As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 25, 2005
Registration Nos. 002-16590
811-945
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
------------
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 |X|
PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. [ ]
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 83 |X|
AND/OR
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 |X|
AMENDMENT NO. 84 |X|
(Check appropriate box or boxes.)
------------
|
PHOENIX EQUITY TRUST
c/o Phoenix Equity Planning
Corporation -- Shareholder Services
(800) 243-1574
(Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code)
John R. Flores, Esq.
Vice President, Litigation/Employment Counsel
Phoenix Life Insurance Company
One American Row
Hartford, Connecticut 06102-5056
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
[ ] immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
|X| on October 31, 2005 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
[ ] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(i)
[ ] on pursuant to paragraph (a)(i)
[ ] 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii)
[ ] on pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii) of Rule 485.
If appropriate, check the following box:
[ ] this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.
PROSPECTUS
> PHOENIX MID-CAP VALUE FUND
> PHOENIX PATHFINDER FUND
> PHOENIX RELATIVE VALUE FUND
> PHOENIX TOTAL VALUE FUND
> PHOENIX WORLDWIDE STRATEGIES FUND
Get Fund documents
by e-mail instead.
Eligible shareholders
may sign up for E-Delivery
at PhoenixFunds.com.
TRUST NAME: PHOENIX EQUITY TRUST
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
This prospectus contains important information that you should know before investing in Phoenix Mid-Cap Value Fund, Phoenix Pathfinder Fund, Phoenix Relative Value Fund, Phoenix Total Value Fund and Phoenix Worldwide Strategies Fund. Please read it carefully and retain it for future reference.
[LOGO] PHOENIXFUNDS[sm]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Phoenix Mid-Cap Value Fund
Investment Risk and Return Summary............. 1
Fund Fees and Expenses......................... 4
Management of the Fund......................... 5
Phoenix Pathfinder Fund
Investment Risk and Return Summary............. 7
Fund Fees and Expenses......................... 9
Management of the Fund......................... 10
Phoenix Relative Value Fund
Investment Risk and Return Summary............. 14
Fund Fees and Expenses......................... 16
Management of the Fund......................... 17
Phoenix Total Value Fund
Investment Risk and Return Summary............. 20
Fund Fees and Expenses......................... 23
Management of the Fund......................... 24
Phoenix Worldwide Strategies Fund
Investment Risk and Return Summary............. 31
Fund Fees and Expenses......................... 36
Management of the Fund......................... 37
Additional Investment Techniques.................... 41
Pricing of Fund Shares.............................. 43
Sales Charges....................................... 45
Your Account........................................ 48
How to Buy Shares................................... 50
How to Sell Shares.................................. 50
Things You Should Know When Selling Shares.......... 51
Account Policies.................................... 52
Investor Services and Other Information............. 56
Tax Status of Distributions......................... 57
Financial Highlights................................ 58
|
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Phoenix Mid-Cap Value Fund has an investment objective of long-term growth of capital. There is no guarantee that the fund will achieve its objective. The fund's investment objective may be changed without shareholder approval.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
> Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets
in securities of mid-capitalization companies that, at the time of
initial purchase, have market capitalizations within the range of
companies included in the Russell Midcap(R) Index. Because
mid-capitalization companies are defined by reference to an index, the
market capitalization of companies in which the fund invests may vary
with market conditions. As of September 30, 2005, the market
capitalization range of companies included in the Russell Midcap(R)
Index was $828 million to $18 billion. The fund's policy of investing
at least 80% of its assets in mid-capitalization companies may be
changed only upon 60 days written notice to shareholders.
> The adviser manages the fund's investment program and the general
operations of the fund, including oversight of the subadviser. The
subadviser manages the investments of the fund. The subadviser utilizes
a "bottom-up" investment approach. The subadviser looks for companies
that are both selling at a substantial discount to their private market
value and that have restructuring and turnaround potential. The
subadviser also looks for companies where there is potential for
significant increase in earnings over a three-year period and for
significant price appreciation over a three-year period.
> The subadviser employs a sell discipline pursuant to which it will sell
a position when the price of the stock reaches the subadviser's target
price, when it has diminished confidence that management can execute
the turnaround strategy, or when key management departs.
|
Temporary defensive strategy: If the adviser or subadviser believes that market conditions are not favorable to the fund's principal strategies, the fund may take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with its principal investment strategies by investing, without limit, in U.S. Government securities and in money market instruments. When this allocation happens, the fund may not achieve its investment objective.
Please see "Additional Investment Techniques" for other investment techniques of the fund.
Phoenix Mid-Cap Value Fund 1
RISKS RELATED TO PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
If you invest in this fund, you risk losing your investment.
GENERAL
The value of the fund's investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund's investments decreases, you will lose money.
Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected and investments may fail to perform as the subadviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease.
EQUITY SECURITIES
Generally, prices of equity securities are more volatile than those of fixed-income securities. The prices of equity securities will rise and fall in response to a number of different factors. In particular, equity securities will respond to events that affect entire financial markets or industries (such as changes in inflation or consumer demand) and to events that affect particular industries (such as news about the success or failure of a new product).
o MID-CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES. Companies with mid-capitalizations are often companies with a limited operating history or companies in industries that have recently emerged due to cultural, economic, regulatory or technological developments. Such developments can have a significant impact or negative effect on medium capitalization companies and their stock performance and can make investment returns highly volatile. Product lines are often less diversified and subject to competitive threats. Mid-capitalization stocks are subject to varying patterns of trading volume and may, at times, be difficult to sell.
o VALUE STOCKS. Value stocks involve the risk that the value of the security will not be recognized for an unexpectedly long period of time and that the security is not undervalued but is appropriately priced due to fundamental problems not yet apparent. Value-oriented funds typically underperform when growth investing is in favor.
2 Phoenix Mid-Cap Value Fund
PERFORMANCE TABLES
The Phoenix Mid-Cap Value Fund ("Successor Fund") is the successor of the FMI Sasco Contrarian Value Fund (the "Predecessor Fund"), resulting from a reorganization of the Predecessor Fund with and into the Phoenix Mid-Cap Value Fund on October 22, 2004. The Predecessor Fund, which commenced operations on December 30, 1997, offered only one class of shares. The Phoenix Mid-Cap Value Fund treats the past performance of the Predecessor Fund as its own. Therefore the performance tables below include the performance of the shares of the Predecessor Fund prior to the Phoenix Mid-Cap Value Fund's commencement date.
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Phoenix Mid-Cap Value Fund. The bar chart shows changes in the fund's performance from year to year over the life of the fund.(1) The table shows how the fund's average annual returns compare with those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. The fund's past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.
[OMITTED]
CALENDAR YEAR ANNUAL RETURN (%)
1998 -9.07
1999 -0.68
2000 31.64
2001 11.84
2002 -9.89
2003 37.56
2004 24.74
|
(1) Annual returns in the chart above do not reflect the deduction of any sales charges. The returns would have been less than those shown if sales charges were deducted. During the period shown in the chart above, the highest return for a quarter was 22.09% (quarter ending December 31, 2003) and the lowest return for a quarter was -19.91% (quarter ending September 30, 2002). Year-to-date performance (through September 30, 2005) is 0.88%. For the 1998 through 2000 calendar years, Resource Capital Advisers, Inc. was the investment adviser to the Predecessor Fund. On October 15, 2001, Fiduciary Management, Inc. became the investment adviser to the Predecessor Fund. Since its inception on October 22, 2004, Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. has been the investment adviser to the Successor Fund. Since the Predecessor Fund's inception, the subadviser to the fund has been Sasco Capital Inc. ("Sasco") and since inception, Sasco has been the subadviser to the Successor Fund.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SINCE INCEPTION(3)
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS ---------------------------------
(FOR THE PERIODS ENDED 12/31/04)(2) 1 YEAR 5 YEARS CLASS A CLASS C
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Return Before Taxes 17.57% 16.49% 9.95% --
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Return After Taxes on Distributions(4) 17.53% 16.41% 9.56% --
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Return After Taxes on Distributions and
Sale of Fund Shares(4) 11.47% 14.50% 8.46% --
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Return Before Taxes -- -- -- 7.89%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Russell Midcap(R) Index(5) 20.22% 7.59% 9.52% 14.16%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Russell Midcap(R) Value Index(6) 23.71% 13.48% 10.31% 14.34%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
(2) The Predecessor Fund's average annual returns have been restated to reflect the deduction of the maximum sales charge for an investment in Class A Shares and a full redemption in Class C Shares.
(3) Class A Shares restated to reflect performance since inception of the
Predecessor Fund on December 30, 1997; Class C Shares since October 22, 2004.
(4) The after-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual
federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and
local taxes. The after-tax returns shown in the table above are for only one
class of shares offered by the prospectus (Class A, formerly the sole class of
the Predecessor Fund); after-tax returns for the classes will vary. Actual
after-tax returns depend on the investor's tax situation and may differ from
those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold
their fund shares through tax deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or
individual retirement accounts.
(5) The Russell Midcap(R) Index is a market capitalization-weighted index of medium-capitalization stocks of U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total-return basis with dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, its performance does not reflect the fees, expenses or taxes associated with the active management of an actual portfolio.
(6) The Russell Midcap(R) Value Index is a market capitalization-weighted index of medium-capitalization, value-oriented stocks of U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total-return basis with dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, its performance does not reflect the fees, expenses or taxes associated with the active management of an actual portfolio.
Phoenix Mid-Cap Value Fund 3
This table illustrates all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.
CLASS A CLASS C
SHARES SHARES
------ ------
SHAREHOLDER FEES (FEES PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENT)
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of 5.75% None
offering price)
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser None 1.00%(a)
of the value redeemed or the amount invested)
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends None None
Redemption Fee None None
Exchange Fee None None
--------------------------------------------
CLASS A CLASS C
SHARES SHARES
------ ------
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (EXPENSES THAT ARE DEDUCTED FROM FUND
ASSETS)
Management Fees 0.75% 0.75%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees(b) 0.25% 1.00%
Other Expenses 0.65% 0.65%
----- -----
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES 1.65% 2.40%
Expense Reduction(c) (0.40)% (0.40)%
----- -----
NET FUND OPERATING EXPENSES 1.25% 2.00%
===== =====
|
(b) Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Fees represent an asset-based sales charge that, for a long-term shareholder, may be higher than the maximum front-end sales charge permitted by the NASD.
(c) Contractual arrangement with the fund's investment adviser to limit the fund's total operating expenses (excluding interest, tax and extraordinary expenses), through October 31, 2006 so that such expenses do not exceed 1.25% for Class A Shares and 2.00% for Class C Shares. The adviser will not seek to recapture any operating expenses reimbursed under this arrangement.
EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
4 Phoenix Mid-Cap Value Fund
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A $695 $1,029 $1,385 $2,386 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C $303 $ 710 $1,244 $2,706 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C $203 $ 710 $1,244 $2,706 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
The examples assume that the expense reimbursement obligations of the adviser are in effect for one year. Thereafter, the examples do not reflect any expense reimbursement obligations.
THE ADVISER AND SUBADVISER
Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. ("Phoenix") is the investment adviser to the fund and is located at 56 Prospect Street, Hartford, CT 06115. Phoenix acts as the investment adviser for 14 fund companies totaling 47 mutual funds and as adviser to institutional clients. As of June 30, 2005, Phoenix had approximately $20.3 billion in assets under management. Phoenix has acted as an investment adviser for over 70 years.
Sasco Capital, Inc. ("Sasco") is the subadviser to the fund and is located at 10 Sasco Hill Road, Fairfield, CT 06824. Sasco has been an investment adviser since 1985 and as of June 30, 2005, had approximately $2.7 billion in assets under management.
Subject to the direction of the fund's Board of Trustees, Phoenix is responsible for managing the fund's investment program, overseeing the fund's subadviser and recommending its hiring, termination and replacement, and for the general operations of the fund. Sasco, as subadviser, is responsible for the day-to-day management of the fund's portfolio. Phoenix and Sasco manage the fund's assets to conform with the investment policies as described in this prospectus.
The fund pays Phoenix a monthly investment management fee that is accrued daily against the value of the fund's net assets at the annual rate of 0.75%.
Phoenix has contractually agreed to limit the fund's total operating expenses (excluding interest, tax and extraordinary expenses), through October 31, 2006 so that such expenses do not exceed 1.25% for Class A Shares and 2.00% for Class C Shares. The adviser will not seek to recapture any operating expenses reimbursed under this arrangement.
Phoenix Mid-Cap Value Fund 5
During the fund's last fiscal year, the fund paid total management fees of $332,819. The ratio of management fees to average net assets for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2005 was 0.75%.
Phoenix pays Sasco a subadvisory fee which is calculated at the annual rate of 47.5% of the gross investment management fee.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
BRUCE BOTTOMLEY, MARK HELDERMAN and DANIEL LEARY are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the fund's portfolio.
Since its inception on October 22, 2004, Mr. Bottomley has served as a portfolio manager of the fund and previously served as portfolio manager of the Predecessor Fund since its inception in 1997. He is Managing Director and Portfolio Manager of Sasco. Mr. Bottomley has 32 years of investment experience and was a founding partner of Sasco in 1986.
Since its inception on October 22, 2004, Mr. Helderman has served as a portfolio manager of the fund and previously served as portfolio manager of the Predecessor Fund since 2004. He is Managing Director and Portfolio Manager of Sasco. Mr. Helderman has 18 years of investment experience and joined Sasco in 1997.
Since its inception on October 22, 2004, Mr. Leary has served as a portfolio manager of the fund and previously served as portfolio manager of the Predecessor Fund since its inception in 1997. He is Managing Director and Portfolio Manager of Sasco. Mr. Leary has 33 years of investment experience and was a founding partner of Sasco in 1986.
Please refer to the Statement of Additional Information for additional information about the fund's portfolio managers, including the structure of and method of computing compensation, other accounts they manage and their ownership of shares of the fund.
6 Phoenix Mid-Cap Value Fund
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Phoenix Pathfinder Fund has an investment objective of long-term capital appreciation. There is no guarantee that the fund will achieve its objective. The fund's investment objective may be changed without shareholder approval.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
> Under normal circumstances, the fund invests principally in the equity
securities of domestic companies that the subadviser believes to have
appreciation potential. The fund invests principally in larger
capitalization stocks; however, the fund may invest in issuers of any
capitalization. The subadviser considers larger capitalization stocks
to be those of issuers with market capitalizations of over $2 billion
at the time of initial purchase.
> The adviser manages the fund's investment program and the general
operations of the fund, including oversight of the fund's subadviser.
The subadviser manages the investments of the fund. The subadviser
employs a value approach to constructing the fund's portfolio,
utilizing quantitative screening to identify attractively valued
securities. All stocks in the equity universe are evaluated across
multiple quantitative factors, such as valuation, earnings and quality.
> Research is focused on identifying the factors most closely associated
with outperforming stocks. Factors must have statistical significance,
but also must meet the "common sense" test of having a logical
connection to the attributes of a successful company.
> A portfolio optimization program is used to balance the expected return
of the stocks with such considerations as the portfolio's benchmark,
desired level of risk and transaction cost estimates.
> A stock is sold if its expected return deteriorates to the point where
it can be replaced by a more attractive stock that plays an equally
useful diversification role and the expected return of the new stock
covers the transaction costs of the sell and purchase.
> The fund's investment strategies may lead to a high portfolio turnover
rate. High portfolio turnover rates may increase brokerage and other
transaction costs to the fund, may negatively affect fund performance,
and may increase capital gain distributions, resulting in greater tax
liability to you.
|
Temporary Defensive Strategy: If the adviser believes that market conditions are not favorable to the fund's principal strategies, the fund may take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with its principal investment strategies by holding cash or investing, without limit,
Phoenix Pathfinder Fund 7
in cash equivalents such as U.S. Government securities and high grade commercial paper. When this allocation happens, the fund may not achieve its investment objective.
Please see "Additional Investment Techniques" for other investment techniques of the fund.
RISKS RELATED TO PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
If you invest in this fund, you risk losing your investment.
GENERAL
The value of the fund's investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund's investments decreases, you will lose money.
Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected and investments may fail to perform as the subadviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease.
EQUITY SECURITIES
Generally, prices of equity securities are more volatile than those of fixed-income securities. The prices of equity securities will rise and fall in response to a number of different factors. In particular, equity securities will respond to events that affect entire financial markets or industries (such as changes in inflation or consumer demand) and to events that affect particular industries (such as news about the success or failure of a new product).
o LARGER MARKET CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES. Companies with large capitalizations go in and out of favor based on market and economic conditions. Larger companies tend to be less volatile than companies with smaller market capitalizations. In exchange for this potentially lower risk, a fund's value may not rise as much as the value of funds that emphasize companies with smaller market capitalizations.
o VALUE STOCKS. Value stocks involve the risk that the value of the security will not be recognized for an unexpectedly long period of time and that the security is not undervalued but is appropriately priced due to fundamental problems not yet apparent. Value-oriented funds typically underperform when growth investing is in favor.
PERFORMANCE TABLES
The fund has been in existence only since July 29, 2005; therefore, performance information is not included since the fund has not had a full calendar year of investment returns.
8 Phoenix Pathfinder Fund
This table illustrates all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.
CLASS A CLASS C
SHARES SHARES
------ ------
SHAREHOLDER FEES (FEES PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENT)
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of
offering price) 5.75% None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the
lesser of the value redeemed or the amount invested) None 1.00%(a)
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends None None
Redemption Fee None None
Exchange Fee None None
--------------------------------------------
CLASS A CLASS C
SHARES SHARES
------ ------
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (EXPENSES THAT ARE DEDUCTED FROM
FUND ASSETS)
Management Fees 0.80% 0.80%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees(b) 0.25% 1.00%
Other Expenses(c) 0.57% 0.57%
----- -----
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES 1.62% 2.37%
Expense Reduction(d) (0.22)% (0.22)%
----- -----
NET ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES 1.40% 2.15%
===== =====
|
(b) Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Fees represent an asset-based sales charge that, for a long-term shareholder, may be higher than the maximum front-end sales charge permitted by the NASD.
(c) Estimated at this time.
(d) Contractual arrangement with the fund's investment adviser to limit the fund's total operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses), through October 31, 2006, so that such expenses do not exceed 1.40% for Class A Shares and 2.15% for Class C Shares. The adviser will not seek to recapture any operating expenses reimbursed under this arrangement.
EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
Phoenix Pathfinder Fund 9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A $709 $1,036 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C $318 $ 718 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C $218 $ 718 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
The examples assume that the expense reimbursement obligations of the adviser are in effect for one year. Thereafter, the examples do not reflect any expense reimbursement obligations.
THE ADVISER AND SUBADVISER
Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. ("Phoenix") is the investment adviser to the fund and is located at 56 Prospect Street, Hartford, CT 06115. Phoenix acts as the investment adviser for 14 fund companies totaling 47 mutual funds and as adviser to institutional clients. As of June 30, 2005, Phoenix had approximately $20.3 billion in assets under management. Phoenix has acted as an investment adviser for over 70 years.
Acadian Asset Management, Inc. ("Acadian") is the subadviser to the fund and is located at One Post Office Square, 20th Floor, Boston, MA 02109. Acadian is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Old Mutual Asset Managers (US) LLC, which is wholly-owned by Old Mutual (US) Holdings, Inc. Old Mutual (US) Holdings, Inc. is wholly-owned by OM Group (UK) Limited. OM Group (UK) Limited is wholly-owned by Old Mutual PLC. Acadian acts as adviser to institutions and individuals. As of June 30, 2005, Acadian had approximately $18 billion in assets under management. Acadian has been an investment adviser since 1977.
Subject to the direction of the fund's Board of Trustees, Phoenix is responsible for managing the fund's investment program, overseeing the fund's subadviser and recommending its hiring, termination and replacement, and for the general operations of the fund. Acadian, as subadviser, is responsible for the day-to-day management of the fund's investment portfolio. Phoenix and Acadian manage the fund's assets to conform with the investment policies as described in this prospectus.
The fund pays Phoenix a monthly investment management fee that is accrued daily against the value of the fund's net assets at the rate of 0.80%.
10 Phoenix Pathfinder Fund
Phoenix has contractually agreed to limit total operating expenses of the fund (excluding interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses) through October 31, 2006, so that such expenses do not exceed the following percentages of the average annual net asset values of the fund:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A CLASS C
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pathfinder Fund 1.40% 2.15%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
Phoenix pays Acadian a subadvisory fee which is calculated at a rate equal to 50% of the gross investment management fee.
The fund and Phoenix have received an exemptive order from the Securities and
Exchange Commission that permits Phoenix, subject to certain conditions, and
without the approval of shareholders to: (a) employ a new unaffiliated
investment adviser for a fund pursuant to the terms of a new subadvisory
agreement, in each case either as a replacement for an existing subadviser or an
additional subadviser; (b) change the terms of any subadvisory agreement; and
(c) continue the employment of an existing subadviser on the same subadvisory
contract terms where a contract has been assigned because of a change in control
of the subadviser. In such circumstances, shareholders would receive notice of
such action, including the information concerning the new subadviser that
normally is provided in a proxy statement.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
A team of investment professionals manages the fund's portfolio and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the fund's portfolio.
BRENDAN O. BRADLEY. Mr. Bradley has served on the fund's portfolio management team since its inception in 2005. He is a Senior Vice President and a senior member of the investment research team. Prior to joining Acadian in 2004, Mr. Bradley was a Vice President at Upstream Technologies (2002-2004), where he designed and implemented quantitative investment management systems and strategies. His professional background also includes work as a research analyst and consultant at Samuelson Portfolio Strategies (1999-2002).
JOHN R. CHISHOLM, CFA. Mr. Chisholm has served on the fund's portfolio management team since its inception in 2005. He is Co-Chief Investment Officer and Executive Vice President of Acadian. Mr. Chisholm has been affiliated with Acadian since 1984, first in a consulting capacity (1984-1987), as a quantitative research analyst (1987-1989), and as a portfolio manager (since 1989). He became Co-Chief Investment Officer in 1997.
MATTHEW J. COHEN, CFA. Mr. Cohen has served on the fund's portfolio management team since its inception in 2005. He is a Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager of Acadian. Mr. Cohen specializes in quantitative equity valuation techniques and manages the processes and data that drive Acadian's investment approach. Prior to joining Acadian in 1994, he worked as a senior systems analyst and project manager for Digital Equipment Corporation.
RAYMOND F. MUI. Mr. Mui has served on the fund's portfolio management team since its inception in 2005. He is a Senior Vice President specializing in multi-factor equity valuation
Phoenix Pathfinder Fund 11
frameworks and the development of investment strategies for both the developed and emerging equity markets. Prior to joining Acadian in 1991, Mr. Mui was a member of the senior technical staff at Hughes Aircraft, where he developed prototypes of command, communications and information systems.
BRIAN K. WOLAHAN, CFA. Mr. Wolahan has served on the fund's portfolio management team since its inception in 2005. He is Co-Director of Research and a Senior Portfolio Manager responsible for developing and applying quantitative techniques to evaluate markets and securities. Before joining Acadian in 1990, Mr. Wolahan worked in the Systems Planning Group at Bank of New England, and as a Senior Systems Analyst at Mars Incorporated with responsibilities for Corporate Systems.
Please refer to the Statement of Additional Information for additional information about the fund's portfolio managers, including the structure of and method of computing compensation, other accounts they manage and their ownership of shares of the fund.
12 Phoenix Pathfinder Fund
PRIOR PERFORMANCE OF ACADIAN
The performance information shown below represents a composite of the prior performance of all discretionary accounts managed by Acadian with substantially similar investment objectives, policies and strategies as the Pathfinder Fund. Performance results are net of account fees and expenses, and assume all dividends and distributions have been reinvested. The discretionary accounts are not registered mutual funds and were not subject to certain investment limitations and other restrictions imposed by the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Internal Revenue Code, which, if applicable, may have adversely affected the performance of the composite. Acadian's performance results would have been lower had fund expenses been used. The composite performance does not represent the historical performance of the fund and should not be interpreted as indicative of the future performance of the fund.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
CALENDAR YEAR ANNUAL RETURN (%)
1999 8.48
2000 2.34
2001 -4.97
2002 -18.51
2003 34.77
2004 17.39
|
Year-to-date performance (through September 30, 2005) is 8.78%.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS SINCE (FOR PERIODS ENDED 9/30/05) 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS INCEPTION(1) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. Value Equity Composite 20.86% 23.05% 6.14% 6.75% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- S&P 500(R) Index(2) 12.24% 16.72% -1.49% 0.84% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Russell 1000(R) Value Index(3) 16.69% 20.48% 5.76% 6.27% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MSCI USA Index(4) 12.97% 17.05% -1.73% 0.36% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
(1) Since October 1, 1999.
(2) The S&P 500(R) Index is a market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the
largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total-return basis with
dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct
investment; therefore, its performance does not reflect the fees, expenses or
taxes associated with the active management of an actual portfolio.
(3) The Russell 1000(R) Value Index is a market capitalization-weighted index of
value-oriented stocks of the 1,000 largest companies in the Russell Universe,
which comprises the 3,000 largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a
total-return basis with dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged and not
available for direct investment; therefore, its performance does not reflect the
fees, expenses or taxes associated with the active management of an actual
portfolio.
(4) The MSCI USA Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that measures equity market performance within the United States. The index is calculated on a total-return basis with gross dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, its performance does not reflect the fees, expenses or taxes associated with the active management of an actual portfolio.
The net annual returns for the U.S. Value Equity Composite were calculated on an asset-weighted total-return basis, including a 0.50% annual management fee charged on a quarterly basis (which represents the highest advisory fee), commissions on securities transactions, margin interest paid, and dividend and interest earned. This method differs from the method used by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Phoenix Pathfinder Fund 13
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Phoenix Relative Value Fund has an investment objective of long-term capital appreciation. There is no guarantee that the fund will achieve its objective. The fund's investment objective may be changed without shareholder approval.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
> Under normal circumstances, the fund invests principally in common
stocks that the subadviser believes to have appreciation potential. The
fund invests principally in larger capitalization stocks; however, the
fund may invest in issuers of any capitalization. The subadviser
considers larger capitalization stocks to be those of issuers with
market capitalizations of over $2 billion at the time of initial
purchase.
> The adviser manages the fund's investment program and the general
operations of the fund, including oversight of the fund's subadviser.
The subadviser manages the investments of the fund. The subadviser
|
seeks to construct an actively managed portfolio by selecting fundamentally sound, undervalued companies that are likely to meet or exceed earnings expectations.
> Securities are selected using a quantitative approach. The subadviser
utilizes a proprietary multi-factor model that quantitatively combines
earnings and valuation fundamentals to identify the catalyst within
each company that makes it more attractive. Generally, the subadviser
avoids investment in so-called "sin stocks," such as alcohol, tobacco
and gaming stocks.
> Generally, the fund will hold approximately 50 portfolio securities at
any given time.
> Stocks are generally sold when companies experience declining
fundamentals or if a stock is considered over-valued.
|
Temporary Defensive Strategy: If the adviser believes that market conditions are not favorable to the fund's principal strategies, the fund may take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with its principal investment strategies by holding cash or investing, without limit, in cash equivalents such as U.S. Government securities and high grade commercial paper. When this allocation happens, the fund may not achieve its investment objective.
Please see "Additional Investment Techniques" for other investment techniques of the fund.
RISKS RELATED TO PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
If you invest in this fund, you risk losing your investment.
14 Phoenix Relative Value Fund
GENERAL
The value of the fund's investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund's investments decreases, you will lose money.
Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected and investments may fail to perform as the subadviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease.
EQUITY SECURITIES
Generally, prices of equity securities are more volatile than those of fixed-income securities. The prices of equity securities will rise and fall in response to a number of different factors. In particular, equity securities will respond to events that affect entire financial markets or industries (such as changes in inflation or consumer demand) and to events that affect particular industries (such as news about the success or failure of a new product).
o LARGER MARKET CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES. Companies with large capitalizations go in and out of favor based on market and economic conditions. Larger companies tend to be less volatile than companies with smaller market capitalizations. In exchange for this potentially lower risk, a fund's value may not rise as much as the value of funds that emphasize companies with smaller market capitalizations.
o VALUE STOCKS. Value stocks involve the risk that the value of the security will not be recognized for an unexpectedly long period of time and that the security is not undervalued but is appropriately priced due to fundamental problems not yet apparent. Value-oriented funds typically underperform when growth investing is in favor.
LIMITED NUMBER OF INVESTMENTS
Conditions that negatively affect securities in the portfolio will have greater impact on the fund as compared with a fund that holds a greater number of security positions. In addition, the fund may be more sensitive to changes in the market value of a single issuer in its portfolio, making the value of your shares potentially more volatile.
PERFORMANCE TABLES
The fund has been in existence only since July 29, 2005; therefore, performance information is not included since the fund has not had a full calendar year of investment returns.
Phoenix Relative Value Fund 15
This table illustrates all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.
CLASS A CLASS C
SHARES SHARES
------ ------
SHAREHOLDER FEES (FEES PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENT)
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of
offering price) 5.75% None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of
the value redeemed or the amount invested) None 1.00%(a)
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends None None
Redemption Fee None None
Exchange Fee None None
---------------------------------------
CLASS A CLASS C
SHARES SHARES
------ ------
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (EXPENSES THAT ARE DEDUCTED FROM
FUND ASSETS)
Management Fees 0.80% 0.80%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees(b) 0.25% 1.00%
Other Expenses(c) 0.57% 0.57%
----- -----
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES 1.62% 2.37%
Expense Reduction(d) (0.22)% (0.22)%
----- -----
NET ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES 1.40% 2.15%
===== =====
|
(b) Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Fees represent an asset-based sales charge that, for a long-term shareholder, may be higher than the maximum front-end sales charge permitted by the NASD.
(c) Estimated at this time.
(d) Contractual arrangement with the fund's investment adviser to limit the fund's total operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses), through October 31, 2006, so that such expenses do not exceed 1.40% for Class A Shares and 2.15% for Class C Shares. The adviser will not seek to recapture any operating expenses reimbursed under this arrangement.
EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
16 Phoenix Relative Value Fund
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A $709 $1,036 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C $318 $ 718 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C $218 $ 718 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
The examples assume that the expense reimbursement obligations of the adviser are in effect for one year. Thereafter, the examples do not reflect any expense reimbursement obligations.
THE ADVISER AND SUBADVISER
Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. ("Phoenix") is the investment adviser to the fund and is located at 56 Prospect Street, Hartford, CT 06115. Phoenix acts as the investment adviser for 14 fund companies totaling 47 mutual funds and as adviser to institutional clients. As of June 30, 2005, Phoenix had approximately $20.3 billion in assets under management. Phoenix has acted as an investment adviser for over 70 years.
Golden Capital Management, LLC ("Golden") is the subadviser to the fund and is located at Five Resource Square, 10715 David Taylor Drive, Suite 150, Charlotte, NC 28262. Golden is majority-owned by its principals and employees, and is a minority-owned subsidiary of Wachovia Corporation. Golden acts as adviser to institutions and individuals. As of June 30, 2005, Golden had approximately $1.9 billion in assets under management. Golden has been an investment adviser since 1999.
Subject to the direction of the fund's Board of Trustees, Phoenix is responsible for managing the fund's investment program, overseeing the fund's subadviser and recommending its hiring, termination and replacement, and for the general operations of the fund. Golden, as subadviser, is responsible for the day-to-day management of the fund's investment portfolio. Phoenix and Golden manage the fund's assets to conform with the investment policies as described in this prospectus.
The fund pays Phoenix a monthly investment management fee that is accrued daily against the value of the fund's net assets at the rate of 0.80%.
Phoenix has contractually agreed to limit total operating expenses of the fund (excluding interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses) through October 31, 2006, so that such expenses do not exceed the following percentages of the average annual net asset values of the fund:
Phoenix Relative Value Fund 17
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A CLASS C
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Relative Value Fund 1.40% 2.15%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
Phoenix pays Golden a subadvisory fee on the assets managed by Golden at the following rates:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1st $50 million Greater than $50 million
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subadvisory Fee 0.45% 0.40%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
The fund and Phoenix have received an exemptive order from the Securities and
Exchange Commission that permits Phoenix, subject to certain conditions, and
without the approval of shareholders to: (a) employ a new unaffiliated
investment adviser for a fund pursuant to the terms of a new subadvisory
agreement, in each case either as a replacement for an existing subadviser or an
additional subadviser; (b) change the terms of any subadvisory agreement; and
(c) continue the employment of an existing subadviser on the same subadvisory
contract terms where a contract has been assigned because of a change in control
of the subadviser. In such circumstances, shareholders would receive notice of
such action, including the information concerning the new subadviser that
normally is provided in a proxy statement.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
GREG W. GOLDEN, CFA and JEFF C. MOSER, CFA co-manage the fund's portfolio and are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the fund's portfolio.
Mr. Golden has served as co-portfolio manager of the fund since its inception in 2005. He is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Golden (since 1999). Previously, Mr. Golden was Senior Vice President and Head of Structured Products Group for TradeStreet Investment Associates, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of America (1995 through 1999). Mr. Golden began his career in 1989 with Sovran Bank of Tennessee, where his experience included portfolio management, derivatives management, trading, asset allocation and quantitative analysis.
Mr. Moser has served as co-portfolio manager of the fund since its inception in 2005. He is the Principal and Managing Director of Golden. Mr. Moser joined Golden in 1999 with the founding of Golden Capital Management. Prior to that, he served as Senior Vice President of the Structured Products Group for TradeStreet Investment Associates, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of America. Mr. Moser began his career with Bank of America in 1983 and was Senior Portfolio Manager and co-founder of their highly successful $1.8 billion Disciplined Equity product.
Please refer to the Statement of Additional Information for additional information about the fund's portfolio managers, including the structure of and method of computing compensation, other accounts they manage and their ownership of shares of the fund.
18 Phoenix Relative Value Fund
PRIOR PERFORMANCE OF GOLDEN
The performance information shown below represents a composite of the prior performance of all discretionary accounts representing a composite of fully discretionary separately managed accounts valued in excess of $1 million managed by Golden with substantially similar investment objectives, policies and strategies as the Relative Value Fund. Equity composites are comprised of equity only accounts and include cash. The dispersion of annual returns is measured by the standard deviation of the asset-weighted portfolio returns represented within the composite for the full year. Performance results are net of account fees and expenses, and assume all dividends and distributions have been reinvested. The discretionary accounts are not registered mutual funds and were not subject to certain investment limitations and other restrictions imposed by the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Internal Revenue Code, which, if applicable, may have adversely affected the performance of the composite. Golden's performance results would have been lower had fund expenses been used. The composite performance does not represent the historical performance of the fund and should not be interpreted as indicative of the future performance of the fund.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
CALENDAR YEAR ANNUAL RETURN (%)
1996 26.28
1997 35.61
1998 30.75
1999 24.03
2000 7.02
2001 -3.03
2002 -15.95
2003 28.62
2004 14.02
|
Year-to-date performance (through September 30, 2005) is 5.10%.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS SINCE (FOR PERIODS ENDED 9/30/05) 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS INCEPTION(1) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Large Core Value Composite 16.20% 18.50% 5.24% 15.25% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- S&P 500(R) Index(2) 12.24% 16.72% -1.49% 9.12% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Russell 1000(R) Value Index(3) 16.69% 20.48% 5.76% 11.08% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
(1) Since December 31, 1995.
(2) The S&P 500(R) Index is a market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the
largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total-return basis with
dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct
investment; therefore, its performance does not reflect the fees, expenses or
taxes associated with the active management of an actual portfolio.
(3) The Russell 1000(R) Value Index is a market capitalization-weighted index of
value-oriented stocks of the 1,000 largest companies in the Russell Universe,
which comprises the 3,000 largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a
total-return basis with dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged and not
available for direct investment; therefore, its performance does not reflect the
fees, expenses or taxes associated with the active management of an actual
portfolio.
The net annual returns for the Large Core Value Composite are time-weighted and dollar-weighted in accordance with the Performance Presentation Standards of the Association for Investment Management and Research (AIMR-PPS). All returns reflect the deduction of the maximum applicable advisory fee for private accounts in this strategy of 0.75% annually, pro-rated on a monthly basis, brokerage commissions and execution costs paid by Golden's private accounts, without provision for federal or state income taxes. Custodial fees, if any, were not included in the calculations. This method differs from the method used by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Phoenix Relative Value Fund 19
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Phoenix Total Value Fund has an investment objective of long-term capital appreciation. There is no guarantee that the fund will achieve its objective. The fund's investment objective may be changed without shareholder approval.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
> Under normal circumstances, the fund invests principally in equity
securities of domestic companies through the use of three different
styles of value equity management. The fund invests principally in
larger capitalization stocks; however, the fund may invest in issuers
of any capitalization. The subadvisers consider larger capitalization
stocks to be those issuers that have market capitalizations of over
$1.75 billion at the time of initial purchase. The adviser will make
the determination as to the allocation of the assets among the fund's
three subadvisers: Acadian Asset Management, Inc. ("Acadian"), Golden
Capital Management, LLC ("Golden") and Harris Investment Management,
Inc. ("Harris").
> The adviser manages the fund's investment program and the general
operations of the fund, including oversight of each of the fund's
subadvisers. Each subadviser manages a portion of the investments of
the fund based on its respective value equity management style.
o Acadian utilizes quantitative screening techniques to identify
attractively valued securities, such as valuation, earnings and
quality. All stocks in the equity universe are evaluated across
multiple quantitative factors. Research is focused on identifying
the factors most closely associated with outperforming stocks.
Factors must have statistical significance, but also must meet the
"common sense" test of having a logical connection to the
attributes of a successful company. A portfolio optimization
program is used to balance the expected return of the stocks with
such considerations as the portfolio's benchmark, desired level of
risk and transaction cost estimates. A stock is sold if its
expected return deteriorates to the point where it can be replaced
by a more attractive stock that plays an equally useful
diversification role or the expected return of the new stock covers
the transaction costs of the sell and purchase.
|
o Golden seeks to construct an actively managed portfolio by selecting fundamentally sound, undervalued companies that are likely to meet or exceed earnings expectations. Securities are selected using a quantitative approach. Golden utilizes a proprietary multi-factor model that quantitatively combines earnings and valuation fundamentals to identify the catalyst within each company that makes it more attractive. Generally, the subadviser avoids investment in so-called "sin stocks," such
20 Phoenix Total Value Fund
as alcohol, tobacco and gaming stocks. Stocks are generally sold when companies experience declining fundamentals or if a stock is considered overvalued.
o Harris selects stocks that it believes exhibit improving fundamentals, such as attractive valuations and increasing investor interest, and which consistently and predictably outperform the market. Its investment philosophy is founded on the principal that a quantitative, disciplined process in conjunction with experienced human insight will provide superior investments results over time. The process of analyzing and ranking stocks to identify buy candidates is driven totally by a multi-factor quantitative model. Fundamental input is used as a final screen, while quantitative analytics is the driver of the process. Generally a stock is sold when its ranking under the subadviser's securities selection process falls to the bottom 50% to 60% of its investment universe.
Temporary Defensive Strategy: If the adviser believes that market conditions are not favorable to the fund's principal strategies, the fund may take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with its principal investment strategies by holding cash or investing, without limit, in cash equivalents such as U.S. Government securities and high grade commercial paper. When this allocation happens, the fund may not achieve its investment objective.
Please see "Additional Investment Techniques" for other investment techniques of the fund.
RISKS RELATED TO PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
If you invest in this fund, you risk losing your investment.
GENERAL
The value of the fund's investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund's investments decreases, you will lose money.
Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected and investments may fail to perform as the subadvisers expect. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease.
EQUITY SECURITIES
Generally, prices of equity securities are more volatile than those of fixed-income securities. The prices of equity securities will rise and fall in response to a number of different factors. In particular, equity securities will respond to events that affect entire financial markets or industries (such as changes in inflation or consumer demand) and to events that affect particular industries (such as news about the success or failure of a new product).
o LARGER MARKET CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES. Companies with large capitalizations go in and out of favor based on market and economic conditions. Larger companies tend to be less volatile than companies with smaller market capitalizations. In exchange for this potentially
Phoenix Total Value Fund 21
lower risk, a fund's value may not rise as much as the value of funds that emphasize companies with smaller market capitalizations.
o VALUE STOCKS. Value stocks involve the risk that the value of the security will not be recognized for an unexpectedly long period of time and that the security is not undervalued but is appropriately priced due to fundamental problems not yet apparent. Value-oriented funds typically underperform when growth investing is in favor.
MULTIPLE SUBADVISER RISK
The fund employs multiple subadvisers. Each subadviser independently chooses and maintains a portfolio of securities for the fund and each is responsible for investing a specific allocated portion of the fund's assets. Because each subadviser manages its allocated portion of the fund independently from the other subadviser(s), the same security may be held in different portions of the fund, or may be acquired for one portion of the fund at a time when a subadviser to another portion deems it appropriate to dispose of the security from that other portion. Because each subadviser directs the trading for its own portion of the fund, and does not aggregate its transactions with those of the other subadvisers, the fund may incur higher brokerage costs than would be the case if a single subadviser were managing the entire fund.
PERFORMANCE TABLES
The fund has been in existence only since July 29, 2005; therefore, performance information is not included since the fund has not had a full calendar year of investment returns.
22 Phoenix Total Value Fund
This table illustrates all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.
CLASS A CLASS C
SHARES SHARES
------ ------
SHAREHOLDER FEES (FEES PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENT)
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage
of offering price) 5.75% None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the
lesser of the value redeemed or the amount invested) None 1.00%(a)
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends None None
Redemption Fee None None
Exchange Fee None None
------------------------------------------
CLASS A CLASS C
SHARES SHARES
------ ------
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (EXPENSES THAT ARE DEDUCTED
FROM FUND ASSETS)
Management Fees 0.80% 0.80%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees(b) 0.25% 1.00%
Other Expenses(c) 0.50% 0.50%
----- -----
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES 1.55% 2.30%
Expense Reduction(d) (0.15)% (0.15)%
----- -----
NET ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES 1.40% 2.15%
===== =====
|
(b) Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Fees represent an asset-based sales charge that, for a long-term shareholder, may be higher than the maximum front-end sales charge permitted by the NASD.
(c) Estimated at this time.
(d) Contractual arrangement with the fund's investment adviser to limit the fund's total operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses), through October 31, 2006, so that such expenses do not exceed 1.40% for Class A Shares and 2.15% for Class C Shares. The adviser will not seek to recapture any operating expenses reimbursed under this arrangement.
EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A $709 $1,023 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C $318 $ 704 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:
Phoenix Total Value Fund 23
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C $218 $ 704 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
The examples assume that the expense reimbursement obligations of the adviser are in effect for one year. Thereafter, the examples do not reflect any expense reimbursement obligations.
THE ADVISER AND SUBADVISERS
Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. ("Phoenix") is the investment adviser to the fund and is located at 56 Prospect Street, Hartford, CT 06115. Phoenix acts as the investment adviser for 14 fund companies totaling 47 mutual funds and as adviser to institutional clients. As of June 30, 2005, Phoenix had approximately $20.3 billion in assets under management. Phoenix has acted as an investment adviser for over 70 years.
Acadian is a subadviser to the fund and is located at One Post Office Square, 20th Floor, Boston, MA 02109. Acadian is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Old Mutual Asset Managers (US) LLC, which is wholly-owned by Old Mutual (US) Holdings, Inc. Old Mutual (US) Holdings, Inc. is wholly-owned by OM Group (UK) Limited. OM Group (UK) Limited is wholly-owned by Old Mutual PLC. Acadian acts as adviser to institutions and individuals. As of June 30, 2005, Acadian had approximately $18 billion in assets under management. Acadian has been an investment adviser since 1977.
Golden is a subadviser to the fund and is located at Five Resource Square, 10715 David Taylor Drive, Suite 150, Charlotte, NC 28262. Golden is majority-owned by its principals and employees and is a minority-owned subsidiary of Wachovia Corporation. Golden acts as adviser to institutions and individuals. As of June 30, 2005, Golden had approximately $1.9 billion in assets under management. Golden has been an investment adviser since 1999.
Harris is a subadviser to the fund and is located at 190 South LaSalle Street, 4th Floor, P.O. Box 755, Chicago, IL 60690. Harris is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Harris Bankcorp, Inc., which is wholly-owned by Harris Financial Corp. Harris Financial Corp. is wholly-owned by Bank of Montreal, a publicly traded Canadian banking institution. Harris acts as adviser to institutions and individuals. As of June 30, 2005, Harris had approximately $19.5 billion in assets under management. Harris has been an investment adviser since 1989.
Subject to the direction of the fund's Board of Trustees, Phoenix is responsible for managing the fund's investment program, overseeing the fund's subadvisers and recommending their hiring, termination and replacement, and for the general operations of the fund. Acadian, Golden and Harris, as subadvisers, are each responsible for the day-to-day management of their portion of the fund's portfolio. Phoenix, Acadian, Golden and Harris manage the fund's assets to conform with the investment policies as described in this prospectus.
24 Phoenix Total Value Fund
The fund pays Phoenix a monthly investment management fee that is accrued daily against the value of the fund's net assets at the rate of 0.80%.
Phoenix has contractually agreed to limit total operating expenses of the fund (excluding interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses) through October 31, 2006, so that such expenses do not exceed the following percentages of the average annual net asset values of the fund:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A CLASS C
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Value Fund 1.40% 2.15%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
Phoenix pays Acadian a subadvisory fee on the assets managed by Acadian which is calculated at a rate equal to 50% of the gross investment management fee.
