficulty of execution and operational facilities of the firm involved. While each Co-Adviser generally seeks reasonably competitive commission rates, payment of the lowest commission or spread is not necessarily consistent with obtaining the best price and execution in particular transactions.
The Fund has no obligation to deal with any broker or group of brokers in the execution of portfolio transactions. A Co-Adviser may, consistent with the interests of the Fund and subject to the approval of the Board, select brokers on the basis of the research, statistical and pricing services they provide to the Fund and other clients of the Co-Adviser. Information and research received from such brokers will be in addition to, and not in lieu of, the services required to be performed by the Co-Adviser under its respective contracts. A commission paid to such brokers may be higher than that which another qualified broker would have charged for effecting the same transaction, provided that the Co-Adviser determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable in terms either of the transaction or the overall responsibility of the Co-Adviser to the Fund and its other clients and that the total commissions paid by the Fund will be reasonable in relation to the benefits to the Fund over the long-term.
No brokerage commission information is provided for the Fund because the Fund had not commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI.
The Fund is required to identify any securities of the Fund’s regular broker-dealers (as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the 1940 Act) or their parents held by the Fund as of the end of the most recent fiscal year. No ownership information is provided since the Fund had not commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI.
U.S. Bank, N.A. serves as securities lending agent for the Fund and in that role administers the Fund’s securities lending program pursuant to the terms of a Master Securities Lending Agreement entered into between the Fund and U.S. Bank, N.A.
As securities lending agent, U.S. Bank, N.A. is responsible for marketing to approved borrowers available securities from the Fund’s portfolio. U.S. Bank, N.A. is responsible for the administration and management of the Fund’s securities lending program, including the preparation and execution of a participant agreement with each borrower governing the terms and conditions of any securities loan, ensuring that securities loans are properly coordinated and documented with the Fund’s custodian, ensuring that loaned securities are daily valued and that the corresponding required cash collateral of at least 102% of the current market value of the loaned securities is delivered by the borrower(s), using best efforts to obtain additional collateral on the next business day if the value of the collateral falls below the required amount, and arranging for the investment of cash collateral received from borrowers in accordance with the Fund’s investment guidelines.
U.S. Bank, N.A. receives as compensation for its services a portion of the amount earned by the Fund for lending securities.
No securities lending information is provided for the Fund because the Fund had not commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI.
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION
You may purchase shares through an account maintained by your brokerage firm and you may also purchase shares directly by mail or wire. The Company reserves the right, if conditions exist which make cash payments
44 |
|
undesirable, to honor any request for redemption or repurchase of the Fund’s shares by making payment in whole or in part in securities chosen by the Company and valued in the same way as they would be valued for purposes of computing the Fund’s NAV. If payment is made in securities, a shareholder may incur transaction costs in converting these securities into cash. A shareholder will also bear any market risk or tax consequences as a result of a payment in securities. The Company has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act so that the Fund is obligated to redeem its shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its NAV during any 90-day period for any one shareholder of the Fund. A shareholder will bear the risk of a decline in market value and any tax consequences associated with a redemption in securities.
Under the 1940 Act, the Company may suspend the right to redemption or postpone the date of payment upon redemption for any period during which the NYSE is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings), or during which the SEC restricts trading on the NYSE or determines an emergency exists as a result of which disposal or valuation of portfolio securities is not reasonably practicable, or for such other periods as the SEC may permit. (The Company may also suspend or postpone the recordation of the transfer of its shares upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing conditions).
Shares of the Company are subject to redemption by the Company, at the redemption price of such shares as in effect from time to time, including, without limitation: (1) to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of the failure of a shareholder to make full payment for shares purchased by the shareholder or to collect any charge relating to a transaction effected for the benefit of a shareholder as provided in the Prospectus from time to time; (2) if such redemption is, in the opinion of the Board, desirable in order to prevent the Company or the Fund from being deemed a “personal holding company” within the meaning of the Code; (3) or if the net income with respect to any particular class of common stock should be negative or it should otherwise be appropriate to carry out the Company’s responsibilities under the 1940 Act.
The Fund has the right to redeem your shares at current NAV at any time and without prior notice if, and to the extent that, such redemption is necessary to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of your failure to make full payment for shares of the Fund you previously purchased or subscribed for.
Automatic Investment Plan
The Automatic Investment Plan enables investors to make regular (monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly or semi-annual basis) investments (Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund: $5,000 minimum for Institutional Class), in shares of the Fund through an automatic withdrawal from your designated bank account by simply completing the Automatic Investment Plan section on the application. Please call the Transfer Agent at (800)-[ ] for instructions. By completing the enrollment form, you authorize the Fund’s Custodians to periodically draw money from your designated account, and to invest such amounts in account(s) with the fund(s) specified.
If you elect the Automatic Investment Plan, please be aware that: (1) the privilege may be revoked without prior notice if any check is not paid upon presentation; (2) the Fund’s Custodian is under no obligation to notify you as to the non-payment of any check, and (3) this service may be modified or discontinued by the Fund’s Custodian upon five (5) business days’ written notice to you prior to any payment date, or may be discontinued by you by written notice to the Transfer Agent at least five (5) days before the next payment date.
OTHER INFORMATION REGARDING MAXIMUM SALES CHARGE, PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS
The following information supplements the information in the Prospectus under the caption “Shareholder Information.” Please see the Prospectus for more complete information.
Other Purchase Information
If shares of the Fund are held in a “street name” account with an Authorized Dealer, all recordkeeping, transaction processing and payments of distributions relating to the beneficial owner’s account will be performed by the Authorized Dealer, and not by the Fund and its Transfer Agent. Since the Fund will have no record of the beneficial owner’s transactions, a beneficial owner should contact the Authorized Dealer to purchase, redeem or exchange shares,
45 |
|
to make changes in or give instructions concerning the account or to obtain information about the account. The transfer of shares in a “street name” account to an account with another dealer or to an account directly with the Fund involves special procedures and will require the beneficial owner to obtain historical purchase information about the shares in the account from the Authorized Dealer.
Share Class Conversion
Some shareholders may hold shares of the Fund through fee-based programs, often referred to as “wrap accounts,” that are managed by investment dealers, financial advisors or other investment professionals (each, a “wrap account intermediary”). A wrap account intermediary may impose eligibility requirements on a shareholder’s participation in the fee-based program and ownership of shares through the program, which are additional to the ownership requirements described in the Fund’s Prospectus.
If you own shares of the Fund through a fee-based program, you should consult with your wrap account intermediary to determine whether there are any additional eligibility requirements that the wrap account intermediary imposes on your participation in their program and your ownership of the Fund’s shares through the program, and whether the wrap account intermediary prescribes any circumstances which may result in the type of share class conversion described herein.
TELEPHONE TRANSACTION PROCEDURES
The Company’s telephone transaction procedures include the following measures: (1) requiring the appropriate telephone transaction privilege forms; (2) requiring the caller to provide the names of the account owners, the account social security number and name of the Fund, all of which must match the Company’s records; (3) requiring the Company’s service representative to complete a telephone transaction form, listing all of the above caller identification information; (4) permitting exchanges (if applicable) only if the two account registrations are identical; (5) requiring that redemption proceeds be sent only by check to the account owners of record at the address of record, or by electronic funds transfer through the ACH network or wire only to the owners of record at the bank account of record; (6) sending a written confirmation for each telephone transaction to the owners of record at the address of record within five (5) business days of the call; and (7) maintaining tapes of telephone transactions for six months, if the Company elects to record shareholder telephone transactions. For accounts held of record by broker-dealers, financial institutions, securities dealers, financial planners and other industry professionals, additional documentation or information regarding the scope of a caller’s authority is required. Finally, for telephone transactions in accounts held jointly, additional information regarding other account holders is required.
In accordance with procedures adopted by the Board, the NAV per share of the Fund is calculated by determining the value of the net assets attributed to the Fund and dividing by the number of outstanding shares of the Fund. All securities are valued on each Business Day as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE (normally, but not always, 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) or such other time as the NYSE or National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations System (“NASDAQ”) market may officially close. The term “Business Day” means any day the NYSE is open for trading, which is Monday through Friday except for holidays. The NYSE is generally closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day (observed), Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday (observed), Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
The time at which transactions and shares are priced and the time by which orders must be received may be changed in case of an emergency or if regular trading on the NYSE is stopped at a time other than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The Company reserves the right to reprocess purchase, redemption and exchange transactions that were initially processed at a NAV other than the Fund’s official closing NAV (as the same may be subsequently adjusted), and to recover amounts from (or distribute amounts to) shareholders based on the official closing NAV. The Company reserves the right to advance the time by which purchase and redemption orders must be received for same business day credit as otherwise permitted by the SEC. In addition, the Fund may compute its NAV as of any time permitted pursuant to any exemption, order or statement of the SEC or its staff.
46 |
|
The securities of the Fund are valued under the direction of the Fund’s administrator and under the general supervision of the Board. Prices are generally determined using readily available market prices. Subject to the approval of the Board, the Fund may employ outside organizations, which may use a matrix or formula method that takes into consideration market indices, matrices, yield curves and other specific adjustments in determining the approximate market value of portfolio investments. This may result in the investments being valued at a price that differs from the price that would have been determined had the matrix or formula method not been used. All cash, receivables, and current payables are carried on the Fund’s books at their face value. Other assets, if any, are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Fund’s Valuation Committee under the direction of the Board.
The procedures used by any pricing service and its valuation results are reviewed by the officers of the Company under the general supervision of the Board.
The Fund may hold portfolio securities that are listed on foreign exchanges. These securities may trade on weekends or other days when the Fund does not calculate NAV. As a result, the value of these investments may change on days when you cannot purchase or sell Fund shares.
The following summarizes certain additional tax considerations generally affecting the Fund and its shareholders that are not described in the Prospectus. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of the tax treatment of the Fund or its shareholders, and the discussions here and in the Prospectus are not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. Potential investors should consult their tax advisers with specific reference to their own tax situations.
The discussions of the federal tax consequences in the Prospectus and this SAI are based on the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) and the regulations issued under it, and court decisions and administrative interpretations, as in effect on the date of this SAI. Future legislative or administrative changes or court decisions may significantly alter the statements included herein, and any such changes or decisions may be retroactive.
General
The Fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of Subtitle A, Chapter 1, of the Code. As such, the Fund generally is exempt from federal income tax on its net investment income and realized capital gains that it distributes to shareholders. To qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company, the Fund must meet three important tests each year.
First, the Fund must derive with respect to each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, certain payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities or foreign currencies, other income derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities, or currencies, or net income derived from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships.
Second, generally, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year, at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s assets must consist of cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and securities of other issuers (as to which the Fund has not invested more than 5% of the value of its total assets in securities of such issuer and as to which the Fund does not hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer), and no more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets may be invested in the securities of (1) any one issuer (other than U.S. government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies), (2) two or more issuers that the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses, or (3) one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships.
Third, the Fund must distribute an amount equal to at least the sum of 90% of its investment company taxable income (net investment income and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss) before taking into account any deduction for dividends paid, and 90% of its tax-exempt income, if any, for the year.
The Fund intends to comply with these requirements. If the Fund were to fail to make sufficient distributions, it could be liable for corporate income tax and for excise tax in respect of the shortfall or, if the shortfall is large enough,
47 |
|
the Fund could be disqualified as a regulated investment company. If for any taxable year the Fund were not to qualify as a regulated investment company, all its taxable income would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders. In that event, taxable shareholders would recognize dividend income on distributions to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, and corporate shareholders could be eligible for the dividends-received deduction.
The Code imposes a nondeductible 4% excise tax on regulated investment companies that fail to distribute each year an amount equal to specified percentages of their ordinary taxable income and capital gain net income (excess of capital gains over capital losses). The Fund intends to make sufficient distributions or deemed distributions each year to avoid liability for this excise tax.
Loss Carryforwards
For federal income tax purposes, the Fund is generally permitted to carry forward a net capital loss in any year to offset its own capital gains indefinitely.
Taxation of Certain Investments
The tax principles applicable to transactions in financial instruments, such as futures contracts and options, that may be engaged in by the Fund, and investments in passive foreign investment companies (“PFICs”), are complex and, in some cases, uncertain. Such transactions and investments may cause the Fund to recognize taxable income prior to the receipt of cash, thereby requiring the Fund to liquidate other positions, or to borrow money, so as to make sufficient distributions to shareholders to avoid corporate-level tax. Moreover, some or all of the taxable income recognized may be ordinary income or short-term capital gain, so that the distributions may be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.
In addition, in the case of any shares of a PFIC in which the Fund invests, the Fund may be liable for corporate-level tax on any ultimate gain or distributions on the shares if the Fund fails to make an election to recognize income annually during the period of its ownership of the shares.
Any annual net profit of any subsidiary will be recognized as ordinary income by the Fund, but any annual net loss of the subsidiary will not be recognized and will not carry forward.
State and Local Taxes
Although the Fund expects to qualify as a regulated investment company and to be relieved of all or substantially all federal income taxes, depending upon the extent of its activities in states and localities in which its offices are maintained, in which its agents or independent contractors are located or in which it is otherwise deemed to be conducting business, the Fund may be subject to the tax laws of such states or localities.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING COMPANY SHARES
The Company has authorized capital of 100 billion shares of common stock at a par value of $0.001 per share. Currently, [ ] billion shares have been classified into [ ] classes, however, the Company only has approximately [ ] active share classes that have begun investment operations. Under the Company’s charter, the Board has the power to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of common stock from time to time.
Each share that represents an interest in the Fund has an equal proportionate interest in the assets belonging to such Fund with each other share that represents an interest in such Fund, even where a share has a different class designation than another share representing an interest in that Fund. Shares of the Company do not have preemptive or conversion rights. When issued for payment as described in the Prospectus, shares of the Company will be fully paid and non-assessable.
The Company does not currently intend to hold annual meetings of shareholders except as required by the 1940 Act or other applicable law. The Company’s amended By-Laws provide that shareholders owning at least ten percent of the outstanding shares of all classes of Common Stock of the Company have the right to call for a meeting of
48 |
|
shareholders to consider the removal of one or more directors. To the extent required by law, the Company will assist in shareholder communication in such matters.
Holders of shares of the Fund will vote in the aggregate on all matters, except where otherwise required by law. Further, shareholders of the Company will vote in the aggregate and not by portfolio except as otherwise required by law or when the Board determines that the matter to be voted upon affects only the interests of the shareholders of a particular portfolio or class of shares. Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act provides that any matter required to be submitted by the provisions of such Act or applicable state law, or otherwise, to the holders of the outstanding voting securities of an investment company such as the Company shall not be deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of each portfolio affected by the matter. Rule 18f-2 further provides that a portfolio shall be deemed to be affected by a matter unless it is clear that the interests of each portfolio in the matter are identical or that the matter does not affect any interest of the portfolio. Under Rule 18f-2 the approval of an investment advisory agreement or distribution agreement or any change in a fundamental investment objective or fundamental investment policy would be effectively acted upon with respect to a portfolio only if approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of such portfolio. However, the Rule also provides that the ratification of the selection of independent public accountants and the election of directors are not subject to the separate voting requirements and may be effectively acted upon by shareholders of an investment company voting without regard to a portfolio. Shareholders of the Company are entitled to one vote for each full share held (irrespective of class or portfolio) and fractional votes for fractional shares held. Voting rights are not cumulative and, accordingly, the holders of more than 50% of the aggregate shares of common stock of the Company may elect all of the Directors.
Notwithstanding any provision of Maryland law requiring a greater vote of shares of the Company’s common stock (or of any class voting as a class) in connection with any corporate action, unless otherwise provided by law (for example by Rule 18f-2 discussed above), or by the Company’s Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, the Company may take or authorize such action upon the favorable vote of the holders of more than 50% of all of the outstanding shares of Common Stock voting without regard to class (or portfolio).
Anti-Money Laundering Program
The Fund has established an Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Program (the “Program”) as required by the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (“USA PATRIOT Act”). To ensure compliance with this law, the Fund’s Program provides for the development of internal practices, procedures, and controls, designation of anti-money laundering compliance officers, an ongoing training program, and an independent audit function to determine the effectiveness of the Program.
Procedures to implement the Program include, but are not limited to, determining that certain of their service providers have established proper anti-money laundering procedures, reporting suspicious and/or fraudulent activity, and conducting a complete and thorough review of all new account applications. The Fund will not transact business with any person or legal entity whose identity and beneficial owners, if applicable, cannot be adequately verified under the provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act.
Counsel
The law firm of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, One Logan Square, Suite 2000, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-6996, serves as independent counsel to the Company and the Independent Directors.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
[ ], serves as the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, and in that capacity audits the Fund’s financial statements.
49 |
|
The Fund is a new fund and does not have financial statements at this time. Once available, copies of the Annual Report may be obtained at no charge by telephoning the Transfer Agent at the telephone number appearing on the front page of this SAI.
50 |
|
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS
Short-Term Credit Ratings
An S&P Global Ratings short-term issue credit rating is generally assigned to those obligations considered short-term in the relevant market. The following summarizes the rating categories used by S&P Global Ratings for short-term issues:
“A-1” – A short-term obligation rated “A-1” is rated in the highest category by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments 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-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 commitments 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 weaken an obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.
“B” – A short-term obligation rated “B” is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.
“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 commitments on the obligation.
“D” – A short-term obligation rated “D” is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to “D” if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.
Local Currency and Foreign Currency Ratings – S&P Global Ratings’ issuer credit ratings make a distinction between foreign currency ratings and local currency ratings. A foreign currency rating on an issuer will differ from the local currency rating on it when the obligor has a different capacity to meet its obligations denominated in its local currency, vs. obligations denominated in a foreign currency.
Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) short-term ratings are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations with an original maturity of thirteen months or less and reflect both on the likelihood of a default or impairment on contractual financial obligations and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default or impairment.
Moody’s employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:
“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.
A- 1 |
|
“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.
“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issuer.
Fitch, Inc. / Fitch Ratings Ltd. (“Fitch”) short-term issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-term deposit ratings may not be adjusted for loss severity. Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as “short-term” based on market convention. Typically, this means up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign, and structured obligations and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets. The following summarizes the rating categories used by Fitch for short-term obligations:
“F1” – Securities possess the highest short-term credit quality. This designation indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.
“F2” – Securities possess good short-term credit quality. This designation indicates good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.
“F3” – Securities possess fair short-term credit quality. This designation indicates that the intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.
“B” – Securities possess speculative short-term credit quality. This designation indicates minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.
“C” – Securities possess 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. Typically applicable to entity ratings only.
“D” – Default. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.
Plus (+) or minus (-) – The “F1” rating may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show the relative status within that major rating category.
“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issue of a rated issuer.
The DBRS® Ratings Limited (“DBRS”) short-term debt rating scale provides an opinion on the risk that an issuer will not meet its short-term financial obligations in a timely manner. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer and the relative ranking of claims. The R-1 and R-2 rating categories are further denoted by the sub-categories “(high)”, “(middle)”, and “(low)”.
The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for commercial paper and short-term debt:
“R-1 (high)” - Short-term debt rated “R-1 (high)” is of the 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.
A- 2 |
|
“R-1 (middle)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (middle)” is of 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)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (low)” is of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is substantial. Overall strength is not as favorable as higher rating categories. May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.
“R-2 (high)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (high)” is considered to be at the 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)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (middle)” is considered to be 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 or may be exposed to other factors that could reduce credit quality.
“R-2 (low)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (low)” is considered to be at the 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” – Short-term debt rated “R-3” is considered to be at the 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” – Short-term debt rated “R-4” is considered to be of speculative credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is uncertain.
“R-5” – Short-term debt rated “R-5” is considered to be of 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” – Short-term debt rated “D” is assigned when the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to “D” may occur. DBRS may also use “SD” (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a “distressed exchange”.
Long-Term Credit Ratings
The following summarizes the ratings used by S&P Global Ratings for long-term issues:
“AAA” – An obligation rated “AAA” has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments 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 commitments 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 commitments 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 weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments 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.
A- 3 |
|
While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposure 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 that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments 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 commitments on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitments 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 commitments 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 commitments on the obligation.
“CC” – An obligation rated “CC” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The “CC” rating is used when a default has not yet occurred but S&P Global Ratings expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.
“C” – An obligation rated “C” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared with obligations that are rated higher.
“D” – An obligation rated “D” is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to “D” if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.
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 a rating has not been assigned, or is no longer assigned.
Local Currency and Foreign Currency Risks - S&P Global Ratings’ issuer credit ratings make a distinction between foreign currency ratings and local currency ratings. An issuer’s foreign currency rating will differ from its local currency rating when the obligor has a different capacity to meet its obligations denominated in its local currency, vs. obligations denominated in a foreign currency.
Moody’s long-term ratings are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations with an original maturity of one year or more. Such ratings reflect both on the likelihood of default or impairment on contractual financial obligations and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default or impairment. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for long-term debt:
“Aaa” – Obligations rated “Aaa” are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of 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 judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.
“Baa” – Obligations rated “Baa” are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.
A- 4 |
|
“Ba” – Obligations rated “Ba” are judged to be speculative 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 speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.
“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 and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.
Note: 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.
“NR” – Is assigned to unrated obligations.
The following summarizes long-term ratings used by Fitch :
“AAA” – Securities considered to be of the 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” – Securities considered to be of 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” – Securities considered to be of 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” – Securities considered to be of 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” – Securities considered to be speculative. “BB” ratings indicate that there is 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” – Securities considered to be highly speculative. “B” ratings indicate that material credit risk is present.
“CCC” – A “CCC” rating indicates that substantial credit risk is present.
“CC” – A “CC” rating indicates very high levels of credit risk.
“C” – A “C” rating indicates exceptionally high levels of credit risk.
Defaulted obligations typically are not assigned “RD” or “D” ratings but are instead rated in the “CCC” to “C” rating categories, depending on their recovery prospects and other relevant characteristics. Fitch believes that this approach better aligns obligations that have comparable overall expected loss but varying vulnerability to default and loss.
A- 5 |
|
Plus (+) or minus (-) 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 “CCC”.
“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issue of a rated issuer.
The DBRS long-term rating scale provides an opinion on the risk of default. That is, the risk that an issuer will fail to satisfy its financial obligations in accordance with the terms under which an obligation has been issued. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer, and the relative ranking of claims. All rating categories other than AAA and D also contain subcategories “(high)” and “(low)”. The absence of either a “(high)” or “(low)” designation indicates the rating is in the middle of the category. The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for long-term debt:
“AAA” – Long-term debt rated “AAA” is of the highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is exceptionally high and unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.
“AA” – Long-term debt rated “AA” is of 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” – Long-term debt rated “A” is of 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” – Long-term debt rated “BBB” is of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.
“BB” – Long-term debt rated “BB” is of speculative, non-investment grade credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is uncertain. Vulnerable to future events.
“B” – Long-term debt rated “B” is of highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet financial obligations.
“CCC”, “CC” and “C” – Long-term debt rated in any of these categories is of 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 security rated “D” is assigned when the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to “D” may occur. DBRS may also use “SD” (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a “distressed exchange”.
Municipal Note Ratings
An S&P Global Ratings U.S. municipal note rating reflects S&P Global Ratings’ opinion about the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to the notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes with an original maturity of more than three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. In determining which type of rating, if any, to assign, S&P Global Ratings’ analysis will review the following considerations:
· | Amortization schedule - the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and | |
· | Source of payment - the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note. |
A- 6 |
|
Municipal Short-Term Note rating symbols are as follows:
“SP-1” – A municipal note rated “SP-1” exhibits a strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.
“SP-2” – A municipal note rated “SP-2” exhibits a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.
“SP-3” – A municipal note rated “SP-3” exhibits a speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.
“D” – This rating is assigned upon failure to pay the note when due, completion of a distressed exchange offer, or the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions.
Moody’s uses the Municipal Investment Grade (“MIG”) scale to rate U.S. municipal bond anticipation notes of up to five years maturity. Municipal notes rated on the MIG scale may be secured by either pledged revenues or proceeds of a take-out financing received prior to note maturity. MIG ratings expire at the maturity of the obligation, and the issuer’s long-term rating is only one consideration in assigning the MIG rating. MIG ratings are divided into three levels – “MIG-1” through “MIG-3” while speculative grade short-term obligations are designated “SG”. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for short-term municipal obligations:
“MIG-1” – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.
“MIG-2” – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.
“MIG-3” – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.
“SG” – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.
“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated obligation.
In the case of variable rate demand obligations (“VRDOs”), a two-component rating is assigned: a long or short-term debt rating and a demand obligation rating. The first element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with scheduled principal and interest payments. The second element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with the ability to receive purchase price upon demand (“demand feature”). The second element uses a rating from a variation of the MIG scale called the Variable Municipal Investment Grade or “VMIG” scale. The rating transitions on the VMIG scale differ from those on the Prime scale to reflect the risk that external liquidity support generally will terminate if the issuer’s long-term rating drops below investment grade.
“VMIG-1” – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
“VMIG-2” – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
“VMIG-3” – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
A- 7 |
|
“SG” – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated obligation.
About Credit Ratings
An S&P Global Ratings issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion reflects S&P Global Ratings’ view of the obligor’s capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and this opinion may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.
Ratings assigned on Moody’s global long-term and short-term rating scales are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations issued by non-financial corporates, financial institutions, structured finance vehicles, project finance vehicles, and public sector entities.
Fitch’s credit ratings provide an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, repayment of principal, insurance claims or counterparty obligations. Fitch credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving the money owed to them in accordance with the terms on which they invested. Fitch’s credit ratings cover the global spectrum of corporate, sovereign financial, bank, insurance, and public finance entities (including supranational and sub-national entities) and the securities or other obligations they issue, as well as structured finance securities backed by receivables or other financial assets.
Credit ratings provided by DBRS are forward-looking opinions about credit risk which reflect the creditworthiness of an issuer, rated entity, and/or security. Credit ratings are not statements of fact. While historical statistics and performance can be important considerations, credit ratings are not based solely on such; they include subjective considerations and involve expectations for future performance that cannot be guaranteed. To the extent that future events and economic conditions do not match expectations, credit ratings assigned to issuers and/or securities can change. Credit ratings are also based on approved and applicable Methodologies (“Methodologies”), which are periodically updated and when material changes are deemed necessary, this may also lead to rating changes.
Credit ratings typically provide an opinion on the risk that investors may not be repaid in accordance with the terms under which the obligation was issued. In some cases, credit ratings may also include consideration for the relative ranking of claims and recovery, should default occur. Credit ratings are meant to provide opinions on relative measures of risk and are not based on expectations of any specific default probability, nor are they meant to predict such.
The data and information on which DBRS bases its opinions is not audited or verified by DBRS, although DBRS conducts a reasonableness review of information received and relied upon in accordance with its Methodologies and policies.
DBRS uses rating symbols as a concise method of expressing its opinion to the market, but there are a limited number of rating categories for the possible slight risk differentials that exist across the rating spectrum and DBRS does not assert that credit ratings in the same category are of “exactly” the same quality.
A- 8 |
|
BOSTON PARTNERS
WPG PARTNERS
REDWOOD PARTNERS
Proxy Voting Policies
March 2017
Boston Partners
909 Third Avenue
New
York, NY 10022 — Telephone 212-908-9500 —
www.boston-partners.com
B- 1 |
|
B- 2 |
|
B- 3 |
|
B- 4 |
|
B- 5 |
|
Boston Partners
Proxy Voting Policies
As of March 2017
Voting on Director Nominees in Uncontested Elections
Votes on director nominees are made on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, examining the following factors:
Compliance with market legal requirements for minimum board independence.
Long-term corporate performance record relative to a market index;
Composition of board and key board committees;
Corporate governance provisions and takeover activity;
Nominee’s attendance at meetings;
Nominee’s investment in the company;
Whether a retired CEO sits on the board;
Whether the chairman is also serving as CEO;
Whether the nominee is an inside director and the full board serves as the audit, compensation, or nominating committee or the company does not have one of these committees; AND
Whether the company has failed to meet a predetermined performance test for issuers within the Russell 3000 index;
For issuers within the Russell 3000 index, after evaluating the company’s overall performance relative to its peers, taking into account situational circumstances including (but not limited to) changes in the board or management, and year-to-date total shareholder returns;
On members of the Audit Committee and/or the full board if poor accounting practices are identified which rise to a level of serious concern, such as: fraud; misapplication of GAAP; and material weaknesses identified in Section 404 disclosures taking into consideration the severity, breadth, chronological sequence and duration, as well as the company’s efforts at remediation or corrective actions in determining whether negative vote recommendations are warranted.
If the board adopts a poison pill with a term of 12 months or less (“short-term pill”) without shareholder approval taking into account the following factors:
The date of the pill’s adoption relative to the date of the next meeting of shareholders – i.e. whether the company had time to put the pill on ballot for shareholder ratification given the circumstances;
The issuer’s governance structure and practices; and
The issuer’s track record of accountability to shareholders.
B- 6 |
|
In the following situations, votes on director nominees will be WITHHELD:
Nominee attends less than 75% of the board and committee meetings without a valid excuse;
Nominee implements or renews a dead-hand or modified dead-hand poison pill;
Nominee ignores a shareholder proposal that is approved by a majority of shares outstanding;
Nominee has failed to act on takeover offers where the majority of the shareholders have tendered their shares;
Nominee is an inside director or affiliated outsider and sits on the audit, compensation, or nominating committees;
Nominee is an inside director or affiliated outsider and the majority of the board is not independent;
Nominee is an audit committee member when a company’s non-audit fees are greater than 50% of all fees paid;
Nominee has failed to replace management as appropriate;
Nominee is CEO of a publicly traded company who serves on more than three public boards including his/her own board;
From the entire board (except new nominees) where the director(s) receive more than 50% WITHHOLD votes of those cast and the issue underlying the WITHHOLD vote has not been addressed;
From compensation committee members if there is a poor linkage between performance (1/3 yrs TSR) and compensation practices based on peer group comparisons;
From compensation committee members if they fail to submit one-time transferable stock options to shareholders for approval;
From compensation committee members if the company has poor compensation practices. Poor disclosure will also be considered. Poor compensation practices include, but are not limited to:
Egregious employment contracts including excessive severance provisions
Excessive perks that dominate compensation (base salary will be used as a relative measure to determine excessiveness)
Huge bonus payouts without justifiable performance
Performance metrics that are changed during the performance period
Egregious SERP payouts
New CEO with overly generous new hire package
Internal pay disparity
Poor practices (unless contractually bound) have not been remedied despite the previous application of cautionary language
Multi-year base salary increases guaranteed as part of an employment contract
Perks for former executives including car allowances and personal use of corporate aircraft
Excessive severance/change in control arrangements now include any new or materially amended arrangements that include provisions for the payment of excise tax gross-ups (including modified gross-ups) and/or modified single-triggers (which allow an executive to receive change-in-control severance upon voluntary resignation during a window period following the change in control);
Liberal change in control definition in individual contracts or equity plans which could
B- 7 |
|
result in payments to executives without an actual change in control occurring;
Tax reimbursements of any executive perquisites or other payments will be considered a poor pay practice;
Payment of dividends or dividend equivalents on unearned performance awards will be considered a poor practice;
From any nominee, with the exception of new nominees, if the company has a classified board and a continuing director is responsible for a problematic governance issue at the board/committee level;
In the following situations, votes on director nominees will be WITHHELD or voted AGAINST:
Incumbent director nominees at Russell 3000 companies, if there is a lack of accountability and oversight, along with sustained poor performance relative to their peers; and
Audit committee members when the company receives an Adverse Opinion on the company’s financial statements from its auditors;
The board adopts a poison pill with a term of more than 12 months (“long-term pill”), or renews any existing pill, including any “short-term pill” (12 months or fewer), without shareholder approval. A commitment or policy that puts a newly-adopted pill to a binding shareholder vote may potentially offset an adverse vote recommendation. Review such companies with classified boards every year, and such companies with annually-elected boards at least once every three years, and vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD votes from all nominees if the company still maintains a non-shareholder-approved poison pill. This policy will apply to all companies adopting or renewing pills after the announcement of this policy (Nov. 19, 2009.)
The board makes a material, adverse change to an existing poison pill without shareholder approval.
The entire board of directors (except new nominees, who will be considered on a CASE-BY-CASE basis), if:
The board failed to act on a shareholder proposal that received the support of a majority of the shares cast in the previous year. Factors considered are:
· | Disclosed outreach efforts by the board to shareholders in the wake of the vote; | |
· | Rationale provided in the proxy statement for the level of implementation; | |
· | The subject matter of the proposal; | |
· | The level of support for and opposition to the resolution in past meetings; | |
· | Actions taken by the board in response to the majority vote and its engagement with shareholders; | |
· | The continuation of the underlying issue as a voting item on the ballot (as either shareholder or management proposals); and | |
· | Other factors as appropriate.; |
Under extraordinary circumstances, BP will vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from individual directors, members of a committee, or the entire board, due to:
Material failures of governance, stewardship, risk oversight, or fiduciary responsibilities at the company (including but not limited to: bribery; large or serial fines or sanctions from regulatory bodies; significant adverse legal judgments or settlements; hedging company stock or significant pledging of company stock
Failure to replace management as appropriate; or
Egregious actions related to a director’s service on other boards that raise substantial doubt about his or her ability to effectively oversee management and serve the best interest of shareholders at any company.
BP will vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from directors individually, committee members, or the entire
B- 8 |
|
board (except new nominees, who should be considered case-by-case) if the board amends the company’s bylaws or charter without shareholder approval in a manner that materially diminishes shareholders’ rights or that could adversely impact shareholders, considering the following factors, as applicable:
a. | The board’s rationale for adopting the bylaw/charter amendment without shareholder ratification; | |
b. | disclosure by the company of any significant engagement with shareholders regarding the amendment; | |
c. | The level of impairment of shareholders’ rights caused by the board’s unilateral amendment to the bylaws/charter; | |
d. | The board’s track record with regard to unilateral board action on bylaw/charter amendments or other entrenchment provisions; | |
e. | The company’s ownership structure; | |
f. | The company’s existing governance provisions; | |
g. | Whether the amendment was made prior to or in connection with the company’s initial public offering; | |
h. | The timing of the board’s amendment to the bylaws/charter in connection with a significant business development; | |
i. | Other factors, as deemed appropriate, that may be relevant to determine the impact of the amendment on shareholders. | |
j. | Unless the adverse amendment is reversed or submitted to a binding shareholder vote, in subsequent years vote case-by-case on director nominees. Generally vote against (except new nominees, who should be considered case-by-case) if the directors: |
· | Classified the board; | |
· | Adopted supermajority vote requirements to amend the bylaws or charter; or | |
· | Eliminated shareholders’ ability to amend bylaws. |
k. | For newly public companies, generally vote against or withhold from directors individually, committee members, or the entire board (except new nominees, who should be considered case-by-case) if, prior to or in connection with the company’s public offering, the company or its board adopts bylaw or charter provisions adverse to shareholders’ rights, considering the following factors: |
· | The level of impairment of shareholders’ rights caused by the provision; | |
· | The company’s or the board’s rationale for adopting thcontested | |
· | e provision; | |
· | The provision’s impact on the ability to change the governance structure in the future (e.g., limitations on shareholder right to amend the bylaws or charter, or supermajority vote requirements to amend the bylaws or charter); | |
· | The ability of shareholders to hold directors accountable through annual director elections, or whether the company has a classified board structure; and, | |
· | Any reasonable susnset provision; and | |
· | Other relevant factors. |
BP will vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from the entire board of directors (except new nominees, who should be considered CASE-BY-CASE) if
The board implements an advisory vote on executive compensation on a less frequent basis than the frequency that received the majority of votes cast at the most recent shareholder meeting at which shareholders voted on the say-on-pay frequency.
B- 9 |
|
BP will vote CASE-BY-CASE on the entire board if:
The board implements an advisory vote on executive compensation on a less frequent basis than the frequency that received a plurality, but not a majority, of the votes cast at the most recent shareholder meeting at which shareholders voted on the say-on-play frequency, taking into account:
The board’s rationale for selecting a different frequency;
The company’s ownership structure and vote results;
Analysis of whether there are compensation concerns or a history of problematic compensation practices; and
The previous year’s support level on the company’s say-on-pay proposal.
BP will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on Compensation Committee members (or, in exceptional cases, the full board) and the Management Say-on-Pay proposal if the company’s previous say-on-pay proposal received the support of less than 70 percent of votes cast, taking into account:
The company’s response, including:
Disclosure of engagement efforts with major institutional investors regarding the issues that contributed to the low level of support;
Specific actions taken to address the issues that contributed to the low level of support;
Other recent compensation actions taken by the company;
Whether the issues raised are recurring or isolated;
The company’s ownership structure; and
Whether the support level was less than 50 percent, which would warrant the highest degree of responsiveness.
BP will generally vote against or withhold from members of the governance committee if the charter imposes undue restrictions on shareholders’ ability to amend bylaws.
9. | Insufficient Executive Compensation Disclosure by Externally Manged Issuers (EMI’s) |
For externally-managed issuers (EMIs), generally vote against the say-on-pay proposal when insufficient compensation disclosure precludes a reasonable assessment of pay programs and practices applicable to the EMI’s executives.
Majority Voting for Director Elections (U.S. and Canada)
Shareholder proposals calling for majority voting thresholds for director elections
We generally vote FOR these proposals unless the company has adopted formal corporate governance principles that present a meaningful alternative to the majority voting standard and/or provide an adequate response to both new nominees as well as incumbent nominees who fail to receive a majority of votes cast.
Chairman and CEO are the Same Person
We vote FOR shareholder proposals that would require the positions of chairman and CEO to be held by different persons.
B- 10 |
|
Independent Chair
Generally vote FOR shareholder proposals requiring that the chairman’s position be filled by an independent director, taking into consideration the following:
a. | The scope of the proposal; | |
b. | The company’s current board leadership structure; | |
c. | The company’s governance structure and practices; | |
d. | Company performance; and | |
e. | Any other relevant factors that may be applicable. |
Majority of Independent Directors
We vote FOR shareholder proposals that request that the board be composed of a two-thirds majority of independent directors.
We vote FOR shareholder proposals that request that the board audit, compensation and/or nominating committees be composed exclusively of independent directors.
We vote AGAINST shareholder proposals requiring directors to own a minimum amount of company stock in order to qualify as a director or to remain on the board.
We vote FOR management and shareholder proposals requiring directors be partially or fully paid in stock.
We may recommend WITHHOLDING votes from the compensation committee, depending on the severity of the practices and the subsequent corrective actions on the part of the board.
We will adopt a CASE-BY-CASE policy to the options backdating issue. In recommending withhold votes from the compensation committee members who oversaw the questionable options grant practices or from current compensation committee members who fail to respond to the issue proactively, we will consider several factors, including, but not limited to, the following:
Reason and motive for the options backdating issue, such as inadvertent vs. deliberate grant date changes;
Length of time of options backdating;
Size of restatement due to options backdating;
Corrective actions taken by the board or compensation committee, such as canceling or repricing backdated options, or recoupment of option gains on backdated grants;
Adoption of a grant policy that prohibits backdating, and creation of a fixed grant schedule or window period for equity grants going forward.
We will WITHHOLD votes from insiders and affiliated outsiders for failure to establish a formal nominating committee. Furthermore, WITHHOLD votes from insiders and affiliated outsiders on any company where the board attests that the ‘independent’ directors serve the functions of a nominating committee.
We vote AGAINST shareholder proposals to limit the tenure of outside directors. Term limits pose artificial and arbitrary impositions on the board and could harm shareholder interests by forcing experienced and knowledgeable directors off the board.
B- 11 |
|
Requiring two or more nominees
We vote AGAINST proposals to require two or more candidates for each board seat.
We vote AGAINST shareholder proposals to impose a mandatory retirement age for outside directors.
Director and Officer Indemnification and Liability Protection
Proposals concerning director and officer indemnification and liability protection are evaluated on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
We vote AGAINST proposals to limit or eliminate director and officer liability for monetary damages for violating the duty of care.
We vote AGAINST indemnification proposals that would expand coverage beyond just legal expenses to acts, such as negligence, that are more serious violations of fiduciary obligations than mere carelessness.
We vote FOR only those proposals that provide such expanded coverage in cases when a director’s or officer’s legal defense was unsuccessful if: (a) the director was found to have acted in good faith and in a manner that he reasonably believed was in the best interests of the company, and (b) only if the director’s legal expenses would be covered.
Shareholder proposal seeking the adoption of a documented CEO succession planning policy.
We will evaluate such proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis considering the company’s current practices and the scope of the proposal.
Limits for directors receiving 25% Withhold Votes
Shareholder proposal seeking a policy that forbids any director who receives more than 25% withhold votes cast from serving on any key board committee for two years, and asks the board to find replacement directors for the committees if need be.
We will evaluate such proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis considering the company’s current practices and the scope of the proposal.
Establish/Amend Nominee Qualifications
We will vote CASE-BY-CASE on shareholder resolutions seeking a director nominee candidate who possesses a particular subject matter expertise, considering:
The company’s board committee structure, existing subject matter expertise, and board nomination provisions relative to that of its peers;
The company’s existing board and management oversight mechanisms regarding the issue for which board oversight is sought;
The company disclosure and performance relating to the issue for which board oversight is sought and any significant related controversies; and
The scope and structure of the proposal
Director Elections – Non-U.S. Companies
Canada
In the following situations, votes will be WITHHELD:
B- 12 |
|
From any director on the audit or compensation committee who served as the company’s CEO or who, within the past five years, served as the company’s CFO (This policy only applies to Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) companies).;
From audit committee members if audit fees are not disclosed in publicly filed documents or obtainable within a reasonable period of time prior to the shareholder’s meeting;
From audit committee members if non-audit fees paid to related audit firm exceed audit-related fees.
From audit committee members where “other” or non-audit related fees paid to the external auditor in the most recently completed fiscal year exceeded fees paid to that firm for all audit related services. In the case of slate ballots, a vote of WITHHOLD will be applied to the entire slate. (One-time fees disclosed as “other” that are paid for corporate reorganization services will be excluded from the calculation for determining whether non-audit fees exceed audit and audit-related fees paid to the external firm);
The individual director has attended fewer than 75 percent of the board and committee meetings held within the past year without a valid reason for his or her absence and the company has a plurality vote standard;
The individual director has attended fewer than 75 percent of the board and committee meetings held within the past year without a valid reason for his or her absence and a pattern of low attendance exists based on prior years’ meeting attendance, and the company has adopted a majority vote standard.
Generally WITHHOLD votes from all directors nominated by slate ballot at the annual/general or annual/special shareholders’ meetings. This policy will not apply to contested director elections.
Generally WITHHOLD from individual directors, committee members, or the entire board as appropriate in situations where an advance notice policy has been adopted by the board but has not been included on the voting agenda at the next shareholders’ meeting.
Continued lack of shareholder approval of the advanced notice policy in subsequent years may result in further withhold recommendations.
Votes from individual directors (and the whole slate if the slate includes such individual directors) who:
Are insiders on the compensation or nominating committee and the committee is not majority independent.
Votes from individual directors (and the whole slate if the slate includes such individual directors) who:
Are insiders and the entire board fulfills the role of a compensation or nominating committee and the board is not majority independent
BP policies support a one-share, one-vote principle. In recognition of the substantial equity stake held by certain shareholders, on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, director nominees who are or who represent a controlling shareholder of a majority owned company, who will be designated as controlling insiders, may generally be supported under BP’ board and committee independence policies, if the company meets all of the following independence and governance criteria:
a. | Individually elected directors; | |
b. | The number of related directors should not exceed the proportion of the common shares controlled by the controlling shareholder, to a maximum of two-thirds, however if the CEO is related to the controlling shareholder, then at least two-thirds of the directors should be independent of management; | |
c. | If the CEO and chair roles are combined or the CEO is or is related to the controlling shareholder, then there should be an independent lead director and the board should have an effective and transparent process to deal with any conflicts of interest between the company, minority shareholders, and the controlling shareholder; and |
B- 13 |
|
d. | A majority of the audit and nominating committees should be either independent directors or related directors who are independent of management. All members of the compensation committee should be independent of management, and, if the CEO is related to the controlling shareholder, no more than one member of the compensation committee should be a related director; | |
e. | Prompt disclosure of detailed vote results following each shareholder meeting; and | |
f. | Adoption of a majority vote standard with a director resignation policy for uncontested elections OR a public commitment to adopt a majority voting standard with a director resignation policy for uncontested elections if the controlling shareholder ceases to control 50 percent or more of the common shares. |
BP will also consider the following:
a. | Nominating committee has process to receive and discuss suggestions from shareholders for potential director nominees; and | |
b. | If the CEO is related to the controlling shareholder, the board’s process to evaluate the performance, leadership, compensation, and succession of management should be led by independent directors. |
BP will also take into consideration any other concerns related the conduct of the subject director and any controversy or questionable actions on the part of the subject director that are deemed not to be in the best interests of all shareholders.
In the following situations, we will vote AGAINST:
a. | We will vote AGAINST compensation committee members if the company has poor pay practices as defined above. |
b. | We will generally vote AGAINST the entire slate if individual director elections are not permitted and the company demonstrates poor pay practices as defined above. |
c. | We will generally vote AGAINST equity plans if plan is used as a vehicle for poor pay practices as defined above. |
Europe
Directors’
term of office
For the markets of Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, and Switzerland,
we vote AGAINST the election or reelection of any director when their term is not disclosed or when it exceeds four years and
adequate explanation for non-compliance has not been provided.
Executives
on audit and remuneration committees
For the markets of Finland, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Sweden, we vote AGAINST the election or reelection of any executive
(as defined by RMG’S director categorization guidelines), including the CEO, who serve on the audit and/or remuneration
committees. We vote AGAINST if the disclosure is too poor to determine whether an executive serves or will serve on a committee.
Bundling
of proposal to elect directors
For the markets of France and Germany, we vote AGAINST the election or reelection of any director if the company proposes a single
slate of directors.
Majority-independent
board (i.e., greater than 50%)
For the markets of Switzerland, Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands, we vote AGAINST the election or reelection of any
non-independent director (excluding the CEO) if the proposed board is not at least 50 % independent (as defined by RMG’S
director categorization guidelines). For the markets of
B- 14 |
|
Finland, Sweden, Ireland, and Luxembourg,
we vote AGAINST non-independent directors if there is not majority independence, but only for those companies that are part of
the MSCI EAFE index.
Carve Outs: For the larger German companies where 50 % of the board must consist of labor representatives by law, we require one-third of the total board be independent.
France: We will vote FOR a non-independent, non-executive director, provided that two conditions are satisfied: future composition of the board of at least 33 percent of independents, AND improvements in board composition (e.g. independence increase from 25 to 40 percent).
Disclosure
of names of nominees
For all European companies that are part of the MSCI EAFE index (Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Finland,
France, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Greece, and Sweden), we vote AGAINST the election or reelection of any
directors when the names of the nominees are not disclosed in a timely manner prior to the meeting.. This policy will be applied
to all companies in these markets, for bundled as well as unbundled items. In the case of Italy, once the list of nominees has
been disclosed, we will evaluate each nominee on a CASE-BY- CASE basis. In the case of Poland and Turkey, BP will vote FOR the
election of directors in 2013 even if nominee names are not disclosed in a timely manner. Beginning in 2014, this grace period
will cease.
France
BP will vote on a case-by-case basis regarding the granting of double-voting rights on shares in compliance with the Florange Act.
All European Markets
BP will vote AGAINST (re)election of a combined chair/CEO at core companies. However, with the company provides assurance that the chair/CEO would only serve in the combined role on an interim basis (no more than two years), with the intent of separating the roles within a given time frame, considerations should be given to these exceptional circumstances. In this respect, the vote will be made on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. In order for BP to consider a favorable vote for an interim combined chair/CEO the company will need to provide adequate control mechanisms on the board (such as a lead independent director, a high overall level of board independence, and a high level of independence on the board’s key committees.
For companies with a majority shareholder, generally vote against the election or reelection of any non-independent directors (excluding the CEO) if the level of independence on the board will be lower than the minority shareholders’ percentage of equity ownership, or if the board will be less than one-third independent (whichever is higher.)
(In markets where the local corporate governance code addresses board independence at controlled companies, BP will generally vote against the election or reelection of any non-independent directors (excluding the CEO) if the level of independence on the board is lower than the local code recommendation, but in any case , below 1/3.)
Independence will be determined according to BP’s European Classification of Directors. If a nominee cannot be categorized, BP will consider that person non-independent and include that nominee in the calculation.
B- 15 |
|
The following policies would be applied to all widely held companies1 , unless there is a majority shareholder:
i. | For all markets (except Greece or Portugal), vote against the election or reelection of any non-independent directors (excluding the CEO) if: |
ii. | Fewer than 50 percent of the board members elected by shareholders excluding where relevant, employee shareholder representatives, would be independent, or |
iii. | Fewer than one-third of board members, including those who, in accordance with local law(s) requiring their mandatory board membership, are not elected by shareholders, would be independent. |
iv. | In Italy, at least half of the board should be independent (50 percent). Issuers with a controlling shareholder will be required to have a board consisting of at least one-third independent members (33 percent). This applies to individual director appointments (co-options). In the case of complete board renewals that are regulated by the Italian slate system (“voto di lista”), board independence will be one of the factors for determining which list of nominees BP considers best suited to add value for shareholders based, as applicable, on BP European policies. |
v. | For companies incorporated in Portugal or Greece, at least one-third of the board will be required to be independent. BP will recommend a vote against the entire slate of candidates (in the case of bundled elections), or a vote against the election of any non-independent directors (in the case of unbundled elections) if board independence level does not meet the minimum recommended one-third threshold. |
For companies with a majority shareholder (excluding Italy and Portugal):
i. | Generally vote against the election or reelection of any non-independent directors (excluding the CEO) if the level of independence on the board will be lower than minority shareholders’ percentage of equity ownership, or, in any case, if the board will be less than one-third independent (whichever is higher). |
ii. | Minority shareholders’ ownership percentage is calculated by subtracting the majority shareholder’s equity ownership percentage from 100 percent. Majority control is defined in terms of economic interest and not voting rights, and is considered to be any shareholder or group of shareholders acting collectively that control at least 50 percent + 1 share of the company’s equity capital. This independence threshold is applied to controlled widely held companies or main index-listed/MSCI-EAFE member companies which would otherwise fall under a 50-percent independence guideline as described in the Board Independence Policy. |
a. | However, in markets where the local corporate governance code addresses board independence at controlled companies, BP will generally recommend against the election or reelection of any non-independent directors (excluding the CEO) if the level of independence on the board is lower than the local code recommendation, but in any case, if the level of board independence will be less than one-third. |
1 Widely held companies are interpreted as:
› | Generally, based on their membership in a major index and/or the number of ISS clients holding the securities; | |
› | For Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Luxembourg: based on local blue chip market index and/or MSCI EAFE companies; | |
› | For Portugal, based on their membership in the PSI-20 and/or MSCI-EAFE index. |
B- 16 |
|
Ireland
We vote AGAINST on-independent directors if the majority board is not independent, but only for companies that are constituents of ISE 20.
Ireland and UK – BP will vote against directors who hold more than four other board positions. A board chairman should not hold other chairmanship position, but may hold up to 3 other board positions. BP will vote against reelection of a director whose attendance falls below 75% for more than two years.
Netherlands
We vote AGAINST nominees when their term is not disclosed or exceeds four years and an adequate explanation for noncompliance has not been provided.
Canada
Vote case-by-case on proposals to adopt or amend an Advance Notice Board Policy or to adopt or amend bylaws containing or adding an advance notice requirement. These provisions will be evaluated to ensure that all of the provisions included within the requirement solely support the stated purpose of the requirement. The purpose of advance notice requirements, as generally stated in the market, is to prevent stealth proxy contests; to provide a reasonable framework for shareholders to nominate directors by allowing shareholders to submit director nominations within a reasonable timeframe; and to provide all shareholders with sufficient information about potential nominees in order for them to make informed voting decisions on such nominees taking into account the following:
a. For annual notice of meeting given not less than 50 days prior to the meeting date, the notification timeframe within the advance notice requirement should allow shareholders the ability to provide notice of director nominations at any time not less than 30 days prior to the shareholders’ meeting. The notification timeframe should not be subject to any maximum notice period. If notice of annual meeting is given less than 50 days prior to the meeting date, a provision to require shareholder notice by close of business on the 10th day following first public announcement of the annual meeting is supportable. In the case of a special meeting, a requirement that a nominating shareholder must provide notice by close of business on the 15th day following first public announcement of the special shareholders’ meeting is also acceptable;
b. The board’s inability to waive all sections of the advance notice provision under the policy or bylaw, in its sole discretion;
c. A requirement that any proposed nominee deliver a written agreement wherein the proposed nominee acknowledges and agrees, in advance, to comply with all policies and guidelines of the company that are applicable to directors;
d. Any provision that restricts the notification period to that established for the originally scheduled meeting in the event that the meeting has been adjourned or postponed;
e. Any additional disclosure requests within the advance notice requirement or the company’s ability to require additional disclosure that exceeds that required within a dissident proxy circular or that goes beyond that necessary to determine director nominee qualifications, relevant experience, shareholding or voting interest in the company, or independence in the same manner as would be required and disclosed for management nominees; and in any event where there is no indication from the company that such additional disclosure, if requested and received, will be made publicly available to shareholders;
f. Stipulations within the provision that the corporation will not be obligated to include any information provided by dissident director nominees or nominating shareholders in any shareholder communications, including the proxy statement;
g. Any other feature or provision determined to have a negative impact on shareholders’ interests and deemed outside the purview of the stated purpose of the advance notice requirement.
B- 17 |
|
i. |
Australia
We vote AGAINST affiliated outsiders and insiders on remuneration and/or audit committees that are not majority independent.
Sri Lanka
Vote FOR board-nominated candidate unless:
He is an executive director serving on the audit, remuneration or nomination committee, or
He is a non-independent director nominee and independent directors are less than the higher of: 2, or 1/3 of the board.
Singapore
We vote AGAINST:
Election of one executive director and one substantial-shareholder nominee where independent directors represent less than one-third of the board;
Audit committee members who are former partners of the company’s auditor;
Directors who have attended less than 75 percent of meetings, without a reasonable explanation for those absences. (Acceptable explanations include Medical issues; family emergencies, the director has served for less than one year; missing one meeting of a total of three or fewer.)
Election or reelection of non-independent nominees (including nominees who have been a partner of the company’s auditor within the last three years or is on the audit committee of the company) if at least one-third of the board is not independent
Classify a director as non-independent where the director has served on the board for more than nine years and where the board either fails to provide any reason for considering the director to still be independent, or where the stated reasons raise concerns among investors as to the director’s true level of independence..
We will NOT vote against the election of a CEO or a company founder who is integral to the company.
Generally vote against if:
· | The nominee is an executive director serving on the audit, remuneration, and/or nomination committee; | |
· | The nominee is a non-independent director serving as the chairman of the audit committee, remuneration committee, and/or nomination committee. |
When the board does not have a formal audit committee, remuneration committee, and/or nomination committee, vote against if:
· | The nominee is an executive director; |
· | The nominee is a non-independent chairman of the board |
Hong Kong
BP will generally vote FOR director nominees to the board, however, we will vote AGAINST any nominee who:
Is classified by the company as independent, but fails to meet the BP criteria for independence
B- 18 |
|
Has been a partner of the company’s auditor within the last three years, and serves on the audit committee;
c. | Had attended less than 75 percent of board meeting over the most recent two years, without a satisfactory explanation (Acceptable explanations include Medical issues; family emergencies, the director has served for less than one year; missing one meeting of a total of three or fewer.); |
d. | Is an executive director serving on the remuneration committee or nomination committee, and the committee is not majority independent; or |
e. | Is an executive director serving on the audit committee. |
f. | Classified by the company as independent but fails to meet the BP criteria for independence. Classify a director as non-independent where the director has served on the board for more than nine years, and where the board either fails to provide any reason for considering the director to still be independent, or where the stated reasons raise concerns among investors as to the director’s true level of independence. |
Generally vote for the re/election of directors, unless:
a. | The nominee has been a partner of the company’s auditor within the last three years, and serves on the audit committee; | |
b. | The nominee has attended less than 75 percent of board and key committee meetings over the most recent fiscal year, without a satisfactory explanation. The calculation of director attendance will not include meetings attended by alternate directors. Acceptable reasons for director absences are generally limited to the following: | |
c. | Medical issues/illness; | |
d. | Family emergencies; | |
e. | The director has served on the board for less than a year; and | |
f. | Missing only one meeting (when the total of all meetings is three or fewer); | |
g. | The nominee is an executive director serving on the remuneration committee or nomination committee, and the committee is not majority independent; | |
h. | The nominee is an executive director serving on the audit committee; | |
i. | The nominee sits on a total of more than five public company boards (BP will accept a commitment by an overboarded director to step down from one or more boards at the next annual meeting of the company or companies in question, if that will bring the total number of boards to no more than five); or | |
j. | Any non-independent director nominees where the board is less than one-third independent under BP classification of directors. |
BP generally will not vote against the election of a CEO, managing director, executive chairman, or founder whose removal from the board would be expected to have a material negative impact on shareholder value.
Hong Kong and Singapore: Generally vote AGAINST all members of the audit committee up for reelection if:
a. | The non-audit fees paid to the auditor exceed audit fees without satisfactory explanation; or |
b. | The company did not disclose the audit fees and /or non-audit fees in the latest fiscal year. |
c. | Vote AGAINST director nominees who sit on a total of more than six public company boards. |
Japan : Generally vote FOR an article amendment to adopt a board with audit committee structure. However, if the adoption of the new governance structure would eliminate shareholders’ ability to submit shareholder proposals on income allocation, vote against the article amendments. Vote case-by-case if the board currently has a three-committee structure
B- 19 |
|
Malaysia, Thailand
Typically vote for the reelection of directors unless:
The nominee is an executive director and serves on the audit, remuneration, or nomination committee; or
The nominee has attended fewer than 75% of the board and committee meetings over the most recent year without a satisfactory explanation (Acceptable explanations include Medical issues; family emergencies, the director has served for less than one year; missing one meeting of a total of three or fewer.); or
The nominee is a non-independent director and the board is less than 1/3 independent.
Korea
We vote AGAINST the election of an outside director to the board or to the audit committee where that director sits on a total of more than two public company boards.
South Korea
We vote AGAINST
· | Any nominee who is a non-independent director serving on the audit committee. |
· | Any non-independent director nominees (5 year cooling off period) where the board is less than majority-independent (in the case of large companies) or less than 25 percent independent (in the case of small companies |
· | A director has engaged in some significant transactions with the company in the last three years and he/she cannot reasonably be seen to have the necessary objectivity and independence |
We generally vote FOR the remuneration cap for internal auditors unless:
· | It is excessive relative to peer companies, or |
· | The company has not provided a reasonable justrificaiton, or |
· | There are serious concerns about the statutory reports presented or audit procedures used. |
Korea, South Korea and South Africa
We vote AGAINST the reelection of any outside directors who have attended less than 75 % of board meetings.
South Korea, Philippines
We vote FOR the election of directors unless there are specific concerns about the company, the board or the nominees.
We vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis that shareholders cumulate their votes for the independent directors .
We vote AGAINST all director elections where insufficient information on nominees has been disclosed.
Where independent directors represent less than a majority of the board, we will vote AGAINST the following directors:
Executive directors who are neither the CEO nor a member of the founding family and/or the most recently appointed non-independent non-executive director who represents a substantial shareholder, where the percentage of board seats held by representatives of the substantial shareholder are disproportionate to their holdings in the company.
B- 20 |
|
Philippines
Where independent directors represent less than the highest of three independent directors or 30 percent of the board, RIM will vote AGAINST the following directors:
An executive director with exception of the CEO; or
One non-executive non-independent director who represents a substantial shareholder where the number of seats held by the representatives is disproportionate to its holdings in the company.
Vote FOR a board-nominated candidate unless:
He has attended less than 75% of board and key committee meetings over the recent year without explanation such as medical issues.
South Aftrica
BP evaluates management proposals seeking ratification of a company’s remuneration policy on a case-by-case basis. BP generally votes against if the level of disclosure of the policy and/or its application is below what is required for shareholders to make an informed judgment on the policy. In the event of satisfactory disclosure, BP generally votes for the approval of the executive remuneration unless specific issues apply.
Brazil
BP will vote AGAINST proposals to elect directors if the post-election board is not at least 30 percent independent. This policy applies to Novo Mercado companies.
BP will vote AGAINST proposals to elect directors if the post-election board is not at least 20 percent independent. This policy applies to Nivel 2 companies.
Vote abstain on the election of directors and fiscal council members nominated by non-controlling shareholders presented as a separate voting item if the nominee names are not disclosed in a timely manner prior to the meeting.
a. | Vote against the bundled election of directors of companies listed under the differentiated corporate governance segments of the Sao Paulo Stock Exchange (BM&FBovespa)--Novo Mercado, Nivel 2, and Nivel 1-- if the company maintains or proposes a combined chairman/CEO structure, after three (3) years from the date the company’s shares began trading on the respective differentiated corporate governance segment. |
b. | Vote against the election of the company’s chairman, if the nominee is also the company’s CEO, when it is presented as a separate election at companies listed under the differentiated corporate governance segments of the Sao Paulo Stock Exchange (BM&FBovespa)–Novo Mercado, Nivel 2, and Nivel 1-- after three (3) years from the date the company’s shares began trading on the respective differentiated corporate governance segment. | |
c. | Under extraordinary circumstances, vote against individual directors, member(s) of a committee, or the entire board, due to: |
· | Material failures of governance, stewardship, risk oversight, or fiduciary responsibilities at the company; | |
· | Failure to replace management as appropriate; or | |
· | Egregious actions related to a director’s service on other boards that raise substantial doubt about his or her ability to effectively oversee management and serve the best interests of shareholders at any company. |
B- 21 |
|
Vote against individual directors, members of a committee, or the entire board due to a conflict of interest that raises significant potential risk, in the absence of mitigating measures and/or procedures
Austria
We vote AGAINST supervisory board elections if names of nominees are not disclosed, for companies that are part of the MSCI EAFE index and/or the Austrian ATX index.
France (MSCI EAFE Index) - Combined Chairman/CEO
On proposals to change the board structure from a two-tier structure to a one-tier structure with a combination of the functions of Chairman and CEO, and/or the election or the reelection of a combined Chairman and CEO:
We vote on a CASE-BY-CASE policy, accepting a combination generally only in the following cases:
If it is a temporary solution;
If his/her removal from the board would adversely impact the company’s continuing operations;
If the company provides compelling argumentation for combining the two functions; or
If
the company has put a sufficiently counterbalancing governance structure in place.
A counterbalancing
structure may include the following:
At least 50 percent of the board members are independent (one-third for companies with a majority shareholder) according to the RMG criteria;
No executive serves on the audit committee and no executive serves on the remuneration committee (in the financial year under review if more up-to-date information is not available);
The chairmen of audit, remuneration and nomination committees are independent directors; and
All key governance committees have a majority of independent members.
If disclosure is not sufficient to determine the above, this will lead to a negative evaluation of the concerned criterion. We will apply this policy for all core companies in France. This policy will also apply for resolutions for the election or the reelection of a combined Chairman and CEO for companies of the MSCI EAFE index, which represents the world’s largest companies that are expected to be held to higher standards.
Censor (non-voting board member) Elections: For widely held companies, BP will generally vote AGAINST proposals seeking shareholder approval to elect a censor, to amend bylaws to authorize the appointment of censors, or to extend the maximum number of censors to the board.
However, BP will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis when the company provides assurance that the censor would serve on a short-term basis (maximum one year) with the intent to retain the nominee before his/her election as director. In this case, consideration shall also be given to the nominee’s situation (notably overboarding or other factors of concern.)
In consideration of the principle that censors should be appointed on a short-term basis, BP will vote AGAINST any proposal to renew the term of a censor or to extend the statutory term of censors.
For directors standing for (re)election at French companies, will take into account board appointments as censors.
B- 22 |
|
Denmark - Discharge of Management and Board
We vote AGAINST proposals to abolish the authority of the general meeting to vote on discharge of the board and management since proposals to withhold discharge are regarded by international investors as an important means by which they may express serious concern of management and board action
Sweden - Director Elections/Labor Representatives
For all Swedish MSCI EAFE companies, we vote AGAINST the election of nonindependent executive directors if less than 50 percent of the shareholder-elected members are independent non-executive directors.
In addition, for Swedish MSCI EAFE companies with labor representatives on the board of directors, we will apply Criterion (1) above, PLUS require that at least one-third of the total board (shareholder-elected members and labor representatives) be independent non-executive directors.
Israel
For Israeli companies listed on the NASDAQ exchange, we vote AGAINST the election/reelection of non-independent directors if a given board is not majority-independent and does not have at least three external directors.
Director and Auditor Indemnification We evaluate proposals on director and officer indemnification and liability protection on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
We vote AGAINST proposals that would:
Eliminate entirely directors’ and officers’ liability for monetary damages for violating the duty of care;
Expand coverage beyond just legal expenses to liability for acts, such as negligence, that are more serious violations of fiduciary obligation than mere carelessness;
Expand the scope of indemnification to provide for mandatory indemnification of company officials in connection with acts that previously the company was permitted to provide indemnification for at the discretion of the company’s board (i.e. “permissive indemnification”) but that previously the company was not required to indemnify.
For Israeli companies that are listed on a U.S. stock exchange and file a Form 20-F,we will vote AGAINST if the election of non-independent directors who sit on a company’s compensation committee.
If the board does not have compensation committee, we will vote AGAINST the non-independent directors serving on the board.
We vote FOR only those proposals providing such expanded coverage in cases when a director’s or officer’s legal defense was unsuccessful: 1) if the director was found to have acted in good faith and in a manner that he reasonably believed was in the best interests of the company, and 2) if only the director’s legal expenses would be covered.
For the issue of Indemnification and Liability Agreements with D/O, which is more common than proposals to amend bylaws, resolutions are frequently proposed to permit the companies to enter into new indemnification agreements with certain officers. We SUPPORT such requests if a company’s bylaws allow indemnification to such levels as allowed for under the Companies Law
Japan
1. | At companies with a statutory auditory structure: vote for the election of directors, except: |
B- 23 |
|
› | Top executive(s)1 at a company that has underperformed in terms of capital efficiency (i.e., when the company has posted average return on equity (ROE) of less than 5 percent over the last five fiscal years)2, unless an improvement3 is observed; | |
› | Top executive(s) if the board, after the shareholder meeting, will not include at least two outside directors; | |
› | Top executive(s) at a company that has a controlling shareholder, where the board, after the shareholder meeting, will not include at least two independent directors based on ISS independence criteria for Japan; | |
› | An outside director nominee who attended less than 75 percent of board meetings during the year under review2; or, | |
› | Top executive(s) who are responsible for not implementing a shareholder proposal which has received a majority5 of votes cast, or not putting a similar proposal on the ballot as a management proposal the following year (with a management recommendation of for), when that proposal is deemed to be in the interest of independent shareholders. |
At companies with a U.S.-type three committee structure: (In addition to the guidelines for companies with a statutory auditor structure) vote for the election of directors, except where:
2 The attendance of inside directors is not disclosed in Japan. For companies with a three committee structure and companies with an audit committee structure, ISS will require attendance of 75 percent or more of audit committee meetings as well as 75 percent or more of board meetings.
B- 24 |
|
An outside director nominee is regarded as non-independent based on ISS independence criteria for Japan, and the board, after the shareholder meeting, will not be majority independent; or
Where the company has a controlling shareholder, a director nominee sits on the nomination committee and is an insider, or non-independent outsider, when the board, after the shareholder meeting, will not include at least two independent directors based on ISS independence criteria for Japan.
2. | At companies with a board with audit committee structure: (In addition to the guidelines for companies with a statutory auditor structure) vote for the election of directors, except where: |
An outside director nominee who is also nominated as an audit committee member6 is regarded as non-independent based on ISS independence criteria for Japan
Regardless of governance structure, under extraordinary circumstances, vote against individual directors, members of a committee, or the entire board, due to:
Material failures of governance, stewardship, risk oversight, or fiduciary responsibilities at the company;
Failure to replace management as appropriate; or
Egregious actions related to a director’s service on other boards that raise substantial doubt about his or her ability to effectively oversee management and serve the best interests of shareholders at any company
Germany
For core companies with employee representatives on supervisory board: We vote AGAINST any non-independent director if less than one-third of the supervisory board is independent.
For core companies without employee representatives: We vote AGAINST any non-independent director if less than one-half of the supervisory board is independent.
We vote AGAINST supervisory board nominees in they hold more than a total of five supervisory board or foreign board of director seats and serve in an executive role at another company.
Spain
We vote AGAINST non-independent directors (excluding the CEO) for all core companies where the board is not at least one-third independent.
We vote AGAINST the routine election and reelection of directors when his/her term is not disclosed or when it exceeds four years and adequate explanation for non-compliance has not been provided. This policy applies for bundled as well as unbundled items.
United Kingdom
We consider on a CASE-BY-CASE basis the re-election of the Chairman of the board. In situations where he or she has direct responsibility for failure to comply with (or to explain satisfactorily) the Code, we vote ABSTAIN, or, if such an option is unavailable, we vote CONTENTIOUS FOR, or AGAINST.
B- 25 |
|
Germany, U.K., The Netherlands
We will generally vote AGAINST the election or reelection of a former CEO as chairman to the supervisory board or the board of directors, unless:
There are compelling reasons that justify the election or re-election of a former CEO as chairman;
The former CEO is proposed to become the board’s chairman only on an interim or temporary basis;
The former CEO is proposed to be elected as the board’s chairman for the first time after a reasonable cooling-off period; or
The board chairman will not receive a level of compensation comparable to the company’s executives nor assume executive functions in markets where this is applicable.
Latin America, Turkey, Indonesia
WE will vote AGAINST election of directors if the name of the nominee is not disclosed in a timely manner prior to the meeting. This is only for each respective market’s main blue chip (large cap) index.
Russia
WE will vote AGAINST proposals to elect directors, if names of nominees are not disclosed.
Taiwan
WE will vote AGAINST the election of directors if the names or shareholder ID numbers are not disclosed.
We vote AGAINST all directors and supervisors where the company employs the non-nomination system for election.
India
BP votes AGAINST all non-independent director nominees (other than a CEO/managing director, executive chairman, or company founder who is deemed integral to the company) where independent directors represent less than one-third of the board (if the chairman is a non-executive) or one-half of the board (if the chairman is an executive director or a promoter director.) Austria:
We will vote AGAINST the election or reelection of any non-independent directors (excluding the CEO) if the proposed board is not at least 50-percent independent (as defined by ISS’ director categorization guidelines). If a nominee cannot be categorized, BP will assume that person is non-independent and include that nominee in the calculation. The policy will apply only to core companies. For core companies where the board must include labor representatives by law, BP will require that one-third of the total board be independent
Vote against the re/election of a director if the nominee has attended less than 75 percent of board and key committee (audit, compensation, and nominating) meetings over the most recent fiscal year, without a satisfactory explanation. (Acceptable explanations include Medical issues; family emergencies, the director has served for less than one year; missing one meeting of a total of three or fewer.)
B- 26 |
|
Finland:
As it is market practice in Finland to have non-board members that are representatives of major shareholders serving on the nominating committee, we will FOR proposals to elect a nominating committee consisting of mainly non-board members, but advocate disclosure of the names of the proposed candidates to the committee in the meeting notice.
We will also vote FOR shareholder proposals calling for disclosure of the names of the proposed candidates at the meeting, as well as the inclusion of a representative of minority shareholders in the committee.
35.South Africa:
We will vote FOR the reelection of directors unless:
Adequate disclosure has not been provided in a timely manner;
There are clear concerns over questionable finances or restatements;
There have been questionable transactions with conflicts of interest;
There are any records of abuses against minority shareholder interests;
The board fails to meet minimum governance standards;
There are specific concerns about the individual nominee, such as criminal wrongdoing or breach of fiduciary responsibilities;
Repeated absences (less than 75 percent attendance) at board meetings have not been explained; or
Elections are bundled.
Additional factors resulting from recent changes in local code of best practice include:
The director is an executive who serves on one of the key board committees (audit, compensation, nominations);
The director combines the roles of chair and CEO and the company has not provided an adequate explanation;
The director is the former CEO who has been appointed as chair;
The director is a non-independent NED who serves on the audit committee;
The director is a non-independent NED who serves on the compensation or nomination committee and there is not a majority of independent NEDs on the committee. However, such a consideration should take into account the potential implications for the board’s black economic empowerment (BEE) credentials;
The director is a non-independent NED and the majority of NEDs on the board are not independent. However, such a consideration should take into account the potential implications for the board’s black economic empowerment (BEE) credentials;
We will vote FOR the reelection of the audit committee and/or audit committee members unless:
B- 27 |
|
The committee includes one or more non-independent NEDs;
The audit committee member is a non-independent NED;
Members of the committee do not meet the further minimum requirements for audit committee membership to be outlined by the South African government;
a. | There are serious concerns about the accounts presented, the audit procedures used, or some other feature for which the audit committee has responsibility |
Repeated absences at committee meetings have not been explained.
36. | Greece: |
Vote against the election or reelection of any non-independent directors if the proposed board is not at least one-third independent (as defined by ISS’ director classification guidelines). If elections are bundled and the proposed board is not at least one-third independent, vote against the entire slate. If a nominee cannot be categorized, ISS will assume that person is non-independent and include that nominee in the calculation. This policy will be applied to widely held* companies incorporated in Greece.
37. | Hungary: |
Generally vote against the election or reelection of any non-independent directors (excluding the CEO) if the board is not at least 50 percent independent. If a nominee cannot be categorized, ISS will consider that person non-independent and include that nominee in the calculation for determining the board independence percentage. The policy will apply to widely held companies.
38. | China |
Generally vote FOR the re/election of directors, except where:
a. | The nominee has been a partner of the company’s auditor within the last three years, and serves on the audit committee; | |
b. | The independent director nominee has attended less than 75 percent of board meetings over the most recent fiscal year3 , without a satisfactory explanation. Acceptable reasons for director absences are generally limited to the following: | |
c. | Medical issues/illness; | |
d. | Family emergencies; | |
e. | The director has served on the board for less than a year; and | |
f. | Missing only one meeting (when the total of all meetings is three or fewer); | |
g. | Any non-independent director nominees where the board is less than one-third independent under ISS classification of directors. |
Generally vote FOR the election of a CEO, managing director, executive chairman, or founder whose removal from the board would be expected to have a material negative impact on shareholder value.
Under extraordinary circumstances, vote against individual directors, members of a committee, or the entire board, due to:
a. | Material failures of governance, stewardship, risk oversight, or fiduciary responsibilities at the company; |
3 Companies are required to disclose the attendance record of independent directors only, and committee memberships and attendance are generally not disclosed.
B- 28 |
|
b. | Failure to replace management as appropriate; or |
c. | Egregious actions related to a director’s service on other boards that raise substantial doubt about his or her ability to effectively oversee management and serve the best interests of shareholders at any company. |
39. | South Korea |
Generally vote FOR the re/election of directors, unless:
a. | Adequate disclosure has not been provided in a timely manner; | |
b. | An outside director sits on more than two public company boards, in violation of the Commercial Act and accompanying presidential decree; | |
c. | An outside director has attended less than 75 percent of board meetings4 over the most recent fiscal year, without a satisfactory explanation. Acceptable reasons for director absences are generally limited to the following: | |
d. | Medical issues/illness; | |
e. | Family emergencies; | |
f. | The director has served on the board for less than a year; and | |
g. | Missing only one meeting (when the total of all meetings is three or fewer); | |
h. | For large companies, any non-independent director nominees (under ISS classification) where the board is less than majority-independent. |
Where adequate disclosure has been provided, generally vote for the election of a CEO, managing director, executive chairman, or founder whose removal from the board would be expected to have a material negative impact on shareholder value.
Under extraordinary circumstances, vote AGAINST individual directors, members of committees, or the entire board, due to:
a. | Material failures of governance, stewardship, risk oversight, or fiduciary responsibilities at the company; | |
b. | Failure to replace management as appropriate; or |
Egregious actions related to a director’s service on other boards that raise substantial doubt about his/her ability to effectively oversee management and serve the best interests of shareholders at any company.
Generally vote AGAINST directors for failure to remove a director convicted of wrongdoing from the board.
For cases where the election of multiple directors is presented as a bundled item, vote AGAINST the entire slate of directors if one of the nominees presents any of the governance concerns highlighted above.
EMEA (Middle East and Africa except South Africa)
BP will vote on a case-by-case basis. We will vote FOR the following catagories:
Candidates who can be identified as representatives of minority shareholders of the company, or independent candidates
Candidates who bring needed professional skills, profiles and relevant experience.
4 Korean law requires companies to disclose the attendance of only outside directors.
B- 29 |
|
Tax Havens
For US companies we apply the US guidelines.
For foreign private issuers, we vote AGAINST affiliated outsiders on the audit committee.
Truly foreign companies that do not have a U.S. listing will be evaluated under the corporate governance standards of their home market.
For uniquely structured shipping companies we vote AGAINST executive nominees when the company has not established a compensation committee when i) the company does not pay any compensation to its executive officers; ii) any compensation is paid by a third party under a contract with the company.
We vote AGAINST affiliated outsider directors on the audit, compensation, and nominating committees.
We vote AGAINST inside directors and affiliated outside directors for foreign private issuers that trade exclusively in the United States but fail to establish a majority independent board.
Proxy Contests | ||
A. | Voting for Director Nominees in Contested Elections |
Votes in a contested election of directors are evaluated on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, considering the following factors:
1. | Long-term financial performance of the target company relative to its industry; | |
2. | Management’s track record; | |
3. | Background to the contested election; | |
4. | Qualifications of director nominees (both slates) and compensatory arrangements; | |
5. | Likelihood that the proposed objectives and goals can be met; and | |
6. | Stock ownership positions. |
Reimburse Proxy Solicitation Expenses
We vote AGAINST proposals to provide full reimbursement for dissidents waging a proxy contest.
A. | Ratifying Auditors |
1. | Proposals to ratify auditors are made on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. | |
2. | We vote AGAINST the ratification of auditors and audit committee members when the company’s non-audit fees (“other”) are excessive. In circumstances where “other” fees are related to initial public offerings, bankruptcy emergence, and spin-offs, and the company makes public disclosure of the amount and nature of those fees which are determined to be an exception to the standard “non-audit fee” category, then such fees may be excluded from the non-audit fees considered in determining the ratio of non-audit to audit/audit-related fees/tax compliance and preparation for purposes of determining whether non-audit fees are excessive. |
Audit Fees = statutory audit fees + audit related fees + permissible tax services (this excludes tax strategy)
Non-Audit Fees = other fees (ex. consulting)
The formula used to determine if the non-audit fees are excessive is as follows:
B- 30 |
|
Non-audit (“other”) fees > (audit fees + audit-related fees + tax compliance/preparation fees)
3. | We vote AGAINST the ratification of auditors if there is reason to believe that the independent auditor has rendered an opinion which is neither accurate nor indicative of the company’s financial position. |
4. | (Europe) We vote AGAINST if external auditors have previously served the company in an executive capacity or are considered affiliated; if the name of the auditor is unpublished; if there is an unexplained change of auditor; for companies on the MSCI EAFE, fees for non-audit service exceed 100% of standard fees or any stricter limit set by law. For widely-held companies, fees for non-audit services exceed either 100 percent of standard audit-related fees or any stricter limit set in local best practice recommendations or law |
5. | We WITHHOLD votes from audit committee members when the company’s non-audit fees (ex. consulting) are greater than 50% of total fees paid to the auditor. We may take action against members of an audit committee in situations where there is persuasive evidence that the audit committee entered into an inappropriate indemnification agreement with its auditor that limits the ability of the company, or its shareholders, to pursue legitimate legal recourse against the audit firm. |
6. | We WITHHOLD votes from audit committee members when auditor ratification is not included on the proxy ballot. |
B. | Italy - Director and Auditor Indemnification |
Proposals seeking indemnification and liability protection for directors and auditors
1. | Votes are made on a CASE-BY-CASE basis to indemnify directors and officers, and we vote AGAINST proposals to indemnify external auditors. |
2. | We vote FOR the indemnification of internal auditors, unless the costs associated with the approval are not disclosed. |
C. | Austria, Greece, Portugal and Spain: |
We vote FOR the reelection of auditors and /or proposals authorizing the board to fix auditor fees, unless:
1. | There are serious concerns about the procedures used by the auditor; |
2. | There is reason to believe that the auditor has rendered an opinion, which is neither accurate nor indicative of the company’s financial position; |
3. | External auditors have previously served the company in an executive capacity or can otherwise be considered affiliated with the company; |
4. | Name of the proposed auditors has not been published; |
5. | The auditors are being changed without explanation; or |
6. | Fees for non-audit services exceed standard annual audit-related fees. |
D. | Hong Kong, Singapore |
B- 31 |
|
1. | Vote FOR proposals to (re)appoint auditors and authorize the board to fix their remuneration, unless: |
a. | There are serious concerns about the accounts presented or the audit procedures used; |
b. | The auditor is being changed without explanation; or |
c. | The non-audit fees exceed the audit fees paid to the external auditor in the latest fiscal year without satisfactory explanation. |
E. | MSCI EAFE Companies - Auditor Fee Disclosure |
1. | We vote FOR auditor ratification and/or approval of auditors’ fees, unless: Auditors’ fees for the previous fiscal year are not disclosed and broken down into at least audit and non-audit fees. | |
2. | The fees must be disclosed in a publicly available source, such as the annual report or company Web site. If approval of auditors’ fees and auditor ratification are two separate voting items, a vote recommendation of AGAINST would apply only to the fees, not to the auditor ratification. |
F. | Board Structure: Staggered vs. Annual Elections |
1. | We vote AGAINST proposals to classify the board. | |
2. | We vote FOR proposals to repeal classified boards and to elect all directors annually. |
G. | Shareholder Ability to Remove Directors |
1. | We vote AGAINST proposals that provide that directors may be removed only for cause. | |
2. | We vote FOR proposals to restore shareholder ability to remove directors with or without cause. | |
3. | We vote AGAINST proposals that provide that only continuing directors may elect replacements to fill board vacancies. | |
4. | We vote FOR proposals that permit shareholders to elect directors to fill board vacancies . |
H. | Cumulative Voting |
1. | We vote AGAINST proposals to eliminate cumulative voting. | |
2. | We generally vote FOR proposals to restore or permit cumulative voting unless there are compelling reasons to recommend AGAINST the proposal, such as: |
a. | the presence of a majority threshold voting standard with a carve-out for plurality in situations where there are more nominees than seats, and a director resignation policy to address failed elections; | |
b. | a proxy access provision in the company’s bylaws, or a similar structure that allows shareholders to nominate directors to the company’s ballot |
3. | We vote FOR proposals for cumulative voting at controlled companies (insider voting power > 50%). |
I. Shareholder Ability to Call Special Meetings
1. We vote AGAINST proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholder ability to call special meetings.
2. We vote FOR proposals that remove restrictions on the right of shareholders to act independently of management.
J. Shareholder Ability to Act by Written Consent
We will generally vote AGAINST management and shareholder proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholders’ ability to act by written consent.
B- 32 |
|
Generally vote FOR management and shareholder proposals that provide shareholders with the ability to act by written consent, taking into account the following factors:
Shareholders’ current right to act by written consent;
The consent threshold;
The inclusion of exclusionary or prohibitive language;
Investor ownership structure; and
Shareholder support of, and management’s response to, previous shareholder proposals.
BP will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on shareholder proposals if, in addition to the considerations above, the company has the following governance and antitakeover provisions:
An unfettered right for shareholders to call special meetings at a 10 percent threshold;
A majority vote standard in uncontested director elections;
No non-shareholder-approved pill; and
An annually elected board.
K. Shareholder Ability to Alter the Size of the Board
1. We vote FOR proposals that seek to fix the size of the board.
2. We vote AGAINST proposals that give management the ability to alter the size of the board without shareholder approval.
3. We vote AGAINST proposals seeking to amend the company’s board size to fewer than five seats or more than fifteen seats.
I. | Poison Pills |
1. | We generally vote FOR shareholder proposals that ask a company to submit its poison pill for shareholder ratification unless: |
a. | A shareholder-approved poison pill is in place. |
b. | The company has adopted a policy specifying that the board will only adopt a shareholder rights plan if either: |
i. | Shareholders have approved the adoption of the plan, or |
ii. | The board determines that it is in the best interest of shareholders to adopt a pill without the delay of seeking shareholder approval, in which the pill will be put to a vote within 12 months of adoption or it will expire. |
2. | We vote FOR shareholder proposals to redeem a company’s poison pill. |
3. | We vote AGAINST management proposals to ratify a poison pill. |
4. | We will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on proposals to adopt a poison pill or protective amendment to preserve a company’s net operating losses based on the following criteria: |
B- 33 |
|
a. | The trigger (NOL pills generally have a trigger slightly below 5 percent); |
b. | The value of the NOLs; |
c. | The term; |
d. | Shareholder protection mechanisms (sunset provision, causing expiration of the pill upon exhaustion or expiration of NOLs); and o other factors that may be applicable. |
e. | The company’s existing governance structure including: board independence, existing takeover defenses, track record of responsiveness to shareholders, and any other problematic governance concerns; and |
f. | Any other factors that may be applicable. |
J. | Poison Pills Canada |
We vote CASE-BY-CASE on management proposals to ratify a shareholder rights plan (poison pill) taking into account whether it conforms to ‘new generation’ rights plan best practice guidelines and its scope is limited to giving the board more time to find an alternative and to ensure the equal treatment of all shareholders.
K. | Poison Pills (Japan) |
We vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis and will only generally vote AGAINST unless:
· | Independent directors who meet ISS guidelines on attendance comprise at least 1/3 of the board after the shareholder meeting; | |
· | The number of independent directors who meet ISS guidelines on attendance is at least two after the shareholder meeting; | |
· | The directors are subject to annual elections; | |
· | The bid evaluation committee is composed entirely of independent directors, or independent statutory auditors, who meet ISS guidelines on attendance; | |
· | The trigger threshold is set at no less than 20 percent of shares outstanding; | |
· | The duration of the poison pill does not exceed three years; | |
· | There are no other protective or entrenchment tools that can serve as takeover defenses, including blocking stakes held by management-friendly shareholders, or setting the maximum board size to the actual board size to eliminate vacant seats, or tightening of procedures for removing a director from office; and |
We vote AGAINST all anti-takeover proposals unless they are structured in such a way that they give shareholders the ultimate decision on any proposal or offer.
M. | Fair Price Provisions |
1. | We vote proposals to adopt fair price provisions on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, evaluating factors such as the vote required to approve the proposed acquisition, the vote required to repeal the fair price provision, and the mechanism for determining the fair price. |
2. | We vote FOR shareholder proposals to lower the shareholder vote requirement in existing fair price provisions. |
B- 34 |
|
N. | Greenmail |
1. | We vote FOR proposals to adopt anti-greenmail charter or bylaw amendments or otherwise restrict a company’s ability to make greenmail payments. |
2. | We review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis anti-greenmail proposal when they are bundled with other charter or bylaw amendments. |
O. | Pale Greenmail |
We review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis restructuring plans that involve the payment of pale greenmail.
P. | Unequal Voting Rights |
1. | We vote AGAINST dual class exchange offers. |
2. | We vote AGAINST dual class recapitalizations. |
Q. | Supermajority Shareholder Vote Requirement to Amend the Charter or Bylaws |
1. | We vote AGAINST management proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote to approve charter and bylaw amendments. |
2. | We vote FOR shareholder proposals to lower supermajority shareholder vote requirements for charter and bylaw amendments. However for companies with shareholder(s) who have significant ownership levels, we vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, taking into account the following criteria: |
a. | Ownership structure; |
b. | Quorum requirements; and |
c. | Supermajority vote requirements. |
R. | Supermajority Shareholder Vote Requirement to Approve Mergers |
1. | We vote AGAINST management proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote to approve mergers and other significant business combinations. |
2. | We vote FOR shareholder proposals to lower supermajority shareholder vote requirements for mergers and other significant business combinations. |
S. | White Squire Placements |
We vote FOR shareholder proposals to require approval of blank check preferred stock issues for other than general corporate purposes.
T. | Protective Preference Shares |
We evaluate these proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis and will only support resolutions if:
1. | The supervisory board needs to approve an issuance of shares while the supervisory board is independent within the meaning of RMG’S categorization rules and the Dutch Corporate Governance Code. |
2. | No call/put option agreement exists between the company and the foundation. |
B- 35 |
|
3. | There is a qualifying offer clause or there are annual management and supervisory board elections. |
4. | The issuance authority is for a maximum of 18 months. |
5. | The board of the company-friendly foundation is independent. |
6. | The company has disclosed under what circumstances it expects to make use of the possibility to issue preference shares. |
7. | There are no priority shares or other egregious protective or entrenchment tools. |
8. | The company releases its proxy circular, with details of the poison pill proposal, at least three weeks prior to the meeting. |
9. | Art 2:359c Civil Code of the legislative proposal has been implemented. |
Miscellaneous Governance Provisions
U. | Confidential Voting |
1. | We vote FOR shareholder proposals that request corporations to adopt confidential voting, to use independent tabulators, and to use independent inspectors of election as long as the proposals include clauses for proxy contests as follows: In the case of a contested election, management should be permitted to request that the dissident group honor its confidential voting policy. If the dissidents agree, the policy remains in place. If the dissidents do not agree, the confidential voting policy is waived. |
2. | We vote FOR management proposals to adopt confidential voting. |
3. | WE vote on a case-by-case basis on proposals regarding proxy voting mechanics, taking into consideration whether implementation of the proposal is likely to enhance or protect shareholder rights. Issues include confidential voting of individual proxies and ballots, confidentiality of running vote tallies, treatment of abstentions and/or broker non-votes in counting methodology. Factors considered are transparency, consistency, fairness. Other factors include: |
a. | The scope and structure of the proposal |
b. | the company’s stated confidential voting policy and whether it ensures a ‘level playing field’ by providing shareholder proponents with equal access to vote information prior to the annual meeting; |
c. | The company’s vote standard for management and shareholder proposals and whether it ensures consistency and fairness in the process and maintains the integrity of vote results; |
d. | Whether the company’s disclosure regarding its vote counting method and other relevant voting policies with respect to management and shareholder proposals are consistent and clear; |
e. | Any recent controversies or concerns related to the company’s proxy voting mechanic; |
f. | Any unintended consequences resulting from implementation of the proposal; and |
g. | any other relevant factors. |
B- 36 |
|
V. | Litigation Rights (including exclusive venue and fee-shifting bylaw provisions) |
BP votes on a case-by-case basis on bylaws which impact shareholders’ litigation rights taking into account factors such as:
a. The company’s stated rationale for adopting the provision
b. Disclosure of past harm from shareholder lawsuits
c. The breadth of application of the bylaw such as key terms and types of lawsuits
d. Governance features such as shareholders’ ability to repeal the provision and ability to hold directors accountable.
BP generally votes AGAINST bylaws that mandate fee-shifting whenever plaintiffs are not completely successful on the merits.
A. | Equal Access |
BP will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on proposals to enact proxy access, taking into account, among other factors:
1. | Company-specific factors; and |
2. | Proposal-specific factors, including: |
a. | The ownership thresholds proposed in the resolution (i.e. percentage and duration); |
b. | The maximum proportion of directors that shareholders may nominate each year; and |
c. | The method of determining which nominations should appear on the ballot if multiple shareholders submit nominations. |
B. | Bundled Proposals |
We review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis bundled or “conditioned” proxy proposals. In the case of items that are conditioned upon each other, we examine the benefits and costs of the packaged items. In instances when the joint effect of the conditioned items is not in shareholders’ best interests, we vote AGAINST the proposals. If the combined effect is positive, we SUPPORT such proposals.
C. | Shareholder Advisory Committees |
We vote AGAINST proposals to establish a shareholder advisory committee.
D. | Charitable Contributions |
We vote AGAINST shareholder proposals to eliminate, direct or otherwise restrict charitable contributions.
E. | Adjourn Meeting Requests to Solicit Additional Proxies to Approve Merger Agreement |
We will vote FOR this when:
1. | We support the underlying merger proposal |
2. | The company provides a compelling reason and |
3. | The authority is limited to adjournment proposals requesting the authority to adjourn solely to solicit proxies to approve a transaction that we support. |
B- 37 |
|
F. | Related-Party Transactions (France) |
Management proposals to approve the special auditor’s report regarding regulated agreements
1. | We evaluate these proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis taking into consideration the individuals concerned in the agreement, detailed content of the agreement, and convened remuneration. |
2. | We vote AGAINST if the report is not available 21 days prior to the meeting date, or if the report contains an agreement between a non-executive director and the company for the provision of consulting services. |
3. | We vote FOR if the report is not available 21 days prior to the meeting date, but the resolution states that there are none. |
G. | Related Party Transaction Auditor Reports (France) |
We will evaluate on a CASE-BY-CASE basis considering 1) adequate disclosure, 2) sufficient justification on apparently unrelated transactions, 3) fairness option (if applicable), and 4) any other relevant information.
H. | Related Party Transactions (Malaysia) |
BP will vote AGAINST a related-party transaction if:
· | A director who is classified by the company as independent has a vested interest in the business transaction AND |
· | The value of the transaction exceeds MYR 250,000. In addition, directors involved in related party transaction in excess of MYR 250,000 will be classified as non-independent. |
I. | General Share Issuance Mandate (Malaysia) |
Generally vote FOR issuance request with preemptive rights to a max of 100% over currently issued capital. Without preemptive rights, vote FOR requests up to 20% issued capital.
J. | Financial Assistance Authorities (South Africa) |
Generally vote FOR a general authority to provide financial assistance, unless:
· | As part of the authority, the company requests a general authority to provide financial assistance to directors, and this is not limited to participation in share incentive schemes; and/or |
· | As part of the authority, the company seeks approval to provide financial assistance “to any person.” |
K. | Authority to Reduce Minimum Notice Period for Calling a Meeting (non-US Companies) |
Central and Eastern Europe
We will vote proposals to reduce minimum notice period for calling a meeting on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
Generally, approve “enabling” authority proposal on the basis that BP would typically expect companies to call EGMs/GMs using a notice period of less than 21 days only in limited circumstances where a
B- 38 |
|
shorter notice period will be to the advantage of shareholders as a whole. By definition, EGMs being regular meetings of the company, should not merit a notice period of less than 21 days.
In a market where local legislation permits EGM/GM to be called at no less than 14-day’s notice, RMG will generally support the proposal if the company discloses that eh shorter notice period of between 20 and 14 days would not be used as a routine matter for such meetings buy only when the flexibility is merited by the business of the meeting. Where the proposal at a give EGM/GM is not time-sensitive, BP would not typically expect a company to invoke the shorter notice notwithstanding any prior approval of the enabling authority proposal by shareholders.
With the exception of the first AGM at which approval of the enabling authority is sought, when evaluating an enabling authority proposal, BP will consider the company’s use of shorter notice periods in the preceding year to ensure that such periods were invoked solely in connection with genuinely time-sensitive matters. Where the company has not done so, and fails to provide a clear explanation, we will consider voting AGAINST the enabling authority for the coming year.
J. | Independent Proxy (Switzerland) |
BP will generally vote FOR proposals to elect an independent proxy for shareholder representation at annual general meetings for a term lasting until the following year’s ordinary general meeting. Absent any concerns about the independence of the proposed proxy, there are routine resolutions as the elected proxy must be independent as defined by Art. 728 of the Swiss Code of Obligations, the same definition of independence applied to external auditors.
K. | Exclusive Venue Proposals (Mgmt proposals seeking exclusive jurisdiction for resolution of disputes) |
BP will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on exclusive venue proposals taking into account:
1. | Whether the company has been materially harmed by shareholder litigation outside its jurisdiction of incorporation, based on disclosure in the company’s proxy statement; and |
2. | whether the company has the following good governance features: |
a. | an annually elected board; |
b. | a majority vote standard in uncontested director elections; and |
c. | the absence of a poison pill, unless the pill was approved by shareholders. |
L. | Common Stock Authorization |
1. | We review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis proposals to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issue. |
2. | We vote AGAINST proposals to increase the number of authorized shares of the class of stock that has superior voting rights in companies that have dual-class capitalization structures. |
3. | We vote AGAINST proposals which request increases in the number of authorized shares over a level 50 % above currently authorized shares, after taking into account any stock split or financing activity, without specific reasons. |
B- 39 |
|
M. | Capital Issuance Requests |
1. | General issuance requests under both authorized and conditional capital systems allow companies to issue shares to raise funds for general financing purposes. Issuances can be carried out with or without preemptive rights. Corporate law in many countries recognizes preemptive rights and requires shareholder approval for the disapplication of such rights. |
a. | We vote FOR general issuance requests with preemptive rights for up to 50% of a company’s outstanding capital. |
b. | We vote FOR general issuance requests without preemptive rights for up to 10% of a company’s outstanding capital. |
c. | We vote AGAINST global company issuances without preemptive rights over 10% of a company’s outstanding capital. (In Ireland and UK - pre-emption rights should not exceed more than 5 percent of the issued share capital in any one year, with an overall limit of 7.5 percent in any rolling three-year period.) |
2. | Specific issuance requests will be judged on their individual merits. |
3. |
Protective
Preference Shares (Netherlands)
Management proposals to approve protective preference shares to company-friendly foundations: We will evaluate these proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis and will only support resolutions if: |
a. | The supervisory board needs to approve an issuance of shares while the supervisory board is independent within the meaning of RMG’S categorization rules and the Dutch Corporate Governance Code. |
b. | No call/put option agreement exists between the company and the foundation. |
c. | There is a qualifying offer clause or there are annual management and supervisory board elections. |
d. | The issuance authority is for a maximum of 18 months. |
e. | The board of the company-friendly foundation is independent. |
f. | The company has disclosed under what circumstances it expects to make use of the possibility to issue preference shares. |
g. | There are no priority shares or other egregious protective or entrenchment tools. |
h. | The company releases its proxy circular, with details of the poison pill proposal, at least three weeks prior to the meeting. |
i. | Art 2:359c Civil Code of the legislative proposal has been implemented. |
4. |
U.K and
Netherlands
We will vote FOR issuance requests only if share issuance periods are limited to 18 months. |
5. | South Africa |
a. | We will vote FOR a general Authority to place authorized but unissued shares under the control of the directors unless: |
i. | The authority is over a number of shares equivalent to more than 10% of the current issued share capital. |
B- 40 |
|
ii. | The authority would allow shares to be used for share incentive scheme purposes and the underlying scheme(s) raises concerns. |
iii. | The company used the authority during the previous year in a manner deemed not to be in shareholders’ best interests. |
b. | We will vote FOR a general authority to issue shares for cash unless: |
i. | The authority is over a number of shares equivalent to more than 10% of the current issued share capital. |
ii. | The company used the authority during the previous year in a manner deemed not to be in shareholder’s interest. |
6. | Singapore |
Generally vote FOR a general issuance of equity without preemptive rights when the issuance limit is not more than 10% of issued shares and 50% with preemptive rights for all Singapore companies, except Catalist-listed companies and REITS.
For Singapore companies listed on the Catalist market of the SGX, generally vote for a general issuance of equity or equity-linked securities without preemptive rights when the share issuance limit is not more than 20 percent of the company’s issued share capital and 100 percent with preemptive rights. For Real Estate Investment Trusts, generally vote for a general issuance of equity or equity-linked securities without preemptive rights when the unit issuance limit is not more than 20 percent of its issued unit capital and 50 percent with preemptive rights.
7. | Taiwan |
Generally vote FOR general mandate for public share issuance if the issue size is no more than 20% of the existing share capital or if the mandate includes a private placement as one of the financing channels if the resulting dilution rate is no more than 10%.
We vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on requests to issue shares for a specific purpose such as the financing of a particular project, an acquisition or a merger.
8. | France |
Vote for general issuance requests with preemptive rights, or without preemptive rights but with a binding “priority right,” for a maximum of 50 percent over currently issued capital. Generally vote for general authorities to issue shares without preemptive rights up to a maximum of 10 percent of share capital.
N. | Stock Distributions: Splits and Dividends |
We vote FOR management proposals to increase common share authorization for a stock split, provided that the increase in authorized shares would not result in an excessive number of shares available for issuance given a company’s industry and performance in terms of shareholder returns.
O. | Reverse Stock Splits |
1. | We vote FOR management proposals to implement a reverse stock split when the number of shares will be proportionately reduced to avoid delisting. |
2. | We vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to implement a reverse stock split that do not proportionately reduce the number of shares authorized for issue. |
B- 41 |
|
P. | Preferred Stock |
1. | We vote AGAINST proposals authorizing the creation of new classes of preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion, dividend distribution, and other rights (“blank check” preferred stock). |
2. | We vote FOR proposals to create blank check preferred stock in cases when the company expressly states that the stock will not be used as a takeover defense. |
3. | We vote FOR proposals to authorize preferred stock in cases where the company specifies that the voting, dividend, conversion, and other rights of such stock and the terms of the preferred stock appear reasonable. |
4. | We review on a CASE-BY-CASE BASIS proposals to increase the number of blank check preferred shares after analyzing the number of preferred shares available for issue given a company’s industry and performance in terms of shareholder returns. |
Q. | Adjustments to Par Value of Common Stock |
We vote FOR management proposals to reduce the par value of common stock.
R. | Preemptive Rights |
1. | We vote FOR proposals to create preemptive rights. |
2. | We vote AGAINST proposals to eliminate preemptive rights. |
S. | Debt Restructurings |
We review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis proposals to increase common and/or preferred shares and to issue shares as part of a debt restructuring plan. We consider the following issues:
1. | Dilution: How much will ownership interest of existing shareholders be reduced, and how extreme will dilution to any future earnings be? |
2. | Change in Control: Will the transaction result in a change in control of the company? |
3. | Bankruptcy: Generally, we approve proposals that facilitate debt restructurings unless there are clear signs of self-dealing or other abuses. |
T. | Share Repurchase Programs |
1. | We will generally vote FOR market repurchase authorities/share repurchase programs provided that the proposal meets the following parameters: |
a. | Maximum volume: 10 percent for market repurchase within any single authority (Carve out: 15 percent in the U.K.) and 10 percent of outstanding shares to be kept in treasury (“on the shelf”); |
b. | Duration does not exceed 18 months. For company’s who operate in markets that do not specify a maximum duration or durations last beyond 18 months. We will assess their historic practices. |
2. | Vote AGAINST proposals where: |
a. | The repurchase can be used for takeover defenses; |
b. | There is clear evidence of abuse; |
B- 42 |
|
c. | There is no safeguard against selective buybacks; |
d. | Pricing provisions and safeguards are deemed to be unreasonable in light of market practice. |
3. | Consider Case-by-Case if these conditions are met: |
a. | The overall balance of the proposed plan seems to be clearly in shareholders’ interests; |
b. | The plan still respects the 10 percent maximum of shares to be kept in treasury. |
U. | Share Repurchase Programs to Fund Stock Option Plans |
1. | Spain |
We vote AGAINST proposals to repurchase shares in connection with stock option plans when no information associated with the plan is available prior to the general meeting. However, we will maintain our stance on routine repurchases if it is disclosed that there is no connection.
2. | Portugal |
We will consider this item on a CASE-BY-CASE basis and will take into consideration whether information associated with the plan is available prior to the general meeting, and if there is any improvement in disclosure around option plans.
V. | Additional Share Repurchase Programs |
1. | Denmark |
Repurchase of shares in lieu of dividends – We will consider this item on a CASE-BY-CASE basis considering tax benefits and cost savings.
2. | Japan |
Vote case-by-case on article amendments to give the board discretionary authority over share repurchases, taking into account the company’s:
· | Balance sheet conditions; | |
· | Capital efficiency and return on equity; | |
· | Past share buybacks and dividend payouts; | |
· | Board composition; | |
· | Shareholding structure; and | |
· | Other relevant factors |
Generally vote against these amendments if shareholders will lose the ability to submit shareholder proposals on share repurchases.
3. | Germany and Italy |
Repurchase shares using put and call options – We will vote FOR provided the company details:
a. | Authorization is limited to 18 months |
b. | The number of shares that would be purchased with call options and/or sold with put options is limited to a max of 5% of TSO |
c. | An experienced financial institution is responsible for the trading |
d. | The company has a clean track record regarding repurchases. |
B- 43 |
|
W. | Netherlands - Remuneration Report |
Management is required to put its remuneration policy up for a binding shareholder vote. We will evaluate this item using principles of the Dutch Corporate Governance Code.
Netherlands - Protective Preference Shares: Proposals to approve protective preference shares
We vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. In general, we vote FOR protective preference shares (PPS) only if:
1. | The supervisory board needs to approve an issuance of shares whilst the supervisory board is independent within the meaning of RMG’s categorization rules and the Dutch Corporate Governance Code (i.e. a maximum of one member can be non-independent); |
2. | No call / put option agreement exists between the company and a foundation for the issuance of PPS; |
3. | The issuance authority is for a maximum of 18 months; |
4. | The board of the company friendly foundation is fully independent; |
5. | There are no priority shares or other egregious protective or entrenchment tools; |
6. | The company states specifically that the issue of PPS is not meant to block a takeover, but will only be used to investigate alternative bids or to negotiate a better deal; |
7. | The foundation buying the PPS does not have as a statutory goal to block a takeover; |
8. | The PPS will be outstanding for a period of maximum 6 months (an EGM must be called to determine the continued use of such shares after this period) |
X. | Tracking Stock |
We vote on the creation of tracking stock on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, weighing the strategic value of the transaction AGAINST such factors as:
1. | Adverse governance charges |
2. | Excessive increases in authorized capital stock |
3. | Unfair method of distribution |
4. | Diminution of voting rights |
5. | Adverse conversion features |
6. | Negative impact on stock option plans |
7. | Other alternatives such as spinoff |
Y. | “ Going Dark” Transactions |
We vote these proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, determining whether the transaction enhances shareholder value by giving consideration to:
B- 44 |
|
1. | Whether the company has attained benefits from being publicly traded. |
2. | Cash-out value |
3. | Balanced interests of continuing vs. cashed-out shareholders |
4. | Market reaction to public announcement of transaction |
Executive and Director Compensation
Z. | General |
1. | Votes with respect to compensation plans are determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. |
Robeco votes on a case by case basis on equity based compensation plans taking into account the following:
a. | Plan Cost – the total estimated cost of the plans relative to industry/market cap peers measured by the company’s estimated Shareholder Value Transfer and considering both the SVT based on new shares requested plus shares remaining for future grans, plus outstanding unvested/unexercised grants and SVT based only on new shares plus shares remaining for future grans. | |
b. | Plan Features – Automatic single-triggered award vesting upon change of control; Discretionary vesting authority, liberal share recycling. Minimum vesting period for grants made under the plan. | |
c. | Grant Practices: The burn rate; vesting requirements; the estimated duration of the plan, the proportion of the CEO’s most recent equity grants, existence of a claw-back policy, post exercise/vesting requirements. |
BP generally votes against the plan if the combination of above factors indicates that the plan is not in the shareholders best interests of if any of the following apply:
a. | The plan creates dilution exceeding 3 ½% per year over the life of the plan. | |
b. | Awards may vest in connection with a liberal change of control definition. | |
c. | The plan would permit reprising or cash buyout of underwater options without shareholder approval. |
The plan is a vehicle for problematic pay practice or a pay for performance disconnect
Canada Specific:
i. | Generally vote against an equity compensation plan proposal where: |
· | The non-employee director aggregate share reserve under the plan exceeds the BP established maximum limit of 1 percent of the outstanding common shares; or | |
· | The equity plan document does not specify an annual individual non-employee director grant limit with a maximum value of (i) $100,000 worth of stock options in the case of a stock option or omnibus plan, or (ii) $150,000 worth of shares in the case of an equity plan that does not grant stock options. |
Individual Non-employee Director Grants
ii. | Generally vote against individual equity grants to non-employee directors in the following circumstances: |
· | In conjunction with an equity compensation plan that is on the agenda at the shareholder meeting if voting against the underlying equity compensation plan; and |
B- 45 |
|
· | Outside of an equity compensation plan if the director’s annual grant would exceed the above individual director limit. |
iii. | Shares taken in lieu of cash fees and a one-time initial equity grant upon a director joining the board will not be included in the maximum award limit. |
b. | Hong Kong and Singapore specific |
i. | Vote AGAINST a stock option scheme if directors eligible to receive options under the scheme if directors eligible to receive options under the scheme are involved in the administration of the scheme the scheme administrator has the discretion over awards; this generally excludes equity awards granted or taken in lieu of cash fees. |
c. | Singapore specific: |
i. | Vote against a performance share plan or restricted share plan if: |
· | The maximum dilution level for the plan exceeds BP guidelines of 5% of issued capital for a mature company and 10% if the plan includes other positive features such as challenging performance criteria and meaningful vesting periods as these features partially offsheet dilution concerns by reducing the likelihood that awards will become exercisable unless there is a clear improvement in shareholder value; or |
· | Directors eligible to receive options under the scheme are involved in the administration of the scheme and the administrator has the discretion over awards. |
d. | France-specific: BP will generally vote FOR equity-based compensation proposals taking into account the following factors: |
i. | The volume of awards transferred to participants must not be excessive; the potential volume of fully diluted issued share capital from equity-based compensation plans must not exceed the following guidelines: |
o | The shares reserved for all share plans may not exceed 5% of a company’s issued share capital, except in the case of a high-growth company or particularly well-designed plan, in which case dilution of between 5 and 10% is allowed. |
ii. | The plan must be sufficiently long-term in nature/structure; minimum vesting of 3 years or more; and |
iii. | The awards must be granted at market price. |
AA. | Management Proposals Seeking Approval to Reprice Options |
We vote on management proposals seeking approval to reprice options on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
BB. | Director Compensation |
We vote on stock-based plans for directors on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
We vote on management proposals seeking ratification of non-employee director compensation on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
CC. | Employee Stock Purchase Plans |
1. | We vote on qualified employee stock purchase plans on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. |
2. | We vote on non-qualified employee stock purchase plans on a CASE-BY-CASE basis but will APPROVE plans considering the following criteria: |
B- 46 |
|
a. | Broad-based participation (all employees excluding individuals with 5% or more of beneficial ownership) |
b. | Limits on employee contribution, either fixed dollar or percentage of salary |
c. | Company matching contribution up to 25% |
d. | No discount on the stock price on the date of purchase since there is a company matching contribution |
3. | Canada |
BP will generally vote FOR broadly based (preferably all employees of the company with the exclusion of individuals with 5 percent or more beneficial ownership of the company) employee stock purchase plans where the following apply:
a. | Reasonable limit on employee contribution (may be expressed as a fixed dollar amount or a percentage of base salary excluding bonus, commissions and special compensation); |
b. | Employer contribution of up to 25% of employee contribution and no purchase price discount or employer contribution of more than 25% of employee contribution and SVT cost of the company’s equity plans is within the allowable cap for the company; |
c. | Purchase price is at least 80% of fair market value with no employer contribution; |
d. | Potential dilution together with all other equity-based plans is 10% of outstanding common shares for less; and |
e. | Plan Amendment Provision requires shareholder approval for amendments to: |
i. | The number of shares reserved for the plan; |
ii. | The allowable purchase price discount; |
iii. | The employer matching contribution amount. |
Treasury-funded ESPPs, as well as market purchase funded ESPPs requesting shareholder approval, will be considered to be incentive-based compensation if the employer match is greater than 25%. BP will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis taking into account the following factors:
a. | Shareholder Value Transfer (SVT) cost of the plan; |
b. | Eligibility; |
c. | Administration; |
d. | The company’s other equity-based compensation plans and benefit programs, in particular pensions. |
DD. | OBRA-Related Compensation Proposals: |
1. | Amendments that Place a Cap on Annual Grants or Amend Administrative Features |
We vote FOR plans that simply amend shareholder-approved plans to include administrative features or place a cap on the annual grants any one participant may receive to comply with the provisions of Section 162(m) of OBRA.