Phoenix pays Golden a subadvisory fee on the assets managed by Golden at the following rates:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1st $50 million Greater than $50 million
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subadvisory Fee 0.45% 0.40%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
Phoenix pays Harris a subadvisory fee on the assets managed by Harris at the following rates:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1st $25 million Greater than $25 million
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subadvisory Fee 0.50% 0.40%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
The fund and Phoenix have received an exemptive order from the Securities and
Exchange Commission that permits Phoenix, subject to certain conditions, and
without the approval of shareholders to: (a) employ a new unaffiliated
investment adviser for a fund pursuant to the terms of a new subadvisory
agreement, in each case either as a replacement for an existing subadviser or an
additional subadviser; (b) change the terms of any subadvisory agreement; and
(c) continue the employment of an existing subadviser on the same subadvisory
contract terms where a contract has been assigned because of a change in control
of the subadviser. In such circumstances, shareholders would receive notice of
such action, including the information concerning the new subadviser that
normally is provided in a proxy statement.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
ACADIAN
A team of investment professionals manages Acadian's allocation of the fund's portfolio and is responsible for the day-to-day management of that portion of the fund's investments.
BRENDAN O. BRADLEY. Mr. Bradley has served on the fund's portfolio management team since its inception in 2005. He is a Senior Vice President and a senior member of the investment research team. Prior to joining Acadian in 2004, Mr. Bradley was a Vice President at Upstream Technologies (2002-2004), where he designed and implemented quantitative investment
Phoenix Total Value Fund 25
management systems and strategies. His professional background also includes work as a research analyst and consultant at Samuelson Portfolio Strategies (1999-2002).
JOHN R. CHISHOLM, CFA. Mr. Chisholm has served on the fund's portfolio management team since its inception in 2005. He is Co-Chief Investment Officer and Executive Vice President of Acadian. Mr. Chisholm has been affiliated with Acadian since 1984, first in a consulting capacity (1984-1987), as a quantitative research analyst (1987-1989), and as a portfolio manager (since 1989). He became Co-Chief Investment Officer in 1997.
MATTHEW J. COHEN, CFA. Mr. Cohen has served on the fund's portfolio management team since its inception in 2005. He is a Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager of Acadian. Mr. Cohen specializes in quantitative equity valuation techniques and manages the processes and data that drive Acadian's investment approach. Prior to joining Acadian in 1994, he worked as a senior systems analyst and project manager for Digital Equipment Corporation.
RAYMOND F. MUI. Mr. Mui has served on the fund's portfolio management team since its inception in 2005. He is a Senior Vice President specializing in multi-factor equity valuation frameworks and the development of investment strategies for both the developed and emerging equity markets. Prior to joining Acadian in 1991, Mr. Mui was a member of the senior technical staff at Hughes Aircraft, where he developed prototypes of command, communications and information systems.
BRIAN K. WOLAHAN, CFA. Mr. Wolahan has served on the fund's portfolio management team since its inception in 2005. He is Co-Director of Research and a Senior Portfolio Manager responsible for developing and applying quantitative techniques to evaluate markets and securities. Before joining Acadian in 1990, Mr. Wolahan worked in the Systems Planning Group at Bank of New England, and as a Senior Systems Analyst at Mars Incorporated with responsibilities for Corporate Systems.
GOLDEN
GREG W. GOLDEN, CFA and JEFF C. MOSER, CFA co-manage Golden's allocation of the fund's portfolio and are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of that portion of the fund's investments.
Mr. Golden has served as co-portfolio manager of the fund since its inception in 2005. He is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Golden (since 1999). Previously, Mr. Golden was Senior Vice President and Head of Structured Products Group for TradeStreet Investment Associates, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of America (1995 through 1999). Mr. Golden began his career in 1989 with Sovran Bank of Tennessee, where his experience included portfolio management, derivatives management, trading, asset allocation and quantitative analysis.
Mr. Moser has served as co-portfolio manager of the fund since its inception in 2005. He is the Principal and Managing Director of Golden. Mr. Moser joined Golden in 1999 with the
26 Phoenix Total Value Fund
founding of Golden Capital Management. Prior to that, he served as Senior Vice President of the Structured Products Group for TradeStreet Investment Associates, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of America. Mr. Moser began his career with Bank of America in 1983 and was Senior Portfolio Manager and co-founder of their highly successful $1.8 billion Disciplined Equity product.
HARRIS
DANIEL L. SIDO manages Harris's allocation of the fund's portfolio and is responsible for the day-to-day management of that portion of the fund's investments.
Mr. Sido has served as portfolio manager of the fund since its inception in 2005. He is the Senior Partner and Portfolio Manager at Harris. Prior to joining Harris in 1994, Mr. Sido served as portfolio manager for a trust company, managing equity and fixed income portfolios. He has over 20 years of investment management experience.
Please refer to the Statement of Additional Information for additional information about the fund's portfolio managers, including the structure of and method of computing compensation, other accounts they manage and their ownership of shares of the fund.
Phoenix Total Value Fund 27
PRIOR PERFORMANCE OF ACADIAN
The performance information shown below represents a composite of the prior performance of all discretionary accounts managed by Acadian with substantially similar investment objectives, policies and strategies as the Total Value Fund. Performance results are net of account fees and expenses, and assume all dividends and distributions have been reinvested. The discretionary accounts are not registered mutual funds and were not subject to certain investment limitations and other restrictions imposed by the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Internal Revenue Code, which, if applicable, may have adversely affected the performance of the composite. Acadian's performance results would have been lower had fund expenses been used. The composite performance does not represent the historical performance of the fund and should not be interpreted as indicative of the future performance of the fund.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
CALDENDAR YEAR ANNUAL RETURN (%)
1999 8.48
2000 2.34
2001 -4.97
2002 -18.51
2003 34.77
2004 17.39
|
Year-to-date performance (through September 30, 2005) is 8.78%.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS SINCE (FOR PERIODS ENDED 9/30/05) 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS INCEPTION(1) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. Value Equity Composite 20.86% 23.05% 6.14% 6.75% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- S&P 500(R) Index(2) 12.24% 16.72% -1.49% 0.84% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Russell 1000(R) Value Index(3) 16.69% 20.48% 5.76% 6.27% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MSCI USA Index(4) 12.97% 17.05% -1.73% 0.36% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
(1) Since October 1, 1999.
(2) The S&P 500(R) Index is a market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the
largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total-return basis with
dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct
investment; therefore, its performance does not reflect the fees, expenses or
taxes associated with the active management of an actual portfolio.
(3) The Russell 1000(R) Value Index is a market capitalization-weighted index of
value-oriented stocks of the 1,000 largest companies in the Russell Universe,
which comprises the 3,000 largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a
total-return basis with dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged and not
available for direct investment; therefore, its performance does not reflect the
fees, expenses or taxes associated with the active management of an actual
portfolio.
(4) The MSCI USA Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that measures equity market performance within the United States. The index is calculated on a total-return basis with gross dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, its performance does not reflect the fees, expenses or taxes associated with the active management of an actual portfolio.
The net annual returns for the U.S. Value Equity Composite were calculated on an asset-weighted total-return basis, including a 0.50% annual management fee charged on a quarterly basis (which represents the highest advisory fee), commissions on securities transactions, margin interest paid, and dividend and interest earned. This method differs from the method used by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
28 Phoenix Total Value Fund
PRIOR PERFORMANCE OF GOLDEN
The performance information shown below represents a composite of the prior performance of all discretionary accounts representing a composite of fully discretionary separately managed accounts valued in excess of $1 million managed by Golden with substantially similar investment objectives, policies and strategies as the Total Value Fund. Equity composites are comprised of equity only accounts and include cash. The dispersion of annual returns is measured by the standard deviation of the asset-weighted portfolio returns represented within the composite for the full year. Performance results are net of account fees and expenses, and assume all dividends and distributions have been reinvested. The discretionary accounts are not registered mutual funds and were not subject to certain investment limitations and other restrictions imposed by the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Internal Revenue Code, which, if applicable, may have adversely affected the performance of the composite. Golden's performance results would have been lower had fund expenses been used. The composite performance does not represent the historical performance of the fund and should not be interpreted as indicative of the future performance of the fund.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
CALENDAR YEAR ANNUAL RETURN (%)
1996 26.28
1997 35.61
1998 30.75
1999 24.03
2000 7.02
2001 -3.03
2002 -15.95
2003 28.62
2004 14.02
|
Year-to-date performance (through September 30, 2005) is 5.10%.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS SINCE (FOR PERIODS ENDED 9/30/05) 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS INCEPTION(1) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Large Core Value Composite 16.20% 18.50% 5.24% 15.25% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- S&P 500(R) Index(2) 12.24% 16.72% -1.49% 9.12% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Russell 1000(R) Value Index(3) 16.69% 20.48% 5.76% 11.08% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
(1) Since December 31, 1995.
(2) The S&P 500(R) Index is a market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the
largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total-return basis with
dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct
investment; therefore, its performance does not reflect the fees, expenses or
taxes associated with the active management of an actual portfolio.
(3) The Russell 1000(R) Value Index is a market capitalization-weighted index of
value-oriented stocks of the 1,000 largest companies in the Russell Universe,
which comprises the 3,000 largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a
total-return basis with dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged and not
available for direct investment; therefore, its performance does not reflect the
fees, expenses or taxes associated with the active management of an actual
portfolio.
The net annual returns for the Large Core Value Composite are time-weighted and dollar-weighted in accordance with the Performance Presentation Standards of the Association for Investment Management and Research (AIMR-PPS). All returns reflect the deduction of the maximum applicable advisory fee for private accounts in this strategy of 0.75% annually, pro-rated on a monthly basis, brokerage commissions and execution costs paid by Golden's private accounts, without provision for federal or state income taxes. Custodial fees, if any, were not included in the calculations. This method differs from the method used by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Phoenix Total Value Fund 29
PRIOR PERFORMANCE OF HARRIS
The performance information shown below represents a composite of the prior performance of all discretionary accounts eligible for inclusion in the composite managed by Harris with substantially similar investment objectives, policies and strategies as the Total Value Fund. Equity composites are comprised of equity only accounts and include cash. The dispersion of annual returns is measured by the standard deviation of the asset-weighted portfolio returns represented within the composite for the full year. Performance results are net of account fees and expenses, and assume all dividends and distributions have been reinvested. The discretionary accounts are not registered mutual funds and were not subject to certain investment limitations and other restrictions imposed by the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Internal Revenue Code, which, if applicable, may have adversely affected the performance of the composite. Harris's performance results would have been lower had fund expenses been used. The composite performance does not represent the historical performance of the fund and should not be interpreted as indicative of the future performance of the fund.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
CALENDAR YEAR ANNUAL RETURN (%)
1995 36.11
1996 25.28
1997 36.34
1998 14.08
1999 -0.36
2000 17.95
2001 0.41
2002 -18.19
2003 30.92
2004 19.07
|
Year-to-date performance (through September 30, 2005) is 11.39%.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (FOR PERIODS ENDED 9/30/05) 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Large Cap Value Composite 23.71% 21.05% 7.61% 13.02% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- S&P 500(R) Index(1) 12.24% 16.72% -1.49% 9.52% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Russell 1000(R) Value Index(2) 16.69% 20.48% 5.76% 11.52% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
(1) The S&P 500(R) Index is a market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the
largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total-return basis with
dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct
investment; therefore, its performance does not reflect the fees, expenses or
taxes associated with the active management of an actual portfolio.
(2) The Russell 1000(R) Value Index is a market capitalization-weighted index of
value-oriented stocks of the 1,000 largest companies in the Russell Universe,
which comprises the 3,000 largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a
total-return basis with dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged and not
available for direct investment; therefore, its performance does not reflect the
fees, expenses or taxes associated with the active management of an actual
portfolio.
The net annual returns for the Large Cap Value Composite were calculated on a time-weighted, asset-weighted, total-return basis, including a 0.60% management fee charged on a quarterly basis (which represents the highest advisory fee), commissions on securities transactions, margin interest paid, and dividend and interest earned. This method differs from the method used by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
30 Phoenix Total Value Fund
PHOENIX WORLDWIDE STRATEGIES FUND
INVESTMENT RISK AND RETURN SUMMARY
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Phoenix Worldwide Strategies Fund has an investment objective of capital appreciation. There is no guarantee that the fund will achieve its objective.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
> Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 65% of its assets
in securities of issuers located in three or more countries, one of
which will be the United States.
> The fund invests primarily in common stocks. Companies selected for
fund investment may be of any capitalization and may be located in
countries with developed markets and countries with "emerging markets."
> The fund uses a multi-manager approach. The adviser manages the fund's
investment program and the general operations of the fund, including
oversight of the fund's subadvisers. Acadian Asset Management, Inc.
("Acadian") and New Star Institutional Managers Limited ("New Star"),
as subadvisers for the international portion of the fund's portfolio,
and Engemann Asset Management ("Engemann"), as subadviser for the
domestic portion of the fund's portfolio, each manage a portion of the
fund's assets based on its respective management style. The adviser
makes the determination as to the allocation of the assets among the
fund's three subadvisers.
> Acadian employs a core approach to construct international equity
portfolios. Acadian utilizes quantitative screening techniques to
identify attractively valued securities. All stocks in the global
equity universe are evaluated across multiple quantitative factors.
o Research is focused on identifying the factors most closely
associated with outperforming stocks. Factors must have statistical
significance, but also must meet the "common sense" test of having
a logical connection to the attributes of a successful company.
o The country decision is considered in combination with the sector
decision and driven by the stock selection process. The
country/sector model applies those factors that have proven most
statistically significant by market and sector based on detailed
factor attribution research.
o A portfolio optimization program is used throughout to balance the
expected return of the stocks with such considerations as the
portfolio's benchmark, desired level of risk and transaction cost
estimates.
> New Star strives to invest in companies whose return on invested
capital exceeds their cost of capital, that enjoy significant
competitive advantages, and that it believes have good earnings
momentum. Sustainable economic profits rather than accounting profits
are the focus.
Phoenix Worldwide Strategies Fund 31
|
An assessment of the liquidity environment helps determine stock and
regional weightings as well as the degree of risk tolerance. Weightings
at the country level may deviate significantly from the index.
> Engemann manages the domestic investments of the fund using a
quantitative value strategy that selects equity securities primarily
from among the 1,500 largest companies traded in the United States
based on value criteria such as price to earnings, sales and cash flows
and growth criteria such as earnings per share. This strategy
emphasizes securities of companies relatively undervalued to the market
in general and with improving fundamentals.
> The fund's investment strategies may lead to a high portfolio turnover
rate. High portfolio turnover rates may increase brokerage and other
transaction costs to the fund, may negatively affect fund performance,
and may increase capital gain distributions, resulting in greater tax
liability to you.
|
Temporary defensive strategy: If the adviser believes that market conditions are not favorable to the fund's principal strategies, the fund may take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with its principal investment strategies by investing, without limit, in U.S. government securities and in money market instruments. When this allocation happens, the fund may not achieve its investment objective.
Please see "Additional Investment Techniques" for other investment techniques of the fund.
RISKS RELATED TO PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
If you invest in this fund, you risk losing your investment.
GENERAL
The value of the fund's investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund's investments decreases, you will lose money.
Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected and investments may fail to perform as the subadvisers expect. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease.
EMERGING MARKET INVESTING
Investments in less-developed countries whose markets are still emerging generally present risks in greater degree than those presented by investments in foreign issuers based in countries with developed securities markets and more advanced regulatory systems. Prior governmental approval may be required in some developing countries for the release of investment income, capital and sale proceeds to foreign investors, and some developing countries may limit the extent of foreign investment in domestic companies. Emerging market countries often suffer from currency devaluation and higher rates of inflation.
32 Phoenix Worldwide Strategies Fund
Developing countries may be adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed by countries with which they trade and may also be affected by economic conditions in such countries. In addition, a negative situation or condition that affects the market in one emerging market region may have a negative impact on all emerging market regions due to the so-called "ripple effect."
FOREIGN INVESTING
Investing in securities of non-U.S. companies involves special risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies such as:
o less publicly available information about foreign countries;
o political and economic instability within countries;
o differences in financial reporting standards and transaction settlement systems;
o the possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation; and
o changes in investment or exchange regulations.
Some investments may be made in currencies other than the U.S. dollar that will fluctuate in value as a result of changes in the currency exchange rates. Exchange rate fluctuations can cause the value of your shares to decrease or increase. Generally, when the value of the U.S. dollar increases against the foreign currency in which an investment is denominated, the security tends to decrease in value which, in turn, may cause the value of your shares to decrease.
EQUITY SECURITIES
Generally, prices of equity securities are more volatile than those of fixed-income securities. The prices of equity securities will rise and fall in response to a number of different factors. In particular, equity securities will respond to events that affect entire financial markets or industries (such as changes in inflation or consumer demand) and to events that affect particular industries (such as news about the success or failure of a new product).
o GROWTH STOCKS. Because growth stocks typically make little or no dividend payments to shareholders, investment return is based on a stock's capital appreciation, making return more dependent on market increases and decreases. Growth stocks are therefore more volatile than non-growth stocks, tending to drop more sharply when markets fall. Growth-oriented funds typically underperform when value investing is in favor.
o LARGER MARKET CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES. Companies with large capitalizations go in and out of favor based on market and economic conditions. Larger companies tend to be less volatile than companies with smaller market capitalizations. In exchange for this potentially lower risk, a fund's value may not rise as much as the value of funds that emphasize companies with smaller market capitalizations.
Phoenix Worldwide Strategies Fund 33
o SMALL AND MEDIUM CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES. Companies with smaller capitalizations are often companies with a limited operating history or companies in industries that have recently emerged due to cultural, economic, regulatory or technological developments. Such developments can have a significant impact or negative effect on smaller capitalization companies and their stock performance and can make investment returns highly volatile. Product lines are often less diversified and subject to competitive threats. Smaller capitalization stocks are subject to varying patterns of trading volume and may, at times, be difficult to sell.
o VALUE STOCKS. Value stocks involve the risk that the value of the security will not be recognized for an unexpectedly long period of time and that the security is not undervalued but is appropriately priced due to fundamental problems not yet apparent. Value-oriented funds typically underperform when growth investing is in favor.
MULTIPLE SUBADVISER RISK
The fund employs multiple subadvisers. Each subadviser independently chooses and maintains a portfolio of securities for the fund and each is responsible for investing a specific allocated portion of the fund's assets. Because each subadviser manages its allocated portion of the fund independently from the other subadviser(s), the same security may be held in different portions of the fund, or may be acquired for one portion of the fund at a time when a subadviser to another portion deems it appropriate to dispose of the security from that other portion. Because each subadviser directs the trading for its own portion of the fund, and does not aggregate its transactions with those of the other subadvisers, the fund may incur higher brokerage costs than would be the case if a single subadviser were managing the entire fund.
34 Phoenix Worldwide Strategies Fund
PERFORMANCE TABLES
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Phoenix Worldwide Strategies Fund. The bar chart shows changes in the fund's Class A Share performance from year to year over a 10-year period.(1) The table shows how the fund's average annual returns compare with those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. The fund's past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
CALENDAR YEAR ANNUAL RETURN (%)
1995 15.08
1996 14.99
1997 14.08
1998 31.21
1999 18.07
2000 -1.33
2001 -21.41
2002 -17.59
2003 26.89
2004 15.80
|
(1) The fund's annual returns in the chart above do not reflect the deduction of any sales charges. The returns would have been less than those shown if sales charges were deducted. During the period shown in the chart above, the highest return for a quarter was 19.21% (quarter ending December 31, 1998) and the lowest return for a quarter was -20.91% (quarter ending September 30, 2002). Year-to-date performance (through September 30, 2005) is 5.62%.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS SINCE INCEPTION(3)
(FOR THE PERIODS ENDED 12/31/04)(2) 1 YEAR 5 YEARS 10 YEARS CLASS C
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Return Before Taxes 9.14% -2.41% 7.54% --
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Return After Taxes on Distributions(4) 8.95% -3.22% 5.00% --
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Return After Taxes on Distributions(4) 6.18% -2.41% 5.13% --
and Sale of Fund Shares
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Return Before Taxes 11.00% -1.98% 7.39% --
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Return Before Taxes 14.89% -2.01% -- 2.09%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S&P 500(R) Index(5) 10.86% -2.31% 12.11% 2.19%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MSCI World(SM) Index (Net)(6) 14.72% -2.45% 8.09% 1.66%(7)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
(2) The fund's average annual returns reflect the deduction of the maximum sales
charge for an investment in the fund's Class A Shares and a full redemption in
the fund's Class B Shares and Class C Shares.
(3) Class C Shares since December 15, 1998.
(4) After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual
federal marginal income tax rates, and do not reflect the impact of state and
local taxes. The after-tax returns shown are only for Class A Shares; after-tax
returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the
investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns
shown are not relevant to investors who hold their fund shares through
tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement
accounts.
(5) The S&P 500(R) Index is a market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total-return basis with dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, its performance does not reflect the fees, expenses or taxes associated with the active management of an actual portfolio.
(6) The MSCI World(SM) Index (Net) is a free float-adjusted market
capitalization index that measures developed global market equity performance.
The index is calculated on a total-return basis with net dividends reinvested.
The index is unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, its
performance does not reflect the fees, expenses or taxes associated with the
active management of an actual portfolio.
(7) Index performance since December 31, 1998.
Phoenix Worldwide Strategies Fund 35
This table illustrates all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
SHARES SHARES SHARES
------ ------ ------
SHAREHOLDER FEES (FEES PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR
INVESTMENT)
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on
Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) 5.75% None None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a
percentage of the lesser of the value redeemed
or the amount invested) None 5.00%(a) 1.00%(b)
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on
Reinvested Dividends None None None
Redemption Fee None None None
Exchange Fee None None None
------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
SHARES SHARES SHARES
------ ------ ------
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (EXPENSES THAT
ARE DEDUCTED FROM FUND ASSETS)
Management Fees(d) 0.85% 0.85% 0.85%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) 0.25% 1.00% 1.00%
Fees(c)
Other Expenses 0.57% 0.57% 0.57%
----- ----- -----
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES 1.67% 2.42% 2.42%
Expense Waiver(e) (0.10)% (0.10)% (0.10)%
----- ----- -----
NET ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES 1.57% 2.32% 2.32%
===== ===== =====
|
(b) The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.
(c) Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Fees represent an asset-based sales charge that, for a long-term shareholder, may be higher than the maximum front-end sales charge permitted by the NASD.
(d) Reflects management fee effective July 1, 2005.
(e) Contractual arrangement with the fund's investment adviser to waive investment advisory fees in the amount of 0.10% through September 30, 2006.
EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund's operating expenses remain the same. In the case of Class B Shares, it is assumed that your shares are converted to Class A Shares after eight years. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
36 Phoenix Worldwide Strategies Fund
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A $726 $1,062 $1,421 $2,430 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B $635 $ 945 $1,282 $2,563 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C $335 $ 745 $1,282 $2,749 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B $235 $ 745 $1,282 $2,563 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C $235 $ 745 $1,282 $2,749 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
The examples assume that the fee waiver obligation of the adviser is in effect through September 30, 2006. Thereafter, the examples do not reflect any fee reduction.
THE ADVISER AND SUBADVISERS
Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. ("Phoenix") is the investment adviser to the fund and is located at 56 Prospect Street, Hartford, CT 06115. Phoenix acts as the investment adviser for 14 fund companies totaling 47 mutual funds and as adviser to institutional clients. As of June 30, 2005, Phoenix had approximately $20.3 billion in assets under management. Phoenix has acted as an investment adviser for over 70 years.
Acadian is a subadviser to the international portion of the fund and is located at One Post Office Square, 20th Floor, Boston, MA 02109. Acadian is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Old Mutual Asset Managers (US) LLC, which is wholly-owned by Old Mutual (US) Holdings, Inc. Old Mutual (US) Holdings, Inc. is wholly-owned by OM Group (UK) Limited. OM Group (UK) Limited is wholly-owned by Old Mutual PLC. Acadian serves as investment adviser to institutional portfolios in the same style as is provided to the fund. As of June 30, 2005, Acadian had approximately $18 billion in assets under management. Acadian has been an investment adviser since 1977.
New Star is a subadviser to the international portion of the fund and is located at 1 Knightsbridge Green, London, United Kingdom, SW1X7NE. New Star is wholly-owned by New Star Institutional Managers Holdings Limited, which is wholly-owned by New Star Asset Management Group Limited. New Star serves as investment adviser to fund vehicles registered in the European Union, charitable foundations, corporations, institutional investors and private accounts. As of June 30, 2005, New Star had approximately $9.5 billion in assets under management. New Star has been an investment adviser since 1988.
Phoenix Worldwide Strategies Fund 37
Engemann is the subadviser for the domestic portion of the fund and is located at 600 North Rosemead Boulevard, Pasadena, California 91107. Engemann acts as adviser to three fund companies totaling six mutual funds, as subadviser to five fund companies totaling nine mutual funds and as investment adviser to institutions and individuals. As of June 30, 2005, Engemann had approximately $4.9 billion in assets under management. Engemann is an affiliate of Phoenix and has been an investment adviser since 1969.
Subject to the direction of the fund's Board of Trustees, Phoenix is responsible for managing the fund's investment program, overseeing the fund's subadvisers and recommending their hiring, termination and replacement, and for the general operations of the fund. Acadian, New Star and Engemann, as subadvisers, are each responsible for the day-to-day management of their portion of the fund's portfolio. Phoenix, Acadian, New Star and Engemann manage the fund's assets to conform with the investment policies as described in this prospectus.
The fund pays Phoenix a monthly investment management fee that is accrued daily against the value of the fund's net assets at the following rates:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$1+ billion
$1st billion through $2 billion $2+ billion
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management Fee 0.85% 0.80% 0.75%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
Phoenix has contractually agreed to waive investment management fees in the amount of 0.10% through September 30, 2006.
During the fund's last fiscal year, the fund paid total management fees of $848,264. The ratio of management fees to average net assets for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2005 was 0.75%.
Phoenix pays Acadian a subadvisory fee, based on the schedule below, on the aggregated international assets managed by Acadian across all Phoenix Funds subadvised by Acadian:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$200+ million
1st $200 million through $500 million $500+ million
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subadvisory Fee 0.50% 0.40% 0.35%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
Phoenix pays New Star a subadvisory fee, based on the schedule below, on the aggregated international assets managed by New Star across all Phoenix Funds subadvised by New Star:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1st $100 million $100+ million
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subadvisory Fee 0.50% 0.40%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
Phoenix pays Engemann a subadvisory fee on the assets managed by Engemann calculated at a rate equal to 50% of the gross investment management fee.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees approving the investment advisory and subadvisory agreements is available in the fund's 2005 annual report covering the period July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005.
38 Phoenix Worldwide Strategies Fund
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
ACADIAN
BRENDAN O. BRADLEY and RAYMOND F. MUI co-manage Acadian's allocation of the international portion of the fund's portfolio (since July 1, 2005) and are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of Acadian's portion of the fund's investments.
Mr. Bradley is a Senior Vice President of Acadian and a senior member of the investment research team. Prior to joining Acadian in 2004, Mr. Bradley was a Vice President at Upstream Technologies (2002-2004), where he designed and implemented quantitative investment management systems and strategies. His professional background also includes work as a research analyst and consultant at Samuelson Portfolio Strategies (1999-2002).
Mr. Mui is a Senior Vice President of Acadian, specializing in multi-factor equity valuation frameworks and the development of investment strategies for both the developed and emerging equity markets. He also focuses on portfolio optimization tools and the use of derivative instruments for obtaining non-U.S. equity exposure. Prior to joining Acadian in 1991, Mr. Mui was a member of the senior technical staff at Hughes Aircraft, where he developed prototypes of command, communications and information systems.
NEW STAR
MICHAL BARTEK, CFA and IAN BEATTIE manage New Star's allocation of the international portion of the fund's portfolio (since July 1, 2005). Mr. Beattie has overall responsibility for the day-to-day management of New Star's portion of the fund's investments and is supported by Mr. Bartek.
Mr. Bartek is an Investment Manager of New Star and is responsible for equity research in European markets. Prior to joining New Star in 1999, Mr. Bartek was Equity Analyst with Robert Fleming Securities (1997-1999) and Equity Analyst at NatWest Markets (1995-1997).
Mr. Beattie is an Investment Director of New Star and is responsible for the equity research of Asian markets. He is head of Asian (excluding Japan) equities at New Star. Prior to joining New Star in 1996, Mr. Beattie was a Fund Manager with Royal Insurance Asset Management (1992-1996).
ENGEMANN
STEVEN L. COLTON and DONG HAO ZHANG manage the domestic portion of the fund's portfolio (since 2003) and have overall responsibility for the day-to-day management of Engemann's portion of the fund's investments.
Mr. Colton is a Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager of Engemann and has been with Engemann since 2005. As well as portfolio manager of the fund, he serves as equity team leader for the Phoenix Growth & Income Fund and Phoenix Income & Growth Fund. Mr. Colton is also an equity team member for the Phoenix Balanced Fund and Phoenix Balanced Return Fund. Prior to joining Engemann, Mr. Colton was Managing Director, Senior Portfolio Manager of Phoenix since 1997.
Phoenix Worldwide Strategies Fund 39
Mr. Zhang is a Vice President and Portfolio Manager of Engemann and has been with Engemann since 2005. As well as lead portfolio manager of the fund, he serves as the equity team leader for the Phoenix Balanced Fund and Phoenix Balanced Return Fund. Mr. Zhang is also an equity team member for the Phoenix Growth & Income Fund and Phoenix Income & Growth Fund. Prior to joining Engemann, Mr. Zhang was Managing Director, Portfolio Manager of Phoenix since 1997.
Please refer to the Statement of Additional Information for additional information about the fund's portfolio managers, including the structure and method of computing compensation, other accounts they manage and their ownership of shares of the fund.
40 Phoenix Worldwide Strategies Fund
In addition to the Principal Investment Strategies and Risks Related to Principal Investment Strategies, the Phoenix Mid-Cap Value Fund ("Mid-Cap Value Fund"), the Phoenix Pathfinder Fund ("Pathfinder Fund"), the Phoenix Relative Value Fund ("Relative Value Fund"), the Phoenix Total Value Fund ("Total Value Fund"), and the Phoenix Worldwide Strategies Fund ("Worldwide Strategies Fund") may engage in the following investment techniques as indicated:
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES
The funds may invest in convertible securities. Convertible securities may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer. If a security is called for redemption, the funds may have to redeem the security, convert it into common stock or sell it to a third party at a price and time that is not beneficial for the funds. In addition, securities convertible into common stocks may have higher yields than common stocks but lower yields than comparable nonconvertible securities.
DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS
Worldwide Strategies Fund may invest in American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) sponsored by U.S. banks, European Depositary Receipts (EDRs), Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) and ADRs not sponsored by U.S. banks. While investment in ADRs, EDRs and GDRs may eliminate some of the risk associated with foreign investments, it does not eliminate all the risks inherent in investing in securities of foreign issuers. EDRs, GDRs and ADRs which are not sponsored by U.S. banks, are subject to the same investment risks as foreign securities.
DERIVATIVES
The funds may write exchange-traded, covered call options and purchase put and call options on indices and foreign currencies, and may enter into futures contracts on foreign currencies and related options. The funds may use these techniques to hedge against changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, changes in securities prices or other factors affecting the value of their investments. If the respective subadviser fails to correctly predict these changes, the funds can lose money. Derivative contracts are usually less liquid than traditional securities and are subject to counterparty risk (the risk that the other party to the contract will default or otherwise not be able to perform its obligations). In addition, purchasing call or put options involves the risk that the funds may lose the premium they paid plus transaction costs. Futures and options involve market risk in excess of their value.
FIXED INCOME SECURITIES
The funds may invest in nonconvertible fixed income securities of U.S. and foreign (non-U.S.) issuers including corporate notes, bonds and debentures that are rated within the three highest
Phoenix Equity Trust 41
rating categories at the time of investment, or if unrated, are deemed by the respective subadviser to be of comparable quality. Generally, if interest rates rise, the value of debt securities will fall.
FOREIGN INVESTING
The Relative Value Fund may invest in foreign securities. Investments in non-U.S. companies involve additional risks and conditions, including differences in accounting standards, generally higher commission rates, differences in transaction settlement systems, political instability, and the possibility of confiscatory or expropriation taxes. Political and economic uncertainty in foreign countries, as well as less public information about foreign investments, may negatively impact the fund's investments. Dividends and other income payable on foreign securities may also be subject to foreign taxes. Some investments may be made in currencies other than the U.S. dollar that will fluctuate in value as a result of changes in the currency exchange rate. Foreign markets and currencies may not function as well as U.S. markets.
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS
The Worldwide Strategies Fund may invest in forward foreign currency exchange contracts. Such contracts may limit potential exchange rate gains, may incur higher transaction costs and may not protect the Worldwide Strategies Fund against future currency exchange fluctuations as anticipated by the respective subadviser.
GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
The funds may invest in Treasury bills, notes and bonds issued by the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities, and securities issued by foreign governments and supranational agencies (such as the World Bank). Not all government securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the issuing country, including the United States.
HIGH YIELD-HIGH RISK SECURITIES
The funds may invest in high yield-high risk securities. High yield-high risk securities (junk bonds) typically entail greater price volatility and principal and interest rate risk. There is a greater chance that an issuer will not be able to make principal and interest payments on time. Analysis of the creditworthiness of issuers of high yield-high risk securities may be complex, and as a result, it may be more difficult for the respective subadviser to accurately predict risk.
OTHER EQUITY SECURITIES
The funds may invest in preferred stocks, warrants, rights and securities convertible into common stocks. Preferred stocks may not fully participate in dividends, and convertible securities may have higher yields than common stocks but lower yields than comparable nonconvertible securities.
42 Phoenix Equity Trust
SMALL AND MEDIUM CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES
The Pathfinder Fund, Relative Value Fund and Total Value Fund may invest in issuers having small and medium capitalizations. Companies with smaller capitalizations are often companies with a limited operating history or companies in industries that have recently emerged due to cultural, economic, regulatory or technological developments. Such developments can have a significant impact or negative effect on small and medium capitalization companies and their stock performance and can make investment returns highly volatile. Product lines are often less diversified and subject to competitive threats. Smaller capitalization stocks are subject to varying patterns of trading volume and may, at times, be difficult to sell.
UNRATED FIXED INCOME SECURITIES
The funds may invest in unrated securities. Unrated securities may not be lower in quality than rated securities, but due to their perceived risk they may not have as broad a market as rated securities. Analysis of unrated securities is more complex than for rated securities, making it more difficult for the respective subadviser to accurately predict risk.
The funds may buy other types of securities or employ other portfolio management techniques. Please refer to the Statement of Additional Information for more detailed information about these and other investment techniques of the funds.
HOW IS THE SHARE PRICE DETERMINED?
Each fund calculates a share price for each class of its shares. The share price for each class is based on the net assets of the fund and the number of outstanding shares of that class. In general, each fund calculates a share price for each class by:
o adding the values of all securities and other assets of the fund;
o subtracting liabilities; and
o dividing the result by the total number of outstanding shares of that class.
Assets: Equity securities are valued at the official closing price (typically last sale) on the exchange on which the securities are primarily traded, or, if no closing price is available, at the last bid price. Debt securities (other than short-term investments) are valued on the basis of broker quotations or valuations provided by a pricing service, which in determining value utilizes information with respect to recent sales, market transactions in comparable securities, quotations from dealers, and various relationships between securities. Short-term investments having a remaining maturity of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. As required, some securities and assets are valued at fair value as
Phoenix Equity Trust 43
determined in good faith by, or under the direction of, the Trustees. Other assets, such as accrued interest, accrued dividends and cash are also included in determining a fund's net asset value.
Liabilities: Accrued liabilities for class specific expenses (if any), distribution fees, service fees and other liabilities are deducted from the assets of each class. Accrued expenses and liabilities that are not class specific (such as management fees) are allocated to each class in proportion to each class's net assets except where an alternative allocation can be more appropriately made.
Net Asset Value: The liabilities allocated to a class are deducted from the proportionate interest of such class in the assets of the applicable fund. The resulting amount for each class is then divided by the number of shares outstanding of that class to produce each class's net asset value per share.
The net asset value per share of each class of each fund is determined as of the close of trading (normally 4:00 PM eastern time) on days when the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") is open for trading. A fund will not calculate its net asset values per share class on days when the NYSE is closed for trading. If a fund holds securities that are traded on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other holidays when the funds do not price their shares, the net asset value of the fund's shares may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem the fund's shares.
HOW ARE SECURITIES FAIR VALUED?
If market quotations are not readily available or where available prices are not reliable, the fund determines a "fair value" for an investment according to policies and procedures approved by the Trustees. The types of assets for which such pricing might be required include: (i) securities whose trading has been suspended; (ii) securities where the trading market is unusually thin or trades have been infrequent; (iii) debt securities that have recently gone into default and for which there is no current market quotation; (iv) a security whose market price is not available from an independent pricing source and for which otherwise reliable quotes are not available; (v) securities of an issuer that has entered into a restructuring; (vi) a security whose price as provided by any pricing source, does not, in the opinion of the adviser/subadviser, reflect the security's market value; (vii) foreign securities subject to trading collars for which no or limited trading takes place; and (viii) securities where the market quotations are not readily available as a result of "significant" events. This list is not inclusive of all situations that may require a security to be fair valued, nor is it intended to be conclusive in determining whether a specific event requires fair valuation.
The value of any portfolio security held by the fund for which market quotations are not readily available shall be determined in good faith and in a manner that assesses the security's "fair value" on the valuation date (i.e., the amount that the fund might reasonably expect to receive for the security upon its current sale), based on a consideration of all available facts and all available information, including, but not limited to, the following: (i) the fundamental analytical data relating to the investment; (ii) an evaluation of the forces which influence the market in which these securities are purchased and sold (e.g., the existence of merger proposals
44 Phoenix Equity Trust
or tender offers that might affect the value of the security); (iii) price quotes from dealers and/or pricing services; (iv) an analysis of the issuer's financial statements; (v) recent news about the security or issuer; (vi) changes in interest rates; (vii) information obtained from the issuer, analysts, other financial institutions and/or the appropriate stock exchange (for exchange traded securities); (viii) whether two or more dealers with whom the adviser regularly effects trades are willing to purchase or sell the security at comparable prices; (ix) other news events or relevant matters; and (x) government (domestic or foreign) actions or pronouncements.
Certain foreign common stocks may be fair valued in cases where closing prices are not readily available or are deemed not reflective of readily available market prices. For example, events (such as movement in the U.S. securities market, or other regional and local developments) may occur between the time that foreign markets close (where the security is principally traded) and the time that the fund calculates its net asset value (generally, the close of the NYSE) that may impact the value of securities traded in these foreign markets. In such cases, information from an external vendor may be utilized to adjust closing market prices of certain foreign common stocks to reflect their fair value. Because the frequency of significant events is not predictable, fair valuation of certain foreign common stocks may occur on a frequent basis.
The value of a security, as determined using the fund's fair valuation procedures, may not reflect such security's market value.
AT WHAT PRICE ARE SHARES PURCHASED?
All investments received by the funds' authorized agents prior to the close of regular trading on the NYSE (normally 4:00 PM eastern time) will be executed based on that day's net asset value. Shares credited to your account from the reinvestment of a fund's distributions will be in full and fractional shares that are purchased at the closing net asset value on the next business day on which the fund's net asset value is calculated following the dividend record date.
WHAT ARE THE CLASSES AND HOW DO THEY DIFFER?
Each fund presently offers Class A Shares and Class C Shares. Additionally, the Worldwide Strategies Fund offers Class B Shares. Each class of shares has different sales and distribution charges. (See "Fund Fees and Expenses" previously in this prospectus.) The funds have adopted distribution and service plans allowed under Rule 12b-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 that authorize the funds to pay distribution and service fees for the sale of their shares and for services provided to shareholders.
Phoenix Equity Trust 45
WHAT ARRANGEMENT IS BEST FOR YOU?
The different classes of shares permit you to choose the method of purchasing shares that is most beneficial to you. In choosing a class of shares, consider the amount of your investment, the length of time you expect to hold the shares, whether you decide to receive distributions in cash or to reinvest them in additional shares, and any other personal circumstances. Depending upon these considerations, the accumulated distribution and service fees and contingent deferred sales charges of one class of shares may be more or less than the initial sales charge and accumulated distribution and service fees of another class of shares bought at the same time. Because distribution and service fees are paid out of a fund's assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
Your financial representative should recommend only those arrangements that are
suitable for you based on known information. In certain instances, you may be
entitled to a reduction or waiver of sales charges. For instance, you may be
entitled to a sales charge discount on Class A Shares if you purchase more than
certain breakpoint amounts. You should inform or inquire of your financial
representative whether or not you may be entitled to a sales charge discount
attributable to your total holdings in a fund or affiliated funds. To determine
eligibility for a sales charge discount, you may aggregate all of your accounts
(including joint accounts, IRAs, non-IRAs, etc.) and those of your spouse and
minor children. The financial representative may request you to provide an
account statement or other holdings information to determine your eligibility
for a breakpoint and to make certain all involved parties have the necessary
data. Additional information about the classes of shares offered, sales charges,
breakpoints and discounts follows in this section and also may be found in the
Statement of Additional Information in the section entitled "How to Buy Shares."
This information is available free of charge, and in a clear and prominent
format, at the Individual Investors section of the Phoenix Funds' Web sites:
PhoenixFunds.com or PhoenixInvestments.com. Please be sure that you fully
understand these choices before investing. If you or your financial
representative require additional assistance, you may also contact Mutual Fund
Services by calling toll-free (800) 243-1574.
CLASS A SHARES. If you purchase Class A Shares, you will pay a sales charge at the time of purchase equal to 5.75% of the offering price (6.10% of the amount invested).(1) The sales charge may be reduced or waived under certain conditions. (See "Initial Sales Charge Alternative--Class A Shares" below.) Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Funds when redeemed. Class A Shares have lower distribution and service fees (0.25%) and pay higher dividends than any other class.
CLASS B SHARES (WORLDWIDE STRATEGIES FUND ONLY). If you purchase Class B Shares, you will not pay a sales charge at the time of purchase. If you sell your Class B Shares within the first five years after they are purchased, you will pay a deferred sales charge of up to 5% of your shares' value. (See "Deferred Sales Charge Alternative--Class B Shares and Class C Shares"
46 Phoenix Equity Trust
below.) This charge declines to 0% over a period of five years and may be waived under certain conditions. Class B Shares have higher distribution and service fees (1.00%) and pay lower dividends than Class A Shares. Class B Shares automatically convert to Class A Shares eight years after purchase. Purchases of Class B Shares may be inappropriate for any investor who may qualify for reduced sales charges on Class A Shares and anyone who is over 85 years of age. The underwriter may decline purchases in such situations.
CLASS C SHARES. If you purchase Class C Shares, you will not pay a sales charge at the time of purchase. If you sell your Class C Shares within the first year after they are purchased, you will pay a deferred sales charge of 1%. (See "Deferred Sales Charge Alternative--Class B Shares and Class C Shares" below.) Class C Shares have higher distribution and service fees (1.00%) and pay lower dividends than Class A Shares. Class C Shares do not convert to any other class of shares of the funds.
INITIAL SALES CHARGE ALTERNATIVE--CLASS A SHARES
The public offering price of Class A Shares is the net asset value plus a sales charge that varies depending on the size of your purchase. (See "Class A Shares--Reduced Initial Sales Charges" in the Statement of Additional Information.) Shares purchased based on the automatic reinvestment of income dividends or capital gain distributions are not subject to any sales charges. The sales charge is divided between your investment dealer and the funds' underwriter (Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation or "PEPCO").
SALES CHARGE YOU MAY PAY TO PURCHASE CLASS A SHARES
SALES CHARGE AS
A PERCENTAGE OF
-----------------------------------------
AMOUNT OF NET
TRANSACTION OFFERING AMOUNT
AT OFFERING PRICE PRICE INVESTED
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Under $50,000 5.75% 6.10%
$50,000 but under $100,000 4.75 4.99
$100,000 but under $250,000 3.75 3.90
$250,000 but under $500,000 2.75 2.83
$500,000 but under $1,000,000 2.00 2.04
$1,000,000 or more None None
|
DEFERRED SALES CHARGE ALTERNATIVE--CLASS B SHARES (WORLDWIDE STRATEGIES FUND ONLY) AND CLASS C SHARES
Class B Shares and Class C Shares are purchased without an initial sales charge; however, shares sold within a specified time period are subject to a declining contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") at the rates listed below. The sales charge will be multiplied by the then current market value or the initial cost of the shares being redeemed, whichever is less. No sales charge will be imposed on increases in net asset value or on shares purchased through the reinvestment of income dividends or capital gain distributions. To minimize the sales charge, shares not subject to any charge will be redeemed first, followed by shares held the longest time. To calculate the number of shares owned and time period held, all Class B Shares
Phoenix Equity Trust 47
purchased in any month are considered purchased on the last day of the preceding month, and all Class C Shares are considered purchased on the trade date.
DEFERRED SALES CHARGE YOU MAY PAY TO SELL CLASS B SHARES (WORLDWIDE STRATEGIES
FUND ONLY) YEAR 1 2 3 4 5 6+ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CDSC 5% 4% 3% 2% 2% 0% |
DEFERRED SALES CHARGE YOU MAY PAY TO SELL CLASS C SHARES
OPENING AN ACCOUNT
Your financial advisor can assist you with your initial purchase as well as all phases of your investment program. If you are opening an account by yourself, please follow the instructions outlined below.
The funds have established the following preferred methods of payment for fund shares:
o Checks drawn on an account in the name of the investor and made payable to Phoenix Funds;
o Checks drawn on an account in the name of the investor's company or employer and made payable to Phoenix Funds; or
o Wire transfers or Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers from an account in the name of the investor, or the investor's company or employer.
Payment in other forms may be accepted at the discretion of the funds. Please specify the name(s) of the fund or funds in which you would like to invest on the check or transfer instructions.
To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. Accordingly, when you open an account, we will ask for your name, address, date of birth and other information that will allow us to identify you. We may check the information you provide against publicly available databases, information obtained from consumer reporting agencies, other financial institutions or other sources. If, after reasonable effort, we cannot verify your identity, we reserve the right to close the account and redeem the shares at net asset value next calculated after the decision is made by us to close the account.
48 Phoenix Equity Trust
STEP 1.
Your first choice will be the initial amount you intend to invest in each fund.
Minimum INITIAL investments:
o $25 for individual retirement accounts, accounts that use the systematic exchange privilege, or accounts that use the Investo-Matic program. See below for more information on the Investo-Matic program.
o There is no initial dollar requirement for defined contribution plans, profit-sharing plans, or employee benefit plans. There is also no minimum for reinvesting dividends and capital gains into another account.
o $500 for all other accounts.
Minimum ADDITIONAL investments:
o $25 for any account.
o There is no minimum for defined contribution plans, profit-sharing plans, or employee benefit plans. There is also no minimum for reinvesting dividends and capital gains into an existing account.
The funds reserve the right to refuse any purchase order for any reason.
STEP 2.
Your second choice will be what class of shares to buy. The Worldwide Strategies Fund offers Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares, and the Mid-Cap Value Fund, the Pathfinder Fund, the Relative Value Fund and the Total Value Fund offer Class A Shares and Class C Shares. Each share class has different sales and distribution charges. Because all future investments in your account will be made in the share class you choose when you open your account, you should make your decision carefully. Your financial advisor can help you pick the share class that makes the most sense for your situation.
STEP 3.
Your next choice will be how you want to receive any dividends and capital gain distributions. Your options are:
o Receive both dividends and capital gain distributions in additional shares;
o Receive dividends in additional shares and capital gain distributions in cash;
o Receive dividends in cash and capital gain distributions in additional shares; or
o Receive both dividends and capital gain distributions in cash.
No interest will be paid on uncashed distribution checks.
Phoenix Equity Trust 49
Contact your advisor. Some advisors may
Through a financial advisor charge a fee and may set different minimum
investments or limitations on buying shares.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Complete a New Account Application and send
Through the mail it with a check payable to the funds. Mail
them to: State Street Bank, P.O. Box 8301,
Boston, MA 02266-8301.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Complete a New Account Application and send
it with a check payable to the funds. Send
Through express delivery them to: Boston Financial Data Services,
Attn.: Phoenix Funds, 66 Brooks Drive,
Braintree, MA 02184.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Federal Funds wire Call us at (800) 243-1574 (press 1, then 0).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Complete the appropriate section on the
application and send it with your initial
By Investo-Matic investment payable to the Funds. Mail them
to: State Street Bank, P.O. Box 8301,
Boston, MA 02266-8301.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By telephone exchange Call us at (800) 243-1574 (press 1, then 0).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
The price at which a purchase is effected is based on the net asset value determined after the receipt of a purchase order by the funds' Transfer Agent.
You have the right to have the funds buy back shares at the net asset value next determined after receipt of a redemption order by the fund's Transfer Agent or an authorized agent. In the case of a Class B Share or Class C Share redemption, you will be subject to the applicable contingent deferred sales charge, if any, for such shares. Subject to certain restrictions, shares may be redeemed by telephone or in writing. In addition, shares may be sold through securities dealers, brokers or agents who may charge customary commissions or fees for their services. The funds do not charge any redemption fees. Payment for shares redeemed is made within seven days; however, redemption proceeds will not be disbursed until each check used for purchases of shares has been cleared for payment by your bank, which may take up to 15 days after receipt of the check.
50 Phoenix Equity Trust
Contact your advisor. Some advisors may
Through a financial advisor charge a fee and may set different minimums
on redemptions of accounts.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Send a letter of instruction and any share
certificates (if you hold certificate
Through the mail shares) to: State Street Bank, P.O. Box
8301, Boston, MA 02266-8301. Be sure to
include the registered owner's name, Fund
and account number, and number of shares or
dollar value you wish to sell.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Send a letter of instruction and any share
certificates (if you hold certificate
shares) to: Boston Financial Data Services,
Through express delivery Attn.: Phoenix Funds, 66 Brooks Drive,
Braintree, MA 02184. Be sure to include the
registered owner's name, Fund and account
number, and number of shares or dollar value
you wish to sell.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By telephone For sales up to $50,000, requests can be
made by calling (800) 243-1574.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By telephone exchange Call us at (800) 243-1574 (press 1, then 0).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
You may realize a taxable gain or loss (for federal income tax purposes) if you redeem shares of the funds. Each fund reserves the right to pay large redemptions "in-kind" (i.e., in securities owned by the fund) rather than in cash. Large redemptions are those over $250,000 or 1% of the applicable fund's net assets, whichever is less. Additional documentation will be required for redemptions by organizations, fiduciaries, or retirement plans, or if a redemption is requested by anyone but the shareholder(s) of record. Transfers between broker-dealer "street" accounts are governed by the accepting broker-dealer. Questions regarding this type of transfer should be directed to your financial advisor. Redemption requests will not be honored until all required documents, in proper form, have been received. To avoid delay in redemption or transfer, shareholders having questions about specific requirements should contact the funds' Transfer Agent at (800) 243-1574.
REDEMPTIONS BY MAIL
> If you are selling shares held individually, jointly, or as custodian
under the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act or Uniform Transfers to Minors
Act:
|
Send a clear letter of instructions if all of these apply:
o The proceeds do not exceed $50,000.
o The proceeds are payable to the registered owner at the address on record.
Phoenix Equity Trust 51
Send a clear letter of instructions with a signature guarantee when any of these apply:
o You are selling more than $50,000 worth of shares.
o The name or address on the account has changed within the last 30 days.
o You want the proceeds to go to a different name or address than on the account.
> If you are selling shares held in a corporate or fiduciary account, please contact the funds' Transfer Agent at (800) 243-1574.
If required, the signature guarantee must be a STAMP 2000 Medallion guarantee and be made by an eligible guarantor institution as defined by the funds' Transfer Agent in accordance with its signature guarantee procedures. Guarantees using previous technology medallions will not be accepted. Currently, the Transfer Agent's signature guarantee procedures generally permit guarantees by banks, broker-dealers, credit unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing agencies and savings associations.
SELLING SHARES BY TELEPHONE
The Transfer Agent will use reasonable procedures to confirm that telephone instructions are genuine. Address and bank account information are verified, redemption instructions are taped, and all redemptions are confirmed in writing.
The individual investor bears the risk from instructions given by an unauthorized third party that the Transfer Agent reasonably believed to be genuine.
The Transfer Agent may modify or terminate the telephone redemption privilege at any time with 60 days notice to shareholders, except for instances of disruptive trading or market timing; in such cases, the telephone redemption privilege may be suspended immediately, followed by written notice. (See "Disruptive Trading and Market Timing" in this Prospectus.)
During times of drastic economic or market changes, telephone redemptions may be difficult to make or temporarily suspended.
ACCOUNT REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE
For 180 days after you sell your Class A Shares, Class B Shares or Class C Shares on which you previously paid a sales charge, you may purchase Class A Shares of any Phoenix Fund at net asset value, with no sales charge, by reinvesting all or part of your proceeds, but not more. Send your written request to State Street Bank, P.O. Box 8301, Boston, MA 02266-8301. You can call us at (800) 243-1574 for more information.
52 Phoenix Equity Trust
Please remember, a redemption and reinvestment are considered to be a sale and purchase for tax-reporting purposes. Class B and Class C shareholders who have had the contingent deferred sales charge waived because they are in the Systematic Withdrawal Program are not eligible for this reinstatement privilege.
REDEMPTION OF SMALL ACCOUNTS
Due to the high cost of maintaining small accounts, if your redemption activity causes your account balance to fall below $200, you may receive a notice requesting you to bring the balance up to $200 within 60 days. If you do not, the shares in the account will be sold at net asset value, and a check will be mailed to the address of record.
DISTRIBUTIONS OF SMALL AMOUNTS AND UNCASHED CHECKS
Distributions in amounts less than $10 will automatically be reinvested in additional shares of the applicable fund. If you have elected to receive distributions in cash, and the postal or other delivery service is unable to deliver checks to your address of record, or you do not respond to mailings from the fund with regard to uncashed distribution checks, your distribution options will automatically be converted to having all distributions reinvested in additional shares.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGES
You should read the prospectus of the Phoenix Fund(s) into which you want to make an exchange before deciding to make an exchange. You can obtain a prospectus from your financial advisor or by calling us at (800) 243-4361 or accessing our Web sites at PhoenixFunds.com or PhoenixInvestments.com.
o You may exchange shares of one fund for the same class of shares of another Phoenix Fund; e.g., Class A Shares for Class A Shares. Class C Shares are also exchangeable for Class T Shares of those Phoenix Funds offering them. Exchange privileges may not be available for all Phoenix Funds and may be rejected or suspended.
o Exchanges may be made by telephone ((800) 243-1574) or by mail (State Street Bank, P.O. Box 8301, Boston, MA 02266-8301).
o The amount of the exchange must be equal to or greater than the minimum initial investment required.
o The exchange of shares is treated as a sale and purchase for federal income tax purposes.
DISRUPTIVE TRADING AND MARKET TIMING
These funds are not suitable for market timers and market timers are discouraged from becoming investors. Your ability to make exchanges among funds is subject to modification if we determine, in our sole opinion, that your exercise of the exchange privilege may disadvantage or potentially harm the rights or interests of other shareholders.
Phoenix Equity Trust 53
Frequent purchases, redemptions and exchanges, programmed exchanges, exchanges into and then out of a fund in a short period of time, and exchanges of large amounts at one time may be indicative of market timing and otherwise disruptive trading ("Disruptive Trading") which can have risks and harmful effects for other shareholders. These risks and harmful effects include:
o dilution of the interests of long-term investors, if market timers or others exchange into a fund at prices that are below the true value or exchange out of a fund at prices that are higher than the true value;
o an adverse effect on portfolio management, as determined by portfolio management in its sole discretion, such as causing the fund to maintain a higher level of cash than would otherwise be the case, or causing the fund to liquidate investments prematurely; and
o reducing returns to long-term shareholders through increased brokerage and administrative expenses.
Additionally, the nature of the portfolio holdings of the Worldwide Strategies Fund may expose the fund to investors who engage in the type of market timing trading that seeks to take advantage of possible delays between the change in the value of a mutual fund's portfolio holdings and the reflection of the change in the net asset value of the fund's shares, sometimes referred to as "time-zone arbitrage." Arbitrage market timers seek to exploit possible delays between the change in the value of a mutual fund's portfolio holdings and the net asset value of the fund's shares in funds that hold significant investments in foreign securities because certain foreign markets close several hours ahead of the U.S. markets. If an arbitrageur is successful, the value of the fund's shares may be diluted if redeeming shareholders receive proceeds (and buying shareholders receive shares) based upon net asset values which do not reflect appropriate fair value prices.
In order to attempt to protect our shareholders from Disruptive Trading, the funds' Board of Trustees has adopted market timing policies and procedures designed to discourage Disruptive Trading. The Board has adopted these policies and procedures as a preventive measure to protect all shareholders from the potential effects of Disruptive Trading, while also abiding by any rights that shareholders may have to make exchanges and provide reasonable and convenient methods of making exchanges that do not have the potential to harm other shareholders.
Excessive trading activity is measured by the number of roundtrip transactions in an account. A roundtrip transaction is one where a shareholder buys and then sells, or sells and then buys, shares of any fund within 30 days. Shareholders of the funds are limited to one roundtrip transaction within any rolling 30-day period. Roundtrip transactions are counted at the shareholder level. In considering a shareholder's trading activity, the funds may consider, among other factors, the shareholder's trading history both directly and, if known, through financial intermediaries, in the funds, in other funds within the Phoenix Fund complex, in non-Phoenix mutual funds or in accounts under common control or ownership. We do not include exchanges made pursuant to the dollar cost averaging or other similar programs when
54 Phoenix Equity Trust
applying our market timing policies. Systematic withdrawal and/or contribution programs, mandatory retirement distributions, and transactions initiated by a plan sponsor also will not count towards the roundtrip limits. The funds may permit exchanges that they believe, in the exercise of their judgement, are not disruptive. The size of the fund and the size of the requested transaction may be considered when determining whether or not the transaction would be disruptive.
Shareholders holding shares for at least 30 days following investment will ordinarily be in compliance with the funds' policies regarding excessive trading. The funds may, however, take action if activity is deemed disruptive even if shares are held longer than 30 days, such as a request for a transaction of an unusually large size. The size of the fund and the size of the requested transaction may be considered when determining whether or not the transaction would be disruptive.
Under our market timing policies, we may modify your exchange privileges for some or all of the funds by not accepting an exchange request from you or from any person, asset allocation service, and/or market timing services made on your behalf. We may also limit the amount that may be exchanged into or out of any fund at any one time or could revoke your right to make Internet, telephone or facsimile exchanges. We may reinstate Internet, telephone and facsimile exchange privileges after they are revoked, but we will not reinstate these privileges if we have reason to believe that they might be used thereafter for Disruptive Trading.
The funds currently do not charge exchange or redemption fees, or any other administrative charges on fund exchanges. The funds reserve the right to impose such fees and/or charges in the future.
Orders for the purchase of fund shares are subject to acceptance by the relevant fund. We reserve the right to reject, without prior notice, any exchange request into any fund if the purchase of shares in the corresponding fund is not accepted for any reason.
Omnibus accounts are maintained by intermediaries acting on behalf of multiple investors whose individual trades are not ordinarily disclosed to the funds. There is no assurance that the funds or their agents will have access to any or all information necessary to detect market timing in omnibus accounts. While the funds will seek to take action (directly and with the assistance of financial intermediaries) that will detect market timing, the funds cannot guarantee that such trading activity in omnibus accounts can be completely eliminated.
The funds do not have any arrangements with any person, organization or entity to permit frequent purchases and redemptions of fund shares.
We may, without prior notice, take whatever action we deem appropriate to comply with or take advantage of any state or federal regulatory requirement. The funds reserve the right to reject any purchase or exchange transaction at any time. If we reject a purchase or exchange for any reason, we will notify you of our decision in writing.
The funds cannot guarantee that their policies and procedures regarding market timing will be effective in detecting and deterring all Disruptive Trading.
Phoenix Equity Trust 55
RETIREMENT PLANS
Shares of the funds may be used as investments under the following qualified prototype retirement plans: traditional IRA, rollover IRA, SIMPLE IRA, Roth IRA, 401(k) plans, profit-sharing, money purchase plans, and 403(b) plans. For more information, call (800) 243-4361.
INVESTO-MATIC is a systematic investment plan that allows you to have a specified amount automatically deducted from your checking or savings account and then deposited into your mutual fund account. Just complete the Investo-Matic Section on the application and include a voided check.
SYSTEMATIC EXCHANGE allows you to automatically move money from one Phoenix Fund to another on a monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual basis. Shares of one Phoenix Fund will be exchanged for shares of the same class of another Phoenix Fund at the interval you select. To sign up, just complete the Systematic Exchange Section on the application. Exchange privileges may not be available for all Phoenix Funds and may be rejected or suspended.
TELEPHONE EXCHANGE lets you exchange shares of one Phoenix Fund for the same class of shares in another Phoenix Fund, using our customer service telephone service. (See the "Telephone Exchange" section on the application.) Exchange privileges may not be available for all Phoenix Funds and may be rejected or suspended.
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PROGRAM allows you to periodically redeem a portion of your account on a predetermined monthly, quarterly, semiannual, or annual basis. Sufficient shares will be redeemed on the 15th of the month at the closing net asset value so that the payment is made about the 20th of the month. The program also provides for redemptions on or about the 10th, 15th, or 25th with proceeds directed through the ACH to your bank. The minimum withdrawal is $25, and minimum account balance requirements continue to apply. Shareholders in the program must own Phoenix Fund shares worth at least $5,000.
DISCLOSURE OF FUND HOLDINGS. The funds make available on the Phoenix Funds' Web sites, PhoenixFunds.com or PhoenixInvestments.com, information with respect to each fund's top 10 holdings and summary composition data derived from portfolio holdings information. This information is posted to the Web sites at the end of each month with respect to the top 10 holdings, and at the end of each quarter with respect to summary composition information, generally within 10 business days. This information will remain available on the Web sites until full portfolio holdings information becomes publicly available. A full listing of each fund's portfolio holdings becomes publicly available (i) as of the end of its second and fourth fiscal quarters in shareholder reports, which are sent to all shareholders and are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on Form N-CSR, and (ii) at the end of
56 Phoenix Equity Trust
its first and third fiscal quarters by filing with the SEC a Form N-Q. The funds' shareholder reports are available on the Phoenix Funds' Web site at PhoenixFunds.com (also accessible at PhoenixInvestments.com). A more detailed description of the funds' policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the funds' portfolio securities is also available in the Statement of Additional Information.
The funds plan to make distributions from net investment income at intervals stated in the table below and to distribute net realized capital gains, if any, at least annually.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FUND DIVIDEND PAID -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mid-Cap Value Fund Semiannually -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pathfinder Fund Annually -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Relative Value Fund Annually -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Value Fund Annually -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Worldwide Strategies Fund Semiannually -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Distributions of short-term capital gains and net investment income are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Under the Jobs and Growth Tax Reconciliation Act of 2003, certain distributions of long-term capital gains and certain dividends are taxable at a lower rate than ordinary income. Long-term capital gains, if any, distributed to shareholders and which are designated by the funds as capital gain distributions, are taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gain distributions regardless of the length of time you have owned your shares.
Unless you elect to receive distributions in cash, dividends and capital gain distributions are paid in additional shares. All distributions, cash or additional shares, are subject to federal income tax and may be subject to state, local and other taxes.
Phoenix Equity Trust 57
These tables are intended to help you understand the Mid-Cap Value and the Worldwide Strategies Funds' financial performance for the past five years or since inception. Certain information reflects financial results for a single fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned or lost on an investment in each fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the funds' independent registered public accounting firm. Their report, together with the funds' financial statements, are included in the funds' most recent Annual Report, which is available upon request.
Since the Pathfinder Fund, Relative Value Fund and the Total Value Fund have been in existence only since July 29, 2005, no financial information is included here for these funds.
PHOENIX MID-CAP VALUE FUND
The Mid-Cap Value Fund is the successor of the FMI Sasco Contrarian Value Fund (the "Predecessor Fund") resulting from a reorganization of the Predecessor Fund with the Mid-Cap Value Fund on October 22, 2004. The Mid-Cap Value Fund treats the past performance of the Predecessor Fund as its own. Prior to October 22, 2004, the Predecessor Fund offered only one class of shares, which is now called Class A Shares. The performance of Class A Shares of the Predecessor Fund in the table below has not been adjusted to reflect the expenses of the Mid-Cap Value Fund.
CLASS A(1)
----------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
2005 2004 2003 2002 2001
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value, beginning of period $17.04 $12.18 $13.21 $12.15 $ 8.74
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)(2) 0.08 (0.01) 0.01 (0.01) 0.02
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 2.55 4.88 (1.04) 1.09 3.46
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS 2.63 4.87 (1.03) 1.08 3.48
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income (0.04) (0.01) -- (0.02) (0.07)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS (0.04) (0.01) -- (0.02) (0.07)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Change in net asset value 2.59 4.86 (1.03) 1.06 3.41
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $19.63 $17.04 $12.18 $13.21 $12.15
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Total return(3) 15.39% 40.03% (7.80)% 8.89% 39.98%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (thousands) $97,771 $6,404 $3,800 $5,240 $4,901
RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF:
Net operating expenses 1.25% 1.30% 1.30% 1.30% 1.30%
Gross operating expenses 1.65% 2.76% 3.05% 2.68% 2.25%
Net investment income (loss) 0.49% (0.06)% 0.09% (0.05)% 0.17%
Portfolio turnover 9% 53% 23% 49% 27%
|
(2) Computed using average shares outstanding.
(3) Maximum sales charges are not reflected in the total return calculation.
58 Phoenix Equity Trust
6/30/05
-----------
Net asset value, beginning of period $17.77
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)(1) (0.04)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 1.84
--------
TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS 1.80
--------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income (0.03)
-------
TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS (0.03)
-------
Change in net asset value 1.77
-------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $19.54
=======
Total return(2) 10.13%(4)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (thousands) $37,934
RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF:
Net operating expenses 2.00%(3)
Gross operating expenses 2.29%(3)
Net investment income (loss) (0.28)%(3)
Portfolio turnover 9%(5)
----------------------
(1) Computed using average shares outstanding.
|
(2) Maximum sales charges are not reflected in the total return calculation.
(3) Annualized.
(4) Not annualized.
(5) Not annualized for the 12-month period ended June 30, 2005.
Phoenix Equity Trust 59
PHOENIX WORLDWIDE STRATEGIES FUND
CLASS A
-----------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
2005 2004 2003 2002 2001
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 7.72 $ 6.37 $ 7.03 $ 7.87 $10.46
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)(1) 0.08 0.03 0.05 0.03 0.01
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 0.68 1.41 (0.71) (0.84) (1.44)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS 0.76 1.44 (0.66) (0.81) (1.43)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income (0.10) (0.09) -- -- (0.02)
Distributions from net realized gains -- -- -- (0.03) (1.14)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS (0.10) (0.09) -- (0.03) (1.16)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Change in net asset value 0.66 1.35 (0.66) (0.84) (2.59)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 8.38 $ 7.72 $ 6.37 $ 7.03 $ 7.87
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Total return(2) 9.80% 22.65% (9.39)% (10.35)% (14.81)%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (thousands) $100,469 $107,520 $98,135 $125,216 $158,775
RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF:
Operating expenses 1.57% 1.62% 1.73% 1.56% 1.54%
Net investment income (loss) 0.97% 0.46% 0.81% 0.39% 0.10%
Portfolio turnover 49% 122% 160% 99% 168%
CLASS B
---------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
2005 2004 2003 2002 2001
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 7.05 $ 5.81 $ 6.46 $ 7.29 $ 9.84
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)(1) 0.02 (0.02) --(3) (0.03) (0.06)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 0.63 1.28 (0.65) (0.77) (1.35)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS 0.65 1.26 (0.65) (0.80) (1.41)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income (0.05) (0.02) -- -- --
Distributions from net realized gains -- -- -- (0.03) (1.14)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS (0.05) (0.02) -- (0.03) (1.14)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Change in net asset value 0.60 1.24 (0.65) (0.83) (2.55)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 7.65 $ 7.05 $ 5.81 $ 6.46 $ 7.29
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Total return(2) 9.14% 21.78% (10.20)% (10.90)% (15.58)%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (thousands) $5,096 $5,987 $6,730 $9,119 $13,066
RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF:
Operating expenses 2.32% 2.37% 2.48% 2.31% 2.29%
Net investment income (loss) 0.23% (0.34)% 0.04% (0.38)% (0.66)%
Portfolio turnover 49% 122% 160% 99% 168%
|
(2) Maximum sales charges are not reflected in the total return calculation.
(3) Amount is less than $0.01.
60 Phoenix Equity Trust
CLASS C
----------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
2005 2004 2003 2002 2001
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 7.03 $ 5.80 $ 6.45 $ 7.28 $ 9.82
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)(1) 0.02 (0.01) (0.01) (0.03) (0.06)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 0.62 1.27 (0.64) (0.77) (1.34)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS 0.64 1.26 (0.65) (0.80) (1.40)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income (0.05) (0.03) -- -- --
Distributions from net realized gains -- -- -- (0.03) (1.14)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS (0.05) (0.03) -- (0.03) (1.14)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Change in net asset value 0.59 1.23 (0.65) (0.83) (2.54)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 7.62 $ 7.03 $ 5.80 $ 6.45 $ 7.28
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Total return(2) 9.03% 21.66% (10.08)% (11.06)% (15.50)%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (thousands) $2,876 $3,306 $2,407 $3,811 $5,650
RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF:
Operating expenses 2.32% 2.37% 2.48% 2.31% 2.29%
Net investment income (loss) 0.22% (0.18)% (0.10)% (0.39)% (0.65)%
Portfolio turnover 49% 122% 160% 99% 168%
|
(1) Computed using average shares outstanding.
(2) Maximum sales charges are not reflected in the total return calculation.
Phoenix Equity Trust 60
[LOGO] PHOENIX FUNDS
PHOENIX EQUITY PLANNING CORPORATION
PO Box 150480
Hartford, CT 06115-0480
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
You can find more information about the Funds in the following documents:
ANNUAL AND SEMIANNUAL REPORTS
Annual and semiannual reports contain more information about the Funds' investments. The annual report discusses the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Funds' performance during the last fiscal year.
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI)
The SAI contains more detailed information about the Funds. It is incorporated by reference and is legally part of the prospectus.
To obtain free copies of these documents, you can download copies from the Individual Investors section of our Web site, PhoenixFunds.com, or you can request copies by calling us toll-free at 1-800-243-1574.
Information about the Funds (including the SAI) can be reviewed and copied at the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. For information about the operation of the Public Reference Room, call 1-202-942-8090.This information is also available on the SEC's Internet site at sec.gov.You may also obtain copies upon payment of a duplicating fee by writing the Public Reference Section of the SEC,Washington, DC 20549-6009 or by electronic request at publicinfo@sec.gov.
Mutual Fund Services: 1-800-243-1574
Text Telephone: 1-800-243-1926
NOT INSURED BY FDIC/NCUSIF OR ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY. NO BANK GUARANTEE. NOT A DEPOSIT. MAY LOSE VALUE.
Investment Company Act File No. 811-945
PXP691 10-05
PHOENIX EQUITY TRUST
PHOENIX MID-CAP VALUE FUND
PHOENIX PATHFINDER FUND
PHOENIX RELATIVE VALUE FUND
PHOENIX TOTAL VALUE FUND
PHOENIX WORLDWIDE STRATEGIES FUND
(EACH A "FUND" OR COLLECTIVELY THE "FUNDS")
101 Munson Street
Greenfield, MA 01301
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
October 31, 2005
The Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") is not a prospectus, but expands upon and supplements the information contained in the Prospectus of Phoenix Equity Trust (the "Trust") dated October 31, 2005, and should be read in conjunction with it. The SAI incorporates by reference certain information that appears in the Trust's annual and semiannual reports, which are delivered to all investors. You may obtain a free copy of the Trust's prospectus, annual or semiannual reports by visiting the Phoenix Funds Web sites at PhoenixFunds.com or PhoenixInvestments.com, by calling Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation ("PEPCO") at (800) 243-4361 or by writing to PEPCO at One American Row, P.O. Box 5056, Hartford, CT 06102-5056.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
The Trust................................................................. 1 Investment Restrictions .................................................. 1 Investment Techniques and Risks .......................................... 2 Performance Information................................................... 10 Portfolio Turnover........................................................ 12 Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage...................................... 12 Disclosure of Fund Holdings............................................... 13 Services of the Adviser and Subadvisers................................... 15 Portfolio Managers........................................................ 24 Net Asset Value .......................................................... 28 How to Buy Shares ........................................................ 28 Alternative Purchase Agreements........................................... 29 Investor Account Services ................................................ 32 How to Redeem Shares ..................................................... 33 Dividends, Distributions and Taxes ....................................... 34 Tax Sheltered Retirement Plans ........................................... 38 The Distributor .......................................................... 38 Distribution Plans........................................................ 40 Management of the Trust................................................... 41 Additional Information ................................................... 48 |
Mutual Fund Services: (800) 243-1574 Adviser Consulting Group: (800) 243-4361 Telephone Orders: (800) 367-5877 Text Telephone: (800) 243-1926
PXP 691B (10/05)
THE TRUST
The Trust was originally incorporated in New York in 1956, and on January 13, 1992, the Trust was reorganized as a Massachusetts business trust under the name of "National Worldwide Opportunities Fund". It was reorganized as a Delaware statutory trust in October 2000. The Trust has operated as an open-end, diversified management investment company since May 1960. On June 30, 1993, the Trustees voted to change the name of the Trust to "Phoenix Worldwide Opportunities Fund" to reflect the purchase of the former adviser by Phoenix Life Insurance Company and the affiliation with other Phoenix Funds. On November 18, 1998, the Trustees voted to change the name of the Trust to "Phoenix-Aberdeen Worldwide Opportunities Fund." On June 28, 2004 the Trust changed its name to Phoenix Equity Trust. The Trust presently comprises five series: the Phoenix Mid-Cap Value Fund ("Mid-Cap Value Fund"), the Phoenix Pathfinder Fund ("Pathfinder Fund"), the Phoenix Relative Value Fund ("Relative Value Fund"), the Phoenix Total Value Fund ("Total Value Fund") and the Phoenix Worldwide Strategies Fund ("Worldwide Strategies Fund").
The Funds' prospectus describes the investment objectives of the Funds and the strategies that the Funds will employ in seeking to achieve their investment objective. The Worldwide Strategies Fund's investment objective is a fundamental policy of the Fund and may not be changed without the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of that Fund. The Mid-Cap Value, Pathfinder, Relative Value and Total Value Funds' investment objectives are non-fundamental policies and may be changed without shareholder approval. The following discussion supplements the disclosure in the prospectus.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The following investment restrictions have been adopted by the Funds. Except as otherwise stated, these investment restrictions are "fundamental" policies. A "fundamental" policy is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act") to mean that the restriction cannot be changed without the vote of a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" of the Fund. A "majority of the outstanding voting securities" is defined in the 1940 Act as the lesser of (a) 67% or more of the voting securities present at a meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities are present or represented by proxy, or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities.
Each Fund may not:
(1) With respect to 75% of its total assets, purchase securities of an issuer (other than the U.S. Government, its agencies, instrumentalities or authorities or repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. Government securities and other investment companies), if: (a) such purchase would, at the time, cause more than 5% of the Fund's total assets taken at market value to be invested in the securities of such issuer; or (b) such purchase would, at the time, result in more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer being held by the Fund.
(2) Purchase securities if, after giving effect to the purchase, more than 25% of its respective total assets would be invested in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry (excluding the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities).
(3) Borrow money, except (i) in amounts not to exceed one third of the value of the Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed) from banks, and (ii) up to an additional 5% of its total assets from banks or other lenders for temporary purposes. For purposes of this restriction, (a) investment techniques such as margin purchases, short sales, forward commitments, and roll transactions, (b) investments in instruments such as futures contracts, swaps, and options and (c) short-term credits extended in connection with trade clearance and settlement, shall not constitute borrowing.
(4) Issue "senior securities" in contravention of the 1940 Act. Activities permitted by exemptive orders or staff interpretations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") shall not be deemed to be prohibited by this restriction.
(5) Underwrite the securities issued by other persons, except to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities, the Funds may be deemed to be underwriters under applicable law.
(6) Purchase or sell real estate, except that the Funds may (i) acquire or lease office space for their own use, (ii) invest in securities of issuers that invest in real estate or interests therein, (iii) invest in mortgage-related securities and other securities that are secured by real estate or interests therein, and (iv) hold and sell real estate acquired by the Funds as a result of the ownership of securities.
(7) Purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts, except the Funds may purchase and sell derivatives (including, but not limited to, options, futures contracts and options on futures contracts) whose value is tied to the value of a financial index or a financial instrument or other asset (including, but not limited to, securities indexes, interest rates, securities, currencies and physical commodities).
(8) Make loans, except that the Funds may (i) lend portfolio securities, (ii) enter into repurchase agreements, (iii) purchase all or a portion of an issue of debt securities, bank loan participation interests, bank certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances, debentures or other securities, whether or not the purchase is made upon the original issuance of the securities and (iv) participate in an interfund lending program with other registered investment companies.
Except with respect to investment restriction (3) above, if any percentage restriction described above for the Funds is adhered to at the time of investment, a subsequent increase or decrease in the percentage resulting from a change in the value of the Funds' assets will not constitute a violation of the restriction. With respect to investment restriction (3), in the event that asset coverage for all borrowings shall at any time fall below 300 per centum, the Fund shall, within three days thereafter (not including Sundays and holidays) or such longer period as the SEC may prescribe by rules and regulations reduce the amount of its borrowings to an extent that the asset coverage of such borrowings shall be at least 300 per centum.
INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES AND RISKS
WORLDWIDE STRATEGIES FUND
The Fund may utilize the following practices or techniques in pursuing its investment objective.
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS
In order to hedge against adverse movements in exchange rates between currencies, the Fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts ("forward currency contracts") for the purchase or sale of a specified currency at a specified future date. Such contracts may involve the purchase or sale of a foreign currency against the U.S. dollar or may involve two foreign currencies. The Fund may enter into forward currency contracts either with respect to specific transactions or with respect to the Fund's portfolio positions.
FUTURES CONTRACTS ON FOREIGN CURRENCIES AND OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS
The Fund may engage in futures contracts on foreign currencies and options on these futures transactions as a hedge against changes in the value of the currencies to which the Fund is subject or to which the Fund expects to be subject in connection with future purchases, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the "CFTC"). The Fund also may engage in such transactions when they are economically appropriate for the reduction of risks inherent in the ongoing management of the Fund.
The Fund may buy and sell futures contracts on foreign currencies and groups of foreign currencies. The Fund will engage in transactions in only those futures contracts and options thereon that are traded on a commodities exchange or a board of trade. A "sale" of a futures contract means the assumption of a contractual obligation to deliver the specified amount of foreign currency at a specified price in a specified future month. A "purchase" of a futures contract means the assumption of a contractual obligation to acquire the currency called for by the contract at a specified price in a specified future month. At the time a futures contract is purchased or sold, the Fund must allocate cash or securities as a deposit payment (initial margin). Thereafter, the futures contract is valued daily and the payment of "variation margin" may be required, resulting in the Fund's providing or receiving cash that reflects any decline or increase in the contract's value, a process known as "marking to market."
The Fund may invest in sponsored and unsponsored American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), which are receipts issued by an American bank or trust company evidencing ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign issuer. ADRs, in registered form, are designed for use in U.S. securities markets. Unsponsored ADRs, may be created without the participation of the foreign issuer. Holders of these ADRs generally bear all the costs in a sponsored ADR. The bank or trust company depositary of an unsponsored ADR may be under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the foreign issuer or to pass through voting rights. The Fund may also invest in European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs"), Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") and in other similar instruments representing securities of foreign companies. EDRs and GDRs are securities that are typically issued by foreign banks or foreign trust companies, although U.S. banks or U.S. trust companies may issue them. EDRs and GDRs are structured similarly to the arrangements of ADRs. EDRs, in bearer form, are designed for use in European securities markets.
Depositary receipts are generally subject to the same sort of risks as direct investments in a foreign country, such as currency risk, political and economic risk, and market risk, because their values depend on the performance of a foreign security denominated in its home currency. The risks of foreign investing are addressed in the Fund's Prospectus.
OPTIONS ON FOREIGN CURRENCIES
The Fund may purchase and write put and call options on foreign currencies traded on securities exchanges or boards of trade (foreign and domestic) for hedging purposes in a manner similar to that in which forward currency contracts and futures contracts on foreign currencies will be employed. Options on foreign currencies are similar to options on stock, except that the Fund has the right to take or make delivery of a specified amount of foreign currency, rather than stock.
The Fund may purchase and write options to hedge the Fund's portfolio securities denominated in foreign currencies. If there is a decline in the dollar value of a foreign currency in which the Fund's portfolio securities are denominated, the dollar value of such securities will decline even though foreign currency value remains the same. (See "Special Considerations and Risk Factors.") To hedge against the decline of the foreign currency, the Fund may purchase put options on such foreign currency. If the value of the foreign currency declines, the gain realized on the put option would offset, in whole or in part, the adverse effect such decline would have on the value of the portfolio securities. Alternatively, the Fund may write a call option on the foreign currency. If the value of the foreign currency declines, the option would not be exercised and the decline in the value of the portfolio securities denominated in such foreign currency would be offset in part by the premium the Fund received for the option.
If, on the other hand, the subadviser anticipates purchasing a foreign security and also anticipates a rise in the value of such foreign currency (thereby increasing the cost of such security), the Fund may purchase call options on the foreign currency. The purchase of such options could offset, at least partially, the effects of the adverse movements of the exchange rates. Alternatively, the Fund could write a put option on the currency and, if the exchange rates move as anticipated, the option would expire unexercised.
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS ("REITS")
REITs pool investors' funds for investment primarily in income-producing commercial real estate or real estate-related loans. A REIT is not taxed on income distributed to shareholders if it complies with several requirements relating to its organization, ownership, assets, and income and a requirement that it distribute to its shareholders at least 95% of its taxable income (other than net capital gains) for each taxable year.
REITs can generally be classified as follows:
--Equity REITs, which invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive their income primarily from rents. Equity REITs can also realize capital gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value.
--Mortgage REITs, which invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive their income primarily from interest payments.
--Hybrid REITs, which combine the characteristics of both equity REITs and mortgage REITs.
REITs are like closed-end investment companies in that they are essentially holding companies which rely on professional managers to supervise their investments. A shareholder in the Fund should realize that by investing in REITs indirectly through the Fund, he will bear not only his proportionate share of the expenses of the Fund, but also, indirectly, similar expenses of underlying REITs.
RISKS OF INVESTMENT IN REAL ESTATE SECURITIES. Selecting REITs requires an evaluation of the merits of each type of asset a particular REIT owns, as well as regional and local economics. Due to the proliferation of REITs in recent years and the relative lack of sophistication of certain REIT managers, the quality of REIT assets has varied significantly. The Fund will not invest in real estate directly, but only in securities issued by real estate companies. However, the Fund may be subject to risks similar to those associated with the direct ownership of real estate because of its policy of concentrating in the securities of companies in the real estate industry. These include declines in the value of real estate, risks related to general and local economic conditions, dependence on management skill, cash flow dependence, possible lack of availability of long-term mortgage funds, over-building, extended vacancies of properties, decreased occupancy rates and increased competition, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, changes in neighborhood values and the appeal of the properties to tenants and changes in interest rates.
In addition to these risks, equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying properties owned by the trusts, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. Further, equity and mortgage REITs are dependent upon management skills and generally are not diversified. Equity and mortgage REITs are also subject to potential defaults by borrowers, self-liquidation, and the possibility of failing to qualify for tax-free status of income under the Code and failing to maintain exemption from the 1940 Act. In the event of a default by a borrower or lessee, the REIT may experience delays in enforcing its rights as a mortgagee or lessor and may incur substantial costs associated with protecting its investments. In addition, investment in REITs could cause the Fund to possibly fail to qualify as a regulated investment company.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS AND RISK FACTORS
The Fund's use of forward currency contracts involves certain investment risks and transaction costs to which it might not otherwise be subject. These include: (1) the subadviser may not always be able to accurately predict movements within currency markets, (2) the skills and techniques needed to use forward currency contracts are different from those needed to select the securities in which the Fund invests and (3) there is no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist that would enable the subadviser to "close out" existing forward contracts when doing so is desirable. The Fund's successful use of forward currency
contracts, options on foreign currencies, futures contracts on foreign currencies and options on such contracts depends upon the subadviser's ability to predict the direction of the market and political conditions, which require different skills and techniques than predicting changes in the securities markets generally. For instance, if the value of the securities being hedged moves in a favorable direction, the advantage to the Fund would be wholly or partially offset by a loss in the forward contracts or futures contracts. Further, if the value of the securities being hedged does not change, the Fund's net income would be less than if the Fund had not hedged since there are transaction costs associated with the use of these investment practices.
These practices are subject to various additional risks. The correlation between movements in the price of options and futures contracts and the price of the currencies being hedged is imperfect. The use of these instruments will hedge only the currency risks associated with investments in foreign currency advances before it invests in securities denominated in such currency and the currency market declines, the Fund might incur a loss on the futures contract. The Fund's ability to establish and maintain positions will depend on market liquidity. The ability of the Fund to close out a futures position or an option depends upon a liquid secondary market. There is no assurance that liquid secondary markets will exist for any particular futures contract or option at any particular time.
MID-CAP VALUE FUND
The Fund may utilize the following practices or techniques in pursuing its investment objective.
MORTGAGE-BACKED AND ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES
The Fund may purchase residential and commercial mortgage-backed as well as other asset-backed securities (collectively called "asset-backed securities") that are secured or backed by automobile loans, installment sale contracts, credit card receivables or other assets and are issued by entities such as GNMA, FNMA, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC"), commercial banks, trusts, financial companies, finance subsidiaries of industrial companies, savings and loan associations, mortgage banks and investment banks. These securities represent interests in pools of assets in which periodic payments of interest and/or principal on the securities are made, thus, in effect passing through periodic payments made by the individual borrowers on the assets that underlie the securities, net of any fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of the securities. The average life of these securities varies with the maturities and the prepayment experience of the underlying instruments.
There are a number of important differences among the agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government that issue mortgage-backed securities and among the securities that they issue. Mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by GNMA include GNMA Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates (also known as "Ginnie Maes") which are guaranteed as to the timely payment of principal and interest by GNMA and such guarantee is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. GNMA is a wholly-owned U.S. Government corporation within the Department of Housing and Urban Development. GNMA certificates also are supported by the authority of GNMA to borrow funds from the U.S. Treasury to make payments under its guarantee. Mortgage-backed securities issued by FNMA include FNMA Guaranteed Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates (also known as "Fannie Maes") which are solely the obligations of FNMA and are not backed by or entitled to the full faith and credit of the United States, but are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury. FNMA is a government-sponsored organization owned entirely by private shareholders. Fannie Maes are guaranteed as to timely payment of the principal and interest by FNMA. Mortgage-backed securities issued by the FHLMC include FHLMC Mortgage Participation Certificates (also known as "Freddie Macs" or "PCs"). FHLMC is a corporate instrumentality of the United States, created pursuant to an Act of Congress. Freddie Macs are not guaranteed by the United States or by any Federal Home Loan Bank and do not constitute a debt or obligation of the United States or of any Federal Home Loan Bank. Freddie Macs entitle the holder to timely payment of interest, which is guaranteed by the FHLMC. FHLMC guarantees either ultimate collection or timely payment of all principal payments on the underlying mortgage loans. When FHLMC does not guarantee timely payment of principal, FHLMC may remit the amount due on account of its guarantee of ultimate payment of principal at any time after default on an underlying mortgage, but in no event later than one year after it becomes payable.
The Fund may also purchase mortgage-backed securities structured as CMOs. CMOs are issued in multiple classes and their relative payment rights may be structured in many ways. In many cases, however, payments of principal are applied to the CMO classes in order of their respective maturities, so that no principal payments will be made on a CMO class until all other classes having an earlier maturity date are paid in full. The classes may include accrual certificates (also known as "Z-Bonds"), which do not accrue interest at a specified rate until other specified classes have been retired and are converted thereafter to interest-paying securities. They may also include planned amortization classes ("PACs") which generally require, within certain limits, that specified amounts of principal be applied to each payment date, and generally exhibit less yield and market volatility than other classes. The classes may include "IOs" which pay distributions consisting solely or primarily for all or a portion of the interest in an underlying pool of mortgages or mortgage-backed securities. "POs" which pay distributions consisting solely or primarily of all or a portion of principal payments made from the underlying pool of mortgages or mortgage-backed securities, and "inverse floaters" which have a coupon rate that moves in the reverse direction to an applicable index.
Investments in CMO certificates can expose the Fund to greater volatility and interest rate risk than other types of mortgage-backed obligations. Among tranches of CMOs, inverse floaters are typically more volatile than fixed or adjustable rate tranches of CMOs. Investments in inverse floaters could protect the Fund against a reduction in income due to a decline in interest rates. The Fund would be adversely affected by the purchase of an inverse floater in the event of an increase in interest rates because the coupon rate thereon will decrease as interest rates increase, and like other mortgage-backed securities, the value of an inverse floater will decrease as interest rates increase. The cash flows and yields on IO and PO classes are extremely sensitive to the rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the related underlying pool of mortgage loans or mortgage-backed securities. For example, a rapid or slow rate of principal payments may have a material adverse effect on the yield to maturity of IOs or POs, respectively. If the underlying assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, the holder of an IO may incur substantial losses irrespective of its rating. Conversely, if the underlying assets experience slower than anticipated prepayments of principal, the yield and market value for the holders of a PO will be affected more severely than would be the case with a traditional mortgage-backed security. Prepayments on mortgage-backed securities generally increase with falling interest rates and decrease with rising interest rates. Prepayments are also influenced by a variety of other economic and social factors.
The yield characteristics of asset-backed securities differ from traditional debt securities. A major difference is that the principal amount of the obligations may be prepaid at any time because the underlying assets (i.e., loans) generally may be prepaid at any time. As a result, if an asset-backed security is purchased at a premium, a prepayment rate that is faster than expected may reduce yield to maturity, while a prepayment rate that is slower than expected may have the opposite effect of increasing yield to maturity. Conversely, if an asset-backed security is purchased at a discount, faster than expected prepayments may increase, while slower than expected prepayments may decrease, yield to maturity.
In general, the collateral supporting non-mortgage asset-backed securities are of shorter maturity than mortgage loans. Like other fixed income securities, when interest rates rise the value for an asset-backed security generally will decline; however, when interest rates decline, the value of an asset-backed security with prepayment features may not increase as much as that of other fixed income securities.
Asset-backed securities may involve certain risks that are not presented by mortgage-backed securities. These risks arise primarily from the nature of the underlying assets (i.e., credit card and automobile loan receivables as opposed to real estate mortgages). Non-mortgage asset-backed securities do not have the benefit of the same security interest in the collateral as mortgage-backed securities. Credit card receivables are generally unsecured and the debtors are entitled to the protection of a number of state and federal consumer credit laws, many of which have given debtors the right to reduce the balance due on the credit cards. Most issuers of automobile receivables permit the servicers to retain possession of the underlying obligations. If the servicer were to sell these obligations to another party, there is the risk that the purchaser would acquire an interest superior to that of the holders of related automobile receivables. In addition, because of the large number of vehicles involved in a typical issuance and technical requirements under state laws, the trustee for the holders of the automobile receivables may not have an effective security interest in all of the obligations backing such receivables. Therefore, there is a possibility that payments on the receivables together with recoveries on repossessed collateral may not, in some cases, be able to support payments on these securities.
Asset-backed securities may be subject to greater risk of default during periods of economic downturn than other instruments. Also, while the secondary market for asset-backed securities is ordinarily quite liquid, in times of financial stress the secondary market may not be as liquid as the market for other types of securities, which could cause a Fund to experience difficulty in valuing or liquidating such securities.