2. | Amendments to Added Performance-Based Goals |
a. | We vote FOR amendments to add performance goals to existing compensation plans to comply with the provisions of Section 162(m) of OBRA. |
B- 47 |
|
b. | We vote FOR plans that support full disclosure and linking compensation to performance goals that impact the long-term performance of the firm (e.g. compliance with environmental/EPA regulations, labor supplier standards or EEOC laws). |
3. | Amendments to Increase Shares and Retain Tax Deductions under OBRA |
We evaluate votes on amendments to existing plans to increase shares reserved and to qualify the plan for favorable tax treatment under the provisions of Section 162(m) on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
4. | Approval of Cash or Cash-and-Stock Bonus Plans |
a. | We vote on cash or cash-and-stock bonus plans to exempt the compensation from taxes under the provisions of Section 162(m) of OBRA on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. |
b. | We generally vote AGAINST plans with excessive awards ($2 million cap). |
5. | Independent Outsiders |
We will vote AGAINST proposals if the compensation committee does not fully consist of independent outsiders, as defined in our definition of director independence.
EE. | Shareholder Proposals to Limit Executive and Director Pay |
1. | We generally vote FOR shareholder proposals that seek additional disclosure of executive and director pay information. |
2. | We vote AGAINST all other shareholder proposals that seek to limit executive and director pay |
FF. | Golden and Tin Parachutes |
1. | We vote FOR shareholder proposals to require golden and tin parachutes to be submitted for shareholder ratification. |
2. | We vote AGAINST golden parachutes. |
3. | Voting on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on Golden Parachute proposals, including consideration of existing change in control arrangements maintained with named executive officers rather than focusing primarily on new or extended arrangements. |
a. | Features that may result in an AGAINST recommendation include one or more of the following, depending on the number, magnitude, and/or timing of issues(s): |
b. | Single or modified single trigger cash severance; |
c. | Single trigger acceleration of unvested equity awards; |
d. | Excessive cash severance (>3x base salary and bonus); |
e. | Excise tax gross ups triggered and payable (as opposed to a provision to provide excise tax gross ups); |
f. | Excessive golden parachute payments (on an absolute basis or as percentage of transaction equity value); or |
g. | Recent amendments that incorporate any problematic features (such as those above) or recent actions (such as extraordinary equity grants) that may make packages so attractive as to influence merger agreements that may not be in the best interests of shareholders; or |
B- 48 |
|
h. | The company’s assertion that a proposed transaction is conditions on shareholder approval of the golden parachute advisory vote. |
GG. | Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) |
We vote FOR proposals that request shareholder approval in order to implement an ESOP or to increase authorized shares for existing ESOPs, except in cases when the number of shares allocated to the ESOP is “excessive” (i.e., generally greater than 5% of outstanding shares).
HH. | 401(k) Employee Benefit Plans |
We vote FOR proposals to implement a 401(k) savings plan for employees.
II. | Pension Plan Income and Performance-Based Compensation |
Generally we vote FOR proposals to exclude earnings on assets of company sponsored pension plans in determining executive and director compensation. Our position generally does not view the following factors as relevant: 1) the amount of pension plan earnings, and 2) the percentage, if any, such pension plan earnings contribute to the company’s pre-tax earnings.
JJ. | Indexed Options and Performance Vested Restricted Stock |
We generally vote FOR indexed options and performance vested restricted stock.
KK. | Burn Rate |
We vote AGAINST equity plans that have high average three-year burn rate defined as 1) the company’s most recent three-year burn rate that exceeds one standard deviation of its GICS segmented by Russell 3000 index and non-Russell 3000 Index, OR 2) the company’s most recent three-year burn rate that exceeds 2% of common shares outstanding. For companies that grant both full value awards and stock options to their employees, we shall apply a premium on full value awards for the past three fiscal years.
LL. | Transferable Stock Options |
1. | We will generally vote FOR TSO awards within a new equity plan if the total cost of the company’s equity plans is less than the company’s allowable cap, assuming all other conditions have been met to receive a FOR recommendation. The TSO structure must be disclosed and amendments to existing plans should make clear that only options granted post-amendment shall be transferable. |
2. | One-time transfers will be evaluated on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, giving consideration to the following: |
a. | Executive officers and non-employee directors should be excluded from participating. |
b. | Stock options must be purchased by third-party financial institutions at a discount to their fair value using an appropriate financial model. |
There should be a two-year minimum holding period for sale proceeds (cash or stock) for all participants.
MM. | Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERPs) |
We evaluate on a CASE-BY-CASE basis Shareholder proposal to limit ‘covered compensation’ under their SERP plan to no more than 100% of a senior executive’s salary, considering the company’s current SERP plan.
B- 49 |
|
NN. | Pay-for-Superior-Performance |
We evaluate Shareholder proposals to establish a pay-for-superior-performance standard on a CASE-BY-CASE basis considering the company’s current pay-for-performance practices.
OO. | Executive Compensation Advisory Proposal (Say on Pay) |
1. | BP will vote FOR annual advisory votes on compensation, which provide the most consistent and clear communication channel for shareholder concerns about companies’ executive pay programs. |
2. | We evaluate shareholder proposals to ratify the compensation of the company’s named executive officers (NEOs) on an annual basis on a CASE-BY-CASE basis considering the following global principles: |
a. | Maintain appropriate pay-for-performance alignment with emphasis on long-term shareholder value: This principle encompasses overall executive pay practices, which must be designed to attract, retain, and appropriately motivate the key employees who drive shareholder value creation over the long term. It will take into consideration, among other factors: the linkage between pay and performance; the mix between fixed and variable pay; performance goals; and equity-based plan costs; |
b. | Avoid arrangements that risk “pay for failure.” This principle addresses the use and appropriateness of long or indefinite contracts, excessive severance packages, and guaranteed compensation; |
c. | Maintain an independent and effective compensation committee: This principle promotes oversight of executive pay programs by directors with appropriate skills, knowledge, experience, and a sound process for compensation decision-making (e.g., including access to independent expertise and advice when needed); |
d. | Provide shareholders with clear, comprehensive compensation disclosures: This principle underscores the importance of informative and timely disclosures that enable shareholders to evaluate executive pay practices fully and fairly; |
e. | Avoid inappropriate pay to non-executive directors: This principle recognizes the interests of shareholders in ensuring that compensation to outside directors does not compromise their independence and ability to make appropriate judgments in overseeing managers’ pay and performance. At the market level, it may incorporate a variety of generally accepted best practices. |
f. | Evaluation of performance metrics in short-term and long-term plans, as discussed and explained in the Compensation Discussion & Analysis. Consider the measures, goal, and target awards reported by the company for executives’ short and long-term incentive awards; disclosure, explanation of their alignment with the company’s business strategy, and whether goals appear to be sufficiently challenging in relation to resulting payouts; |
g. | Evaluation of peer group benchmarking used to set target pay or award opportunities. Consider the rationale stated by the company for constituents in its pay benchmarking peer group, as well as the benchmark targets it uses to set or validate executives’ pay to ascertain whether the benchmarking process is sound or may result in pay “ratcheting” due to inappropriate peer group constituents or targeting; and |
h. | Balance of performance based versus non-performance based pay. Consider the ratio of performance based (not including plain vanilla stock options) vs. non-performance based pay elements reported for the CEO latest reported fiscal year compensation especially in conjunction |
B- 50 |
|
with concerns about other factors such as performance metrics/goals, benchmarking practices, and pay-for-performance disconnects. |
3. | BP will vote AGAINST management say on pay proposals, AGAINST/WITHHOLD on compensation committee members (or, for rare cases, where the full board is deemed responsible, all directors including the CEO,) and/or AGAINST an equity-based incentive plan proposal if: : |
a. | There is a misalignment between CEO pay and company; |
b. | The company maintains problematic pay practices; |
c. | The board exhibits poor communication and responsiveness to shareholders |
· | Poor disclosure practices, including: insufficient disclosure to explain the pay setting process for the CEO and how CEO pay is linked to company performance and shareholder return; lack of disclosure of performance metrics and their impact on incentive payouts; no disclosure of rationale related to the use of board discretion when compensation is increased or performance criteria or metrics are changed resulting in greater amounts paid than that supported by previously established goals. |
· | Board’s responsiveness to investor input and engagement on compensation issues, including: |
o | Failure to respond to majority-supported shareholder proposals on executive pay topics; | |
o | Failure to respond to majority-opposed previous say-on-pay proposal; and | |
o | Failure to respond to the company’s previous say-on-pay proposal that received support of less than 70 percent of votes cast taking into account the ownership structure of the company. |
Failure to adequately respond to the aforementioned compensation issues may also result in votes against directors due to poor responsiveness to shareholders.
Canada
Vote on a case by case basis on say-on-pay resolutions or on individual directors, committee members or the entrie board as appropriate, when an issuer is externally managed and has given minimal disclosure about management services agreements and compensation taking into account:
· | The size and scope of the management services agreement; | |
· | Executive compensation in comparison to issuer peers and/or similarly structured issuers; | |
· | Overall performance; |
Related party transactions;
· | Board and committee independence; | |
· | Conflicts of interest and process for managing conflicts effectively; | |
· | Disclosure and independence of the decision-making process involved in the selection of the management services provider; | |
· | Risk mitigating factors included within the management services agreement such as fee recoupment mechanisms; |
Historical compensation concerns;
· | Executives’ responsibilities; and | |
· | Other factors that may reasonably be deemed appropriate to assess an externally-managed issuer’s governance framework. |
B- 51 |
|
PP. | Pre-Arranged Trading Plans (10b5-1 Plans) |
We generally vote FOR shareholder proposals calling for certain principles regarding the use of pre-arranged trading plans (10b5-1 plans) for executives. These principles include:
1. | Adoption, amendment, or termination of a 10b5-1 Plan must be disclosed within two business days in a Form 8-K |
2. | Amendment or early termination of a 10b5-1 Plan is allowed only under extraordinary circumstances, as determined by the board |
3. | Ninety days must elapse between adoption or amendment of a 10b5-1 Plan and initial trading under the plan |
4. | Reports on Form 4 must identify transactions made pursuant to a 10b5-1 Plan. An executive may not trade in company stock outside the 10b5-1 Plan. |
5. | Trades under a 10b5-1 Plan must be handled by a broker who does not handle other securities transactions for the executive |
QQ. | Share Buyback Holding Periods |
We will generally vote FOR market repurchase authorities (share repurchase programs) if the terms comply with the following criteria:
1. | A repurchase limit of up to 10% of outstanding issued share capital (15% in UK/Ireland); |
2. | A holding limit of up to 10% of issued share capital in treasury; and |
3. | A duration of no more than 5 years, or such lower threshold as may be set by applicable law, regulation or code of governance best practice. |
Authorities to repurchase shares in excess of the 10% repurchase limit will be assessed on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. We will support such share repurchase authorities under special circumstances, which are required to be publicly disclosed by the company, provided that, on balance, the proposal is in shareholder’s interest. In such cases, the authority must comply with the following criteria:
4. | A holding limit of up to 10% of a company’s issued share capital in treasury; and |
5. | A duration of no more than 18 months. |
In markets where it is normal practice not to provide a repurchase limit, we will evaluate the proposal based on the company’s historical practice. However, BP expects companies to disclose such limits and, in the future, may vote AGAINST companies that fail to do so In such cases, the authority must comply with the following criteria:
6. | A holding limit of up to 10% of a company’s issued share capital in treasure; and |
7. | A duration of no more than 18 months. |
In addition we vote AGAINST any proposal where:
8. | The repurchase can be used for takeover defenses; |
B- 52 |
|
9. | There is clear evidence of abuse; |
10. | There is no safeguard against selective buybacks; and/or |
11. | Pricing provisions and safeguards are deemed to be unreasonable in light of market practice. |
RR. | Tax Gross-Up Proposals |
We vote FOR shareholder proposals calling for companies to adopt a policy of not providing tax gross-up payments to executives, except in situations where gross-ups are provided pursuant to a plan, policy, or arrangement applicable to management employees of the company, such as a relocation or expatriate tax equalization policy.
SS. | Reimbursement of Expenses Incurred from Candidate Nomination Proposal |
We evaluate Shareholder proposals to amend the company’s bylaws to provide for the reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred in connection with nominating one or more candidates in a contested election of directors to the corporation’s board of directors on a CASE-BY-CASE basis considering the company’s current reimbursement practices.
TT. | Equity Based Compensation Plans are evaluated on a case-by-case basis |
We will vote AGAINST equity plan proposals if any of the following apply:
1. | The total cost of the company’s equity plans is unreasonable; |
2. | The plan expressly permits the repricing of stock options/stock appreciate rights (SARs) without prior shareholder approval; |
3. | The CEO is a participant in the proposed equity-based compensation plan and there is a disconnect between CEO pay and the company’s performance where over 50 percent of the year-over-year increase is attributed to equity awards; |
4. | The company’s three year burn rate exceeds the greater of 2% and the mean plus one standard deviation of its industry group; |
5. | The plan provides for the acceleration of vesting of equity awards even though an actual change in control may not occur (e.g., upon shareholder approval of a transaction or the announcement of a tender offer); or |
6. | The plan is a vehicle for poor pay practices; |
7. | The company has a liberal definition of change-in-control. |
We vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on compensation plans for non-employee directors.
Canada
Vote case-by-case on equity-based compensation plans using an “equity plan scorecard” (EPSC) approach. Under this approach, certain features and practices related to the plan 5 are assessed in
5 In cases where certain historic grant data are unavailable (e.g. following an IPO or emergence from bankruptcy), Special Cases models will be applied which omit factors requiring these data.
B- 53 |
|
combination, with positively-assessed factors potentially counterbalancing negatively-assessed factors and vice-versa. Factors are grouped into three pillars:
› | Plan Cost : The total estimated cost of the company’s equity plans relative to industry/market cap peers, measured by the company’s estimated Shareholder Value Transfer (SVT) in relation to peers and considering both: |
› | SVT based on new shares requested plus shares remaining for future grants, plus outstanding unvested/unexercised grants; and | |
› | SVT based only on new shares requested plus shares remaining for future grants. |
› | Plan Features: |
› | Absence of problematic change-in-control (CIC) provisions, including: |
› | Single-trigger acceleration of award vesting in connection with a CIC; and | |
› | Settlement of performance-based equity at target or above in the event of a CIC-related acceleration of vesting regardless of performance. |
› | No financial assistance to plan participants for the exercise or settlement of awards; | |
› | Public disclosure of the full text of the plan document; and | |
› | Reasonable share dilution from equity plans relative to market best practices. |
› | Grant Practices: |
› | Reasonable three-year average burn rate relative to market best practices; | |
› | Meaningful time vesting requirements for the CEO’s most recent equity grants (three-year lookback); | |
› | The issuance of performance-based equity to the CEO; | |
› | A clawback provision applicable to equity awards; and | |
› | Post-exercise or post-settlement share-holding requirements (S&P/TSX Composite Index only). |
Generally vote against the plan proposal if the combination of above factors, as determined by an overall score, indicates that the plan is not in shareholders’ interests. In addition, vote against the plan if any of the following unacceptable factors have been identified:
› | Discretionary or insufficiently limited non-employee director participation; | |
› | An amendment provision which fails to adequately restrict the company’s ability to amend the plan without shareholder approval; | |
› | A history of repricing stock options without shareholder approval (three-year look-back); | |
› | The plan is a vehicle for problematic pay practices or a significant pay-for-performance disconnect under certain circumstances; or |
Any other plan features that are determined to have a significant negative impact on shareholder interests
UU. | Golden Coffin (Death Benefit) |
We generally vote FOR proposals calling companies to adopt a policy of obtaining shareholder approval for any future agreements and corporate policies that could oblige the company to make payments or awards following the death of a senior executive in the form of unearned salary or bonuses, accelerated vesting or the continuation in force of unvested equity grants, perquisites and other payments or awards made in lieu of compensation. This would not apply to any benefit programs or equity plan proposals that the broad-based employee population is eligible.
VV. | Hold Till (post) Retirement |
We vote on a CASE-BY-CASE on shareholder proposals asking companies to adopt policies requiring Named Executive Officers to retain 75% of the shares acquired through compensation plans while
B- 54 |
|
employed and/or for two years following the termination of their employment, and to report to shareholders regarding this policy.
The following factors will be taken into account:
1. | Whether the company has any holding period, retention ratio, or officer ownership requirements in place. These should consist of: |
a. | Rigorous stock ownership guidelines, or |
b. | A holding period requirement coupled with a significant long-term ownership requirement, or |
c. | A meaningful retention ratio, |
2. | Actual officer stock ownership and the degree to which it meets or exceeds the proponent’s suggested holding period/retention ratio or the company’s own stock ownership or retention requirements. |
3. | Problematic pay practices, current and past, which may promote a short-term versus a long-term focus. |
WW. | Acceptance of Deposites (India) |
Generally vote AGAINST accepting deposits from shareholders or the public unless there are no significant causes for concern regarding terms and conditions of the deposit.
XX. | Termination of Employment Prior to Severance Payment and Eliminating Accelerated Vesting of Unvested Equity: |
We will evaluate such proposals on a Case-by-Case basis.
Change-in-control payouts without loss of job or substantial diminution of job duties (single-triggered) are considered poor pay practices under policy, and may even result in withheld votes from compensation committee members. The second component of this proposal –- related to the elimination of accelerated vesting – requires more careful consideration. The following factors will be taken into regarding this policy:
1. | The company’s current treatment of equity in change-of-control situations (i.e. is it double triggered, does it allow for the assumption of equity by acquiring company, the treatment of performance shares. |
2. | Current employment agreements, including potential poor pay practices such as gross-ups embedded in those agreements. |
YY. | Compensation Issue in Non-US Companies |
1. | Europe: Vote case-by-case on management proposals seeking ratification of a company’s executive compensation-related items, and generally vote against a company’s compensation-related proposal if such proposal fails to comply with one or a combination of several of the global principles and their corresponding rules: |
a. Avoid arrangements that risk “pay for failure”:
b. The board shall demonstrate good stewardship of investor’s interests regarding executive compensation practices. For instance,
· | There shall be a clear link between the company’s performance and variable awards. |
B- 55 |
|
· | There shall not be significant discrepancies between the company’s performance and real executive payouts. | |
· | The level of pay for the CEO and members of executive management should not be excessive relative to peers, company performance, and market practices. | |
· | Significant pay increases shall be explained by a detailed and compelling disclosure. | |
· | Severance pay agreements must not be in excess of (i) 24 months’ pay or of (ii) any more restrictive provision pursuant to local legal requirements and/or market best practices. | |
· | Arrangements with a company executive regarding pensions and post-mandate exercise of equity-based awards must not result in an adverse impact on shareholders’ interests or be misaligned with good market practices. |
2. | We generally vote FOR proposals to award cash fees to non-executive directors and will vote AGAINST where proposals provide for the egregious granting of stock options, performance based equity comp and performance based cash to non-executive directors. |
3. | Europe – Generally vote for proposals to fix the ratio between the fixed and variable components of remuneration unless: |
· | Adequate disclosure has not been provided in a timely manner |
· | There are concerns about the company’s motivation for change |
· | There are specific concerns with the company. |
UK – BP votes on a case-by-case basis on management proposals seeking ratification of a company’s remuneration policy, and generally vote against if such proposal fails to comply with one or a combination of several of BP remuneration principles and/or local institutional investor best practice without adequate explanation. Whilst not an exhaustive list, below are several key criteria that are considered during analysis:
· | Has adequate disclosure been provided to allow investors to make an informed voting decision; | |
· | The level of pay for the CEO and other executive directors should not be excessive relative to peers, company performance, and market practices; | |
· | Significant pay increases should be explained by a detailed and compelling disclosure; | |
· | Severance pay agreements should not be in excess of 12 months’ fixed remuneration and should be in line with best practice; | |
· | There should be a clear link between the company’s performance and variable awards; | |
· | The ability for discretionary exceptional awards to be made in excess of the standard policy will require a maximum award level to be disclosed. Open ended exceptional award levels will not be supported; | |
· | Executives should own a significant personal shareholding in the company and this should be supported by established share ownership guidelines by the company; | |
· | The remuneration committee should have the ability to clawback or withhold payment of incentive awards when justified. | |
· | NEDs generally should not receive performance based remuneration | |
· | Generally vote FOR fixed fees to external auditors unless the fees for non-audit services routinely exceed standard audit-related fees. |
B- 56 |
|
4. | Finland - Stock Options |
a. | We vote AGAINST these proposals; however, an exception will be made if a company proposes to reduce the strike price by the amount of future special dividends only. |
b. | We vote FOR proposals that provide proportionate adjustments to outstanding awards as a result of a special cash dividend or any other future distribution of assets other than a normal cash dividend. |
5. | Germany - Remuneration Disclosure |
We vote AGAINST management proposals authorizing the board not to disclose remuneration schemes for five years
6. | Sweden - Remuneration Report |
We vote AGAINST management proposals to approve the remuneration report if:
a. | The potential dilution from equity-based compensation plans exceeds RMG guidelines. |
b. | Restricted stock plans and matching share plans do not include sufficiently challenging performance criteria and vesting periods. |
c. | The remuneration report was not made available to shareholders in a timely manner. |
d. | Other concerns exist with respect to the disclosure or structure of the bonus or other aspects of the remuneration policy. |
7. | Sweden, Norway - Matching Share Plans |
We will evaluate such plans on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
a. | For every matching share plan, RMG will require a holding period. |
b. | For plans without performance criteria, the shares must be purchased at market price. |
c. | For broad-based plans directed at all employees, BP accepts a 1:1 arrangement - that no more than one free share will be awarded for every share purchased at market value. |
d. | For plans directed at executives, we require that sufficiently challenging performance criteria are attached to the plan. Higher discounts demand proportionally higher performance criteria. |
e. | The dilution of the plan when combined with the dilution from any other proposed or outstanding employee stock matching plans must comply with BP guidelines. |
8. | Australia |
We will vote AGAINST resolutions seeking approval of termination payments for executives in excess of statutory maximum except where there is clear evidence that the termination payment would provide a benefit to shareholders.
We vote FOR the provision of termination benefits under the plan in excess of 12 months’ base salary, if the approval is for three years or fewer and no vesting is permitted without satisfaction of sufficiently demanding performance hurdles.
9. | Japan |
BP will vote AGAINST retirement bonuses if the recipients include outsiders, or include those who can be held responsible for corporate scandal or poor financial performance which has led to shareholder value destruction. (However, in rare occasions, BP may support payment to outsiders on a case-by-case
B- 57 |
|
basis, if the individual amount is disclosed and the amount is not excessive.) In addition, BP opposes the payments if neither the individual payments nor the aggregate amount of the payments is disclosed.
BP will vote AGAINST special payments in connection with abolition of retirement bonus system if the recipients include outsiders, or include those who can be held responsible for corporate scandal or poor financial performance which has led to shareholder value destruction. (However, in rare occasions, BP may support payment to outsiders on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, if the individual amount is disclosed and the amount is not excessive.) In addition, BP will vote AGAINST the payments if neither the individual payments nor the aggregate amount of the payments is disclosed.
Among other conditions, BP will vote AGAINST deep discount options if disclosed performance conditions are not attached. In the absence of such conditions, a vesting period of at least three years will be required to support such options
10. | Nordic Markets |
We will vote AGAINST stock option plans in Nordic markets if evidence is found that they contain provisions that may result in a disconnect between shareholder value and employee/executive rewards. This includes one or more of the following:
a. | Adjusting the strike price for future ordinary dividends AND including expected dividend yield above zero percent when determining the number of options awarded under the plan; |
b. | Having significantly higher expected dividends than actual historical dividends; |
c. | Favorably adjusting the terms of existing options plans without valid reason; |
d. | Any other provisions or performance measures that result in undue award. |
We will generally vote AGAINST if the increase in share capital is more than 5 percent for mature companies and 10 percent for growth companies.
11. | Italy |
We will vote FOR any equity-based compensation plan provided they meet the following:
a. | The shares reserved for all share plans may not exceed 5 percent of a company’s issued share capital, except in the case of high-growth companies or particularly well-designed plans, in which case we allow dilution of between 5 and 10 percent: in this case, we will need to have performance conditions attached to the plans which should be acceptable regarding the RMG criteria (“challenging criteria”); |
b. | The options for management are granted without a discount; |
c. | An executive director is part of the remuneration committee; or |
d. | The company has no remuneration committee and has executive members within the board. |
* BP may apply a carve-out in the case of well designed plans.*
12. | Taiwan |
We vote on a case-by-case basis taking into account the following features:
a. existing substantial shareholders are restricted in participation;
B- 58 |
|
b. presence of challenging performance hurdles if restricted shares are issued for free or at a deep discount; and
c. reasonable vesting period (at least two years) is set.
13. | China |
We vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to approve a restricted stock scheme. A restricted stock plan will not be supported if:
a. | The grant price of the restricted shares is less than 50% of the average price of the company’s shares during the 20 trading days prior to the pricing reference date; |
b. | The maximum dilution level for the scheme exceeds BP guidelines of 5% of issued capital for a mature company and 10% for a growth company. BP will support plans at mature companies with dilution levels up to 10% if the plan includes other positive features such as challenging performance criteria and meaningful vesting periods. |
c. | Directors eligible to receive restricted shares under the scheme are involved in the administration of the scheme; or |
d. | The company fails to set challenging performance hurdles for unlocking the restricted shares compared with its historical financial performance or the industry benchmarks. |
We vote AGAINST a restricted stock scheme if the scheme is proposed in the second half of the year and the measurement of the company’s financial performance starts from the same year, as the company’s financial performance has been largely determined for that particular year.
We vote on a case-by-case bases on proposals to invest in financial products using idle funds. Key factors include: any known concerns with previous investments, the amount of the proposed investment relative to the company’s assets; disclosure of the nature of the products in which the company proposes to invest and disclosure of associated risks of the proposed investments and related risk management efforts by the company.
14. | South Korea |
Generally vote for approval of the remuneration cap for directors, unless:
a. | The proposed cap on directors’ remuneration is excessive relative to peer companies’ remuneration without reasonable justification; or |
b. | The company is asking for an increase in the remuneration cap where the company has not provided a reasonable justification for the proposed increase. |
Vote against if there are material failures of governance, stewardship, risk oversight, or fiduciary responsibilities at the company and the company has not provided a reasonable justification for the proposed remuneration
15. | China |
Generally vote for employee stock purchase plans (ESPPs) unless any of the following applies:
· | The total stock allocated to the ESPP exceeds 10 percent of the company’s total shares outstanding at any given time; | |
· | The share purchase price is less than 90 percent of the market price 6 when the share purchase is conducted solely through private placement; |
6 Calculated as the average trading price 20 trading days prior to the announcement, pursuant to the CSRC’s guidelines on private placements.
B- 59 |
|
· | The company’s significant shareholders (i.e. individuals with 5 percent or more of beneficial ownership of the company) are involved as plan participants; | |
· | The ESPP is proposed in connection with an equity financing scheme which does not warrant shareholder support; or | |
· | The ESPP contains any other terms that are deemed disadvantageous to shareholders |
16. | Japan - Director Stock Options |
We vote FOR “evergreen” director option plans as long as the contemplated level of annual dilution is less than 0.5%; so that it would take more than 10 years of grants for dilution to exceed our guidelines. (Where the company has outstanding options from other plans, or proposes to grant additional options to employees below board level, these must be factored into the calculation.)
ZZ. | Canadian Equity Compensation Plans, TSX Issuers |
1. | Change-in-Control Provisions |
Where approval of a CIC provision is sought as part of a bundled proposal, RMG Canada may recommend a vote AGAINST the entire bundled proposal due to an unacceptable CIC provision.
2. | Generally vote AGAINST proposals to reprice outstanding options including adjustments that can be reasonably considered repricing such as: reduction in exercise price or purchase price, extension of term for outstanding options, cancellation and reissuance of options, substitution of options with other awards. |
3. | Amendment Procedures |
We generally vote AGAINST the approval of proposed Amendment Procedures that do not require shareholder approval for the following types of amendments under any security based compensation arrangement, whether or not such approval is required under current regulatory rules:
a. | Any increase in the number (or percentage in the case of rolling plans) of shares reserved; |
b. | Any amendment that extends the term of an award beyond the original expiry; |
c. | Amendments to eligible participants that may permit the introduction or reintroduction of non-employee directors on a discretionary basis; |
d. | Any amendment which would permit equity based awards granted under the Plan may be transferable or assignable other than for normal estate settlement purposes |
4. | Employee Share Purchase Plans, Amendment procedures |
We generally vote AGAINST proposals to approve Share Purchase Plan Amendment Procedures if discretion is given to amend any of the following acceptable criteria:
a. | Limit on employee contribution (expressed as a percentage of base salary excluding bonus, commissions and special compensation); |
b. | Purchase price is at least 80 percent of fair market value with no employer contribution; OR |
c. | No discount purchase price with maximum employer contribution of up to 20% of employee contribution |
B- 60 |
|
d. | Offering period is 27 months or less; and |
e. | Potential dilution together with all other equity-based plans is ten percent of outstanding common shares or less. |
If shareholder approval is sought for a new Share Purchase Plan, the above criteria must apply and not be subject to future amendment under Plan amendment provisions without further shareholder approval or we will generally vote AGAINST approval of the Plan.
AAA. | Voting on State Takeover Statutes |
We review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis proposals to opt in or out of state takeover statutes (including control share acquisition statutes, control share cash-out statutes, freezeout provisions, fair price provisions, stakeholder laws, poison pill endorsements, severance pay and labor contract provisions, anti-greenmail provisions, and disgorgement provisions).
BBB. | Voting on Reincorporation Proposals |
Proposals to change a company’s state of incorporation are examined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
1. | Canada |
a. | BP will generally vote FOR proposals to amend or replace articles of incorporation or bylaws if: |
The purpose of the amendment is to clarify ambiguity, reflect changes in corporate law, streamline years of amendments, or other “housekeeping” amendments; and
The bylaws as amended will not result in any of the unacceptable governance provisions set out in the following paragraph.
b. | BP will generally vote AGAINST new by-laws or amended by-laws that would establish two different quorum levels which would result in implementing a higher quorum solely for those shareholder meetings where common share investors seek to replace the majority of current board members. (“Enhanced Quorum”). |
c. | BP will generally vote FOR proposals to adopt or amend articles/bylaws unless the resulting document contains any of the following: |
· | The quorum for a meeting of shareholders is set below two persons holding 25 percent of the eligible vote (this may be reduced in the case of a small company where it clearly has difficulty achieving quorum at a higher level, but we oppose any quorum below 10 percent); |
· | The quorum for a meeting of directors is less than 50 percent of the number of directors; |
· | The chair of the board has a casting vote in the event of a deadlock at a meeting of directors; |
· | An alternate director provision that permits a director to appoint another person to serve as an alternate director to attend board or committee meetings in place of the duly elected director; and |
· | The proposed articles/bylaws raise other corporate governance concerns, such as granting blanket authority to the board with regard to capital authorizations or alteration of capital structure without shareholder approval |
B- 61 |
|
Mergers and Corporate Restructurings
CCC. | Mergers and Acquisitions |
Votes on mergers and acquisitions are considered on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, taking into account at least the following:
1. | Anticipated financial and operating benefits; |
2. | Offer price (cost vs. premium); |
3. | Prospects of the combined companies; |
4. | How the deal was negotiated; |
5. | Changes in corporate governance and their impact on shareholder rights; |
6. | Change-in-control payments to executive officers and possible conflicts of interest; and |
7. | Potential legal or environmental liability risks associated with the target firm |
DDD. | Corporate Restructuring |
Votes on corporate restructuring proposals, including minority squeezeouts, leveraged buyouts, spin-offs, liquidations, and asset sales are considered on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
EEE. | Spin-offs |
Votes on spin-offs are considered on a CASE-BY-CASE basis depending on the tax and regulatory advantages, planned use of sale proceeds, market focus, and managerial incentives.
FFF. | Asset Sales |
Votes on asset sales are made on a CASE-BY-CASE basis after considering the impact on the balance sheet/working capital, value received for the asset, and potential elimination of diseconomies.
GGG. | Liquidations |
Votes on liquidations are made on a CASE-BY-CASE basis after reviewing management’s efforts to pursue other alternatives, appraisal value of assets, and the compensation plan for executives managing the liquidation.
HHH. | Appraisal Rights |
We vote FOR proposals to restore, or provide shareholders with, rights of appraisal.
III. | Changing Corporate Name |
We vote FOR changing the corporate name.
JJJ. | Special Purpose Acquisition Corporations (SPACs) |
We will consider on a Case-by-Case the following measures for SPACs:
1. | Valuation, Market reaction, |
2. | Deal timing, |
B- 62 |
|
3. | Negotiations and process, |
4. | Conflicts of interest, |
5. | Voting agreements, and |
6. | Governance. |
I. | Loan Guarantee Requests (Non US companies) |
Companies often provide loan guarantees for subsidiaries, affiliates and related parties. Such requests will be evaluated on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. Generally, BP will vote AGAINST the provision when:
· | The identity receiving the guarantee is not disclosed; |
· | The guarantee is being provided to a director, executive, parent company or affiliated entities where the company has no direct or indirect equity ownership; or |
· | the guarantee is provided to an entity in which the company’s ownership stake is less than 75%; and such guarantee is not proportionate to the company’s equity stake or other parties have not provided a counter guarantee. |
BP will generally vote FOR such request provided that there are no significant concerns regarding the entity receiving the guarantee, the relationship between the listed company and the entity receiving the guarantee, the purpose of the guarantee, or the terms of the guarantee agreement.
China:
In assessing requests for loan financing provided by a related party:
BP will examine stated uses of proceeds, the size or specific amount of the loan requested and the interest rate. We also seek disclosure on the relation of the party.
In assessing requests to provide loan financing to a related party:
· | examine stated uses of proceeds, the size or specific amount of the loan requested, and interest rates to be charged. Seeks disclosure on, the specific relation of the party to be granted the loan by the company. | |
· | BP will generally vote against the provision of loans to clients, controlling shareholders, and actual controlling persons of the company. | |
· | BP will generally vote against the provision of loans to an entity in which the company’s ownership stake is less than 75 percent and the financing provision is not proportionate to the company’s equity stake. |
KKK. | Business Development Companies |
BP will vote FOR proposals authorizing the board to issue shares below Net Asset Value (NAV) if:
1. | The proposal to allow share issuances below NAV has an expiration date that is less than one year from the date shareholders approve the underlying proposal as required under the Investment Company Act of 1940; |
2. | a majority of the independent directors who have no financial interest in the sale have made a determination as to whether such sale would be in the best interest of the company and its shareholders prior to selling shares below NAV; and |
3. | the company has demonstrated responsible past use of share issuances by either: |
B- 63 |
|
a. | Outperforming peers in its 8-digit GICS group as measured by one and three year median TSRs; or |
b. | Providing disclosure that its past share issuances were priced at levels that resulted in only small or moderate discounts to NAV and economic dilution to existing non-participating shareholders. |
B. | Multimanaged Funds/Subadvisers: |
BP will vote AGAINST proposals authorizing the board to hire or terminate subadvisers without shareholder approval if the investment adviser currently employs only one subadviser.
Corporate Governance and Conduct
In general, we support shareholder proposals that promote good corporate citizenship while enhancing long-term shareholder value. BP will vote AGAINST proposals that impose significantly higher standards of reporting and oversight than required by legislation and-or industry standard and that would put a firm at a competitive disadvantage in the market unless there is significant relevant controversy or the firm significantly lags their peers, except in specific cases as listed below.
1. | We SUPPORT the adoption of labor standards and codes of conduct for foreign and domestic suppliers as ways to protect brands and manage risk. |
2. | We SUPPORT reporting on countries with human rights abuses as ways to protect and manage risk. |
3. | We SUPPORT CERES Principles, environmental reporting and MacBride Principles. |
4. | We SUPPORT high-performance workplace standards. |
5. | We SUPPORT fair lending guidelines and disclosure at financial companies. |
6. | We SUPPORT reporting on equal opportunity and diversity. |
7. | We SUPPORT shareholder proposals for additional reporting beyond what is a regulatory requirement when the proposal is supported by management. |
8. | We OPPOSE resolutions that would fundamentally affect company performance and competitive increase of shareholder value. |
9. | We OPPOSE shareholder proposals requesting the adoption of specific charter language regarding board diversity unless the company fails to publicly disclose existing equal opportunity or nondiscrimination policies. |
10. | We OPPOSE shareholder proposals for reports outlining potential environmental damage from drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) unless: a) new legislation is adopted allowing development and drilling in the ANWR; b) the company intends to pursue operations in the ANWR, c) the company does not currently disclose an environmental risk report for their operations in the ANWR. |
11. | We OPPOSE shareholder proposals requesting a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions unless the company significantly lags behind industry standards or has been the subject of recent, substantial controversy on this issue. |
B- 64 |
|
12. | We OPPOSE shareholder proposals on investing in renewable energy sources. |
13. | We review proposals requesting information on a company’s lobbying activities, including direct lobbying as well as grassroots lobbying activities on a CASE-BY-CASE basis taking into account; a) the company’s current disclosure of relevant lobbying policies, and management and board oversight; b) the company’s disclosure regarding trade associations or other groups that it supports, or is a member of, that engage in lobbying activities; and c) recent significant controversies, fines, or litigation regarding the company’s lobbying-related activities.. |
14. | We review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis proposals requesting a company report on its energy efficiency policies, considering: a) the current level of disclosure related to energy efficiency policies, initiatives, and performance measures; b) level of participation in voluntary efficiency programs; c) compliance with applicable legislation and regulations; d) the company’s policies and initiatives relative to industry peers; and e) the cost associated with the proposed initiative. |
15. | We review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis proposals requesting disclosure and implementation of internet privacy and censorship policies and procedures, considering: a) the level of disclosure of policies relating to privacy, freedom of speech, internet censorship and government monitoring; b) dialogue with governments and/or relevant groups; c) scope of involvement and investment in markets that maintain government censorship or internet monitoring; d) market-specific laws or regulations applicable to this issue that may be imposed on the company; e) level of controversy or litigation related to the company’s international human rights policies; and f) the cost associated with the proposed initiative. |
16. | We generally vote FOR proposals requesting greater disclosure of a company’s (natural gas) hydraulic fracturing operations, including measures the company has taken to manage and mitigate the potential community and environmental impacts of those operations, considering: a) the company’s current level of disclosure of relevant policies and oversight mechanisms; b) the company’s current level of such disclosure relative to its industry peers; c) potential relevant local, state, or national regulatory developments; and d) controversies, fines, or litigation related to the company’s hydraulic fracturing operations. |
17. | We will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on proposals requesting company reports on, or to adopt a new policy on, water-related risks and concerns, taking into account: a) the company’s current disclosure of relevant policies, initiatives, oversight mechanisms, and water usage metrics; b) whether or not the company’s existing water-related policies and practices are consistent with relevant internationally recognized standards and national/local regulations; c) the potential financial impact or risk to the company associated with water-related concerns or issues; and d) recent, significant company controversies, fines, or litigation regarding water use by the company and its suppliers. |
18. | We review on a CASE-BY-CASE requests for the company to review and report on the financial and reputation risks associated with operations in “high risk” markets, such as a terrorism-sponsoring state or otherwise, taking into account: a) the nature, purpose, and scope of the operations and business involved that could be affected by social or political disruption; b) current disclosure of applicable risk assessment(s) and risk management procedures; c) compliance with US sanctions and laws; d) consideration of other international policies, standards, and laws; e) recent involvement in significant controversies or violations in “high risk” markets; and f) the cost associated with the initiative. |
19. | We SUPPORT proposals requesting company reporting on its policies, initiatives/procedures and oversight mechanisms related to toxic materials, including certain product line toxicities, and/or |
B- 65 |
|
product safety in its supply chain, UNLESS: a) the company already discloses similar information through existing reports or policies such as a Supplier Code of Conduct and/or a sustainability report; or b) the company is in compliance with all applicable regulations and guidelines; or c) there is no existence of significant violations and/or fines related to toxic materials.
20. | We review on a CASE-BY-CASE requests for workplace safety reports, including reports on accident risks reduction efforts taking into account; a) a) the nature of the company’s business specifically regarding company and employee exposure to health and safety risks; b) level of existing disclosure of its workplace health and safety performance data, health and safety management policies, initiatives, and oversight mechanisms; c) existence of recent, significant violations, fines, or controversy related to workplace health and safety ; and d) the company’s workplace health and safety performance relative to industry peers. |
21. | Establishment of Board Committees on Social Issues: Shareholder proposals requesting companies establish new standing board committees on social issues. |
We will generally vote AGAINST proposals requesting a company establish new standing board committees on social issues considering:
a. | Existing oversight mechanisms (including current committee structure) regarding the issue for which board oversight is sought; |
b. | Level of disclosure regarding the issue for which board oversight is sought; |
c. | Company performance related to the issue for which board oversight is sought; |
d. | Board committee structure compared to that of other companies in its industry sector; and/or |
e. | The scope and structure of the proposal. |
22. | Genetically Modified Ingredients (GMO): |
a. | Generally vote AGAINST proposals asking suppliers, genetic research companies, restaurants and food retail companies to voluntarily label genetically engineered (GE) ingredients in their products and/or eliminate GE ingredients. The cost of labeling and/or phasing out the use of GE ingredients may not be commensurate with the benefits to shareholders and is an issue better left to regulators. |
b. | Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals asking for a report on the feasibility of labeling products containing GE ingredients taking into account: |
i. | The company’s business and the proportion of it affected by the resolution; |
ii. | The quality of the company’s disclosure on GE product labeling, related voluntary initiatives, and how this disclosure compares with industry peer disclosure; and |
iii. | Company’s current disclosure on the feasibility of GE product labeling, including information on the related costs. |
c. | Generally vote AGAINST proposals seeking a report on the social, health, and environmental effects of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Studies of this sort are better undertaken by regulators and the scientific community. |
d. | Generally vote AGAINST proposals to completely phase out GE ingredients from the company’s products or proposals asking for reports outlining the steps necessary to eliminate GE ingredients from the company’s products. Such resolutions presuppose that there are proven health risks to GE ingredients |
23. | Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation and Domestic Partner Benefits |
B- 66 |
|
a. | We will generally vote FOR proposals seeking to amend a company’s EEO statement or diversity policies to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity, unless the change would result in excessive costs for the company. |
b. | We will generally vote AGAINST proposals to extend company benefits to or eliminating benefits from domestic partners. |
24. | Equality of Opportunity: shareholder proposal requesting companies disclose their EEO-1 data |
We will generally vote FOR proposals requesting the company disclose its diversity policies, initiatives, comprehensive diversity data, and EEO-1 data unless:
a. | The company publicly discloses its comprehensive equal opportunity policies and initiatives; |
b. | The company already publicly discloses comprehensive workforce diversity data; and |
c. | The company has no recent significant EEO-related violations or litigation. |
25. | Political contributions and Trade Associations: Shareholder proposals calling for company to confirm political nonpartisanship, increase disclosure on political contributions and trade association spending and bar political contributions. |
a. | BP will generally vote AGAINST proposals asking the company to affirm political nonpartisanship in the workplace so long as: |
i. | There are no recent, significant controversies, fines or litigation regarding the company’s political contributions or trade association spending; and |
ii. | The company has procedures in place to ensure that employee contributions to company-sponsored political action committees (PACs) are strictly voluntary and prohibits coercion. |
b. | RIM will vote AGAINST proposals to publish in newspapers and public media the company’s political contributions. Such publications could present significant cost to the company without providing commensurate value to shareholders. |
c. | BP will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on proposals to improve the disclosure of a company’s political contributions and trade association spending considering: |
i. | Recent significant controversy or litigation related to the company’s political contributions or governmental affairs; and |
ii. | The public availability of a company policy on political contributions and trade association spending including information on the types of organizations supported, the business rationale for supporting these organization, and the oversight and compliance procedure related to such expenditures of corporate assets. |
d. | BP will vote AGAINST proposals barring the company from making political contributions. |
e. | BP will vote AGAINST proposals asking for a list of company executives, directors, consultants, legal counsels, lobbyists, or investment bankers that have prior government service and whether such service had a bearing on the business of the company. |
25. | Recycling: We will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on proposals to report on an existing recycling program, or adopt a new recycling program, taking into account: a) the nature of the company’s business; b) the current level of disclosure of the company’s existing related programs; c) the timetable prescribed by the proposal and the costs and methods of program |
B- 67 |
|
implementation; d) the ability of the company to address the issues raised in the proposal; and e) the company’s recycling programs compared with the similar programs of its industry peers.
26. | High levels of dissent - Shareholder dissent of 20 percent or more will generally be used as the trigger for disclosure analysis. In certain circumstances, BP may recommend a vote against the relevant resolution at a future general meeting if the company has not explained its reaction to the dissent. |
27. | BP will vote on a case-by-case basis on proposals requesting that a company conduct an assessment of the human rights risks in its operations or in its supply chain, or report on its human rights risk assessment process considering: a) the degree to which existing relevant policies and practices are disclosed, including information on the implementation of these policies and any related oversight mechanisms; b) the company’s industry and whether the company or its suppliers operation in countries or areas where there is a history of human rights concerns; c) recent, significant controversies, fines, or litigation regarding human rights involving the company or its suppliers, and whether the company has taken remedial steps; and d) whether the proposal is unduly burdensome or overly prescriptive. |
END
B- 68 |
|
THE RBB FUND, INC.