ALL FUNDS
CONVERTIBLE LOW-RATED SECURITIES
Each of the Funds may also invest in convertible securities (debt securities or preferred stocks of corporations which are convertible into or exchangeable for common stocks). A Fund's adviser or subadviser, as the case may be, will select only those convertible securities for which it believes (a) the underlying common stock is a suitable investment for the Fund and (b) a greater potential for total return exists by purchasing the convertible security because of its higher yield and/or favorable market valuation. Each of the Funds may invest in convertible debt securities rated less than investment grade. Debt securities rated less than investment grade are commonly referred to as "junk bonds."
Corporate obligations rated less than investment grade (hereinafter referred to as "low-rated securities") are commonly referred to as "junk bonds," and while generally offering higher yields than investment grade securities with similar maturities, involve greater risks, including the possibility of default or bankruptcy. They are regarded as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal. The special risk considerations in connection with investments in low-rated securities are discussed below.
EFFECT OF INTEREST RATES AND ECONOMIC CHANGES. Interest-bearing securities typically experience appreciation when interest rates decline and depreciation when interest rates rise. The market values of low-rated securities tend to reflect individual corporate developments to a greater extent than do higher-rated securities, which react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of interest rates. Low-rated securities also tend to be more sensitive to economic conditions than higher-rated securities. As a result, they generally involve more credit risks than securities in the higher-rated categories. During an economic downturn or a sustained period of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers of low-rated securities may experience financial stress and may not have sufficient revenues to meet their payment obligations. The issuer's ability to service its debt obligations may also be adversely affected by specific corporate developments, the issuer's inability to meet specific projected business forecasts or the unavailability of additional financing. The risk of loss due to default by an issuer of low-rated securities is significantly greater than issuers of higher-rated securities because such securities are generally unsecured and are often subordinated to other creditors. Further, if the issuer of a low-rated security defaulted, the applicable Fund might incur additional expenses in seeking recovery. Periods of economic uncertainty and changes would also generally result in increased volatility in the market prices of low-rated securities and thus in the applicable Fund's net asset value.
As previously stated, the value of a low-rated security generally will decrease in a rising interest rate market, and accordingly, so normally will the applicable Fund's net asset value. If the Fund experiences unexpected net redemptions in such a market, it may be forced to liquidate a portion of its portfolio securities without regard to their investment merits. Due to the limited liquidity of low-rated securities (discussed below), the Fund may be forced to liquidate these securities at a substantial discount. Any such liquidation would reduce the Fund's asset base over which expenses could be allocated and could result in a reduced rate of return for the Fund.
PAYMENT EXPECTATIONS. Low-rated securities typically contain redemption, call or prepayment provisions which permit the issuer of such securities containing such provisions to, at their discretion, redeem the securities. During periods of falling interest rates, issuers of low-rated securities are likely to redeem or prepay the securities and refinance them with debt securities with a lower interest rate. To the extent an issuer is able to refinance the securities or otherwise redeem them, the applicable Fund may have to replace the securities with a lower yielding security which would result in lower returns for the Fund.
CREDIT RATINGS. Credit ratings issued by credit rating agencies evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments of rated securities. They do not, however, evaluate the market value risk of low-rated securities and therefore may not fully reflect the true risks of an investment. In addition, credit rating agencies may or may not make timely changes in a rating to reflect changes in the economy or in the condition of the issuer that affect the market value of the security. Consequently, credit ratings are used only as a preliminary indicator of investment quality.
LIQUIDITY AND VALUATION. A Fund may have difficulty disposing of certain low-rated securities because there may be a thin trading market for such securities. Because not all dealers maintain markets in all low-rated securities, there is no established retail secondary market for many of these securities. The Funds anticipate that such securities could be sold only to a limited number of dealers or institutional investors. To the extent a secondary trading market does exist, it is generally not as liquid as the secondary market for higher-rated securities. The lack of a liquid secondary market may have an adverse impact on the market price of the security, and accordingly, the net asset value of a particular Fund and its ability to dispose of particular securities when necessary to meet its liquidity needs, or in response to a specific economic event, or an event such as a deterioration in the creditworthiness of the issuer. The lack of a liquid secondary market for certain securities may also make it more difficult for a Fund to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing its respective portfolio. Market quotations are generally available on many low-rated issues only from a limited number of dealers and may not necessarily represent firm bids of such dealers or prices for actual sales. During periods of thin trading, the spread between bid and asked prices is likely to increase significantly. In addition, adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of low-rated securities, especially in a thinly-traded market.
FOREIGN SECURITIES
The Worldwide Strategies Fund invests a significant amount of its assets in foreign securities. Each of the other Funds may invest in foreign securities. Such investments may involve risks which are in addition to the usual risks inherent in domestic investments. The value of a Fund's foreign investments may be significantly affected by changes in currency exchange rates, and a Fund may incur costs in converting securities denominated in foreign currencies to U.S. dollars. In many countries, there is less publicly available information about issuers than is available in the reports and ratings published about companies in the United States. Additionally, foreign companies may not be subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards. Dividends and interest on foreign securities may be subject to foreign withholding taxes, which would reduce a Fund's income without providing a tax credit for a Fund's shareholders. There is the possibility of expropriation, confiscatory taxation, currency blockage or political or social instability which could affect investments in those nations. Foreign securities include sponsored and unsponsored American Depository Receipts ("ADRs"). ADRs typically are issued by a U.S. bank or trust company and evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. Unsponsored ADRs differ from sponsored ADRs in
that the establishment of unsponsored ADRs are not approved by the issuer of the underlying securities. As a result, available information concerning the issuer may not be as current or reliable as the information for sponsored ADRs, and the price of unsponsored ADRs may be more volatile.
GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS
Each of the Funds may invest in a variety of U.S. Treasury obligations, including bills, notes and bonds. These obligations differ only in terms of their interest rates, maturities and time of issuance. The Funds may also invest in other securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities.
Obligations of certain agencies and instrumentalities, such as the Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"), are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Others, such as those of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury; and others, such as those of the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA"), are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the agency's obligations; still others, such as those of the Student Loan Marketing Association are supported only by the credit of the agency or instrumentality that issues them. There is no guarantee that the U.S. Government will provide financial support to its agencies or instrumentalities, now or in the future, if it is not obligated to do so by law.
HEDGING INSTRUMENTS
Each Fund may purchase put and call options on equity securities and on stock indices and write covered call options on equity securities owned by the Fund. Generally the foregoing investments will be effected during periods of anticipated market weakness and, in any event, will not result in leveraging of the applicable Fund's portfolio.
PURCHASING PUT AND CALL OPTIONS. By purchasing a put option, a Fund obtains the right (but not the obligation) to sell the option's underlying instrument at a fixed strike price. In return for this right, the Fund pays the current market price for the option (known as the option premium). The Funds may purchase options on equity securities and on stock indices. A Fund may terminate its position in a put option it has purchased by allowing it to expire or by exercising the option. If the option is allowed to expire, the Fund will lose the entire premium it paid. If a Fund exercises the option, it completes the sale of the underlying instrument at the strike price. Such Fund may also terminate a put option position by closing it out in the secondary market at its current price, if a liquid secondary market exists. The buyer of a put option can expect to realize a gain if security prices fall substantially. However, if the underlying instrument's price does not fall enough to offset the cost of purchasing the option, a put buyer can expect to suffer a loss (limited to the amount of the premium paid, plus related transaction costs).
The features of call options are essentially the same as those of put options, except that the purchaser of a call option obtains the right to purchase, rather than sell, the underlying instrument at the option's strike price. A call buyer attempts to participate in potential price increases of the underlying instrument with risk limited to the cost of the option if security prices fall. At the same time, the buyer can expect to suffer a loss if security prices do not rise sufficiently to offset the cost of the option. Only exchange listed options will be acquired.
STOCK INDEX OPTIONS. Stock index options are put options and call options on various stock indexes. In most respects, they are identical to listed options on common stocks. The primary difference between stock options and index options occurs when index options are exercised. In the case of stock options, the underlying security, common stock, is delivered. However, upon the exercise of an index option, settlement does not occur by delivery of the securities comprising the index. The option holder who exercises the index option receives an amount of cash if the closing level of the stock index upon which the option is based is greater than, in the case of a call, or less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option. This amount of cash is equal to the difference between the closing price of the stock index and the exercise price of the option expressed in dollars times a specified multiple. A stock index fluctuates with changes in the market value of the stocks included in the index. For example, some stock index options are based on a broad market index, such as the Standard & Poor's 500 or the Value Line Composite Index, or a narrower market index, such as the Standard & Poor's 100. Indexes also may be based on an industry or market segment, such as the AMEX Oil and Gas Index or the Computer and Business Equipment Index. Options on stock indexes are currently traded on the following exchanges: the Chicago Board Options Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the Pacific Stock Exchange, and the Philadelphia Stock Exchange.
WRITING CALL OPTIONS. When a Fund writes a call option, it receives a premium and agrees to sell the related investments to a purchaser of the call during the call period (usually not more than nine months) at a fixed exercise price (which may differ from the market price of the related investments) regardless of market price changes during the call period. If the call is exercised, the Fund forgoes any gain from an increase in the market price over the exercise price.
To terminate its obligations on a call which it has written, a Fund may purchase a call in a "closing purchase transaction." (As discussed above, the Funds may also purchase calls other than as part of such closing transactions.) A profit or loss will be realized depending on the amount of option transaction costs and whether the premium previously received is more or less than
the price of the call purchased. A profit may also be realized if the call lapses unexercised, because the Fund retains the premium received. Any such profits are considered short-term gains for federal income tax purposes and, when distributed, are taxable as ordinary income.
Writing calls generally is a profitable strategy if prices remain the same or fall. Through receipt of the option premium, a call writer mitigates the effects of a price decline. At the same time, because a call writer must be prepared to deliver the underlying instrument in return for the strike price, even if its current value is greater, a call writer gives up some ability to participate in security price increases.
COMBINED OPTION POSITIONS. The Funds may purchase and write options (subject to the limitations discussed above) in combination with each other to adjust the risk and return characteristics of the overall position. For example, a Fund may purchase a put option and write a call option on the same underlying instrument, in order to construct a combined position whose risk and return characteristics are similar to selling a futures contract. Another possible combined position would involve writing a call option at one strike price and buying a call option at a lower price, in order to reduce the risk of the written call option in the event of a substantial price increase. Because combined options involve multiple trades, they result in higher transaction costs and may be more difficult to open and close out.
CORRELATION OF PRICE CHANGES. Because there are a limited number of types of exchange-traded options and futures contracts, it is likely that the standardized contracts available will not match the applicable Fund's current or anticipated investments. The Funds may invest in options based on securities which differ from the securities in which it typically invests. This involves a risk that the options will not track the performance of the Fund's investments.
Options and futures prices can also diverge from the prices of their underlying instruments, even if the underlying instruments match the applicable Fund's investments well. Options and future prices are affected by such factors as current and anticipated short-term interest rates, changes in volatility of the underlying instrument, and the time remaining until expiration of the contract, which may not affect security prices the same way. Imperfect correlation may also result from differing levels of demand in the options and futures markets and the securities markets, from structural differences in how options and futures and securities are traded, or from imposition of daily price fluctuation limits or trading halts. The Funds may purchase or sell options with a greater or less value than the securities it wishes to hedge or intends to purchase in order to attempt to compensate for differences in historical volatility between the contract and the securities, although this may not be successful in all cases. If price changes in the applicable Fund's options are poorly correlated with its other investments, the positions may fail to produce anticipated gains or result in losses that are not offset by gains in other investments. Successful use of these techniques requires skills different from those needed to select portfolio securities.
LIQUIDITY OF OPTIONS. There is no assurance a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular option at any particular time. Options may have relatively low trading volume and liquidity if their strike prices are not close to the underlying instruments' current price. In addition, exchanges may establish daily price fluctuation limits for options, and may halt trading if an option's price moves upward or downward more than the limit in a given day. On volatile trading days when the price fluctuation limit is reached or a trading halt is imposed, it may be impossible for a Fund to enter into new positions or close out existing positions. If the secondary market for an option is not liquid because of price fluctuation limits or otherwise, it could prevent prompt liquidation of unfavorable positions, and potentially could require the applicable Fund to continue to hold a position until delivery or expiration regardless of changes in its value. As a result, such Fund's access to other assets held to cover its options could also be impaired.
ASSET COVERAGE FOR OPTIONS. The Funds will comply with guidelines established by the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to coverage of options strategies by mutual funds, and if the guidelines so require will set aside cash or liquid securities in the amounts prescribed. Securities so set aside cannot be sold while the option strategy is outstanding, unless they are replaced with other suitable assets. As a result, there is a possibility that setting aside of a portion of the applicable Fund's assets could impede portfolio management or such Fund's ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.
SPECIAL RISKS OF HEDGING AND INCOME ENHANCEMENT STRATEGIES. Participation in the options markets involves investment risks and transactions costs to which the Funds would not be subject absent the use of these strategies. If the applicable Fund's portfolio manager(s)' prediction of movements in the direction of the securities and interest rate markets are inaccurate, the adverse consequences to such Fund may leave such Fund in a worse position than if such strategies were not used.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES
Each Fund may invest in securities for which there is no readily available market ("illiquid securities"), including certain securities whose disposition would be subject to legal restrictions ("restricted securities"). However, certain restricted securities that may be resold pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 may be considered liquid. The Board of Trustees of the Trust has delegated to the adviser the day-to-day determination of the liquidity of a security although it has retained oversight and ultimate responsibility for such determinations. Although no definite quality criteria are used, the Board of
Trustees has directed the adviser to consider such factors as (i) the nature of the market for a security (including the institutional private resale markets); (ii) the terms of these securities or other instruments allowing for the disposition to a third party or the issuer thereof (e.g. certain repurchase obligations and demand instruments); (iii) and availability of market quotations; and (iv) other permissible factors.
Restricted securities may be sold in privately negotiated or other exempt transactions or in a public offering with respect to which a registration statement is in effect under the Securities Act. When registration is required, a Fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expenses and a considerable time may elapse between the decision to sell and the sale date. If, during such period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than the price which prevailed when it decided to sell. Restricted securities will be priced at fair value as determined in good faith by the Board of Trustees.
INVESTMENT GRADE INVESTMENTS
Each of the Funds may invest in U.S. government securities and publicly distributed corporate bonds and debentures to generate possible capital gains at those times when its adviser or subadviser, as the case may be, believes such securities offer opportunities for long-term growth of capital, such as during periods of declining interest rates when the market value of such securities generally rises. The Funds will limit their investments in non-convertible bonds and debentures to those which have been assigned one of the three highest ratings of either Standard & Poor's Corporation (AAA, AA and A) or Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (Aaa, Aa and A). In the event a bond or debenture is downgraded after investment, the Fund may retain such security unless it is rated less than investment grade (i.e., less than BBB by Standard & Poor's or Baa by Moody's). If a non-convertible bond or debenture is downgraded below investment grade, a Fund will promptly dispose of such bond or debenture, unless its adviser or subadviser, as the case may be, believes it disadvantageous to the Fund to do so.
MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS
Each of the Funds may invest in cash and money market securities. The Funds may do so when taking a temporary defensive position or to have assets available to pay expenses, satisfy redemption requests or take advantage of investment opportunities. The money market securities in which they invest include U.S. Treasury Bills, commercial paper, commercial paper master notes and repurchase agreements.
The Funds may invest in commercial paper or commercial paper master notes rated, at the time of purchase, within the highest rating category by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (NRSRO). Commercial paper master notes are demand instruments without a fixed maturity bearing interest at rates that are fixed to known lending rates and automatically adjusted when such lending rates change.
The Funds may enter into repurchase agreements with banks that are Federal Reserve Member banks and non-bank dealers of U.S. government securities which, at the time of purchase, are on the Federal Reserve Bank of New York's list of primary dealers with a capital base greater than $100 million. When entering into repurchase agreements, a Fund will hold as collateral an amount of cash or government securities at least equal to the market value of the securities that are part of the repurchase agreement. A repurchase agreement involves the risk that a seller may declare bankruptcy or default. In such event a Fund may experience delays, increased costs and a possible loss.
MUTUAL FUND INVESTING
The Funds are authorized to invest in the securities of other investment companies subject to the limitations contained in the 1940 Act. Particularly in the case of Worldwide Strategies Fund, in certain countries, investments by the Funds may only be made through investments in other investment companies that, in turn, are authorized to invest in the securities that are issued in such countries. Investors should recognize that the Funds' purchase of the securities of such other investment companies results in the layering of expenses such that investors indirectly bear a proportionate part of the expenses for such investment companies including operating costs and investment advisory and administrative fees.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Funds do not trade actively for short-term profits. However, if the objectives of the Funds would be better served, short-term profits or losses may be realized from time to time. The annual portfolio turnover rate indicates changes in a Fund's portfolio and is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities (excluding securities having maturities at acquisition of one year or less) for the fiscal year by the monthly average of the value of the portfolio securities (excluding securities having maturities at acquisition of one year or less) owned by the Fund during the fiscal year. The annual portfolio turnover rate may vary widely from year to year depending upon market conditions and prospects. Increased portfolio turnover necessarily results in correspondingly heavier transaction costs (such as brokerage commissions or mark-ups or mark-downs) which the Fund must pay and increased realized gains (or losses) to investors. Distributions to shareholders of realized gains, to the extent that they consist of net short-term capital gains, will be considered ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.
PREFERRED STOCKS
Each of the Funds may invest in preferred stocks. Preferred stocks have a preference over common stocks in liquidation (and generally dividends as well) but are subordinated to the liabilities of the issuer in all respects. As a general rule, the market value of preferred stocks with a fixed dividend rate and no conversion element varies inversely with interest rates and perceived credit risks while the market price of convertible preferred stock generally also reflects some element of conversion value. Because preferred stock is junior to debt securities and other obligations of the issuer, deterioration in the credit quality of the issuer will cause greater changes in the value of a preferred stock than in a more senior debt security with similarly stated yield characteristics. Unlike interest payments on debt securities, preferred stock dividends are payable only if declared by the issuer's board of directors. Preferred stock also may be subject to optional or mandatory redemption provisions.
WARRANTS AND RIGHTS
Each Fund may invest in warrants or rights, valued at the lower of cost or market, which entitle the holder to buy securities during a specific period of time. A Fund will make such investments only if the underlying securities are deemed appropriate by the Fund's portfolio manager(s) for inclusion in that Fund's portfolio. Included are warrants and rights whose underlying securities are not traded on principal domestic or foreign exchanges. Warrants and rights acquired by a Fund in units or attached to securities are not subject to these restrictions.
WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED-DELIVERY TRANSACTIONS
Each of the Funds may purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis. When such a transaction is negotiated, the purchase price is fixed at the time the purchase commitment is made, but delivery of and payment for the securities takes place at a later date. A Fund will not accrue income with respect to securities purchased on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis prior to their stated delivery date. Pending delivery of the securities, each Fund will maintain cash or liquid securities in an amount sufficient to meet its purchase commitments. The purpose and effect of such maintenance is to prevent the Fund from gaining investment leverage from such transactions. The purchase of securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis exposes the Fund to risk because the securities may decrease in value prior to delivery. The Funds will engage in when-issued and delayed-delivery transactions only for the purpose of acquiring portfolio securities consistent with their investment objectives and not for the purpose of investment leverage. A seller's failure to deliver securities to a Fund could prevent the Fund from realizing a price or yield considered to be advantageous.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Performance information for the Funds (and any class of the Funds) may be included in advertisements, sales literature or reports to shareholders or prospective investors. Performance information in advertisements and sales literature may be expressed as a yield of a class of shares and as a total return of a class of shares.
Performance information for the Funds (and any class of the Funds) may be included in $1,000 payment made at the beginning of the period). All total return figures reflect the deduction of a proportional share of each class's expenses (on an annual basis), deduction of the maximum initial sales load in the case of Class A Shares and the maximum contingent deferred sales charge applicable to a complete redemption of the investment in the case of Class B Shares and Class C Shares, and assume that all dividends and distributions on Class A Shares, Class B Shares, and Class C Shares are reinvested when paid.
The Funds may from time to time include in advertisements containing total return the ranking of those performance figures relative to such figures for groups of mutual funds having similar investment objectives as categorized by ranking services such as Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., CDA Investment Technologies, Inc., Weisenberger Financial Services, Inc. and Morningstar, Inc. Additionally, each Fund may compare its performance results to other investment or savings vehicles (such as certificates of deposit) and may refer to results published in various publications such as Changing Times, Forbes, Fortune, Money, Barrons, Business Week and Investor's Daily, Stanger's Mutual Fund Monitor, The Stanger Register, Stanger's Investment Adviser, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Consumer Reports, Registered Representative, Financial Planning, Financial Services Weekly, Financial World, Us. News and World Report, Standard & Poor's The Outlook, and Personal Investor. The Funds may from time to time illustrate the benefits of tax deferral by comparing taxable investments to investments made through tax-deferred retirement plans. The total return may also be used to compare the performance of each Fund against certain widely acknowledged outside standards or indices for stock and bond market performance, such as the Standard & Poor's 500 Index (the "S&P 500 Index"), Dow Jones Industrial Average, Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index, Dow Jones Wilshire Real Estate Securities Index (Full Cap), Russell Mid Cap Growth Index, Europe Australia Far East Index (EAFE), Consumer Price Index, Lehman Brothers Corporate Index, and the Lehman Brothers T-Bond Index.
Advertisements, sales literature and other communications may contain information about the Funds and advisers' current investment strategies and management style. Current strategies and style may change to allow the Funds to respond quickly to changing market and economic conditions. From time to time the Funds may include specific portfolio holdings or
industries in such communications. To illustrate components of overall performance, each Fund may separate its cumulative and average annual returns into income and capital gains components.
Performance information reflects only the performance of a hypothetical investment in each class during the particular time period on which the calculations are based. Performance information should be considered in light of a Fund's investment objectives and policies, characteristics and quality of the portfolio, and the market condition during the given time period, and should not be considered as a representation of what may be achieved in the future.
TOTAL RETURN
Standardized quotations of average annual total return for Class A Shares, Class B Shares or Class C Shares will be expressed in terms of the average annual compounded rate of return for a hypothetical investment in either Class A Shares, Class B Shares or Class C Shares over periods of 1, 5 and 10 years or up to the life of the class of shares), calculated for each class separately pursuant to the following formula: P((1+T)(n)) = ERV (where P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000, T = the average annual total return, n = the number of years, and ERV = the ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning of the period). All total return figures reflect the deduction of a proportional share of each class's expenses (on an annual basis), deduction of the maximum initial sales load in the case of Class A Shares and the maximum contingent deferred sales charge applicable to a complete redemption of the investment in the case of Class B Shares and Class C Shares, and assume that all dividends and distributions on Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares are reinvested when paid.
For average "after-tax" total return, the SEC rules mandate several assumptions, including that the calculations use the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates at the time of reinvestment, and that the calculations do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. These returns, for instance, assume that an investor has sufficient capital gains of the same character from other investments to offset any capital losses from the redemption. As a result, returns after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares may exceed returns after taxes on distributions (but before sale of Fund shares). These returns are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements.
The average annual total return for each class of shares of the Mid-Cap Value and Worldwide Strategies Funds for the indicated periods ended June 30, 2005 were as follows:
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
COMMENCEMENT OF
YEAR ENDED 5 YEARS ENDED OPERATIONS TO
MID-CAP VALUE FUND(1) 06/30/05 06/30/05 06/30/05(2)
--------------------- -------- -------- -------------
Class A
Return Before Taxes 8.76% 16.44% 9.48%
Return After Taxes on Distribution 8.72% 16.35% 9.12%
Return After Taxes on Distributions 5.74% 14.45% 8.08%
and Sale of Fund Shares
Class C
Return Before Taxes -- -- 9.13%
|
COMMENCEMENT OF
YEAR ENDED 5 YEARS ENDED 10 YEARS ENDED OPERATIONS TO
WORLDWIDE STRATEGIES FUND 06/30/05 06/30/05 06/30/05 06/30/05(3)
------------------------- -------- -------- -------- ------------
Class A
Return Before Taxes 3.49% -2.56% 6.79% N/A
Return After Taxes on Distribution 3.31% -3.36% 4.27% N/A
Return After Taxes on Distributions 2.50% -2.53% 4.48% N/A
and Sale of Fund Shares
Class B Return Before Taxes 5.14% -2.14% 6.63% N/A
Class C Return Before Taxes 9.03% -2.16% N/A 1.58%
|
(1) As a result of a reorganization, the Phoenix Mid-Cap Value Fund is the successor of the FMI Sasco Contrarian Fund (the "Predecessor Fund"), which commenced operations on December 30, 1997. The period prior to October 21, 2004, when the Phoenix Mid-Cap Value Fund began operating, represents the performance of the Predecessor Fund. The Predecessor Fund offered only one class of shares. The Phoenix Mid-Cap Value Fund treats the past performance of the Predecessor Fund as its own for purposes of its Class A Shares.
(2) Class A Shares since December 30, 1997 and Class C Shares since October 22, 2004.
(3) Class B Shares since July 15, 1994 and Class C Shares since December 15, 1998.
Since the Pathfinder Fund, Relative Value Fund and Total Value Fund have been in existence only since July 29, 2005, no performance information is included here for the Funds.
The Funds may also compute aggregate total return for specified periods based on a hypothetical Class A, Class B or Class C account with an assumed initial investment of $10,000. The aggregate total return is determined by dividing the net asset value of this account at the end of the specified period by the value of the initial investment and is expressed as a percentage. Calculation of cumulative total return reflects payment of the Class A Share's maximum sales charge of 5.75% and assumes reinvestment of all income dividends and capital gain distributions during the period.
The Funds also may quote annual, average annual and annualized total return and cumulative total return performance data, for any class of shares of the Funds, both as a percentage and as a dollar amount based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment for various periods other than those noted above. Such data will be computed as described above, except that (1) the rates of return calculated will not be average annual rates, but rather, actual annual, annualized or cumulative rates of return and (2) the maximum applicable sales charge will not be included with respect to annual, annualized or cumulative rates of return calculations.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
Portfolio turnover is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities during the fiscal year by the monthly average of the value of a Fund's securities (excluding from the computation all securities, including options, with maturities at the time of acquisition of one year or less). A high rate of portfolio turnover generally involves correspondingly greater brokerage commission expenses, which must be borne directly by the Fund. Turnover rates may vary greatly from year to year as well as within a particular year and may also be affected by cash requirements for redemptions of Fund shares and by requirements which enable the Fund to receive certain favorable tax treatment (see "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes"). Historical annual rates of portfolio turnover for the Mid-Cap Value Fund and Worldwide Strategies Fund are set forth in the prospectus under the heading "Financial Highlights."
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
The adviser or subadviser, as appropriate, (throughout this section, "adviser"), places orders for the purchase and sale of securities, supervises their execution and negotiates brokerage commissions on behalf of the Funds. It is the practice of the adviser to seek the best prices and execution of orders and to negotiate brokerage commissions which in its opinion are reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage services provided by the executing broker. Brokers who have executed orders for the Funds are asked to quote a fair commission for their services. If the execution is satisfactory and if the requested rate approximates rates currently being quoted by the other brokers selected by the adviser, the rate is deemed by the adviser to be reasonable. Brokers may ask for higher rates of commission if all or a portion of the securities involved in the transaction are positioned by the broker, if the broker believes it has brought the Funds an unusually favorable trading opportunity, or if the broker regards its research services as being of exceptional value. Payment of such commissions is authorized by the adviser after the transaction has been consummated. If the adviser more than occasionally differs with the broker's appraisal of opportunity or value, the broker would not be selected to execute trades in the future.
The adviser and subadvisers believe that the Funds benefit with a securities industry comprised of many diverse firms and that the long-term interests of shareholders of the Funds are best served by their brokerage policies which include paying a fair commission rather than seeking to exploit their leverage to force the lowest possible commission rate. The primary factors considered in determining the firms to which brokerage orders are given are the adviser's appraisal of: the firm's ability to execute the order in the desired manner, the value of research services provided by the firm, and the firm's attitudes toward and interest in mutual funds in general. The adviser does not offer or promise to any broker an amount or percentage of brokerage commissions as an inducement or reward for the sale of shares of the Funds. Over-the-counter purchases and sales are transacted directly with principal market-makers except in those circumstances where, in the opinion of the adviser, better prices and executions are available elsewhere. In the over-the-counter market, securities are usually traded on a "net" basis with dealers acting as principal for their own accounts without a stated commission, although the price of the security usually contains a profit to the dealer. The Funds also expect that securities will be purchased at times in underwritten offerings where the price includes a fixed amount of compensation, usually referred to as the underwriter's concession or discount. The foregoing discussion does not relate to transactions effected on foreign securities exchanges which do not permit the negotiation of brokerage commissions and where the adviser would, under the circumstances, seek to obtain best price and execution on orders for the Funds.
In general terms, the nature of research services provided by brokers encompasses statistical and background information, and forecasts and interpretations with respect to U.S. and foreign economies, U.S. and foreign money markets, fixed income markets and equity markets, specific industry groups, and individual issues. Research services will vary from firm to firm, with broadest coverage generally from the large full-line firms. Smaller firms in general tend to provide information and interpretations on a smaller scale, frequently with a regional emphasis. In addition, several firms monitor federal, state, local, and foreign political developments. Many of the brokers also provide access to outside consultants. The outside research assistance is particularly useful to the adviser's staff since the brokers, as a group, tend to monitor a broader universe of securities and other matters than the adviser's staff can follow. In addition, it provides the adviser with a diverse perspective on financial markets. Research and investment information is provided by these and other brokers at no cost to the adviser and is available for the benefit of other accounts advised by the adviser and its affiliates and not all of the information will be used in connection with the Funds. While this information may be useful in varying degrees and may tend to reduce the adviser's expenses, it is not possible to estimate its value and in the opinion of the adviser it does not reduce the adviser's expenses in a determinable amount. The extent to which the adviser makes use of statistical, research and other services furnished by brokers is considered by the adviser in the allocation of brokerage business but there is no formula by which such business is allocated. The adviser does so in accordance with its judgment of the best interests of the Funds and their shareholders.
The Trust has implemented, and the Board of Trustees has approved, policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent (i) the adviser's and/or subadviser's personnel responsible for the selection of broker-dealers to effect fund portfolio securities transactions from taking into account, in making those decisions, broker-dealer's promotion or sales efforts, and (ii) the Trust, its adviser, and distributor from entering into any agreement or other understanding under which the Funds direct brokerage transactions or revenue generated by those transactions to a broker-dealer to pay for distribution of fund shares. These policies and procedures are designed to prevent the Trust from entering into informal arrangements to direct portfolio securities transactions to a particular broker.
The Funds have adopted a policy and procedures governing the execution of aggregated advisory client orders ("bunching procedures") in an attempt to lower commission costs on a per-share and per-dollar basis. According to the bunching procedures, the adviser shall aggregate transactions unless it believes in its sole discretion that such aggregation is inconsistent with its duty to seek best execution (which shall include the duty to seek best price) for the Funds. No advisory account of the adviser is to be favored over any other account and each account that participates in an aggregated order is expected to participate at the average share price for all transactions of the adviser in that security on a given business day, with all transaction costs shared pro rata based on the Funds' participation in the transaction. If the aggregated order is filled in its entirety, it shall be allocated among the adviser's accounts in accordance with the allocation order, and if the order is partially filled, it shall be allocated pro rata based on the allocation order. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the order may be allocated on a basis different from that specified in the allocation order if all accounts of the adviser whose orders are allocated receive fair and equitable treatment and the reason for such different allocation is explained in writing and is approved in writing by the adviser's compliance officer as soon as practicable after the opening of the markets on the trading day following the day on which the order is executed. If an aggregated order is partially filled and allocated on a basis different from that specified in the allocation order, no account that is benefited by such different allocation may intentionally and knowingly effect any purchase or sale for a reasonable period following the execution of the aggregated order that would result in it receiving or selling more shares than the amount of shares it would have received or sold had the aggregated order been completely filled. The Trustees will annually review these procedures or as frequently as they deem appropriate.
With respect to the Mid-Cap Value Fund for fiscal year ended June 30, 2005 only and the Worldwide Strategies Fund, for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2003, 2004 and 2005, brokerage commissions paid by the Trust on portfolio transactions totaled $664,313, $509,724 and $480,229, respectively. In the fiscal years ended June 30, 2003, 2004 and 2005, the Funds paid brokerage commissions of $28,877, $10,433 and $0, respectively, to PXP Securities Corp., an affiliate of its Distributor. Brokerage commissions of $157,292 paid during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2005, were paid on portfolio transactions aggregating $69,205,920 executed by brokers who provided research and other statistical information.
DISCLOSURE OF FUND HOLDINGS
The Trustees of the Trust have adopted policies with respect to the disclosure of the Funds' portfolio holdings by the Funds, Phoenix (generally, the Funds' investment adviser), or their affiliates. These policies provide that the Funds' portfolio holdings information generally may not be disclosed to any party prior to the information becoming public. Certain limited exceptions are described below. Additionally, the Funds' policies prohibit Phoenix and the Funds' other service providers from entering into any agreement to disclose Fund portfolio holdings in exchange for any form of compensation or consideration. These policies apply to disclosures to all categories of persons, including individual investors, institutional investors, intermediaries who sell shares of the Fund, third parties providing services to the Funds (accounting agent, print vendors, etc.), rating and ranking organizations (Lipper, Morningstar, etc.) and affiliated persons of the Funds.
The Board of Trustees has delegated to the Holdings Disclosure Committee (the "HDC") the authority to make decisions regarding requests for information on portfolio holdings prior to public disclosure. The HDC will authorize the disclosure of portfolio holdings only if it determines such disclosure to be in the best interests of Fund shareholders. The HDC is composed of the Funds' Compliance Officer, and officers of the Funds' advisers and principal underwriter representing the areas of portfolio management, fund control, institutional marketing, retail marketing, and distribution.
The Funds' Compliance Officer is responsible for monitoring the use of portfolio holdings information and for the Funds' compliance with these policies and for providing regular reports (at least quarterly) to the Board of Trustees regarding their compliance, including information with respect to any potential conflicts of interest between the interests of Fund shareholders and those of Phoenix and its affiliates identified during the reporting period and how such conflicts were resolved.
PUBLIC DISCLOSURES
In accordance with rules established by the SEC, each Fund sends semiannual and annual reports to shareholders that contain a full listing of portfolio holdings as of the second and fourth fiscal quarters, respectively, within 60 days of quarter end. The Funds also disclose complete portfolio holdings as of the end of the first and third fiscal quarters on Form N-Q, which is filed with the SEC within 60 days of quarter end. The Fund's shareholder reports are available on Phoenix's Web sites at www.PhoenixFunds.com or www.PhoenixInvestments.com. Additionally, each Fund provides its top 10 holdings and summary composition data derived from portfolio holdings information on Phoenix's Web sites. This information is posted to the Web sites at the end of each month with respect to the top 10 holdings, and at the end of the quarter with respect to the summary composition information, generally within 10 business days. This information will be available on the Web sites until full portfolio holdings information becomes publicly available as described above. The Funds also provide publicly available portfolio holdings information directly to ratings agencies, the frequency and timing of which is determined under the terms of the contractual arrangements with such agencies.
OTHER DISCLOSURES
The HDC may authorize the disclosure of non-public portfolio holdings
information under certain limited circumstances. The Funds' policies provide
that non-public disclosures of a Fund's portfolio holdings may only be made if
(i) the Fund has a legitimate business purpose for making such disclosure and
(ii) the party receiving the non-public information enters into a
confidentiality agreement, which includes a duty not to trade on the non-public
information. The HDC will consider any actual or potential conflicts of interest
between Phoenix and its mutual fund shareholders and will act in the best
interest of the Funds' shareholders with respect to any such disclosure of
portfolio holdings information. If a potential conflict can be resolved in a
manner that does not present detrimental effects to Fund shareholders, the HDC
may authorize release of portfolio holdings information. Conversely, if the
potential conflict cannot be resolved in a manner that does not present
detrimental effects to Fund shareholders, the HDC will not authorize such
release.
ONGOING ARRANGEMENTS TO DISCLOSE PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
As previously authorized by the Funds' Board of Trustees and/or the Fund's executive officers, the Funds periodically disclose non-public portfolio holdings on a confidential basis to various service providers that require such information in order to assist the Funds in their day-to-day operations, as well as public information to certain ratings organizations. In addition to Phoenix and its affiliates, these entities are described in the following table. The table also includes information as to the timing of these entities receiving the portfolio holdings information from the Funds.
NON-PUBLIC HOLDINGS INFORMATION
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TIMING OF RELEASE OF PORTFOLIO
TYPE OF SERVICE PROVIDER NAME OF SERVICE PROVIDER HOLDINGS INFORMATION
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adviser Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. Daily
----------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Subadviser to Mid-Cap Value Fund Sasco Capital, Inc. Daily
----------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Subadviser to Pathfinder Fund Acadian Asset Management, Inc. Daily
----------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Subadviser to Relative Value Fund Golden Capital Management, LLC Daily
----------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Subadviser to Total Value Fund Acadian Asset Management, Inc., Golden Daily
Capital Management, LLC and Harris
Investment Management, Inc.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TIMING OF RELEASE OF PORTFOLIO
TYPE OF SERVICE PROVIDER NAME OF SERVICE PROVIDER HOLDINGS INFORMATION
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subadviser to Worldwide Strategies Acadian Asset Management, Inc., New Daily
Fund Star Institutional Managers Limited and
Engemann Investment Management
----------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Distributor Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation Daily
----------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Custodian State Street Bank and Trust Company Daily
----------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Custodian (Worldwide Strategies Fund Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. Daily
only)
----------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Sub-Financial Agent PFPC Inc. Daily
----------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Independent Registered Public PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Annual Reporting Period: within
Accounting Firm 15 business days of end of reporting
period
Semiannual Reporting Period: within
31 business days of end of reporting
period
----------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Typesetting Firm for Financial Reports GCom Solutions Monthly on first business day
and Forms N-Q following month end
----------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Printer for Financial Reports V.G. Reed & Sons Annual and Semiannual Reporting
Period: within 45 days after end of
reporting period
----------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Proxy Voting Service Institutional Shareholder Services Twice weekly on an ongoing basis
----------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Intermediary Selling Shares Merrill Lynch Quarterly within 10 days of
of the Fund quarter end
----------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Third-Party Class B Share Financer SG Constellation LLC Weekly based on prior week end
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PUBLIC PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio Redistribution Firms Bloomberg, Standard & Poor's and Thompson Quarterly, 60 days after fiscal
Financial Services quarter end
----------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Rating Agencies Lipper Inc. and Morningstar Quarterly, 60 days after fiscal
quarter end
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
These service providers are required to keep all non-public information confidential and are prohibited from trading based on the information or otherwise using the information except as necessary in providing services to the Funds.
There is no guarantee that the Funds' policies on use and dissemination of holdings information will protect the Funds from the potential misuse of holdings by individuals or firms in possession of such information.
SERVICES OF THE ADVISER AND SUBADVISERS
THE ADVISER
The investment adviser to each of the Funds is Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. ("PIC" or "Adviser"), which is located at 56 Prospect Street, Hartford, Connecticut 06115-0480. All of the outstanding stock of PIC is owned by PEPCO, a subsidiary of Phoenix Investment Partners, Ltd. ("PXP"). The Phoenix Companies, Inc. ("PNX") of Hartford, Connecticut is the sole shareholder of PXP. PNX is a leading provider of wealth management products and services to individuals and businesses. PNX's primary place of business is One American Row, Hartford, CT 06102. PEPCO, a mutual fund distributor, acts as the national distributor of the Fund's shares and as Financial Agent of the Funds. The principal office of PEPCO is located at One American Row, Hartford, CT 06102. PIC acts as the investment adviser for 14 fund companies totaling 47 mutual funds and as adviser to institutional clients.
PXP has served investors for over 70 years. As of June 30, 2005, PXP had approximately $55.9 billion in assets under management. PXP's money management is provided by affiliated investment advisers, as well as through subadvisory arrangements with outside managers, each specializing in particular investment styles and asset classes.
PIC provides certain services and facilities required to carry on the day-to-day operations of the Funds (for which it receives a management fee), other than the costs of printing and mailing proxy materials, reports and notices to shareholders; outside legal and auditing accounting services, regulatory filing fees and expenses of printing the Trust's registration statements (but the Distributor purchases such copies of the Funds' prospectuses and reports and communication to shareholders as it may require for sales purposes), insurance expense, association membership dues, brokerage fees, and taxes.
The Investment Advisory Agreements will continue in effect from year-to-year
if specifically approved annually by a majority of the Trustees who are not
interested persons of the parties thereto, as defined in the 1940 Act, and by
either (a) the Trustees of the Fund or (b) the vote of a majority of the
outstanding voting securities of the applicable Fund (as defined in the 1940
Act). The Agreement may be terminated without penalty at any time by the
Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the
applicable Fund or by the Phoenix upon 60 days written notice and will
automatically terminate in the event of its "assignment" as defined in Section
(2)(a)(4) of the 1940 Act.
Each Agreement provides that the Adviser is not liable for any act or omission in the course of, or in connection with, rendering services under the Agreement in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of obligations or duties under the Agreements. Each Agreement permits the Adviser to render services to others and to engage in other activities.
As compensation for its services with respect to Mid-Cap Value Fund, the Adviser receives a fee, which is accrued daily against the value of the Mid-Cap Value Fund's net assets and is paid by the Fund monthly. The fee is computed at an annual rate of 0.75% of the Fund's average daily net assets. Phoenix has agreed to cap total operating expenses at 1.25% and 2.00% (on an annualized basis) of the Mid-Cap Value Fund's Class A Shares' and Class C Shares' average daily net assets, respectively. Phoenix may not discontinue this cap on total expenses for a minimum period of at least two years from the effective date of the Mid-Cap Value Fund (October 22, 2004). The Adviser will not seek to recapture any operating expenses reimbursed under this arrangement. Total management fees paid by Mid-Cap Value Fund for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2005 amounted to $332,819.
As compensation for its services with the respect to each of the Pathfinder, Relative Value and Total Value Funds, the Adviser receives a fee, which is accrued daily against the value of the Fund's net assets and is paid by the Fund monthly. The fee is computed at the annual rate of 0.80%, respectively, of each Fund's average daily net assets. The Adviser has contractually agreed to limit total operating expenses of each of the Pathfinder, Relative Value and Total Value Funds (excluding interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses) through October 31, 2006, so that such expense does not exceed 1.40% for Class A Shares and 2.15% for Class C Shares. The Adviser will not seek to recapture any operating expenses reimbursed under this arrangement.
As compensation for its services with respect to the Worldwide Strategies Fund, the Adviser receives a fee, which is accrued daily against the value of the Worldwide Strategies Fund's net assets and is paid by the Fund monthly. The fee is computed at an annual rate of 0.85% of the Fund's average daily net assets of up to $1 billion, 0.80% of the Fund's average daily net assets from $1 billion to $2 billion, and 0.75% of the Fund's average daily net assets in excess of $2 billion. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees of the Worldwide Strategies Fund in the amount of 0.10% through September 30, 2006. Total management fees for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2003, 2004, and 2005 amounted to $825,004, $867,356 and $848,264, respectively.
The Adviser makes its personnel available to serve as officers and "interested" Trustees of the Trust. The Trust has not directly compensated any of their officers or Trustees for services in such capacities except to pay fees to the Trustees who are not otherwise affiliated with the Trust by reason of their being employed by the Adviser or its affiliates. The Trust reimburses all Trustees for their out-of-pocket expenses. The Trustees of the Trust are not prohibited from authorizing the payment of salaries to the officers pursuant to the Agreements, including out-of-pocket expenses, at some future time.
In addition to the management fee, expenses paid by the Funds include: fees of Trustees who are not compensated by reason of being employees of the Adviser or its affiliates, interest charges, taxes, fees and commissions of every kind, including brokerage fees, expenses of issuance, repurchase or redemption of shares, expenses of registering or qualifying shares for sale (including the printing and filing of the Trust's registration statements, reports and prospectuses excluding those copies used for sales purposes which the Distributor purchases at printer's over-run cost), accounting services fees, insurance expenses, association membership dues, all charges of custodians, transfer agents, registrars, auditors and legal counsel, expenses of preparing, printing and distributing all proxy material, reports and notices to shareholders, and, all costs incident to the Trust's existence as a Delaware statutory trust.
The Funds, the Adviser, the respective subadvisers and the Distributor have each adopted a Code of Ethics pursuant to Rule 17-j1 under the 1940 Act. Personnel subject to the Codes of Ethics may purchase and sell securities for their personal accounts, including securities that may be purchased, sold or held by the Funds, subject to certain restrictions and conditions. Generally, personal securities transactions are subject to preclearance procedures, reporting requirements and holding period rules. The Codes also restrict personal securities transactions in private placements, initial public offerings and securities in which the Funds have a pending order.
THE SUBADVISERS
Acadian Asset Management, Inc. ("Acadian") is a Subadviser to the Pathfinder, Total Value and Worldwide Strategies Funds and is located at One Post Office Square, 20th Floor, Boston, MA 02109. Acadian has been an investment adviser since 1986. As of June 30, 2005, Acadian had approximately $18 billion in assets under management.
The Subadvisory Agreement provides that the Adviser, PIC, will delegate to Acadian the performance of certain of its investment management services under the Investment Advisory Agreement with the Pathfinder, Total Value and Worldwide Strategies Funds. Acadian will furnish at is own expense the office facilities and personnel necessary to perform such services. For its services as Subadviser, PIC will pay Acadian compensation at the annual rate of 50% of the portion of the Pathfinder and Total Value Funds' average daily net assets that Acadian manages. PIC will pay Acadian compensation at the following annual rates, calculated on the aggregated international assets managed by Acadian across all Phoenix Funds subadvised by Acadian, including those of the Worldwide Strategies Fund:
$200+ MILLION
1ST $200 MILLION THROUGH $500 MILLION $500+ MILLION
---------------- -------------------- -------------
0.50% 0.40% 0.35%
|
Engemann Asset Management ("Engemann") is the Subadviser for the domestic portion of the Worldwide Strategies Fund and is located at 600 North Rosemead Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91107. Engemann acts as adviser to three fund companies totaling six mutual funds, as subadviser to five fund companies totaling nine mutual funds and as investment adviser to institutions and individuals. As of June 30, 2005, Engemann had approximately $4.9 billion in assets under management. Engemann is an affiliate of Phoenix and has been an investment adviser since 1969.
The Subadvisory Agreement provides that the Adviser, PIC, will delegate to Engemann the performance of certain of its investment management services under the Investment Advisory Agreement with the Worldwide Strategies Fund. Engemann will furnish at is own expense the office facilities and personnel necessary to perform such services. For its services as Subadviser, PIC will pay Engemann compensation at the annual rate of 50% of the portion of the Worldwide Strategies Fund's average daily net assets that Engemann manages.
Golden Capital Management, LLC ("Golden") is a Subadviser to the Relative Value and Total Value Funds and is located at Five Resource Square, 10715 David Taylor Drive, Suite 150, NC 28262. Golden is majority-owned by its principals and employees and is a minority-owned subsidiary of Wachovia Corporation. Golden has been an investment adviser since 1999. As of June 30, 2005, Golden had approximately $1.9 billion in assets under management.
The Subadvisory Agreement provides that the Adviser, PIC, will delegate to Golden the performance of certain of its investment management services under the Investment Advisory Agreement with the Relative Value and Total Value Funds. Golden will furnish at is own expense the office facilities and personnel necessary to perform such services. For its services as Subadviser, PIC will pay Golden compensation at the following annual rates calculated on the portion of the Relative Value and Total Value Funds' average daily net assets that Golden manages:
1ST $50 MILLION GREATER THAN $50 MILLION
--------------- ------------------------
0.45% 0.40%
|
Harris Investment Management, Inc. ("Harris") is a Subadviser to the Total Value Fund and is located at 190 South LaSalle Street, 4th Floor; PO Box 755, Chicago, IL 60690. Harris has been an investment adviser since 1989. As of June 30, 2005, Harris had approximately $19.5 billion in assets under management.
The Subadvisory Agreement provides that the Adviser, PIC, will delegate to Harris the performance of certain of its investment management services under the Investment Advisory Agreement with the Total Value Fund. Harris will furnish at is own expense the office facilities and personnel necessary to perform such services. For its services as Subadviser, PIC will pay Harris compensation at the following annual rates calculated on the portion of the Total Value Fund's average daily net assets that Harris manages:
1ST $25 MILLION GREATER THAN $25 MILLION
--------------- ------------------------
0.50% 0.40%
|
New Star Institutional Managers Limited ("New Star") is a Subadviser to the international portion of the Worldwide Strategies Fund and is located at 1 Knightsbridge Green, London, United Kingdom, SW1X7NE. New Star has been an investment adviser since 1988. As of June 30, 2005, New Star had approximately U.S. $9.5 billion in assets under management.
The Subadvisory Agreement provides that the Adviser, PIC, will delegate to New Star the performance of certain of its investment management services under the Investment Advisory Agreement with the Worldwide Strategies Fund. New Star will furnish at is own expense the office facilities and personnel necessary to perform such services. For its services as Subadviser, PIC will pay New Star compensation at the following annual rates calculated on the aggregated international assets managed by New Star across all Phoenix Funds subadvised by New Star, including those of the Worldwide Strategies Fund:
1ST $100 MILLION GREATER THAN $100 MILLION
---------------- -------------------------
0.50% 0.40%
|
Sasco Capital, Inc. ("Sasco") is the Subadviser to the Mid-Cap Value Fund. Sasco's principal offices are located at 10 Sasco Hill Road, Fairfield, CT 06824. Sasco has been an investment adviser since 1985, and as of June 30, 2005 had approximately $2.7 billion in assets under management.
The Subadvisory Agreement provides that the Adviser, PIC, will delegate to Sasco the performance of certain of its investment management services under the Investment Advisory Agreement with the Mid-Cap Value Fund. Sasco will furnish at its own expense the office facilities and personnel necessary to perform such services. For its services as Subadviser, Phoenix will pay to Sasco a subadvisory fee as a portion of the monthly gross investment management fee (without regard to capping of expenses or other waivers or reimbursements) that Phoenix receives from the Mid-Cap Value Fund at the annual rate of 47.5% of the monthly gross investment management fee under the Investment Advisory Agreement.
Each Subadvisory Agreement will continue in effect from year to year if specifically approved by the Trustees, including a majority of the independent Trustees.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES' CONSIDERATION OF ADVISORY AND SUBADVISORY AGREEMENTS
MID-CAP VALUE FUND
The Board of Trustees is responsible for overseeing the performance of the Funds' Adviser and Subadvisers and determining whether to approve and renew the Funds' investment advisory and subadvisory arrangements. In approving the agreements, the Board primarily considered the nature and quality of the services provided under each agreement and the overall fairness of the agreements to the Funds. A report from the Adviser and Subadvisers that addressed specific factors designed to inform the Board's consideration on these and other issues was supplied to Board members in advance of the meeting at which the fund was first authorized to file for registration and reviewed with them at that meeting.
In advance of the reorganization with the Predecessor Fund, with respect to the nature and quality of the services provided, the Board reviewed information comparing the performance of the Predecessor Fund and other accounts similarly managed by the Subadviser and a relevant market index. The Board noted that in each instance, the performance of each exceeded that of its peers and the benchmark. The Board reviewed the plans for allocation of the Fund's brokerage commissions, including any potential allocations to affiliates of the Adviser, the Adviser's and Subadviser's records of compliance with its respective investment policies and restrictions on personal securities transactions and found no evidence of material or systemic compliance violations for the Fund or other funds managed by the Adviser and Subadviser. The Board also regularly reviews data relating to the quality of brokerage execution received by other of the funds in the fund complex, including the Adviser's use of brokers or dealers in fund transactions that provided research and other services to the Adviser and the potential benefits derived by the funds from such services. The Board consistently finds the quality of such services to be satisfactory. Going forward, the Board noted that it will have the opportunity to meet with the Fund's portfolio managers from time to time to discuss the management and performance of the fund(s) they manage and respond to the Board's questions concerning performance of the advisers.
With respect to the overall fairness of the advisory and subadvisory agreements, the Board primarily considered information relating to the Fund's fee structures, including a comparative analysis of the Fund's management fees, total expenses and proposed 12b-1 fees with other funds within the fund complex and to its peer group. The Board noted that the Fund as presented compared favorably in each category reviewed. The Board also considered the existence of any economies of scale and whether those would be passed along to the Funds' shareholders through a graduated advisory fee schedule or other means. They also considered the contractual reimbursement by the Adviser of fund operating expenses to prevent total fund expenses from exceeding a specified cap for each class of shares and found the arrangement to be a benefit for the Fund's shareholders.
The Board did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling. Based on the Board's deliberation and its evaluation of the information described above, the Board, including all of the independent Trustees, unanimously approved the agreements. It concluded that the compensation under the agreements is fair and reasonable in light of such services and expenses and such other matters as the trustees have considered to be relevant in the exercise of their reasonable judgment.
PATHFINDER FUND
The Board of Trustees is responsible for determining whether to approve the Funds' investment advisory and subadvisory agreements. In approving each agreement, the Trustees primarily considered, with respect to the Fund, the nature and quality of the services provided under the respective agreement and the overall fairness of each agreement to the Fund.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The Trustees approved the advisory agreement at an in-person meeting held on June 13, 2005. The Trustees noted the detailed memorandum provided by Trustees' independent legal counsel in advance of the meeting focusing on responsibilities of the independent trustees when approving advisory and subadvisory agreements. Investment adviser personnel then provided an overview for the Trustees including the proposed investment objective and strategy of the Fund, the proposed Subadviser, background regarding the proposed portfolio manager and prior performance of assets managed by the Subadviser in a similar strategy to the Fund's proposed strategy. The Adviser then reviewed with the Trustees an extensive questionnaire prepared by the Adviser concerning a number of issues including its investment philosophy, supervisory resources and compliance structure. Adviser personnel then provided additional detail focusing on the nature, extent and quality of services to be provided by the Adviser, cost of services and profitability to the Adviser, the possible economies of scale that would be realized due to Fund growth, whether fee levels reflect such economies of scale for the benefit of investors, financial statement information and expense comparisons with similarly situated funds, among other things.
With respect to the nature and quality of the services provided, the Trustees noted that the Adviser regularly reviews with the Trustees information comparing the performance of each fund advised by it with a peer group of funds and a relevant market index, the economic outlook and the general investment outlook in the markets in which each fund invests, the allocation of each fund's brokerage commissions, including any allocations to affiliates and the Adviser's record of compliance with its investment policies and restrictions on personal securities transactions. The Trustees also noted the qualifications of key personnel of the Adviser that would work with the Fund. Based on the nature and quality of services provided by the Adviser to other funds, the Board of Trustees concluded that it was satisfied with the nature and quality of services to be provided to the Fund. However, because the Fund had not commenced operations, the Fund did not have specific investment performance that the Trustees could evaluate.
The Trustees also noted that a major component of profitability of the Adviser would be the difference between the amount the Adviser would collect from the Fund and what would be paid to the Subadviser. With respect to the overall fairness of the advisory fees, the Trustees primarily considered information relating to the Fund's fee structure, including a comparative analysis of the Fund's management fees and total expenses with its respective peer group. The Trustees considered the existence of any economies of scale and whether those would be passed along to the Fund's shareholders, including any fee waivers by the Adviser and/or its affiliates. The Trustees also considered the effect of the Fund's growth and size on its performance and fees. Upon the Trustees' request, the Adviser agreed to review the need for implementing breakpoints in the management fee structure as the Fund's asset levels increase. The Trustees also considered the voluntary waiver of management and other fees by the Adviser to prevent total Fund expenses from exceeding a specified cap. Based upon their review, the Trustees concluded that the estimated level of profitability to the Adviser from its relationship with the Fund was reasonable and that the fee structure provided an opportunity for the Fund to realize other economies of scale if assets increase proportionally more than certain other expenses.
The Trustees concluded that the Adviser possessed the fundamental resources necessary to serve as Adviser to the Fund. The Trustees also concluded, based upon a review of the financial statements provided by the Adviser, that the firm was sufficiently capitalized to remain economically viable to serve as adviser.
Following deliberations, the Trustees found the Fund's management fees to be above the average of those charged by a group of similarly situated funds in the industry as selected by an independent third party. They further noted that the total expenses of the Fund were within acceptable ranges and that the expense ratio was reasonable in view of the high quality of services received by the Fund.
SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
The Trustees approved the subadvisory agreement at an in person meeting held on June 13, 2005. The Trustees noted the detailed memorandum provided by Trustees' independent legal counsel in advance of the meeting focusing on responsibilities of the independent trustees when approving advisory and subadvisory agreements. Investment adviser personnel then provided an overview for the Trustees including the proposed investment objective and strategy, the proposed portfolio managers to the Fund and prior performance of assets managed in a similar strategy to the Fund's proposed strategy. They also commented on an extensive questionnaire prepared by the Subadviser concerning a number of issues including its investment philosophy, resources and compliance structure that had been provided prior to the meeting and reviewed with the Trustees, detailed information
including the nature, extent and quality of services to be provided by the Subadviser, and investment performance of the proposed Subadviser to the Fund.
With respect to quality of services provided, the Trustees noted the qualifications of key personnel of the Subadviser that would work with the Fund. The Trustees considered the performance of a composite of institutional account assets managed by the Subadviser with a similar strategy as the Fund for the one, three and five year periods, ending March 31, 2005, and noted the performance was near the top of its peer group during those periods. Based on the qualifications of the Subadviser's personnel and the performance of assets managed by the Subadviser in a similar manner as the Fund would be managed, the Trustees concluded that the nature and quality of services to be provided to the Fund by the Subadviser were satisfactory.
With respect to the overall fairness of the subadvisory agreement, the Trustees primarily considered information relating to the Fund's fee structure, including a comparative analysis of the Fund's management fee and total expenses with its respective peer group. The Trustees also considered the existence of any economies of scale and whether those would be passed along to the Fund's shareholders but noted that the economies would most likely be generated at the Fund level and not necessarily at the Subadviser level. The Trustees also considered the fact that fees under the subadvisory agreement would be paid by the Adviser out of the advisory fees it receives from the Fund. The Trustees also noted that the Subadviser indicated that, because the Fund had not commenced operations, it was difficult to project any profitability figures. Based upon their review, the Board of Trustees determined that the subadvisory fee was reasonable in view of the quality of services and the other factors considered.
Following deliberations, the Trustees concluded that the Subadviser possessed the fundamental resources necessary to act as Subadviser to the Fund. The Trustees also concluded, based upon a review of the financial statements provided by the Subadviser, that the firm was sufficiently capitalized to remain economically viable during the coming year.
THE ADVISORY AND SUBADVISORY AGREEMENTS
The Trustees did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling. Based on the Trustees' deliberations and their evaluation of the information described above, and assisted by the advice of independent legal counsel, the Trustees, including all of the Independent Trustees, unanimously approved the investment advisory agreement and the subadvisory agreement. It concluded that the compensation under the agreements is fair and reasonable in light of the services, expenses and such other matters as the trustees have considered to be relevant in the exercise of their reasonable judgment.
In connection with their deliberations, the independent trustees met separately in a closed executive session with independent legal counsel to review the relevant material and consider their responsibilities under relevant laws and regulations.
RELATIVE VALUE FUND
The Board of Trustees is responsible for determining whether to approve the Funds' investment advisory and subadvisory agreements. In approving each agreement, the Trustees primarily considered, with respect to the Fund, the nature and quality of the services provided under the respective agreement and the overall fairness of each agreement to the Fund.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The Trustees approved the advisory agreement at an in person meeting held on June 13, 2005. The Trustees noted the detailed memorandum provided by Trustees' independent legal counsel in advance of the meeting focusing on responsibilities of the independent trustees when approving advisory and subadvisory agreements. Investment adviser personnel then provided an overview for the Trustees including the proposed investment objective and strategy of the Fund, the proposed Subadviser, background regarding the proposed portfolio managers and prior performance of assets managed by the Subadviser in a similar strategy to the Fund's proposed strategy. The Adviser then reviewed with the Trustees an extensive questionnaire prepared by the Adviser concerning a number of issues including its investment philosophy, supervisory resources and compliance structure. Adviser personnel then provided additional detail focusing on the nature, extent and quality of services to be provided by the Adviser, cost of services and profitability to the Adviser, the possible economies of scale that would be realized due to Fund growth, whether fee levels reflect such economies of scale for the benefit of investors, financial statement information and expense comparisons with similarly situated funds, among other things.
With respect to the nature and quality of the services provided, the Trustees noted that the Adviser regularly reviews with the Trustees information comparing the performance of each fund advised by it with a peer group of funds and a relevant market index, the economic outlook and the general investment outlook in the markets in which each fund invests, the allocation of each fund's brokerage commissions, including any allocations to affiliates and the Adviser's record of compliance with its investment policies and restrictions on personal securities transactions. The Trustees also noted the qualifications of key personnel of the Adviser that would work with the Fund. Based on the nature and quality of services provided by the Adviser to other funds, the Board of Trustees concluded that it was satisfied with the nature and quality of services to be provided to the Fund. However, because the Fund had not commenced operations, the Fund did not have specific investment performance that the Trustees could evaluate.
The Trustees also noted that a major component of profitability of the Adviser would be the difference between the amount the Adviser would collect from the Fund and what would be paid to the Subadviser. With respect to the overall fairness of the advisory fees, the Trustees primarily considered information relating to the Fund's fee structure, including a comparative analysis of the Fund's management fees and total expenses with its respective peer group. The Trustees considered the existence of any economies of scale and whether those would be passed along to the Funds' shareholders, including any fee waivers by the Adviser and/or its affiliates. The Trustees also considered the effect of the Fund's growth and size on its performance and fees. Upon the Trustees' request, the Adviser agreed to review the need for implementing breakpoints in the management fee structure as the Fund's asset levels increase. The Trustees also considered the voluntary waiver of management and other fees by the Adviser to prevent total Fund expenses from exceeding a specified cap. Based upon their review, the Trustees concluded that the estimated level of profitability to the Adviser from its relationship with the Fund was reasonable and that the fee structure provided an opportunity for the Fund to realize other economies of scale if assets increase proportionally more than certain other expenses.
The Trustees concluded that the Adviser possessed the fundamental resources necessary to serve as adviser to the Fund. The Trustees also concluded, based upon a review of the financial statements provided by the Adviser, that the firm was sufficiently capitalized to remain economically viable to serve as adviser.
Following deliberations, the Trustees found the Fund's management fees to be slightly above the average of those charged by a group of similarly situated funds in the industry as selected by an independent third party. They further noted that the total expenses of the Fund were within acceptable ranges and that the expense ratio was reasonable in view of the high quality of services received by the Fund.
SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
The Trustees approved the subadvisory agreement at an in-person meeting held on June 13, 2005. The Trustees noted the detailed memorandum provided by Trustees' independent legal counsel in advance of the meeting focusing on responsibilities of the independent trustees when approving advisory and subadvisory agreements. Investment Subadviser personnel then provided an overview for the Trustees including the proposed investment objective and strategy, the proposed portfolio managers to the Fund and prior performance of assets managed in a similar strategy to the Fund's proposed strategy. They also commented on an extensive questionnaire prepared by the Subadviser concerning a number of issues including its investment philosophy, resources and compliance structure that had been provided prior to the meeting and reviewed with the Trustees, detailed information including the nature, extent and quality of services to be provided by the Subadviser, and investment performance of the proposed Subadviser to the Fund.
With respect to quality of services provided, the Trustees noted the qualifications of key personnel of the Subadviser that would work with the Fund. The Trustees considered the performance of a composite of asset accounts, comprised of personal and pension and endowment institutional accounts managed by the Subadviser with a similar strategy as the Fund, for the one, three and five year periods, ending March 31, 2005, and noted the performance was near the top of its peer group during those periods. Based on the qualifications of the Subadviser's personnel and the performance of assets managed by the Subadviser in a similar manner as the Fund would be managed, the Trustees concluded that the nature and quality of services to be provided to the Fund by the Subadviser were satisfactory.
With respect to the overall fairness of the subadvisory agreement, the Trustees primarily considered information relating to the Fund's fee structure, including a comparative analysis of the Fund's management fee and total expenses with its respective peer group. The Trustees also considered the existence of any economies of scale and whether those would be passed along to the Fund's shareholders but noted that the economies would most likely be generated at the Fund level and not necessarily at the Subadviser level. The Trustees also considered the fact that fees under the subadvisory agreement would be paid by the Adviser out of the advisory fees it receives from the Fund. The Trustees also noted that the Subadviser indicated that, because the Fund had not commenced operations, it was difficult to project any profitability figures. Based upon their review, the Board of Trustees determined that the subadvisory fee was reasonable in view of the quality of services and the other factors considered.
Following deliberations, the Trustees concluded that the Subadviser possessed the fundamental resources necessary to act as Subadviser to the Fund. The Trustees also concluded, based upon a review of the financial statements provided by the Subadviser, that the firm was sufficiently capitalized to remain economically viable during the coming year.
THE ADVISORY AND SUBADVISORY AGREEMENTS
The Trustees did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling. Based on the Trustees' deliberations and their evaluation of the information described above, and assisted by the advice of independent legal counsel, the Trustees, including all of the Independent Trustees, unanimously approved the investment advisory agreement and the subadvisory agreement. It concluded that the compensation under the agreements is fair and reasonable in light of the services, expenses and such other matters as the trustees have considered to be relevant in the exercise of their reasonable judgment.
In connection with their deliberations, the independent trustees met separately in a closed executive session with independent legal counsel to review the relevant material and consider their responsibilities under relevant laws and regulations.
TOTAL VALUE FUND
The Board of Trustees is responsible for determining whether to approve the Funds' investment advisory and subadvisory agreements. In approving each agreement, the Trustees primarily considered, with respect to the Fund, the nature and quality of the services provided under the respective agreement and the overall fairness of each agreement to the Fund.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The Trustees approved the advisory agreement at an in person meeting held on June 13, 2005. The Trustees noted the detailed memorandum provided by Trustees' independent legal counsel in advance of the meeting focusing on responsibilities of the independent trustees when approving advisory and subadvisory agreements. Investment adviser personnel then provided an overview for the Trustees including the proposed investment objective and strategy of the Fund, the proposed Subadvisers, background regarding the proposed portfolio managers and prior performance of assets managed by the Subadvisers in a similar strategy to the Fund's proposed strategy. The Adviser then reviewed with the Trustees an extensive questionnaire prepared by the Adviser concerning a number of issues including its investment philosophy, supervisory resources and compliance structure. Adviser personnel then provided additional detail focusing on the nature, extent and quality of services to be provided by the Adviser, cost of services and profitability to the Adviser, the possible economies of scale that would be realized due to Fund growth, whether fee levels reflect such economies of scale for the benefit of investors, financial statement information and expense comparisons with similarly situated funds, among other things.
With respect to the nature and quality of the services provided, the Trustees noted that the Adviser regularly reviews with the Trustees information comparing the performance of each fund advised by it with a peer group of funds and a relevant market index, the economic outlook and the general investment outlook in the markets in which each Fund invests, the allocation of each fund's brokerage commissions, including any allocations to affiliates and the Adviser's record of compliance with its investment policies and restrictions on personal securities transactions. The Trustees also noted the qualifications of key personnel of the Adviser that would work with the Fund. Based on the nature and quality of services provided by the Adviser to other funds, the Board of Trustees concluded that it was satisfied with the nature and quality of services to be provided to the Fund. However, because the Fund had not commenced operations, the Fund did not have specific investment performance that the Trustees could evaluate.
The Trustees also noted that a major component of profitability of the Adviser would be the difference between the amount the Adviser would collect from the Fund and what would be paid to the Subadvisers. With respect to the overall fairness of the advisory fees, the Trustees primarily considered information relating to the Fund's fee structure, including a comparative analysis of the Fund's management fees and total expenses with its respective peer group. The Trustees considered the existence of any economies of scale and whether those would be passed along to the Fund's shareholders, including any fee waivers by the Adviser and/or its affiliates. The Trustees also considered the effect of the Fund's growth and size on its performance and fees. Upon the Trustees' request, the Adviser agreed to review the need for implementing breakpoints in the management fee structure as the Fund's asset levels increase. The Trustees also considered the voluntary waiver of management and other fees by the Adviser to prevent total Fund expenses from exceeding a specified cap. Based upon their review, the Trustees concluded that the estimated level of profitability to the Adviser from its relationship with the Fund was reasonable and that the fee structure provided an opportunity for the Fund to realize other economies of scale if assets increase proportionally more than certain other expenses.
The Trustees concluded that the Adviser possessed the fundamental resources necessary to serve as Adviser to the Fund. The Trustees also concluded, based upon a review of the financial statements provided by the Adviser, that the firm was sufficiently capitalized to remain economically viable to serve as adviser.
Following deliberations, the Trustees found the Fund's management fees to be slightly above the average of those charged by a group of similarly situated funds in the industry as selected by an independent third party. They further noted that the total expenses of the Fund were within acceptable ranges and that the expense ratio was reasonable in view of the high quality of services received by the Fund.
SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
The Trustees approved the subadvisory agreements at an in-person meeting held on June 13, 2005. The Trustees noted the detailed memorandum provided by Trustees' independent legal counsel in advance of the meeting focusing on responsibilities of the independent trustees when approving advisory and subadvisory agreements. Personnel from each proposed Subadviser then provided an overview for the Trustees including the proposed investment objective and strategy, the proposed portfolio managers to the Fund and prior performance of assets managed in a similar strategy to the Fund's proposed strategy. They also commented on an extensive questionnaire prepared by the Subadvisers concerning a number of issues including its investment
philosophy, resources and compliance structure that had been provided prior to the meeting and reviewed with the Trustees, detailed information including the nature, extent and quality of services to be provided by the Subadvisers, and investment performance of the proposed Subadvisers to the Fund.
With respect to quality of services provided, the Trustees noted the qualifications of key personnel of the Subadvisers that would work with the Fund. The Trustees considered the performance of a composite of asset accounts, comprised of personal accounts, pension and endowment institutional accounts and a mutual fund managed by the Subadvisers with a similar strategy as the Fund, for the one-, three- and five-year periods, ending March 31, 2005, and noted that their joint performance as a composite was near the top of its peer group during those periods. Based on the qualifications of the Subadvisers' personnel and the performance of assets managed by the Subadvisers in a similar manner as the Fund would be managed, the Trustees concluded that the nature and quality of services to be provided to the Fund by the Subadvisers were satisfactory.
With respect to the overall fairness of the subadvisory agreements, the Trustees primarily considered information relating to the Fund's fee structure, including a comparative analysis of the Fund's management fee and total expenses with its respective peer group. The Trustees also considered the existence of any economies of scale and whether those would be passed along to the Fund's shareholders but noted that the economies would most likely be generated at the Fund level and not necessarily at the Subadviser level. The Trustees also considered the fact that fees under the subadvisory agreements would be paid by the Adviser out of the advisory fees it receives from the Fund. The Trustees also noted that the Subadvisers indicated that, because the Fund had not commenced operations, it was difficult to project any profitability figures. Based upon their review, the Board of Trustees determined that the subadvisory fees were reasonable in view of the quality of services and the other factors considered.
Following deliberations, the Trustees concluded that the Subadvisers possessed the fundamental resources necessary to act as Subadvisers to the Fund. The Trustees also concluded, based upon a review of the financial statements provided by the Subadvisers, that the firms were sufficiently capitalized to remain economically viable during the coming year.
THE ADVISORY AND SUBADVISORY AGREEMENTS
The Trustees did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling. Based on the Trustees' deliberations and their evaluation of the information described above, and assisted by the advice of independent legal counsel, the Trustees, including all of the Independent Trustees, unanimously approved the investment advisory agreement and the subadvisory agreements. It concluded that the compensation under the agreements is fair and reasonable in light of the services, expenses and such other matters as the trustees have considered to be relevant in the exercise of their reasonable judgment.
In connection with their deliberations, the independent trustees met separately in a closed executive session with independent legal counsel to review the relevant material and consider their responsibilities under relevant laws and regulations.
WORLDWIDE STRATEGIES FUND
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees approving the investment advisory and subadvisory agreements is available in the Fund's 2005 annual report covering the period July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005.
DESCRIPTION OF PROXY VOTING POLICY
The Trust has adopted, on behalf of the Funds, a Statement of Policy with Respect to Proxy Voting (the "Policy") stating the Trust's intention to exercise stock ownership rights with respect to portfolio securities in a manner that is reasonably anticipated to further the best economic interests of shareholders of the Funds. The Funds have committed to analyze and vote all proxies that are likely to have financial implications, and where appropriate, to participate in corporate governance, shareholder proposals, management communications and legal proceedings. The Funds must also identify potential or actual conflicts of interest in voting proxies and must address any such conflict of interest in accordance with the Policy.
The Policy stipulates that the Funds' Adviser will vote proxies or delegate such responsibility to a subadviser. The Adviser or applicable Subadviser will vote proxies in accordance with this Policy, or its own policies and procedures, which in no event will conflict with the Trust's Policy. Any Adviser or Subadviser may engage a qualified, independent organization to vote proxies on its behalf (a "delegate"). Matters that may affect substantially the rights and privileges of the holders of securities to be voted will be analyzed and voted on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration such relevant factors as enumerated in the Policy. The views of management of a portfolio company will be considered.
The Policy specifies certain factors that will be considered when analyzing and voting proxies on certain issues, including, but not limited to:
o Corporate Governance Matters--tax and economic benefits of changes in the state of incorporation; dilution or improved accountability associated with anti-takeover provisions such as staggered boards, poison pills and supermajority provisions.
o Changes to Capital Structure--dilution or improved accountability associated with such changes.
o Stock Option and Other Management Compensation Issues--executive pay and spending on perquisites, particularly in conjunction with sub-par performance and employee layoffs.
o Social and Corporate Responsibility Issues--the Adviser or Subadvisers will generally vote against shareholder social and environmental issue proposals.
The Funds and their delegates seek to avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest of Fund shareholders, on the one hand, and those of the Adviser, Subadvisers, delegate, principal underwriter, or any affiliated person of the Funds, on the other hand. Depending on the type and materiality, any conflicts of interest will be handled by (i) relying on the recommendations of an established, independent third party proxy voting vendor; (ii) voting pursuant to the recommendation of the delegate; (iii) abstaining; or (iv) where two or more delegates provide conflicting requests, voting shares in proportion to the assets under management of each delegate. The Policy requires each Adviser, Subadviser or delegate to notify the President of the Trust of any actual or potential conflict of interest. No Adviser, Subadviser or delegate may waive any conflict of interest or vote any conflicted proxies without the prior written approval of the Board of Trustees or the President of the Trust.
The Policy further imposes certain record keeping and reporting requirements
on each Adviser, Subadviser or delegate. Information regarding how the Funds
voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month
period ending June 30, is available free of charge by calling, toll-free,
(800)-243-1574, or on the SEC's Web site at http://www.sec.gov.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
COMPENSATION OF PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF ACADIAN (SUBADVISER TO THE PATHFINDER FUND, TOTAL VALUE FUND AND WORLDWIDE STRATEGIES FUND)
Acadian believes that the firm's compensation program is adequate and competitive to attract and retain high-caliber investment professionals. Investment professionals at Acadian receive a competitive base salary, an incentive bonus opportunity and a benefits package. Senior investment professionals also participate in a long-term incentive plan established by Acadian's parent company Old Mutual Asset Managers (U.S.).
Acadian portfolios are team-managed and the bonus package for portfolio managers is based upon a subjective assessment of their contribution to the team effort. Key areas of assessment include how the individual contributed to meeting clients' performance and service expectations. The investment professional's contribution to Acadian's research agenda is also considered.
Following is a more detailed description of the compensation structure of the funds' portfolio managers identified in the funds' prospectus.
BASE SALARY. Each portfolio manager is paid a fixed base salary, which is determined by Acadian and is designed to be competitive in light of the individual's experience and responsibilities. Acadian management uses compensation survey results of investment industry compensation conducted by an independent third party in evaluating competitive market compensation for its investment management professionals.
INCENTIVE BONUS. Each portfolio manager is eligible for an incentive bonus. The bonus pool is based upon the annual profits of the firm after sharing these profits with its parent company. Each portfolio manager has a bonus target based on a percentage of his or her salary. Depending on the size of the bonus pool and the evaluation of the manager, he or she may receive more or less than the target bonus. A typical target bonus percentage for a portfolio manager would be 100% of salary.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE BONUS. Most Acadian portfolio managers participate in a long-term incentive plan. Participation is in the form of stock appreciation rights. The value of the shares in the pool is based upon a 20% share in Acadian's growth in profitability over a period of time. The shares will vest in 2007, at which time a new long term incentive plan will be put in place.
OTHER BENEFITS. Portfolio managers are also eligible to participate in broad-based plans offered generally to the firm's employees, including broad-based retirement, 401(k), health and other employee benefit plans.
COMPENSATION OF PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF ENGEMANN (SUBADVISER TO THE WORLDWIDE STRATEGIES FUND)
Phoenix Investment Partners, Ltd. and its affiliated investment management firms (collectively, "PXP"), believe that the firm's compensation program is adequate and competitive to attract and retain high-caliber investment professionals. Investment professionals at PXP receive a competitive base salary, an incentive bonus opportunity and a benefits package. Managing Directors and portfolio investment professionals who supervise and manage others also participate in a management incentive program reflecting their personal contribution and team performance. Highly compensated individuals can also take advantage of a long-term Incentive Compensation program to defer their compensation and reduce tax implications.
The bonus package for portfolio managers is based upon how well the individual manager meets or exceeds assigned goals and a subjective assessment of contribution to the team effort. Their incentive bonus also reflects a performance component for achieving and/or exceeding performance competitive with peers managing similar strategies. Such component is further adjusted to reward investment personnel for managing within the stated framework and for not taking unnecessary risks. This ensures that investment personnel will remain focused on managing and acquiring securities that correspond to a fund's mandate and risk profile. It also avoids the temptation for portfolio managers to take on more risk and unnecessary exposure to chase performance for personal gain.
Finally, portfolio managers and investment professionals may also receive PNX stock options and/or be granted PNX restricted stock at the direction of the parent's Board of Directors.
Following is a more detailed description of the compensation structure of the funds' portfolio managers identified in the funds' prospectus.
BASE SALARY. Each portfolio manager is paid a fixed base salary, which is determined by PXP and is designed to be competitive in light of the individual's experience and responsibilities. PXP management uses compensation survey results of investment industry compensation conducted by an independent third party in evaluating competitive market compensation for its investment management professionals.
INCENTIVE BONUS. Generally, the current Performance Incentive Plan for portfolio managers at PXP is made up of three components:
(1) Seventy percent of the target incentive is based on achieving investment area investment goals and individual performance. The Investment Incentive pool will be established based on actual pre-tax investment performance compared with specific peer group or index measures established at the beginning of each calendar year. Performance of the funds managed is measured over one, three and five-year periods against specified benchmarks and/or peer group (as indicated in the table below) for each fund managed. Performance of the PNX general account and growth of revenue, if applicable to a particular portfolio manager, is measured on a one-year basis. Generally, individual manager's participation is based on the performance of each fund/account managed as weighted roughly by total assets in each of those funds/accounts.
FUND BENCHMARK(S) AND/OR PEER GROUPS ---- -------------------------------- Worldwide Strategies Funds (domestic portion) Lipper Large Cap Core Funds |
(2) Fifteen percent of the target incentive is based on the profitability of the investment management division with which the portfolio manager is associated. This component of the plan is paid in restricted stock units of The Phoenix Companies, Inc., which vest over three years.
(3) Fifteen percent of the target incentive is based on the manager's investment area's competencies and on individual performance. This pool is funded based on The Phoenix Companies, Inc.'s return on equity.
The Performance Incentive Plan applicable to some portfolio managers may vary
from the description above. For instance, plans applicable to certain portfolio
managers (i) may specify different percentages of target incentive that is based
on investment goals and individual performance and on The Phoenix Companies,
Inc. return on equity, (ii) may have fewer performance measurement periods,
(iii) may not contain the component that is based on the profitability of the
management division with which the portfolio manager is associated, or (iv) may
contain a guarantee payout percentage of certain portions of the Performance
Incentive Plan.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE BONUS. Certain portfolio managers are eligible for a long-term incentive plan that is paid in restricted stock units of The Phoenix Companies, Inc. which vest over three years.
OTHER BENEFITS. Portfolio managers are also eligible to participate in broad-based plans offered generally to the firm's employees, including broad-based retirement, 401(k), health and other employee benefit plans.
COMPENSATION OF PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF GOLDEN (SUBADVISER TO THE RELATIVE VALUE
FUND AND TOTAL VALUE FUND)
The compensation program for the investment professionals at Golden Capital
Management, LLC is competitive relative to the investment industry. Golden
Capital believes that attracting, retaining, and motivating quality portfolio
managers is paramount to the continued success of the firm. The compensation
package offered to key portfolio managers consists of three main components:
base salary, annual bonus plan, and long-term equity incentives.
Listed below is a more detailed description of the compensation package for the Funds' portfolio managers identified in the Fund's prospectus.
BASE SALARY. The base salary is set annually at a fixed rate and is competitive with the investment industry and based upon individual contributions and the overall profitability of the firm. The management team uses compensation surveys related to the investment industry by third party research providers to stay abreast of current trends and help ensure fair market levels of base compensation.
ANNUAL BONUS. The annual bonus pool award given to the Funds' portfolio is determined by the management team of Golden Capital and based on Fund performance, process consistency, client retention, and to a lesser extent, management discretion. Fund performance is evaluated on a pre-tax basis versus the Lipper Core Equity and Lipper Value Equity peer groups on a one and three year time horizon.
LONG-TERM EQUITY INCENTIVES. The Fund's portfolio managers are founders and owners of Golden Capital Management, LLC and thereby participate through equity ownership in the long-term growth and success of the firm.
OTHER BENEFITS. Portfolio managers are also eligible to participate in broad-based plans offered generally to the firm's employees, including 401(k), profit sharing, health insurance and other employee benefit plans.
COMPENSATION OF PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF HARRIS (SUBADVISER TO THE TOTAL VALUE
FUND)
The compensation program for investment professionals of Harris is designed
to provide a total compensation package that (a) serves to align employees'
interests with those of their clients, and (b) helps management to attract and
retain high quality investment professionals.
All investment professionals are compensated through a combination of base salary and bonus. Senior management retains a national compensation consultant to undertake a study, at least annually, to determine appropriate levels of base compensation for the firm's investment professionals. Bonus amounts are determined by many factors including: investment performance, the overall profitability of the firms, and each individual's contributions to the success of the respective firm. Fund performance is measured on a pre-tax basis over the one and three year periods as compared to the Russell Large Cap Value Index and the Lipper Large Cap Value Index. The objective with regard to each component of compensation is to provide competitive compensation to investment professionals.
Harris also has a deferred incentive compensation program (nonqualified plan) which provides that certain key employees (currently, those who have been designated a Partner or Senior Partner of Harris, and including portfolio managers, analysts, and certain non-investment personnel) are granted incentive awards annually and elect to defer receipt of the award and earnings thereon until a future date. The award for each participant, expressed as a percentage of the pre-tax, pre-long-term incentive profits of Harris, is determined by senior management and communicated to participants early in each award year. The awards vest after a period of three years from the end of the specific year for which the awards are granted, and are payable to participants based on the provisions of the program and the elections of the participants.
COMPENSATION OF PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF NEW STAR (SUBADVISER TO THE WORLDWIDE
STRATEGIES FUND)
New Star's comprehensive salary and benefits package is designed to be
competitive both within the industry and the region in which the firm operates.
The entrepreneurial culture, success, and "can do" attitude of the firm is one
of the major reasons for attracting and keeping exceptional staff. In fact, the
international equity team is a cohesive group with senior managers having been
with the firm for an average of 14 years. Portfolio managers and research
analysts are paid competitive salaries plus equity participation. There is no
fixed percentage breakdown. No individual is rewarded solely on his/her
performance; rather, compensation is dictated by the success of the organization
as a whole.
Direct share ownership rather than performance-based bonuses ensures that unnecessary risks on individual portfolios are not taken but ensures that the key driver of the business - long-term performance - is uppermost in their minds. Investment professionals will ultimately only be rewarded if the business is successful and the performance is solid. Employee ownership varies based on tenure and level of contribution to overall firm performance.
COMPENSATION OF PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF SASCO (SUBADVISER TO THE MID-CAP VALUE
FUND)
Sasco is independently owned by its employees. All key investment
professionals' compensation is directly tied to the profitability of the firm
since each have direct stock ownership, or an ownership profit interest in the
firm. Each receives a fixed base salary plus bonus, or profit distribution,
based on individual contribution and profitability of the firm. Bonuses can
exceed 100% of base salary. Profits, after all expenses, are distributed and not
retained in the business. Sasco has an employee Target Benefit Plan for all of
its employees, including its portfolio managers. The Plan is administered by an
independent actuarial firm. All compensation is pre-tax. There is no difference
between the method used to determine compensation with respect to management of
the Mid-Cap Value Fund and the other accounts managed by the portfolio managers.
OTHER ACCOUNTS MANAGED BY PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF THE FUNDS AND POTENTIAL
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
There may be certain inherent conflicts of interest that arise in connection
with the portfolio managers' management of each fund's investments and the
investments of any other accounts they manage. Such conflicts could include
aggregation of orders for all accounts managed by a particular portfolio
manager, the allocation of purchases across all such accounts, the allocation of
IPOs and any soft dollar arrangements that the adviser may have in place that
could benefit the funds and/or such other accounts. The Board of Trustees has
adopted on behalf of the funds policies and procedures designed to address any
such conflicts of interest to ensure that all transactions are executed in the
best interest of the funds' shareholders. The adviser and subadviser are
required to certify their compliance with these procedures to the Board of
Trustees on a quarterly basis. There have been no material compliance issues
with respect to any of these policies and procedures during the funds' most
recent fiscal year. Also, there are no material conflicts of interest since
portfolio managers generally manage funds and other accounts having similar
investment strategies.
The following table provides information as of June 30, 2005 regarding any other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and portfolio management team members for each of the funds as named in the prospectus. As noted in the table, the portfolio managers managing the funds may also manage or be members of management teams for other mutual funds within the Phoenix Fund complex or other similar accounts.
NUMBER OF AND TOTAL ASSETS
NUMBER OF AND TOTAL OF OTHER NUMBER OF AND TOTAL
ASSETS OF REGISTERED POOLED INVESTMENT ASSETS OF OTHER
PORTFOLIO MANAGER INVESTMENT COMPANIES VEHICLES (PIVS) ACCOUNTS
----------------- -------------------- --------------- --------
Michal Bartek 1/$49 million 1/$95 million None
Ian Beattie 2/$62 million 3/$189 million 3/$251 million
Bruce Bottomley None None 23/$2.6 billion*
Brendan O. Bradley None None 12/$1.9 billion
John R. Chisholm 6/$1.2 billion 10/$900 million 29/6.19 billion
Matthew J. Cohen 1/$324 million 3/$585 million 9/$1.2 billion
Steven L. Colton 8/$1.8 billion None 4/$180 million
Greg W. Golden None None 7/$368 million
Mark Helderman None None 23/$2.6 billion*
Daniel Leary None None 23/$2.6 billion*
Jeff C. Moser None 1/$7.6 million 58/$1.6 billion
Raymond F. Mui None 9/$623 million 15/$1.8 billion**
Daniel L. Sido 4/$4.4 billion 4/466.7 million 32/$774.5 million
Brian K. Wolahan 5/$650 million 1/$92 million 28/$5.1 billion
Dong Hao Zhang 8/$1.8 billion None 4/$180 million
|
Note: Registered Investment Companies include all open and closed-end mutual funds. Pooled Investment Vehicles (PIVs) include, but are not limited to, securities of issuers exempt from registration under Section 3(c) of the Investment Company Act, such as private placements and hedge funds. Other accounts would include, but are not limited to, individual managed accounts, separate accounts, institutional accounts, pension funds, collateralized bond obligations and collateralized debt obligations.
* The advisory fee for one of these other accounts is based upon performance. Assets under management in this account total $1.5 billion.
** The advisory fee for two of these other accounts is based upon performance.
Assets under management in these accounts total $126.1 million.
Except as noted, the portfolio managers did not manage any accounts with respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account, nor do they manage any hedge funds.
OWNERSHIP OF FUND SECURITIES BY PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned as of June 30, 2005 by each portfolio manager in the Funds described in the Prospectus that he manages.
DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY SECURITIES BENEFICIALLY
PORTFOLIO MANAGER OWNED IN EACH FUND MANAGED
----------------- --------------------------
Michal Bartek None
Ian Beattie None
Bruce Bottomley Over $100,000/Mid-Cap Value
Brendan O. Bradley None
John R. Chisholm None
Matthew J. Cohen None
Steven L. Colton None
Greg W. Golden None
Mark Helderman $50,000 - $100,000/Mid-Cap Value
Daniel Leary Over $100,000/Mid-Cap Value
Jeff C. Moser None
Raymond F. Mui None
Daniel L. Sido None
Brian K. Wolahan None
Dong Hao Zhang None
|
Since the Pathfinder Fund, the Relative Value and the Total Value Fund have been in existence only since July 29, 2005, the portfolio managers for those Funds did not currently hold any shares in the Funds as of June 30, 2005, the Trust's most recent fiscal year end.
NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value per share of each Fund is determined as of the close of trading of the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") on days when the NYSE is open for trading. The NYSE will be closed on the following observed national holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Since the Funds do not price securities on weekends or United States national holidays, the value of the Funds' foreign assets may be significantly affected on days when the investor may not be able to purchase or sell shares of the Funds. The net asset value per share of each Fund is determined by adding the values of all securities and other assets of each Fund, subtracting liabilities, and dividing the result by the total number of outstanding shares of the Fund. Assets and liabilities are determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and applicable rules and regulations of the SEC. The total liability allocated to a class, plus that class' distribution fee and any other expenses allocated solely to that class, are deducted from the proportionate interest of such class in the assets of the Fund, and the resulting amount of each is divided by the number of shares of that class outstanding to produce the net asset value per share.
A security that is listed or traded on more than one exchange is valued at the official closing price on the exchange determined to be the primary exchange for such security by the Trustees or their delegates. Because of the need to obtain prices as of the close of trading on various exchanges throughout the world, the calculation of net asset value may not take place for the Funds which may invest in foreign securities contemporaneously with the determination of the prices of the majority of the portfolio securities of the Funds. All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currency values will be converted into United States dollar values at the mean between the bid and ask quotations of such currencies against United States dollars as last quoted by any recognized dealer. If an event were to occur after the value of an investment was so established but before the net asset value per share was determined, which was likely to materially change the net asset value, then the instrument would be valued using fair value considerations by the Trustees or their delegates. If at any time the Funds have investments where market quotations are not readily available, such investments are valued at the fair value thereof as determined in good faith by the Trustees, although the actual calculations may be made by persons acting according to policies and procedures approved by the Trustees.
HOW TO BUY SHARES
The minimum initial investment is $500 and the minimum subsequent investment is $25. However, both the minimum initial and subsequent investment amounts are $25 for investments pursuant to the "Investo-Matic" plan, a bank draft investing program administered by Distributor, or pursuant to the Systematic Exchange privilege or for an individual retirement account (the "IRA"). In addition, there are no subsequent investment minimum amounts in connection with the reinvestment of dividend or capital gain distributions. Completed applications for the purchase of shares should be mailed to: Phoenix Funds, c/o State Street Bank and Trust Company, P.O. Box 8301, Boston, MA 02266-8301.