PEA 251
PART C: OTHER INFORMATION
Item 28. | EXHIBITS | |
(a) | Articles of Incorporation. | ||
(1) | Articles of Incorporation of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 24, 1988, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. | ||
(2) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 24, 1988, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. | ||
(3) | Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 12, 1988, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. | ||
(4) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 12, 1988, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. | ||
(5) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on April 27, 1990, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. | ||
(6) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 1, 1990, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. | ||
(7) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 15, 1992, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. | ||
(8) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 22, 1992, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. | ||
(9) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1993, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. | ||
(10) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on |
|
October 29, 1993, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. | ||
(11) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 19, 1994, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. | |
(12) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 19, 1994, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. | |
(13) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 19, 1994, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. | |
(14) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 19, 1994, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. | |
(15) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 31, 1995. | |
(16) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 34 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 16, 1996. | |
(17) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 11, 1996. | |
(18) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 9, 1997. | |
(19) | Articles of Amendment to Charter of the Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 25, 1997. | |
(20) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 25, 1997. | |
(21) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998. |
|
(22) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998. | |
(23) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1998. | |
(24) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1998. | |
(25) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 30, 1999. | |
(26) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 29, 1999. | |
(27) | Articles of Amendment to Charter of the Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2000. | |
(28) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2000. | |
(29) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2000. | |
(30) | Articles of Amendment to Charter of the Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2000. | |
(31) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 73 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 15, 2001. | |
(32) | Articles of Amendment to Charter of the Registrant (Boston Partners Bond Fund – Institutional Class and Boston Partners Bond Fund – Investor Class) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 77 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 15, 2002. | |
(33) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund – Institutional Class and Boston Partners Bond Fund – Institutional Class) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 77 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 15, 2002. |
|
(34) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Schneider Value Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 16, 2002. | |
(35) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Institutional Liquidity Fund for Credit Unions and Liquidity Fund for Credit Union Members) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 84 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2003. | |
(36) | Articles of Amendment to Charter of the Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 89 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2004. | |
(37) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund – Investor Class, Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund – Institutional Class, Robeco WPG Tudor Fund – Institutional Class, Robeco WPG Large Cap Growth Fund – Institutional Class) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 93 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 4, 2005. | |
(38) | Certificate of Correction of Registrant is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 2005. | |
(39) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund – Investor Class, Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund – Institutional Class, Robeco WPG Tudor Fund – Institutional Class, Robeco WPG 130/30 Large Cap Core Fund f/k/a Robeco WPG Large Cap Growth Fund – Institutional Class) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 2005. | |
(40) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Senbanc Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 96 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 6, 2005. | |
(41) | Articles of Amendment of Registrant (Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund – Retirement Class) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 97 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on August 19, 2005. | |
(42) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund – Investor Class) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 27, 2005. | |
(43) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Bear Stearns CUFS MLP Mortgage Portfolio) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 104 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 18, 2006. | |
(44) | Articles of Amendment to Charter of the Registrant (Bear Stearns CUFS MLP Mortgage Portfolio) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 108 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 2006. | |
(45) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Bear Stearns Ultra Short Income Fund f/k/a Bear Stearns Enhanced Income Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective |
|
Amendment No. 109 to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 15, 2006. | ||
(46) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Marvin & Palmer Large Cap Growth Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 109 to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 15, 2006. | |
(47) | Articles of Amendment to Charter of the Registrant (Bear Stearns Ultra Short Income Fund f/k/a Bear Stearns Enhanced Income Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 111 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on February 28, 2007. | |
(48) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Bear Stearns Ultra Short Income Fund f/k/a Bear Stearns Enhanced Income Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 111 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on February 28, 2007. | |
(49) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund, Free Market Fixed Income Fund) incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 1, 2007. | |
(50) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Robeco WPG 130/30 Large Cap Core Fund – Investor Class) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 113 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 13, 2007. | |
(51) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (SAM Sustainable Water Fund, SAM Sustainable Climate Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 114 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 17, 2007. | |
(52) | Articles of Amendment of Registrant (Robeco WPG 130/30 Large Cap Core Fund – Institutional Class) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 4, 2007. | |
(53) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 123 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 17, 2007. | |
(54) | Articles of Amendment to Charter of the Registrant (Bear Stearns Ultra Short Income Fund f/k/a Bear Stearns Enhanced Income Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 124 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2007. | |
(55) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (SAM Sustainable Global Active Fund, SAM Sustainable Themes Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 128 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on April 23, 2009. | |
(56) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Perimeter Small Cap Growth Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 129 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 2, 2009. |
|
(57) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (S1 Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 135 to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 19, 2010. | |
(58) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 136 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on August 4, 2010. | |
(59) | Articles of Amendment of Registrant (Robeco WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund f/k/a Robeco WPG Small Cap Value Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 141 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2010. | |
(60) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Robeco Boston Partners Global Equity Fund and Robeco Boston Partners International Equity Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 142 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 14, 2011. | |
(61) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 144 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 15, 2011. | |
(62) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund, Free Market Fixed Income Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2012. | |
(63) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Robeco Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 152 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 29, 2013. | |
(64) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund – Institutional Class) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 157 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2013. | |
(65) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International VI Equity Portfolio, Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 159 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 20, 2013. | |
(66) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Scotia Dynamic U.S. Growth Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 161 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 27, 2013. | |
(67) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund – Institutional Class) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014. | |
(68) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund and Adara Smaller Companies Fund (f/k/a Altair Smaller Companies Fund)) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014. |
|
(69) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Campbell Core Trend Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 171 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 16, 2014. | |
(70) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund, Free Market Fixed Income Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 174 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2014. | |
(71) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Boston Partners Investment Funds) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 174 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2014. | |
(72) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 182 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 16, 2015 | |
(73) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Campbell Core Carry Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 182 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 16, 2015. | |
(74) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Boston Partners Alpha Blue Dynamic Equity Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 182 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 16, 2015. | |
(75) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund – Class C) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 184 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 30, 2015. | |
(76) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund – Institutional Class) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 187 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2015. | |
(77) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 195 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 30, 2016. | |
(78) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Fasanara Capital Absolute Return Multi-Asset Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on April 29, 2016. | |
(79) | Articles of Amendment of Registrant (Campbell Dynamic Trend Fund f/k/a Campbell Core Trend Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 207 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2016. | |
(80) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (MFAM Global Opportunities Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Independence Fund), MFAM Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Great America Fund), and MFAM Emerging Markets Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Epic Voyage Fund)) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 206 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2016. |
|
(81) | Articles of Amendment of Registrant (MFAM Emerging Markets Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Epic Voyage Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 212 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on February 28, 2017. | |
(82) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Orinda Income Opportunities Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 216 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on April 10, 2017. | |
(83) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund — Class T) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 216 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on April 10, 2017. | |
(84) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 224 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 28, 2017. | |
(85) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 226 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on August 23, 2017. | |
(86) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Motley Fool 100 Index ETF) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 235 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on January 19, 2018. | |
(87) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund – Class I) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 238 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on February 21, 2018. | |
(88) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund – Institutional Class) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 238 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on February 21, 2018. | |
(89) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund, Free Market Fixed Income Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 238 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on February 21, 2018. | |
(90) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Aquarius International Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 238 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on February 21, 2018. | |
(91) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 238 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on February 21, 2018. | |
(92) | Articles of Amendment of Registrant (Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund (f/k/a Dynamic U.S. Growth Fund)) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 238 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on February 21, 2018. |
|
(93) | Articles of Amendment of Registrant (Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 242 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 19, 2018. | |
(94) | Articles of Amendment of Registrant (Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 242 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 19, 2018. | |
(95) | Articles of Amendment of Registrant (Adara Smaller Companies Fund (f/k/a Altair Smaller Companies Fund)) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 242 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 19, 2018. | |
(96) | Articles of Amendment of Registrant (MFAM Global Opportunities Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Independence Fund) and MFAM Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Great America Fund)) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 242 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 19, 2018. | |
(97) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF (f/k/a Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF)) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 247 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 23, 2018. | |
(98) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Motley Fool Innovation ETF) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 247 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 23, 2018. | |
(99) | Articles of Amendment of Registrant (MFAM Global Opportunities Fund, MFAM Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund, MFAM Emerging Markets Fund and MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF) are filed herewith. | |
(100) | Articles of Amendment of Registrant (MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund – Investor Shares (f/k/a MFAM Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund – Investor Shares) and (MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund – Institutional Shares (f/k/a MFAM Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund – Institutional Shares) are filed herewith. | |
(101) | Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund) will be filed by amendment. | |
(b) | By-Laws. | |
(1) | By-Laws, as amended, are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 143 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 28, 2011. | |
(c) | Instruments Defining Rights of Security Holders. | |
(1) | See Articles VI, VII, VIII, IX and XI of Registrant’s Articles of Incorporation dated February 17, 1988 which are incorporated herein by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 24, 1988, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. | |
(2) | See Articles II, III, VI, XIII, and XIV of Registrant’s By-Laws as amended through August 25, 2004, which are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 89 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2004. | |
(d) | Investment Advisory Contracts. | |
(1) | Investment Advisory Agreement (Schneider Small Cap Value Fund) between Registrant and Schneider Capital Management Company is incorporated herein by reference to Post- |
|
Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998. | ||
(2) | Investment Advisory Agreement (Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund ) between Registrant and Bogle Investment Management, L.P. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 30, 1999. | |
(3) | Investment Advisory Agreement (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund, Free Market Fixed Income Fund) between Registrant and Matson Money, Inc. (f/k/a Abundance Technologies, Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 125 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on February 27, 2008. | |
(4) | Amendment No. 1 to the Investment Advisory Agreement (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund and Free Market Fixed Income Fund) between Registrant and Matson Money, Inc. (f/k/a Abundance Technologies, Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 157 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2013. | |
(5) | Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement (Schneider Small Cap Value Fund) between Registrant and Schneider Capital Management Company is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 249 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2018. | |
(6) | Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement (Boston Partners Investment Funds) between Registrant and Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 249 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2018. | |
(7) | Investment Advisory Agreement (Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund) between Registrant and Summit Global Investments, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 160 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2013. | |
(8) | Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement (Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund) between Registrant and Summit Global Investments, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 249 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2018. | |
(9) | Investment Advisory Agreement (Boston Partners Investment Funds) between Registrant and Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. (f/k/a Robeco Investment Management, Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 157 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2013. | |
(10) | Addendum No. 1 to Investment Advisory Agreement (Robeco Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund) between Registrant and Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. (f/k/a Robeco Investment Management, Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 160 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2013. |
|
(11) | Investment Advisory Agreement (Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund) between Registrant and Summit Global Investments, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 249 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2018. | |
(12) | Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement (Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund) between Registrant and Summit Global Investments, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 249 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2018. | |
(13) | Investment Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) between Registrant and Abbey Capital Limited is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014. | |
(14) | Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) between Abbey Capital Offshore Fund SPC (f/k/a Abbey Capital Offshore Fund Limited) and Abbey Capital Limited will be filed by amendment. | |
(15) | Trading Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) among Abbey Capital Onshore Series LLC, Abbey Capital Limited, Abbey Capital Offshore Fund SPC and Altis Partners (Jersey) Limited will be filed by amendment. | |
(16) | Trading Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) among Abbey Capital Onshore Series LLC, Abbey Capital Limited, Abbey Capital Offshore Fund SPC and Cantab Capital Partners, LLP will be filed by amendment. | |
(17) | Trading Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) among Abbey Capital Onshore Series LLC, Abbey Capital Limited, Abbey Capital Offshore Fund SPC and Eclipse Capital Management, Inc. will be filed by amendment. | |
(18) | Trading Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) among Abbey Capital Onshore Series LLC, Abbey Capital Limited, Abbey Capital Offshore Fund SPC and Graham Capital Management, LP will be filed by amendment. | |
(19) | Trading Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) among Abbey Capital Onshore Series LLC, Abbey Capital Limited, Abbey Capital Offshore Fund SPC and P/E Investments, LLC will be filed by amendment. | |
(20) | Trading Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) among Abbey Capital Onshore Series LLC, Abbey Capital Limited, Abbey Capital Offshore Fund SPC and Revolution Capital Management, LLC will be filed by amendment. | |
(21) | Trading Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) among Abbey Capital Onshore Series LLC, Abbey Capital Limited, Abbey Capital Offshore Fund SPC and Trigon Investment Advisors LLC will be filed by amendment. | |
(22) | Addendum No. 2 to Investment Advisory Agreement (Robeco WPG Small/Micro Cap Fund) between Registrant and Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. (f/k/a Robeco Investment Management, Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014. |
|
(23) | Investment Advisory Agreement (Adara Smaller Companies Fund (f/k/a Altair Smaller Companies Fund)) between Registrant and Altair Advisers LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 249 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2018. | |
(24) | Reserved. | |
(25) | Investment Advisory Agreement (Campbell Dynamic Trend Fund, f/k/a Campbell Core Trend Fund) between Registrant and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 249 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2018. | |
(26) | Investment Advisory Agreement (Campbell Dynamic Trend Fund, f/k/a Campbell Core Trend Fund) between Campbell Core Offshore Limited and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 249 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2018. | |
(27) | Sub-Advisory Agreement (Adara S maller Companies Fund (f/k/a Altair Smaller Companies Fund)) among Registrant, Altair Advisers LLC and Aperio Group, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 249 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2018. | |
(28) | Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (Adara Smaller Companies Fund (f/k/a Altair Smaller Companies Fund)) among Registrant, Altair Advisers LLC and Driehaus Capital Management LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 249 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2018. | |
(29) | Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (Adara Smaller Companies Fund (f/k/a Altair Smaller Companies Fund)) among Registrant, Altair Advisers LLC and Granite Investment Partners, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 249 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2018. | |
(30) | Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (Adara Smaller Companies Fund (f/k/a Altair Smaller Companies Fund)) among Registrant, Altair Advisers LLC and Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 249 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2018. | |
(31) | Sub-Advisory Agreement (Adara Smaller Companies Fund (f/k/a Altair Smaller Companies Fund)) among Registrant, Altair Advisers LLC and Pier Capital, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 247 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 23, 2018. | |
(32) | Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (Adara Smaller Companies Fund (f/k/a Altair Smaller Companies Fund)) among Registrant, Altair Advisers LLC and River Road Asset Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 249 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2018. | |
(33) | Form of Addendum No. 3 to Investment Advisory Agreement (Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund) between Registrant and Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. (f/k/a Robeco Investment Management, Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post- |
|
Effective Amendment No. 180 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on August 14, 2015. | ||
(34) | Investment Advisory Agreement (Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund) between Registrant and Summit Global Investments, LLC is filed herewith. | |
(35) | Contractual Fee Waiver (Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund) between Registrant and Summit Global Investments, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 249 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2018. | |
(36) | Contractual Fee Waiver (Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund) between Registrant and Bogle Investment Management is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 249 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2018. | |
(37) | Contractual Fee Waiver (Campbell Dynamic Trend Fund) between Registrant and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 249 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2018. | |
(38) | Reserved. | |
(39) | Form of Investment Advisory Agreement (Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio, and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio) between Registrant and Matson Money, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 159 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 20, 2013. | |
(40) | Contractual Fee Waiver (Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio, and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio) between Registrant and Matson Money Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 249 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2018. | |
(41) | Addendum No. 4 to Investment Advisory Agreement (Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund) between Registrant and Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. (f/k/a Robeco Investment Management, Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 247 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 23, 2018. | |
(42) | First Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) between Registrant and Abbey Capital Limited is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 216 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on April 10, 2017. | |
(43) | Trading Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) among Abbey Capital Onshore Series LLC, Abbey Capital Limited, Abbey Capital Offshore Fund SPC and Aspect Capital Limited will be filed by amendment. | |
(44) | Investment Advisory Agreement (Orinda Income Opportunities Fund) between Registrant and Orinda Asset Management LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective |
|
Amendment No. 249 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2018. | ||
(45) | Expense Limitation and Reimbursement Agreement (Orinda Income Opportunities Fund) between Registrant and Orinda Asset Management LLC is filed herewith. | |
(46) | Form of Investment Advisory Agreement (Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund) between Registrant and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 220 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 9, 2017. | |
(47) | Form of Investment Advisory Agreement (Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund) between Campbell Managed Futures LV Offshore Limited and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 220 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 9, 2017. | |
(48) | Form of Expense Limitation and Reimbursement Agreement (Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund) between Registrant and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 220 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 9, 2017. | |
(49) | Addendum No. 5 to Investment Advisory Agreement (Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund) between Registrant and Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 247 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 23, 2018. | |
(50) | Reserved. | |
(51) | Investment Advisory Agreement (MFAM Global Opportunities Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Independence Fund), MFAM Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Great America Fund), and MFAM Emerging Markets Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Epic Voyage Fund)) between Registrant and Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 247 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 23, 2018. | |
(52) | Expense Limitation and Reimbursement Agreement (MFAM Global Opportunities Fund, MFAM Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund, and MFAM Emerging Markets Fund) between Registrant and Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 249 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2018. | |
(53) | Contractual Fee Waiver (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) between Registrant and Abbey Capital Limited is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 249 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2018. | |
(54) | Investment Advisory Agreement (Motley Fool 100 Index ETF) between Registrant and Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 247 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 23, 2018. |
|
(55) | Investment Advisory Agreement (Aquarius International Fund) between Registrant and Altair Advisers LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 247 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 23, 2018. | |
(56) | Sub-Advisory Agreement (Aquarius International Fund) among Registrant, Altair Advisers LLC and Aperio Group, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 249 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2018. | |
(57) | Sub-Advisory Agreement (Aquarius International Fund) among Registrant, Altair Advisers LLC and Driehaus Capital Management LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 249 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2018. | |
(58) | Sub-Advisory Agreement (Aquarius International Fund) among Registrant, Altair Advisers LLC and Mawer Investment Management Ltd. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 249 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2018. | |
(59) | Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (Aquarius International Fund) among Registrant, Altair Advisers LLC and Setanta Asset Management Limited is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 247 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 23, 2018. | |
(60) | Form of Investment Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund) between Registrant and Abbey Capital Limited is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 233 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on January 10, 2018. | |
(61) | Form of Investment Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund) between ACMAF Offshore Fund Limited and Abbey Capital Limited is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 233 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on January 10, 2018. | |
(62) | Form of Trading Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund) among Registrant, Abbey Capital Limited, ACMAF Offshore Fund Limited and Aspect Capital Limited is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 233 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on January 10, 2018. | |
(63) | Form of Trading Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund) among Registrant, Abbey Capital Limited, ACMAF Offshore Fund Limited and Eclipse Capital Management, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 233 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on January 10, 2018. | |
(64) | Form of Trading Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund) among Registrant, Abbey Capital Limited, ACMAF Offshore Fund Limited and Revolution Capital Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 233 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on January 10, 2018. | |
(65) | Form of Trading Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund) among Registrant, Abbey Capital Limited, ACMAF Offshore Fund Limited and Welton Investment Partners |
|
LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 233 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on January 10, 2018. | ||
(66) | Contractual Fee Waiver (Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund) between Registrant and Abbey Capital Limited is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 249 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2018. | |
(67) | Trading Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) among Abbey Capital Onshore Series LLC, Abbey Capital Limited, Abbey Capital Offshore Fund SPC and Welton Investment Partners LLC will be filed by amendment. | |
(68) | Amendment No. 2 to the Investment Advisory Agreement (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund and Free Market Fixed Income Fund) between Registrant and Matson Money, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 249 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2018. | |
(69) | Form of Trading Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund) among Registrant, Abbey Capital Limited, Abbey Capital Multi Asset Offshore Fund Limited and Tudor Investment Corporation is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 243 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 2018. | |
(70) | Trading Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) among Abbey Capital Onshore Series LLC, Abbey Capital Limited, Abbey Capital Offshore Fund SPC and Tudor Investment Corporation will be filed by amendment. | |
(71) | Investment Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) between Abbey Capital Onshore Series LLC and Abbey Capital Limited will be filed by amendment. | |
(72) | Investment Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) between Abbey Capital Master Offshore Fund Limited and Abbey Capital Limited will be filed by amendment. | |
(73) | Investment Advisory Agreement (MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF (f/k/a Motley Fool Small Cap Growth ETF)) between Registrant and Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 247 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 23, 2018. | |
(74) | Trading Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) among Abbey Capital Onshore Series LLC, Abbey Capital Limited, Abbey Capital Offshore Fund SPC and Episteme Capital Partners (UK) LLP will be filed by amendment. | |
(75) | Investment Advisory Agreement (Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund) among Registrant, Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc., and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC will be filed by amendment. | |
(76) | Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement (Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund) among Registrant, Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc., and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC will be filed by amendment. | |
(e) | Underwriting Contracts. |
|
(1) | Distribution Agreement between Registrant, Quasar Distributors, LLC, and Abbey Capital Limited dated June 30, 2016 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 207 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2016. | |
(2) | Distribution Agreement between Registrant, Quasar Distributors, LLC, and Altair Advisers LLC dated June 30, 2016 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 207 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2016. | |
(3) | Distribution Agreement between Registrant, Quasar Distributors, LLC, and Bogle Investment Management, L.P. dated June 30, 2016 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 207 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2016. | |
(4) | Distribution Agreement between Registrant, Quasar Distributors, LLC, and Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. dated June 30, 2016 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 207 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2016. | |
(5) | Distribution Agreement between Registrant, Quasar Distributors, LLC, and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC dated June 30, 2016 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 207 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2016. | |
(6) | Distribution Agreement between Registrant, Quasar Distributors, LLC, and Matson Money, Inc. dated June 30, 2016 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 207 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2016. | |
(7) | Distribution Agreement between Registrant, Quasar Distributors, LLC, and Schneider Capital Management Company dated June 30, 2016 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 207 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2016. | |
(8) | Distribution Agreement between Registrant, Quasar Distributors, LLC, and Summit Global Investments, LLC dated June 30, 2016 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 207 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2016. | |
(9) | Distribution Agreement (MFAM Global Opportunities Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Independence Fund), MFAM Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Great America Fund), and MFAM Emerging Markets Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Epic Voyage Fund)) between Registrant and Foreside Funds Distributors LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 247 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 23, 2018. | |
(10) | Distribution Agreement (Orinda Income Opportunities Fund) between Registrant, Quasar Distributors, LLC, and Orinda Asset Management LLC is filed herewith. | |
(11) | Amendment to the Distribution Agreement (Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund) between Registrant, Quasar Distributors, LLC, and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 224 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 28, 2017. |
|
(12) | Amendment to the Distribution Agreement between Registrant, Quasar Distributors, LLC, and Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. dated June 30, 2016 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 247 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 23, 2018. | |
(13) | Amendment to Distribution Agreement between Registrant, Quasar Distributors, LLC, and Abbey Capital Limited dated July 11, 2017 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 232 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2017. | |
(14) | ETF Distribution Agreement (Motley Fool 100 Index ETF) between Registrant, Quasar Distributors, LLC, and Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC is filed herewith. | |
(15) | Form of Amendment to the Distribution Agreement (Aquarius International Fund) between Registrant, Quasar Distributors, LLC, and Altair Advisers LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 238 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on February 21, 2018. | |
(16) | Amendment to Distribution Agreement (Abbey Capital Multi-Asset Fund) between Registrant, Quasar Distributors, LLC and Abbey Capital Limited is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 243 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 2018. | |
(17) | First Amendment to the ETF Distribution Agreement (MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF (f/k/a Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF)) between Registrant, Quasar Distributors, LLC and Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 247 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 23, 2018. | |
(18) | Amendment to Distribution Agreement (Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund) between Registrant, Quasar Distributors, LLC, Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC will be filed by amendment. | |
(f) | Bonus or Profit Sharing Contracts. | |
(1) | Form of Deferred Compensation Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 160 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2013. | |
(2) | Form of Deferred Compensation Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 160 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2013. | |
(g) | Custodian Agreements. | |
(1) | Custody Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association dated June 30, 2016 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 207 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2016. | |
(2) | First Amendment dated June 30, 2016 to the Custody Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 207 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2016. |
|
(3) | Addendum to Custody Agreement dated January 5, 2017 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 216 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on April 10, 2017. | |
(4) | Second Amendment dated May 1, 2017 to the Custody Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 247 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 23, 2018. | |
(5) | Form of Amendment to the Custody Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 224 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 28, 2017. | |
(6) | Third Amendment to the Custody Agreement (Boston Partners Investment Funds) between Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association is filed herewith. | |
(7) | Fourth Amendment to the Custody Agreement (MFAM Global Opportunities Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Independence Fund), MFAM Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Great America Fund), and MFAM Emerging Markets Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund)) between Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association is filed herewith. | |
(8) | ETF Custody Agreement (Motley Fool 100 Index ETF) between Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association is filed herewith. | |
(9) | Fifth Amendment to the Custody Agreement (Aquarius International Fund) between Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 249 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2018. | |
(10) | Amendment to the Custody Agreement (Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund) between Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 243 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 2018. | |
(11) | Seventh Amendment to the Custody Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association dated July 17, 2018 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 246 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on August 9, 2018. | |
(12) | First Amendment to the ETF Custody Agreement (MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF (f/k/a Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF)) between Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 247 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 23, 2018. | |
(13) | Amendment to Custody Agreement (Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund) between Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association will be filed by amendment. | |
(h) | Other Material Contracts. | |
(1) | Non 12b-1 Shareholder Services Plan and Agreement (Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth - Investor Shares) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 30, 1999. | |
(2) | Non-12b-1 Shareholder Services Plan and Related Form of Shareholder Servicing Agreement (Robeco WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund f/k/a Robeco WPG Tudor Fund – Institutional |
|
Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 25, 2005. | ||
(3) | Services Plan for Class I Shares and Form of Servicing Agreement (Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund, f/k/a Scotia Dynamic U.S. Growth Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 161 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 27, 2013. | |
(4) | Services Plan for Class II Shares and Form of Servicing Agreement (Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund, f/k/a Scotia Dynamic U.S. Growth Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 161 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 27, 2013. | |
(5) | Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC dated June 30, 2016 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 207 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2016. | |
(6) | First Amendment to the Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 207 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2016. | |
(7) | Second Amendment to the Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 247 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 23, 2018. | |
(8) | Form of Amendment to the Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 224 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 28, 2017. | |
(9) | Third Amendment to the Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement (Boston Partners Investment Funds) between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is filed herewith. | |
(10) | Fourth Amendment to the Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement (MFAM Global Opportunities Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Independence Fund), MFAM Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Great America Fund), and MFAM Emerging Markets Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund)) between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is filed herewith. | |
(11) | ETF Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement (Motley Fool 100 Index ETF) between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is filed herewith. | |
(12) | Fifth Amendment to the Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement (Aquarius International Fund) between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 249 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2018. | |
(13) | Amendment to the Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement (Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund) between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 243 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 2018. | |
(14) | First Amendment to the ETF Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement (MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF (f/k/a Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF)) between Registrant and U.S. |
|
Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 247 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 23, 2018. | ||
(15) | Reserved. | |
(16) | Fund Administration Servicing Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC dated June 30, 2016 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 207 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2016. | |
(17) | First Amendment to the Fund Administration Servicing Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 207 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2016. | |
(18) | Second Amendment to the Fund Administration Servicing Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 247 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 23, 2018. | |
(19) | Third Amendment to the Fund Administration Servicing Agreement (Boston Partners Investment Funds) between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 249 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2018. | |
(20) | Fourth Amendment to the Fund Administration Servicing Agreement (MFAM Global Opportunities Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Independence Fund), MFAM Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Great America Fund), and MFAM Emerging Markets Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund)) between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is filed herewith. | |
(21) | Form of Amendment to the Fund Administration Servicing Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 224 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 28, 2017. | |
(22) | ETF Fund Administration Servicing Agreement (Motley Fool 100 Index ETF) between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is filed herewith. | |
(23) | Fifth Amendment to the Fund Administration Servicing Agreement (Aquarius International Fund) between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 249 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2018. | |
(24) | Amendment to the Fund Administration Servicing Agreement (Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund) between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 243 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 2018. | |
(25) | Addendum to the Fund Administration Servicing Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 246 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on August 9, 2018. | |
(26) | First Amendment to the ETF Fund Administration Servicing Agreement (MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF (f/k/a Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF)) between Registrant and U.S. |
|
Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 247 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 23, 2018. | ||
(27) | Reserved. | |
(28) | Transfer Agent Servicing Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC dated June 30, 2016 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 207 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2016. | |
(29) | First Amendment to the Transfer Agent Servicing Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 207 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2016. | |
(30) | Second Amendment to the Transfer Agent Servicing Agreement (Orinda Income Opportunities Funds) between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 249 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2018. | |
(31) | Form of Amendment to the Transfer Agent Servicing Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 224 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 28, 2017. | |
(32) | Third Amendment to the Transfer Agent Servicing Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is filed herewith. | |
(33) | Fourth Amendment to the Transfer Agent Servicing Agreement (MFAM Global Opportunities Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Independence Fund), MFAM Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Great America Fund), and MFAM Emerging Markets Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund)) between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is filed herewith. | |
(34) | ETF Transfer Agent Servicing Agreement (Motley Fool 100 Index ETF) between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is filed herewith. | |
(35) | Fifth Amendment to the Transfer Agent Servicing Agreement (Aquarius International Fund ) between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 249 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2018. | |
(36) | Amendment to the Transfer Agent Servicing Agreement (Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund ) between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 243 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 2018. | |
(37) | Seventh Amendment to the Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement (Abbey Capital Onshore Series LLC and Abbey Capital Offshore Fund SPC) between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 247 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 23, 2018. | |
(38) | Seventh Amendment to the Fund Administration Servicing Agreement (Abbey Capital Onshore Series LLC and Abbey Capital Offshore Fund SPC) between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 247 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 23, 2018. |
|
(39) | First Amendment to the ETF Transfer Agent Servicing Agreement (MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF (f/k/a Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF)) between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 247 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 23, 2018. | ||
(40) | Amendment to Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement (Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund) between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC will be filed by amendment. | ||
(41) | Amendment to Fund Administration Servicing Agreement (Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund) between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC will be filed by amendment. | ||
(42) | Amendment to Transfer Agent Servicing Agreement (Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund) between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC will be filed by amendment. | ||
(i) | (1) | Opinion of Counsel will be filed by amendment. | |
(2) | Consent of Counsel is filed herewith. | ||
(j) | Not applicable. | ||
(k) | None. | ||
(l) | Initial Capital Agreements. | ||
(1) | Subscription Agreement, relating to Classes A through N, is incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 12, 1988, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. | ||
(2) | Subscription Agreement between Registrant and Planco Financial Services, Inc., relating to Classes O and P is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1990. | ||
(3) | Subscription Agreement between Registrant and Planco Financial Services, Inc., relating to Class Q is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1990. | ||
(4) | Subscription Agreement between Registrant and Counselors Securities Inc. relating to Classes R, S, and Alpha 1 through Theta 4 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 15, 1992, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. | ||
(5) | Purchase Agreement between Registrant and Boston Partners Asset Management, L.P. relating to Classes TT and UU (Boston Partners Mid Cap Value Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 25, 1997. | ||
(6) | Purchase Agreement between Registrant and Schneider Capital Management Company relating to Class YY (Schneider Small Cap Value Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998. |
|
(7) | Purchase Agreement between Registrant and Boston Partners Asset Management, L.P. relating to Classes DDD and EEE (Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II (formerly Micro Cap Value)) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998. | |
(8) | Purchase Agreement between Registrant and Boston Partners Asset Management relating to Classes III and JJJ (Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund (formerly Market Neutral)) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1998. | |
(9) | Form of Purchase Agreement between Registrant and Boston Partners Asset Management, L. P. relating to Classes KKK and LLL (Boston Partners Fund (formerly Long-Short Equity)) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 19, 1999. | |
(10) | Purchase Agreement (Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund) between Registrant and Bogle Investment Management, L.P. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 30, 1999. | |
(11) | Purchase Agreement (Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund) between Registrant and Boston Partners Asset Management, L.P. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002. | |
(12) | Purchase Agreement (Robeco WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund f/k/a Robeco WPG Tudor Fund) between Registrant and Weiss, Peck & Greer Investments is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 96 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 6, 2005. | |
(13) | Form of Purchase Agreement (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund) between Registrant and Matson Money, Inc. (f/k/a Abundance Technologies, Inc.), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 1, 2007. | |
(14) | Form of Purchase Agreement (Free Market International Equity Fund) between Registrant and Matson Money, Inc. (f/k/a Abundance Technologies, Inc.), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 1, 2007. | |
(15) | Form of Purchase Agreement (Free Market Fixed Income Fund) between Registrant and Matson Money, Inc. (f/k/a Abundance Technologies, Inc.), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 1, 2007. | |
(16) | Purchase Agreement (Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund) between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 136 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on August 4, 2010. | |
(17) | Form of Purchase Agreement (Robeco Boston Partners Global Equity Fund) between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 142 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 14, 2011. |
|
(18) | Form of Purchase Agreement (Robeco Boston Partners International Equity Fund) between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 142 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 14, 2011. | |
(19) | Purchase Agreement (Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund) between Registrant and Summit Global Investments, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 157 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2013. | |
(20) | Form of Purchase Agreement (Robeco Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund-Investor Class) between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management Inc. is incorporated hereby by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 160 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2013. | |
(21) | Form of Purchase Agreement (Robeco Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund-Institutional Class) between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management Inc. is incorporated hereby by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 160 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2013. | |
(22) | Form of Purchase Agreement (Robeco Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund-Investor Class) between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management Inc. is incorporated hereby by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 160 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2013. | |
(23) | Form of Purchase Agreement (Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund, f/k/a Scotia Dynamic U.S. Growth Fund) between Registrant and Scotia Institutional Asset Management US, Ltd. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014. | |
(24) | Form of Purchase Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) between Registrant and Abbey Capital Limited is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014. | |
(25) | Form of Purchase Agreement (Adara Smaller Companies Fund (f/k/a Altair Smaller Companies Fund)) between Registrant and Altair Advisers LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014. | |
(26) | Form of Purchase Agreement (Campbell Core Trend Fund) between Registrant and Campbell & Company, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 175 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2014. | |
(27) | Purchase Agreement (Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund) between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 187 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2015. | |
(28) | Form of Purchase Agreement (Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund ) between Registrant and Summit Global Investments, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 195 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 30, 2016. |
|
(29) | Form of Purchase Agreement (MFAM Global Opportunities Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Independence Fund), MFAM Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Great America Fund), and MFAM Emerging Markets Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Epic Voyage Fund)) between Registrant and Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 206 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2016. | |
(30) | Form of Purchase Agreement (Orinda Income Opportunities Fund) between Registrant and Orinda Asset Management LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 219 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 1, 2017. | |
(31) | Form of Purchase Agreement (Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund) between Registrant and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 220 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 9, 2017. | |
(32) | Form of Purchase Agreement (Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund) between Registrant and Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 226 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on August 23, 2017. | |
(33) | Form of Purchase Agreement (Motley Fool 100 Index ETF) between Registrant and Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 235 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on January 19, 2018. | |
(34) | Purchase Agreement (Aquarius International Fund) between Registrant and Altair Advisers LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 247 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 23, 2018. | |
(35) | Form of Purchase Agreement (Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund) between Registrant and Abbey Capital Limited is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 243 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 2018. | |
(36) | Purchase Agreement (MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF (f/k/a Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF)) between Registrant and Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 247 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 23, 2018. | |
(37) | Purchase Agreement (Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund) between Registrant and Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. will be filed by amendment. | |
(m) | Rule 12b-1 Plan. | |
(1) | Plan of Distribution (Boston Partners Mid Cap Value Fund - Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 9, 1997. |
|
(2) | Plan of Distribution (Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II (formerly Micro Cap Value) - Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 53 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on April 10, 1998. | |
(3) | Amendment to Plans of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1998. | |
(4) | Plan of Distribution (Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund (formerly Market Neutral) - Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 12, 1998. | |
(5) | Plan of Distribution (Boston Partners Fund (formerly Long Short Equity) - Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 19, 1999. | |
(6) | Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002. | |
(7) | Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund — Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 141 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2010. | |
(8) | Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Robeco Boston Partners Global Equity Fund — Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 142 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 14, 2011. | |
(9) | Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Robeco Boston Partners International Equity Fund — Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 142 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 14, 2011. | |
(10) | Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund — Retail Class) is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 144 to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 15, 2011. | |
(11) | Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund – Class A) is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 144 to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 15, 2011. | |
(12) | Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Robeco Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund — Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 154 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 11, 2013. | |
(13) | Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund — Class A) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014. | |
(14) | Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund — Class C) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014. |
|
(15) | Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund —Class C) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 184 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 30, 2015. | |
(16) | Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund – Retail Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 195 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 30, 2016. | |
(17) | Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund – Class C) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 195 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 30, 2016. | |
(18) | Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund — Class T) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 216 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on April 10, 2017. | |
(19) | Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Orinda Income Opportunities Fund — Class A) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 219 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 1, 2017. | |
(20) | Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Orinda Income Opportunities Fund — Class D) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 219 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 1, 2017. | |
(21) | Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund — Class N) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 224 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 28, 2017. | |
(22) | Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund — Class T) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 224 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 28, 2017. | |
(23) | Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund – Class A Shares (formerly Class II Shares)) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 232 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2017. | |
(24) | Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund – Class C Shares (formerly Institutional Shares)) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 232 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2017. | |
(25) | Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund – Class A Shares) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 243 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 2018. | |
(26) | Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund – Class C Shares) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 243 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 2018. |
|
(n) | Rule 18f-3 Plan. | |
Amended Rule 18f-3 Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 247 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 23, 2018. | ||
(p) | Code of Ethics. | |
(1) | Code of Ethics of the Registrant is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 232 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2017. | |
(2) | Code of Ethics of Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 249 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2018. | |
(3) | Code of Ethics of Schneider Capital Management Company is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 129 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 2, 2009. | |
(4) | Code of Ethics of Bogle Investment Management, L.P. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 129 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 2, 2009. | |
(5) | Code of Ethics of Matson Money, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2011. | |
(6) | Code of Ethics of Foreside Funds Distributors LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 182 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 16, 2015. | |
(7) | Code of Ethics of Summit Global Investments, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2011. | |
(8) | Code of Ethics of Abbey Capital Limited is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014. | |
(9) | Code of Ethics of Altair Advisers LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014. | |
(10) | Code of Ethics of Aperio Group is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014. | |
(11) | Code of Ethics of Driehaus Capital Management LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014. |
|
(12) | Code of Ethics of Granite Investment Partners, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014. | |
(13) | Code of Ethics of Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014. | |
(14) | Code of Ethics of Pier Capital LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014. | |
(15) | Code of Ethics of River Road Asset Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 247 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 23, 2018. | |
(16) | Code of Ethics of Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 175 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2014. | |
(17) | Code of Ethics of Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 249 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2018. | |
(18) | Code of Ethics of Quasar Distributors, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 210 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on January 31, 2017. | |
(19) | Code of Ethics of Orinda Asset Management LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 232 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2017. | |
(20) | Code of Ethics of Mawer Investment Management Ltd. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 242 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 19, 2018. | |
(21) | Code of Ethics of Setanta Asset Management Limited is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 249 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2018. |
Item 29. | PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT |
None.
Item 30. | INDEMNIFICATION |
Sections 1, 2, 3 and 4 of Article VIII of Registrant’s Articles of Incorporation, as amended, incorporated herein by reference as Exhibits (a)(1) and (a)(3), provide as follows:
Section 1. To the fullest extent that limitations on the liability of directors and officers are permitted by the Maryland General Corporation Law, no director or officer of the Corporation shall have any liability to the
|
Corporation or its shareholders for damages. This limitation on liability applies to events occurring at the time a person serves as a director or officer of the Corporation whether or not such person is a director or officer at the time of any proceeding in which liability is asserted.
Section 2. The Corporation shall indemnify and advance expenses to its currently acting and its former directors to the fullest extent that indemnification of directors is permitted by the Maryland General Corporation Law. The Corporation shall indemnify and advance expenses to its officers to the same extent as its directors and to such further extent as is consistent with law. The Board of Directors may by law, resolution or agreement make further provision for indemnification of directors, officers, employees and agents to the fullest extent permitted by the Maryland General Corporation law.
Section 3. No provision of this Article shall be effective to protect or purport to protect any director or officer of the Corporation against any liability to the Corporation or its security holders to which he would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office.
Section 4. References to the Maryland General Corporation Law in this Article are to the law as from time to time amended. No further amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation shall decrease, but may expand, any right of any person under this Article based on any event, omission or proceeding prior to such amendment. Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, 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 Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
Section 12 of the Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. (“Boston Partners”) (f/k/a Robeco Investment Management, Inc.), incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(9), provides for the indemnification of Boston Partners against certain losses.
Section 12 of the Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Bogle Investment Management, L.P. (“Bogle”), dated September 15, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2) provides for the indemnification of Bogle against certain losses.
Section 12 of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Schneider Capital Management (“Schneider”) incorporated herein by reference as exhibit (d)(1) provides for the indemnification of Schneider against certain losses.
Section 12 of each of the Investment Advisory Agreements between the Registrant and Matson Money, Inc. (f/k/a Abundance Technologies, Inc.), (“Matson Money”) incorporated herein by reference as exhibits (d)(3) and (d)(39) provides for the indemnification of Matson Money against certain losses.
Section 12 of each of the Investment Advisory Agreements between the Registrant and Summit Global Investments, LLC (“SGI”) incorporated herein by reference as exhibits (d)(7), (d)(11) and (d)(34) provides for the indemnification of SGI against certain losses.
|
Section 12 of each of the Investment Advisory Agreements with Abbey Capital Limited (“Abbey Capital”) incorporated herein by reference as exhibits (d)(13), (d)(60) and (d)(61) provides for the indemnification of Abbey Capital against certain losses.
Section 13 of each of the Investment Advisory Agreements with Abbey Capital incorporated herein by reference as exhibits (d)(14) and (d)(71) provides for the indemnification of Abbey Capital against certain losses.
Section 12 of each of the Investment Advisory Agreements between the Registrant and Altair Advisers LLC (“Altair”) incorporated herein by reference as exhibits (d)(23) and (d)(55) provide for indemnification of Altair against certain losses.
Section 12 of each of the Investment Advisory Agreements between the Registrant and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC (“CCIA”) incorporated herein by reference as exhibits (d)(25), (d)(26), (d)(46) and (d)(47) provide for indemnification of CCIA against certain losses.
Section 12 of each of the Investment Advisory Agreements between the Registrant and Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC (“Motley Fool”) incorporated herein by reference to exhibits (d)(51), (d)(54), and (d)(73) provides for indemnification of Motley Fool against certain losses.
Section 12 of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Orinda Asset Management LLC (“Orinda”) incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(44) provides for indemnification of Orinda against certain losses.
Section 8 of each of the Distribution Agreements between Registrant and Quasar Distributors, LLC incorporated herein by reference to exhibits (e)(1) – (e)(8), (e)(10) and (e)(14) provide for the indemnification of Quasar Distributors, LLC against certain losses.
Section 7 of the Distribution Agreement between Registrant and Foreside Funds Distributors, LLC incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (e)(9) provides for the indemnification of Foreside Funds Distributors, LLC against certain losses.
Item 31. | BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISERS. | |
1. | Bogle Investment Management, LP: | |
The sole business activity of Bogle Investment Management, LP (“Bogle”), 2310 Washington Street, Suite 310, Newton Lower Falls, MA 02462, is to serve as an investment adviser. Bogle is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. | ||
The directors and officers have not held any positions with other companies during the last two fiscal years. | ||
2. | Schneider Capital Management Company: | |
The sole business activity of Schneider Capital Management Company (“Schneider”), 460 E. Swedesford Road, Suite 2000, Wayne, PA 19087, is to serve as an investment adviser. Schneider is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Information as to the directors and officers of Schneider is as follows: |
|
Name and Position with
Schneider |
Other Company |
Position With Other
Company |
|||
Arnold C. Schneider, III | Turnbridge Management Partners Corp. | President | |||
President and Chief Investment Officer | |||||
Steven J. Fellin | Turnbridge Management Partners Corp. | Vice President | |||
Sr. Vice President, Chief Operating & Financial Officer Chief Compliance Officer | |||||
3. | Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. | |
The sole business activity of Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. (“Boston Partners”), 909 Third Avenue, New York 10022, is to serve as an investment adviser. Boston Partners provides investment advisory services to the Boston Partners Funds and the WPG Partners Funds. | ||
Boston Partners is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and serves as an investment adviser to domestic and foreign institutional investors, investment companies, commingled trust funds, private investment partnerships and collective investment vehicles. Information as to the directors and officers of Boston Partners is as follows: | ||
Name and Position with
Boston Partners |
Other Company |
Position With Other
Company |
|||
Mark E. Donovan
Co-Chief Executive Officer |
Robeco Institutional Asset Management US Inc. | Director | |||
Joseph F. Feeney, Jr.
Co-Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer |
Robeco US Holding, Inc. | Director | |||
William George Butterly, III
General Counsel, Director of Sustainability & Engagement |
Robeco Institutional Asset Management US Inc. | Chief Legal Officer, Chief Compliance Officer & Secretary | |||
Boston Partners Securities LLC | Chief Legal Officer | ||||
Robeco Trust Company | Chief Operating Officer, Secretary & Director | ||||
RobecoSAM USA, Inc. | Chief Legal Officer, Chief Compliance Officer & Secretary | ||||
Robeco Boston Partners (UK) Limited | Director, Chief Operating Officer & Secretary | ||||
Gregory Varner
Chief Financial Officer |
|
Matthew J. Davis
Chief Operating Officer |
Robeco Institutional Asset Management US Inc. | President, Treasurer & Director | |||
Boston Partners Securities LLC | Chief Financial Officer | ||||
Robeco Trust Company | Director, President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer & Director | ||||
Robeco Boston Partners (UK) Limited | Chief Financial Officer | ||||
David Steyn
Director |
Orix Corporation Europe N.V. | Chief Executive Officer | |||
Leni M. Boeren
Director |
Orix Corporation Europe N.V. | Chief Operating Officer | |||
Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. | Director | ||||
RobecoSAM AG | Director | ||||
RobecoSAM USA, Inc. | Director | ||||
Martin Mlynár
Director |
Corestone Investment Managers AG | Chief Executive Officer | |||
Source Capital AG | Board Member | ||||
Source Capital Holding AG | Board Member | ||||
4. | Matson Money, Inc.: | |
The sole business activity of Matson Money, Inc. (“Matson Money”), 5955 Deerfield Blvd., Mason, Ohio 45040, is to serve as an investment adviser. Matson Money is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. | ||
Below is a list of each executive officer and director of Matson Money indicating each business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each such person has been engaged within the last two years, for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, partner or trustee. | ||
Name and Position with Matson
Money, Inc. |
Name of Other Company |
Position With Other
Company |
|||
Mark E. Matson
CEO |
Keep It Tight Fitness, LLC
|
50% owner
|
|||
Mark E. Matson
CEO |
The Matson Family Foundation |
100% owner
|
|||
Michelle Matson
Vice President/ Secretary |
None | None |
|
Daniel J. List
Chief Compliance Officer |
None | None | |||
5. | Summit Global Investments, LLC: | |
The sole business activity of Summit Global Investments, LLC (“SGI”), 620 South Main Street, Bountiful, Utah 84010, is to serve as an investment adviser. SGI is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. | ||
The only employment of a substantial nature of each of SGI’s directors and officers is with SGI. | ||
6. | Abbey Capital Limited: | |
The only employment of a substantial nature of each of Abbey Capital Limited directors and officers is with Abbey Capital Limited. | ||
7. | Altair Advisers LLC: | |
The only employment of a substantial nature of each of Altair Advisers LLC directors and officers is with Altair Advisers LLC. | ||
8. | Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC: | |
The principal business activity of Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC (“CCIA”), 2850 Quarry Lake Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21209, is to serve as an investment adviser. CCIA is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. | ||
Below is a list of each executive officer and director of CCIA indicating each business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each such person has been engaged within the last two years, for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, partner or trustee. | ||
Name and Position with
CCIA |
Name of Other Company |
Position With Other
Company |
|||
G. Williams Andrews
Chief Executive Officer |
Campbell & Company, LP
|
Chief Executive Officer
|
|||
Campbell & Company, LLC | Director & Chief Executive Officer | ||||
EC LLC | Managing Member | ||||
The Campbell Multi-Strategy Trust | Trustee & Chief Executive Officer | ||||
Campbell Financial Services, LLC | Director | ||||
Campbell & Company International Bahamas Limited | Director & President |
|
Campbell Core Offshore Limited | Director | ||||
Campbell Core Carry Offshore Limited | Director | ||||
Michael S. Harris
President |
Campbell & Company, LLC
|
President | |||
Campbell & Company, LLC | Director & President | ||||
EC LLC | Managing Member | ||||
The Campbell Multi-Strategy Trust | President | ||||
Campbell Financial Services, LLC | Director | ||||
Managed Futures Association | Director & Vice-Chairman | ||||
Campbell & Company International Bahamas Limited | Director | ||||
Campbell Core Offshore Limited | Director | ||||
Campbell Core Carry Offshore Limited | Director | ||||
Dr. Kevin Cole
Director of Research |
Campbell & Company, LP
|
Director of Research
|
|||
Thomas P. Lloyd
General Counsel & Secretary |
Campbell & Company, LP | General Counsel & Secretary | |||
Campbell & Company, LLC | Secretary | ||||
EC LLC | Managing Member |
|
The Campbell Multi-Strategy Trust | General Counsel, Secretary & Assistant Treasurer | ||||
Campbell & Company International Bahamas Limited | Secretary | ||||
Campbell Core Offshore Limited | Director | ||||
Campbell Core Carry Offshore Limited | Director | ||||
Campbell Financial Services, LLC
|
General Counsel & Director; previously, Chief Compliance Officer & Secretary until September 2014 | ||||
9. | Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC: | |
A description of any other business, profession, vocation, or employment of a substantial nature in which Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC and each director, officer, or partner of Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC is or has been engaged within the last two fiscal years for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, employee, partner or trustee, is set forth in the Form ADV of Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC, as filed with the SEC on March 16, 2018, and is incorporated herein by this reference. | ||
10. | Orinda Asset Management, LLC: | |
A description of any other business, profession, vocation, or employment of a substantial nature in which Orinda Asset Management, LLC and each director, officer, or partner of Orinda Asset Management, LLC is or has been engaged within the last two fiscal years for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, employee, partner or trustee, is set forth in the Form ADV of Orinda Asset Management LLC, as filed with the SEC on August 30, 2018, and is incorporated herein by this reference. |
|
Item 32. | PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER |
(a)(1) Quasar Distributors, LLC, acts as principal underwriter for the following investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended:
Advisors Series Trust | LoCorr Investment Trust |
Aegis Funds | Lord Asset Management Trust |
Allied Asset Advisors Funds | MainGate Trust |
Alpha Architect ETF Trust | Managed Portfolio Series |
Amplify ETF Trust | Manager Directed Portfolios |
Angel Oak Funds Trust | Matrix Advisors Fund Trust |
Barrett Opportunity Fund, Inc. | Matrix Advisors Value Fund, Inc. |
Bridge Builder Trust | Merger Fund |
Bridges Investment Fund, Inc. | Monetta Trust |
Brookfield Investment Funds | Nicholas Equity Income Fund, Inc. |
Brown Advisory Funds | Nicholas Family of Funds, Inc. |
Buffalo Funds | Permanent Portfolio Family of Funds |
CG Funds Trust | Perritt Funds, Inc. |
DoubleLine Funds Trust | PRIMECAP Odyssey Funds |
ETF Series Solutions | Professionally Managed Portfolios |
Evermore Funds Trust | Prospector Funds, Inc. |
First American Funds, Inc. | Provident Mutual Funds, Inc. |
FundX Investment Trust | Rainier Investment Management Mutual Funds |
Glenmede Fund, Inc. | The RBB Fund, Inc. |
Glenmede Portfolios | RBC Funds Trust |
GoodHaven Funds Trust | Series Portfolio Trust |
Greenspring Fund, Inc. | Sims Total Return Fund, Inc. |
Harding Loevner Funds, Inc. | Thompson IM Funds, Inc. |
Hennessy Funds Trust | TigerShares Trust |
Horizon Funds | TrimTabs ETF Trust |
Hotchkis & Wiley Funds | Trust for Professional Managers |
Intrepid Capital Management Funds Trust | Trust for Advised Portfolios |
IronBridge Funds, Inc. | USA Mutuals |
Jacob Funds, Inc. | Wall Street EWM Funds Trust |
Jensen Quality Growth Fund Inc. | Westchester Capital Funds |
Kirr Marbach Partners Funds, Inc. | Wisconsin Capital Funds, Inc. |
LKCM Funds | YCG Funds |
(a)(2) Foreside Funds Distributors LLC serves as principal underwriter for the following investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended:
1. | FundVantage Trust |
2. | GuideStone Funds |
3. | Matthews International Funds (d/b/a Matthews Asia Funds) |
4. | MFAM Funds, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc. |
|
5. | New Alternatives Fund |
6. | Old Westbury Funds, Inc. |
7. | The Torray Fund |
8. | Versus Capital Multi-Manager Real Estate Income Fund LLC (f/k/a Versus Global Multi-Manager Real Estate Income Fund LLC) |
9. | Versus Capital Real Assets Fund LLC |
(b)(1) The directors and executive officers of Quasar Distributors, LLC are as follows:
Name and Principal
Business Address |
Position and Offices with Quasar
Distributors, LLC |
Positions and Offices
with Registrant |
Teresa Cowan (1) | President, Board Member, Board Chairperson | None |
Andrew M. Strnad (2) | Vice President, Secretary | None |
Joseph C. Neuberger (1) | Board Member | None |
Anita M. Zagrodnik (1) | Board Member | None |
Susan LaFond (1) | Vice President, Treasurer, Co-Chief Compliance Officer | None |
Peter A. Hovel (1) | Chief Financial Officer | None |
Jennifer Brunner (1) | Vice President, Co-Chief Compliance Officer | None |
Brett Scribner (3) | Assistant Treasurer | None |
Thomas A. Wolden (3) | Assistant Treasurer | None |
Stephanie J. Fischer (1) | Board Member | None |
(1) | This individual is located at 777 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202. |
(2) | This individual is located at 10 West Market Street, Suite 1150, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46204. |
(3) | This individual is located at 800 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55402. |
(b)(2) The following are the Officers and Manager of Foreside Funds Distributors LLC, one of the Registrant’s underwriters. The main business address is 899 Cassatt Road, 400 Berwyn Park, Suite 110, Berwyn, PA 19312.
Name | Address | Position with Underwriter | Position with Registrant | |||
Richard J. Berthy | Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 | President, Treasurer and Manager | None | |||
Mark A. Fairbanks | Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 | Vice President | None | |||
Jennifer K. DiValerio | 899 Cassatt Road, 400 Berwyn Park, Suite 110, Berwyn, PA 19312 | Vice President | None |
|
Susan K. Moscaritolo | 899 Cassatt Road, 400 Berwyn Park, Suite 110, Berwyn, PA 19312 | Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer | None | |||
Jennifer E. Hoopes | Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 | Secretary | None |
(c) Not Applicable
Item 33. | LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS |
(1) | Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc., 909 Third Avenue, 32nd floor, New York, New York 10022 (records relating to its function as investment adviser). | |
(2) | Schneider Capital Management Co., 460 East Swedesford Road, Suite 1080, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087 (records relating to its function as investment adviser). | |
(3) | Bogle Investment Management, L.P., 2310 Washington Street, Suite 310, Newton Lower Falls, Massachusetts 02462 (records relating to its function as investment adviser). | |
(4) | Matson Money, Inc. (formerly Abundance Technologies, Inc.), 5955 Deerfield Blvd., Mason, Ohio 45040 (records relating to its function as investment adviser). | |
(5) | Summit Global Investments, LLC, 620 South Main Street, Bountiful, Utah 84010 (records relating to its function as investment adviser). | |
(6) | Abbey Capital Limited, 1-2 Cavendish Row, Dublin 1, Ireland (records relating to its function as investment adviser). | |
(7) | Altair Advisers LLC, 303 West Madison, Suite 600, Chicago, Illinois 60606 (records relating to its function as investment adviser). | |
(8) | Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC, 2850 Quarry Lake Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21209 (records relating to its function as investment adviser). | |
(9) | Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC, 2000 Duke Street, Suite 275, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 (records relating to its function as investment adviser). | |
(10) | Orinda Asset Management, LLC, 3390 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Suite 250, Lafayette, California 94549 (records relating to its function as investment adviser). | |
(11) | U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 (records relating to its function as administrator, transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent). | |
(12) | U.S. Bank, N.A., 1555 North RiverCenter Drive, Suite 302, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53212 (records relating to its function as custodian). | |
(13) | Quasar Distributors, LLC, 777 East Wisconsin Avenue, Floor 6, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 (records relating to its function as underwriter). |
|
(14) | Foreside Funds Distributors LLC, 899 Cassatt Road, 400 Berwyn Park, Suite 110, Berwyn, Pennsylvania 19312 (records related to its function as underwriter). |
Item 34. | MANAGEMENT SERVICES |
None. |
Item 35. | UNDERTAKINGS |
(a) | Registrant hereby undertakes to hold a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of considering the removal of directors in the event the requisite number of shareholders so request. |
(b) | Registrant hereby undertakes to furnish each person to whom a prospectus is delivered a copy of Registrant’s latest annual report to shareholders upon request and without charge. |
|
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment to its Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized, in the City of Chadds Ford, and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on March 8, 2019.
THE RBB FUND, INC. | |||
By: | /s/ Salvatore Faia | ||
Salvatore Faia | |||
President |
Pursuant to the requirements of the 1933 Act, this Amendment to Registrant’s Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.
SIGNATURE | TITLE | DATE | ||
/s/ Salvatore Faia | President (Principal Executive Officer) | March 8, 2019 | ||
Salvatore Faia | and Chief Compliance Officer | |||
/s/ James G. Shaw | Treasurer (Chief Financial Officer) | March 8, 2019 | ||
James G. Shaw | and Secretary | |||
*J. Richard Carnall | Director | March 8, 2019 | ||
J. Richard Carnall | ||||
*Julian A. Brodsky | Director | March 8, 2019 | ||
Julian A. Brodsky | ||||
*Arnold M. Reichman | Director | March 8, 2019 | ||
Arnold M. Reichman | ||||
*Robert Sablowsky | Director | March 8, 2019 | ||
Robert Sablowsky | ||||
*Robert Straniere | Director | March 8, 2019 | ||
Robert Straniere | ||||
*Nicholas A. Giordano | Director | March 8, 2019 | ||
Nicholas A. Giordano | ||||
*Gregory P. Chandler | Director | March 8, 2019 | ||
Gregory P. Chandler | ||||
*Brian T. Shea | Director | March 8, 2019 | ||
Brian T. Shea | ||||
*By: /s/ Salvatore Faia | |
Salvatore Faia | |
Attorney-in-Fact |
|
THE RBB FUND, INC.
(the “Company”)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, Julian A. Brodsky, hereby constitutes and appoints Salvatore Faia, Michael P. Malloy, James G. Shaw, Edward Paz, and Robert Amweg, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.
DATED: | February 16, 2017 |
/s/ Julian A. Brodsky | |
Julian A. Brodsky |
|
THE RBB FUND, INC.
(the “Company”)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, J. Richard Carnall, hereby constitutes and appoints Salvatore Faia, Michael P. Malloy, James G. Shaw, Edward Paz, and Robert Amweg, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.
DATED: | February 16, 2017 |
/s/ J. Richard Carnall | |
J. Richard Carnall |
|
THE RBB FUND, INC.
(the “Company”)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, Nicholas A. Giordano, hereby constitutes and appoints Salvatore Faia, Michael P. Malloy, James G. Shaw, Edward Paz, and Robert Amweg, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.
DATED: | February 16, 2017 |
/s/ Nicholas A. Giordano | |
Nicholas A. Giordano |
|
THE RBB FUND, INC.
(the “Company”)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, Arnold M. Reichman, hereby constitutes and appoints Salvatore Faia, Michael P. Malloy, James G. Shaw, Edward Paz, and Robert Amweg, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.
DATED: | February 16, 2017 |
/s/ Arnold M. Reichman | |
Arnold M. Reichman |
|
THE RBB FUND, INC.
(the “Company”)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, Robert Sablowsky, hereby constitutes and appoints Salvatore Faia, Michael P. Malloy, James G. Shaw, Edward Paz, and Robert Amweg, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.
DATED: | February 16, 2017 |
/s/ Robert Sablowsky | |
Robert Sablowsky |
|
THE RBB FUND, INC.
(the “Company”)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, Robert A. Straniere, hereby constitutes and appoints Salvatore Faia, Michael P. Malloy, James G. Shaw, Edward Paz, and Robert Amweg, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.
DATED: | February 16, 2017 |
/s/ Robert Straniere | |
Robert Straniere |
|
THE RBB FUND, INC.
(the “Company”)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, Gregory P. Chandler, hereby constitutes and appoints Salvatore Faia, Michael P. Malloy, James G. Shaw, Edward Paz, and Robert Amweg, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.
DATED: | February 17, 2017 |
/s/ Gregory P. Chandler | |
Gregory P. Chandler |
|
THE RBB FUND, INC.
(the “Company”)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, Brian T. Shea, hereby constitutes and appoints Salvatore Faia, Michael P. Malloy, James G. Shaw, Edward Paz, and Robert Amweg, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.