The Funds have authorized one or more brokers to accept on their behalf purchase and redemption orders. Such brokers are authorized to designate other intermediaries to accept purchase and redemption orders on the Funds' behalf. The Funds will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when an authorized broker or, if applicable, a broker's authorized designee, accepts the order. Customer orders will be priced at the Funds' net asset value next computed after they are received by an authorized broker or the broker's authorized designee.
ALTERNATIVE PURCHASE AGREEMENTS
Shares may be purchased from investment dealers at a price equal to their net asset value per share, plus a sales charge which, at the election of the purchaser, may be imposed either (i) at the time of the purchase (the "initial sales charge alternative") or (ii) on a contingent deferred basis (the "deferred sales charge alternative"). Orders received by dealers prior to the close of trading on the NYSE are confirmed at the offer price effective at that time, provided the order is received by the Authorized Agent prior to its close of business.
The alternative purchase arrangements permit an investor to choose the method of purchasing shares that is more beneficial given the amount of the purchase, the length of time the investor expects to hold the shares, whether the investor wishes to receive distributions in cash or to reinvest them in additional shares of the Funds, and other circumstances. Investors should consider whether, during the anticipated life of their investment in the Fund, the accumulated continuing distribution and service fees and contingent deferred sales charges ("CDSC") on Class B Shares or Class C Shares would be less than the initial sales charge and accumulated distribution and service fees on Class A Shares purchased at the same time.
Dividends paid by the Funds, if any, with respect to each class of shares will be calculated in the same manner at the same time on the same day, except that fees such as higher distribution and services fees and any incremental transfer agency costs relating to each class of shares will be borne exclusively by that class. (See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes.")
As previously noted, the Mid-Cap Value Fund, Pathfinder Fund, Relative Value Fund and the Total Value Fund currently offer Class A and C Shares, the Worldwide Strategies Fund currently offers Class A, B and C Shares.
CLASS A SHARES OF THE FUNDS
Class A Shares incur a sales charge when they are purchased and enjoy the benefit of not being subject to any sales charge when they are redeemed. Class A Shares are subject to an ongoing distribution and services fees at an annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund's aggregate average daily net assets attributable to the Class A Shares. In addition, certain purchases of Class A Shares qualify for reduced initial sales charges. Shareholders of the Mid-Cap Value Fund who became shareholders through the reorganization of the FMI Sasco Contrarian Value Fund (the "Predecessor Fund") received Class A Shares of the Mid-Cap Value Fund in exchange for their shares of the Predecessor Fund and will not be required to pay a sales load for new purchases of Class A Shares of the Mid-Cap Value Fund.
CLASS B SHARES (WORLDWIDE STRATEGIES FUND ONLY)
Class B Shares do not incur a sales charge when they are purchased, but they are subject to a sales charge if they are redeemed within five years of purchase. The deferred sales charge may be waived in connection with certain qualifying redemptions.
Class B Shares are subject to an ongoing distribution and services fee at an aggregate annual rate of up to 1.00% of the Fund's aggregate average daily net assets attributable to the Class B Shares. Class B Shares enjoy the benefit of permitting all of the investor's dollars to work from the time the investment is made. The higher ongoing distribution and services fee paid by Class B Shares will cause such shares to have a higher expense ratio and to pay lower dividends, to the extent any dividends are paid, than those related to Class A Shares. Class B Shares will automatically convert to Class A Shares of the Fund eight years after the end of the calendar month in which the shareholder's order to purchase was accepted, in the circumstances and subject to the qualifications described in the Funds' prospectus. The purpose of the conversion feature is to relieve the holders of the Class B Shares that have been outstanding for a period of time sufficient for the adviser and the Distributor to have been compensated for distribution expenses related to the Class B Shares from most of the burden of such distribution related expenses.
Class B Shares include all shares purchased pursuant to the deferred sales charge alternative which would have been outstanding for less than the period ending eight years after the end of the month in which the shares were issued. At the end of this period, Class B Shares will automatically convert to Class A Shares and will no longer be subject to the higher distribution and services fee. Such conversion will be on the basis of the relative net asset value of the two classes without the imposition of any sales load, fee or other charge.
For purposes of conversion to Class A Shares, shares purchased through the reinvestment of dividends and distributions paid in respect of Class B Shares in a shareholder's Fund account will be considered to be held in a separate subaccount. Each time any Class B Shares in the shareholder's Fund account (other than those in the subaccount) convert to Class A Shares an equal pro rata portion of the Class B Share dividends in the subaccount will also convert to Class A Shares.
CLASS C SHARES OF THE FUNDS
Class C Shares are purchased without an initial sales charge but are subject to a deferred sales charge if redeemed within one year of purchase. The deferred sales charge may be waived in connection with certain qualifying redemptions. Shares issued in conjunction with the automatic reinvestment of income distributions and capital gain distributions are not subject to any sales charges. Class C Shares are subject to an ongoing distribution and services fee at an aggregate annual rate of up to 1.00% of the applicable Fund's aggregate average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares.
CLASS A SHARES--REDUCED INITIAL SALES CHARGES
Investors choosing Class A Shares may be entitled to reduced sales charges. The ways in which sales charges may be avoided or reduced are described below.(1)
QUALIFIED PURCHASERS. If you fall within any one of the following categories,
you will not have to pay a sales charge on your purchase of Class A Shares: (1)
trustee, director or officer of the Phoenix Funds, or any other mutual fund
advised, subadvised or distributed by the Adviser, Distributor or any of their
corporate affiliates; (2) any director or officer, or any full-time employee or
sales representative (for at least 90 days), of the Adviser, Subadviser (if any)
or Distributor; (3) any private client of an Adviser or Subadviser to any
Phoenix Fund; (4) registered representatives and employees of securities dealers
with whom the Distributor has sales agreements; (5) any qualified retirement
plan exclusively for persons described above; (6) any officer, director or
employee of a corporate affiliate of the Adviser or Distributor; (7) any spouse,
child, parent, grandparent, brother or sister of any person named in (1), (2),
(4) or (6) above; (8) employee benefit plans for employees of the Adviser,
Distributor and/or their corporate affiliates; (9) any employee or agent who
retires from PNX, the Distributor and/or their corporate affiliates; (10) any
account held in the name of a qualified employee benefit plan, endowment fund or
foundation if, on the date of the initial investment, the plan, fund or
foundation has assets of $10,000,000 or more or at least 100 eligible employees;
(11) any person with a direct rollover transfer of shares from an established
Phoenix Fund or qualified plan; (12) any Phoenix Life Insurance Company (or
affiliate) separate account which funds group annuity contracts offered to
qualified employee benefit plans; (13) any state, county, city, department,
authority or similar agency prohibited by law from paying a sales charge; (14)
any unallocated account held by a third party administrator, registered
investment adviser, trust company, or bank trust department which exercises
discretionary authority and holds the account in a fiduciary, agency, custodial
or similar capacity, if in the aggregate of such accounts held by such entity
equal or exceed $1,000,000; (15) any deferred compensation plan established for
the benefit of any Phoenix Fund trustee or director; provided that sales to
persons listed in (1) through (15) above are made upon the written assurance of
the purchaser that the purchase is made for investment purposes and that the
shares so acquired will not be resold except to the Fund; (16) purchasers of
Class A Shares bought through investment advisers and financial planners who
charge an advisory, consulting or other fee for their services and buy shares
for their own accounts or the accounts of their clients; (17) retirement plans
and deferred compensation plans and trusts used to fund those plans (including,
for example, plans qualified or created under Sections 401(a), 403(b) or 457 of
the Internal Revenue Code), and "rabbi trusts" that buy shares for their own
accounts, in each case if those purchases are made through a broker or agent or
other financial intermediary that has made special arrangements with the
Distributor for such purchases; (18) 401(k) participants in the Merrill Lynch
Daily K Plan (the "Plan") if the Plan has at least $3 million in assets or 500
or more eligible employees; or (19) clients of investment advisors or financial
planners who buy shares for their own accounts but only if their accounts are
linked to a master account of their investment advisor or financial planner on
the books and records of the broker, agent or financial intermediary with which
the Distributor has made such special arrangements. Each of the investors
described in (16) through (19) may be charged a fee by the broker, agent or
financial intermediary for purchasing shares.
COMBINATION PURCHASE PRIVILEGE. Your purchase of any class of shares of this or any other Affiliated Phoenix Fund (other than Phoenix Money Market Fund Class A Shares), if made at the same time by the same "person," will be added together with any existing Phoenix Fund account values to determine whether the combined sum entitles you to an immediate reduction in sales charges. A "person" is defined in this and the following sections as (a) any individual, their spouse and minor children purchasing shares for his or their own account (including an IRA account) including his or their own trust; (b) a trustee or other fiduciary purchasing for a single trust, estate or single fiduciary account (even though more than one beneficiary may exist); (c) multiple employer trusts or Section 403(b) plans for the same employer; (d) multiple accounts (up to 200) under a qualified employee benefit plan or administered by a third-party administrator; or (e) trust companies, bank trust departments, registered investment advisers, and similar entities placing orders or providing administrative services with respect to funds over which they exercise discretionary investment authority and which are held in a fiduciary, agency, custodial or similar capacity, provided all shares are held of record in the name, or nominee name, of the entity placing the order.
An "Affiliated Phoenix Fund" means any other mutual fund advised, subadvised or distributed by PIC or the Distributor or any corporate affiliate of either or both PIC and the Distributor provided such other mutual fund extends reciprocal privileges to shareholders of the Phoenix Funds.
LETTER OF INTENT. If you sign a Letter of Intent, your purchase of any class of shares of this or any other Affiliated Phoenix Fund (other than Phoenix Money Market Fund Class A Shares), if made by the same person within a thirteen-month period, will be added together to determine whether you are entitled to an immediate reduction in sales charges. Sales charges are reduced based on the overall amount you indicate that you will buy under the Letter of Intent. The Letter of Intent is a mutually non-binding arrangement between you and the Distributor. Since the Distributor doesn't know whether you will ultimately fulfill the Letter of Intent, shares worth 5% of the amount of each purchase will be set aside until you fulfill the Letter of Intent. When you buy enough shares to fulfill the Letter of Intent, these shares will no longer be restricted. If, on the other hand, you do not satisfy the Letter of Intent, or otherwise wish to sell any restricted shares, you will be given the choice of either buying enough shares to fulfill the Letter of Intent or paying the difference between any sales charge you previously paid and the otherwise applicable sales charge based on the intended aggregate purchases described in the Letter of Intent. You will be given 20 days to make this decision. If you do not exercise either election, the Distributor will automatically redeem the number of your restricted shares needed to make up the deficiency in sales charges received. The Distributor will redeem restricted Class A Shares before Class C Shares or Class B Shares of the Worldwide Strategies Fund, respectively. Oldest shares will be redeemed before selling newer shares. Any remaining shares will then be deposited to your account.
RIGHT OF ACCUMULATION. The value of your account(s) in any class of shares of this or any other Affiliated Phoenix Fund (other than Phoenix Money Market Fund Class A Shares), may be added together at the time of each purchase to determine whether the combined sum entitles you to a prospective reduction in sales charges. You must provide certain account information to the Distributor at the time of purchase to exercise this right.
ASSOCIATIONS. Certain groups or associations may be treated as a "person" and
qualify for reduced Class A Share sales charges. The group or association must:
(1) have been in existence for at least six months; (2) have a legitimate
purpose other than to purchase mutual fund shares at a reduced sales charge; (3)
work through an investment dealer; or (4) not be a group whose sole reason for
existing is to consist of members who are credit card holders of a particular
company, policyholders of an insurance company, customers of a bank or a
broker-dealer or clients of an investment adviser.
CLASS B SHARES (WORLDWIDE STRATEGIES FUND ONLY) AND CLASS C SHARES--WAIVER OF SALES CHARGES
The CDSC is waived on the redemption (sale) of Class B Shares and Class C
Shares if the redemption is made (a) within one year of death (i) of the sole
shareholder on an individual account, (ii) of a joint tenant where the surviving
joint tenant is the deceased's spouse, or (iii) of the beneficiary of a Uniform
Gifts to Minors Act ("UGMA"), Uniform Transfers to Minors Act ("UTMA") or other
custodial account; (b) within one year of disability, as defined in Code Section
72(m)(7); (c) as a mandatory distribution upon reaching age 70 1/2 under any
retirement plan qualified under Code Sections 401, 408 or 403(b) or resulting
from the tax-free return of an excess contribution to an IRA; (d) by 401(k)
plans using an approved participant tracking system for participant hardships,
death, disability or normal retirement, and loans which are subsequently repaid;
(e) from the Merrill Lynch Daily K Plan ("Plan") invested in Class B Shares, on
which such shares the Distributor has not paid the dealer the Class B sales
commission; (f) based on the exercise of exchange privileges among Class B
Shares and Class C Shares of this or any other Affiliated Phoenix Fund; (g)
based on any direct rollover transfer of shares from an established Affiliated
Phoenix Fund qualified plan into an Affiliated Phoenix Fund IRA by participants
terminating from the qualified plan; and (h) based on the systematic withdrawal
program (Class B Shares of the Worldwide Strategies Fund only). If, as described
in condition (a) above, an account is transferred to an account registered in
the name of a deceased's estate, the CDSC will be waived on any redemption from
the estate account occurring within one year of the death. If the Class B Shares
are not redeemed within one year of the death, they will remain subject to the
applicable CDSC when redeemed.
CONVERSION FEATURE--CLASS B SHARES (WORLDWIDE STRATEGIES FUND ONLY)
Class B Shares will automatically convert to Class A Shares of the same Fund eight years after they are bought. Conversion will be on the basis of the then prevailing net asset value for Class A Shares and Class B Shares. There is no sales load, fee or other charge for this feature. Class B Shares acquired through dividend or distribution reinvestments will be converted into Class A Shares at the same time that other Class B Shares are converted based on the proportion that the reinvested shares bear to purchased Class B Shares. The conversion feature is subject to the continuing availability of an opinion of counsel or a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") that the assessment of the higher distribution fees and associated costs with respect to Class B Shares does not result in any dividends or distributions constituting "preferential dividends" under the Code, and that the conversion of shares does not constitute a taxable event under federal income tax law. If the conversion feature is suspended, Class B Shares would continue to be subject to the higher distribution fee for an indefinite period. Even if the Funds were
unable to obtain such assurances, it might continue to make distributions if doing so would assist in complying with its general practice of distributing sufficient income to reduce or eliminate federal taxes otherwise payable by the Funds.
INVESTOR ACCOUNT SERVICES
The Funds offer accumulation plans, withdrawal plans and reinvestment and exchange privileges. Certain privileges may not be available in connection with all classes. In most cases, changes to account services may be accomplished over the phone. Inquiries regarding policies and procedures relating to shareholder account services should be directed to Mutual Fund Services at (800) 243-1574. Broker-dealers may impose their own restrictions and limits on accounts held through the broker-dealer. Please contact your broker-dealer for account restriction and limit information.
EXCHANGES
Under certain circumstances, shares of the Funds may be exchanged for shares of the same class of any other Affiliated Phoenix Fund on the basis of the relative net asset values per share at the time of the exchange. Class C Shares are also exchangeable for Class T Shares of those Phoenix Funds offering them. Exchanges are subject to the minimum initial investment requirement of the designated Fund, except if made in connection with the Systematic Exchange privilege. Shareholders may exchange shares held in book-entry form for an equivalent number (value) of the same class of shares of any other Affiliated Phoenix Fund, if currently offered. On exchanges with share classes that carry a contingent deferred sales charge, the CDSC schedule of the original shares purchased continues to apply. The exchange of shares is treated as a sale and purchase for federal income tax purposes (see also "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes"). Exchange privileges may not be available for all Phoenix Funds, and may be rejected or suspended.
SYSTEMATIC EXCHANGES. If the conditions above have been met, you or your broker may, by telephone or written notice, elect to have shares exchanged for the same class of shares of another Affiliated Phoenix Fund automatically on a monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual basis or may cancel this privilege at any time. If you maintain an account balance of at least $5,000, or $2,000 for tax-qualified retirement benefit plans (calculated on the basis of the net asset value of the shares held in a single account), you may direct that shares be automatically exchanged at predetermined intervals for shares of the same class of another Affiliated Phoenix Fund. This requirement does not apply to Phoenix "Self Security" program participants. Systematic exchanges will be executed upon the close of business on the 10th day of each month or the next succeeding business day. Exchanges will be based upon each Fund's net asset value per share next computed after the close of business on the 10th day of each month (or next succeeding business day), without sales charge. Systematic exchange forms are available from the Distributor.
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT ACROSS ACCOUNTS
If you maintain an account balance of at least $5,000, or $2,000 for tax-qualified retirement benefit plans (calculated on the basis of the net asset value of the shares held in a single account), you may direct that any dividends and distributions paid with respect to shares in that account be automatically reinvested in a single account of one of the other Affiliated Phoenix Funds at net asset value. You should obtain a current prospectus and consider the objectives and policies of each Phoenix Fund carefully before directing dividends and distributions to another Phoenix Fund. Reinvestment election forms and prospectuses are available from PEPCO. Distributions may also be mailed to a second payee and/or address. Requests for directing distributions to an alternate payee must be made in writing with a signature guarantee of the registered owner(s). To be effective with respect to a particular dividend or distribution, notification of the new distribution option must be received by the Transfer Agent at least three days prior to the record date of such dividend or distribution. If all shares in your account are repurchased or redeemed or transferred between the record date and the payment date of a dividend or distribution, you will receive cash for the dividend or distribution regardless of the distribution option selected.
INVEST-BY-PHONE
This expedited investment service allows a shareholder to make an investment in an account by requesting a transfer of funds from the balance of their bank account. Once a request is phoned in, PEPCO will initiate the transaction by wiring a request for monies to the shareholder's commercial bank, savings bank or credit union via Automated Clearing House (ACH). The shareholder's bank, which must be an ACH member, will in turn forward the monies to PEPCO for credit to the shareholder's account. ACH is a computer-based clearing and settlement operation established for the exchange of electronic transactions among participating depository institutions.
To establish this service, please complete an Invest-by-Phone Application and
attach a voided check if applicable. Upon PEPCO's acceptance of the
authorization form (usually within two weeks) shareholders may call toll free
(800) 367-5877 prior to 3:00 p.m. (New York time) to place their purchase
request. Instructions as to the account number and amount to be invested must be
communicated to PEPCO. PEPCO will then contact the shareholder's bank via ACH
with appropriate instructions. The purchase is normally credited to the
shareholder's account the day following receipt of the verbal instructions. This
service may also be used to request redemption of shares of the Money Market
Fund, the proceeds of which are transferred to the
shareholder's bank the second day following receipt of the verbal request. The Trust may delay the mailing of a check for redemption proceeds of Fund shares purchased with a check or via Invest-by-Phone service until the Funds have assured themselves that good payment has been collected for the purchase of the shares, which may take up to 15 days. The Funds and PEPCO reserve the right to modify or terminate the Invest-by-Phone service for any reason or to institute charges for maintaining an Invest-by-Phone account.
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PROGRAM
The Systematic Withdrawal Program (the "Program") allows you to periodically redeem a portion of your account on a predetermined monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual basis. A sufficient number of full and fractional shares will be redeemed so that the designated payment is made on or about the 20th day of the month. Shares are tendered for redemption by the Transfer Agent, as agent for the shareowner, on or about the 15th of the month at the closing net asset value on the date of redemption. The Program also provides for redemptions to be tendered on or about the 10th, 15th or 25th of the month with proceeds to be directed through ACH to your bank account. In addition to the limitations stated below, withdrawals may not be less than $25 and minimum account balance requirements shall continue to apply.
Shareholders participating in the Program must own shares of a Fund worth $5,000 or more, as determined by the then current net asset value per share, and elect to have all dividends reinvested. The purchase of shares while participating in the Program will ordinarily be disadvantageous to the Class A Shares investor since a sales charge will be paid by the investor on the purchase of Class A Shares at the time as other shares are being redeemed. For this reason, investors in Class A Shares may not participate in an automatic investment program while participating in the Program.
Through the Program, Class B shareholders and Class C shareholders may withdraw up to 1% of their aggregate net investments (purchases, at initial value, to date net of non-Program redemptions) each month or up to 3% of their aggregate net investment each quarter without incurring otherwise applicable contingent deferred sales charges. Class B shareholders and Class C shareholders redeeming more shares than the percentage permitted by the withdrawal program will be subject to any applicable contingent deferred sales charge on all shares redeemed. Accordingly, the purchase of Class B Shares or Class C Shares will generally not be suitable for an investor who anticipates withdrawing sums in excess of the above limits shortly after purchase.
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
Under the 1940 Act, payment for shares redeemed must ordinarily be made within seven days after tender. The right to redeem shares may be suspended and payment therefore postponed during periods when the NYSE is closed, other than customary weekend and holiday closings, or if permitted by rules of the SEC, during periods when trading on the NYSE is restricted or during any emergency which makes it impracticable for the Funds to dispose of their securities or to determine fairly the value of their net assets or during any other period permitted by order of the SEC for the protection of investors. Furthermore, the Transfer Agent will not mail redemption proceeds until checks received for shares purchased have cleared, which may take up to 15 days after receipt of the check. Redemptions by Class B and Class C shareholders will be subject to the applicable deferred sales charge, if any.
The Trust has authorized one or more brokers to receive on its behalf purchase and redemption orders. Such brokers are authorized to designate other intermediaries to accept purchase and redemption orders on the Funds' behalf. The Funds will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when an authorized broker or, if applicable, a broker's authorized designee, accepts the order. Customer orders will be priced at the Fund's net asset value next computed after they are received by an authorized broker or the broker's authorized designee.
A shareholder should contact his/her broker-dealer if he/she wishes to transfer shares from an existing broker-dealer street name account to a street name account with another broker-dealer. The Funds have no specific procedures governing such account transfers.
REDEMPTION OF SMALL ACCOUNTS
Each shareholder account in the Funds which has been in existence for at least one year and which has a value of less than $200 due to redemption activity may be redeemed upon the giving of not less than 60 days written notice to the shareholder mailed to the address of record. During the 60 day period following such notice, the shareholder has the right to add to the account to bring its value to $200 or more. (See the Funds' current Prospectus for more information.)
BY MAIL
Shareholders may redeem shares by making written request, executed in the full name of the account, directly to Phoenix Funds c/o State Street Bank and Trust Company, P.O. Box 8301, Boston, MA 02266-8301. However, when certificates for shares are in the possession of the shareholder, they must be mailed or presented, duly endorsed in the full name of the account, with a written request to PEPCO that the applicable Fund redeem the shares. (See the Funds' current Prospectus for more information.)
TELEPHONE REDEMPTIONS
Shareholders may redeem by telephone up to $50,000 worth of their shares held in book-entry form. (See the Funds' current Prospectus for additional information.)
REDEMPTION IN KIND
To the extent consistent with state and federal law, the Funds may make payment of the redemption price either in cash or in kind. However, the Funds have elected to pay in cash all requests for redemption by any shareholder of record, limited in respect to each shareholder during any 90-day period to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net asset value of the Funds at the beginning of such period. This election has been made pursuant to Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act and is irrevocable while the Rule is in effect unless the SEC, by order, permits the withdrawal thereof. In case of a redemption in kind, securities delivered in payment for shares would be readily marketable and valued at the same value assigned to them in computing the net asset value per share of the Funds. A shareholder receiving such securities would incur brokerage costs when selling the securities.
ACCOUNT REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE
Shareholders who may have overlooked features of their investment at the time they redeemed have the privilege of reinvesting their investment at net asset value. (See the Funds' current Prospectus for more information and conditions attached to this privilege.)
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
QUALIFICATION AS A REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY ("RIC")
The Funds are treated as separate entities for federal income tax purposes. The Funds have elected to qualify and intend to qualify as RICs under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). In each taxable year the Funds qualify as RICs, they (but not their shareholders) will be relieved of federal income tax on that portion of their net investment income and net capital gains that are currently distributed (or deemed distributed) to their shareholders. To the extent that the Funds fail to distribute all of their taxable income, they will be subject to corporate income tax (currently 35%) on any retained ordinary investment income or short-term capital gains, and corporate income tax (currently 35%) on any undistributed long-term capital gains.
The Funds intend to make timely distributions, if necessary, sufficient in amount to avoid the non-deductible 4% excise tax that is imposed on a RIC to the extent that it fails to distribute, with respect to each calendar year, at least 98% of its ordinary income for such calendar year and 98% of its net capital gains as determined for a one-year period ending on October 31 of such calendar year (or as determined on a fiscal year basis, if a Fund so elects). Notwithstanding the foregoing, there may be certain circumstances under which it would be appropriate for the Fund to pay the excise tax. In addition, an amount equal to any undistributed investment company taxable income or capital gain net income from the previous calendar year must also be distributed to avoid the excise tax. The excise tax is imposed on the amount by which the RIC does not meet the foregoing distribution requirements. If each Fund has taxable income that would be subject to the excise tax, each Fund intends to distribute such income so as to avoid payment of the excise tax.
The Code sets forth numerous criteria that must be satisfied in order for the Funds to qualify as RICs. Among these requirements, the Funds must meet the following tests for each taxable year: (a) derive in each taxable year at least 90% of their gross income from dividends, interest and gains from the sale or other disposition of securities; and (b) meet certain diversification requirements imposed under the Code at the end of each quarter of the taxable year. If in any taxable year the Funds do not qualify as a RIC, all of their taxable income will be taxed at corporate rates. In addition, if in any tax year the Funds do not qualify as a RIC for state tax purposes, a capital gain dividend may not retain its character in the hands of the shareholder for state tax purposes.
In addition to meeting the 90% test, in order to qualify as RICs, the Funds will be required to distribute annually to their shareholders as dividends (not including "capital gains dividends," discussed below) at least 90% of their ordinary investment income and short-term capital gains, with certain modifications. The Funds intend to make distributions to shareholders that will be sufficient to meet the 90% distribution requirement.
The Funds must also diversify their holdings so that, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the value of their total assets consists of cash, cash items, U.S. Government securities, and other securities limited generally with respect to any one issuer to not more than 5% of the total assets of that Funds and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of its assets is invested in the securities of any issuer (other than U.S. Government securities). The Funds intend to comply with all of the foregoing criteria for qualification as a RIC; however, there can be no assurance that the Funds will so qualify and continue to maintain their status as RICs. If the Funds were unable for any reason to maintain their status as a RIC for any taxable year, adverse tax consequences would ensue.
TAXATION OF SHAREHOLDERS
Under the Jobs and Growth Tax Reconciliation Act of 2003, certain qualified dividend income ("QDI") and long-term capital gains will be taxed at a lower tax rate (15%) for individual shareholders. The reduced rate applies to QDI from domestic corporations and certain qualified foreign corporations subject to various requirements and a minimum holding period by both the Funds and shareholders. Ordinary distributions made by the Funds to their shareholders are eligible for the reduced rate to the extent the underlying income in the Fund is QDI.
Distributions from ordinary investment income and net short-term capital gains will be taxed to the shareholders as ordinary dividend income to the extent of the earnings and profits of the Fund. Ordinary income dividends received by corporate shareholders will qualify for the 70% dividends-received deduction to the extent the Funds designate such amounts as qualifying dividend distributions; however, the portion that may be so designated is subject to certain limitations. Distributions by the Funds that are designated as capital gain distributions will be taxed to the shareholders as capital gains, and will not be eligible for the corporate dividends-received deduction.
Dividends declared by the Funds to shareholders of record in October, November or December will be taxable to such shareholders in the year that the dividend is declared, even if it is not paid until the following year (so long as it is actually paid by the Funds prior to February 1). Also, shareholders will be taxed on the amount of long-term capital gains designated by the Funds by written notice mailed to shareholders within 60 days after the close of the year, even if such amounts are not actually distributed to them. Shareholders will be entitled to claim a credit against their own federal income tax liability for taxes paid by the Funds on such undistributed gains, if any. If a shareholder receives a long-term capital dividend with respect to any share and such share is held for less than 6 months, any loss on sale or exchange of such share will be long-term capital loss to the extent of long-term capital dividend payments.
Dividends and capital gain distributions will be taxable to shareholders as described above whether received in cash or in shares under a Fund's distribution reinvestment plan. With respect to distributions received in cash or reinvested in shares purchased on the open market, the amount of the distribution for tax purposes will be the amount of cash distributed or allocated to the shareholder.
Shareholders should be aware that the price of shares of the Funds that are purchased prior to a dividend or distribution by the Funds may reflect the amount of the forthcoming dividend or distribution. Such dividend or distribution, when made, would be taxable to shareholders under the principles discussed above even though the dividend or distribution may reduce the net asset value of shares below a shareholder's cost and thus represent a return of a shareholder's investment in an economic sense.
A high portfolio turnover rate may result in the realization of larger amounts of short-term gains, which are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.
The Funds intend to accrue dividend income for federal income tax purposes in accordance with the rules applicable to RICs. In some cases, these rules may have the effect of accelerating (in comparison to other recipients of the dividend) the time at which the dividend is taken into account by the Funds as taxable income.
INCOME AND CAPITAL GAIN DISTRIBUTIONS ARE DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH INCOME TAX REGULATIONS WHICH MAY DIFFER FROM ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES GENERALLY ACCEPTED IN THE UNITED STATES.
TAXATION OF DEBT SECURITIES
The Funds may invest in certain debt securities that are originally issued or acquired at a discount. Special rules apply under the Code to the recognition of income with respect to such debt securities. Under the special rules, the Funds may recognize income for tax purposes without a corresponding current receipt of cash. In addition, gain on a disposition of a debt security subject to the special rules may be treated wholly or partially as ordinary income, not capital gain.
A Fund may invest in certain investments that may cause it to realize income prior to the receipt of cash distributions, including securities bearing original issue discount. The level of such investments is not expected to affect a Fund's ability to distribute adequate income to qualify as a RIC.
TAXATION OF DERIVATIVES
Many futures contracts entered into by the Funds and all listed non-equity
options written or purchased by the Funds (including covered call options
written on debt securities and options written or purchased on futures
contracts) will be governed by Section 1256 of the Code. Absent a tax election
to the contrary, gain or loss attributable to the lapse, exercise or closing out
of any such position will be treated as 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital
gain or loss, and on the last trading day of the Funds' fiscal year (and,
generally on October 31 for purposes of the 4% excise tax), all outstanding
Section 1256 positions will be marked to market (i.e., treated as if such
positions were closed out at their closing price on such day), with any
resulting gain or loss recognized as 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital
gain or loss. Under certain circumstances, entry into a futures
contract to sell a security may constitute a short sale for federal income tax purposes, causing an adjustment in the holding period of the underlying security or a substantially identical security in the Funds' portfolio.
Equity options written by the Funds (covered call options on portfolio stock) will be subject to the provisions under Section 1234 of the Code. If the Funds write a call option, no gain is recognized upon its receipt of a premium. If the option lapses or is closed out, any gain or loss is treated as a short-term capital gain or loss. If a call option is exercised, any resulting gain or loss is a short-term or long-term capital gain or loss depending on the holding period of the underlying stock.
Positions of the Funds which consist of at least one stock and at least one stock option or other position with respect to a related security which substantially diminishes the Funds' risk of loss with respect to such stock could be treated as a "straddle" which is governed by Section 1092 of the Code, the operation of which may cause deferral of losses, adjustments in the holding periods of stock or securities and conversion of short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses. An exception to these straddle rules exists for any "qualified covered call options" on stock options written by the Fund.
Positions of a Fund which consist of at least one debt security not governed by Section 1256 and at least one futures or currency contract or listed nonequity option governed by Section 1256 which substantially diminishes the Fund's risk of loss with respect to such debt security are treated as a "mixed straddle." Although mixed straddles are subject to the straddle rules of Section 1092 of the Code, certain tax elections exist for them which reduce or eliminate the operation of these rules. Each Fund will monitor these transactions and may make certain tax elections in order to mitigate the operation of these rules and prevent disqualification of the Fund as a RIC for federal income tax purposes.
These special tax rules applicable to options, futures and currency transactions could affect the amount, timing and character of a Fund's income or loss and hence of its distributions to shareholders by causing holding period adjustments, converting short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses, and accelerating a Fund's income or deferring its losses.
The tax consequences of certain investments and other activities that the Funds may make or undertake (such as, but not limited to, dollar roll agreements) are not entirely clear. While the Funds will endeavor to treat the tax items arising from these transactions in a manner which it believes to be appropriate, assurance cannot be given that the IRS or a court will agree with the Funds' treatment and that adverse tax consequences will not ensue.
TAXATION OF FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS
Under the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates which occur between the time a Fund accrues interest or other receivables or accrues expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time it actually collects such receivables or pays such liabilities generally are treated as ordinary gain or loss. Similarly, on disposition of debt securities denominated in a foreign currency and on disposition of certain futures contracts, forward contracts and options, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency between the date of acquisition of the security or contract and the date of disposition also are treated as ordinary gain or loss. These gains and losses, referred to under the Code as Section 988 gains or losses, may increase or decrease the amount of each Fund's investment company taxable income to be distributed to its shareholders as ordinary income. Section 988 of the Code provides special rules for foreign currency transactions under which foreign currency gains or losses from forward contracts, futures contracts that are not required to be marked-to-market and unlisted options generally will be treated as ordinary income or loss.
TAXATION OF FOREIGN INVESTMENTS
If a Fund invests in stock of certain passive foreign investment companies, the Fund may be subject to U.S. federal income taxation on a portion of any "excess distribution" with respect to, or gain from the disposition of, such stock. The tax would be determined by allocating such distribution or gain ratably to each day of the Fund's holding period for the stock. The distributions or gain so allocated to any taxable year of the Fund, other than the taxable year of the excess distribution or disposition, would be taxed to the Fund at the highest ordinary income rate in effect for such year, and the tax would be further increased by an interest charge to reflect the value of the tax deferral deemed to have resulted from the ownership of the foreign company's stock. Any amount of distribution or gain allocated to the taxable year of the distribution or disposition would be included in the Fund's investment company taxable income and, accordingly, would not be taxable to the Fund to the extent distributed by the Fund as a dividend to its shareholders. The Fund may elect to mark to market (i.e., treat as if sold at their closing market price on same day), its investments in passive foreign investment companies and avoid any tax and or interest charge on excess distributions.
A Fund may be subject to tax on dividend or interest income received from securities of non-U.S. issuers withheld by a foreign country at the source. The United States has entered into tax treaties with many foreign countries which entitle the Fund to a reduced rate of tax or exemption from tax on income. It is impossible to determine the effective rate of foreign tax in advance since the amount of the Fund's assets to be invested within various countries is not known. The Funds intend to operate so as to qualify for treaty tax benefits where applicable. If more than 50% of the value of a Fund's total assets at the close of its
taxable year is comprised of securities issued by foreign corporations, the Fund may elect with the IRS to "pass through" to the Fund's shareholders the amount of foreign income taxes paid by the Fund. If the Fund does elect to "pass through", each shareholder will be notified within 60 days after the close of each taxable year of the Fund if the foreign taxes paid by the Fund will "pass through" for that year, and, if so, the amount of each shareholder's pro rata share (by country) or (i) the foreign taxes paid and (ii) the Fund's gross income from foreign sources.
SALE OR EXCHANGE OF FUND SHARES
Gain or loss will be recognized by a shareholder upon the sale of his shares in the Fund or upon an exchange of his shares in the Fund for shares in another Fund. Provided that the shareholder is not a dealer in such shares, such gain or loss will generally be treated as capital gain or loss, measured by the difference between the adjusted basis of the shares and the amount realized therefrom. Under current law, capital gains (whether long-term or short-term) of individuals and corporations are fully includable in taxable income. Capital losses (whether long-term or short-term) may offset capital gains plus (for non-corporate taxpayers only) up to $3,000 per year of ordinary income.
Redemptions, including exchanges, of shares may give rise to recognized gains or losses, except as to those investors subject to tax provisions that do not require them to recognize such gains or losses. All or a portion of a loss realized upon the redemption, including exchanges, of shares may be disallowed under "wash sale" rules to the extent shares are purchased (including shares acquired by means of reinvested dividends) within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after such redemption. Any loss realized upon a shareholder's sale, redemption or other disposition of shares with a tax holding period of six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any distribution of long-term capital gains with respect to such shares.
Under certain circumstances, the sales charge incurred in acquiring shares of the Fund may not be taken into account in determining the gain or loss on the disposition of those shares. This rule applies where shares of the Fund are disposed of within 90 days after the date on which they were acquired and new shares of a RIC are acquired without a sales charge or at a reduced sales charge. In that case, the gain or loss realized on the disposition will be determined by excluding from the tax basis of the shares disposed of all or a portion of the sales charge incurred in acquiring those shares. This exclusion applies to the extent that the otherwise applicable sales charge with respect to the newly acquired shares is reduced as a result of the shareholder having incurred a sales charge initially. The portion of the sales charge affected by this rule will be treated as a sales charge paid for the new shares.
TAX INFORMATION
Written notices will be sent to shareholders regarding the tax status of all distributions made (or deemed to have been made) during each taxable year, including the amount of QDI for individuals, the amount qualifying for the corporate dividends-received deduction (if applicable) and the amount designated as capital gain dividends, undistributed capital gains (if any), tax credits (if applicable), and cumulative return of capital (if any).
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING TAXPAYER IRS CERTIFICATION
Pursuant to IRS Regulations, the Funds may be required to withhold a percentage of all reportable payments, including any taxable dividends, capital gains distributions or share redemption proceeds, at the rate in effect when such payments are made, for an account which does not have a taxpayer identification number or social security number and certain required certifications. The Funds reserve the right to refuse to open an account for any person failing to provide a taxpayer identification number along with the required certifications. The Funds will furnish shareholders, within 31 days after the end of the calendar year, with information which is required by the IRS for preparing income tax returns.
Some shareholders may be subject to withholding of federal income tax on dividends and redemption payments from the Funds ("backup withholding") at the rate in effect when such payments are made. Corporate shareholders and certain other shareholders specified in the Code generally are exempt from such backup withholding. Generally, shareholders subject to backup withholding will be (i) those for whom a certified taxpayer identification number is not on file with the Funds, (ii) those about whom notification has been received (either by the shareholder or the Funds) from the IRS that they are subject to backup withholding or (iii) those who, to the Fund's knowledge, have furnished an incorrect taxpayer identification number. Generally, to avoid backup withholding, an investor must, at the time an account is opened, certify under penalties of perjury that the taxpayer identification number furnished is correct and that he or she is not subject to backup withholding.
FOREIGN SHAREHOLDERS
Dividends paid by the Funds from net investment income and net realized short-term capital gains to a shareholder who is a nonresident alien individual, a foreign trust or estate, a foreign corporation or a foreign partnership (a "foreign shareholder") will be subject to U.S. withholding tax at a rate of 30% unless a reduced rate of withholding or a withholding exemption is provided
under applicable treaty law. Foreign shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors concerning the applicability of the U.S. withholding tax and any foreign taxes.
OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES
In addition to the federal income tax consequences, described above, applicable to an investment in a Fund, there may be state or local tax considerations and estate tax considerations applicable to the circumstances of a particular investor. The foregoing discussion is based upon the Code, judicial decisions and administrative regulations, rulings and practices, all of which are subject to change and which, if changed, may be applied retroactively to a Fund, its shareholders and/or its assets. No rulings have been sought from the IRS with respect to any of the tax matters discussed above.
The information included in the prospectus with respect to taxes, in conjunction with the foregoing, is a general and abbreviated summary of applicable provisions of the Code and Treasury regulations now in effect as currently interpreted by the courts and the IRS. The Code and these Regulations, as well as the current interpretations thereof, may be changed at any time by legislative, judicial, or administrative action. Accordingly, prospective purchasers are urged to consult their tax advisors with specific reference to their own tax situation, including the potential application of federal, state, local and foreign taxes.
The foregoing discussion of U.S. federal income tax law relates solely to the application of that law to U.S. persons, i.e., U.S. citizens and residents and U.S. corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates. Each shareholder who is not a U.S. person should consider the U.S. and foreign tax consequences of ownership of shares of the Funds, including the possibility that such a shareholder may be subject to a U.S. withholding tax on amounts constituting ordinary income received by him or her, where such amounts are treated as income from U.S. sources under the Code.
TAX SHELTERED RETIREMENT PLANS
Shares of the Trust are offered in connection with the following qualified
prototype retirement plans: IRA, Rollover IRA, SEP-IRA, SIMPLE, IRA, Roth IRA,
401(k), Profit-Sharing, Money Purchase Pension Plans and 403(b) Retirement
Plans. Write or call PEPCO (800) 243-4361 for further information about the
plans.
MERRILL LYNCH DAILY K PLAN
Class A Shares of a Fund are made available to Merrill Lynch Daily K Plan (the "Plan") participants at NAV without an initial sales charge if:
(i) the Plan is recordkept on a daily valuation basis by Merrill Lynch and, on the date the Plan Sponsor signs the Merrill Lynch Recordkeeping Service Agreement, the Plan has $3 million or more in assets invested in broker-dealer funds not advised or managed by Merrill Lynch Asset Management L.P. (MLAM) that are made available pursuant to a Service Agreement between Merrill Lynch and the fund's principal underwriter or distributor and in funds advised or managed by MLAM (collectively, the "Applicable Investments");
(ii) the Plan is recordkept on a daily valuation basis by an independent recordkeeper whose services are provided through a contract or alliance arrangement with Merrill Lynch, and, on the date the Plan Sponsor signs the Merrill Lynch Recordkeeping Service Agreement, the Plan has $3 million or more in assets, excluding money market funds, invested in Applicable Investments; or
(iii) the Plan has 500 or more eligible employees, as determined by a Merrill Lynch plan conversion manager, on the date the Plan Sponsor signs the Merrill Lynch Recordkeeping Service Agreement.
Alternatively, Class B Shares are made available to Plan participants at NAV without a CDSC if the Plan conforms with the requirements for eligibility set for in (i) through (iii) above but either does not meet the $3 million asset threshold or does not have 500 or more eligible employees.
Plans recordkept on a daily basis by Merrill Lynch or an independent recordkeeper under a contract with Merrill Lynch that are currently investing in Class B Shares convert to Class A Shares once the Plan has reached $5 million invested in Applicable Investments, or after the normal holding period of seven years from the initial date of purchase.
THE DISTRIBUTOR
PEPCO (or "Distributor"), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of The Phoenix Companies, Inc. ("PNX") and the sole owner of PIC, serves as distributor of the Funds. The address of the Distributor is One American Row, P.O. Box 5056, Hartford, Connecticut 06102-5056.
The Distributor conducts a continuous offering pursuant to a "best efforts" arrangement requiring it to take and pay for only such securities as may be sold to the public. Shares of the Funds may be purchased through investment dealers who have sales agreements with the Distributor. With respect to the Mid-Cap Value Fund during the fiscal year 2005 and the Worldwide Strategies Fund, during the fiscal years 2003, 2004 and 2005, purchasers of shares of the Funds paid aggregate sales charges of
$44,176, $37,814 and $818,853, respectively, of which the Distributor received net commissions of $17,205, $13,807 and $114,170, respectively, for its services, the balance being paid to dealers. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2005, the Distributor received net commissions of $99,126 for Class A Shares and deferred sales charges of $11,898 for Class B Shares and $3,146 for Class C Shares.
The Underwriting Agreement may be terminated at any time on not more than 60 days written notice, without payment of a penalty, by the Distributor, by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Funds, or by vote of a majority of the Trust's Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Trust and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Distribution Plans or in any related agreements. The Underwriting Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its "assignment," as defined in Section 2(a)(4) of the 1940 Act.
DEALER CONCESSIONS
Dealers with whom the Distributor has entered into sales agreements receive a discount or commission on purchases of Class A Shares as set forth below.
AMOUNT OF DEALER DISCOUNT
TRANSACTION SALES CHARGE AS PERCENTAGE OF SALES CHARGE AS PERCENTAGE OF OR AGENCY FEE AS
AT OFFERING PRICE OFFERING PRICE AMOUNT INVESTED PERCENTAGE OF OFFERING PRICE
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than $50,000 5.75% 6.10% 5.00%
$50,000 but under $100,000 4.75% 4.99% 4.25%
$100,000 but under $250,000 3.75% 3.90% 3.25%
$250,000 but under $500,000 2.75% 2.83% 2.25%
$500,000 but under $1,000,000 2.00% 2.04% 1.75%
$1,000,000 or more None None None
|
In addition to the dealer discount on purchases of Class A Shares, the Distributor intends to pay investment dealers a sales commission of 4% of the sale price of Class B shares and a sales commission of 1% of the sale price of Class C Shares sold by such dealers. This sales commission will not be paid to dealers for sales of the Class B Shares or Class C Shares purchased by 401(k) participants of the Merrill Lynch Daily K Plan due to a waiver of the CDSC for these Plan participants' purchases. Your broker, dealer or investment adviser may also charge you additional commissions or fees for their services in selling shares to you provided they notify the Distributor of their intention to do so.
Dealers and other entities who enter into special arrangements with the Distributor may receive compensation for the sale and promotion of shares of the Funds and/or for providing other shareholder services. Such fees are in addition to the sales commissions referenced above and may be used based upon the amount of sales of fund shares by a dealer; the provision of assistance in marketing of fund shares; access to sales personnel and information dissemination services; provision of recordkeeping and administrative services to qualified employee benefit plans; and other criteria as established by the Distributor. Depending on the nature of the services, these fees may be paid either from the Funds through distribution fees, service fees or transfer agent fees or in some cases, the Distributor may pay certain fees from its own profits and resources. From its own profits and resources, the Distributor does intend to: (a) from time to time pay special incentive and retention fees to qualified wholesalers, registered financial institutions and third party marketers; (b) pay broker-dealers an amount equal to 1% of the first $3 million of Class A Share purchases by an account held in the name of a qualified employee benefit plan with at least 100 eligible employees, 0.50% on the next $3 million, plus 0.25% on the amount in excess of $6 million; and (c) excluding purchases as described in (b) above, pay broker-dealers an amount equal to 1.00% of the amount of Class A Shares sold from $1,000,000 to $3,000,000, 0.50% on amounts of $3,000,001 to $10,000,000 and 0.25% on amounts greater than $10,000,000. If part or all of such investment described in (b) and (c) above, including investments by qualified employee benefit plans, is subsequently redeemed within one year of the investment date, the broker-dealer will refund to the Distributor such amounts paid with respect to the investment. In addition, the Distributor may pay the entire applicable sales charge on purchases of Class A shares to selected dealers and agents. Any dealer who receives more than 90% of a sales charge may be deemed to be an "underwriter" under the Securities Act of 1933. PEPCO reserves the right to discontinue or alter such fee payment plans at any time.