DATED: | May 10, 2018 |
/s/ Brian T. Shea | |
Brian T. Shea |
|
PEA 251
EXHIBIT | DESCRIPTION |
(a)(99) | Articles of Amendment of Registrant (MFAM Global Opportunities Fund, MFAM Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund, MFAM Emerging Markets Fund and MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF) |
(a)(100) | Articles of Amendment of Registrant (MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund – Investor Shares (f/k/a MFAM Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund – Investor Shares) and (MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund – Institutional Shares (f/k/a MFAM Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund – Institutional Shares) |
(d)(34) | Investment Advisory Agreement (Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund) between Registrant and Summit Global Investments, LLC |
(d)(45) | Expense Limitation and Reimbursement Agreement (Orinda Income Opportunities Fund) between Registrant and Orinda Asset Management LLC |
(e)(10) | Distribution Agreement (Orinda Income Opportunities Fund) between Registrant, Quasar Distributors, LLC, and Orinda Asset Management LLC |
(e)(14) | ETF Distribution Agreement (Motley Fool 100 Index ETF) between Registrant, Quasar Distributors, LLC, and Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC |
(g)(6) | Third Amendment to the Custody Agreement (Boston Partners Investment Funds) between Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association |
(g)(7) | Fourth Amendment to the Custody Agreement (MFAM Global Opportunities Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Independence Fund), MFAM Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Great America Fund), and MFAM Emerging Markets Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund)) between Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association |
(g)(8) | ETF Custody Agreement (Motley Fool 100 Index ETF) between Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association |
(h)(9) | Third Amendment to the Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement (Boston Partners Investment Funds) between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC |
(h)(10) | Fourth Amendment to the Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement (MFAM Global Opportunities Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Independence Fund), MFAM Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Great America Fund), and MFAM Emerging Markets Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund)) between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC |
(h)(11) | ETF Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement (Motley Fool 100 Index ETF) between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC |
(h)(20) | Fourth Amendment to the Fund Administration Servicing Agreement (MFAM Global Opportunities Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Independence Fund), MFAM Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Great America Fund), and MFAM Emerging Markets Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund)) between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC |
(h)(22) | ETF Fund Administration Servicing Agreement (Motley Fool 100 Index ETF) between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC |
(h)(32) | Third Amendment to the Transfer Agent Servicing Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC |
(h)(33) | Fourth Amendment to the Transfer Agent Servicing Agreement (MFAM Global Opportunities Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Independence Fund), MFAM Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Great America Fund), and MFAM Emerging Markets Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund)) between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC |
|
(h)(34) | ETF Transfer Agent Servicing Agreement (Motley Fool 100 Index ETF) between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC |
(i)(2) | Consent of Counsel |
Exhibit (A)(99)
THE RBB FUND, INC.
ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
THE RBB FUND, INC., a Maryland corporation (hereinafter called the “Corporation”), hereby certifies to the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland that:
FIRST: The charter of the Corporation is hereby amended by changing the name of the Class EEEEEE (Motley Fool Global Opportunities Fund – Investor Shares), Class FFFFFF (Motley Fool Global Opportunities Fund – Institutional Shares), Class GGGGGG (Motley Fool Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund – Investor Shares), Class HHHHHH (Motley Fool Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund – Institutional Shares), Class IIIIII (Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund – Investor Shares), Class JJJJJJ (Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund – Institutional Shares) and Class YYYYYY (Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF) as follows:
Old Designation | New Designation | |
Class EEEEEE Motley Fool Global Opportunities Fund – Investor Shares | Class EEEEEE MFAM Global Opportunities Fund – Investor Shares | |
Class FFFFFF Motley Fool Global Opportunities Fund – Institutional Shares | Class FFFFFF MFAM Global Opportunities Fund – Institutional Shares | |
Class GGGGGG Motley Fool Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund – Investor Shares | Class GGGGGG MFAM Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund – Investor Shares | |
Class HHHHHH Motley Fool Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund – Institutional Shares | Class HHHHHH MFAM Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund – Institutional Shares | |
Class IIIIII Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund – Investor Shares | Class IIIIII MFAM Emerging Markets Fund – Investor Shares | |
Class JJJJJJ Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund – Institutional Shares | Class JJJJJJ MFAM Emerging Markets Fund – Institutional Shares |
|
Class YYYYYY Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF | Class YYYYYY MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF |
SECOND: The foregoing amendment to the charter of the Corporation was approved by the vote of a majority of the Board of Directors. The foregoing amendment is limited to a change expressly permitted by Section 2-605 of the Maryland General Corporation Law to be made without action by the stockholders of the Corporation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused these presents to be signed in its name and on its behalf by its duly authorized President who acknowledges that these Articles of Amendment are the act of the Corporation, that to the best of his knowledge, information and belief, all matters and facts set forth herein relating to the authorization and approval of these Articles are true in all material respects, and that this statement is made under the penalties for perjury.
THE RBB FUND, INC. | |||
By: | /s/ Salvatore Faia | ||
Salvatore Faia | |||
President |
ATTEST:
/s/ James G. Shaw
James G. Shaw
Secretary
Exhibit (a)(100)
THE RBB FUND, INC.
ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
THE RBB FUND, INC., a Maryland corporation (hereinafter called the “Corporation”), hereby certifies to the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland that:
FIRST: The charter of the Corporation is hereby amended by changing the name of the Class GGGGGG (MFAM Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund – Investor Shares) and Class HHHHHH (MFAM Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund – Institutional Shares) as follows:
Old Designation | New Designation | ||
Class GGGGGG MFAM Small-Mid Cap
Growth Fund – Investor Shares |
Class GGGGGG MFAM Mid-Cap Growth
Fund – Investor Shares |
||
Class HHHHHH MFAM Small-Mid Cap
Growth Fund – Institutional Shares |
Class HHHHHH MFAM Mid-Cap Growth
Fund – Institutional Shares |
SECOND: The foregoing amendment to the charter of the Corporation was approved by the vote of a majority of the Board of Directors. The foregoing amendment is limited to a change expressly permitted by Section 2-605 of the Maryland General Corporation Law to be made without action by the stockholders of the Corporation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused these presents to be signed in its name and on its behalf by its duly authorized President who acknowledges that these Articles of Amendment are the act of the Corporation, that to the best of his knowledge, information and belief, all matters and facts set forth herein relating to the authorization and approval of these
|
Articles are true in all material respects, and that this statement is made under the penalties for perjury.
THE RBB FUND, INC. | |||
By: | /s/ Salvatore Faia | ||
Salvatore Faia | |||
President |
ATTEST:
/s/ James G. Shaw |
James G. Shaw
Secretary
Exhibit (d)(34)
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund
AGREEMENT made as of March 31, 2016 between THE RBB FUND, INC., a Maryland corporation (herein called the “Fund”), and Summit Global Investments, LLC, a Utah limited liability company (herein called the “Investment Adviser”).
WHEREAS, the Fund is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), and currently offers or proposes to offer shares representing interests in separate investment portfolios; and
WHEREAS, the Fund desires to retain the Investment Adviser to render certain investment advisory services to the Fund with respect to the Fund’s Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund (the “Portfolio”), and the Investment Adviser is willing to so render such services; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Fund and the sole shareholder of the Portfolio have approved this Agreement, and the Investment Adviser is willing to furnish such services upon the terms and conditions herein set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein contained, and intending to be legally bound hereby, it is agreed between the parties hereto as follows:
SECTION 1. APPOINTMENT. The Fund hereby appoints the Investment Adviser to act as investment adviser for the Portfolio for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement. The Investment Adviser accepts such appointment and agrees to render the services herein set forth for the compensation herein provided.
SECTION 2. DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS. The Fund has furnished the Investment Adviser with copies properly certified or authenticated of each of the following:
(a) Resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Fund authorizing the appointment of the Investment Adviser and the execution and delivery of this Agreement; and
(b) A prospectus and statement of additional information relating to each class of shares representing interests in the Portfolio of the Fund in effect under the Securities Act of 1933 (such prospectus and statement of additional information, as presently in effect and as they shall from time to time be amended and supplemented, are herein collectively called the “Prospectus” and “Statement of Additional Information,” respectively).
The Fund will promptly furnish the Investment Adviser from time to time with copies, properly certified or authenticated, of all amendments of or supplements to the foregoing, if any.
In addition to the foregoing, the Fund will also provide the Investment Adviser with copies of the Fund’s Charter and By-laws, and any registration statement or service contracts related to the Portfolio, and will promptly furnish the Investment Adviser with any amendments of or supplements to such documents.
SECTION 3. MANAGEMENT.
(a ) Subject to the supervision of the Board of Directors of the Fund and subject to Section 3 (b) below, the Investment Adviser will provide for the overall management of the Portfolio including (i) the provision of a continuous investment program for the Portfolio, including investment research and management with respect to all securities, investments, cash and cash equivalents in the Portfolio, (ii) the determination from time to time of the securities and other investments to be purchased, retained, or sold by the Fund for the Portfolio, and (iii) the placement from time to time of orders for all purchases and sales made for the Portfolio. The Investment Adviser will provide the services rendered by it hereunder in accordance with the Portfolio’s investment objective, restrictions and policies as stated in the applicable Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, provided that the Investment Adviser has actual notice or knowledge of any changes by the Board of Directors to such
|
investment objectives, restrictions or policies. The Investment Adviser further agrees that it will render to the Fund’s Board of Directors such periodic and special reports regarding the performance of its duties under this Agreement as the Board may reasonably request. The Investment Adviser agrees to provide to the Fund (or its agents and service providers) prompt and accurate data with respect to the Portfolio’s transactions and, where not otherwise available, the daily valuation of securities in the Portfolio.
(b) Sub-Advisers. The Investment Adviser may delegate certain of its responsibilities hereunder with respect to provision of the investment advisory services set forth in Section 3(a) above to one or more other parties (each such party, a “Sub-Adviser”), pursuant in each case to a written agreement with such Sub-Adviser that meets the requirements of Section 15 of the 1940 Act and rules thereunder applicable to contracts for service as investment adviser of a registered investment company (including without limitation the requirements for approval by the Board of Directors of the Fund and the shareholders of the Portfolio), subject, however, to such exemptions as may be granted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission upon application or by rule. Such Sub-Adviser may (but need not) be affiliated with the Investment Adviser.
Any delegation of services pursuant to this Section 3(b) shall be subject to the following conditions:
1. Any fees or compensation payable to any Sub-Adviser shall be paid by the Investment Adviser and no additional obligation may be incurred on the Fund’s behalf to any Sub-Adviser; except that any Fund expenses that may be incurred by the Investment Adviser and paid by the Fund to the Investment Adviser directly may be incurred by the Sub-Adviser and paid by the Fund to the Sub-Adviser directly, so long as such payment arrangements are approved by the Fund and the Investment Adviser prior to the Sub-Adviser’s incurring such expenses.
2. If the Investment Adviser delegates its responsibilities to more than one Sub-Adviser, the Investment Adviser shall be responsible for assigning to each Sub-Adviser that portion of the assets of the Portfolio for which the Sub-Adviser is to act as Sub-Adviser, subject to the approval of the Fund’s Board of Directors.
3. To the extent that any obligations of the Investment Adviser or any Sub-Adviser require any service provider of the Fund or Portfolio to furnish information or services, such information or services shall be furnished by the Fund’s or the Portfolio’s service providers directly to both the Investment Adviser and any Sub-Adviser.
SECTION 4. BROKERAGE. Subject to the Investment Adviser’s obligation to obtain best price and execution, the Investment Adviser shall have full discretion to select brokers or dealers to effect the purchase and sale of securities. When the Investment Adviser places orders for the purchase or sale of securities for the Portfolio, in selecting brokers or dealers to execute such orders, the Investment Adviser is expressly authorized to consider the fact that a broker or dealer has furnished statistical, research or other information or services for the benefit of the Portfolio directly or indirectly. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Investment Adviser is authorized to cause the Portfolio to pay brokerage commissions which may be in excess of the lowest rates available to brokers who execute transactions for the Portfolio or who otherwise provide brokerage and research services utilized by the Investment Adviser, provided that the Investment Adviser determines in good faith that the amount of each such commission paid to a broker is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker viewed in terms of either the particular transaction to which the commission relates or the Investment Adviser’s overall responsibilities with respect to accounts as to which the Investment Adviser exercises investment discretion. The Investment Adviser may aggregate securities orders so long as the Investment Adviser adheres to a policy of allocating investment opportunities to the Portfolio over a period of time on a fair and equitable basis relative to other clients. In no instance will the Portfolio’s securities be purchased from or sold to the Fund’s principal underwriter, the Investment Adviser, or any affiliated person thereof, except to the extent permitted by SEC exemptive order or by applicable law.
The Investment Adviser shall report to the Board of Directors of the Fund at least quarterly with respect to brokerage transactions that were entered into by the Investment Adviser, pursuant to the foregoing paragraph, and shall certify to the Board that the commissions paid were reasonable in terms either of that transaction or the overall responsibilities of the Investment Adviser to the Fund and the Investment Adviser’s other clients, that the total
|
commissions paid by the Fund were reasonable in relation to the benefits to the Fund over the long term, and that such commissions were paid in compliance with Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
SECTION 5. CONFORMITY WITH LAW; CONFIDENTIALITY. The Investment Adviser further agrees that it will comply with all applicable rules and regulations of all federal regulatory agencies having jurisdiction over the Investment Adviser in the performance of its duties hereunder. The Investment Adviser will treat confidentially and as proprietary information of the Fund all records and other information relating to the Fund and prior, present, or potential shareholders (except with respect to clients of the Investment Adviser) and will not use such records and information for any purpose other than performance of its responsibilities and duties hereunder, except after prior notification to and approval in writing by the Fund, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld and may not be withheld where the Investment Adviser may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt proceedings for failure to comply, when requested to divulge such information by duly constituted authorities, or when so requested by the Fund. Where the Investment Adviser may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt proceedings for failure to comply with a request for records or other information relating to the Fund, the Investment Adviser may comply with such request prior to obtaining the Fund’s written approval, provided that the Investment Adviser has taken reasonable steps to promptly notify the Fund, in writing, upon receipt of the request.
SECTION 6. SERVICES NOT EXCLUSIVE. The Investment Adviser and its officers may act and continue to act as investment managers for others, and nothing in this Agreement shall in any way be deemed to restrict the right of the Investment Adviser to perform investment management or other services for any other person or entity, and the performance of such services for others shall not be deemed to violate or give rise to any duty or obligation to the Portfolio or the Fund.
Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the Investment Adviser or any of its directors, officers, affiliates or employees from buying, selling or trading in any securities for its or their own account. The Fund acknowledges that the Investment Adviser and its directors, officers, affiliates, employees and other clients may, at any time, have, acquire, increase, decrease, or dispose of positions in investments which are at the same time being acquired or disposed of for the Portfolio. The Investment Adviser shall have no obligation to acquire for the Portfolio a position in any investment which the Investment Adviser, its directors, officers, affiliates or employees may acquire for its or their own accounts or for the account of another client, so long as it continues to be the policy and practice of the Investment Adviser not to favor or disfavor consistently or consciously any client or class of clients in the allocation of investment opportunities so that, to the extent practical, such opportunities will be allocated among clients over a period of time on a fair and equitable basis.
The Investment Adviser agrees that this Section 6 does not constitute a waiver by the Fund of the obligations imposed upon the Investment Adviser to comply with Sections 17(d) and 17(j) of the 1940 Act, and the rules thereunder, nor constitute a waiver by the Fund of the obligations imposed upon the Investment Adviser under Section 206 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and the rules thereunder. Further, the Investment Adviser agrees that this Section 6 does not constitute a waiver by the Fund of the fiduciary obligation of the Investment Adviser arising under federal or state law, including Section 36 of the 1940 Act. The Investment Adviser agrees that this Section 6 shall be interpreted consistent with the provisions of Section 17(i) of the 1940 Act.
SECTION 7. BOOKS AND RECORDS. In compliance with the requirements of Rule 3la-3 under the 1940 Act, the Investment Adviser hereby agrees that all records which it maintains for the Portfolio are the property of the Fund and further agrees to surrender promptly to the Fund any of such records upon the Fund’s request. The Investment Adviser further agrees to preserve for the periods prescribed by Rule 3la-2 under the 1940 Act the records required to be maintained by Rule 3la-1 under the 1940 Act.
SECTION 8. EXPENSES. During the term of this Agreement, the Investment Adviser will pay all expenses incurred by it in connection with its activities under this Agreement. The Portfolio shall bear all of its own expenses not specifically assumed by the Investment Adviser. General expenses of the Fund not readily identifiable as belonging to an investment portfolio of the Fund shall be allocated among all investment portfolios by or under the direction of the Fund’s Board of Directors in such manner as the Board determines to be fair and equitable. Expenses borne by the Portfolio shall include, but are not limited to, the following (or the Portfolio’s share of the following): (a) the cost (including brokerage commissions) of securities purchased or sold by the Portfolio and any losses incurred in connection therewith; (b) fees payable to and expenses incurred on behalf of the
|
Portfolio by the Investment Adviser; (c) filing fees and expenses relating to the registration and qualification of the Fund and the Portfolio’s shares under federal and/or state securities laws and maintaining such registrations and qualifications; (d) fees and salaries payable to the Fund’s directors and officers; (e) taxes (including any income or franchise taxes) and governmental fees; (f) costs of any liability and other insurance or fidelity bonds; (g) any costs, expenses or losses arising out of a liability of or claim for damages or other relief asserted against the Fund or the Portfolio for violation of any law; (h) legal, accounting and auditing expenses, including legal fees of special counsel for the independent directors; (i) charges of custodians and other agents; (j) expenses of setting in type and printing prospectuses, statements of additional information and supplements thereto for existing shareholders, reports, statements, and confirmations to shareholders and proxy materials that are not attributable to a class; (k) costs of mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information and supplements thereto to existing shareholders, as well as reports to shareholders and proxy materials that are not attributable to a class; (1) any extraordinary expenses; (m) fees, voluntary assessments and other expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; (n) costs of mailing and tabulating proxies and costs of shareholders’ and directors’ meetings; (o) costs of independent pricing services to value the Portfolio’s securities; and (p) the costs of investment company literature and other publications provided by the Fund to its directors and officers. Distribution expenses, transfer agency expenses, expenses of preparing, printing and mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information, proxy statements and reports to shareholders, and organizational expenses and registration fees, identified as belonging to a particular class of the Portfolio are allocated to such class.
SECTION 9. VOTING. The Investment Adviser shall have the authority to vote as agent for the Portfolio, either in person or by proxy, tender and take all actions incident to the ownership of all securities in which the Portfolio’s assets may be invested from time to time, subject to such policies and procedures as the Board of Directors of the Fund may adopt from time to time.
SECTION 10. RESERVATION OF NAME. The Investment Adviser shall at all times have all rights in and to the Portfolio’s name and all investment models used by or on behalf of the Portfolio. The Investment Adviser may use the Portfolio’s name or any portion thereof in connection with any other mutual fund or business activity without the consent of any shareholder and the Fund shall execute and deliver any and all documents required to indicate the consent of the Fund to such use. The Fund hereby agrees that in the event that neither the Investment Adviser nor any of its affiliates acts as investment adviser to the Portfolio, the name of the Portfolio will be changed to one that does not suggest an affiliation with the Investment Adviser.
SECTION 11. COMPENSATION.
(a) For the services provided and the expenses assumed pursuant to this Agreement with respect to the Portfolio, the Fund will pay the Investment Adviser from the assets of the Portfolio and the Investment Adviser will accept as full compensation therefor a fee, computed daily and payable monthly, at the annual rate of 0.95% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. For any period less than a full month during which this Agreement is in effect, the fee shall be prorated according to the proportion which such period bears to a full month.
(b) The fee attributable to the Portfolio shall be satisfied only against the assets of the Portfolio and not against the assets of any other investment portfolio of the Fund. The Investment Adviser may from time to time agree not to impose all or a portion of its fee otherwise payable hereunder (in advance of the time such fee or portion thereof would otherwise accrue) and/or undertake to pay or reimburse the Portfolio for all or a portion of its expenses not otherwise required to be borne or reimbursed by the Investment Adviser.
SECTION 12. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. The Investment Adviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty with respect to the receipt of compensation for services or a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Investment Adviser in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard by it of its obligations and duties under this Agreement (“disabling conduct”). The Portfolio will indemnify the Investment Adviser against and hold it harmless from any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (including reasonable counsel fees and expenses) resulting from any claim, demand, action or suit not resulting from disabling conduct by the Investment Adviser. Indemnification shall be made only following: (i) a final decision on the merits by a court or other body before whom the proceeding was brought that the Investment Adviser was not liable by reason of disabling conduct
|
or (ii) in the absence of such a decision, a reasonable determination, based upon a review of the facts, that the Investment Adviser was not liable by reason of disabling conduct by (a) the vote of a majority of a quorum of directors of the Portfolio who are neither “interested persons” of the Fund nor parties to the proceeding (“disinterested non-party directors”) or (b) an independent legal counsel in a written opinion. The Investment Adviser shall be entitled to advances from the Portfolio for payment of the reasonable expenses incurred by it in connection with the matter as to which it is seeking indemnification in the manner and to the fullest extent permissible under the Maryland General Corporation Law. The Investment Adviser shall provide to the Portfolio a written affirmation of its good faith belief that the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the Portfolio has been met and a written undertaking to repay any such advance if it should ultimately be determined that the standard of conduct has not been met. In addition, at least one of the following additional conditions shall be met: (a) the Investment Adviser shall provide a security in form and amount acceptable to the Portfolio for its undertaking; (b) the Portfolio is insured against losses arising by reason of the advance; or (c) a majority of a quorum of disinterested non-party directors, or independent legal counsel, in a written opinion, shall have determined, based upon a review of facts readily available to the Portfolio at the time the advance is proposed to be made, that there is reason to believe that the Investment Adviser will ultimately be found to be entitled to indemnification. Any amounts payable by the Portfolio under this Section shall be satisfied only against the assets of the Portfolio and not against the assets of any other investment portfolio of the Fund.
The limitations on liability and indemnification provisions of this Section 12 shall not be applicable to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses arising from the Investment Adviser’s rights to the Portfolio’s name. [The Investment Adviser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Fund and the Portfolio for any claims arising from the use of the term “Summit Global Investments” in the name of the Portfolio.]
SECTION 13. DURATION AND TERMINATION. This Agreement shall become effective with respect to the Portfolio as of the date first above written and, unless sooner terminated as provided herein, shall continue with respect to the Portfolio until August 16, 2017. Thereafter, if not terminated, this Agreement shall continue with respect to the Portfolio for successive annual periods ending on August 16, provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (a) by the vote of a majority of those members of the Board of Directors of the Fund who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, and (b) by the Board of Directors of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio; provided, however, that this Agreement may be terminated with respect to the Portfolio by the Fund at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by the Board of Directors of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio, on 60 days’ prior written notice to the Investment Adviser, or by the Investment Adviser at any time, without payment of any penalty, on 60 days’ prior written notice to the Fund. This Agreement will immediately terminate in the event of its assignment. (As used in this Agreement, the terms “majority of the outstanding voting securities,” “interested person” and “assignment” shall have the same meaning as such terms have in the 1940 Act).
SECTION 14. AMENDMENT OF THIS AGREEMENT. No provision of this Agreement may be changed, discharged or terminated orally, except by an instrument in writing signed by the party against which enforcement of the change, discharge or termination is sought, and, unless otherwise permitted by the 1940 Act, no amendment of this Agreement affecting the Portfolio shall be effective until approved by vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio.
SECTION 15. MISCELLANEOUS. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or delimit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors.
SECTION 16. NOTICE. All notices hereunder shall be given in writing and delivered by hand, national overnight courier, facsimile (provided written confirmation of receipt is obtained and said notice is sent via first class mail on the next business day) or mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested, as follows:
If to the Fund:
|
The RBB Fund, Inc
Bellevue Corporate Center
301 Bellevue Parkway
Wilmington, DE 19809
Attention: Salvatore Faia
Fax: 302-791-4830
If to the Investment Adviser:
Summit Global Investments
189 North, Hwy 89, Suite 144
North Salt Lake, Utah 84054
Attention: David Harden
Fax: 888-251-4847
The effective date of any notice shall be (i) the date such notice is sent if such delivery is effected by hand or facsimile, (ii) one business day after the date such notice is sent if such delivery is effected by national overnight courier; or (iii) the fifth (5th) Business Day after the date of mailing thereof.
SECTION 17. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof.
SECTION 18. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in two or more 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 instrument to be executed by their officers designated below as of the day and year first above written.
THE RBB FUND, INC. | |||
By: | /s/Salvatore Faia | ||
Name: Salvatore Faia | |||
Title: President | |||
SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS, LLC | |||
By: | /s/ David Harden | ||
Name: David Harden | |||
Title: President |
Exhibit (d)(45)
EXPENSE LIMITATION AND REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT
THIS EXPENSE LIMITATION AND REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is effective as of the 28th day of April, 2017 by and between Orinda Asset Management LLC (the “Adviser”) and The RBB Fund, Inc., (the “Company”), on behalf of its series, the Orinda Income Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”).
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Company is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) as an open-end management investment company; and
WHEREAS, the Adviser renders advice and services to the Fund pursuant to the terms and provisions of an Investment Advisory Agreement between the Company and the Adviser (the “Advisory Agreement”); and
WHEREAS, the Orinda Income Opportunities Fund (the “Predecessor Fund”), a series of Advisors Series Trust (the “Predecessor Trust”), was reorganized into the Fund following the close of business on April 28, 2017; and
WHEREAS, the Adviser had entered into an Amended and Restated Operating Expenses Limitation Agreement with the Predecessor Trust effective as of December 19, 2013 and as amended from time to time (the “Prior Expense Limitation Agreement”);
WHEREAS, the Fund and its respective classes, are responsible for, and have assumed the obligation for, payment of certain expenses that have not been assumed by the Adviser; and
WHEREAS, the Adviser desires to limit the Fund’s Expenses (as such term is defined in Paragraph 2 of this Agreement) pursuant to the terms and provisions of this Agreement, and the Company (on behalf of the Fund) desires to allow the Adviser to implement those limits;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants and the mutual promises hereinafter set forth, the parties, intended to be legally bound hereby, mutually agree as follows:
1. Limit on Expenses. The Adviser hereby agrees to limit each class of the Fund’s current Expenses to an annual rate, expressed as a percentage of each class’ respective average daily net assets, to the amounts listed in Appendix A (the “Annual Limits”). In the event that the current Expenses of a class of a Fund, as accrued each month, exceed its Annual Limit, the Adviser will pay to that class of the Fund, on a monthly basis, the excess expense within thirty (30) calendar days of being notified that an excess expense payment is due. In the event that the Board of Directors of the Company determines that an excess expense payment due date be other than thirty (30) calendar days, the Company will provide the Adviser with ten (10) calendar days written notice prior to the implementation of such other excess expense payment due date. In no case will an excess expense payment due date be less than fifteen (15) calendar days from the date the Adviser is notified of such excess expense.
2. Definition. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Expenses” with respect to a Fund is defined to include all expenses necessary or appropriate for the operation of a Fund, including the Adviser’s investment advisory or management fee detailed in the Advisory Agreement, any Rule 12b-1 fees and other expenses described in the Advisory Agreement, but does not include any front-end or contingent deferred loads, taxes, interest, dividends and interest paid on short sales, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, or extraordinary expenses such as litigation.
3. Reimbursement of Fees and Expenses. The Company hereby agrees to reimburse the Adviser for any excess expense payments that are paid or absorbed by the Adviser pursuant to this Agreement set forth above (“Excess Expenses”), subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 3. Such reimbursement will be made as promptly as possible, and to the maximum extent permissible without causing the Expenses for any year to exceed the Annual Limit; provided, however, that such reimbursement for Excess Expenses shall be made only if payable within three years of the end of the fiscal year in which such Excess Expenses were incurred.
|
In addition, the Company and Orinda hereto agree that, notwithstanding the termination of the Prior Expense Limitation Agreement, Orinda’s right to recover fees and expenses thereunder from the Predecessor Fund survive termination of such Prior Expense Limitation Agreement and such amounts are recoverable by Orinda from the Fund in accordance with the terms thereof. The Fund is not obligated to pay any such waived or absorbed fees or expenses under the Prior Expense Limitation Agreement more than three years after the date on which the fee or expense was waived or absorbed under the Prior Expense Limitation Agreement.
4. Term. This Agreement shall become effective on the date specified herein for an initial term run through December 31, 2018 and for consecutive one year terms thereafter, subject to annual approval by the Board of Directors of the Company, unless sooner terminated as provided in Paragraph 5 of this Agreement.
5. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time, and without payment of any penalty, by the Board of Directors of the Company, on behalf of a Fund, upon sixty (60) days’ written notice to the Adviser. This Agreement may not be terminated by the Adviser, other than at the end of any one year term by providing sixty (60) days’ written notice to the Fund, without the consent of the Board of Directors of the Company, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld. This Agreement will automatically terminate, with respect to a Fund listed in Appendix A, if the Advisory Agreement for that Fund is terminated, with such termination effective upon the effective date of the Advisory Agreement’s termination for that Fund.
6. Assignment. This Agreement and all rights and obligations hereunder may not be assigned without the written consent of the other party.
7. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute or rule, or shall be otherwise rendered invalid, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
8. Governing Law . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties, shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and shall be governed by Delaware law in a manner not in conflict with the provisions of the 1940 Act.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their officers designated below as of the day and year first above written.
THE RBB FUND, INC., on behalf of its series, the Orinda Income Opportunities Fund
By: | /s/ Salvatore Faia | |
Name: Salvatore Faia | ||
Title: President |
ORINDA ASSET MANAGEMENT LLC
By: | /s/ Craig Kirkpatrick | |
Name: Craig Kirkpatrick | ||
Title: President |
|
Appendix A
Series and Class | Expense Limit |
Orinda Income Opportunities Fund – Class I | 1.40% |
Orinda Income Opportunities Fund – Class A | 1.70% |
Orinda Income Opportunities Fund – Class D | 2.40% |
Exhibit (e)(10)
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is effective as of December 12, 2017, by and between The RBB Fund, Inc. , a Maryland corporation (the “ Company ”) and Quasar Distributors, LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Distributor ”). Orinda Asset Management, LLC, an investment advisor to the Company (the “ Advisor ”), is a party hereto with respect to Sections 3 F. and 6 only.
WHEREAS, the Company is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “ 1940 Act ”), as an open-end management investment company, and is authorized to issue shares of beneficial interest (“ Shares ”) in separate series, with each such series representing interests in a separate portfolio of securities and other assets;
WHEREAS, the Distributor is registered as a broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ 1934 Act ”), and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“ FINRA ”);
WHEREAS, the Company desires to retain the Distributor as principal underwriter in connection with the offer and sale of the Shares of each series of the Company listed on Exhibit A hereto (as amended from time to time) (each a “ Fund ”); and
WHEREAS, this Agreement has been approved by a vote of the Company’s board of directors (the “ Board ”), including its disinterested directors voting separately, in conformity with Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants herein contained, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, do hereby agree as follows:
1. Appointment of Quasar as Distributor . The Company hereby appoints the Distributor as its agent for the sale and distribution of Shares of the Fund in jurisdictions wherein the Shares may be legally offered for sale, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, and the Distributor hereby accepts such appointment and shall perform the services and duties set forth in this Agreement. The services and duties of the Distributor shall be confined to those matters expressly set forth herein, and no implied duties are assumed by or may be asserted against the Distributor hereunder.
2. | Services and Duties of the Distributor . |
A. | The Distributor shall sell Shares on a best efforts basis as agent for the Company upon the terms and at the current offering price (plus sales charge, if any) described in the Prospectus. As used in this Agreement, the term “ Prospectus ” shall mean the current prospectus, including the statement of additional information, as both may be amended or supplemented, relating to the Fund and included in the currently effective registration statement (the “ Registration Statement ”) of the Company filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ 1933 Act ”) and the 1940 Act. The Company shall in all cases receive the |
1 |
|
net asset value per Share on all sales. If a sales charge is in effect, the Distributor shall remit the sales charge (or portion thereof) to broker-dealers who have sold Shares, as described in Section 2(G), below. | ||
B. | During the continuous public offering of Shares, the Distributor will hold itself available to receive orders, satisfactory to the Distributor, for the purchase of Shares and will accept such orders on behalf of the Company. Such purchase orders shall be deemed effective at the time and in the manner set forth in the Prospectus. | |
C. | The Distributor, with the operational assistance of the Company’s transfer agent, shall make Shares available for sale and redemption through the National Securities Clearing Corporation’s Fund/SERV System. | |
D. | The Distributor acknowledges that it is not authorized to provide any information or make any representations other than as contained in the Prospectus and any sales literature specifically approved by the Company. | |
E. | The Distributor shall cooperate with the Company or its agent in the development of all proposed advertisements and sales literature (“ Communications with the Public ”) relating to the Fund. The Distributor shall review all proposed Communications with the Public for compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and shall file with appropriate regulators those Communications with the Public it believes are in compliance with such laws and regulations. The Distributor shall furnish to the Company any comments provided by regulators with respect to such materials and to use its best efforts to obtain the approval of the regulators to such materials. | |
F. | The Distributor, at its sole discretion, may repurchase Shares offered for sale by shareholders of the Fund. Repurchase of Shares by the Distributor shall be at the price determined in accordance with, and in the manner set forth in, the Prospectus. At the end of each business day, the Distributor shall notify the Company and its transfer agent, by any appropriate means, of the orders for repurchase of Shares received by the Distributor since the last notification, the amount to be paid for such Shares and the identity of the shareholders offering Shares for repurchase. The Company reserves the right to suspend such repurchase right upon written notice to the Distributor. The Distributor shall also act as agent for the Company to receive and transmit promptly to the Company’s transfer agent, shareholder requests for redemption of Shares. | |
G. | The Distributor may, in its discretion, enter into agreements with such qualified broker-dealers as it may select, in order that such broker-dealers also may sell Shares of the Fund. The form of any dealer agreement shall be approved by the Company. To the extent there is a sales charge in effect, the Distributor shall pay the applicable sales charge (or portion thereof), or allow a discount, to the selling broker-dealer, as described in the Prospectus. |
2 |
|
H. | The Distributor shall devote its best efforts to effect sales of Shares of the Fund but shall not be obligated to sell any certain number of Shares. | |
I. | The Distributor shall prepare reports for the Board regarding its activities under this Agreement as from time to time shall be reasonably requested by the Board, including reports regarding the use of any 12b-1 payments received by the Distributor. | |
J. | The Distributor shall advise the Company promptly in writing of the initiation of any proceedings against it by the SEC or its staff, FINRA or any state regulatory authority. | |
K. | The Distributor shall monitor amounts paid under Rule 12b-1 plans and pursuant to sales loads to ensure compliance with applicable FINRA rules. |
3. | Representations and Covenants of the Company . |
A. | The Company hereby represents and warrants to the Distributor, which representations and warranties shall be deemed to be continuing throughout the term of this Agreement, that: |
i. | it is duly organized and existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, with full power to carry on its business as now conducted, to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder; | |
ii. | this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company in accordance with all requisite action and constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Company, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and secured parties; | |
iii. | it is conducting its business in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal, and has obtained all regulatory approvals necessary to carry on its business as now conducted; | |
iv. | there is no statute, rule, regulation, order or judgment binding on it and no provision of its charter, bylaws or any contract binding it or affecting its property which would prohibit its execution or performance of this Agreement; | |
v. | all Shares to be sold by it, including those offered under this Agreement, are validly authorized and, when issued in accordance with the description in the Prospectus, will be fully paid and nonassessable; | |
vi. | the Registration Statement, and Prospectus included therein, have been prepared in conformity with the requirements of the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder; and |
3 |
|
vii. | the Registration Statement (at the time of its effectiveness) and any advertisements and sales literature prepared by the Company or its agent (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) 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 this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects. |
B. | The Company, or its agent, shall take or cause to be taken, all necessary action to register Shares of the Fund under the 1933 Act, qualify such shares for sale in such states as the Company and the Distributor shall approve, and maintain an effective Registration Statement for such Shares in order to permit the sale of Shares as herein contemplated. The Company authorizes the Distributor to use the Prospectus, in the form furnished to the Distributor from time to time, in connection with the sale of Shares. |
C. | The Company shall advise the Distributor promptly in writing: |
i. | of any material correspondence or other communication by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”) or its staff relating to the Fund, including requests by the SEC for amendments to the Registration Statement or Prospectus; | |
ii. | in the event of the issuance by the SEC of any stop-order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement then in effect or the initiation of any proceeding for that purpose; | |
iii. | of the happening of any event which makes untrue any statement of a material fact made in the Prospectus or which requires the making of a change in such Prospectus in order to make the statements therein not misleading; | |
iv. | of all actions taken by the SEC with respect to any amendments to any Registration Statement or Prospectus, which may from time to time be filed with the SEC; and | |
v. | in the event that it determines to suspend the sale of Shares at any time in response to conditions in the securities markets or otherwise, or in the event that it determines to suspend the redemption of Shares at any time as permitted by the 1940 Act or the rules of the SEC, including any and all applicable interpretations of such by the staff of the SEC. |
4 |
|
D. | The Company shall notify the Distributor in writing of the states in which the Shares may be sold and shall notify the Distributor in writing of any changes to such information. | |
E. | The Company shall file from time to time such amendments to its Registration Statement and Prospectus as may be necessary in order that its Registration Statement and Prospectus will 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. | |
F. | The Company shall fully cooperate in the efforts of the Distributor to sell and arrange for the sale of Shares and shall make available to the Distributor a statement of each computation of net asset value. In addition, the Company shall keep the Distributor fully informed of its affairs and shall provide to the Distributor, from time to time, copies of all information, financial statements and other papers that the Distributor may reasonably request for use in connection with the distribution of Shares, including without limitation, certified copies of any financial statements prepared for the Company by its independent public accountants and such reasonable number of copies of the Prospectus and annual and interim reports to shareholders as the Distributor may request. The Company shall forward a copy of any SEC filings, including the Registration Statement, to the Distributor within one business day of any such filings. The Company and the Advisor represent that they will not use or authorize the use of any Communications with the Public unless and until such materials have been approved and authorized for use by the Distributor. Nothing in this Agreement shall require the sharing or provision of materials protected by privilege or limitation of disclosure, including any applicable attorney-client privilege or trade secret materials. | |
G. | The Company has reviewed and is familiar with the provisions of FINRA Rule 2830(k) prohibiting directed brokerage. In addition, the Company shall not enter into any agreement (whether orally or in writing) under which the Company directs or is expected to direct its brokerage transactions (or any commission, markup or other payment from such transactions) to a broker or dealer for the promotion or sale of Fund Shares or the shares of any other investment company. In the event the Company fails to comply with the provisions of FINRA Rule 2830(k), the Company shall promptly notify the Distributor. |
4. Additional Representations and Covenants of the Distributor . The Distributor hereby represents, warrants and covenants to the Company, which representations, warranties and covenants shall be deemed to be continuing throughout the term of this Agreement, that:
A. | It is duly organized and existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, with full power to carry on its business as now conducted, to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder; |
5 |
|
B. | This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Distributor in accordance with all requisite action and constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Distributor, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and secured parties; | |
C. | It is conducting its business in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal, and has obtained all regulatory approvals necessary to carry on its business as now conducted; there is no statute, rule, regulation, order or judgment binding on it and no provision of its charter, bylaws or any contract binding it or affecting its property which would prohibit its execution or performance of this Agreement; | |
D. | It is registered as a broker-dealer under the 1934 Act and is a member in good standing of FINRA; | |
E. | It: (i) has adopted an anti-money laundering compliance program (“ AML Program ”) that satisfies the requirements of all applicable laws and regulations; (ii) undertakes to carry out its AML Program to the best of its ability; (iii) will promptly notify the Company and the Advisor if an inspection by the appropriate regulatory authorities of its AML Program identifies any material deficiency; and (vi) will promptly remedy any material deficiency of which it learns; and | |
F. | In connection with all matters relating to this Agreement, it will comply with the requirements of the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act, the 1940 Act, the regulations of FINRA and all other applicable federal or state laws and regulations. |
5. | Standard of Care . |
A. | The Distributor shall use its best judgment and reasonable efforts in rendering services to the Company under this Agreement but shall be under no duty to take any action except as specifically set forth herein or as may be specifically agreed to by the Distributor in writing. The Distributor shall not be liable to the Company or any of the Company’s shareholders for any error of judgment or mistake of law, for any loss arising out of any investment, or for any action or inaction of the Distributor in the absence of bad faith, negligence or willful misfeasance in the performance of the Distributor’s duties or obligations under this Agreement or by reason of the Distributor’s reckless disregard of its duties and obligations under this Agreement | |
B. | The Distributor shall not be liable for any action taken or failure to act in good faith reliance upon: |
i. | the advice of the Company or of counsel, who may be counsel to the Company or counsel to the Distributor; |
6 |
|
ii. | any oral instruction which it receives and which it reasonably believes in good faith was transmitted by the person or persons authorized by the Board to give such oral instruction (the Distributor shall have no duty or obligation to make any inquiry or effort of certification of such oral instruction); | |
iii. | any written instruction or certified copy of any resolution of the Board, and the Distributor may rely upon the genuineness of any such document or copy thereof reasonably believed in good faith by the Distributor to have been validly executed; or | |
iv. | any signature, instruction, request, letter of transmittal, certificate, opinion of counsel, statement, instrument, report, notice, consent, order, or other document reasonably believed in good faith by the Distributor to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the Company or other proper party or parties; and the Distributor shall not be under any duty or obligation to inquire into the validity or invalidity or authority or lack thereof of any statement, oral or written instruction, resolution, signature, request, letter of transmittal, certificate, opinion of counsel, instrument, report, notice, consent, order, or any other document or instrument which the Distributor reasonably believes in good faith to be genuine. |
C. | The Distributor shall not be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in performance of its obligations under this Agreement arising out of or caused, directly or indirectly, by circumstances beyond its reasonable control including, without limitation, acts of civil or military authority, national emergencies, labor difficulties, fire, mechanical breakdowns, flood or catastrophe, epidemic, acts of God, insurrection, war, riots or failure of the mails, transportation, communication or power supply. |
6. Compensation . The Distributor shall be compensated for providing the services set forth in this Agreement in accordance with the fee schedule set forth on Exhibit B hereto (as amended from time to time). The Distributor shall also be reimbursed for such miscellaneous expenses (e.g., telecommunication charges, postage and delivery charges, and reproduction charges) as are reasonably incurred by the Distributor in performing its duties hereunder. The Advisor shall pay all such fees and reimbursable expenses within 30 calendar days following receipt of the billing notice, except for any fee or expense subject to a good faith dispute. The Advisor shall notify the Distributor in writing within 30 calendar days following receipt of each invoice if the Advisor is disputing any amounts in good faith. The Advisor shall pay such disputed amounts within 10 calendar days of the day on which the parties agree to the amount to be paid. With the exception of any fee or expense the Advisor is disputing in good faith as set forth above, unpaid invoices shall accrue a finance charge of 1½% per month after the due date. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, amounts owed by the Advisor to the Distributor shall only be paid out of the assets and property of the particular Fund involved. Such fees and expenses shall be paid to the Distributor by the Company from Rule 12b-1 fees payable by the appropriate Fund or, if the Fund does not have a Rule 12b-1 plan, or if Rule 12b-1 fees are not sufficient to pay such fees and expenses, or if the Rule 12b-1 plan is discontinued, or if the Advisor otherwise determines
7 |
|
that Rule 12b-1 fees shall not, in whole or in part, be used to pay Distributor, the Advisor shall be responsible for the payment of the amount of such fees and expenses not covered by Rule 12b-1 payments.
7. | Expenses . |
A. | The Company shall bear all costs and expenses in connection with the registration of its Shares with the SEC and its related compliance with state securities laws, as well as all costs and expenses in connection with the offering of the Shares and communications with shareholders, including but not limited to: (i) fees and disbursements of its counsel and independent public accountants; (ii) costs and expenses of the preparation, filing, printing and mailing of Registration Statements and Prospectuses, as well as related advertising and sales literature; (iii) costs and expenses of the preparation, printing and mailing of annual and interim reports, proxy materials and other communications to shareholders; and (iv) fees required in connection with the offer and sale of Shares in such jurisdictions as shall be selected by the Company pursuant to Section 3(D) hereof. | |
B. | The Distributor shall bear the expenses of registration or qualification of the Distributor as a dealer or broker under federal or state laws and the expenses of continuing such registration or qualification. The Distributor does not assume responsibility for any expenses not expressly assumed hereunder. |
8. | Indemnification . |
A. | The Company shall indemnify, defend and hold the Distributor and each of its managers, officers, employees, representatives and any person who controls the Distributor within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act (collectively, the “ Distributor Indemnitees ”), free and harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, losses, expenses and liabilities of any and every nature (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) (collectively, “ Losses ”) that the Distributor Indemnitees may sustain or incur or that may be asserted against a Distributor Indemnitee by any person (i) arising out of or based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement or any Prospectus, or in any annual or interim report to shareholders, or in any advertisements or sales literature prepared by the Company or its agent, or (ii) arising out of or based upon any omission, or alleged omission, to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or (iii) based upon the Company’s refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement or from its bad faith, negligence, or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties under this Agreement; provided however that the Company’s obligation to indemnify the Distributor Indemnitees shall not be deemed to cover any Losses arising out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in the Registration Statement, Prospectus, annual or interim report, or any advertisement or sales literature in reliance upon and in conformity with written information relating to the Distributor and furnished to the Company or its counsel by the |
8 |
|
Distributor for the purpose of, and used in, the preparation thereof. The Company’s agreement to indemnify the Distributor Indemnitees is expressly conditioned upon the Company being notified of such action or claim of loss brought against the Distributor Indemnitees within a reasonable time after the summons or other first legal process giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon the Distributor Indemnitees, unless the failure to give notice does not prejudice the Company; provided that the failure so to notify the Company of any such action shall not relieve the Company from any liability which the Company may have to the person against whom such action is brought by reason of any such untrue, or alleged untrue, statement or omission, or alleged omission, otherwise than on account of the Company’s indemnity agreement contained in this Section 8(A). | ||
B. | The Company shall be entitled to participate at its own expense in the defense, or if it so elects, to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce any such Losses, but if the Company elects to assume the defense, such defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by the Company and approved by the Distributor, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. In the event the Company elects to assume the defense of any such suit and retain such counsel, the Distributor Indemnitees in such suit shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by them. If the Company does not elect to assume the defense of any such suit, or in case the Distributor does not, in the exercise of reasonable judgment, approve of counsel chosen by the Company, or if under prevailing law or legal codes of ethics, the same counsel cannot effectively represent the interests of both the Company and the Distributor Indemnitees, the Company will reimburse the Distributor Indemnitees for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by them. The Company’s indemnification agreement contained in Sections 8(A) and 8(B) herein shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Distributor Indemnitees and shall survive the delivery of any Shares and the termination of this Agreement. This agreement of indemnity will inure exclusively to the benefit of the Distributor Indemnitees and their successors. The Company shall promptly notify the Distributor of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against the Company or any of its officers or directors in connection with the offer and sale of any of the Shares. | |
C. | The Company shall advance attorneys’ fees and other expenses incurred by any Distributor Indemnitee in defending any claim, demand, action or suit which is the subject of a claim for indemnification pursuant to this Section 8 to the maximum extent permissible under applicable law. | |
D. | The Distributor shall indemnify, defend and hold the Company and each of its directors, officers, employees, representatives and any person who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act (collectively, the “ Company Indemnitees ”), free and harmless from and against any and all Losses that the Company Indemnitees may sustain or incur or that may be asserted against a Company Indemnitee by any person (i) arising out of or based upon any |
9 |
|
untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement or any Prospectus, or in any annual or interim report to shareholders, or in any advertisements or sales literature prepared by the Distributor, or (ii) arising out of or based upon any omission, or alleged omission, to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statement not misleading, or (iii) based upon the Distributor’s refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement or from its bad faith, negligence, or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties under this Agreement; provided however that with respect to clauses (i) and (ii), above, the Distributor’s obligation to indemnify the Company Indemnitees shall only be deemed to cover Losses arising out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in the Registration Statement, Prospectus, annual or interim report, or any advertisement or sales literature in reliance upon and in conformity with written information relating to the Distributor and furnished to the Company or its counsel by the Distributor for the purpose of, and used in, the preparation thereof. The Distributor’s agreement to indemnify the Company Indemnitees is expressly conditioned upon the Distributor being notified of any action or claim of loss brought against the Company Indemnitees within a reasonable time after the summons or other first legal process giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon the Company Indemnitees, unless the failure to give notice does not prejudice the Distributor; provided that the failure so to notify the Distributor of any such action shall not relieve the Distributor from any liability which the Distributor may have to the person against whom such action is brought by reason of any such untrue, or alleged untrue, statement or omission, otherwise than on account of the Distributor’s indemnity agreement contained in this Section 8(D). | ||
E. | The Distributor shall be entitled to participate at its own expense in the defense, or if it so elects, to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce any such Losses, but if the Distributor elects to assume the defense, such defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by the Distributor and approved by the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. In the event the Distributor elects to assume the defense of any such suit and retain such counsel, the Company Indemnitees in such suit shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by them. If the Distributor does not elect to assume the defense of any such suit, or in case the Company does not, in the exercise of reasonable judgment, approve of counsel chosen by the Distributor, or if under prevailing law or legal codes of ethics, the same counsel cannot effectively represent the interests of both the Company Indemnitees and the Distributor, the Distributor will reimburse the Company Indemnitees for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by them. The Distributor’s indemnification agreement contained in Sections 8(D) and 8(E) herein shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Company Indemnitees and shall survive the delivery of any Shares and the termination of this Agreement. This agreement of indemnity will inure exclusively to the benefit of the Company Indemnitees and their successors. The Distributor shall promptly notify the Company of the commencement of any |
10 |
|
litigation or proceedings against the Distributor or any of its officers or directors in connection with the offer and sale of any of the Shares. | ||
F. | The Distributor shall advance attorneys’ fees and other expenses incurred by any Company Indemnitee in defending any claim, demand, action or suit which is the subject of a claim for indemnification pursuant to this Section 8 to the maximum extent permissible under applicable law. | |
G. | The Company is a series company, and each Fund is a separate and distinct series of the Company. As such, the debts, liabilities, obligations and expenses incurred, contracted for or otherwise existing as a result of this Agreement with respect to the Company shall be enforceable against the assets of each Fund separately, and not against the assets of the Company generally or the assets of any other Fund or portfolio or series of the Company. | |
H. | No party to this Agreement shall be liable to the other parties for consequential, special or punitive damages under any provision of this Agreement. | |
I. | No person shall be obligated to provide indemnification under this Section 8 if such indemnification would be impermissible under the 1940 Act, the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act or the rules of FINRA; provided however that , in such event indemnification shall be provided under this Section 8 to the maximum extent so permissible. |
9. Proprietary and Confidential Information . The Distributor agrees on behalf of itself and its managers, officers, and employees to treat confidentially and as proprietary information of the Company, all records and other information relative to the Company and prior, present or potential shareholders of the Company (and clients of said shareholders), and not to use such records and information for any purpose other than the performance of its responsibilities and duties hereunder, except (i) after prior notification to and approval in writing by the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld and may not be withheld where the Distributor may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt proceedings for failure to comply, (ii) when requested to divulge such information by duly constituted authorities, or (iii) when so requested by the Company. Records and other information which have become known to the public through no wrongful act of the Distributor or any of its employees, agents or representatives, and information that was already in the possession of the Distributor prior to receipt thereof from the Company or its agent, shall not be subject to this paragraph.
Further, the Distributor will adhere to the privacy policies adopted by the Company pursuant to Title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, as may be modified from time to time. In this regard, the Distributor shall have in place and maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards reasonably designed to protect the security, confidentiality and integrity of, and to prevent unauthorized access to or use of, records and information relating to the Company and its shareholders.
11 |
|
10. Compliance with Laws . The Company has and retains primary responsibility for all compliance matters relating to the Fund, including but not limited to compliance with the 1940 Act, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the USA Patriot Act of 2001 and the policies and limitations of the Fund relating to its portfolio investments as set forth in its Prospectus and statement of additional information. The Distributor’s services hereunder shall not relieve the Company of its responsibilities for assuring such compliance or the Board of Director’s oversight responsibility with respect thereto. The provisions in this section shall not have any affect upon the services the Distributor is required to provide or the standard of care and liability the Distributor has set forth in Section 5 of this Agreement.
11. | Term of Agreement; Amendment; Assignment . |
A. | This Agreement shall become effective with respect to each Fund listed on Exhibit A hereof as of the date hereof and, with respect to each Fund not in existence on that date, on the date an amendment to Exhibit A to this Agreement relating to that Fund is executed. Unless sooner terminated as provided herein, this Agreement shall continue in effect for two years from the date hereof (the “Initial Term”). Thereafter, if not terminated, this Agreement shall continue in effect automatically as to each Fund for successive one-year periods, provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by: (i) the Company’s Board, or (ii) the vote of a “majority of the outstanding voting securities” of a Fund, and provided that in either event, the continuance is also approved by a majority of the Company’s Board who are not “interested persons” of any party to this Agreement, by a vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. | |
B. | Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement may be terminated, without the payment of any penalty, with respect to a particular Fund: (i) through a failure to renew this Agreement at the end of a term, (ii) upon mutual consent of the parties, or (iii) upon not less than 60 days’ written notice, by either the Company upon the vote of a majority of the members of its Board who are not “interested persons” of the Company and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Agreement, or by vote of a “majority of the outstanding voting securities” of a Fund, or by the Distributor. The terms of this Agreement shall not be waived, altered, modified, amended or supplemented in any manner whatsoever except by a written instrument signed by the Distributor and the Company. If required under the 1940 Act, any such amendment must be approved by the Company’s Board, including a majority of the Company’s Board who are not “interested persons” of any party to this Agreement, by a vote cast in person at a meeting for the purpose of voting on such amendment. In the event that such amendment affects the Advisor, the written instrument shall also be signed by the Advisor. This Agreement will automatically terminate in the event of its “assignment.” | |
C. | As used in this Section, the terms “majority of the outstanding voting securities,” “interested person,” and “assignment” shall have the same meaning as such terms have in the 1940 Act. |
12 |
|
D. | Sections 8 and 9 shall survive termination of this Agreement. |
12. Duties in the Event of Termination . In the event that, in connection with termination, a successor to any of the Distributor’s duties or responsibilities hereunder is designated by the Company by written notice to the Distributor, the Distributor will promptly, upon such termination and at the reasonable expense of the Company, transfer to such successor all relevant books, records, correspondence, and other data established or maintained by the Distributor under this Agreement in a form reasonably acceptable to the Company (if such form differs from the form in which the Distributor has maintained the same, the Company shall pay any reasonable expenses associated with transferring the data to such form), and will cooperate in the transfer of such duties and responsibilities, including provision for assistance from the Distributor’s personnel in the establishment of books, records, and other data by such successor. If no such successor is designated, then such books, records and other data shall be returned to the Company.
13. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflicts of law principles. To the extent that the applicable laws of the State of Delaware, or any of the provisions herein, conflict with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control, and nothing herein shall be construed in a manner inconsistent with the 1940 Act or any rule or order of the SEC thereunder.
14. No Agency Relationship . Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize or empower either party to act as agent for the other party to this Agreement, or to conduct business in the name, or for the account, of the other party to this Agreement.
15. Services Not Exclusive . Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the Distributor from providing services to other parties that are similar or identical to some or all of the services provided hereunder.
16. Invalidity . Any provision of this Agreement which may be determined by competent authority to be prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. In such case, the parties shall in good faith modify or substitute such provision consistent with the original intent of the parties.
17. Notices . Any notice required or permitted to be given by any party to the others shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given on the date delivered personally or by courier service, or three days after sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or on the date sent and confirmed received by facsimile transmission to the other parties’ respective addresses as set forth below:
Notice to the Distributor shall be sent to:
Quasar Distributors, LLC
Attn: President
13 |
|
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
notice to the Company shall be sent to:
The RBB Fund, Inc.
c/o Vigilant Compliance Services
Brandywine Two 5 Christy Drive, Suite 208
Chadds Ford, PA 1931
Attn: Salvatore Faja, JD,
With copy to:
Michael P. Malloy
Drinker, Biddle & Reath, LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA, 19103
and notice to the Advisor shall be sent to:
Orinda Asset Management, LLC
4 Orinda Way, Suite 150-A
Orinda, CA 94563
14 |
|
18. Multiple Originals . This Agreement may be executed on two or more counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by a duly authorized officer on one or more counterparts as of the date first above written.
The parties hereby agree that the Distribution Services provided by Quasar Distributors, LLC will commence on or after December 12, 2017.
THE RBB FUND, INC. | QUASAR DISTRIBUTORS, LLC | ||
By: /s/ Salvatore Faia
|
By: /s/ James R. Schoenike
|
||
Name: Salvatore Faia | Name: James R. Schoenike | ||
Title: President | Title: President |
ORINDA ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC (Advisor)
(with respect to Sections 3 F. and 6 only)
By:
|
|
Name:
|
|
Title:
|
15 |
|
Exhibit A to the Distribution Agreement
Fund Names
Separate Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
Name of Series
Orinda Income Opportunities Fund
16 |
|
Exhibit B to the Distribution Agreement
Quasar Distributors, LLC Regulatory Distribution Services Fee Schedule at May 1, 2017
[ ]
17 |
Exhibit (e)(14)
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
THIS DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT (the “Agreement’) is made by and between The RBB Fund, Inc. , a Maryland corporation (the “ Company ”) and Quasar Distributors, LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Distributor ”). Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC, an investment adviser to the Company (the “ Adviser ”), is a party hereto with respect to Section 5 only.
WHEREAS, the Company is registered as an open-end investment management company organized as a corporation and comprised of a number of series of securities, each series representing a portfolio of securities having filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”) a registration statement on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ 1933 Act ”), and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “ 1940 Act ”);
WHEREAS, the Company intends to create and redeem shares (the “ Shares ”) of each series of the Company listed on Schedule A, as amended from time to time (each a “ Fund ” and collectively the “ Funds ”), on a continuous basis at their net asset value only in aggregations constituting a Creation Unit as such term is defined in each applicable registration statement;
WHEREAS, the Shares of each Fund will be listed on one or more national securities exchanges (together, the “ Listing Exchanges ”);
WHEREAS, the Company desires to retain the Distributor to act as the distributor with respect to the issuance and distribution of Creation Units of each Fund, hold itself available to receive and process orders for such Creation Units in the manner set forth in the applicable registration statement, and to enter into arrangements with broker-dealers who may solicit purchases of Creation Units and with broker-dealers and others to provide for servicing of shareholder accounts and for distribution assistance, including broker-dealer and shareholder support;
WHEREAS, the Distributor is a registered broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ 1934 Act ”) and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“ FINRA ”) (the successor organization to the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.); and
WHEREAS, the Distributor desires to provide the services described herein to the Company.
NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual covenants hereinafter contained, intending to be legally bound, the Company and Distributor hereby agree as follows:
article 1. Sale of Creation Units; Services . The Company grants to the Distributor the right to sell Creation Units of each Fund listed in Schedule A hereto as the same may be amended from time to time upon mutual agreement of the parties, on the terms and during the term of this Agreement and subject to the registration requirements of the 1933 Act and the rules and
1 |
|
regulations of the SEC, and the Distributor hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to act in such capacity hereunder.
article 2. Solicitation of Sales . In consideration of these rights granted to the Distributor, the Distributor agrees to use all reasonable efforts in connection with the distribution of Creation Units of the Company; provided , however , that the Distributor shall not be prevented from entering into like arrangements with other issuers.
article 3. Authorized Representations . The Distributor is not authorized by the Company to give any information or to make any representations other than those contained in the current registration statements, prospectuses and statements of additional information of the Company filed with the SEC or contained in shareholder reports or other material that may be prepared by or on behalf of the Company for the Distributor’s use.
article 4. Registration of Shares . The Company agrees that it will take all action necessary to register an unlimited number of Shares on Form N-1A. The Company shall make available to the Distributor such number of copies of its currently effective prospectus and statement of additional information as the Distributor may reasonably request. The Company shall furnish to the Distributor copies of all information, financial statements and other papers which the Distributor may reasonably request for use in connection with the distribution of Creation Units of the Company. The Company represents and warrants that it has or will have made as of the date on which Distributor begins distributing Creation Units, all applicable filings to exempt the Creation Units from registration under applicable rules and regulations.
article 5. Compensation . As compensation for providing the services under this Agreement:
(a) | The Distributor shall be entitled to no compensation or reimbursement of expenses from the Company for the services provided by the Distributor pursuant to this Agreement. However, the Company may, with respect to any Fund, pay to the Distributor compensation pursuant to the terms of any Distribution and Service Plan in effect at the time in respect to that Fund. The Distributor may receive compensation from the Adviser related to its services hereunder or for additional services as may be agreed to between the Adviser and Distributor in writing. The Distributor shall be compensated for providing the services set forth in this Agreement in accordance with the fee schedule set forth on Schedule B hereto (as amended from time to time). | |
(b) | The Adviser shall bear the cost and expenses of: (i) the registration of the Creation Units for sale under the 1933 Act. | |
(c) | The Distributor shall pay (i) all expenses relating to Distributor’s broker-dealer qualification and registration under the 1934 Act; (ii) the expenses incurred by the Distributor in connection with routine FINRA filing fees (other than those filing fees for which the Adviser reimburses the Distributor); and (iii) all other expenses incurred in connection with the distribution services provided under this Agreement |
2 |
|
that are not reimbursed by the Adviser, including office space, equipment, and personnel as may be necessary or convenient to provide the services. | ||
(d) | Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Distributor and its affiliates may receive compensation or reimbursement from the Adviser with respect to any services not included under this Agreement, as may be agreed upon by the parties from time to time. |
article 6. Indemnification of Distributor . The Company agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Distributor and each of its directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Distributor within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act against any loss, liability, claim, damages or expense (including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending any alleged loss, liability, claim, damages, or expense and reasonable counsel fees and disbursements incurred in connection therewith), (i) arising by reason of any person acquiring any Shares or Creation Units, based upon the ground that the registration statement, prospectus, shareholder reports or other information filed or made public by the Company (as from time to time amended) included an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated or necessary in order to make the statements made not misleading or (ii) any breach of any representation, warranty or covenant made by the Company in this Agreement. However, the Company does not agree to indemnify the Distributor or hold it harmless to the extent that the statements or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with, information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of the Distributor.
In no case (i) is the indemnity of the Company to be deemed to protect the Distributor against any liability to the Company or its Shareholders to which the Distributor or such person otherwise would be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, or (ii) is the Company to be liable to the Distributor under the indemnity agreement contained in this Article 6 with respect to any claim made against the Distributor or any person indemnified unless the Distributor or other person shall have notified the Company in writing of the claim within a reasonable time after the summons or other first written notification giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon the Distributor or such other person (or after the Distributor or the person shall have received notice of service on any designated agent). However, failure to notify the Company of any claim shall not relieve the Company from any liability which it may have to the Distributor or any person against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph.
The Company shall be entitled to participate at its own expense in the defense or, if it so elects, to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce any claims subject to this indemnity provision. If the Company elects to assume the defense of any such claim, the defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by the Company and satisfactory to the indemnified defendants in the suit whose approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. In the event that the Company elects to assume the defense of any suit and retain legal counsel, the indemnified defendants shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional legal counsel retained by them. If the Company does not elect to assume the defense of a suit, it will reimburse the indemnified defendants for the reasonable fees and expenses of any legal counsel retained by the indemnified defendants.
3 |
|
The Company agrees to notify the Distributor promptly of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against it or any of its officers or Directors in connection with the issuance or sale of any of its Shares or Creation Units.
article 7. Indemnification of Company . The Distributor covenants and agrees that it will indemnify and hold harmless the Company and each of its Directors, officers, employees and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act, against any loss, liability, damages, claim or expense (including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending any alleged loss, liability, damages, claim or expense and reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) based upon the 1933 Act or any other statute or common law and arising by reason of any person acquiring any Shares or Creation Units, and alleging a wrongful act of the Distributor or any of its employees or alleging that the registration statement, prospectus, shareholder reports or other information filed or made public by the Company (as from time to time amended) included an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated or necessary in order to make the statements not misleading, insofar as the statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of the Distributor.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Distributor shall indemnify and hold the Company harmless from and against any and all actual losses, expenses, and liabilities (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) that the Company may sustain or incur arising out of any breach of this Agreement.
In no case (i) is the indemnity of the Distributor in favor of the Company or any other person indemnified to be deemed to protect the Company or any other person against any liability to which the Company or such other person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, or (ii) is the Distributor to be liable under its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph with respect to any claim made against the Company or any person indemnified unless the Company or person, as the case may be, shall have notified the Distributor in writing of the claim within a reasonable time after the summons or other first written notification giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon the Company or upon any person (or after the Company or such person shall have received notice of service on any designated agent). However, failure to notify the Distributor of any claim shall not relieve the Distributor from any liability which it may have to the Company or any person against whom the action is brought otherwise than on account of its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph.
The Distributor shall be entitled to participate, at its own expense, in the defense or, if it so elects, to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce the claim, but if the Distributor elects to assume the defense, the defense shall be conducted by legal counsel chosen by the Distributor and satisfactory to the indemnified defendants whose approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. In the event that the Distributor elects to assume the defense of any suit and retain counsel, the defendants in the suit shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional legal counsel retained by them. If the Distributor does not elect to assume the defense of any suit, it will reimburse the
4 |
|
indemnified defendants in the suit for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by them.
The Distributor agrees to notify the Company promptly of the commencement of any litigation, regulatory action (including an investigation) or proceedings against it or any of its officers in connection with the issue and sale of any of the Company’s Shares or Creation Units.
article 8. Contribution; Consequential Damages .
(a) | If the indemnification provided for in Sections 6 and 7 is insufficient or unavailable to any indemnified party under such sections in respect of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses referred to therein as a result of a court of competent jurisdiction’s decision not to enforce such agreement of the parties, then the indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party hereunder, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by damages, liabilities or expenses in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Distributor on the other from the offering of the Shares. If, however, the allocation based upon relative benefit to each party provided by the immediately preceding sentence is not permitted by applicable law, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to such amount paid or payable by such indemnified party in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the Company on the one hand and the Distributor on the other in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof), as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. Further, if the indemnified party failed to give the indemnifying party notice of the claim and the indemnifying party was prejudiced by such failure, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to such amount paid or payable by such indemnified party in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only such relative benefits but also the relative fault of the Company on the one hand and the Distributor on the other in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof), as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Distributor on the other shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as the amount of gross proceeds received by the Company from the offering of the Shares under this Agreement (expressed in dollars) bears to the net profits received by the Distributor under this Agreement. The relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company on the one hand or the Distributor on the other and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The Company and the Distributor agree that it would not be just and equitable if contributions pursuant to this section were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to herein. The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions |
5 |
|
in respect thereof) referred to above shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the 1933 Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. | ||
(b) | In no event and under no circumstances shall either party to this Agreement be liable to anyone, including, without limitation, the other party, for consequential damages for any act or failure to act under any provision of this Agreement. |
article 9. Effective Date . This Agreement shall be effective upon its execution, and, unless terminated as provided, shall continue in force for two years from the date hereof, and thereafter from year to year, provided that such annual continuance is approved by (i) either the vote of a majority of the Directors of the Company, or the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Company, and (ii) the vote of a majority of those Directors of the Company who are not parties to this Agreement or the Company’s distribution plan or interested persons of any such party (“ Qualified Directors”), cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the approval. This Agreement may be terminated at any time without penalty (i) upon the mutual consent of the parties; (ii) by a vote of the Qualified Directors; (iii) by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Company; or (iv) by the Distributor upon not less than sixty days prior written notice to the other party. The Agreement shall automatically terminate upon its assignment. As used in this paragraph the terms “vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities,” “assignment” and “interested person” shall have the respective meanings specified in the 1940 Act. In addition, this Agreement may at any time be terminated without penalty by the Company, by a vote of a majority of Qualified Directors or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the applicable Funds upon not less than sixty days prior written notice to the other party.
Duties in the Event of Termination . In the event that, in connection with termination, a successor to any of the Distributor’s duties or responsibilities hereunder is designated by the Company by written notice to the Distributor, the Distributor will promptly, upon such termination and at the reasonable expense of the Company, transfer to such successor all relevant books, records, correspondence, and other data established or maintained by the Distributor under this Agreement in a form reasonable acceptable to the Company (if such form differs from the form in which the Distributor has maintained the same, the Company shall pay any reasonable expenses associated with transferring the data to such form), and will cooperate in the transfer of such duties and responsibilities, including provision for assistance from the Distributor’s personnel in the establishment of books, records, and other data by such successor. If no such successor is designated, then such books, records and other data shall be returned to the Company.
article 10. Notices . All notices provided for or permitted under this Agreement shall be deemed effective upon receipt, and shall be in writing and (a) delivered personally, (b) sent by commercial overnight courier with written verification of receipt, or (c) sent by certified or
6 |
|
registered U.S. mail, postage prepaid and return receipt requested, to the party to be notified, at the address for such party set forth below.
Notices to the Distributor shall be sent to the attention of:
Quasar Distributors, LLC
Attn: President
777 East Wisconsin Ave
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
Notice to the Company shall be sent to:
and notice to the Company shall be sent to:
The RBB Fund, Inc.
c/o Vigilant Compliance Services
Brandywine Two 5 Christy Drive, Suite 208
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Attn: Salvatore Faia, JD,
With copy to:
Michael P. Malloy
Drinker, Biddle & Reath, LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA, 19103
and notice to the Adviser shall be sent to :
Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC
2000 Duke Street, Suite 175
Alexandria, VA 22314
Attn : Denise Coursey
Title : President
article 11. Limitation of Liability . A copy of the articles of incorporation of the Company is on file with the Secretary of State of the State of Maryland and notice is hereby given that this Agreement is executed on behalf of the Directors of the Company as Directors and not individually and that the obligations of this instrument are not binding upon any of the Directors, officers or shareholders of the Company individually but binding only upon the assets and property of the Company.
article 12. Entire Agreement; Amendments . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto and supersedes any prior agreement, draft or proposal with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement or any part hereof may be changed or waived only by an instrument in writing signed by the party against which enforcement of such change or waiver is sought.
article 13. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to any conflict of laws or choice of
7 |
|
laws rules or principles thereof. To the extent that the applicable laws of the State of Delaware, or any of the provisions of this Agreement, conflict with the applicable provisions of the 1933 Act or the 1940 Act, these acts shall control.
article 14. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument. Each such counterpart shall be deemed an original, and it shall not be necessary in making proof of this Agreement to produce or account for more than one such counterpart. This Agreement shall be deemed executed by both parties when any one or more counterparts hereof or thereof, individually or taken together, bears the original or facsimile signatures of each of the parties.
article 15. Force Majeure . No breach of any obligation of a party to this Agreement (other than obligations to pay amounts owed) will constitute an event of default or breach to the extent it arises out of a cause, existing or future, that is beyond the control and without negligence of the party otherwise chargeable with breach or default, including without limitation: strike; lockout or other labor dispute; flood; war; riot; theft; act of terrorism, earthquake or natural disaster. Either party desiring to rely upon any of the foregoing as an excuse for default or breach will, when the cause arises, give to the other party prompt notice of the facts which constitute such cause; and, when the cause ceases to exist, give prompt notice thereof to the other party.
article 16. Severability. Any provision of this Agreement that is determined to be invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability in such jurisdiction, without rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. If a court of competent jurisdiction declares any provision of this Agreement to be invalid or unenforceable, the parties agree that the court making such determination shall have the power to reduce the scope, duration, or area of the provision, to delete specific words or phrases, or to replace the provision with a provision that is valid and enforceable and that comes closest to expressing the original intention of the parties, and this Agreement shall be enforceable as so modified.
article 17. Confidential Information .
(a) | The Distributor and the Company (in such capacity, the “ Receiving Party ”) acknowledge and agree to maintain the confidentiality of Proprietary and Confidential Information (as hereinafter defined) provided by the Distributor and the Company (in such capacity, the “ Disclosing Party ”) in connection with this Agreement. The Receiving Party shall not disclose or disseminate the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information to any Person other than (a) those employees, agents, contractors, subcontractors and licensees of the Receiving Party, or (b) with respect to the Distributor as a Receiving Party, to those employees, agents, contractors, subcontractors and licensees of any agent or affiliate, who have a need to know it in order to assist the Receiving Party in performing its obligations, or to permit the Receiving Party to exercise its rights under this Agreement. In addition, the Receiving Party (a) shall take all reasonable steps to prevent unauthorized access to the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information, and (b) shall not use the |
8 |
|
Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information, or authorize other Persons to use the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information, for any purposes other than in connection with performing its obligations or exercising its rights hereunder. As used herein, “reasonable steps” means steps that a party takes to protect its own, similarly confidential or proprietary information of a similar nature, which steps shall in no event be less than a reasonable standard of care. | ||
(b) | The term “ Confidential Information ,” as used herein, shall mean all index licenses, business strategies, plans and procedures, proprietary information, methodologies, data and trade secrets, and other confidential information and materials (including, without limitation, any non-public personal information as defined in Regulation S-P) of the Disclosing Party, its affiliates, their respective clients or suppliers, or other Persons with whom they do business, that may be obtained by the Receiving Party from any source or that may be developed as a result of this Agreement. | |
(c) | The provisions of this Article 17 respecting Confidential Information shall not apply to the extent, but only to the extent, that such Confidential Information: (a) is already known to the Receiving Party free of any restriction at the time it is obtained from the Disclosing Party, (b) is subsequently learned from an independent third party free of any restriction and without breach of this Agreement; (c) is or becomes publicly available through no wrongful act of the Receiving Party or any third party; (d) is independently developed by or for the Receiving Party without reference to or use of any Confidential Information of the Disclosing Party; or (e) is required to be disclosed pursuant to an applicable law, rule, regulation, government requirement or court order, or the rules of any stock exchange (provided, however, that the Receiving Party shall advise the Disclosing Party of such required disclosure promptly upon learning thereof in order to afford the Disclosing Party a reasonable opportunity to contest, limit and/or assist the Receiving Party in crafting such disclosure). | |
(d) | The Receiving Party shall advise its employees, agents, contractors, subcontractors and licensees, and shall require its agents and affiliates to advise their employees, agents, contractors, subcontractors and licensees, of the Receiving Party’s obligations of confidentiality and non-use under this Article 17 , and shall be responsible for ensuring compliance by its and its affiliates’ employees, agents, consultants, contractors, subcontractors and licensees with such obligations. In addition, the Receiving Party shall require all persons that are provided access to the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information, other than the Receiving Party’s accountants and legal counsel, to execute confidentiality or non-disclosure agreements containing provisions substantially similar to those set forth in this Article 17 . The Receiving Party shall promptly notify the Disclosing Party in writing upon learning of any unauthorized disclosure or use of the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information by such persons. | |
(e) | Upon the Disclosing Party’s written request following the termination of this Agreement, the Receiving Party promptly shall return to the Disclosing Party, or |
9 |
|
destroy, all Confidential Information of the Disclosing Party provided under or in connection with this Agreement, including all copies, portions and summaries thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, (a) the Receiving Party may retain one copy of each item of the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information for purposes of identifying and establishing its rights and obligations under this Agreement, for archival or audit purposes and/or to the extent required by applicable law, and (b) the Distributor shall have no obligation to return or destroy Confidential Information of the Company that resides in save tapes of Distributor; provided, however, that in either case all such Confidential Information retained by the Receiving Party shall remain subject to the provisions of Article 17 for so long as it is so retained. If requested by the Disclosing Party, the Receiving Party shall certify in writing its compliance with the provisions of this paragraph. |
article 18. Anti-Money Laundering. The Distributor represents that it has in place anti-money laundering procedures which comply with applicable law in jurisdictions in which Shares are distributed. The Distributor agrees to notify the Company of any suspicious activity of which it becomes aware relating to transactions involving Shares. Upon reasonable request, the Distributor agrees to provide the Company with documentation relating to its anti-money laundering policies and procedures.
article 19. Use of Name .
(a) | The Company shall not use the name of the Distributor, or any of its affiliates, in any prospectus or statement of additional information, sales literature, and other material relating to the Company in any manner without the prior written consent of the Distributor (which shall not be unreasonably withheld); provided , however , that the Distributor hereby approves all lawful uses of the names of the Distributor and its affiliates in the prospectus and statement of additional information of the Company and in all other materials which merely refer in accurate terms to their appointment hereunder or which are required by applicable law, regulations or otherwise by the SEC, FINRA, or any state securities authority. | |
(b) | Neither the Distributor nor any of its affiliates shall use the name of the Company in any publicly disseminated materials, including sales literature, in any manner without the prior written consent of the Company (which shall not be unreasonably withheld); provided , however , that the Company hereby approves all lawful uses of its name in any required regulatory filings of the Distributor which merely refer in accurate terms to the appointment of the Distributor hereunder, or which are required by applicable law, regulations or otherwise by the SEC, FINRA, or any state securities authority. |
article 20. Insurance .
(a) | The Distributor agrees to maintain liability insurance coverage which is, in scope and amount, consistent with coverage customary in the industry for distribution activities similar to the distribution activities provided to the Company hereunder. |
10 |
|
The Distributor shall notify the Company upon receipt of any notice of material, adverse change in the terms or provisions of its insurance coverage that may materially and adversely affect the Company’s rights hereunder. Such notification shall include the date of change and the reason or reasons therefore. The Distributor shall notify the Company of any material claims against it, whether or not covered by insurance that may materially and adversely affect the Company’s rights hereunder. | ||
(b) | The Company hereby represents that it maintains adequate insurance coverage with respect to its responsibilities pursuant to this Agreement, including commercially reasonable fidelity bond(s), errors and omissions, directors and officers, professional liability insurance. The Distributor shall be included as an additional insured on the Company’s commercial liability policies and shall be named as a loss payee on the Company’s fidelity bond(s). All of the foregoing policies shall be issued by insurance companies having an “A minus” rating or better by A.M. Best Company or an equivalent Standard & Poor’s rating. The Company shall furnish Certificates of Insurance evidencing all of the foregoing insurance coverages upon execution of this Agreement, and annually upon the written request of the Distributor. Annually upon the written request of the Distributor, the Company shall provide insurance policy documentation evidencing the Company’s “additional insured” status with respect to the Company’s Commercial General Liability and “loss payee” status with respect to the Company’s Fidelity Bond. The Company shall promptly inform the Distributor of any material changes to its policies, endorsements or coverages. |
article 21. Representations, Warranties and Covenants .
(a) | The Company represents, warrants and covenants that: |
i. | it is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the state of its formation, and has all requisite power under the laws of such state and applicable federal law to conduct its business as now being conducted and to perform its obligations as contemplated by this Agreement; | |
ii. | this Agreement has been duly authorized by the Directors of the Company, including by unanimous affirmative vote of all of the independent directors of the Company, as that term is defined under 1940 Act, and, when executed and delivered by the Company, will constitute a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms; | |
iii. | it shall timely perform all obligations identified in this Agreement as obligations of the Company, including, without limitation, providing the Distributor with all marketing materials reasonably requested by the Distributor and giving all necessary consents or approvals in good faith and within a timely manner; |
11 |
|
iv. | it is not a party to any, and there are no, pending or threatened legal, administrative, arbitral or other proceedings, claims, actions or governmental or regulatory investigations or inquiries (collectively, “ Actions ”) of any nature against it, its adviser or its properties or assets which could, individually or in the aggregate, have a material effect upon its business or financial condition, and there is no injunction, order, judgment, decree, or regulatory restriction imposed upon it or any of its properties or assets; | |
v. | it is an investment company that is duly registered under all applicable laws and regulations, including, without limitation the 1940 Act, and each Fund is a separate series of the Company; | |
vi. | it is and will continue to be in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations aimed at the prevention and detection of money laundering and/or the financing of terrorism activities including Bank Secrecy Act, as amended by USA PATRIOT Act, U.S. Treasury Department, including the Office of Foreign Asset Control (“ OFAC ”), Financial Crimes and Enforcement Network (“ FinCEN ”) and the SEC | |
vii. | it has an anti-money laundering program (“ AML Program ”), that at minimum includes, (i) an AML compliance officer designated to administer and oversee the AML Program, (ii) ongoing training for appropriate personnel, (iii) internal controls and procedures reasonably designed to prevent and detect suspicious activity monitoring and terrorist financing activities; (iv) procedures to comply with know your customer requirements and to verify the identity of all customers; and (v) appropriate record keeping procedures; | |
viii. | each Prospectus has been prepared in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and, at the time such Prospectus was filed with the SEC and became effective, no Prospectus will include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact that is required to be stated therein so as to make the statements contained in such Prospectus not misleading. As used in this Agreement, the term, “ Prospectus ” means any prospectus, registration statement, statement of additional information, proxy solicitation and tender offer materials, annual or other periodic report of the Company or any Fund of the Company or any advertising, marketing, shareholder communication, or promotional material generated by the Company or an Adviser from time to time, as appropriate, including all amendments or supplements thereto and applicable law; | |
ix. | it will notify the Distributor as soon as reasonably practical in advance of any matter which could materially affect the Distributor’s performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement, including any amendment to the Prospectus; |
12 |
|
x. | it will provide Distributor with a copy of each Prospectus as soon as reasonably possible prior to or contemporaneously with filing the same with an applicable regulatory body; | |
xi. | it shall fully cooperate with requests from government regulators and the Distributor for information relating to customers and/or transactions involving the Creation Units, as permitted by law, in order for the Distributor to comply with its regulatory obligations; and | |
xii. | in the event it determines that it is in the interest of the Company to suspend or terminate the sale of any Creation Units, the Company shall promptly notify the Distributor of such fact in advance and in writing prior to the date on which the Company desires to cease offering the Creation Units. | |
(b) | Distributor hereby represents, warrants and covenants as follows: | |
i. | it has full power, right and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly approved by all requisite actions on its part, and no other proceedings on its part are necessary to approve this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by it; this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms; | |
ii. it has (a) conducted a review of its supervisory controls system and has made available to the Fund the most current report of such review and any updates thereto and (b) will make available to the Company for inspection a report of any changes in how it conducts its business that would materially change the results of its most recent review of its supervisory controls system and any other changes to its business that would affect the business of the Company or the Company’s investment adviser; | ||
iii. it (a) shall maintain in effect a business interruption plan, and enter into any agreements necessary with appropriate parties making reasonable provisions for emergency use of electronic data processing equipment customary in the industry and (b) take commercially reasonable steps to minimize service interruptions in the event of equipment failures at no additional expense to the Company; | ||
iv. | it is not a party to any, and there are no, pending or threatened Actions of any nature against it or its properties or assets which could, individually or in the aggregate, have a material effect upon its business or financial condition, and there is no injunction, order, judgment, decree, or regulatory restriction imposed specifically upon it or any of its properties or assets; |
13 |
|
v. | it is registered as a broker-dealer with the SEC under the 1934 Act and a member of FINRA in good standing; | |
vi. | it shall not give any information or to make any representations other than those contained in the current Prospectus of the Company filed with the SEC or contained in shareholder reports or other material that may be prepared by or on behalf of the Company for the Distributor’s use; and | |
vii. | it may prepare and distribute sales literature and other material as it may deem appropriate, provided that such literature and materials have been prepared in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. |
14 |
|
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and Distributor have each duly executed this Agreement, as of the day and year last written below.
THE RBB FUND, INC. | QUASAR DISTRIBUTORS, LLC | |||||
By: | /s/ | James G. Shaw | By: | /s/ | James R. Schoenike | |
Name: | James G. Shaw | Name: | James R. Schoenike | |||
Title: | CFO/Treasurer & Secretary | Title: | President | |||
Date: | 1/29/2018 | Date: | 1/29/2018 |
MOTLEY FOOL ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC
(with respect to Article 5 only)
By: | /s/ Denise Coursey |
Name: Denise Coursey
Title: President
Date: 1/29/2018
15 |
|
Schedule A
Series of The RBB Fund, Inc
Motley Fool 100 Index ETF
16 |
|
SCHEDULE B
[ ]
17 |
Exhibit (g)(6)
THIRD AMENDMENT TO THE
CUSTODY AGREEMENT
THIS THIRD AMENDMENT, effective as of September 26, 2017, to the Custody Agreement dated as of June 30, 2016, as amended (the “Agreement”), is entered into by and between THE RBB FUND, INC., a Maryland corporation, (the “Company”) and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America (the “Custodian”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the parties have entered into the Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Company and the Custodian desire to amend the series of the Company to add a new Fund; and
WHEREAS, Article XV, Section 15.02 of the Agreement provides that the Agreement may be amended by written agreement executed by both parties, and authorized or approved by the Board of Directors of the Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree to amend and restate Exhibit G of the Agreement for the purposes of adding the Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund to the Agreement. Exhibit G of the Agreement is hereby replaced with the Exhibit G attached hereto.
Except to the extent amended hereby, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Third Amendment to be executed by a duly authorized officer on one or more counterparts as of the date and year first written above.
THE RBB FUND, INC. | U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION | ||||
By: | /s/ Salvatore Faia | By: | /s/ Anita M. Zagrodnik | ||
Printed Name: Salvatore Faia | Printed Name: Anita M. Zagrodnik | ||||
Title: President | Title: Senior VP |
|
Amended Exhibit G to the Custody Agreement – The RBB Fund, Inc.
Fund Name
Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short fund
Boston Partners Global Equity Fund
Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund
Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund
Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund
Boston Partners Small Cap Value II Fund
WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund
Exhibit (g)(7)
FOURTH AMENDMENT TO THE
CUSTODY AGREEMENT
THIS FOURTH AMENDMENT, effective as of December 1, 2017, to the Custody Agreement dated as of June 30, 2016, as amended (the “Agreement”), is entered into by and between THE RBB FUND, INC., a Maryland corporation, (the “Company”) and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America (the “Custodian”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the parties have entered into the Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Company and the Custodian desire to amend the series of the Company to add new Funds; and
WHEREAS, Article XV, Section 15.02 of the Agreement provides that the Agreement may be amended by written agreement executed by both parties, and authorized or approved by the Board of Directors of the Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree to amend the Agreement by adding Exhibit O attached hereto for the purposes of adding the following series to the Agreement:
Motley Fool Independence Fund
Motley Fool Great America Fund
Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund
Except to the extent amended hereby, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be executed by a duly authorized officer on one or more counterparts as of the date and year first written above.
THE RBB Fund, Inc. | U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION | ||||||
By: | /s/ Salvatore Faia | By: | /s/ Joseph Neuberger | ||||
Printed Name: Salvatore Faia | Printed Name: Joseph Neuberger | ||||||
Title: President | Title: EVP |
|
Exhibit O to the Custody Agreement – The RBB Fund, Inc.
Fund Name
Motley Fool Independence Fund
Motley Fool Great America Fund
Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund
Exhibit (g)(8)
CUSTODY AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered by and between THE RBB FUND, INC., a Maryland corporation, (the “Company”) and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America (the “Custodian”).
WHEREAS, the Company is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company, and is authorized to issue shares of beneficial interest in separate series, with each such series representing interests in a separate portfolio of securities and other assets;
WHEREAS, the Custodian is a bank having the qualifications prescribed in Section 26(a)(1) of the 1940 Act; and
WHEREAS, the Company desires to retain the Custodian to act as custodian of the cash and securities of each series of the Company listed on Exhibit B hereto (as amended from time to time) (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”); and
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company has delegated to the Custodian the responsibilities set forth in Rule 17f-5(c) under the 1940 Act and the Custodian is willing to undertake the responsibilities and serve as the foreign custody manager for the Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants herein contained, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, do hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
Whenever used in this Agreement, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings set forth below unless the context otherwise requires:
1.01 “Authorized Person” means any Officer or person who has been designated as such by written notice and named in Exhibit A and delivered to the Custodian by the Company, or if the Company has notified the Custodian in writing that it has an authorized investment manager or other agent, delivered to the Custodian by the Company’s investment advisor or other agent. Such Officer or person shall continue to be an Authorized Person until such time as the Custodian receives Written Instructions from the Company or the Company’s investment advisor or other agent that any such person is no longer an Authorized Person.
1.02 “Board of Directors ” shall mean the directors from time to time serving under the Company’s articles of incorporation, as amended from time to time.
1.03 “Book-Entry System” shall mean a federal book-entry system as provided in Subpart O of Treasury Circular No. 300, 31 CFR 306, in Subpart B of 31 CFR Part 350, or in
1 |
|
such book-entry regulations of federal agencies as are substantially in the form of such Subpart O.
1.04 “Business Day” shall mean any day recognized as a settlement day by The New York Stock Exchange, Inc. and any other day for which the Company computes the net asset value of Shares of the Fund.
1.05 “Eligible Foreign Custodian” has the meaning set forth in Rule 17f-5(a)(1), including a majority-owned or indirect subsidiary of a U.S. Bank (as defined in Rule 17f-5), a bank holding company meeting the requirements of an Eligible Foreign Custodian (as set forth in Rule 17f-5 or by other appropriate action of the SEC), or a foreign branch of a Bank (as defined in Section 2(a)(5) of the 1940 Act) meeting the requirements of a custodian under Section 17(f) of the 1940 Act; the term does not include any Eligible Securities Depository.
1.06 “Eligible Securities Depository” shall mean a system for the central handling of securities as that term is defined in Rule 17f-4 and 17f-7 under the 1940 Act.
1.07 “Foreign Securities” means any of the Fund’s investments (including foreign currencies) for which the primary market is outside the United States and such cash and cash equivalents as are reasonably necessary to effect the Fund’s transactions in such investments.
1.08 “Fund Custody Account” shall mean any of the accounts in the name of the Company, which is provided for in Section 3.2 below.
1.09 “IRS” shall mean the Internal Revenue Service.
1.10 “FINRA” shall mean the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.
1.11 “Officer” shall mean the Chairman, President, any Vice President, any Assistant Vice President, the Secretary, any Assistant Secretary, the Treasurer, or any Assistant Treasurer of the Company, or any other position deemed as an officer by the Board of Directors.
1.12 “SEC” shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.
1.13 “Securities” shall include, without limitation, common and preferred stocks, bonds, call options, put options, debentures, notes, bank certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances, mortgage-backed securities or other obligations, and any certificates, receipts, warrants or other instruments or documents representing rights to receive, purchase or subscribe for the same, or evidencing or representing any other rights or interests therein, or any similar property or assets that the Custodian or its agents have the facilities to clear and service.
1.14 “Securities Depository” shall mean The Depository Trust Company and any other clearing agency registered with the SEC under Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”), which acts as a system for the central handling of Securities where all Securities of any particular class or series of an issuer deposited within
2 |
|
the system are treated as fungible and may be transferred or pledged by bookkeeping entry without physical delivery of the Securities.
1.15 “Shares” shall mean, with respect to a Fund, the units of beneficial interest issued by the Company on account of the Fund.
1.16 “Sub-Custodian” shall mean and include (i) any branch of a “U.S. bank,” as that term is defined in Rule 17f-5 under the 1940 Act, and (ii) any “Eligible Foreign Custodian” having a contract with the Custodian which the Custodian has determined will provide reasonable care of assets of the Fund based on the standards specified in Section 3.3 below. Such contract shall be in writing and shall include provisions that provide: (i) for indemnification or insurance arrangements (or any combination of the foregoing) such that the Fund will be adequately protected against the risk of loss of assets held in accordance with such contract; (ii) that the Foreign Securities will not be subject to any right, charge, security interest, lien or claim of any kind in favor of the Sub-Custodian or its creditors except a claim of payment for their safe custody or administration, in the case of cash deposits, liens or rights in favor of creditors of the Sub-Custodian arising under bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar laws; (iii) that beneficial ownership for the Foreign Securities will be freely transferable without the payment of money or value other than for safe custody or administration; (iv) that adequate records will be maintained identifying the assets as belonging to the Fund or as being held by a third party for the benefit of the Fund; (v) that the Fund’s independent public accountants will be given access to those records or confirmation of the contents of those records; and (vi) that the Fund will receive periodic reports with respect to the safekeeping of the Fund’s assets, including, but not limited to, notification of any transfer to or from a Fund’s account or a third party account containing assets held for the benefit of the Fund. Such contract may contain, in lieu of any or all of the provisions specified in (i)-(vi) above, such other provisions that the Custodian determines will provide, in their entirety, the same or a greater level of care and protection for Fund assets as the specified provisions.
1.17 “Written Instructions” shall mean (i) written communications actually received by the Custodian and signed by an Authorized Person, (ii) communications by facsimile or Internet electronic e-mail or any other such system from one or more persons reasonably believed by the Custodian to be an Authorized Person.
ARTICLE II.
APPOINTMENT OF CUSTODIAN
2.01 Appointment . The Company hereby appoints the Custodian as custodian of all Securities and cash owned by or in the possession of the Fund at any time during the period of this Agreement, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, and the Custodian hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to perform the services and duties set forth in this Agreement. The Company hereby delegates to the Custodian, subject to Rule 17f-5(b) under the 1940 Act, the responsibilities with respect to the Fund’s Foreign Securities, and the Custodian hereby accepts such delegation as foreign custody manager with respect to the Fund. The services and duties of the Custodian shall be confined to those matters expressly
3 |
|
set forth herein, and no implied duties are assumed by or may be asserted against the Custodian hereunder.
2.02 Documents to be Furnished . The following documents, including any amendments thereto, will be provided contemporaneously with the execution of the Agreement to the Custodian by the Company:
(a) | A copy of the Company’s articles of incorporation, certified by the Secretary; |
(b) | A copy of the Company’s bylaws, certified by the Secretary; |
(c) | A copy of the resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Company appointing the Custodian, certified by the Secretary; |
(d) | A copy of the current prospectuses and statements of additional information of each Fund (the “Prospectus”); |
(e) | A certification of the Chairman or the President and the Secretary of the Company setting forth the names and signatures of the current Officers of the Company and other Authorized Persons; and |
(f) | An executed authorization required by the Shareholder Communications Act of 1985, attached hereto as Exhibit D . |
2.03 Notice of Appointment of Transfer Agent . The Company agrees to notify the Custodian in writing of the appointment, termination or change in appointment of any transfer agent of the Fund.
ARTICLE III.
CUSTODY OF CASH AND SECURITIES
3.01 Segregation . All Securities and non-cash property held by the Custodian for the account of the Fund (other than Securities maintained in a Securities Depository, Eligible Securities Depository or Book-Entry System) shall be physically segregated from other Securities and non-cash property in the possession of the Custodian (including the Securities and non-cash property of the other series of the Company, if applicable) and shall be identified as subject to this Agreement.
3.02 Fund Custody Accounts . As to each Fund, the Custodian shall open and maintain in its trust department a custody account in the name of the Company coupled with the name of the Fund, subject only to draft or order of the Custodian, in which the Custodian shall enter and carry all Securities, cash and other assets of such Fund which are delivered to it. Absent a written agreement between the Custodian and the Company, securities and cash held by Custodian shall not be re-hypothecated, pledged, assigned, invested or otherwise disposed of by the Custodian and beneficial ownership shall be freely transferable without payment of money or value other than for safe custody and administration.
4 |
|
3.03 Appointment of Agents.
(a) | In its discretion, the Custodian may appoint one or more Sub-Custodians to establish and maintain arrangements with (i) Eligible Securities Depositories or (ii) Eligible Foreign Custodians who are members of the Sub-Custodian’s network to hold Securities and cash of the Fund and to carry out such other provisions of this Agreement as it may determine; provided, however, that the appointment of any such agents and maintenance of any Securities and cash of the Fund shall be at the Custodian’s expense and shall not relieve the Custodian of any of its obligations or liabilities under this Agreement. The Custodian shall be liable for the actions of any Sub-Custodians (regardless of whether assets are maintained in the custody of a Sub-Custodian, a member of its network or an Eligible Securities Depository) appointed by it as if such actions had been done by the Custodian. |
(b) | If, after the initial appointment of Sub-Custodians by the Board of Directors in connection with this Agreement, the Custodian wishes to appoint other Sub-Custodians to hold property of the Fund, it will so notify the Company and make the necessary determinations as to any such new Sub-Custodian’s eligibility under Rule 17f-5 under the 1940 Act. |
(c) | In performing its delegated responsibilities as foreign custody manager to place or maintain the Fund’s assets with a Sub-Custodian, the Custodian will determine that the Fund’s assets will be subject to reasonable care, based on the standards applicable to custodians in the country in which the Fund’s assets will be held by that Sub-Custodian, after considering all factors relevant to safekeeping of such assets, including, without limitation the factors specified in Rule 17f-5(c)(1). |
(d) | The agreement between the Custodian and each Sub-Custodian acting hereunder shall contain the required provisions set forth in Rule 17f-5(c)(2) under the 1940 Act. |
(e) | At the end of each calendar quarter, the Custodian shall provide written reports notifying the Board of Directors of the withdrawal or placement of the Securities and cash of the Fund with a Sub-Custodian and of any material changes in the Fund’s arrangements. Such reports shall include an analysis of the custody risks associated with maintaining assets with any Eligible Securities Depositories. The Custodian shall promptly take such steps as may be required to withdraw assets of the Fund from any Sub-Custodian arrangement that has ceased to meet the requirements of Rule 17f-5 or Rule 17f-7 under the 1940 Act, as applicable, and shall promptly notify the Board of Directors the circumstances of such action. |
(f) | With respect to its responsibilities under this Section 3.3, the Custodian hereby warrants to the Company that it agrees to exercise reasonable care, prudence and diligence such as a person having responsibility for the safekeeping of property of the Fund. The Custodian further warrants that the Fund’s assets will be subject to reasonable care if maintained with a Sub-Custodian, after considering all factors relevant to the safekeeping of such assets, including, without limitation: (i) the Sub-Custodian’s practices, procedures, and internal controls for certificated securities (if applicable), its method of keeping custodial records, and its security and data protection practices; (ii) whether the Sub-Custodian has |
5 |
|
the requisite financial strength to provide reasonable care for Fund assets; (iii) the Sub-Custodian’s general reputation and standing and, in the case of a Securities Depository, the Securities Depository’s operating history and number of participants; (iv) ensuring that Fund assets held by a Sub-Custodian shall not be sold, re-hypothecated, pledged, assigned, invested or otherwise disposed by the Sub-Custodian and beneficial ownership of the Securities held by such Sub-Custodian shall be freely transferable without payment of money or value other than that for safe custody and administration; and (v) whether the Fund will have jurisdiction over and be able to enforce judgments against the Sub-Custodian, such as by virtue of the existence of any offices of the Sub-Custodian in the United States or the Sub-Custodian’s consent to service of process in the United States. |
(g) | The Custodian shall establish a system or ensure that its Sub-Custodian has established a system to monitor on a continuing basis (i) the appropriateness of maintaining the Fund’s assets with a Sub-Custodian or Eligible Foreign Custodians who are members of a Sub-Custodian’s network; (ii) the performance of the contract governing the Fund’s arrangements with such Sub-Custodian or Eligible Foreign Custodian’s members of a Sub-Custodian’s network; and (iii) the custody risks of maintaining assets with an Eligible Securities Depository. The Custodian must promptly notify the Fund or its investment adviser of any material change in these risks. |
(h) | The Custodian shall use commercially reasonable efforts to collect all income and other payments with respect to Foreign Securities to which the Fund shall be entitled and shall credit such income, as collected, to the Company. In the event that extraordinary measures are required to collect such income, the Company and Custodian shall consult as to the measures and as to the compensation and expenses of the Custodian relating to such measures. |
3.04 Delivery of Assets to Custodian . The Company shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Custodian all of the Fund’s Securities, cash and other investment assets, including (i) all payments of income, payments of principal and capital distributions received by the Fund with respect to such Securities, cash or other assets owned by the Fund at any time during the period of this Agreement, and (ii) all cash received by the Fund for the issuance of Shares. The Custodian shall not be responsible for such Securities, cash or other assets until actually received by it.
3.05 Securities Depositories and Book-Entry Systems . The Custodian may deposit and/or maintain Securities of the Fund in a Securities Depository or in a Book-Entry System, subject to the following provisions:
(a) | The Custodian, on an on-going basis, shall deposit in a Securities Depository or Book-Entry System all Securities eligible for deposit therein and shall make use of such Securities Depository or Book-Entry System to the extent possible and practical in connection with its performance hereunder, including, without limitation, in connection with settlements of purchases and sales of Securities, loans of Securities, and deliveries and returns of collateral consisting of Securities. |
6 |
|
(b) | Securities of the Fund kept in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository shall be kept in an account (“Depository Account”) of the Custodian in such Book-Entry System or Securities Depository which includes only assets held by the Custodian as a fiduciary, custodian or otherwise for customers. |
(c) | The records of the Custodian with respect to Securities of the Fund maintained in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository shall, by book-entry, identify such Securities as belonging to the Fund. |
(d) | If Securities purchased by the Fund are to be held in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, the Custodian shall pay for such Securities upon (i) receipt of advice from the Book-Entry System or Securities Depository that such Securities have been transferred to the Depository Account, and (ii) the making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect such payment and transfer for the account of the Fund. If Securities sold by the Fund are held in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, the Custodian shall transfer such Securities upon (i) receipt of advice from the Book-Entry System or Securities Depository that payment for such Securities has been transferred to the Depository Account, and (ii) the making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect such transfer and payment for the account of the Fund. |
(e) | The Custodian shall provide the Company with copies of any report (obtained by the Custodian from a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository in which Securities of the Fund are kept) on the internal accounting controls and procedures for safeguarding Securities deposited in such Book-Entry System or Securities Depository. |
(f) | Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Custodian shall be liable to the Company for any loss or damage to the Fund resulting from (i) the use of a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository by reason of any negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Custodian or any Sub-Custodian, or (ii) failure of the Custodian or any Sub-Custodian to enforce effectively such rights as it may have against a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository. At its election, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights of the Custodian with respect to any claim against a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository or any other person from any loss or damage to the Fund arising from the use of such Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, if and to the extent that the Fund has not been made whole for any such loss or damage. |
(g) | With respect to its responsibilities under this Section 3.05 and pursuant to Rule 17f-4 under the 1940 Act, the Custodian hereby warrants to the Company that it agrees to (i) exercise due care in accordance with reasonable commercial standards in discharging its duty as a securities intermediary to obtain and thereafter maintain such assets, (ii) provide, promptly upon request by the Company, such reports as are available concerning the Custodian’s internal accounting controls and financial strength, and (iii) require any Sub-Custodian to exercise due care in accordance with reasonable commercial standards in discharging its duty as a securities intermediary to obtain and thereafter maintain assets corresponding to the security entitlements of its entitlement holders. |
7 |
|
3.06 Disbursement of Moneys from Fund Custody Account . Upon receipt of Written Instructions, the Custodian shall disburse moneys from the Fund Custody Account but only in the following cases:
(a) | For the purchase of Securities for the Fund but only in accordance with Section 4.01 of this Agreement and only (i) in the case of Securities (other than options on Securities, futures contracts and options on futures contracts), against the delivery to the Custodian (or any Sub-Custodian) of such Securities registered as provided in Section 3.09 below or in proper form for transfer, or if the purchase of such Securities is effected through a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, in accordance with the conditions set forth in Section 3.05 above; (ii) in the case of options on Securities, against delivery to the Custodian (or any Sub-Custodian) of such receipts as are required by the customs prevailing among dealers in such options; (iii) in the case of futures contracts and options on futures contracts, against delivery to the Custodian (or any Sub-Custodian) of evidence of title thereto in favor of the Fund or any nominee referred to in Section 3.09 below; and (iv) in the case of repurchase or reverse repurchase agreements entered into between the Company and a bank which is a member of the Federal Reserve System or between the Company and a primary dealer in U.S. Government securities, against delivery of the purchased Securities either in certificate form or through an entry crediting the Custodian’s account at a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository with such Securities; |
(b) | In connection with the conversion, exchange or surrender, as set forth in Section 3.07(f) below, of Securities owned by the Fund; |
(c) | For the payment of any dividends or capital gain distributions declared by the Fund; |
(d) | In payment of the redemption price of Shares as provided in Section 5.01 below; |
(e) | For the payment of any expense or liability incurred by the Fund, including, but not limited to, the following payments for the account of the Fund: interest; taxes; administration, investment advisory, accounting, auditing, transfer agent, custodian, director and legal fees; and other operating expenses of the Fund; in all cases, whether or not such expenses are to be in whole or in part capitalized or treated as deferred expenses; |
(f) | For transfer in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Company, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the 1934 Act and a member of FINRA, relating to compliance with rules of the Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered national securities exchange (or of any similar organization or organizations) regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection with transactions by the Fund; |
(g) | For transfer in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Company, the Custodian and a futures commission merchant registered under the Commodity Exchange Act, relating to compliance with the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or any contract market (or any similar organization or organizations) regarding account deposits in connection with transactions by the Fund; |
8 |
|
(h) | For the funding of any uncertificated time deposit or other interest-bearing account with any banking institution (including the Custodian), which deposit or account has a term of one year or less; and |
(i) | For any other proper purpose, but only upon receipt of Written Instructions, specifying the amount and purpose of such payment, declaring such purpose to be a proper corporate purpose, and naming the person or persons to whom such payment is to be made. |
3.07 Delivery of Securities from Fund Custody Account . Upon receipt of Written Instructions, the Custodian shall release and deliver, or cause the Sub-Custodian to release and deliver, Securities from the Fund Custody Account but only in the following cases:
(a) | Upon the sale of Securities for the account of the Fund but only against receipt of payment therefor in cash, by certified or cashier’s check or bank credit; |
(b) | In the case of a sale effected through a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.05 above; |
(c) | To an offeror’s depository agent in connection with tender or other similar offers for Securities of the Fund; provided that, in any such case, the cash or other consideration is to be delivered to the Custodian; |
(d) | To the issuer thereof or its agent (i) for transfer into the name of the Fund, the Custodian or any Sub-Custodian, or any nominee or nominees of any of the foregoing, or (ii) for exchange for a different number of certificates or other evidence representing the same aggregate face amount or number of units; provided that, in any such case, the new Securities are to be delivered to the Custodian; |
(e) | To the broker selling the Securities, for examination in accordance with the “street delivery” custom; |
(f) | For exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan of merger, consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or readjustment of the issuer of such Securities, or pursuant to provisions for conversion contained in such Securities, or pursuant to any deposit agreement, including surrender or receipt of underlying Securities in connection with the issuance or cancellation of depository receipts; provided that, in any such case, the new Securities and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the Custodian; |
(g) | Upon receipt of payment therefor pursuant to any repurchase or reverse repurchase agreement entered into by the Fund; |
(h) | In the case of warrants, rights or similar Securities, upon the exercise thereof, provided that, in any such case, the new Securities and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the Custodian; |
(i) | For delivery in connection with any loans of Securities of the Fund, but only against receipt of such collateral as the Company shall have specified to the Custodian in Written Instructions; |
9 |
|
(j) | For delivery as security in connection with any borrowings by the Fund requiring a pledge of assets by the Company, but only against receipt by the Custodian of the amounts borrowed; |
(k) | Pursuant to any authorized plan of liquidation, reorganization, merger, consolidation or recapitalization of the Company; |
(l) | For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Company, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the 1934 Act and a member of FINRA, relating to compliance with the rules of the Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered national securities exchange (or of any similar organization or organizations) regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection with transactions by the Fund; |
(m) | For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Company, the Custodian and a futures commission merchant registered under the Commodity Exchange Act, relating to compliance with the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or any contract market (or any similar organization or organizations) regarding account deposits in connection with transactions by the Fund; |
(n) | For any other proper corporate purpose, but only upon receipt of Written Instructions, specifying the Securities to be delivered, setting forth the purpose for which such delivery is to be made, declaring such purpose to be a proper corporate purpose, and naming the person or persons to whom delivery of such Securities shall be made; or |
(o) | To brokers, clearing banks or other clearing agents for examination or trade execution in accordance with market custom; provided that in any such case the Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability for any loss arising from the delivery of such securities prior to receiving payment for such securities except as may arise from the Custodian’s own negligence or willful misconduct. |
3.08 Actions Not Requiring Written Instructions . Unless otherwise instructed by the Company, the Custodian shall with respect to all Securities held for the Fund:
(a) | Subject to Section 9.04 below, collect on a timely basis all income and other payments to which the Fund is entitled either by law or pursuant to custom in the securities business; |
(b) | Present for payment and, subject to Section 9.04 below, collect on a timely basis the amount payable upon all Securities which may mature or be called, redeemed, or retired, or otherwise become payable; |
(c) | Endorse for collection, in the name of the Fund, checks, drafts and other negotiable instruments; |
(d) | Surrender interim receipts or Securities in temporary form for Securities in definitive form; |
(e) | Execute, as custodian, any necessary declarations or certificates of ownership under the federal income tax laws or the laws or regulations of any other taxing authority now or |
10 |
|
hereafter in effect, and prepare and submit reports to the IRS and the Company at such time, in such manner and containing such information as is prescribed by the IRS; |
(f) | Hold for the Fund, either directly or, with respect to Securities held therein, through a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, all rights and similar Securities issued with respect to Securities of the Fund; and |
(g) | In general, and except as otherwise directed in Written Instructions, attend to all non-discretionary details in connection with the sale, exchange, substitution, purchase, transfer and other dealings with Securities and other assets of the Fund. |
3.09 Registration and Transfer of Securities . All Securities held for the Fund that are issued or issuable only in bearer form shall be held by the Custodian in that form, provided that any such Securities shall be held in a Book-Entry System if eligible therefor. All other Securities held for the Fund may be registered in the name of the Fund, the Custodian, a Sub-Custodian or any nominee thereof, or in the name of a Book-Entry System, Securities Depository or any nominee of either thereof. The records of the Custodian with respect to foreign securities of the Fund that are maintained with a Sub-Custodian in an account that is identified as belonging to the Custodian for the benefit of its customers shall identify those securities as belonging to the Fund. The Company shall furnish to the Custodian appropriate instruments to enable the Custodian to hold or deliver in proper form for transfer, or to register in the name of any of the nominees referred to above or in the name of a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, any Securities registered in the name of the Fund.