From its own resources or pursuant to the Plan, and subject to the dealers' prior approval, the Distributor may provide additional compensation to registered representatives of dealers in the form of travel expenses, meals, and lodging associated with training and educational meetings sponsored by the Distributor. The Distributor may also provide gifts amounting in value to less than $100, and occasional meals or entertainment, to registered representatives of dealers. Any such travel expenses, meals, lodging, gifts or entertainment paid will not be preconditioned upon the registered representatives' or dealers' achievement of a sales target. The Distributor may, from time-to-time, reallow the entire portion of the sales charge on Class A
shares which it normally retains to individual selling dealers. However, such additional reallowance generally will be made only when the selling dealer commits to substantial marketing support such as internal wholesaling through dedicated personnel, internal communications and mass mailings.
The Distributor has agreed to pay fees to certain distributors for preferred marketing opportunities. These arrangements may be viewed as creating a conflict of interest between these distributors and investors. Investors should make due inquiry of their selling agents to ensure that they are receiving the requisite point of sale disclosures and suitable recommendations free of any influence by reason of these arrangements.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
PEPCO also acts as administrative agent of the Funds and as such performs administrative, bookkeeping and pricing functions for the Funds. For its services, PEPCO will be paid a fee equal to the sum of (1) the documented cost of fund accounting and related services provided by PFPC Inc. ("PFPC"), as subagent, plus (2) the documented cost to PEPCO to provide financial reporting and tax services and to oversee the subagent's performance. The current fee schedule of PFPC is based upon the average of the aggregate daily net asset values of all funds serviced by PFPC, at the following incremental annual rates.
First $5 billion 0.060% $5 billion to $15 billion 0.050% Greater than $15 billion 0.030% |
Percentage rates are applied to the aggregate daily net asset value of all of the funds serviced by PFPC. Certain minimum fees may apply. Total fees paid by PEPCO to PFPC are allocated among all funds for which it serves as administrative agent on the basis of the relative net assets of each fund.
For its services to the Mid-Cap Value Fund for fiscal year ended June 30, 2005 and the Worldwide Strategies Fund for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2003, 2004 and 2005, PEPCO received fees totaling $119,277, $107,660 and $136,651, respectively.
DISTRIBUTION PLANS
The Trust has adopted a distribution plan for each class of shares (i.e., a plan for the Class A Shares, a plan for the Class B Shares of the Worldwide Strategies Fund, and a plan for the Class C Shares, collectively, the "Plans") in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Act, to compensate the Distributor for the services it provides and for the expenses it bears under the Underwriting Agreement. Each class of shares pays a service fee at a rate of 0.25% per annum of the average daily net assets of such class of the Fund and a distribution fee based on average daily net assets at the rates of 0.75% per annum for Class B Shares and 0.75% per annum for Class C Shares.
From the Service Fee the Distributor expects to pay a quarterly fee to qualifying broker-dealer firms, as compensation for providing personal services and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts, with respect to shares sold by such firms. In the case of shares of the Funds being sold to an affiliated fund of funds, fees payable under the Plans shall be paid to the distributor of the fund of funds. This fee will not exceed on an annual basis 0.25% of the average annual net asset value of such shares, and will be in addition to sales charges on Fund shares which are reallowed to such firms. To the extent that the entire amount of the Service Fee is not paid to such firms, the balance will serve as compensation for personal and account maintenance services furnished by the Distributor.
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2005 the Mid-Cap Value Fund and Worldwide Strategies Fund paid Rule 12b-1 Fees in the amount of $504,997 of which the Distributor received $129,401 and unaffiliated broker-dealers received $375,596. The Rule 12b-1 payments were used for (1) compensation to dealers, $728,481; (2) compensation to sales personnel, $452,155; (3) advertising, $90,570; (4) service costs, $35,902; (5) printing and mailing of prospectuses to other than current shareholders, $8,175; and (6) other, $37,264.
On a quarterly basis, the Trust's Trustees review a report on expenditures under the Plans and the purposes for which expenditures were made. The Trustees conduct an additional, more extensive review annually in determining whether the Plans will be continued. By their terms, continuation of the Plans from year to year is contingent on annual approval by a majority of the Trust's Trustees and by a majority of the Trustees who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plans or any related agreements (the "Plan Trustees"). The Plans provide that they may not be amended to increase materially the costs which the Funds may bear pursuant to the Plans without approval of the shareholders of the Funds and that other material amendments to the Plans must be approved by a majority of the Plan Trustees by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of considering such amendments. The Plans further provide that while they are in effect, the selection and nomination of Trustees who are not "interested persons" shall be committed to the discretion of the Trustees who are not "interested persons." The Plans may be terminated at any time by vote of a majority of the Plan Trustees or a majority of the outstanding shares of the Funds. The Trustees have concluded that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Plans will benefit the Funds and all classes of shareholders.
No interested person of the Funds and no Trustee who is not an interested person of the Funds, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act, had any direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plans.
The NASD regards certain distribution fees as asset-based sales charges subject to NASD sales load limits. The NASD's maximum sales charge rule may require the Trustees to suspend distribution fees or amend the Plans.
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST
The Trust is an open-end management investment company known as a mutual fund. The Trustees of the Trust ("Trustees") are responsible for the overall supervision of the Trust and perform the various duties imposed on Trustees by the 1940 Act and Delaware statutory trust law.
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
The Trustees are responsible for the overall management of the Funds, including establishing the Funds' policies, general supervision and review of their investment activities. The officers who administer the Funds' daily operations, are appointed by the Board of Trustees. The current Trustees and officers of the Trust performing a policy-making function and their affiliations and principal occupations for the past five years are set forth below. Unless otherwise noted, the address of each individual is 56 Prospect Street, Hartford, Connecticut 06115-0480. There is no stated term of office for Trustees of the Trust, except for Messrs. Dill and Romans who are each serving a two-year term expiring in 2006.
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
NUMBER OF
PORTFOLIOS
IN FUND
COMPLEX PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S)
NAME, ADDRESS AND LENGTH OF OVERSEEN BY DURING PAST 5 YEARS AND
DATE OF BIRTH TIME SERVED TRUSTEE OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS HELD BY TRUSTEE
------------- ----------- ------- -----------------------------------
E. Virgil Conway Served since 52 Chairman, Rittenhouse Advisors, LLC (consulting firm)
Rittenhouse Advisors, LLC 1988. (2001-present). Trustee/Director, Phoenix Funds Complex
101 Park Avenue (1983-present). Trustee/Director, Realty Foundation of New
New York, NY 10178 York (1972-present), Josiah Macy, Jr. Foundation
DOB: 8/2/29 (Director/Trustee) (1975-2004) (Honorary) (2004-present),
Pace University (Director/Trustee) (1978-2003) (Director/Trustee
Emeritus) (2003-present), Greater New York Councils, Boy Scouts of
America (1985-present), The Academy of Political Science (Vice
Chairman) (1985-present), Urstadt Biddle Property Corp.
(1989-present), Colgate University (Trustee Emeritus)
(2004-present). Director/Trustee, The Harlem Youth Development
Foundation, (Chairman) (1998-2002), Metropolitan Transportation
Authority (Chairman) (1992-2001), Trism, Inc. (1994-2001),
Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. (1970-2002),
Atlantic Mutual Insurance Company (1974-2002), Centennial
Insurance Company (1974-2002), Union Pacific Corp. (1978-2002),
BlackRock Freddie Mac Mortgage Securities Fund (Advisory Director)
(1990-2000), Accuhealth (1994-2002), New York Housing Partnership
Development Corp. (Chairman) (1981-2003).
Harry Dalzell-Payne Served since 52 Retired. Trustee/Director, Phoenix Funds Complex (1983-present).
The Flat, Elmore Court 1988.
Elmore, GL05, GL2 3NT U.K.
DOB: 8/9/29
S. Leland Dill Served since 50 Retired. Trustee, Phoenix Funds Family (1989-present).
7721 Blue Heron Way 2004. Trustee, Scudder Investments (55 portfolios) (1986-present).
West Palm Beach, FL 33412 Director, Coutts & Co. Trust Holdings Limited (1991-2000),
DOB: 3/28/30 Coutts & Co. Group (1991-2000) and Coutts & Co.
International (USA) (private banking) (1991-2000).
|
NUMBER OF
PORTFOLIOS
IN FUND
COMPLEX PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S)
NAME, ADDRESS AND LENGTH OF OVERSEEN BY DURING PAST 5 YEARS AND
DATE OF BIRTH TIME SERVED TRUSTEE OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS HELD BY TRUSTEE
------------- ----------- ------- -----------------------------------
Francis E. Jeffries Served since 53 Director, The Empire District Electric Company (1984-2004).
8477 Bay Colony Dr. #902 1995. Trustee/Director, Phoenix Funds Complex (1987-present).
Naples, FL 34108
DOB: 9/23/30
Leroy Keith, Jr. Served since 50 Partner, Stonington Partners, Inc. (private equity fund)
Stonington Partners, Inc. 1993. (2001-present). Director/Trustee, Evergreen Funds (six
736 Market Street, Ste. 1430 portfolios). Trustee, Phoenix Funds Family (1980-present).
Chattanooga, TN 37402 Director, Diversapak (2002-present), Obaji Medical Products
DOB: 2/14/39 Company (2002-present). Director, Lincoln Educational
Services (2002-2004). Chairman, Carson Products Company
(cosmetics) (1998-2000).
Geraldine M. McNamara Served since 52 Managing Director, U.S. Trust Company of New York (private
U.S. Trust Company of NY 2001. bank) (1982-present). Trustee/Director, Phoenix Funds
11West 54th Street Complex (2001-present).
New York, NY 10019
DOB: 4/17/51
Everett L. Morris Served since 52 Retired. Trustee/Director, Phoenix Funds Complex
164 Laird Road 1995. (1991-present). Director, W.H. Reaves Utility Income Fund
Colts Neck, NJ 07722 (2004-present). Vice President, W.H. Reaves and Company
DOB: 5/26/28 (investment management) (1993-2003).
James M. Oates* Served since 50 Chairman, Hudson Castle Group, Inc. (Formerly IBEX Capital
c/o Northeast Partners 1993. Markets, Inc.) (financial services) (1997-present). Trustee,
150 Federal Street, Ste. 1000 Phoenix Funds Family (1987-present). Managing Director,
Boston, MA 02109 Wydown Group (consulting firm) (1994-present). Director,
Trustee Investors Financial Service Corporation (1995-present),
DOB: 5/31/46 Investors Bank & Trust Corporation (1995-present), Stifel
Financial (1996-present), Connecticut River Bancorp
(1998-present), Connecticut River Bank (1999-present), Trust
Company of New Hampshire (2002-present). Chairman, Emerson
Investment Management, Inc. (2000-present).
Director/Trustee, AIB Govett Funds (six portfolios)
(1991-2000), Command Systems, Inc. (1998-2000), Phoenix
Investment Partners, Ltd. (1995-2001), 1Mind, Inc. (formerly
1Mind.com) (2000-2002), Plymouth Rubber Co. (1995-2003).
Director and Treasurer, Endowment for Health, Inc.
(2000-2004). Independent Chairman (since 2005), Trustee
(since 2004), John Hancock Trust. Trustee (since 2005), John
Hancock Funds II and John Hancock Funds III.
Donald B. Romans Served since 50 Retired. President, Romans & Company (private investors and
39 S. Sheridan Road 2004. financial consultants) (1987-2003). Trustee, Phoenix Funds
Lake Forest, IL 60045 Family (1985-present). Trustee, Burnham Investors Trust
DOB: 4/22/31 (five portfolios) (1967-2003).
Richard E. Segerson Served since 50 Managing Director, Northway Management Company (1998-present).
Northway Management Company 1988. Trustee, Phoenix Funds Family (1983-present).
164 Mason Street
Greenwich, CT 06830
DOB: 2/16/46
|
NUMBER OF
PORTFOLIOS
IN FUND
COMPLEX PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S)
NAME, ADDRESS AND LENGTH OF OVERSEEN BY DURING PAST 5 YEARS AND
DATE OF BIRTH TIME SERVED TRUSTEE OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS HELD BY TRUSTEE
------------- ----------- ------- -----------------------------------
Ferdinand L.J. Verdonck Served since 50 Director, Banco Urquijo (Chairman) (1998-present). Trustee,
Nederpolder, 7 2004. Phoenix Funds Family (2002-present). Director, EASDAQ
B-9000 Gent, Belgium (Chairman) (2001-present), The JP Morgan Fleming Continental
DOB: 7/30/42 European Investment Trust (1998-present), Groupe SNEF
(1998-present), Degussa Antwerpen N.V. (1998-present),
Santens N.V. (1999-present). Managing Director, Almanij N.V.
(1992-2003). Director, KBC Bank and Insurance Holding
Company (Euronext) (1992-2003), KBC Bank (1992-2003), KBC
Insurance (1992-2003), Kredietbank, S.A. Luxembourgeoise
(1992-2003), Investco N.V. (1992-2003), Gevaert N.V.
(1992-2003), Fidea N.V. (1992-2003), Almafin N.V.
(1992-2003), Centea N.V. (1992-2003), Dutch Chamber of
Commerce for Belgium and Luxemburg (1995-2001), Phoenix
Investment Partners, Ltd. (1995-2001).
Lowell P. Weicker, Jr. Served since 50 Director, Compuware (1996-present), WWE, Inc.
P.O. Box 849 1995. (2000-present), Medallion Financial New York (2003-present).
7 Little Point Street President, The Trust for America's Health (non-profit)
Essex, CT 06426 (2001-present). Trustee, Phoenix Funds Family
DOB: 5/16/31 (1995-present). Director, UST, Inc. (1995-2004), HPSC Inc.
(1995-2004).
|
* Mr. Oates is a Director and Chairman of the Board and a shareholder of Hudson Castle Group, Inc. (formerly IBEX Capital Markets, Inc.) ("Hudson"), a privately owned financial services firm. Phoenix Investment Partners, Ltd., an affiliate of the adviser, owns approximately 1% of the common stock of Hudson and Phoenix Life Insurance Company ("Phoenix Life") also an affiliate, owns approximately 8% of Hudson's common stock.
INTERESTED TRUSTEES
Each of the individuals listed below is an "interested person" of the Trust, as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.
NUMBER OF
PORTFOLIOS IN
FUND COMPLEX PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S)
NAME, ADDRESS, POSITION(S) WITH LENGTH OF TIME OVERSEEN BY DURING PAST 5 YEARS AND
TRUST AND DATE OF BIRTH SERVED TRUSTEE OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS HELD BY TRUSTEE
----------------------- ------ ------- -----------------------------------
*Marilyn E. LaMarche Served since 50 Limited Managing Director, Lazard Freres & Co. LLC
Lazard Freres & Co. LLC 2002. (1983-present). Trustee, Phoenix Funds Family
30 Rockefeller Plaza, (2002-present). Director, The Phoenix Companies, Inc.
59th Floor (2001-2005) and Phoenix Life Insurance Company
New York, NY 10020 (1989-2005).
Trustee
DOB: 5/11/34
|
NUMBER OF
PORTFOLIOS IN
FUND COMPLEX PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S)
NAME, ADDRESS, POSITION(S) WITH LENGTH OF TIME OVERSEEN BY DURING PAST 5 YEARS AND
TRUST AND DATE OF BIRTH SERVED TRUSTEE OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS HELD BY TRUSTEE
----------------------- ------ ------- -----------------------------------
**Philip R. McLoughlin Served since 74 Director, PXRE Corporation (Reinsurance) (1985-present),
Chairman 1993. World Trust Fund (1991-present). Trustee/Director,
DOB: 10/23/46 Phoenix Funds Complex (1989-present). Management
Consultant (2002-2004), Chairman (1997-2002), Chief
Executive Officer (1995-2002) and Director (1995-2002),
Phoenix Investment Partners, Ltd. Director and Executive
Vice President, The Phoenix Companies, Inc. (2000-2002).
Director (1994-2002) and Executive Vice President,
Investments (1987-2002), Phoenix Life Insurance Company.
Director (1983-2002) and Chairman (1995-2002), Phoenix
Investment Counsel, Inc. Director (1982-2002), Chairman
(2000-2002) and President (1990-2000), Phoenix Equity
Planning Corporation. Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer, Phoenix/Zweig Advisers LLC (1999-2002).
Director (2001-2002) and President (April 2002-September
2002), Phoenix Investment Management Company. Director
and Executive Vice President, Phoenix Life and Annuity
Company (1996-2002). Director (1995-2000) and Executive
Vice President (1994-2002) and Chief Investment Counsel
(1994-2002), PHL Variable Insurance Company. Director,
Phoenix National Trust Holding Company (2001-2002).
Director (1985-2002) and Vice President (1986-2002) and
Executive Vice President (April 2002-September 2002), PM
Holdings, Inc. Director, WS Griffith Associates, Inc.
(1995-2002). Director, WS Griffith Securities, Inc.
(1992-2002).
|
* Ms. LaMarche is an "interested person," as defined in the 1940 Act, by reason of her former position as Director of The Phoenix Companies, Inc. and Phoenix Life Insurance Company.
** Mr. McLoughlin is an "interested person," as defined in the 1940 Act, by reason of his former relationship with Phoenix Investment Partners, Ltd., and its affiliates.
OFFICERS OF THE TRUST WHO ARE NOT TRUSTEES
POSITION(S) HELD
NAME, ADDRESS AND WITH TRUST AND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S)
DATE OF BIRTH LENGTH OF TIME SERVED DURING PAST 5 YEARS
------------- --------------------- -------------------
Daniel T. Geraci President since 2004. Executive Vice President, Asset Management, The Phoenix Companies,
DOB: 6/12/57 Inc. (2003-present). President and Chief Executive Officer, Phoenix
Investment Partners, Ltd. (2003-present). President, certain funds within
the Phoenix Fund Complex (2004-present). President and Chief Executive
Officer of North American Investment Operations, Pioneer Investment
Management USA, Inc. (2001-2003). President of Private Wealth Management
Group (2000-2001), Executive Vice President of Distribution and Marketing
for Fidelity Canada (1996-1998), Fidelity Investments.
|
POSITION(S) HELD
NAME, ADDRESS AND WITH TRUST AND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S)
DATE OF BIRTH LENGTH OF TIME SERVED DURING PAST 5 YEARS
------------- --------------------- -------------------
George R. Aylward Executive Vice Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Asset Management
DOB: 8/17/64 President since (2004-present), Vice President (2001-2004), The Phoenix Companies, Inc.
2004. Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (2004-present), Vice
President, Finance (2001-2002), Assistant Controller (1996-2001), Phoenix
Investment Partners, Ltd. Executive Vice President, certain funds within
the Phoenix Fund Complex (2004-present). Vice President, Phoenix Life
Insurance Company (2002-2004).
Francis G. Waltman Senior Vice Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Phoenix Investment
DOB: 7/27/62 President since Partners, Ltd. (2003-present). Senior Vice President and Chief
2004. Administrative Officer, Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation (1999-2004).
Senior Vice President, certain funds within the Phoenix Fund Complex
(2004-present).
Marc Baltuch Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, Zweig-DiMenna Associates LLC (1989-present).
900 Third Avenue Chief Compliance Vice President and Compliance Officer, certain funds in the Phoenix
New York, NY 10022 Officer since 2004. Fund Family (2004-present). Vice President, The Zweig Total Return
DOB: 9/23/45 Fund, Inc. and The Zweig Fund, Inc. (2004-present). President and
Director, Watermark Securities, Inc. (1991-present). Assistant Secretary,
Gotham Advisors Inc. (1990-present). Secretary, Phoenix-Zweig Trust
(1989-2003) and Secretary, Phoenix-Euclid Market Neutral Fund
(1999-2002).
Kevin J. Carr Vice President, Vice President and Counsel, Phoenix Life Insurance Company (May
One American Row Counsel, Chief Legal 2005-present). Vice President, Counsel, Chief Legal Officer and
Hartford, CT 06102 Officer and Secretary, certain funds within the Phoenix Fund Complex (May
DOB: 8/30/54 Secretary since 2005. 2005-present). Compliance Officer of Investments and Counsel,
Travelers Life and Annuity Company (Jan 2005-May 2005). Assistant
General Counsel, The Hartford Financial Services Group (1999-2005).
Nancy G. Curtiss Chief Financial Vice President, Operations (2003-Present),Vice President, Fund
DOB: 11/24/52 Officer since 2005 Accounting (1994-2003) and Treasurer (1996-present), Phoenix Equity
and Treasurer since Planning Corporation. Treasurer (1994-present), Chief Financial
1996. Officer (2005-present), certain funds within the Phoenix Fund Complex.
|
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
The Board of Trustees has established several standing committees to oversee particular aspects of the Funds' management.
The Audit Committee. The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the Funds' accounting and auditing policies and practices. The Audit Committee reviews the Funds' financial reporting procedures, their system of internal control, the independent audit process, and the Funds' procedures for monitoring compliance with investment restrictions and applicable laws and regulations and with the Code of Ethics. The Audit Committee is composed entirely of Independent Trustees; its members are E. Virgil Conway, Harry Dalzell-Payne, Francis E. Jeffries, Geraldine M. McNamara, Everett L. Morris, James M. Oates, Richard E. Segerson and Lowell P. Weicker, Jr. The Committee met four times during the Trust's last fiscal year.
The Executive and Compliance Committee. The function of the Executive and Compliance Committee is to serve as a contract review, compliance review and performance review delegate of the full Board of Trustees, as well as to act on behalf of the Board when it is not in session, subject to limitations as set by the Board. Its members are E. Virgil Conway, Harry Dalzell-Payne, Philip R. McLoughlin, Geraldine M. McNamara, Everett L. Morris and James M. Oates. The committee met 10 times during the Trust's last fiscal year. Each of the members is an independent trustee, except Mr. McLoughlin, who is an interested trustee.
The Governance and Nominating Committee. The Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for developing and maintaining governance principles applicable to the Funds, for nominating individuals to serve as Trustees, including as
Independent Trustees and annually evaluating the Board and Committees. The Governance and Nominating Committee is composed entirely of Independent Trustees; its members are E. Virgil Conway, Harry Dalzell-Payne, Leroy Keith, Jr., Geraldine M. McNamara, Everett L. Morris, Ferdinand L.J. Verdonck and Lowell P. Weicker, Jr. The Committee met three times during the Trust's last fiscal year.
The Committee has adopted a policy for consideration of Trustee nominees recommended by shareholders. With regards to such policy, an individual shareholder submitting a nomination must hold for at least one full year 5% of the shares of a series of the Trust. Shareholder nominees for Trustee will be given the same consideration as any other candidate provided the nominee meets certain minimum requirements.
COMPENSATION
Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust receive an annual retainer and fees and expenses for attendance at Board and Committee meetings. Officers of the Trust and Trustees who are interested persons of the Trust receive no compensation directly from the Trust for performing the duties of their offices, but are compensated for their services by the adviser. The Trust does not have any retirement plan for its Trustees.
For the Trust's fiscal year ended June 30, 2005, the Trustees received the following compensation:
TOTAL COMPENSATION
FROM TRUST AND
AGGREGATE FUND COMPLEX
COMPENSATION 74 FUNDS)
NAME OF TRUSTEE FROM TRUST PAID TO TRUSTEES
--------------- ---------- ----------------
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
--------------------
E. Virgil Conway $5,636 $194,250
Harry Dalzell-Payne $4,983 $180,750
S. Leland Dill $3,754 $ 73,000
Francis E. Jeffries $3,570* $123,000
Leroy Keith, Jr. $3,664 $ 70,500
Geraldine M. McNamara $4,698* $180,750
Everett L. Morris $5,435* $198,750
James M. Oates $5,998 $121,011
Donald B. Romans $3,754 $ 73,000
Richard E. Segerson $4,187* $ 82,000
Ferdinand L.J. Verdonck $1,963 $ 33,011
Lowell P. Weicker, Jr. $4,230 $ 83,500
INTERESTED TRUSTEES
-------------------
Marilyn E. LaMarche $3,243 $ 68,011
Philip R. McLoughlin $5,714 $140,000
----------------------
|
* This compensation or a portion thereof, (and the earnings thereon) was deferred pursuant to the Deferred Compensation Plan. At September 30, 2005, the total amount of deferred compensation (including interest and other accumulation earned on the original amounts deferred) accrued for those Trustees who are participating or have participated in the Deferred Compensation Plan are as follows: Mr. Jeffries, $512,232.25, Ms. McNamara, $251,126.04, Mr. Morris, $485,282.12 and Mr. Segerson, $115,100.11, respectively. At present, by agreement among the Trust, Phoenix Investment Partners, Ltd. ("PXP") and the electing Trustee, Trustee fees that are deferred are paid by the Trust to PXP. The liability for the deferred compensation obligation appears only as a liability of PXP, and not of the Trust.
TRUSTEE OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES
Set forth in the table below is the dollar range of equity securities owned by each Trustee as of December 31, 2004:
AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE OF
DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY TRUSTEE OWNERSHIP IN ALL FUNDS
NAME OF TRUSTEE SECURITIES IN THE MID-CAP SECURITIES IN WORLDWIDE OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE IN FAMILY OF
--------------- VALUE FUND STRATEGIES FUND INVESTMENT COMPANIES
---------- --------------- --------------------
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
--------------------
E. Virgil Conway None None Over $100,000
Harry Dalzell-Payne None None None
S. Leland Dill None None $50,001-$100,000
Francis E. Jeffries None None Over $100,000
Leroy Keith, Jr. None None None
Geraldine M. McNamara None None Over $100,000
Everett L. Morris None None Over $100,000
James M. Oates None None Over $100,000
Donald B. Romans None None Over $100,000
Richard E. Segerson None None Over $100,000
Ferdinand L.J. Verdonck None None None
Lowell P. Weicker, Jr. None None None
INTERESTED TRUSTEES
-------------------
Marilyn E. LaMarche None None None
Philip R. McLoughlin None None Over $100,000
|
On September 26, 2005, the Trustees and officers of the Funds beneficially owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of any of the Funds. Since the Pathfinder, Relative Value and Total Value Funds have been in existence only since July 29, 2005, the table above does not include these funds.
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
The following table sets forth information as of September 26, 2005 with respect to each person who owns of record or is known by the Trust to own of record or beneficially own 5% or more of any class of the Fund's equity securities:
PERCENTAGE NUMBER
NAME OF SHAREHOLDER CLASS OF SHARES OF CLASS OF SHARES
------------------- --------------- -------- ---------
Mid-Cap Value
Class A 8.33% 596,766.391
MLPF&S for the Sole Benefit of its Mid-Cap Value
Customers Class C 31.95% 1,028,215.641
Attn: Fund Administration Relative Value
4800 Deer Lake Drive E 3rd Fl. Class C 61.09% 15,701.244
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484 Worldwide Strategies
Class C 10.49% 41,209.943
NFS LLC FEBO Worldwide Strategies
FIIOC as Agent for Class A 5.10% 577,399.078
Qualified Employee Benefit
Plans (401k) FINOPS-IC Funds
100 Magellan Way KW1C
Covington, KY 41015-1987
|
PERCENTAGE NUMBER
NAME OF SHAREHOLDER CLASS OF SHARES OF CLASS OF SHARES
------------------- --------------- -------- ---------
Phoenix Life Insurance Company Pathfinder
c/o Matthew Pagliaro Class A 100.00% 190,000.000
One American Row 3rd Fl. Relative Value
Hartford, CT 06103-2833 Class A 95.75% 190,000.000
Relative Value
Class C 38.91% 10,000.000
Total Value
Class A 21.98% 570,000.000
Total Value
Class C 100.00% 30,000.000
Phoenix Wealth Builder Total Value
PHOLIO Class A 55.50% 1,439,519.074
Attn: Chris Wilkos
Shareholder Services Dept.
c/o Phoenix Equity Planning
101 Munson St.
Greenfield, MA 01301-9684
Phoenix Wealth Guardian PHOLIO Total Value 21.05% 545,819.731
Attn: Chris Wilkos Class A
Shareholder Services Dept.
c/o Phoenix Equity Planning
101 Munson St.
Greenfield, MA 01301-9684
|
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
CAPITAL STOCK AND ORGANIZATION
The Trust was originally incorporated in New York in 1956 and on January 13, 1992 was reorganized as a Massachusetts business trust under the name of "National Worldwide Opportunities Fund." The Trust's name was changed on June 30, 1993 to "Phoenix Worldwide Opportunities Fund" to reflect the purchase of the former adviser by The Phoenix Companies, Inc. and the affiliation with the other Phoenix Funds. Effective December 16, 1998, the Trust's name was changed to Phoenix-Aberdeen Worldwide Opportunities Fund. The Trust was reorganized as a Delaware statutory trust in October 2000. Effective June 28, 2004, the Trust changed its name to Phoenix Equity Trust.
The capitalization of the Trust consists solely of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest. The Trust currently offers shares in five series which have different classes. Holders of shares of each Fund have equal rights with regard to voting, redemptions, dividends, distributions, and liquidations with respect to that Fund. Shareholders vote on the election of Trustees. On matters affecting an individual class (such as approval of matters relating to a Plan of Distribution for a particular class of shares), a separate vote of that class is required. The Trust does not hold regular meetings of shareholders. The Trustees will call a meeting when at least 10% of the outstanding shares so request in writing. If the Trustees fail to call a meeting after being so notified, the Shareholders may call the meeting. The Trustees will assist the shareholders by identifying other shareholders or mailing communications, as required under Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act.
Shares are fully paid, no assessable, redeemable and fully transferable when they are issued. Shares do not have cumulative voting rights, preemptive rights or subscription rights. The assets received by the Trust for the issue or sale of shares of the Funds, and any class thereof and all income, earnings, profits and proceeds thereof, are allocated to the Funds, and classes, respectively, subject only to the rights of creditors, and constitute the underlying assets of the Funds or classes. The underlying assets of the Funds are required to be segregated on the books of account, and are to be charged with the expenses in respect to the Funds and with a share of the general expenses of the Trust. Any general expenses of the Trust not readily identifiable as belonging to a particular class will be allocated by or under the direction of the Trustees as they determine fair and equitable.
Unlike the stockholders of a corporation, there is a possibility that the shareholders of a statutory trust such as the Trust may be personally liable for debts or claims against the Trust. The Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides that shareholders shall not be subject to any personal liability for the acts or obligations of the Trust. The Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification out of the Trust property for all losses and expenses of any shareholder held personally liable for the
obligations of the Trust. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability, which is considered remote, is limited to circumstances in which the Trust itself would be unable to meet its obligations.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 125 High Street, Boston MA 02110, serves as the
independent registered public accounting firm for the Funds.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP audits the Funds' annual financial statements and
expresses an opinion thereon.
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT
State Street Bank and Trust Company, P.O. Box 351, Boston, MA 02101 serves as custodian of the Mid-Cap Value, Pathfinder, Relative Value and Total Value Funds' assets. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., having its principal place of business at 40 Water Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, serves as custodian of the Worldwide Strategies Fund's assets.
Pursuant to a Transfer Agent and Service Agreement with the Phoenix Funds, PEPCO, located at One American Row, P.O. Box 5056, Hartford, CT 06102-5056, acts as Transfer Agent for the Funds (the "Transfer Agent"). As compensation, PEPCO receives a fee equivalent to $17.95 for each designated shareholder account plus out-of-pocket expenses. The Transfer Agent is authorized to engage subagents to perform certain shareholder servicing functions from time to time for which such agents shall be paid a fee by the Funds or Transfer Agent. Fees paid by the Funds, in addition to the fee paid to PEPCO, will be reviewed and approved by the Board of Trustees.
REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS
The fiscal year of the Funds ends on June 30. The Funds will send financial statements to their shareholders at least semi-annually. An annual report, containing financial statements audited by the Funds' independent registered public accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, will be sent to shareholders each year and is available without charge upon request.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements for the Funds' fiscal year ended June 30, 2005 appearing in the Funds' 2005 Annual Report to Shareholders are incorporated herein by reference.
PHOENIX EQUITY TRUST
PART C-- OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 23. EXHIBITS
a. Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Registrant, dated
August 17, 2000, filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment
No. 69 (File No. 002-16590) on October 30, 2000 and
incorporated herein by reference.
b. Bylaws of the Registrant filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective
Amendment No. 69 (File No. 002-16590) on October 30, 2000 and
incorporated herein by reference.
c. Reference is made to Registrant's Agreement and Declaration of
Trust. See Exhibit a.
d.1. Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement between
Registrant and Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. ("PIC")
effective November 20, 2002, filed via EDGAR with
Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 (File No. 002-16590) on
October 28, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference.
d.2. First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Investment
Advisory Agreement between Registrant and PIC, made as of
October 21, 2004, filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective
Amendment No. 79 (File No. 002-16590) on October 21, 2004 and
incorporated herein by reference.
d.3.* Second Amendment to the Amended and Restated Investment
Advisory Agreement between Registrant and PIC dated July 29,
2005, filed via EDGAR herewith.
d.4. Subadvisory Agreement between PIC and Sasco Capital, Inc.
("Sasco") dated October 21, 2004, on behalf of the Phoenix
Mid-Cap Value Fund ("Mid-Cap Value Fund"), filed via EDGAR
with Post-Effective Amendment No. 79 (File No. 002-16590) on
October 21, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference.
d.5. Subadvisory Agreement between PIC and Engemann Asset
Management ("Engemann"), dated January 1, 2005, on behalf of
the Phoenix Worldwide Strategies Fund ("Worldwide Strategies
Fund") (formerly "Phoenix-Aberdeen Worldwide Opportunities
Fund") filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 82
(File No. 002-16590) on July 22, 2005 and incorporated herein
by reference.
d.6.* Subadvisory Agreement between PIC and Acadian Asset
Management, Inc. ("Acadian"), dated July 1, 2005, on behalf of
the Worldwide Strategies Fund filed via EDGAR herewith.
d.7. Subadvisory Agreement between PIC and New Star Institutional
Managers Limited ("New Star"), dated July 1, 2005, on behalf
of the Worldwide Strategies Fund filed via EDGAR with
Post-Effective Amendment No. 82 (File No. 002-16590) on July
22, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.
d.8.* Subadvisory Agreement between PIC and Acadian, dated July 29,
2005, on behalf of the Phoenix Pathfinder Fund filed via EDGAR
herewith.
d.9.* Subadvisory Agreement between PIC and Acadian, dated July 29,
2005, on behalf of the Phoenix Total Value Fund filed via
EDGAR herewith.
d.10.* Subadvisory Agreement between PIC and Golden Capital
Management, LLC ("Golden"), dated July 29, 2005, on behalf of
the Phoenix Relative Value Fund filed via EDGAR herewith.
d.11.* Subadvisory Agreement between PIC and Golden, dated July 29,
2005, on behalf of the Phoenix Total Value Fund filed via
EDGAR herewith.
d.12.* Subadvisory Agreement between PIC and Harris Investment
Management, Inc. ("Harris"), dated July 29, 2005, on behalf of
the Phoenix Total Value Fund filed via EDGAR herewith.
|
e.1. Underwriting Agreement between Registrant and Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation ("PEPCO"), made as of November 19, 1997, filed as Exhibit 6.1 via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 (File No. 002-16590) on October 6, 1998 and herein incorporated by reference.
e.2. Form of Sales Agreement between PEPCO and dealers, effective
July 1, 2005 filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No.
82 (File No. 002-16590) on July 22, 2005 and incorporated
herein by reference.
f. Form of Deferred Compensation Plan applicable to the Board of Trustees filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 (File No. 002-16590) on May 6, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.
g.1. Custodian Agreement between Registrant and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., dated August 11, 1994, on behalf of the Worldwide Strategies Fund, filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 (File No. 002-16590) on October 24, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference.
g. 2. Master Custodian Contract between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street") dated May 1, 1997, filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 79 (File No. 002-16590) on October 21, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference.
g.3. Amendment dated February 10, 2000 to Master Custodian Contract dated May 1, 1997 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 79 (File No. 002-16590) on October 21, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference.
g.4. Amendment dated July 2, 2001 to Master Custodian Contract dated May 1, 1997 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 79 (File No. 002-16590) on October 21, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference.
g.5. Amendment dated May 10, 2002 to Master Custodian Contract dated May 1, 1997 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 79 (File No. 002-16590) on October 21, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference.
h.1. Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between Registrant and PEPCO, dated June 1, 1994, filed as Exhibit 9.1 via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 (File No. 002-16590) on October 24, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference.
h.2.* Sub-transfer Agency and Service Agreement between PEPCO and Boston Financial Data Services, Inc., dated as of January 1, 2005 filed via EDGAR herewith.
h.3. Amended and Restated Financial Agent Agreement between Registrant and PEPCO, dated November 19, 1997, filed as Exhibit 9.3 via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 (File No. 002-16590) on October 6, 1998 and herein incorporated by reference.
h.4. First Amendment to Amended and Restated Financial Agent Agreement between Registrant and PEPCO, dated March 23, 1998, filed as Exhibit 9.4 via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 (File No. 002-16590) on October 6, 1998 and herein incorporated by reference.
h.5. Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Financial Agent Agreement between Registrant and PEPCO, dated July 31, 1998, filed as Exhibit 9.5 via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 (File No. 002-16590) on October 6, 1998 and herein incorporated by reference.
h.6. Third Amendment to the Amended and Restated Financial Agent Agreement between Registrant and PEPCO dated January 1, 2003 filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective
Amendment No. 74 (File No. 002-16590) on October 28, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference.
h.7. Fourth Amendment to Amended and Restated Financial Agent Agreement between Registrant and PEPCO effective as of October 21, 2004 filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 79 (File No. 002-16590) on October 21, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference.
h.8. First Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between Registrant and PEPCO dated February 28, 2004 filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 79 (File No. 002-16590) on October 21, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference.
i. Opinion as to legality of the shares filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 82 (File No. 002-16590) on July 22, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.
j.* Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm filed via EDGAR herewith.
k. Not applicable.
l. None.
m.1.* Amended and Restated Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Class A Shares filed via EDGAR herewith.
m.2. Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Class B Shares filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 68 (File No. 002-16590) filed on August 7, 2000 and incorporated herein by reference.
m.3. Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Class C Shares filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 68 (File No. 002-16590) filed on August 7, 2000 and incorporated herein by reference.
m.4. First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Distribution Plan for Class A Shares filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 (File No. 002-16590) on October 28, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference.
n.1. 2004 Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3 Multi-Class Distribution Plan, adopted August 17, 2004, filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 79 (File No. 002-16590) on October 21, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference.
n.2. First Amendment to the 2004 Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3 Multi-Class Distribution Plan, adopted August 17, 2004, filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 79 (File No. 002-16590) on October 21, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference.
n.3. Second Amendment to 2004 Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3 Multi-Class Distribution Plan, adopted September 20, 2004, filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 79 (File No. 002-16590) on October 21, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference.
o. Reserved.
p.1.* Amended and Restated Codes of Ethics of the Phoenix Funds and PEPCO, dated February 2005 filed via EDGAR herewith.
p.2.* Amended and Restated Code of Ethics of PIC dated February 2005, filed via EDGAR herewith.
p.3.* Code of Ethics of Acadian dated February 1, 2005, filed via EDGAR herewith.
p.4.* Code of Ethics of Engemann dated January 31, 2005, filed via EDGAR herewith.
p.5.* Code of Ethics for Employees of Golden filed via EDGAR herewith.
p.6.* Statement of Principles and Code of Ethics for Harris filed via EDGAR herewith.
p.7.* Code of Ethics of New Star dated January 2005, filed via EDGAR herewith.
p.8.* Amended and Restated 2004 Code of Ethics of Sasco filed via EDGAR herewith.
q.1. Power of Attorney for Ms. Curtiss filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 (File No. 002-16590) on August 30, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference.
q.2.* Powers of Attorney for all Trustees filed via EDGAR herewith.
ITEM 24. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH THE FUND
None.
ITEM 25. INDEMNIFICATION
The Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated August 17, 2000 and the Bylaws of the Registrant provide that no trustee or officer will be indemnified against any liability to which the Registrant would otherwise be subject by reason of or for willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of such person's duties. The Investment Advisory Agreement, Subadvisory Agreements, Underwriting Agreement, Master Custodian Contract and Transfer Agency Agreement, as amended, each provides that the Trust will indemnify the other party (or parties, as the case may be) to the agreement for certain losses.
Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
ITEM 26. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISER AND SUBADVISERS
See "Management of the Fund" in the Prospectus and "Services of the Adviser" and "Management of the Fund" in the Statement of Additional Information which is included in this Post-Effective Amendment.
For information as to the business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature of directors and officers of the Adviser and Subadvisers, reference is made to the Adviser's and Subadvisers' current Form ADV (SEC File No. 801-5995 for PIC; SEC File No. 801-28078 for Acadian; SEC File No. 801-11586 for Engemann; SEC File No. 801-57973 for Golden; SEC File No. 801-35533 for Harris; SEC File No. 801-26315 for New Star; and SEC file No. 801-25958 for Sasco) filed under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 27. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
(a) PEPCO serves as the principal underwriter for the following registrants:
Phoenix Adviser Trust, The Phoenix-Engemann Funds, Phoenix Equity Series Fund, Phoenix Equity Trust, Phoenix CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund, Phoenix Institutional Mutual Funds, Phoenix Investment Series Fund, Phoenix Investment Trust 97, Phoenix-Kayne Funds, Phoenix Multi-Portfolio Fund, Phoenix Multi-Series Trust, Phoenix PHOLIOs(SM), Phoenix Portfolios, Phoenix-Seneca Funds, Phoenix Series Fund, Phoenix Strategic Equity Series Fund, Phoenix Life Variable Universal Life Account, Phoenix Life Variable Accumulation Account, PHL Variable Accumulation Account, Phoenix Life and Annuity Variable Universal Life Account, PHLVIC Variable Universal Life Account and PHL Variable Separate Account MVA1.
(b) Directors and Executive Officers of PEPCO are as follows:
NAME AND POSITIONS AND OFFICES POSITIONS AND OFFICES PRINCIPAL ADDRESS WITH DISTRIBUTOR WITH REGISTRANT ----------------- ---------------- --------------- George R. Aylward Director and Executive Vice President 56 Prospect Street Executive Vice President P.O. Box 150480 Hartford, CT 06115-0480 John H. Beers Vice President None One American Row and Secretary P.O. Box 5056 Hartford, CT 06102-5056 Kevin J. Carr Vice President Vice President, Counsel, Chief One American Row and Assistant Secretary Legal Officer and Secretary P.O. Box 5056 Hartford, CT 06102-5056 Nancy J. Engberg Vice President, Chief Anti-Money Laundering Officer One American Row Compliance Officer and and Assistant Secretary P.O. Box 5056 Anti-Money Laundering Officer Hartford, CT 06102-5056 Daniel T. Geraci Director, Chairman of the Board President 56 Prospect Street and Chief Sales and P.O. Box 150480 Marketing Officer Hartford, CT 06115-0480 Michael E. Haylon Director None One American Row P.O. Box 5056 Hartford, CT 06102-5056 Glenn H. Pease Vice President, Finance and None 56 Prospect Street Treasurer P.O. Box 150480 Hartford, CT 06115-0480 Jacqueline M. Porter Assistant Vice President Vice President and 56 Prospect Street Assistant Treasurer P.O. Box 150480 Hartford, CT 06115-0480 John F. Sharry President, Sales None 56 Prospect Street P.O. Box 150480 Hartford, CT 06115-0480 Francis G. Waltman Senior Vice President Senior Vice President 56 Prospect Street and Chief Administrative P.O. Box 150480 Officer Hartford, CT 06115-0480 James D. Wehr Director None 56 Prospect Street P.O. Box 150480 Hartford, CT 06115-0480 |
(c) To the best of the Registrant's knowledge, no commissions or other compensation was received by any principal underwriter who is not an affiliated person of the Registrant or an affiliated person of such affiliated person, directly or indirectly, from the Registrant during the Registrant's last fiscal year.
ITEM 28. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS
Persons maintaining physical possession of accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Rules promulgated thereunder include:
Secretary of the Fund: Subadviser to Total Value Fund:
Kevin J. Carr, Esq. Harris Investment Management, Inc.
One American Row 190 South Lasalle Street, 4th Floor
P.O. Box 5056 Chicago, IL 60603
Hartford, CT 06102-5056
Subadviser to Worldwide Strategies Fund:
Investment Adviser: New Star Institutional Managers Limited
Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. 1 Knightsbridge Green
56 Prospect Street London, United Kingdom
P.O. Box 150480 SW1X7NE
Hartford, CT 06115-0480
Subadviser to Pathfinder, Total Value and Subadviser to Mid-Cap Value Fund:
Worldwide Strategies Funds: Sasco Capital, Inc.
Acadian Asset Management, Inc. 10 Sasco Hill Road
One Post Office Square, 20th Floor Fairfield, CT 06824
Boston, MA 02109
Subadviser to Worldwide Strategies Fund: Principal Underwriter, Financial Agent and Transfer Agent:
Engemann Asset Management Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation
600 North Rosemead Boulevard, One American Row
Pasadena, CA 91107 P.O. Box 5056
Hartford, CT 06102-5056
Subadviser to Relative Value and Total Value Custodian and Dividend Dispersing Agent:
Funds: State Street Bank and Trust Company
Golden Capital Management, LLC 225 Franklin Street
Five Resource Square Boston, MA 02110
10715 David Taylor Dr., Suite 150
Charlotte, NC 28262 Custodian for Phoenix Worldwide Strategies Fund:
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
40 Water Street
Boston, MA 02109
|
ITEM 29. MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Not applicable.