3.10 Records .
(a) | The Custodian shall maintain complete and accurate records with respect to Securities, cash or other property held for the Fund, including (i) journals or other records of original entry containing an itemized daily record in detail of all receipts and deliveries of Securities and all receipts and disbursements of cash; (ii) ledgers (or other records) reflecting (A) Securities in transfer, (B) Securities in physical possession, (C) monies and Securities borrowed and monies and Securities loaned (together with a record of the collateral therefor and substitutions of such collateral), (D) dividends and interest received, and (E) dividends receivable and interest receivable; (iii) canceled checks and bank records related thereto; and (iv) all records relating to its activities and obligations under this Agreement. The Custodian shall keep such other books and records of the Fund as the Company shall reasonably request, or as may be required by the 1940 Act, including, but not limited to, Section 31 of the 1940 Act and Rule 31a-2 promulgated thereunder. |
(b) | All such books and records maintained by the Custodian shall (i) be maintained in a form acceptable to the Company and in compliance with the rules and regulations of the SEC, (ii) be the property of the Company and at all times during the regular business hours of the Custodian be made available upon request for inspection by duly authorized officers, employees or agents of the Company and employees or agents of the SEC, and (iii) if required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act, be preserved for the periods prescribed in Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2 under the 1940 Act. |
11 |
|
3.11 Fund Reports by Custodian . The Custodian shall furnish the Company with a daily activity statement and a summary of all transfers to or from each Fund Custody Account on the day following such transfers. At least monthly, the Custodian shall furnish the Company with a detailed statement of the Securities and moneys held by the Custodian and the Sub-Custodians for the Fund under this Agreement.
3.12 Other Reports by Custodian . As the Company may reasonably request from time to time, the Custodian shall provide the Company with reports on the internal accounting controls and procedures for safeguarding Securities which are employed by the Custodian or any Sub-Custodian.
3.13 Proxies and Other Materials . The Custodian shall cause all proxies relating to Securities which are not registered in the name of the Fund to be promptly executed by the registered holder of such Securities, without indication of the manner in which such proxies are to be voted, and shall promptly deliver to the Company such proxies, all proxy soliciting materials and all notices relating to such Securities. With respect to the foreign Securities, the Custodian will use reasonable commercial efforts to facilitate the exercise of voting and other shareholder rights, subject to the laws, regulations and practical constraints that may exist in the country where such securities are issued. The Company acknowledges that local conditions, including lack of regulation, onerous procedural obligations, lack of notice and other factors may have the effect of severely limiting the ability of the Company to exercise shareholder rights.
3.14 Information on Corporate Actions . The Custodian shall promptly deliver to the Company all information received by the Custodian and pertaining to Securities being held by the Fund with respect to optional tender or exchange offers, calls for redemption or purchase, expiration of rights or similar transaction. If the Company desires to take action with respect to any tender offer, exchange offer or other similar transaction, the Company shall notify the Custodian at least three Business Days prior to the date on which the Custodian is to take such action. The Company will provide or cause to be provided to the Custodian all relevant information for any Security which has unique put/option provisions at least three Business Days prior to the beginning date of the tender period.
ARTICLE IV.
PURCHASE AND SALE OF INVESTMENTS OF THE FUND
4.01 Purchase of Securities . Promptly upon each purchase of Securities for the Fund, Written Instructions shall be delivered to the Custodian, specifying (i) the name of the issuer or writer of such Securities, and the title or other description thereof, (ii) the number of shares, principal amount (and accrued interest, if any) or other units purchased, (iii) the date of purchase and settlement, (iv) the purchase price per unit, (v) the total amount payable upon such purchase, and (vi) the name of the person to whom such amount is payable. The Custodian shall upon receipt of such Securities purchased by the Fund pay out of the moneys held for the account of the Fund the total amount specified in such Written Instructions to the person named therein. The Custodian shall not be under any obligation to pay out moneys to
12 |
|
cover the cost of a purchase of Securities for the Fund, if in the Fund Custody Account there is insufficient cash available to the Fund for which such purchase was made.
4.02 Liability for Payment in Advance of Receipt of Securities Purchased . In any and every case where payment for the purchase of Securities for the Fund is made by the Custodian in advance of receipt of the Securities purchased and in the absence of specified Written Instructions to so pay in advance, the Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for such payment.
4.03 Sale of Securities . Promptly upon each sale of Securities by the Fund, Written Instructions shall be delivered to the Custodian, specifying (i) the name of the issuer or writer of such Securities, and the title or other description thereof, (ii) the number of shares, principal amount (and accrued interest, if any), or other units sold, (iii) the date of sale and settlement, (iv) the sale price per unit, (v) the total amount payable upon such sale, and (vi) the person to whom such Securities are to be delivered. Upon receipt of the total amount payable to the Fund as specified in such Written Instructions, the Custodian shall deliver such Securities to the person specified in such Written Instructions. Subject to the foregoing, the Custodian may accept payment in such form as shall be satisfactory to it, and may deliver Securities and arrange for payment in accordance with the customs prevailing among dealers in Securities.
4.04 Delivery of Securities Sold . Notwithstanding Section 4.03 above or any other provision of this Agreement, the Custodian, when instructed by the Company to deliver Securities against payment, shall be entitled, if in accordance with generally accepted market practice, to deliver such Securities prior to actual receipt of final payment therefor. In any such case, the Fund shall bear the risk that final payment for such Securities may not be made or that such Securities may be returned or otherwise held or disposed of by or through the person to whom they were delivered, and the Custodian shall have no liability for any for the foregoing.
4.05 Payment for Securities Sold . In its sole discretion and from time to time, the Custodian may credit the Fund Custody Account, prior to actual receipt of final payment thereof, with (i) proceeds from the sale of Securities which it has been instructed to deliver against payment, (ii) proceeds from the redemption of Securities or other assets of the Fund, and (iii) income from cash, Securities or other assets of the Fund. Any such credit shall be conditional upon actual receipt by Custodian of final payment and may be reversed if final payment is not actually received in full. The Custodian may, in its sole discretion and from time to time, permit the Fund to use funds so credited to the Fund Custody Account in anticipation of actual receipt of final payment. Any such funds shall be repayable immediately upon demand made by the Custodian at any time prior to the actual receipt of all final payments in anticipation of which funds were credited to the Fund Custody Account.
4.06 Advances by Custodian for Settlement . The Custodian may, in its sole discretion and from time to time, advance funds to the Company to facilitate the settlement of a Fund’s transactions in the Fund Custody Account. Any such advance shall be repayable immediately upon demand made by Custodian.
13 |
|
ARTICLE V.
REDEMPTION OF FUND SHARES
5.01 Transfer of Funds . From such funds as may be available for the purpose in the relevant Fund Custody Account, and upon receipt of Written Instructions specifying that the funds are required to redeem Shares of the Fund, the Custodian shall wire each amount specified in such Written Instructions to or through such bank or broker-dealer as the Company may designate.
5.02 No Duty Regarding Paying Banks . Once the Custodian has wired amounts to a bank or broker-dealer pursuant to Section 5.01 above, the Custodian shall not be under any obligation to effect any further payment or distribution by such bank or broker-dealer.
ARTICLE VI.
SEGREGATED ACCOUNTS
Upon receipt of Written Instructions, the Custodian shall establish and maintain a segregated account or accounts for and on behalf of the Fund, into which account or accounts may be transferred cash and/or Securities, including Securities maintained in a Depository Account:
(a) | in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Company, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the 1934 Act and a member of FINRA (or any futures commission merchant registered under the Commodity Exchange Act), relating to compliance with the rules of the Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered national securities exchange (or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission or any registered contract market), or of any similar organization or organizations, regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection with transactions by the Fund; |
(b) | for purposes of segregating cash or Securities in connection with securities options purchased or written by the Fund or in connection with financial futures contracts (or options thereon) purchased or sold by the Fund; |
(c) | which constitute collateral for loans of Securities made by the Fund; |
(d) | for purposes of compliance by the Fund with requirements under the 1940 Act for the maintenance of segregated accounts by registered investment companies in connection with reverse repurchase agreements and when-issued, delayed delivery and firm commitment transactions; and |
(e) | for other proper corporate purposes, but only upon receipt of Written Instructions, setting forth the purpose or purposes of such segregated account and declaring such purposes to be proper corporate purposes. |
Each segregated account established under this Article VI shall be established and maintained for the Fund only. All Written Instructions relating to a segregated account shall specify the Fund.
14 |
|
ARTICLE VII.
COMPENSATION OF CUSTODIAN
7.01 Compensation . The Custodian shall be compensated for providing the services set forth in this Agreement in accordance with the fee schedule set forth on Exhibit C hereto (as amended from time to time). The Custodian shall also be reimbursed for such miscellaneous expenses (e.g., telecommunication charges, postage and delivery charges, and reproduction charges) as are reasonably incurred by the Custodian in performing its duties hereunder. The Company shall pay all such fees and reimbursable expenses within 30 calendar days following receipt of the billing notice, except for any fee or expense subject to a good faith dispute. The Company shall notify the Custodian in writing within 30 calendar days following receipt of each invoice if the Company is disputing any amounts in good faith. The Company shall pay such disputed amounts within 10 calendar days of the day on which the parties agree to the amount to be paid. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, amounts owed by the Company to the Custodian shall only be paid out of the assets and property of the particular Fund involved.
7.02 Overdrafts . The Company is responsible for maintaining an appropriate level of short term cash investments to accommodate cash outflows. The Company may obtain a formal line of credit for potential overdrafts of its custody account. In the event of an overdraft or in the event the line of credit is insufficient to cover an overdraft, the overdraft amount or the overdraft amount that exceeds the line of credit will be charged in accordance with the fee schedule set forth on Exhibit C hereto (as amended from time to time).
ARTICLE VIII.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
8.01 Representations and Warranties of the Company . The Company hereby represents and warrants to the Custodian, which representations and warranties shall be deemed to be continuing throughout the term of this Agreement, that:
(a) | It is duly organized and existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, with full power to carry on its business as now conducted, to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder; |
(b) | This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company in accordance with all requisite action and constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Company, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and secured parties; and |
(c) | It is conducting its business in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal, and has obtained all regulatory approvals necessary to carry on its business as now conducted; there is no statute, rule, regulation, order or judgment binding on it and no provision of its charter, bylaws or any contract |
15 |
|
binding it or affecting its property which would prohibit its execution or performance of this Agreement.
8.02 Representations and Warranties of the Custodian . The Custodian hereby represents and warrants to the Company, which representations and warranties shall be deemed to be continuing throughout the term of this Agreement, that:
(a) | It is duly organized and existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, with full power to carry on its business as now conducted, to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder; |
(b) | It is a U.S. Bank as defined in section (a)(7) of Rule 17f-5. |
(c) | This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Custodian in accordance with all requisite action and constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Custodian, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and secured parties; and |
(d) | It is conducting its business in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal, and has obtained all regulatory approvals necessary to carry on its business as now conducted; there is no statute, rule, regulation, order or judgment binding on it and no provision of its charter, bylaws or any contract binding it or affecting its property which would prohibit its execution or performance of this Agreement. |
ARTICLE IX.
CONCERNING THE CUSTODIAN
9.01 Standard of Care . The Custodian shall exercise reasonable care in the performance of its duties under this Agreement. The Custodian shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Company in connection with its duties under this Agreement, except a loss arising out of or relating to the Custodian’s (or a Sub-Custodian’s) refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement (or any sub-custody agreement) or from its (or a Sub-Custodian’s) bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties under this Agreement (or any sub-custody agreement). The Custodian shall be entitled to rely on and may act upon advice of counsel on all matters, and shall be without liability for any action reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to such advice, provided that the action or inaction is consistent with Custodian’s rights and responsibilities hereunder. The Custodian shall promptly notify the Company of any action taken or omitted by the Custodian pursuant to advice of counsel.
9.02 Actual Collection Required . The Custodian shall not be liable for, or considered to be the custodian of, any cash belonging to the Fund or any money represented by a check, draft or other instrument for the payment of money, until the Custodian or its agents actually receive such cash or collect on such instrument.
16 |
|
9.03 No Responsibility for Title, etc. So long as and to the extent that it is in the exercise of reasonable care, the Custodian shall not be responsible for the title, validity or genuineness of any property or evidence of title thereto received or delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement.
9.04 Limitation on Duty to Collect . Custodian shall not be required to enforce collection, by legal means or otherwise, of any money or property due and payable with respect to Securities held for the Fund if such Securities are in default or payment is not made after due demand or presentation.
9.05 Reliance Upon Documents and Instructions . The Custodian shall be entitled to rely upon any certificate, notice or other instrument in writing received by it and reasonably believed by it to be genuine. The Custodian shall be entitled to rely upon any Written Instructions actually received by it pursuant to this Agreement.
9.06 Cooperation .
(a) | The Custodian shall cooperate with and supply necessary information to the entity or entities appointed by the Company to keep the books of account of the Fund and/or compute the value of the assets of the Fund. The Custodian shall take all such reasonable actions as the Company may from time to time request to enable the Company to obtain, from year to year, favorable opinions from the Company’s independent accountants with respect to the Custodian’s activities hereunder in connection with (i) the preparation of the Company’s reports on Form N-1A and Form N-SAR and any other reports required by the SEC, and (ii) the fulfillment by the Company of any other requirements of the SEC. |
(b) | The Custodian shall perform its duties hereunder in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and provide any sub-certifications reasonably requested by the Company in connection with any certification required by the Company pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 or any rules or regulations promulgated by the SEC thereunder, provided the same shall not be deemed to change the Custodian’s standard of care set forth herein. |
(c) | In order to assist the Company in satisfying the requirements of Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act (the “Rule”), the Custodian will provide the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer with reasonable access to the Custodian’s personnel and records relating to the services provided by it under this Agreement, and will provide quarterly compliance reports and related certifications regarding any Materials Compliance Matter (as defined in the Rule) involving the Custodian that affect or could affect the Trust. |
ARTICLE X.
INDEMNIFICATION
10.01 Indemnification by Company . The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless the Custodian, any Sub-Custodian and any nominee thereof (each, an “Indemnified Party” and collectively, the “Indemnified Parties”) from and against any and all claims, demands, losses, expenses and liabilities of any and every nature (including reasonable attorneys’ fees)
17 |
|
that an Indemnified Party may sustain or incur or that may be asserted against an Indemnified Party by any person arising directly or indirectly (i) from the fact that Securities are registered in the name of any such nominee, (ii) from any action taken or omitted to be taken by the Custodian or such Sub-Custodian (a) at the request or direction of or in reliance on the advice of the Company, or (b) upon Written Instructions, or (iii) from the performance of its obligations under this Agreement or any sub-custody agreement, provided that neither the Custodian nor any such Sub-Custodian shall be indemnified and held harmless from and against any such claim, demand, loss, expense or liability arising out of or relating to its refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement (or any sub-custody agreement), or from its bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties under this Agreement (or any sub-custody agreement). This indemnity shall be a continuing obligation of the Company, its successors and assigns, notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement. As used in this paragraph, the terms “Custodian” and “Sub-Custodian” shall include their respective directors, officers and employees.
10.02 Indemnification by Custodian . The Custodian shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company from and against any and all claims, demands, losses, expenses, and liabilities of any and every nature (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) that the Company may sustain or incur or that may be asserted against the Company by any person arising directly or indirectly out of any action taken or omitted to be taken by an Indemnified Party as a result of the Indemnified Party’s refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement (or any sub-custody agreement), or from its bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties under this Agreement (or any sub-custody agreement). This indemnity shall be a continuing obligation of the Custodian, its successors and assigns, notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement. As used in this paragraph, the term “Company” shall include the Company’s directors, officers and employees.
10.03 Security . If the Custodian advances cash or Securities to the Fund for any purpose, either at the Company’s request or as otherwise contemplated in this Agreement, or in the event that the Custodian or its nominee incurs, in connection with its performance under this Agreement, any claim, demand, loss, expense or liability (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) (except such as may arise from its or its nominee’s bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct), then, in any such event, any property at any time held for the account of the Fund shall be security therefor, and should the Fund fail promptly to repay or indemnify the Custodian, the Custodian shall be entitled to utilize available cash of such Fund and to dispose of other assets of such Fund to the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement or indemnification.
10.04 Miscellaneous.
(a) | Neither party to this Agreement shall be liable to the other party for consequential, special or punitive damages under any provision of this Agreement. |
(b) | The Company is a series company, and each Fund is a separate and distinct series of the Company. As such, the debts, liabilities, obligations and expenses incurred, contracted for or otherwise existing as a result of this Agreement with respect to the Company shall |
18 |
|
be enforceable against the assets of each Fund separately, and not against the assets of the Company generally or the assets of any other Fund or portfolio or series of the Company.
(c) | The indemnity provisions of this Article shall indefinitely survive the termination and/or assignment of this Agreement. |
(d) | In order that the indemnification provisions contained in this Article X shall apply, it is understood that if in any case the indemnitor may be asked to indemnify or hold the indemnitee harmless, the indemnitor shall be fully and promptly advised of all pertinent facts concerning the situation in question, and it is further understood that the indemnitee will use all reasonable care to notify the indemnitor promptly concerning any situation that presents or appears likely to present the probability of a claim for indemnification and will keep the indemnitor advised with respect to all developments concerning such claim. The indemnitor shall be entitled to participate at its own expense in the defense, or if it so elects, to assume the defense of any claim that may be the subject of this indemnification, but if the indemnitor elects to assume the defense, such defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by the indemnitor and approved by the indemnitee, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. In the event the indemnitor elects to assume the defense of any such suit and retain such counsel, the indemnitee in such suit shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by them. If the indemnitor does not elect to assume the counsel cannot effectively represent the interests of both the indemnitor and the indemnitee defense of any such suit, or in case the indemnitee does not, in the exercise of reasonable judgment, approve of counsel chosen by the indemnitor, or if under prevailing law or legal codes of ethics, the same, the indemnitor will reimburse the indemnitee for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by them. |
ARTICLE XI.
FORCE MAJEURE
Neither the Custodian nor the Company shall be liable for any failure or delay in performance of its obligations under this Agreement arising out of or caused, directly or indirectly, by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including, without limitation, acts of God; earthquakes; fires; floods; wars; civil or military disturbances; acts of terrorism; sabotage; strikes; epidemics; riots; power failures; computer failure and any such circumstances beyond its reasonable control as may cause interruption, loss or malfunction of utility, transportation, computer (hardware or software) or telephone communication service; accidents; labor disputes; acts of civil or military authority; governmental actions; or inability to obtain labor, material, equipment or transportation; provided, however, that in the event of a failure or delay, the Custodian (i) shall not discriminate against the Fund in favor of any other customer of the Custodian in making computer time and personnel available to input or process the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and (ii) shall use its best efforts to ameliorate the effects of any such failure or delay.
19 |
|
ARTICLE XII.
PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
12.01 The Custodian agrees on behalf of itself and its directors, officers, and employees to treat confidentially and as proprietary information of the Company, all records and other information relative to the Company and prior, present, or potential shareholders of the Company (and clients of said shareholders), and not to use such records and information for any purpose other than the performance of its responsibilities and duties hereunder, except (i) after prior notification to and approval in writing by the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld and may not be withheld where the Custodian may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt proceedings for failure to comply, (ii) when requested to divulge such information by duly constituted authorities although the Custodian will promptly report such disclosure to the Company if disclosure is permitted by applicable law and regulation, or (iii) when so requested by the Company. Records and other information which have become known to the public through no wrongful act of the Custodian or any of its employees, agents or representatives, and information that was already in the possession of the Custodian prior to receipt thereof from the Company or its agent, shall not be subject to this paragraph.
12.02 Further, the Custodian will adhere to the privacy policies adopted by the Company pursuant to Title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, as may be modified from time to time. In this regard, the Custodian shall have in place and maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards reasonably designed to protect the security, confidentiality and integrity of, and to prevent unauthorized access to or use of, records and information relating to the Company and its shareholders and shall comply with the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and any state laws concerning privacy.
ARTICLE XIII.
EFFECTIVE PERIOD; TERMINATION
13.01 Effective Period . This Agreement shall become effective as of the date first written above and will continue in effect for a period of three (3) years.
13.02 Termination . This Subsequent to the end of the three (3) year period, this Agreement continues until one party gives 90 days prior written notice to the other party or such shorter notice period as is mutually agreed upon by the parties. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement may be terminated by any party upon the breach of the other party of any material term of this Agreement if such breach is not cured within 15 days of notice of such breach to the breaching party. However, this cure period only applies to the first two such breaches of the same material term of this Agreement. Either party may terminate this Agreement after the third such breach of the same material term of this Agreement. In addition, the Company may, at any time, immediately terminate this Agreement in the event of the appointment of a conservator or receiver for the Custodian by regulatory authorities or
20 |
|
upon the happening of a like event at the direction of an appropriate regulatory agency or court of competent jurisdiction or upon its “assignment” as defined under the 1940 Act.
13.03 Appointment of Successor Custodian . If a successor custodian shall have been appointed by the Board of Directors, the Custodian shall, upon receipt of a notice of acceptance by the successor custodian, on such specified date of termination (i) deliver directly to the successor custodian all Securities (other than Securities held in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository) and cash then owned by the Fund and held by the Custodian as custodian, and (ii) transfer any Securities held in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository to an account of or for the benefit of the Fund at the successor custodian, provided that the Company shall have paid to the Custodian all fees, expenses and other amounts to the payment or reimbursement of which it shall then be entitled. In addition, the Custodian shall, at the expense of the Company, transfer to such successor all relevant books, records, correspondence, and other data established or maintained by the Custodian under this Agreement in a form reasonably acceptable to the Company (if such form differs from the form in which the Custodian has maintained the same, the Company shall pay any expenses associated with transferring the data to such form), and will cooperate in the transfer of such duties and responsibilities, including provision for assistance from the Custodian’s personnel in the establishment of books, records, and other data by such successor. Upon such delivery and transfer, the Custodian shall be relieved of all obligations under this Agreement.
13.04 Failure to Appoint Successor Custodian . If a successor custodian is not designated by the Company on or before the date of termination of this Agreement, then the Custodian shall have the right to deliver to a bank or trust company of its own selection, which bank or trust company (i) is a “bank” as defined in the 1940 Act, and (ii) has aggregate capital, surplus and undivided profits as shown on its most recent published report of not less than $25 million, all Securities, cash and other property held by Custodian under this Agreement and to transfer to an account of or for the Fund at such bank or trust company all Securities of the Fund held in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository. Upon such delivery and transfer, such bank or trust company shall be the successor custodian under this Agreement and the Custodian shall be relieved of all obligations under this Agreement. In addition, under these circumstances, all books, records and other data of the Company shall be returned to the Company.
ARTICLE XIV.
CLASS ACTIONS
The Custodian shall use its best efforts to identify and file claims for the Fund(s) involving any class action litigation that impacts any security the Fund(s) may have held during the class period. The Company agrees that the Custodian may file such claims on its behalf and understands that it may be waiving and/or releasing certain rights to make claims or otherwise pursue class action defendants who settle their claims. Further, the Company acknowledges that there is no guarantee these claims will result in any payment or partial payment of potential class action proceeds and that the timing of such payment, if any, is uncertain.
21 |
|
However, the Company may instruct the Custodian to distribute class action notices and other relevant documentation to the Fund(s) or its designee and, if it so elects, will relieve the Custodian from any and all liability and responsibility for filing class action claims on behalf of the Fund(s).
In the event the Fund(s) are closed, the Custodian shall only file the class action claims upon written instructions by an authorized representative of the closed Fund(s). Any reasonable expenses associated with such filing will be assessed against the proceeds received of any class action settlement.
ARTICLE XV.
MISCELLANEOUS
15.01 Compliance with Laws . The Company has and retains primary responsibility for all compliance matters relating to the Fund, including but not limited to compliance with the 1940 Act, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the USA Patriot Act of 2001 and the policies and limitations of the Fund relating to its portfolio investments as set forth in its Prospectus and statement of additional information. The Custodian’s services hereunder shall not relieve the Company of its responsibilities for assuring such compliance or the Board of Directors’ oversight responsibility with respect thereto. The provisions in this section shall not have any affect upon the services the Custodian is required to provide or the standard of care and liability the Custodian has set forth in Section 9.01 of this Agreement.
15.02 Amendment . This Agreement may not be amended or modified in any manner except by written agreement executed by the Custodian and the Company, and authorized or approved by the Board of Directors.
15.03 Assignment . This Agreement shall extend to and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns; provided, however, that this Agreement shall not be assignable by the Company without the written consent of the Custodian, or by the Custodian without the written consent of the Company accompanied by the authorization or approval of the Board of Directors.
15.04 Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflicts of law principles. To the extent that the applicable laws of the State of Delaware, or any of the provisions herein, conflict with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control, and nothing herein shall be construed in a manner inconsistent with the 1940 Act or any rule or order of the SEC thereunder.
15.05 No Agency Relationship . Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize or empower either party to act as agent for the other party to this Agreement, or to conduct business in the name, or for the account, of the other party to this Agreement.
15.06 Services Not Exclusive . Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the Custodian from providing services to other parties that are similar or identical to some or all of the services provided hereunder.
22 |
|
15.07 Invalidity. Any provision of this Agreement which may be determined by competent authority to be prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. In such case, the parties shall in good faith modify or substitute such provision consistent with the original intent of the parties.
15.08 Notices . Any notice required or permitted to be given by either party to the other shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given on the date delivered personally or by courier service, or three days after sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or on the date sent and confirmed received by facsimile transmission to the other party’s address set forth below:
Notice to the Custodian shall be sent to:
U.S Bank, N.A.
1555 N. Rivercenter Dr., MK-WI-S302
Milwaukee, WI 53212
Attn: Tom Fuller
Phone: 414-905-6118
Fax: 866-350-5066
and notice to the Company shall be sent to:
The RBB Fund, Inc.
c/o Vigilant Compliance Services
Brandywine Two 5 Christy Drive, Suite 208
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Attn: Salvatore Faia, JD,
With copy to:
Michael P. Malloy
Drinker, Biddle & Reath, LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA, 19103
and notice to the Fund’s investment adviser shall be sent to :
Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC
2000 Duke Street, Suite 175
Alexandria, VA 22314
Attn : President
15.09 Multiple Originals . This Agreement may be executed on two or more counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
15.10 No Waiver . No failure by either party hereto to exercise, and no delay by such party in exercising, any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof. The exercise by either party
23 |
|
hereto of any right hereunder shall not preclude the exercise of any other right, and the remedies provided herein are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided at law or in equity.
15.11 Rights and Obligations of Each Fund . No Fund shall receive any rights or have any liabilities arising from any action or inaction of any other Fund of the Company under this Agreement.
15.12 References to Custodian . The Company shall not circulate any printed matter which contains any reference to Custodian without the prior written approval of Custodian, excepting printed matter contained in the Prospectus or statement of additional information for the Fund and such other printed matter as merely identifies Custodian as custodian for the Fund. The Company shall submit printed matter requiring approval to Custodian in draft form, allowing sufficient time for review by Custodian and its counsel prior to any deadline for printing.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by a duly authorized officer on one or more counterparts as of the date last written below.
The RBB Fund, Inc | U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION | ||
By: | /s/ James G. Shaw | By: | Joseph Neuberger | ||
Name: | James G. Shaw | Name: Joseph Neuberger | |
Title: | CFO/Treasurer & Secretary | Title: Executive Vice President | |
Date: 1/29/2018 | Date: 1/29/18 |
24 |
|
EXHIBIT A
AUTHORIZED PERSONS
Set forth below are the names and specimen signatures of the persons authorized by the Company to administer the Fund Custody Accounts.
Name | Telephone/Fax Number | Signature | ||
25 |
|
EXHIBIT B to the Custody Agreement
Series of The RBB Fund, Inc
Motley Fool 100 Index ETF
26 |
|
EXHIBIT C to the Custody Agreement
[ ]
27 |
|
EXHIBIT D
SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS ACT AUTHORIZATION
The RBB Fund, Inc.
The Shareholder Communications Act of 1985 requires banks and trust companies to make an effort to permit direct communication between a company which issues securities and the shareholder who votes those securities.
Unless you specifically require us to NOT release your name and address to requesting companies, we are required by law to disclose your name and address.
Your “yes” or “no” to disclosure will apply to all securities U.S. Bank holds for you now and in the future, unless you change your mind and notify us in writing.
___x___ YES | U.S. Bank is authorized to provide the Company’s name, address and security position to requesting companies whose stock is owned by the Company. | |
______ NO | U.S. Bank is NOT authorized to provide the Company’s name, address and security position to requesting companies whose stock is owned by the Company. |
The RBB Fund, Inc.
By: |
Title: |
Date: |
28 |
Exhibit (h)(9)
THIRD AMENDMENT TO THE
FUND ACCOUNTING SERVICING AGREEMENT
THIS THIRD AMENDMENT, effective as of August 23, 2017, to the Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2016, as amended (the “Agreement”), is entered into by and between THE RBB FUND, INC., a Maryland corporation, (the “Company”) and U.S. BANCORP FUND SERVICES, LLC, a Wisconsin limited liability company (“USBFS”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the parties have entered into the Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Company and USBFS desire to amend the series of the Company to add a new Fund; and
WHEREAS, Section 13 of the Agreement provides that the Agreement may be amended by written agreement executed by both parties, and authorized or approved by the Board of Directors of the Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree to amend and restate Exhibit D of the Agreement for the purposes of adding the Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund to the Agreement. Exhibit D of the Agreement is hereby replaced with Exhibit D attached hereto.
Except to the extent amended hereby, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Third Amendment to be executed by a duly authorized officer on one or more counterparts as of the date and year first written above.
THE RBB FUND, INC. | U.S. BANCORP FUND SERVICES, LLC | ||||||
By: | /s/ Salvatore Faia | By: | /s/ Anita M. Zagrodnik | ||||
Printed Name: Salvatore Faia | Printed Name: Anita M. Zagrodnik | ||||||
Title: President | Title: Senior VP |
|
Exhibit D to the Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement – The RBB Fund, Inc.
Fund Names
Funds with Fee Schedule Exhibit I
Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short fund
Boston Partners Global Equity Fund
Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund
Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund
Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund
Boston Partners Small Cap Value II Fund
WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund
Exhibit (h)(10)
FOURTH AMENDMENT TO THE
FUND ACCOUNTING SERVICING AGREEMENT
THIS FOURTH AMENDMENT, effective as of December 1, 2017, to the Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2016, as amended (the “Agreement”), is entered into by and between THE RBB FUND, INC., a Maryland corporation, (the “Company”) and U.S. BANCORP FUND SERVICES, LLC, a Wisconsin limited liability company (“USBFS”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the parties have entered into the Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Company and USBFS desire to amend the series of the Company to add a new Fund; and
WHEREAS, Section 13 of the Agreement provides that the Agreement may be amended by written agreement executed by both parties, and authorized or approved by the Board of Directors of the Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree to amend the Agreement by adding Exhibit L attached hereto for the purposes of adding the following series of The RBB Fund, Inc. to the Agreement:
Motley Fool Independence Fund
Motley Fool Great America Fund
Motley Fool Emerging Market Fund
Except to the extent amended hereby, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be executed by a duly authorized officer on one or more counterparts as of the date and year first written above.
THE RBB Fund, Inc. | U.S. BANCORP FUND SERVICES, LLC | ||||
By: | /s/ Salvatore Faia | By: | /s/ Joseph Neuberger | ||
Printed Name: Salvatore Faia | Printed Name: Joseph Neuberger | ||||
Title: President | Title: President |
|
Exhibit L to the Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement – The RBB Fund, Inc.
Fund Names (Exhibit I fee schedule applies)
Motley Fool Independence Fund
Motley Fool Great America Fund
Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund
Exhibit (h)(11)
FUND ACCOUNTING SERVICING AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made by and between THE RBB FUND, INC., a Maryland corporation, (the “Company”) and U.S. BANCORP FUND SERVICES, LLC , a Wisconsin limited liability company (“Fund Services”).
WHEREAS, the Company is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) as an open-end management investment company; and is authorized to issue shares of beneficial interest in separate series, with each such series representing interests in a separate portfolio of securities and other assets;
WHEREAS, Fund Services is, among other things, in the business of providing fund accounting services to investment companies; and
WHEREAS, the Company desires to retain Fund Services to provide accounting services to each series of the Company listed on Exhibit A attached hereto (as amended from time to time) (each, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”) the services described herein, all as more fully set forth below, and Fund Services desires to provide such services to the Company and the Funds;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and mutual covenants herein contained, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, do hereby agree as follows:
1. Appointment of Fund Services as Fund Accountant
The Company hereby appoints Fund Services as fund accountant of the Company for the term of this Agreement to perform the services and duties described herein. Fund Services hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to perform the services and duties set forth in this Agreement. The services and duties of Fund Services shall be confined to those matters expressly set forth herein, and no implied duties are assumed by or may be asserted against Fund Services hereunder.
2. Services and Duties of Fund Services
Fund Services shall provide the following accounting services to the Company and each Fund:
A. | Portfolio Accounting Services: |
(1) | Maintain portfolio records on a trade date+1 basis using security trade information communicated from the Fund’s investment adviser. |
1 |
|
(2) | For each valuation date (with “valuation date” meaning the time at which a Fund’s net asset value is determined), obtain prices from pricing sources approved by the board of directors of the Company (the “Board of Directors”) and apply those prices to the portfolio positions. For those securities where market quotations are not readily available, the Board of Directors shall approve, in good faith, procedures for determining the fair value for such securities. |
(3) | Identify interest and dividend accrual balances as of each valuation date and calculate gross earnings on investments for each accounting period. |
(4) | Determine gain/loss on security sales and identify them as short-term or long-term; account for periodic distributions of gains or losses to shareholders and maintain undistributed gain or loss balances as of each valuation date. |
(5) | On a daily basis, reconcile cash of the Fund with the Fund’s custodian. |
(6) | As necessary, reconcile holdings and positions of the Fund with the Fund’s custodian. |
(7) | Transmit a copy of the portfolio valuation to the Fund’s investment adviser daily. |
(8) | Review the impact of current day’s activity on a per share basis, and review changes in market value. |
B. | Expense Accrual and Payment Services: |
(1) | For each valuation date, calculate the expense accrual amounts as directed by the Company as to methodology, rate or dollar amount. |
(2) | Process and record payments for Fund expenses upon receipt of written authorization from the Company. |
(3) | Account for Fund expenditures and maintain expense accrual balances at the level of accounting detail, as agreed upon by Fund Services and the Company. |
(4) | Provide expense accrual and payment reporting. |
2 |
|
C. | Fund Valuation and Financial Reporting Services: |
(1) | Account for Fund share purchases, sales, exchanges, transfers, dividend reinvestments, and other Fund share activity as reported by the Fund’s transfer agent on a timely basis. |
(2) | Determine net investment income (earnings) for the Fund as of each valuation date. Account for periodic distributions of earnings to shareholders and maintain undistributed net investment income balances as of each valuation date. |
(3) | Maintain a general ledger and other accounts, books, and financial records for the Fund in the form as agreed upon between the parties. |
(4) | Determine the net asset value of the Fund according to the accounting policies and procedures set forth in the Fund’s current prospectus and statement of additional information. |
(5) | Calculate per share net asset value, per share net earnings, and other per share amounts reflective of Fund operations at such time as required by the nature and characteristics of the Fund. |
(6) | Communicate to the Company, at an agreed upon time, the per share net asset value for each valuation date. |
(7) | Report the per share net asset value for each valuation date to each Fund’s respective listing exchange and any other relevant reports to such listing exchange as agreed upon with the Company. |
(8) | Prepare monthly reports that document the adequacy of accounting detail to support month-end ledger balances. |
(9) | Prepare monthly security transactions listings. |
D. | Tax Accounting Services: |
(1) | Maintain accounting records for the investment portfolio of the Fund to support the tax reporting required for “regulated investment companies” under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). |
3 |
|
(2) | Maintain tax lot detail for the Fund’s investment portfolio. |
(3) | Calculate taxable gain/loss on security sales using the tax lot relief method designated by the Company. |
(4) | Provide the necessary financial information to calculate the taxable components of income and capital gains distributions to support tax reporting to the shareholders. |
E. | Compliance Control Services: |
(1) | Support reporting to regulatory bodies and support financial statement preparation by providing accounting information as reasonably requested by the Company and making the Fund’s accounting records available to the Company, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and the independent accountants. |
(2) | Maintain accounting records according to the 1940 Act and regulations provided thereunder. |
(3) | Perform its duties hereunder in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and provide any sub-certifications reasonably requested by the Company in connection with any certification required of the Company pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “SOX Act”) or any rules or regulations promulgated by the SEC thereunder, provided the same shall not be deemed to change Fund Services’ standard of care as set forth herein. |
(4) | Cooperate with the Company’s independent accountants and take all reasonable action in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement to ensure that the necessary information is made available to such accountants for the expression of their opinion on the Fund’s financial statements without any qualification as to the scope of their examination. |
3. | License of Data; Warranty; Termination of Rights | ||
A. | The valuation information and evaluations being provided to the Company by Fund Services pursuant hereto (collectively, the “Data”) are being licensed, not sold, to the Company. The Company has a limited license to use the Data only for purposes necessary to valuing the Company’s assets and reporting to regulatory bodies (the “License”). The Company does not have |
4 |
|
any license nor right to use the Data for purposes beyond the intentions of this Agreement including, but not limited to, resale to other users or use to create any type of historical database. The License is non-transferable and not sub-licensable. The Company’s right to use the Data cannot be passed to or shared with any other entity. | |||
The Company acknowledges the proprietary rights that Fund Services and its suppliers have in the Data. |
B. | THE COMPANY HEREBY ACCEPTS THE DATA AS IS, WHERE IS, WITH NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE OR ANY OTHER MATTER. The provisions in this section shall not have any affect upon the services Fund Services is required to provide or the standard of care and liability Fund Services has set forther in Section 9 of this Agreement. |
C. | Fund Services may use different suppliers to provide Data to the Company if Fund Services’ suppliers terminate any agreement to provide Data to Fund Services. Also, Fund Services may stop supplying some or all Data to the Company if Fund Services reasonably believes that the Company is using the Data in violation of the License, or breaching its duties of confidentiality provided for hereunder, or if any of Fund Services’ suppliers demand that the Data be withheld from the Company. Fund Services will provide notice to the Company prior to any termination of provision of Data as soon as reasonably possible. |
4. | Pricing of Securities | ||
A. | For each valuation date, Fund Services shall obtain prices from a pricing source recommended by Fund Services and approved by the Board of Directors and apply those prices to the portfolio positions of the Fund. For those securities where market quotations are not readily available, the Board of Directors shall approve, in good faith, procedures for determining the fair value for such securities. | ||
If the Company desires to provide a price that varies from the price provided by the pricing source, the Company shall promptly notify and supply Fund Services with the price of any such security on each valuation date. All pricing changes made by the Company will be in writing and must specifically identify the securities to be changed by CUSIP, name of security, new price or rate to be applied, and, if applicable, the time period for which the new price(s) is/are effective. |
5 |
|
B. | In the event that the Company at any time receives Data containing evaluations, rather than market quotations, for certain securities or certain other data related to such securities, the following provisions will apply: (i) evaluated securities are typically complicated financial instruments. There are many methodologies (including computer-based analytical modeling and individual security evaluations) available to generate approximations of the market value of such securities, and there is significant professional disagreement about which method is best. No evaluation method, including those used by Fund Services and its suppliers of pricing data, may consistently generate approximations that correspond to actual “traded” prices of the securities; (ii) methodologies used to provide the pricing portion of certain Data may rely on evaluations; however, the Company acknowledges that there may be errors or defects in the software, databases, or methodologies generating the evaluations that may cause resultant evaluations to be inappropriate for use in certain applications; and (iii) the Company assumes all responsibility for edit checking, external verification of evaluations, and ultimately the appropriateness of using Data containing evaluations, regardless of any efforts made by Fund Services and its suppliers in this respect. The provisions in this section shall not have any affect upon the services Fund Services is required to provide or the standard of care and liability Fund Services has set forth in Section 9 of this Agreement. |
5. | Changes in Accounting Procedures |
Any resolution passed by the Board of Directors that affects accounting practices and procedures under this Agreement shall be effective upon written receipt of notice by Fund Services of such changes.
6. | Changes in Equipment, Systems, Etc. |
Fund Services reserves the right to make changes from time to time, as it deems advisable, relating to its systems, programs, rules, operating schedules and equipment, so long as such changes do not adversely affect the services provided to the Company under this Agreement.
7. | Compensation |
Fund Services shall be compensated for providing the services set forth in this Agreement in accordance with the fee schedule set forth on Exhibit B attached hereto (as amended from time to time). Fund Services shall also be reimbursed for such miscellaneous expenses (e.g., telecommunication charges, postage and delivery charges, and reproduction charges) as are
6 |
|
reasonably incurred by Fund Services in performing its duties hereunder. The Company shall pay all such fees and reimbursable expenses within thirty (30) calendar days following receipt of the monthly billing notice, except for any fee or expense subject to a good faith dispute. The Company shall notify Fund Services in writing within thirty (30) calendar days following receipt of each invoice if the Company is disputing any amounts in good faith. The Company shall pay such disputed amounts within ten (10) calendar days of the day on which the parties agree to the amount to be paid. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, amounts owed by the Company to Fund Services shall only be paid out of the assets and property of the particular Fund involved.
8. | Representations and Warranties |
A. The Company hereby represents and warrants to Fund Services, which representations and warranties shall be deemed to be continuing throughout the term of this Agreement, that: |
(1) It is duly organized and existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, with full power to carry on its business as now conducted, to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder;
(2) This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company in accordance with all requisite action and constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Company, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and secured parties; and
(3) It is conducting its business in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal, and has obtained all regulatory approvals necessary to carry on its business as now conducted; there is no statute, rule, regulation, order or judgment binding on it and no provision of its charter, bylaws or any contract binding it or affecting its property which would prohibit its execution or performance of this Agreement.
B. | Fund Services hereby represents and warrants to the Company, which representations and warranties shall be deemed to be continuing throughout the term of this Agreement, that: |
(1) It is duly organized and existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, with full power to carry on its
7 |
|
business as now conducted, to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder;
(2) This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Fund Services in accordance with all requisite action and constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of Fund Services, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and secured parties; and
(3) It is conducting its business in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal, and has obtained all regulatory approvals necessary to carry on its business as now conducted; there is no statute, rule, regulation, order or judgment binding on it and no provision of its charter, bylaws or any contract binding it or affecting its property which would prohibit its execution or performance of this Agreement.
9. | Standard of Care; Indemnification; Limitation of Liability |
A. | Fund Services shall exercise reasonable care in the performance of its duties under this Agreement. Neither Fund Services nor its suppliers shall be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Company or any third party in connection with its duties under this Agreement, including losses resulting from mechanical breakdowns or the failure of communication or power supplies beyond Fund Services’ control, except a loss arising out of or relating to Fund Services’ refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement or from its bad faith, negligence, or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties under this Agreement. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if Fund Services has exercised reasonable care in the performance of its duties under this Agreement, the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Fund Services and its suppliers from and against any and all claims, demands, losses, expenses, and liabilities of any and every nature (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) that Fund Services or its suppliers may sustain or incur or that may be asserted against Fund Services or its suppliers by any person arising out of or related to (X) any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in performing the services hereunder (i) in accordance with the foregoing standards, or (ii) in reliance upon any written instruction provided to Fund Services by any duly authorized officer of the Company (other than an officer of the Company employed by Fund Services), as approved by the Board of Directors of the Company, or (Y) the Data, or any |
8 |
|
information, service, report, analysis or publication derived therefrom, except for any and all claims, demands, losses, expenses, and liabilities arising out of or relating to Fund Services’ refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement or from its bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties under this Agreement. This indemnity shall be a continuing obligation of the Company, its successors and assigns, notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement. As used in this paragraph, the term “Fund Services” shall include Fund Services’ directors, officers and employees.
The Company acknowledges that the Data are intended for use as an aid to institutional investors, registered brokers or professionals of similar sophistication in making informed judgments concerning securities. The Company accepts responsibility for, and acknowledges it exercises its own independent judgment in, its selection of the Data, its selection of the use or intended use of such, and any results obtained. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to be a waiver of any rights existing under applicable law for the protection of investors. The provisions in this section shall not have any affect upon the services Fund Services is required to provide or the standard of care and liability Fund Services has set forth in Section 9 of this Agreement.
Fund Services shall indemnify and hold the Company harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, losses, expenses, and liabilities of any and every nature (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) that the Company may sustain or incur or that may be asserted against the Company by any person arising out of any action taken or omitted to be taken by Fund Services as a result of Fund Services’ refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement, or from its bad faith, negligence, or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties under this Agreement. This indemnity shall be a continuing obligation of Fund Services, its successors and assigns, notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement. As used in this paragraph, the term “Company” shall include the Company’s directors, officers and employees.
In the event of a mechanical breakdown or failure of communication or power supplies beyond its control, Fund Services shall take all reasonable steps to minimize service interruptions for any period that such interruption continues. Fund Services will make every reasonable effort to restore any lost or damaged data and correct any errors resulting from such a breakdown at the expense of Fund Services. Fund Services agrees
9 |
|
that it shall, at all times, have reasonable business continuity and disaster recovery contingency plans with appropriate parties, making reasonable provision for emergency use of electrical data processing equipment to the extent appropriate equipment is available. Representatives of the Company shall be entitled to inspect Fund Services’ premises and operating capabilities at any time during regular business hours of Fund Services, upon reasonable notice to Fund Services. Moreover, Fund Services shall provide the Company, at such times as the Company may reasonably require, copies of reports rendered by independent accountants on the internal controls and procedures of Fund Services relating to the services provided by Fund Services under this Agreement.
Notwithstanding the above, Fund Services reserves the right to reprocess and correct administrative errors at its own expense.
In no case shall either party be liable to the other for (i) any special, indirect or consequential damages, loss of profits or goodwill (even if advised of the possibility of such); or (ii) any delay by reason of circumstances beyond its control, including acts of civil or military authority, national emergencies, labor difficulties, fire, mechanical breakdown, flood or catastrophe, acts of God, insurrection, war, riots, or failure beyond its control of transportation or power supply.
.
B. | In order that the indemnification provisions contained in this section shall apply, it is understood that if in any case the indemnitor may be asked to indemnify or hold the indemnitee harmless, the indemnitor shall be fully and promptly advised of all pertinent facts concerning the situation in question, and it is further understood that the indemnitee will use all reasonable care to notify the indemnitor promptly concerning any situation that presents or appears likely to present the probability of a claim for indemnification and will keep the indemnitor advised with respect to all developments concerning such claim. The indemnitor shall be entitled to participate at its own expense in the defense, or if it so elects, to assume the defense of any claim that may be the subject of this indemnification, but if the indemnitor elects to assume the defense, such defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by the indemnitor and approved by the indemnitee, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. In the event the indemnitor elects to assume the defense of any such suit and retain such counsel, the indemnitee in such suit shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by them. If the |
10 |
|
indemnitor does not elect to assume the defense of any such suit, or in case the indemnitee does not, in the exercise of reasonable judgment, approve of counsel chosen by the indemnitor, or if under prevailing law or legal codes of ethics, the same counsel cannot effectively represent the interests of both the indemnitor and the indemnitee, the indemnitor will reimburse the indemnitee for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by them.
C. | The indemnity and defense provisions set forth in this Section 9 shall indefinitely survive the termination and/or assignment of this Agreement. |
D. | If Fund Services is acting in another capacity for the Company pursuant to a separate agreement, nothing herein shall be deemed to relieve Fund Services of any of its obligations in such other capacity. |
E. | The Company is a series company, and each Fund, portfolio and series is a separate and distinct series of the Company. As such, the debts, liabilities, obligations and expenses incurred, contracted for or otherwise existing as a result of this Agreement with respect to the Company shall be enforceable against the assets of each series of the Company separately, and not against the assets of the Company generally or the assets of any other Fund or portfolio or series of the Company. |
10. | Proprietary and Confidential Information |
A. | Fund Services agrees on behalf of itself and its directors, officers, and employees to treat confidentially and as proprietary information of the Company, all records and other information relative to the Company and prior, present, or potential shareholders of the Company (and clients of said shareholders), and not to use such records and information for any purpose other than the performance of its responsibilities and duties hereunder, except (i) after prior notification to and approval in writing by the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld and may not be withheld where Fund Services may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt proceedings for failure to comply, (ii) when requested to divulge such information by duly constituted authorities, or (iii) when so requested by the Company. Records and other information which have become known to the public through no wrongful act of Fund Services or any of its employees, agents or representatives, and information that was already in the possession of Fund Services prior to receipt thereof from the Company or its agent, shall not be subject to this paragraph. |
11 |
|
Further, Fund Services will adhere to the privacy policies adopted by the Company pursuant to Title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, as may be modified from time to time. In this regard, Fund Services shall have in place and maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards reasonably designed to protect the security, confidentiality and integrity of, and to prevent unauthorized access to or use of, records and information relating to the Company and its shareholders and shall comply with the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and any state laws concerning privacy.
B. | The Company, on behalf of itself and its directors, officers, and employees, will maintain the confidential and proprietary nature of the Data and agrees to protect it using the same efforts, but in no case less than reasonable efforts, that it uses to protect its own proprietary and confidential information. |
11. | Records |
Fund Services shall keep records relating to the services to be performed hereunder in the form and manner, and for such period, as it may deem advisable and is agreeable to the Company, but not inconsistent with the rules and regulations of appropriate government authorities, in particular, Section 31 of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. Fund Services agrees that all such records prepared or maintained by Fund Services relating to the services to be performed by Fund Services hereunder are the property of the Company and will be preserved, maintained, and made available in accordance with such applicable sections and rules of the 1940 Act and will be promptly surrendered to the Company or its designee on and in accordance with its request.
12. | Compliance with Laws |
The Company has and retains primary responsibility for all compliance matters relating to the Fund, including but not limited to compliance with the 1940 Act, the Code, the SOX Act, the USA Patriot Act of 2001 and the policies and limitations of the Fund relating to its portfolio investments as set forth in its current prospectus and statement of additional information. Fund Services hereunder shall not relieve the Company of its responsibilities for assuring such compliance or the Board of Directors’ oversight responsibility with respect thereto. The provisions in this section shall not have any affect upon the services Fund Services is required to provide or the standard of care and liability Fund Services has set forth in Section 9 of this Agreement.
13. | Term of Agreement; Amendment |
12 |
|
This Agreement shall become effective as of the date first written above and will continue in effect until June 30, 2019. This Agreement may be terminated by either party upon giving 90 days prior written notice to the other party or such shorter period as is mutually agreed upon by the parties. Subsequent to the end of the three (3) year period, this Agreement continues until one party gives 90 days prior written notice to the other party or such shorter notice period as is mutually agreed upon by the parties. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement may be terminated by any party upon the breach of the other party of any material term of this Agreement if such breach is not cured within 15 days of notice of such breach to the breaching party. However, this cure period only applies to the first two such breaches of the same material term of this Agreement. Either party may terminate this Agreement after the third such breach of the same material term of this Agreement. In addition, the Company may, at any time, immediately terminate this Agreement upon its “assignment” as defined under the 1940 Act. This Agreement may not be amended or modified in any manner except by written agreement executed by Fund Services and the Company, and authorized or approved by the Board of Directors .
14. | Duties in the Event of Termination |
In the event that, in connection with termination, a successor to any of Fund Services’ duties or responsibilities hereunder is designated by the Company by written notice to Fund Services, Fund Services will promptly, upon such termination and at the expense of the Company, transfer to such successor all relevant books, records, correspondence and other data established or maintained by Fund Services under this Agreement in a form reasonably acceptable to the Company (if such form differs from the form in which Fund Services has maintained the same, the Company shall pay any expenses associated with transferring the data to such form), and will cooperate in the transfer of such duties and responsibilities, including provision for assistance from Fund Services’ personnel in the establishment of books, records and other data by such successor. If no such successor is designated, then such books, records and other data shall be returned to the Company.
15. | Assignment |
This Agreement shall extend to and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns; provided, however, that this Agreement shall not be assignable by the Company without the written consent of Fund Services, or by Fund Services without the written consent of the Company accompanied by the authorization or approval of the Company’s Board of Directors.
16. | Governing Law |
13 |
|
This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflicts of law principles. To the extent that the applicable laws of the State of Delaware, or any of the provisions herein, conflict with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control, and nothing herein shall be construed in a manner inconsistent with the 1940 Act or any rule or order of the SEC thereunder.
17. | No Agency Relationship |
Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize or empower either party to act as agent for the other party to this Agreement, or to conduct business in the name, or for the account, of the other party to this Agreement.
18. | Services Not Exclusive |
Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict Fund Services from providing services to other parties that are similar or identical to some or all of the services provided hereunder.
19. | Invalidity |
Any provision of this Agreement which may be determined by competent authority to be prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. In such case, the parties shall in good faith modify or substitute such provision consistent with the original intent of the parties.
20. | Notices |
Any notice required or permitted to be given by either party to the other shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given on the date delivered personally or by courier service, or three days after sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or on the date sent and confirmed received by facsimile transmission to the other party’s address set forth below:
Notice to Fund Services shall be sent to:
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Attn: President
14 |
|
and notice to the Company shall be sent to:
The RBB Fund, Inc.
c/o Vigilant Compliance Services
Brandywine Two 5 Christy Drive, Suite 208
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Attn: Salvatore Faia, JD,
With copy to:
Michael P. Malloy
Drinker, Biddle & Reath, LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA, 19103
and notice to the Fund’s investment adviser shall be sent to :
Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC
2000 Duke Street, Suite 175
Alexandria, VA 22314
Attn: President
21. | Rights and Obligations of Each Fund |
No Fund shall receive any rights or have any liabilities arising from any action or inaction of any other Fund, portfolio or series of the Company under this Agreement.
22. | Multiple Originals |
This Agreement may be executed on two or more counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
15 |
|
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by a duly authorized officer on one or more counterparts as of the date last above below.
THE RBB FUND, INC. | U.S. BANCORP FUND SERVICES, LLC | ||||
By: | /s/ Salvatore Faia | By: | /s/ Joseph Neuberger |
Name: | Salvatore Faia | Name: | Joseph Neuberger | ||
Title: | President | Title: | President |
Date: 2/2/2018 | Date: 1/29/18 |
16 |
|
Exhibit A to the Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement
Series of The RBB Fund, Inc
Motley Fool 100 Index ETF
17 |
|
Exhibit B to the Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement
[ ]
18 |
Exhibit (h)(20)
FOURTH AMENDMENT TO THE
FUND ADMINISTRATION SERVICING AGREEMENT
THIS FOURTH AMENDMENT, effective as of December 1, 2017, to the Fund Administration Servicing Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2016, as amended (the “Agreement”), is entered into by and between THE RBB FUND, INC., a Maryland corporation, (the “Company”) and U.S. BANCORP FUND SERVICES, LLC, a Wisconsin limited liability company (“USBFS”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the parties have entered into the Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Company and USBFS desire to amend the series of the Company to add a new Fund; and
WHEREAS, Section 11 of the Agreement provides that the Agreement may be amended by written agreement executed by both parties, and authorized or approved by the Board of Directors of the Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree to amend the Agreement by adding Exhibit M attached hereto for the purposes of adding the following series of The RBB Fund, Inc. to the Agreement:
Motley Fool Independence Fund
Motley Fool Great America Fund
Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund
Except to the extent amended hereby, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be executed by a duly authorized officer on one or more counterparts as of the date and year first written above.
THE RBB Fund, Inc. | U.S. BANCORP FUND SERVICES, LLC | ||||
By: | /s/ Salvatore Faia | By: | /s/ Joseph Neuberger | ||
Printed Name: Salvatore Faia | Printed Name: Joseph Neuberger | ||||
Title: President | Title: President |
|
Exhibit M to the Fund Administration Servicing Agreement – The RBB Fund, Inc.
Fund Name (Exhibit J fee schedule applies)
Motley Fool Independence Fund
Motley Fool Great America Fund
Motley Fool Emerging Market Fund
Exhibit (h)(22)
FUND ADMINISTRATION SERVICING AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made by and between THE RBB FUND, INC., a Maryland corporation, (the “Company”) and U.S. BANCORP FUND SERVICES, LLC , a Wisconsin limited liability company (“Fund Services”).
WHEREAS, the Company is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company; and is authorized to issue shares of beneficial interest in separate series, with each such series representing interests in a separate portfolio of securities and other assets;
WHEREAS, the Company desires to retain Fund Services to provide fund administration services to each series of the Company listed on Exhibit A attached hereto (as amended from time to time) (each, a “Fund” and collectively the “Funds”).
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants herein contained, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, do hereby agree as follows:
1. | Appointment of Fund Services as Fund Administrator |
The Company hereby appoints Fund Services as fund administrator for the term of this Agreement to perform the services and duties described herein. Fund Services hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to perform the services and duties set forth in this Agreement. The services and duties of Fund Services shall be confined to those matters expressly set forth herein, and no implied duties are assumed by or may be asserted against Fund Services hereunder. | |
2. | Services and Duties of Fund Services |
Fund Services shall provide the following administration services to a Fund:
A. | General Fund Management: | |||
(1) | Act as liaison among Fund service providers, including but not exclusive to adviser, sub-adviser, authorized participants, external legal counsel, accounting and audit firms and external compliance consultants. | |||
(2) | Supply: | |||
a. | Office facilities (which may be in a Fund Services office or in an affiliate’s office). | |||
b. | Non-investment-related statistical and research data as requested. | |||
(3) | Coordinate the Company’s board of directors’ (the “Board of Directors” or the “Directors”) communications, such as: |
1 |
|
a. | Prepare meeting agendas and resolutions, with the assistance of Fund counsel and adviser in-house counsel. | |
b. | Prepare reports for the Board of Directors based on financial and administrative data. | |
c. | Assist with the selection of the independent auditor. | |
d. | Secure and monitor fidelity bond and director and officer liability coverage, and make the necessary Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) filings relating thereto. | |
e. | Prepare minutes of meetings of the Board of Directors and Fund shareholders. | |
f. | Recommend dividend declarations to the Board of Directors and prepare and distribute to appropriate parties notices announcing declaration of dividends and other distributions to shareholders. | |
g. | Attend Board of Directors meetings and present materials for Directors’ review at such meetings. |
(4) | Audits: | |||
a. | For the annual Fund audit, prepare appropriate schedules and materials. Provide requested information to the independent auditors, and facilitate the audit process. | |||
b. | For SEC, FINRA or other regulatory audits, provide requested information to the SEC or other regulatory agencies and facilitate the audit process. | |||
c. | For all audits, provide office facilities, as needed. | |||
(5) | Assist with overall operations of the Fund. | |||
(6) | Pay Fund expenses upon written authorization from the Company. | |||
(7) | Keep the Company’s governing documents, including its articles of incorporation, bylaws and minute books, but only to the extent such documents are provided to Fund Services by the Company or its representatives for safe keeping. | |||
B. | Compliance: | ||||
(1) | Regulatory Compliance: | ||||
a. | Monitor compliance with the 1940 Act requirements, including: | ||||
(i) | Asset and diversification tests. | ||||
(ii) | Total return and SEC yield calculations. | ||||
(iii) | Maintenance of books and records under Rule 31a-3. | ||||
(iv) | Code of ethics requirements under Rule 17j-1 for the disinterested Directors, Directors and officers subject to the Company’s Code of Ethics including the coordination of the mailing to appropriate parties, the reporting forms under the Company’s Code of Ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act; |
2 |
|
b. | Monitor the Fund’s compliance with the policies and investment limitations as set forth in its prospectus (the “Prospectus”) and statement of additional information (the “SAI”). | |
c. | Perform its duties hereunder in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and provide any sub-certifications reasonably requested by the Company in connection with (i) any certification required of the Company pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “SOX Act”) or any rules or regulations promulgated by the SEC thereunder, and (ii) the operation of Fund Services’ compliance program as it relates to the Company, provided the same shall not be deemed to change Fund Services’ standard of care as set forth herein. | |
d. | Monitor applicable regulatory and operational service issues, including exchange listing requirements, and update Board of Directors periodically. | |
e. | Monitor compliance with regulatory exemptive relief (as applicable) for ETFs. |
(2) | SEC Registration and Reporting: | |||
a. | Prepare and coordinate with Fund counsel the updates of Form N-1A and any supplements as needed. | |||
b. | Prepare and file annual and semiannual shareholder reports, Form N-SAR, Form N-CSR, Form N-Q filings and Rule 24f-2 notices As requested by the Company, prepare and file Form N-PX filings. | |||
c. | Coordinate the printing, filing and mailing of Prospectuses and shareholder reports, and amendments and supplements thereto. | |||
d. | File fidelity bond under Rule 17g-1. | |||
e. | Monitor sales of Fund shares and ensure that such shares are properly registered or qualified, as applicable, with the SEC and the appropriate state authorities. | |||
f. | Prepare and coordinate for Fund counsel approval, the proxy statements and information statements, as requested by the Company. | |||
g. | Assist Fund counsel with application for exemptive relief, when applicable. |
(3) | IRS Compliance: | |||
a. | Monitor the Company’s status as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), including without limitation, review of the following: | |||
(i) | Diversification requirements. | |||
(ii) | Qualifying income requirements. | |||
(iii) | Distribution requirements. |
3 |
|
b. | Calculate the required annual excise distribution amounts for the review and approval of Fund management and/or its independent accountant. |
C. | Financial Reporting: | ||
(1) | Provide financial data required by the Prospectus and SAI. | ||
(2) | Prepare financial reports for officers, shareholders, tax authorities, performance reporting companies, the Board of Directors, the SEC, and the independent auditor. | ||
(3) | Supervise the Fund’s custodian and fund accountants in the maintenance of the Fund’s general ledger and in the preparation of the Fund’s financial statements, including oversight of expense accruals and payments, the determination of net asset value and the declaration and payment of dividends and other distributions to shareholders. | ||
(4) | Compute the yield, total return, expense ratio and portfolio turnover rate of the Fund. | ||
(5) | Monitor expense accruals and make adjustments as necessary; notify the Company’s management of adjustments expected to materially affect the Fund’s expense ratio. |
(6) | Prepare financial statements, which include, without limitation, the following items: | ||
a. | Schedule of Investments. | ||
b. | Statement of Assets and Liabilities. | ||
c. | Statement of Operations. | ||
d. | Statement of Changes in Net Assets. | ||
e. | Statement of Cash Flows (if applicable). | ||
f. | Financial Highlights. | ||
(7) | Pursuant to Rule 31a-1(b)(9) of the 1940 Act, prepare quarterly broker security transaction summaries. |
D. Tax Reporting:
(1) Prepare for the review of the independent accountants and/or Fund Management the federal and state tax returns including, without limitation, Form 1120 RIC and applicable state returns including any necessary schedules. Fund Services will prepare annual Fund federal and state income tax return filings as authorized by and based on the instructions received by Fund Management and/or its independent accountant file on a timely basis appropriate federal and state tax returns including, without limitation, Forms 1120/8613, with any necessary schedules.
(2) Provide the Fund’s Management and independent accountant with tax reporting information pertaining to the Fund and available to Fund Services as required in a timely manner.
4 |
|
(3) Prepare Fund financial statement tax footnote disclosures for the review and approval of Fund Management and/or its independent accountant.
(4) Prepare and file on behalf of Fund Management Form 1099 MISC Forms for payments to disinterested Directors and other qualifying service providers.
(5) Monitor wash sale losses.
(6) Calculate Qualified Dividend Income (“QDI”) for qualifying Fund Shareholders.
(7) Calculate Dividends Received Deduction (“DRD”) for qualifying corporate Fund Shareholders.
3. | Compensation |
Fund Services shall be compensated for providing the services set forth in this Agreement in accordance with the fee schedule set forth on Exhibit C attached hereto (as amended from time to time). Fund Services shall also be reimbursed for such miscellaneous expenses (e.g., telecommunication charges, postage and delivery charges, and reproduction charges) as are reasonably incurred by Fund Services in performing its duties hereunder. The Company shall pay all such fees and reimbursable expenses within 30 calendar days following receipt of the monthly billing notice, except for any fee or expense subject to a good faith dispute. The Company shall notify Fund Services in writing within 30 calendar days following receipt of each invoice if the Company is disputing any amounts in good faith. The Company shall pay such disputed amounts within 10 calendar days of the day on which the parties agree to the amount to be paid. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, amounts owed by the Company to Fund Services shall only be paid out of the assets and property of the particular Fund involved. |
4. | License of Data; Warranty; Termination of Rights | |
A. | Fund Services has entered into agreements with MSCI index data services (“MSCI”), Standard & Poor Financial Services LLC (“S&P”) and FactSet Research Systems, Inc. (“FACTSET”) which obligates Fund Services to include a list of required provisions in this Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit B . The index data services being provided to the Company by Fund Services pursuant hereto (collectively, the “Data”) are being licensed, not sold, to the Company. The provisions in Exhibit B shall not have any effect upon the standard of care and liability Fund Services has set forth in Section 6 of this Agreement. | |
B. | The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Fund Services, its information providers, and any other third party involved in or related to the |
5 |
|
making or compiling of the Data, their affiliates and subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents from and against any claims, losses, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, as incurred, arising in and any manner out of the Company’s or any third party’s use of, or inability to use, the Data or any breach by the Company of any provision contained in this Agreement. The immediately preceding sentence shall not have any effect upon the standard of care and liability of Fund Services as set forth in Section 6 of this Agreement. |
5. | Representations and Warranties | ||
A. | The Company hereby represents and warrants to Fund Services, which representations and warranties shall be deemed to be continuing throughout the term of this Agreement, that: | ||
(1) | It is duly organized and existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, with full power to carry on its business as now conducted, to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder; | ||
(2) | This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company in accordance with all requisite action and constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Company, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and secured parties; and | ||
(3) | It is conducting its business in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal, and has obtained all regulatory approvals necessary to carry on its business as now conducted; there is no statute, rule, regulation, order or judgment binding on it and no provision of its charter, bylaws or any contract binding it or affecting its property which would prohibit its execution or performance of this Agreement. | ||
B. | Fund Services hereby represents and warrants to the Company, which representations and warranties shall be deemed to be continuing throughout the term of this Agreement, that: | ||
(1) | It is duly organized and existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, with full power to carry on its business as now conducted, to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder; | ||
(2) | This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Fund Services in accordance with all requisite action and constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of Fund Services, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, |
6 |
|
moratorium and other laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and secured parties; and | ||
(3) | It is conducting its business in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal, and has obtained all regulatory approvals necessary to carry on its business as now conducted; there is no statute, rule, regulation, order or judgment binding on it and no provision of its charter, bylaws or any contract binding it or affecting its property which would prohibit its execution or performance of this Agreement. |
6. | Standard of Care; Indemnification; Limitation of Liability | |
A. | Fund Services shall exercise reasonable care in the performance of its duties under this Agreement. Fund Services shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Company in connection with its duties under this Agreement, including losses resulting from mechanical breakdowns or the failure of communication or power supplies beyond Fund Services’ control, except a loss arising out of or relating to Fund Services’ refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement or from its bad faith, negligence, or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties under this Agreement. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if Fund Services has exercised reasonable care in the performance of its duties under this Agreement, the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Fund Services from and against any and all claims, demands, losses, expenses, and liabilities of any and every nature (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) that Fund Services may sustain or incur or that may be asserted against Fund Services by any person arising out of any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in performing the services hereunder (i) in accordance with the foregoing standards, or (ii) in reliance upon any written or oral instruction provided to Fund Services by any duly authorized officer of the Company (other than an officer of the Company employed by Fund Services, as approved by the Board of Directors of the Company, except for any and all claims, demands, losses, expenses, and liabilities arising out of or relating to Fund Services’ refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement or from its bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties under this Agreement. This indemnity shall be a continuing obligation of the Company, its successors and assigns, notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement. As used in this paragraph, the term “Fund Services” shall include Fund Services’ directors, officers and employees. | |
Fund Services shall indemnify and hold the Company harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, losses, expenses, and liabilities of any and every nature (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) that the Company may sustain or incur or that may be asserted against the Company by any person arising out of any action taken or omitted to be taken by Fund Services as a result of Fund Services’ refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement, or from |
7 |
|
its bad faith, negligence, or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties under this Agreement. This indemnity shall be a continuing obligation of Fund Services, its successors and assigns, notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement. As used in this paragraph, the term “Company” shall include the Company’s directors, officers and employees. | |
Neither party to this Agreement shall be liable to the other party for consequential, special or punitive damages under any provision of this Agreement. | |
In the event of a mechanical breakdown or failure of communication or power supplies beyond its control, Fund Services shall take all reasonable steps to minimize service interruptions for any period that such interruption continues. Fund Services will make every reasonable effort to restore any lost or damaged data and correct any errors resulting from such a breakdown at the expense of Fund Services. Fund Services agrees that it shall, at all times, have reasonable contingency plans with appropriate parties, making reasonable provision for emergency use of electrical data processing equipment to the extent appropriate equipment is available. Representatives of the Company shall be entitled to inspect Fund Services’ premises and operating capabilities at any time during regular business hours of Fund Services, upon reasonable notice to Fund Services. Moreover, Fund Services shall provide the Company, at such times as the Company may reasonably require, copies of reports rendered by independent accountants on the internal controls and procedures of Fund Services relating to the services provided by Fund Services under this Agreement. | |
Notwithstanding the above, Fund Services reserves the right to reprocess and correct administrative errors at its own expense. |
B. | In order that the indemnification provisions contained in this section shall apply, it is understood that if in any case the indemnitor may be asked to indemnify or hold the indemnitee harmless, the indemnitor shall be fully and promptly advised of all pertinent facts concerning the situation in question, and it is further understood that the indemnitee will use all reasonable care to notify the indemnitor promptly concerning any situation that presents or appears likely to present the probability of a claim for indemnification and will keep the indemnitor advised with respect to all developments concerning such claim. The indemnitor shall be entitled to participate at its own expense in the defense, or if it so elects, to assume the defense of any claim that may be the subject of this indemnification, but if the indemnitor elects to assume the defense, such defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by the indemnitor and approved by the indemnitee, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. In the event the indemnitor elects to assume the defense of any such suit and retain such counsel, the indemnitee in such suit shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by them. If the indemnitor does not elect to assume the defense |
8 |
|
of any such suit, or in case the indemnitee does not, in the exercise of reasonable judgment, approve of counsel chosen by the indemnitor, or if under prevailing law or legal codes of ethics, the same counsel cannot effectively represent the interests of both the indemnitor and the indemnitee, the indemnitor will reimburse the indemnitee for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by them. | ||
C. | The indemnity and defense provisions set forth in this Section 6 shall indefinitely survive the termination and/or assignment of this Agreement. | |
D. | If Fund Services is acting in another capacity for the Company pursuant to a separate agreement, nothing herein shall be deemed to relieve Fund Services of any of its obligations in such other capacity. | |
E. | The Company is a series company, and each Fund is a separate and distinct series of the Company. As such, the debts, liabilities, obligations and expenses incurred, contracted for or otherwise existing as a result of this Agreement with respect to the Company shall be enforceable against the assets of each Fund separately, and not against the assets of the Company generally or the assets of any other Fund or portfolio or series of the Company. | |
F. | F. Paid Tax Preparer Disclaimer: In conjunction with the tax services provided to each Fund by Fund Services hereunder, Fund Services shall not be deemed to act as an income tax return preparer for any purpose including as such term is defined under Section 7701(a)(36) of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”), or any successor thereof. Any information provided by Fund Services to a Fund for income tax reporting purposes with respect to any item of income, gain, loss, or credit will be performed solely in Fund Services’ administrative capacity. Fund Services shall not be required to determine, and shall not take any position with respect to whether, the reasonable belief standard described in Section 6694 of the IRC has been satisfied with respect to any income tax item. Each Fund, and any appointees thereof, shall have the right to inspect the transaction summaries produced and aggregated by Fund Services, and any supporting documents thereto, in connection with the tax reporting services provided to each Fund by Fund Services. Fund Services shall not be liable for the provision or omission of any tax advice with respect to any information provided by Fund Services to a Fund. The tax information provided by Fund Services shall be pertinent to the data and information made available to us, and is neither derived from nor construed as tax advice. The provisions in this section shall not have any affect upon the services Fund Services is required to provide or the standard of care and liability Fund Services has set forth in Section 6 of this Agreement. |
7. | Data Necessary to Perform Services |
The Company or its agent shall furnish to Fund Services the data necessary to perform the services described herein at such times and in such form as mutually agreed upon. |
9 |
|
8. | Proprietary and Confidential Information |
Fund Services agrees on behalf of itself and its directors, officers, and employees to treat confidentially and as proprietary information of the Company, all records and other information relative to the Company and prior, present, or potential shareholders of the Company (and clients of said shareholders), and not to use such records and information for any purpose other than the performance of its responsibilities and duties hereunder, except (i) after prior notification to and approval in writing by the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld and may not be withheld where Fund Services may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt proceedings for failure to comply, (ii) when requested to divulge such information by duly constituted authorities, or (iii) when so requested by the Company. Records and other information which have become known to the public through no wrongful act of Fund Services or any of its employees, agents or representatives, and information that was already in the possession of Fund Services prior to receipt thereof from the Company or its agent, shall not be subject to this paragraph. | |
Further, Fund Services will adhere to the privacy policies adopted by the Company pursuant to Title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, as may be modified from time to time. In this regard, Fund Services shall have in place and maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards reasonably designed to protect the security, confidentiality and integrity of, and to prevent unauthorized access to or use of, records and information relating to the Company and its shareholders and shall comply with the Gramm-Leach Bliley Act and any state laws concerning privacy. | |
9. | Records |
Fund Services shall keep records relating to the services to be performed hereunder in the form and manner, and for such period, as it may deem advisable and is agreeable to the Company, but not inconsistent with the rules and regulations of appropriate government authorities, in particular, Section 31 of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. Fund Services agrees that all such records prepared or maintained by Fund Services relating to the services to be performed by Fund Services hereunder are the property of the Company and will be preserved, maintained, and made available in accordance with such applicable sections and rules of the 1940 Act and will be promptly surrendered to the Company or its designee on and in accordance with its request. | |
10. | Compliance with Laws |
The Company has and retains primary responsibility for all compliance matters relating to the Fund, including but not limited to compliance with the 1940 Act, the Code, the SOX Act, the USA Patriot Act of 2001 and the policies and limitations of the Fund relating to its portfolio investments as set forth in its Prospectus and SAI. Fund Services’ services hereunder shall not relieve the Company of its responsibilities for assuring such |
10 |
|
compliance or the Board of Directors’ oversight responsibility with respect thereto. The provisions in this section shall not have any affect upon the services Fund Services is required to provide or the standard of care and liability Fund Services has set forth in Section 6 of this Agreement. | |
11. | Term of Agreement; Amendment |
This Agreement shall become effective as of the date first written above and will continue in effect until June 30, 2019. This Agreement may be terminated by either party upon giving 90 days prior written notice to the other party or such shorter period as is mutually agreed upon by the parties. Subsequent to the end of the three (3) year period, this Agreement continues until one party gives 90 days prior written notice to the other party or such shorter period as is mutually agreed upon by the parties. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement may be terminated by any party upon the breach of the other party of any material term of this Agreement if such breach is not cured within 15 days of notice of such breach to the breaching party. However, this cure period only applies to the first two such breaches of the same material term of this Agreement. Either party may terminate this Agreement after the third such breach of the same material term of this Agreement. In addition, the Company may, at any time, immediately terminate this Agreement upon its “assignment” as defined under the 1940 Act. This Agreement may not be amended or modified in any manner except by written agreement executed by Fund Services and the Company, and authorized or approved by the Board of Directors. | |
12. | Duties in the Event of Termination |
In the event that, in connection with termination, a successor to any of Fund Services’ duties or responsibilities hereunder is designated by the Company by written notice to Fund Services, Fund Services will promptly, upon such termination and at the expense of the Company, transfer to such successor all relevant books, records, correspondence, and other data established or maintained by Fund Services under this Agreement in a form reasonably acceptable to the Company (if such form differs from the form in which Fund Services has maintained the same, the Company shall pay any reasonable expenses associated with transferring the data to such form), and will co-operate in the transfer of such duties and responsibilities, including provision for assistance from Fund Services’ personnel in the establishment of books, records, and other data by such successor. If no such successor is designated, then such books, records and other data shall be returned to the Company. | |
13. | Assignment |
This Agreement shall extend to and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns; provided, however, that this Agreement shall not be assignable by the Company without the written consent of Fund Services, or by Fund Services without the written consent of the Company accompanied by the authorization or approval of the Company’s Board of Directors. |
11 |
|
14. | Governing Law |
This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflicts of law principles. To the extent that the applicable laws of the State of Delaware, or any of the provisions herein, conflict with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control, and nothing herein shall be construed in a manner inconsistent with the 1940 Act or any rule or order of the SEC thereunder. | |
15. | No Agency Relationship |
Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize or empower either party to act as agent for the other party to this Agreement, or to conduct business in the name, or for the account, of the other party to this Agreement. | |
16. | Services Not Exclusive |
Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict Fund Services from providing services to other parties that are similar or identical to some or all of the services provided hereunder. | |
17. | Invalidity |
Any provision of this Agreement which may be determined by competent authority to be prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. In such case, the parties shall in good faith modify or substitute such provision consistent with the original intent of the parties. | |
18. | Legal-Related Services |
Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to appoint Fund Services and its officers, directors and employees as the Fund attorneys, form attorney-client relationships or require the provision of legal advice. The Fund acknowledges that in-house Fund Services attorneys exclusively represent Fund Services and rely on outside counsel retained by the Fund to review all services provided by in-house Fund Services attorneys and to provide independent judgment on the Fund’s behalf. Because no attorney-client relationship exists between in-house Fund Services attorneys and the Fund, any information provided to Fund Services attorneys may not be privileged and may be subject to compulsory disclosure under certain circumstances. Fund Services represents that it will maintain the confidentiality of information disclosed to its in-house attorneys on a best efforts basis. |
12 |
|
19. | Notices |
Any notice required or permitted to be given by either party to the other shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given on the date delivered personally or by courier service, or three days after sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or on the date sent and confirmed received by facsimile transmission to the other party’s address set forth below: |
Notice to Fund Services shall be sent to:
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Attn: President
and notice to the Company shall be sent to:
The RBB Fund, Inc.
c/o Vigilant Compliance Services
Brandywine Two 5 Christy Drive, Suite 208
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Attn: Salvatore Faia, JD,
With copy to:
Michael P. Malloy
Drinker, Biddle & Reath, LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA, 19103
and notice to the Fund’s investment adviser shall be sent to :
Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC
2000 Duke Street, Suite 175
Alexandria, VA 22314
Attn : President
20. | Rights and Obligations of Each Fund |
No Fund shall receive any rights or have any liabilities arising from any action or inaction of any other series of the Company under this Agreement. | |
21. | Multiple Originals |
This Agreement may be executed on two or more counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument. |
13 |
|
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by a duly authorized officer on one or more counterparts as of the date last written below.
THE RBB FUND, INC. | U.S. BANCORP FUND SERVICES, LLC | ||||||
By: | /s/ | Salvatore Faia | By: | /s/ | Joseph Neuberger | ||
Name: | Salvatore Faia | Name: | Joseph Neuberger | ||||
Title: | President | Title: | President | ||||
Date: | 2/2/2018 | Date: | 1/29/18 |
14 |
|
Exhibit A to the Fund Administration Servicing Agreement
Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
Motley Fool 100 Index ETF
15 |
|
Exhibit B to the Fund Administration Servicing Agreement
REQUIRED PROVISIONS OF MSCI, S&P and FACTSET
· | The Company shall represent that it will use the Data solely for internal purposes and will not redistribute the Data in any form or manner to any third party. |
· | The Company shall represent that it will not use or permit anyone else to use the Data in connection with creating, managing, advising, writing, trading, marketing or promoting any securities or financial instruments or products, including, but not limited to, funds, synthetic or derivative securities (e.g., options, warrants, swaps, and futures), whether listed on an exchange or traded over the counter or on a private-placement basis or otherwise or to create any indices (custom or otherwise). |
· | The Company shall represent that it will treat the Data as proprietary to MSCI, S&P and FACTSET. Further, the Company shall acknowledge that MSCI, S&P and FACTSET are the sole and exclusive owners of the Data and all trade secrets, copyrights, trademarks and other intellectual property rights in or to the Data. |
· | The Company shall represent that it will not (i) copy any component of the Data, (ii) alter, modify or adapt any component of the Data, including, but not limited to, translating, decompiling, disassembling, reverse engineering or creating derivative works, or (iii) make any component of the Data available to any other person or organization (including, without limitation, the Company’s present and future parents, subsidiaries or affiliates) directly or indirectly, for any of the foregoing or for any other use, including, without limitation, by loan, rental, service bureau, external time sharing or similar arrangement. |
· | The Company shall be obligated to reproduce on all permitted copies of the Data all copyright, proprietary rights and restrictive legends appearing on the Data. |
· | The Company shall acknowledge that it assumes the entire risk of using the Data and shall agree to hold MSCI or S&P or FACTSET harmless from any claims that may arise in connection with any use of the Data by the Company. |
· | The Company shall acknowledge that MSCI or S&P or FACTSET may, in its sole and absolute discretion and at any time, terminate Fund Services’ right to receive and/or use the Data. |
· | The Company shall acknowledge that MSCI, S&P and FACTSET are third party beneficiaries of the Customer Agreement between S&P, MSCI, FACTSET and Fund Services, entitled to enforce all provisions of such agreement relating to the Data. |
THE DATA IS PROVIDED TO THE COMPANY ON AN “AS IS” BASIS. FUND SERVICES, ITS INFORMATION PROVIDERS, AND ANY OTHER THIRD PARTY INVOLVED IN OR RELATED TO THE MAKING OR COMPILING OF THE DATA MAKE NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE DATA (OR THE RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE USE THEREOF). FUND SERVICES, ITS INFORMATION PROVIDERS AND ANY OTHER THIRD PARTY INVOLVED IN OR RELATED TO THE MAKING OR COMPILING OF THE DATA EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF ORIGINALITY, ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
16 |
|
Exhibit B (continued) to the Fund Administration Servicing Agreement
THE COMPANY ASSUMES THE ENTIRE RISK OF ANY USE THE COMPANY MAY MAKE OF THE DATA. IN NO EVENT SHALL FUND SERVICES, ITS INFORMATION PROVIDERS OR ANY THIRD PARTY INVOLVED IN OR RELATED TO THE MAKING OR COMPILING OF THE DATA, BE LIABLE TO THE COMPANY, OR ANY OTHER THIRD PARTY, FOR ANY DIRECT OR INDIRECT DAMAGES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY LOST PROFITS, LOST SAVINGS OR OTHER INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR THE INABILITY OF THE COMPANY TO USE THE DATA, REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF ACTION, EVEN IF FUND SERVICES, ANY OF ITS INFORMATION PROVIDERS, OR ANY OTHER THIRD PARTY INVOLVED IN OR RELATED TO THE MAKING OR COMPILING OF THE DATA HAS BEEN ADVISED OF OR OTHERWISE MIGHT HAVE ANTICIPATED THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
17 |
|
Exhibit C to the Fund Administration Servicing Agreement
[ ]
18 |
Exhibit (h)(32)
THIRD AMENDMENT TO THE
TRANSFER AGENT SERVICING AGREEMENT
THIS THIRD AMENDMENT, effective as of September 26, 2017, to the Transfer Agent Servicing Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2016, as amended (the “Agreement”), is entered into by and between THE RBB FUND, INC., a Maryland corporation, (the “Company”) and U.S. BANCORP FUND SERVICES, LLC, a Wisconsin limited liability company (“USBFS”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the parties have entered into the Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Company and USBFS desire to amend the series of the Company to add a new Fund; and
WHEREAS, Section 13 of the Agreement provides that the Agreement may be amended by written agreement executed by both parties, and authorized or approved by the Board of Directors of the Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree to amend Exhibit F of the Agreement for the purposes of adding the Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund to the Agreement. Exhibit F of the Agreement is hereby replaced with the Exhibit F attached hereto.
Except to the extent amended hereby, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Third Amendment to be executed by a duly authorized officer on one or more counterparts as of the date and year first written above.
THE RBB FUND, INC. | U.S. BANCORP FUND SERVICES, LLC | ||||
By: | /s/ Salvatore Faia | By: | /s/ Anita M. Zagrodnik | ||
Printed Name: Salvatore Faia | Printed Name: Anita M. Zagrodnik | ||||
Title: President | Title: Senior VP |
|
Exhibit F to the Transfer Agent Servicing Agreement – The RBB Fund, Inc.
Fund Name
Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund
Boston Partners Global Equity Fund
Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund
Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund
Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund
Boston Partners Small Cap Value II Fund
WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund
Exhibit (h)(33)
FOURTH AMENDMENT TO THE
TRANSFER AGENT SERVICING AGREEMENT
THIS FOURTH AMENDMENT, effective as of December 1, 2017, to the Transfer Agent Servicing Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2016, as amended (the “Agreement”), is entered into by and between THE RBB FUND, INC., a Maryland corporation, (the “Company”) and U.S. BANCORP FUND SERVICES, LLC, a Wisconsin limited liability company (“USBFS”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the parties have entered into the Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Company and USBFS desire to amend the series of the Company to add a new Fund; and
WHEREAS, Section 13 of the Agreement provides that the Agreement may be amended by written agreement executed by both parties, and authorized or approved by the Board of Directors of the Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree to amend the Agreement by adding Exhibit N attached hereto for the purposes of adding the following series of The RBB Fund, Inc. to the Agreement:
Motley Fool Independence Fund
Motley Fool Great America Fund
Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund
Except to the extent amended hereby, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be executed by a duly authorized officer on one or more counterparts as of the date and year first written above.
THE RBB Fund, Inc. | U.S. BANCORP FUND SERVICES, LLC | |||
By: | /s/ Salvatore Faia | By: | /s/ Joseph Neuberger | |
Printed Name: Salvatore Faia | Printed Name: Joseph Neuberger | |||
Title: President | Title: President |
|
Exhibit N to the Transfer Agent Servicing Agreement – The RBB Fund, Inc.
Fund Name
Motley Fool Independence Fund
Motley Fool Great America Fund
Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund
Exhibit (h)(34)
TRANSFER AGENT SERVICING AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT between THE RBB FUND, INC., a Maryland corporation, (the “Company”) and U.S. BANCORP FUND SERVICES, LLC , a Wisconsin limited liability company (“Fund Services”).
WHEREAS, the Company intends to issue in respect of its series listed on Exhibit A attached hereto (each a “Fund” or an “ ETF Series”) an exchange-traded class of shares known as “Shares” for each ETF Series. The Shares shall be created and redeemed in bundles called “Creation Units.” The Company, on behalf of the ETF Series, shall create and redeem Shares of each ETF Series only in Creation Units principally in kind for portfolio securities of the particular ETF Series (“Deposit Securities”), as more fully described in the current prospectus and statement of additional information of the Company, included in its registration statement on Form N-1A; and as authorized under the Order of Exemption granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Only brokers or dealers that are “Authorized Participants” and that have entered into an Authorized Participant Agreement with Quasar Distributors, LLC, the Fund’s Distributor (the “Distributor”), acting on behalf of the Company, shall be authorized to create and redeem Shares in Creation Units from the Company. The Company wishes to engage Fund Services to perform certain services on behalf of the Company with respect to the creation and redemption of Shares, as the Company’s agent, namely to provide transfer agent services for Shares of each ETF Series; and to act as Index Receipt Agent (as such term is defined in the rules of the National Securities Clearing Corporation (“NSCC”)) with respect to the settlement of trade orders with Authorized Participants. The Company has engaged U.S. Bank, National Association (the “Custodian”) to provide custody services under the terms of a Custody Agreement, as supplemented hereby, for the settlement of Creation Units against Deposit Securities and/or cash that shall be delivered by Authorized Participants in exchange for Shares and the redemption of Shares in Creation Unit size against the delivery of Redemption Securities and/or cash of each ETF Series.
WHEREAS, the Company is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”); and
WHEREAS, the Company will ordinarily issue for purchase and redeem Shares only in aggregations of Shares known as Creation Units (currently 25,000 Shares) principally in kind or in cash;
WHEREAS, The Depository Trust Company, a limited purpose trust company organized under the laws of the State of New York (“DTC”), or its nominee Cede & Company, will be the registered owner (the “Shareholder”) of all Shares; and
WHEREAS, the Company desires to retain Fund Services as its transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent, and agent in connection with certain other activities to each series of the Company listed on Exhibit A attached hereto (as amended from time to time).
1 |
|
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants herein contained, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, do hereby agree as follows:
1. | Appointment of Fund Services as Transfer Agent |
The Company hereby appoints Fund Services as transfer agent of the Company on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, and Fund Services hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to perform the services and duties set forth in this Agreement. The services and duties of Fund Services shall be confined to those matters expressly set forth herein, and no implied duties are assumed by or may be asserted against Fund Services hereunder.
2. | Services and Duties of Fund Services |
Fund Services shall provide the following transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent services to each Fund:
A. Perform and facilitate the performance of purchases and redemption of Creation Units;
B. Prepare and transmit by means of DTC’s book-entry system payments for dividends and distributions on or with respect to the Shares declared by the Company on behalf of the applicable Fund;
C. Maintain the record of the name and address of the Shareholder and the number of Shares issued by the Company and held by the Shareholder;
D. Record the issuance of Shares of the Company and maintain a record of the total number of Shares of the Company which are outstanding, and, based upon data provided to it by the Company, the total number of authorized Shares. Fund Services shall have no obligation, when recording the issuance of Shares, to monitor the issuance of such Shares
E. Prepare and transmit to the Company and the Company’s administrator and to any applicable securities exchange (as specified to Fund Services by the Company) information with respect to purchases and redemptions of Shares;
F. On days that the Company may accept orders for purchases or redemptions, calculate and transmit to Fund Services and the Company the number of outstanding Shares;
G. On days that the Company may accept orders for purchases or redemptions (pursuant to the Participant Agreement), transmit to Fund Services, the Company and DTC the amount of Shares purchased on such day;
2 |
|
H. Confirm to DTC the number of Shares issued to the Shareholder, as DTC may reasonably request;
I. Prepare and deliver other reports, information and documents to DTC as DTC may reasonably request;
J. Extend the voting rights to the Shareholder for extension by DTC to DTC participants and the beneficial owners of Shares in accordance with policies and procedures of DTC for book-entry only securities;
K. Maintain those books and records of the Company specified by the Company and agreed upon by Fund Services;
L. Prepare a monthly report of all purchases and redemptions of Shares during such month on a gross transaction basis, and identify on a daily basis the net number of Shares either redeemed or purchased on such business day and with respect to each Authorized Participant purchasing or redeeming Shares, the amount of Shares purchased or redeemed;
M. Receive from the Distributor or from its agent purchase orders from Authorized Participants (as defined in the Authorized Participant Agreement) for Creation Unit Aggregations of Shares received in good form and accepted by or on behalf of the Company by the Distributor, transmit appropriate trade instructions to the NSCC, if applicable, and pursuant to such orders issue the appropriate number of Shares of the Company and hold such Shares in the account of the Shareholder for each of the respective Funds;
N. Receive from the Authorized Participants redemption requests, deliver the appropriate documentation thereof to the Company’s custodian, generate and transmit or cause to be generated and transmitted confirmation of receipt of such redemption requests to the Authorized Participants submitting the same; transmit appropriate trade instructions to the NSCC, if applicable, and redeem the appropriate number of Creation Unit Aggregations of Shares held in the account of the Shareholder for each of the respective Funds;
O. Confirm the name, U.S. taxpayer identification number and principle place of business of each Authorized Participant;
P. In addition to the services set forth above, Fund Services shall: perform the customary services of a transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent including, but not limited to, maintaining the account of the Shareholder; and obtaining at the request of the Company from the Shareholder a list of DTC participants holding interests in the Global Certificate; and
3 |
|
Q. Fund Services shall keep records relating to the services to be performed hereunder, in the form and manner required by applicable laws, rules, and regulations under the 1940 Act and to the extent required by Section 31 of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder (the “Rules”), all such books and records shall be the property of the Company, will be preserved, maintained and made available in accordance with such Section and Rules, and will be surrendered promptly to the Company on and in accordance with its request.
3. | Lost Shareholder Due Diligence Searches and Servicing |
The Company hereby acknowledges that Fund Services has an arrangement with an outside vendor to conduct lost shareholder searches required by Rule 17Ad-17 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Costs associated with such searches will be passed through to the Company as miscellaneous expenses in accordance with the fee schedule set forth on Exhibit B attached hereto. If a shareholder remains lost and the shareholder’s account unresolved after completion of the mandatory Rule 17Ad-17 search, the Company hereby authorizes vendor to enter, at its discretion, into fee sharing arrangements with the lost shareholder (or such lost shareholder’s representative or executor) to conduct a more in-depth search in order to locate the lost shareholder before the shareholder’s assets escheat to the applicable state. The Company hereby acknowledges that Fund Services is not a party to these arrangements and does not receive any revenue sharing or other fees relating to these arrangements. Furthermore, the Company hereby acknowledges that vendor may receive up to 35% of the lost shareholder’s assets as compensation for its efforts in locating the lost shareholder.
4. | Anti-Money Laundering and Red Flag Identity Theft Prevention Programs |
The Company acknowledges that it has had an opportunity to review, consider and comment upon the written procedures provided by Fund Services describing various tools used by Fund Services which are designed to promote the detection and reporting of potential money laundering activity and identity theft by monitoring certain aspects of shareholder activity as well as written procedures for verifying a customer’s identity (collectively, the “Procedures”). Further, the Company and Fund Services have each determined that the Procedures, as part of the Company’s overall Anti-Money Laundering Program and Red Flag Identity Theft Prevention Program, are reasonably designed to: (i) prevent each Fund from being used for money laundering or the financing of terrorist activities; (ii) prevent identity theft; and (iii) achieve compliance with the applicable provisions of the Bank Secrecy Act, Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 and the USA Patriot Act of 2001 and the implementing regulations thereunder.
Based on this determination, the Company hereby instructs and directs Fund Services to implement the Procedures on the Company’s behalf, as such may be amended or revised from time to time. It is contemplated that these Procedures will be amended from time to time by the parties as additional regulations are adopted and/or regulatory guidance is provided relating to the Company’s anti-money laundering and identity theft responsibilities.
4 |
|
Fund Services agrees to provide to the Company:
(a) | Prompt written notification of any transaction or combination of transactions that Fund Services believes, based on the Procedures, evidence money laundering or identity theft activities in connection with the Company or any Fund shareholder; |
(b) | Prompt written notification of any customer(s) that Fund Services reasonably believes, based upon the Procedures, to be engaged in money laundering or identity theft activities, provided that the Company agrees not to communicate this information to the customer; |
(c) | Any reports received by Fund Services from any government agency or applicable industry self-regulatory organization pertaining to Fund Services’ Anti-Money Laundering Program or the Red Flag Identity Theft Prevention Program on behalf of the Company; |
(d) | Prompt written notification of any action taken in response to anti-money laundering violations or identity theft activity as described in (a), (b) or (c) immediately above; and |
(e) | Certified annual and quarterly reports of its monitoring and customer identification activities pursuant to the Procedures on behalf of the Company. |
The Company hereby directs, and Fund Services acknowledges, that Fund Services shall (i) permit federal regulators access to such information and records maintained by Funder Services and relating to Fund Services’ implementation of the Procedures, on behalf of the Company, as they may request, and (ii) permit such federal regulators to inspect Fund Services’ implementation of the Procedures on behalf of the Company.
5. | Compensation |
Fund Services shall be compensated for providing the services set forth in this Agreement in accordance with the fee schedule set forth on Exhibit B attached hereto (as amended from time to time by written request of the parties to this Agreement). Fund Services shall be reimbursed for such miscellaneous expenses (e.g., telecommunication charges, postage and delivery charges, and reproduction charges) as are reasonably incurred by Fund Services in performing its duties hereunder. Fund Services shall also be compensated for any increases in costs due to the adoption of any new or amended industry, regulatory or other applicable rules. The Company shall pay all such fees and reimbursable expenses within thirty (30) calendar days following receipt of the monthly billing notice, except for any fee or expense subject to a good faith dispute. The Company shall notify Fund Services in writing within thirty (30) calendar days following receipt of each invoice if the Company is disputing any amounts in good faith. The Company shall pay such disputed amounts within 10 calendar days of the day on which the parties agree to the amount to be paid, if any. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, amounts
5 |
|
owed by the Company to Fund Services shall only be paid out of the assets and property of the particular Fund involved.
6. | Representations and Warranties |
A. | The Company hereby represents and warrants to Fund Services, which representations and warranties shall be deemed to be continuing throughout the term of this Agreement, that: |
(1) | It is duly organized and existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, with full power to carry on its business as now conducted, to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder; |
(2) | This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company in accordance with all requisite action and constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Company, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and secured parties; |
(3) | It is conducting its business in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal, and has obtained all regulatory approvals necessary to carry on its business as now conducted; there is no statute, rule, regulation, order or judgment binding on it and no provision of its charter, bylaws or any contract binding it or affecting its property which would prohibit its execution or performance of this Agreement; and |
(4) | A registration statement under the 1940 Act and the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, will be made effective prior to the effective date of this Agreement and will remain effective during the term of this Agreement, and appropriate state securities law filings will be made prior to the effective date of this Agreement and will continue to be made during the term of this Agreement as necessary to enable the Company to make a continuous public offering of its shares. |
B. | Fund Services hereby represents and warrants to the Company, which representations and warranties shall be deemed to be continuing throughout the term of this Agreement, that: |
(1) | It is duly organized and existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, with full power to carry on its business as now conducted, to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder; |
(2) | This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Fund Services in accordance with all requisite action and constitutes a valid and |
6 |
|
legally binding obligation of Fund Services, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and secured parties; |
(3) | It is conducting its business in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal, and has obtained all regulatory approvals necessary to carry on its business as now conducted; there is no statute, rule, regulation, order or judgment binding on it and no provision of its charter, bylaws or any contract binding it or affecting its property which would prohibit its execution or performance of this Agreement; and |
(4) | It is a registered transfer agent under the Exchange Act. |
7. | Standard of Care; Indemnification; Limitation of Liability |
A. | Fund Services shall exercise reasonable care in the performance of its duties under this Agreement. Fund Services shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Company in connection with its duties under this Agreement, including losses resulting from mechanical breakdowns or the failure of communication or power supplies beyond fund Services’ control, except a loss arising out of or relating to Fund Services’ refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement or from its bad faith, negligence, or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties under this Agreement. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if Fund Services has exercised reasonable care in the performance of its duties under this Agreement, the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Fund Services from and against any and all claims, demands, losses, expenses, and liabilities of any and every nature (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) that Fund Services may sustain or incur or that may be asserted against Fund Services by any person arising out of any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in performing the services hereunder (i) in accordance with the foregoing standards, or (ii) in reliance upon any written or oral instruction provided to Fund Services by any duly authorized officer of the Company (other than an officer of the Company employed by Fund Services), as approved by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board of Directors”), except for any and all claims, demands, losses, expenses, and liabilities arising out of or relating to Fund Services’ refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement or from its bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties under this Agreement. This indemnity shall be a continuing obligation of the Company, its successors and assigns, notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement. As used in this paragraph, the term “Fund Services” shall include Fund Services’ directors, officers and employees. |
7 |
|
Fund Services shall indemnify and hold the Company harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, losses, expenses, and liabilities of any and every nature (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) that the Company may sustain or incur or that may be asserted against the Company by any person arising out of any action taken or omitted to be taken by Fund Services as a result of Fund Services’ refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement, or from its bad faith, negligence, or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties under this Agreement. This indemnity shall be a continuing obligation of Fund Services, its successors and assigns, notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement. As used in this paragraph, the term “Company” shall include the Company’s directors, officers and employees.
Neither party to this Agreement shall be liable to the other party for consequential, special or punitive damages under any provision of this Agreement.
In the event of a mechanical breakdown or failure of communication or power supplies beyond its control, Fund Services shall take all reasonable steps to minimize service interruptions for any period that such interruption continues. Fund Services will make every reasonable effort to restore any lost or damaged data and correct any errors resulting from such a breakdown at the expense of Fund Services. Fund Services agrees that it shall, at all times, have reasonable business continuity and disaster recovery contingency plans with appropriate parties, making reasonable provision for emergency use of electrical data processing equipment to the extent appropriate equipment is available. Representatives of the Company shall be entitled to inspect Fund Services’ premises and operating capabilities at any time during regular business hours of Fund Services, upon reasonable notice to Fund Services. Moreover, Fund Services shall provide the Company, at such times as the Company may reasonably require, copies of reports rendered by independent accountants on the internal controls and procedures of Fund Services relating to the services provided by Fund Services under this Agreement.
Notwithstanding the above, Fund Services reserves the right to reprocess and correct administrative errors at its own expense.
B. | In order that the indemnification provisions contained in this section shall apply, it is understood that if in any case the indemnitor may be asked to indemnify or hold the indemnitee harmless, the indemnitor shall be fully and promptly advised of all pertinent facts concerning the situation in question, and it is further understood that the indemnitee will use all reasonable care to notify the indemnitor promptly concerning any situation that presents or appears likely to present the probability of a claim for indemnification and will keep the indemnitor advised with respect to all developments concerning such claim. The indemnitor shall be entitled to participate at its own expense in the defense, or if it so elects, to assume the defense of any claim that may be the subject of this |
8 |
|
indemnification, but if the indemnitor elects to assume the defense, such defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by the indemnitor and approved by the indemnitee, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. In the event the indemnitor elects to assume the defense of any such suit and retain such counsel, the indemnitee in such suit shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by them. If the indemnitor does not elect to assume the defense of any such suit, or in case the indemnitee does not, in the exercise of reasonable judgment, approve of counsel chosen by the indemnitor, or if under prevailing law or legal codes of ethics, the same counsel cannot effectively represent the interests of both the indemnitor and the indemnitee, the indemnitor will reimburse the indemnitee for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by them.
C. | The indemnity and defense provisions set forth in this Section 7 shall indefinitely survive the termination and/or assignment of this Agreement. |
D. | If Fund Services is acting in another capacity for the Company pursuant to a separate agreement, nothing herein shall be deemed to relieve Fund Services of any of its obligations in such other capacity. |
E. | The Company is a series company, and each Fund is a separate and distinct series of the Company. As such, the debts, liabilities, obligations and expenses incurred, contracted for or otherwise existing as a result of this Agreement with respect to the Company shall be enforceable against the assets of each Fund separately, and not against the assets of the Company generally or the assets of any other Fund or portfolio or series of the Company. |
8. | Data Necessary to Perform Services |
The Company or its agent shall furnish to Fund Services the data necessary to perform the services described herein at such times and in such form as mutually agreed upon.
9. | Proprietary and Confidential Information |
Fund Services agrees on behalf of itself and its directors, officers, and employees to treat confidentially and as proprietary information of the Company, all records and other information relative to the Company and prior, present, or potential shareholders of the Company (and clients of said shareholders), and not to use such records and information for any purpose other than the performance of its responsibilities and duties hereunder, except (i) after prior notification to and approval in writing by the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld and may not be withheld where Fund Services may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt proceedings for failure to comply, (ii) when requested to divulge such information by duly constituted authorities, or (iii) when so requested by the Company. Records and other information which have become known to the public through no wrongful act of Fund Services or any of its employees, agents or representatives, and information that was already in the
9 |
|
possession of Fund Services prior to receipt thereof from the Company or its agent, shall not be subject to this paragraph.
Further, Fund Services will adhere to the privacy policies adopted by the Company pursuant to Title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, as may be modified from time to time. In this regard, Fund Services shall have in place and maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards reasonably designed to protect the security, confidentiality and integrity of, and to prevent unauthorized access to or use of, records and information relating to the Company and its shareholders and shall comply with the Gramm-Leach Bliley Act and any state laws concerning privacy.
10. | Records |
Fund Services shall keep records relating to the services to be performed hereunder in the form and manner, and for such period, as it may deem advisable and is agreeable to the Company, but not inconsistent with the rules and regulations of appropriate government authorities, in particular, Section 31 of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. Fund Services agrees that all such records prepared or maintained by Fund Services relating to the services to be performed by Fund Services hereunder are the property of the Company and will be preserved, maintained, and made available in accordance with such applicable sections and rules of the 1940 Act and will be promptly surrendered to the Company or its designee on and in accordance with its request.
11. | Compliance with Laws |
The Company has and retains primary responsibility for all compliance matters relating to the Fund, including but not limited to compliance with the 1940 Act, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the USA Patriot Act of 2001 and the policies and limitations of the Fund relating to its portfolio investments as set forth in its Prospectus and statement of additional information. Fund Services’ services hereunder shall not relieve the Company of its responsibilities for assuring such compliance or the Board of Directors’ oversight responsibility with respect thereto. The provisions in this section shall not have any affect upon the services Fund Services is required to provide or the standard of care and liability Fund Services has set forth in Section 8 of this Agreement
12. | Term of Agreement; Amendment |
This Agreement shall become effective as of the date first written above and will continue in effect until June 30, 2019. This Agreement may be terminated by either party upon giving 90 days prior written notice to the other party or such shorter notice period as is mutually agreed upon by the parties. Subsequent to the end of the three (3) year period, this Agreement continues until one party gives 90 days prior written notice to the other party or such shorter notice period as is mutually agreed upon by the parties. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement may be terminated by any party upon the breach of the other party of any material term of this Agreement if such breach is not cured within 15 days of notice of such breach to the breaching party. However, this cure period only applies to the first two such breaches of the
10 |
|
same material term of this Agreement. Either party may terminate this Agreement after the third such breach of the same material term of this Agreement. In addition, the Company may, at any time, immediately terminate this Agreement upon its “assignment” as defined under the 1940 Act. This Agreement may not be amended or modified in any manner except by written agreement executed by Fund Services and the Company, and authorized or approved by the Board of Directors.
13. | Duties in the Event of Termination |
In the event that, in connection with the termination of this Agreement, a successor to any of Fund Services’ duties or responsibilities hereunder is designated by the Company by written notice to Fund Services, Fund Services will promptly, upon such termination and at the expense of the Company, transfer to such successor all relevant books, records, correspondence, and other data established or maintained by Fund Services under this Agreement in a form reasonably acceptable to the Company (if such form differs from the form in which Fund Services has maintained the same, the Company shall pay any reasonable expenses associated with transferring the data to such form), and will cooperate in the transfer of such duties and responsibilities, including provision for assistance from Fund Services’ personnel in the establishment of books, records, and other data by such successor. If no such successor is designated, then such books, records and other data shall be returned to the Company.
14. | Assignment |
This Agreement shall extend to and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns; provided, however, that this Agreement shall not be assignable by the Company without the written consent of Fund Services, or by Fund Services without the written consent of the Company accompanied by the authorization or approval of the Board of Directors.
15. | Governing Law |
This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflicts of law principles. To the extent that the applicable laws of the State of Delaware, or any of the provisions herein, conflict with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control, and nothing herein shall be construed in a manner inconsistent with the 1940 Act or any rule or order of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.
16. | No Agency Relationship |
Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize or empower either party to act as agent for the other party to this Agreement, or to conduct business in the name, or for the account, of the other party to this Agreement.
17. | Services Not Exclusive |
Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict Fund Services from providing services to
11 |
|
other parties that are similar or identical to some or all of the services provided hereunder.
18. | Invalidity |
Any provision of this Agreement which may be determined by competent authority to be prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. In such case, the parties shall in good faith modify or substitute such provision consistent with the original intent of the parties.
19. | Notices |
Any notice required or permitted to be given by either party to the other shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given on the date delivered personally or by courier service, or three days after sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or on the date sent and confirmed received by facsimile transmission to the other party’s address set forth below:
Notice to Fund Services shall be sent to:
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Attn: President
and notice to the Company shall
be sent to:
The RBB Fund, Inc.
c/o Vigilant Compliance Services
Brandywine Two 5 Christy Drive, Suite 208
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Attn: Salvatore Faia, JD,
With copy to:
Michael P. Malloy
Drinker, Biddle & Reath, LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA, 19103
and notice to the Fund’s investment adviser
shall be sent to :
Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC
2000 Duke Street, Suite 175
Alexandria, VA 22314
Attn : President
12 |
|
20. | Rights and Obligations of Each Fund |
No Fund shall receive any rights or have any liabilities arising from any action or inaction of any other series of the Company under this Agreement.
21. | Multiple Originals |
This Agreement may be executed on two or more counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by a duly authorized officer on one or more counterparts as of the date first written below.
The RBB Fund, Inc | U.S. BANCORP FUND SERVICES, LLC | |||
By: | /s/ Salvatore Faia | By: | /s/ Joseph Neuberger | |
Name: | Salvatore Faia | Name: | Joseph Neuberger | |
Title: | President | Title: | President | |
Date: | 2/2/2018 | Date: | 1/29/18 |
13 |
|
Exhibit A to the Transfer Agent Servicing Agreement-
Series of The RBB Fund, Inc
Motley Fool 100 Index ETF
14 |
|
Exhibit B to Transfer Agent Servicing Agreement
[ ]
15 |
Exhibit (i)(2)
CONSENT OF COUNSEL
We hereby consent to the use of our name and to the reference to our Firm under the caption “Counsel” in the Statement of Additional Information that is included in Post-Effective Amendment No. 251 to the Registration Statement (No. 33-20827; 811-5518) on Form N-1A of The RBB Fund, Inc., under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, respectively. This consent does not constitute a consent under section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, and in consenting to the use of our name and the references to our Firm under such caption we have not certified any part of the Registration Statement and do not otherwise come within the categories of persons whose consent is required under said section 7 or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.
/s/ Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP | ||
DRINKER BIDDLE & REATH LLP |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 8, 2019