ITEM 30. UNDERTAKINGS
Not applicable.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant has certified that it meets all of the requirements for the effectiveness of this registration statement under the rule 485(b) of the Securities Act and has duly caused this amendment to the registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Hartford, and State of Connecticut on the 31st day of October, 2005.
PHOENIX EQUITY TRUST
ATTEST: /s/ Kevin J. Carr BY: /s/ Daniel T. Geraci
------------------------- ---------------------------------
Kevin J. Carr Daniel T. Geraci
Secretary President
|
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this amendment to the registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated, on this 31st day of October, 2005.
SIGNATURES TITLE
Trustee
-------------------------------------
E. Virgil Conway*
/s/ Nancy G. Curtiss Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
------------------------------------- (principal financial and
Nancy G. Curtiss accounting officer)
-------------------------------------
Harry Dalzell-Payne* Trustee
-------------------------------------
S. Leland Dill* Trustee
/s/ Daniel T. Geraci President
-------------------------------------
Daniel T. Geraci (principal executive officer)
-------------------------------------
Francis E. Jeffries* Trustee
-------------------------------------
Leroy Keith, Jr.* Trustee
-------------------------------------
Marilyn E. LaMarche* Trustee
-------------------------------------
Philip R. McLoughlin* Trustee and Chairman
-------------------------------------
Geraldine M. McNamara* Trustee
-------------------------------------
Everett L. Morris* Trustee
-------------------------------------
James M. Oates* Trustee
-------------------------------------
Donald B. Romans* Trustee
-------------------------------------
Richard E. Segerson* Trustee
-------------------------------------
Ferdinand L.J. Verdonck* Trustee
-------------------------------------
Lowell P. Weicker, Jr.* Trustee
By /s/ Daniel T. Geraci
-----------------------------------
|
* Daniel T. Geraci, Attorney-in-fact pursuant to powers of attorney.
EXHIBIT d.3
SECOND AMENDMENT
TO AMENDED AND RESTATED
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDMENT effective as of the 29th day of July, 2005 amends that certain Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement dated as of November 20, 2002 and that First Amendment dated October 21, 2004 (the "Agreement") by and between Phoenix Equity Trust (formerly known as Phoenix-Aberdeen Worldwide Opportunities Fund), a Delaware statutory trust (the "Trust") and Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (the "Adviser") as follows:
1. The Phoenix Pathfinder Fund, the Phoenix Relative Value Fund and the Phoenix Total Value Return Fund will each become a series of the Trust.
2. The name Phoenix-Aberdeen Worldwide Opportunities Fund has been changed to Phoenix Worldwide Strategies Fund.
3. Schedule A to the Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and Schedule A attached hereto substituted in its place.
4. Except as expressly amended hereby, all provisions of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and are unchanged in all other respects. All initial capitalized terms used herein shall have such meanings as ascribed thereto in the Agreement, as amended. All terms and phrases in quotations shall have such meaning as ascribed thereto in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
5. This Amendment may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and, all of which, when taken together, shall constitute but one and the same instrument.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto intending to be legally bound have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized officers of other representatives.
PHOENIX INVESTMENT COUNSEL, INC.
By: /s/ John H. Beers
-------------------------------
Name: John H. Beers
Title: Vice President and Clerk
|
PHOENIX EQUITY TRUST
By: /s/ Francis G. Waltman
-------------------------------
Name: Francis G. Waltman
Title: Senior Vice President
|
SERIES INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE
------ -----------------------
Phoenix Mid-Cap Value Fund 0.75%
Phoenix Pathfinder Fund 0.80%
Phoenix Relative Value Fund 0.80%
Phoenix Total Value Fund 0.80%
$1st Billion $1 + Billion $2+ Billion
through $2
Billion
Phoenix Worldwide Strategies Fund 0.85% 0.80% 0.75%
|
Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. has contractually agreed to waive fees in the amount of 0.10% beginning on June 3, 2005 (the date shareholders approved a new fee schedule to the Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreements) and ending October 1, 2006.
EXHIBIT d.6
PHOENIX EQUITY TRUST
PHOENIX WORLDWIDE STRATEGIES FUND
SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
PHOENIX EQUITY TRUST
PHOENIX WORLDWIDE STRATEGIES FUND
July 1, 2005
Acadian Asset Management, Inc.
One Post Office Square
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
RE: SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Phoenix Equity Trust (the "Fund") is a diversified open-end investment company of the series type registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "Act"), and is subject to the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. The shares of the Fund are offered or may be offered in several series, including the Phoenix Worldwide Strategies Fund (previously known as Phoenix-Aberdeen Worldwide Opportunities Fund) (collectively, sometimes hereafter referred to as the "Series").
Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. (the "Adviser") evaluates and recommends series advisers for the Series and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Series.
1. Employment as a Subadviser. The Adviser, being duly authorized, hereby employs Acadian Asset Management, Inc. (the "Subadviser") as a discretionary series adviser to invest and reinvest that discrete portion of the assets of the Series designated by the Adviser on the terms and conditions set forth herein. The services of the Subadviser hereunder are not to be deemed exclusive; the Subadviser may render services to others and engage in other activities that do not conflict in any material manner in the Subadviser's performance hereunder.
2. Acceptance of Employment; Standard of Performance. The Subadviser accepts its employment as a discretionary series Adviser of the Series and agrees to use its best professional judgment to make investment decisions for the Series in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and as set forth in Schedule D attached hereto and made a part hereof.
3. Services of Subadviser. In providing management services to the Series, the Subadviser shall be subject to the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund as they apply to the Series and as set forth in the Fund's then current prospectus ("Prospectus") and statement of additional information ("Statement of Additional Information") filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") as part of the Fund's Registration Statement, as may be periodically amended and provided to the Subadviser by the Adviser, and to the investment restrictions set forth in the Act and the Rules thereunder, to the
supervision and control of the Trustees of the Fund (the "Trustees"), and to instructions from the Adviser. The Subadviser shall not, without the Fund's prior written approval, effect any transactions that would cause the Series at the time of the transaction to be out of compliance with any of such restrictions or policies.
4. Transaction Procedures. All series transactions for the Series shall be consummated by payment to, or delivery by, the Custodian(s) from time to time designated by the Fund (the "Custodian"), or such depositories or agents as may be designated by the Custodian in writing, of all cash and/or securities due to or from the Series. The Subadviser shall not have possession or custody of such cash and/or securities or any responsibility or liability with respect to such custody. The Subadviser shall advise the Custodian and confirm in writing to the Fund all investment orders for the Series placed by it with brokers and dealers at the time and in the manner set forth in Schedule A hereto (as amended from time to time). The Fund shall issue to the Custodian such instructions as may be appropriate in connection with the settlement of any transaction initiated by the Subadviser. The Fund shall be responsible for all custodial arrangements and the payment of all custodial charges and fees, and, upon giving proper instructions to the Custodian, the Subadviser shall have no responsibility or liability with respect to custodial arrangements or the act, omissions or other conduct of the Custodian.
5. Allocation of Brokerage. The Subadviser shall have authority and discretion to select brokers and dealers to execute Series transactions initiated by the Subadviser, and to select the markets on or in which the transactions will be executed.
A. In placing orders for the sale and purchase of Series securities for the Fund, the Subadviser's primary responsibility shall be to seek the best execution of orders at the most favorable prices. However, this responsibility shall not obligate the Subadviser to solicit competitive bids for each transaction or to seek the lowest available commission cost to the Fund, so long as the Subadviser reasonably believes that the broker or dealer selected by it can be expected to obtain a "best execution" market price on the particular transaction and determines in good faith that the commission cost is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services (as defined in Section 28(e)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) provided by such broker or dealer to the Subadviser, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or of the Subadviser's overall responsibilities with respect to its clients, including the Fund, as to which the Subadviser exercises investment discretion, notwithstanding that the Fund may not be the direct or exclusive beneficiary of any such services or that another broker may be willing to charge the Fund a lower commission on the particular transaction.
B. The Subadviser may manage other portfolios and expects that the Fund and other portfolios it manages will, from time to time, purchase or sell the same securities. The Subadviser may aggregate orders for the purchase or sale of securities on behalf of the Fund with orders on behalf of other portfolios the Subadviser manages. Securities purchased or proceeds of securities sold through aggregated orders shall be allocated to the account of each portfolio managed by the Subadviser that bought or
sold such securities at the average execution price. If less than the total of the aggregated orders is executed, purchased securities or proceeds shall generally be allocated pro rata among the participating portfolios in proportion to their planned participation in the aggregated orders. Further, in the event not all portfolios are allocated the entire number of securities sought to be bought or sold on behalf of such portfolio, it is possible that no portfolio will be deemed to have purchased or sold the entire number of securities sought to be purchased or sold on behalf of such portfolio.
C. The Subadviser shall not execute any Series transactions for the Series with a broker or dealer that is an "affiliated person" (as defined in the Act) of the Fund, the Subadviser or the Adviser without the prior written approval of the Fund. The Fund shall provide the Subadviser with a list of brokers and dealers that are "affiliated persons" of the Fund or the Adviser.
6. Proxies. The Subadviser, or a third party designee acting under the authority and supervision of the Subadviser, shall review all proxy solicitation materials and be responsible for voting and handling all proxies in relation to the assets of the Series. Unless the Adviser or the Fund gives the Subadviser written instructions to the contrary, the Subadviser will, in compliance with the proxy voting procedures of the Series then in effect, vote or abstain from voting, all proxies solicited by or with respect to the issuers of securities in which assets of the Series may be invested. The Adviser shall cause the Custodian to forward promptly to the Subadviser all proxies upon receipt, so as to afford the Subadviser a reasonable amount of time in which to determine how to vote such proxies. The Subadviser agrees to provide the Adviser in a timely manner with a record of votes cast containing all of the voting information required by Form N-PX in an electronic format to enable the Series to file Form N-PX as required by Rule 30b1-4 under the Act.
7. Prohibited Conduct. In providing the services described in this Agreement, the Subadviser will not consult with any other investment advisory firm that provides investment advisory services to any investment company sponsored by Phoenix Investment Partners, Ltd. regarding transactions for the Fund in securities or other assets. In addition, the Subadviser shall not, without the prior written consent of the Fund and the Adviser, delegate any obligation assumed pursuant to this Agreement to any affiliated or unaffiliated third party.
8. Information and Reports.
A. The Subadviser shall keep the Fund and the Adviser informed of developments relating to its duties as Subadviser of which the Subadviser has, or should have, knowledge that would materially affect the Series. In this regard, the Subadviser shall provide the Fund, the Adviser and their respective officers with such periodic reports concerning the obligations the Subadviser has assumed under this Agreement as the Fund and the Adviser may from time to time reasonably request. In addition, prior to each meeting of the Trustees, the Subadviser shall provide the Adviser and the Trustees with reports regarding the Subadviser's management of the Series during the most recently completed quarter, to include written communication that the Series is in compliance with its investment objectives and practices, the Act and applicable
rules and regulations under the Act, and the requirements of Subchapter M under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and otherwise in such form as may be mutually agreed upon by the Subadviser and the Adviser.
B. Each of the Adviser and the Subadviser shall provide the other party with a list, to the best of the Adviser's or the Subadviser's respective knowledge, of each affiliated person (and any affiliated person of such an affiliated person) of the Adviser or the Subadviser, as the case may be, and each of the Adviser and Subadviser agrees promptly to update such list whenever the Adviser or the Subadviser becomes aware of any changes that should be added to or deleted from the list of affiliated persons.
C. The Subadviser shall also provide the Adviser with any information reasonably requested regarding its management of the Series required for any shareholder report, amended registration statement, or Prospectus supplement to be filed by the Fund with the SEC.
9. Fees for Services. The compensation of the Subadviser for its services under this Agreement shall be calculated and paid by the Adviser in accordance with the attached Schedule C. Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Fund and the Adviser, the Adviser is solely responsible for the payment of fees to the Subadviser.
10. Limitation of Liability. The Subadviser shall not be liable for any action taken, omitted or suffered to be taken by it in its best professional judgment, in good faith and believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion or rights or powers conferred upon it by this Agreement, or in accordance with specific directions or instructions from the Fund, provided, however, that such acts or omissions shall not have constituted a breach of the investment objectives, policies and restrictions applicable to the Series and that such acts or omissions shall not have resulted from the Subadviser's willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence, or a breach of its duty or of its obligations hereunder (provided, however, that the foregoing shall not be construed to protect the Subadviser from liability under the Act).
11. Confidentiality. Subject to the duty of the Subadviser and the Fund to comply with applicable law, including any demand of any regulatory or taxing authority having jurisdiction, the parties hereto shall treat as confidential all information pertaining to the Series and the actions of the Subadviser and the Fund in respect thereof.
12. Assignment. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment, as that term is defined in Section 2(a)(4) of the Act. The Subadviser shall notify the Fund in writing sufficiently in advance of any proposed change of control, as defined in Section 2(a)(9) of the Act, as will enable the Fund to consider whether an assignment as defined in Section 2(a)(4) of the Act will occur, and to take the steps necessary to enter into a new contract with the Subadviser.
13. Representations, Warranties and Agreements of the Subadviser. The Subadviser represents, warrants and agrees that:
A. It is registered as an "Investment Adviser" under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended ("Advisers Act").
B. It will maintain, keep current and preserve on behalf of the Fund, in the manner required or permitted by the Act and the Rules thereunder including the records identified in Schedule B (as Schedule B may be amended from time to time). The Subadviser agrees that such records are the property of the Fund, and shall be surrendered to the Fund or to the Adviser as agent of the Fund promptly upon request of either. The Fund acknowledges that Subadviser may retain copies of all records required to meet the record retention requirements imposed by law and regulation.
C. It shall maintain a written code of ethics (the "Code of Ethics") complying with the requirements of Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act and Rule 17j-l under the Act and shall provide the Fund and the Adviser with a copy of the Code of Ethics and evidence of its adoption. It shall institute procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons (as defined in Rules 204A-1 and 17j-1) from violating its Code of Ethics. The Subadviser acknowledges receipt of the written code of ethics adopted by and on behalf of the Fund. Each calendar quarter while this Agreement is in effect, a duly authorized compliance officer of the Subadviser shall certify to the Fund and to the Adviser that the Subadviser has complied with the requirements of Rules 204A-1 and 17j-l during the previous calendar quarter and that there has been no violation of its Code of Ethics, or the code of ethics of the Fund, or if such a violation has occurred, that appropriate action was taken in response to such violation. Annually, the Subadviser shall furnish a written report which complies with the requirements of Rules 204A-1(b) and 17j-1 concerning the Subadviser's Code of Ethics to the Fund and the Adviser. The Subadviser shall permit the Fund and the Adviser to examine the reports required to be made by the Subadviser under Rules 204A-1(b) and 17j-l(d)(1) and this subparagraph.
D. It has adopted and implemented, and throughout the term of this Agreement shall maintain in effect and implement, policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent, detect and correct violations by the Subadviser and its supervised persons, and, to the extent the activities of the Subadviser in respect to the Fund could affect the Fund, by the Fund, of "federal securities laws" (as defined in Rule 38a-1 under the Act), and that the Subadviser has provided the Fund with true and complete copies of its policies and procedures (or summaries thereof) and related information requested by the Fund. The Subadviser agrees to cooperate with periodic reviews by the Fund's compliance personnel of the Subadviser's policies and procedures, their operation and implementation and other compliance matters and to provide to the Fund from time to time such additional information and certifications in respect of the Subadviser's policies and procedures, compliance by the Subadviser with federal securities laws and related matters and the Fund's compliance personnel may reasonably request. The Subadviser agrees to promptly notify the Adviser of any compliance violations which affect the Series.
E. Reference is hereby made to the Declaration of Trust dated August 17, 2000 establishing the Fund, a copy of which has been filed with the Secretary of the State of Delaware and elsewhere as required by law, and to any and all amendments thereto so filed with the Secretary of the State of Delaware and elsewhere as required by law, and to any and all amendments thereto so filed or hereafter filed. The name "Phoenix Equity Trust" refers to the Trustees under said Declaration of Trust, as Trustees and not personally, and no Trustee, shareholder, officer, agent or employee of the Fund shall be held to any personal liability in connection with the affairs of the Fund; only the trust estate under said Declaration of Trust is liable. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, neither the Subadviser nor any of its officers, directors, partners, shareholders or employees shall, under any circumstances, have recourse or cause or willingly permit recourse to be had directly or indirectly to any personal, statutory, or other liability of any shareholder, Trustee, officer, agent or employee of the Fund or of any successor of the Fund, whether such liability now exists or is hereafter incurred for claims against the trust estate.
14. Amendment. This Agreement may be amended at any time, but only by written agreement among the Subadviser, the Adviser and the Fund, which amendment, other than amendments to Schedules A, B, D, and E, is subject to the approval of the Trustees and the shareholders of the Fund as and to the extent required by the Act.
15. Effective Date; Term. This Agreement shall become effective on the date set forth on the first page of this Agreement, and shall continue in effect until November 30, 2006. The Agreement shall continue from year to year thereafter only so long as its continuance has been specifically approved at least annually by the Trustees in accordance with Section 15(a) of the Act, and by the majority vote of the disinterested Trustees in accordance with the requirements of Section 15(c) thereof.
16. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated by any party, without penalty, immediately upon written notice to the other parties in the event of a breach of any provision thereof by a party so notified, or otherwise upon thirty (30) days' written notice to the other parties, but any such termination shall not affect the status, obligations or liabilities of any party hereto to the other parties.
17. Applicable Law. To the extent that state law is not preempted by the provisions of any law of the United States heretofore or hereafter enacted, as the same may be amended from time to time, this Agreement shall be administered, construed and enforced according to the laws of the State of Delaware.
18. Severability. If any term or condition of this Agreement shall be invalid or unenforceable to any extent or in any application, then the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby, and each and every term and condition of this Agreement shall be valid and enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.
19. Notices. Any notice or other communication required to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed duly given if delivered personally or by overnight delivery
service or mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid, or sent by facsimile addressed to the parties at their respective addresses set forth below, or at such other address as shall be designated by any party in a written notice to the other party.
(a) To Phoenix at:
Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc.
56 Prospect Street
Hartford, CT 06115
Attn: John H. Beers, Vice President and Clerk
Telephone: (860) 403-5050
Facsimile: (860) 403-7251
Email: john.beers@phoenixwm.com
(b) To Acadian at:
Acadian Asset Management, Inc.
One Post Office Square
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
Attn: Churchill G. Franklin, Executive Vice President
Telephone: (617) 850-3530
Facsimile: (617) 850-3630
Email: cfranklin@acadian-asset.com
20. Certifications. The Subadviser hereby warrants and represents that it will provide the requisite certifications requested by the chief executive officer and chief financial officer of the Fund necessary for those named officers to fulfill their reporting and certification obligations on Form N-CSR as required under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Subadviser shall provide a quarterly certification in a form substantially similar to that attached as Schedule E.
21. Indemnification. The Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Subadviser and the Subadviser's directors, officers, employees and agents from and against any and all losses, liabilities, claims, damages, and expenses whatsoever, including reasonable attorneys' fees (collectively, "Losses"), arising out of or relating to (i) any breach by the Adviser of any provision of this Agreement; (ii) the negligence, willful misconduct, bad faith, or breach of fiduciary duty of the Adviser; (iii) any violation by the Adviser of any law or regulation relating to its activities under this Agreement; and (iv) any dispute between the Adviser and any Fund shareholder, except to the extent that such Losses result from the gross negligence, willful misconduct, bad faith, or breach of fiduciary duty of the Subadviser.
22. Receipt of Disclosure Document. The Fund acknowledges receipt, at least 48 hours prior to entering into this Agreement, of a copy of Part II of the Subadviser's Form ADV containing certain information concerning the Subadviser and the nature of its business.
PHOENIX EQUITY TRUST
By: /s/ Francis G. Waltman
------------------------------
Name: Francis G. Waltman
Title: Senior Vice President
|
PHOENIX INVESTMENT COUNSEL, INC.
By: /s/ John H. Beers
--------------------------------
Name: John H. Beers
Title: Vice President and Clerk
|
ACCEPTED:
ACADIAN ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
By: /s/ Ronald D. Frashire
----------------------------------------
Name: Ronald D. Frashire
Title: President
|
SCHEDULES: A. Operational Procedures
B. Record Keeping Requirements
C. Fee Schedule
D. Subadviser Functions
E. Form of Sub-Certification
|
OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES
In order to minimize operational problems, it will be necessary for a flow of information to be supplied to Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (the "Custodian") and PFPC, Inc., (the "Sub-Accounting Agent") for the Fund.
The Subadviser must furnish the Custodian and the Sub-Accounting Agent, with daily information as to executed trades, or, if no trades are executed, with a report to that effect, no later than 5 p.m. (Eastern Standard time) on the day of the trade (confirmation received from broker). The necessary information can be sent via facsimile machine to the Custodian and the Sub-Accounting Agent. Information provided to the Custodian and the Sub-Accounting Agent shall include the following:
1. Purchase or sale;
2. Security name;
3. CUSIP number, ISIN or Sedols (as applicable);
4. Number of shares and sales price per share;
5. Executing broker;
6. Settlement agent;
7. Trade date;
8. Settlement date;
9. Aggregate commission or if a net trade;
10. Interest purchased or sold from interest bearing security;
11. Other fees;
12. Net proceeds of the transaction;
13. Exchange where trade was executed;
14. Identified tax lot (if applicable); and
15. Trade commission reason: best execution, soft dollar or research.
When opening accounts with brokers for, and in the name of, the Fund, the account must be a cash account. No margin accounts are to be maintained in the name of the Fund. Delivery instructions are as specified by the Custodian. The Custodian will supply the Subadviser daily with a cash availability report via access to the Custodian website, or by email or by facsimile and the Sub-Accounting Agent will provide a five day cash projection. This will normally be done by email so that the Subadviser will know the amount available for investment purposes.
RECORDS TO BE MAINTAINED BY THE SUBADVISER
1. (Rule 31a-1(b)(5)) A record of each brokerage order, and all other series purchases and sales, given by the Subadviser on behalf of the Fund for, or in connection with, the purchase or sale of securities, whether executed or unexecuted. Such records shall include:
A. The name of the broker;
B. The terms and conditions of the order and of any modifications or
cancellations thereof;
C. The time of entry or cancellation;
D. The price at which executed;
E. The time of receipt of a report of execution; and
F. The name of the person who placed the order on behalf of the Fund.
2. (Rule 31a-1(b)(9)) A record for each fiscal quarter, completed within ten (10) days after the end of the quarter, showing specifically the basis or bases upon which the allocation of orders for the purchase and sale of series securities to named brokers or dealers was effected, and the division of brokerage commissions or other compensation on such purchase and sale orders. Such record:
A. Shall include the consideration given to:
(i) The sale of shares of the Fund by brokers or dealers.
(ii) The supplying of services or benefits by brokers or
dealers to:
(a) The Fund,
(b) The Adviser,
(c) The Subadviser, and
(d) Any person other than the foregoing.
(iii) Any other consideration other than the technical
qualifications of the brokers and dealers as such.
B. Shall show the nature of the services or benefits made available.
C. Shall describe in detail the application of any general or
specific formula or other determinant used in arriving at such
allocation of purchase and sale orders and such division of
brokerage commissions or other compensation.
D. The name of the person responsible for making the determination of
such allocation and such division of brokerage commissions or
other compensation.
3. (Rule 31a-1(b)(10)) A record in the form of an appropriate memorandum identifying the person or persons, committees or groups authorizing the purchase or sale of series securities. Where a committee or group makes an authorization, a record shall be kept of the names of its members who participate in the authorization. There shall be retained as part of this record: any memorandum, recommendation or instruction supporting or
authorizing the purchase or sale of series securities and such other information as is appropriate to support the authorization.*
4. (Rule 31a-1(f)) Such accounts, books and other documents as are required to be maintained by registered investment Advisers by rule adopted under Section 204 of the Advisers Act, to the extent such records are necessary or appropriate to record the Subadviser's transactions for the Fund.
5. Records as necessary under Board approved Phoenix Funds' valuation policies and procedures.
* Such information might include: current financial information, annual and quarterly reports, press releases, reports by analysts and from brokerage firms (including their recommendations, i.e., buy, sell, hold) or any internal reports or subadviser review
SUBADVISORY FEE
(a) For services provided to the Fund, the Adviser will pay to the Subadviser, on or before the 10th day of each month, a fee, payable in arrears, at the annual rate stated below. The fees shall be prorated for any month during which this Agreement is in effect for only a portion of the month. In computing the fee to be paid to the Subadviser, the net asset value of the Fund and each Series shall be valued as set forth in the then current registration statement of the Fund.
(b) The fee to be paid to the Subadviser is the combined average daily net asset value of the Phoenix International Strategies Fund (previously known as Phoenix-Aberdeen International Fund) a series of the Phoenix Multi-Portfolio Fund and the Phoenix Worldwide Strategies Fund (previously known as Phoenix-Aberdeen Worldwide Opportunities Fund) a series of the Phoenix Equity Trust, managed by the Subadviser. The fee is as follows:
------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS ANNUAL RATE PERCENTAGE (%)
------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
Up to $200 Million 0.50%
------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
$200 Million to $500 Million 0.40%
------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
Over $500 Million 0.35%
------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
|
SUBADVISER FUNCTIONS
With respect to managing the investment and reinvestment of the Series' assets, the Subadviser shall provide, at its own expense:
(a) An investment program for the Series consistent with its investment objectives based upon the development, review and adjustment of buy/sell strategies approved from time to time by the Board of Trustees and the Adviser;
(b) Implementation of the investment program for the Series based upon the foregoing criteria;
(c) Periodic reports, on at least a quarterly basis, in form and substance acceptable to the Adviser, with respect to: i) compliance with the Code of Ethics and the Fund's code of ethics; ii) compliance with procedures adopted from time to time by the Trustees of the Fund relative to securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; iii) diversification of Series assets in accordance with the then prevailing Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information pertaining to the Series and governing laws; iv) compliance with governing restrictions relating to the fair valuation of securities for which market quotations are not readily available or considered "illiquid" for the purposes of complying with the Series' limitation on acquisition of illiquid securities; v) any and all other reports reasonably requested in accordance with or described in this Agreement; and, vi) the implementation of the Series' investment program, including, without limitation, analysis of Series performance;
(d) Promptly after filing with the SEC an amendment to its Form ADV, a copy of such amendment to the Adviser and the Trustees;
(e) Attendance by appropriate representatives of the Subadviser at meetings requested by the Adviser or Trustees at such time(s) and location(s) as reasonably requested by the Adviser or Trustees; and
(f) Notice to the Trustees and the Adviser of the occurrence of
any event which would disqualify the Subadviser from serving
as an investment Adviser of an investment company pursuant to
Section 9(a) of the 1940 Act or otherwise.
(g) Provide reasonable assistance in the valuation of securities including the participation of appropriate representatives at fair valuation committee meetings.
FORM OF SUB-CERTIFICATION
To:
Re: Form N-CSR Certification for the [Name of Series].
From: [Name of Subadviser]
Representations in support of Investment Company Act Rule 30b1-5
certifications of Form N-CSR.
[Name of Series].
In connection with your certification responsibility under Rule 30b1-5
and Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, I have
reviewed the following information presented for the period ended [Date
of Reporting Period] (the "Reports") which forms part of the N-CSR for
the Funds.
|
Schedule of Investments (the "Reports")
Our organization has designed, implemented and maintained internal controls and procedures, designed for the purpose of ensuring the accuracy and completeness of relevant portfolio trade data transmitted to those responsible for the preparation of the Schedule of Investments. As of the date of this certification there have been no material modifications to these internal controls and procedures.
In addition, our organization has:
a. Designed such internal controls and procedures to ensure that material information is made known to the appropriate groups responsible for servicing the above-mentioned mutual funds.
b. Evaluated the effectiveness of our internal controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the date of this certification and we have concluded that such controls and procedures are effective.
c. In addition, to the best of my knowledge there has been no fraud, whether, or not material, that involves our organization's management or other employees who have a significant role in our organization's control and procedures as they relate to our duties as sub-adviser to the Funds.
I have read the draft of the Reports which I understand to be current as of
[Date of Reporting Period] and based on my knowledge, such drafts of the Reports
do not, with respect to the Funds, contain any untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the information
contained therein, in light of the circumstances under which such information is
presented, not misleading with respect to the period covered by such draft
Reports.
I have disclosed, based on my most recent evaluation, to the Fund's Chief Accounting Officer:
a. All significant changes, deficiencies and material weakness, if any, in the design or operation of the Subadviser's internal controls and procedures which could adversely affect the Adviser's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data in a timely fashion;
b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves the Subadviser's management or other employees who have significant role in the Subadviser's internal controls and procedures for financial reporting.
I certify that to the best of my knowledge:
a. The Subadviser's portfolio manager have complied with the restrictions and reporting requirements of the Code of Ethics (the "Code"). The term Portfolio Manager is as defined in the Code.
b. The Subadviser has complied with the prospectus and SAI of the Funds and the Policies and Procedures of the Funds as adopted by the Fund's Board of Trustees.
c. I have no knowledge of any compliance violations except as disclosed in writing to the Phoenix Compliance Department by me or by the Subadviser's compliance administrator.
d. The Subadviser has complied with the rules and regulations of the 33 Act and 40 Act, and such other regulations as may apply to the extent those rules and regulations pertain to the responsibilities of the Subadviser with respect to the Fund as outlined above.
This certification relates solely to the Funds named above and may not be relied upon by any other fund or entity.
The Subadviser does not maintain the official books and records of the above Funds. The sub-Subadviser's records are based on its own portfolio management system, a record-keeping system that is not intended to service as the Funds' official accounting system. The Subadviser is not responsible for the preparation of the Reports.
[Name of Authorized Signature] Date
EXHIBIT d.8
PHOENIX EQUITY TRUST
PHOENIX PATHFINDER FUND
SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
PHOENIX EQUITY TRUST
PHOENIX PATHFINDER FUND
July 29, 2005
Acadian Asset Management, Inc.
One Post Office Square
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
RE: SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Phoenix Equity Trust (the "Fund") is a diversified open-end investment company of the series type registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "Act"), and is subject to the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. The shares of the Fund are offered or may be offered in several series, including the Phoenix Pathfinder Fund (collectively, sometimes hereafter referred to as the "Series").
Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. (the "Adviser") evaluates and recommends series advisers for the Series and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Series.
1. Employment as a Subadviser. The Adviser, being duly authorized, hereby employs Acadian Asset Management, Inc. (the "Subadviser") as a discretionary series adviser to invest and reinvest that discrete portion of the assets of the Series designated by the Adviser on the terms and conditions set forth herein. The services of the Subadviser hereunder are not to be deemed exclusive; the Subadviser may render services to others and engage in other activities that do not conflict in any material manner in the Subadviser's performance hereunder.
2. Acceptance of Employment; Standard of Performance. The Subadviser accepts its employment as a discretionary series Adviser of the Series and agrees to use its best professional judgment to make investment decisions for the Series in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and as set forth in Schedule D attached hereto and made a part hereof.
3. Services of Subadviser. In providing management services to the Series, the Subadviser shall be subject to the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund as they apply to the Series and as set forth in the Fund's then current prospectus ("Prospectus") and statement of additional information ("Statement of Additional Information") filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") as part of the Fund's Registration Statement, as may be periodically amended and provided to the Subadviser by the Adviser, and to the investment restrictions set forth in the Act and the Rules thereunder, to the supervision and control of the Trustees of the Fund (the "Trustees"), and to instructions
from the Adviser. The Subadviser shall not, without the Fund's prior written approval, effect any transactions that would cause the Series at the time of the transaction to be out of compliance with any of such restrictions or policies.
4. Transaction Procedures. All series transactions for the Series shall be consummated by payment to, or delivery by, the Custodian(s) from time to time designated by the Fund (the "Custodian"), or such depositories or agents as may be designated by the Custodian in writing, of all cash and/or securities due to or from the Series. The Subadviser shall not have possession or custody of such cash and/or securities or any responsibility or liability with respect to such custody. The Subadviser shall advise the Custodian and confirm in writing to the Fund all investment orders for the Series placed by it with brokers and dealers at the time and in the manner set forth in Schedule A hereto (as amended from time to time). The Fund shall issue to the Custodian such instructions as may be appropriate in connection with the settlement of any transaction initiated by the Subadviser. The Fund shall be responsible for all custodial arrangements and the payment of all custodial charges and fees, and, upon giving proper instructions to the Custodian, the Subadviser shall have no responsibility or liability with respect to custodial arrangements or the act, omissions or other conduct of the Custodian.
5. Allocation of Brokerage. The Subadviser shall have authority and discretion to select brokers and dealers to execute Series transactions initiated by the Subadviser, and to select the markets on or in which the transactions will be executed.
A. In placing orders for the sale and purchase of Series securities for the Fund, the Subadviser's primary responsibility shall be to seek the best execution of orders at the most favorable prices. However, this responsibility shall not obligate the Subadviser to solicit competitive bids for each transaction or to seek the lowest available commission cost to the Fund, so long as the Subadviser reasonably believes that the broker or dealer selected by it can be expected to obtain a "best execution" market price on the particular transaction and determines in good faith that the commission cost is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services (as defined in Section 28(e)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) provided by such broker or dealer to the Subadviser, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or of the Subadviser's overall responsibilities with respect to its clients, including the Fund, as to which the Subadviser exercises investment discretion, notwithstanding that the Fund may not be the direct or exclusive beneficiary of any such services or that another broker may be willing to charge the Fund a lower commission on the particular transaction.
B. The Subadviser may manage other portfolios and expects that the Fund and other portfolios it manages will, from time to time, purchase or sell the same securities. The Subadviser may aggregate orders for the purchase or sale of securities on behalf of the Fund with orders on behalf of other portfolios the Subadviser manages. Securities purchased or proceeds of securities sold through aggregated orders shall be allocated to the account of each portfolio managed by the Subadviser that bought or sold such securities at the average execution price. If less than the total of the
aggregated orders is executed, purchased securities or proceeds shall generally be allocated pro rata among the participating portfolios in proportion to their planned participation in the aggregated orders. Further, in the event not all portfolios are allocated the entire number of securities sought to be bought or sold on behalf of such portfolio, it is possible that no portfolio will be deemed to have purchased or sold the entire number of securities sought to be purchased or sold on behalf of such portfolio.
C. The Subadviser shall not execute any Series transactions for the Series with a broker or dealer that is an "affiliated person" (as defined in the Act) of the Fund, the Subadviser or the Adviser without the prior written approval of the Fund. The Fund shall provide the Subadviser with a list of brokers and dealers that are "affiliated persons" of the Fund or the Adviser.
6. Proxies. The Subadviser, or a third party designee acting under the authority and supervision of the Subadviser, shall review all proxy solicitation materials and be responsible for voting and handling all proxies in relation to the assets of the Series. Unless the Adviser or the Fund gives the Subadviser written instructions to the contrary, the Subadviser will, in compliance with the proxy voting procedures of the Series then in effect, vote or abstain from voting, all proxies solicited by or with respect to the issuers of securities in which assets of the Series may be invested. The Adviser shall cause the Custodian to forward promptly to the Subadviser all proxies upon receipt, so as to afford the Subadviser a reasonable amount of time in which to determine how to vote such proxies. The Subadviser agrees to provide the Adviser in a timely manner with a record of votes cast containing all of the voting information required by Form N-PX in an electronic format to enable the Series to file Form N-PX as required by Rule 30b1-4 under the Act.
7. Prohibited Conduct. In providing the services described in this Agreement, the Subadviser will not consult with any other investment advisory firm that provides investment advisory services to any investment company sponsored by Phoenix Investment Partners, Ltd. regarding transactions for the Fund in securities or other assets. In addition, the Subadviser shall not, without the prior written consent of the Fund and the Adviser, delegate any obligation assumed pursuant to this Agreement to any affiliated or unaffiliated third party.
8. Information and Reports.
A. The Subadviser shall keep the Fund and the Adviser informed of developments relating to its duties as Subadviser of which the Subadviser has, or should have, knowledge that would materially affect the Series. In this regard, the Subadviser shall provide the Fund, the Adviser and their respective officers with such periodic reports concerning the obligations the Subadviser has assumed under this Agreement as the Fund and the Adviser may from time to time reasonably request. In addition, prior to each meeting of the Trustees, the Subadviser shall provide the Adviser and the Trustees with reports regarding the Subadviser's management of the Series during the most recently completed quarter, to include written communication that the Series is in compliance with its investment objectives and practices, the Act and applicable rules and regulations under the Act, and the requirements of Subchapter M under the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and otherwise in such form as may be mutually agreed upon by the Subadviser and the Adviser.
B. Each of the Adviser and the Subadviser shall provide the other party with a list, to the best of the Adviser's or the Subadviser's respective knowledge, of each affiliated person (and any affiliated person of such an affiliated person) of the Adviser or the Subadviser, as the case may be, and each of the Adviser and Subadviser agrees promptly to update such list whenever the Adviser or the Subadviser becomes aware of any changes that should be added to or deleted from the list of affiliated persons.
C. The Subadviser shall also provide the Adviser with any information reasonably requested regarding its management of the Series required for any shareholder report, amended registration statement, or Prospectus supplement to be filed by the Fund with the SEC.
9. Fees for Services. The compensation of the Subadviser for its services under this Agreement shall be calculated and paid by the Adviser in accordance with the attached Schedule C. Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Fund and the Adviser, the Adviser is solely responsible for the payment of fees to the Subadviser.
10. Limitation of Liability. The Subadviser shall not be liable for any action taken, omitted or suffered to be taken by it in its best professional judgment, in good faith and believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion or rights or powers conferred upon it by this Agreement, or in accordance with specific directions or instructions from the Fund, provided, however, that such acts or omissions shall not have constituted a breach of the investment objectives, policies and restrictions applicable to the Series and that such acts or omissions shall not have resulted from the Subadviser's willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence, or a breach of its duty or of its obligations hereunder (provided, however, that the foregoing shall not be construed to protect the Subadviser from liability under the Act).
11. Confidentiality. Subject to the duty of the Subadviser and the Fund to comply with applicable law, including any demand of any regulatory or taxing authority having jurisdiction, the parties hereto shall treat as confidential all information pertaining to the Series and the actions of the Subadviser and the Fund in respect thereof.
12. Assignment. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment, as that term is defined in Section 2(a)(4) of the Act. The Subadviser shall notify the Fund in writing sufficiently in advance of any proposed change of control, as defined in Section 2(a)(9) of the Act, as will enable the Fund to consider whether an assignment as defined in Section 2(a)(4) of the Act will occur, and to take the steps necessary to enter into a new contract with the Subadviser.
13. Representations, Warranties and Agreements of the Subadviser. The Subadviser represents, warrants and agrees that:
A. It is registered as an "Investment Adviser" under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended ("Advisers Act").
B. It will maintain, keep current and preserve on behalf of the Fund, in the manner required or permitted by the Act and the Rules thereunder including the records identified in Schedule B (as Schedule B may be amended from time to time). The Subadviser agrees that such records are the property of the Fund, and shall be surrendered to the Fund or to the Adviser as agent of the Fund promptly upon request of either. The Fund acknowledges that Subadviser may retain copies of all records required to meet the record retention requirements imposed by law and regulation.
C. It shall maintain a written code of ethics (the "Code of Ethics") complying with the requirements of Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act and Rule 17j-l under the Act and shall provide the Fund and the Adviser with a copy of the Code of Ethics and evidence of its adoption. It shall institute procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons (as defined in Rules 204A-1 and 17j-1) from violating its Code of Ethics. The Subadviser acknowledges receipt of the written code of ethics adopted by and on behalf of the Fund. Each calendar quarter while this Agreement is in effect, a duly authorized compliance officer of the Subadviser shall certify to the Fund and to the Adviser that the Subadviser has complied with the requirements of Rules 204A-1 and 17j-l during the previous calendar quarter and that there has been no violation of its Code of Ethics, or the code of ethics of the Fund pertaining to the section on Unlawful Actions, or if such a violation has occurred, that appropriate action was taken in response to such violation. Annually, the Subadviser shall furnish a written report which complies with the requirements of Rules 204A-1(b) and 17j-1 concerning the Subadviser's Code of Ethics to the Fund and the Adviser. The Subadviser shall permit the Fund and the Adviser to examine the reports required to be made by the Subadviser under Rules 204A-1(b) and 17j-l(d)(1) and this subparagraph.
D. It has adopted and implemented, and throughout the term of this Agreement shall maintain in effect and implement, policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent, detect and correct violations by the Subadviser and its supervised persons, and, to the extent the activities of the Subadviser in respect to the Fund could affect the Fund, by the Fund, of "federal securities laws" (as defined in Rule 38a-1 under the Act), and that the Subadviser has provided the Fund with true and complete copies of its policies and procedures (or summaries thereof) and related information requested by the Fund. The Subadviser agrees to cooperate with periodic reviews by the Fund's compliance personnel of the Subadviser's policies and procedures, their operation and implementation and other compliance matters and to provide to the Fund from time to time such additional information and certifications in respect of the Subadviser's policies and procedures, compliance by the Subadviser with federal securities laws and related matters and the Fund's compliance personnel may reasonably request. The Subadviser agrees to promptly notify the Adviser of any compliance violations which affect the Series.
E. Reference is hereby made to the Declaration of Trust dated August 17, 2000 establishing the Fund, a copy of which has been filed with the Secretary of the State of Delaware and elsewhere as required by law, and to any and all amendments thereto so filed with the Secretary of the State of Delaware and elsewhere as required by law, and to any and all amendments thereto so filed or hereafter filed. The name "Phoenix Equity Trust" refers to the Trustees under said Declaration of Trust, as Trustees and not personally, and no Trustee, shareholder, officer, agent or employee of the Fund shall be held to any personal liability in connection with the affairs of the Fund; only the trust estate under said Declaration of Trust is liable. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, neither the Subadviser nor any of its officers, directors, partners, shareholders or employees shall, under any circumstances, have recourse or cause or willingly permit recourse to be had directly or indirectly to any personal, statutory, or other liability of any shareholder, Trustee, officer, agent or employee of the Fund or of any successor of the Fund, whether such liability now exists or is hereafter incurred for claims against the trust estate.
14. Amendment. This Agreement may be amended at any time, but only by written agreement among the Subadviser, the Adviser and the Fund, which amendment, other than amendments to Schedules A, B, D, and E, is subject to the approval of the Trustees and the shareholders of the Fund as and to the extent required by the Act.
15. Effective Date; Term. This Agreement shall become effective on the date set forth on the first page of this Agreement, and shall continue in effect until November 30, 2006. The Agreement shall continue from year to year thereafter only so long as its continuance has been specifically approved at least annually by the Trustees in accordance with Section 15(a) of the Act, and by the majority vote of the disinterested Trustees in accordance with the requirements of Section 15(c) thereof.
16. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated by any party, without penalty, immediately upon written notice to the other parties in the event of a breach of any provision thereof by a party so notified, or otherwise upon thirty (30) days' written notice to the other parties, but any such termination shall not affect the status, obligations or liabilities of any party hereto to the other parties.
17. Applicable Law. To the extent that state law is not preempted by the provisions of any law of the United States heretofore or hereafter enacted, as the same may be amended from time to time, this Agreement shall be administered, construed and enforced according to the laws of the State of Delaware.
18. Severability. If any term or condition of this Agreement shall be invalid or unenforceable to any extent or in any application, then the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby, and each and every term and condition of this Agreement shall be valid and enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.
19. Notices. Any notice or other communication required to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed duly given if delivered personally or by overnight delivery
service or mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid, or sent by facsimile addressed to the parties at their respective addresses set forth below, or at such other address as shall be designated by any party in a written notice to the other party.
(a) To Phoenix at:
Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc.
56 Prospect Street
Hartford, CT 06115
Attn: John H. Beers, Vice President and Clerk
Telephone: (860) 403-5050
Facsimile: (860) 403-7251
Email: john.beers@phoenixwm.com
(b) To Acadian at:
Acadian Asset Management, Inc.
One Post Office Square
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
Attn: Churchill G. Franklin, Executive Vice President
Telephone: (617) 850-3530
Facsimile: (617) 850-3630
Email: cfranklin@acadian-asset.com
20. Certifications. The Subadviser hereby warrants and represents that it will provide the requisite certifications requested by the chief executive officer and chief financial officer of the Fund necessary for those named officers to fulfill their reporting and certification obligations on Form N-CSR as required under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Subadviser shall provide a quarterly certification in a form substantially similar to that attached as Schedule E.
21. Indemnification. The Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Subadviser and the Subadviser's directors, officers, employees and agents from and against any and all losses, liabilities, claims, damages, and expenses whatsoever, including reasonable attorneys' fees (collectively, "Losses"), arising out of or relating to (i) any breach by the Adviser of any provision of this Agreement; (ii) the negligence, willful misconduct, bad faith, or breach of fiduciary duty of the Adviser; (iii) any violation by the Adviser of any law or regulation relating to its activities under this Agreement; and (iv) any dispute between the Adviser and any Fund shareholder, except to the extent that such Losses result from the gross negligence, willful misconduct, bad faith, or breach of fiduciary duty of the Subadviser.
22. Receipt of Disclosure Document. The Fund acknowledges receipt, at least 48 hours prior to entering into this Agreement, of a copy of Part II of the Subadviser's Form ADV containing certain information concerning the Subadviser and the nature of its business.
PHOENIX EQUITY TRUST
By: /s/ George R. Aylward
-----------------------------
Name: George R. Aylward
Title: Executive Vice President
|
PHOENIX INVESTMENT COUNSEL, INC.
By: /s/ John H. Beers
--------------------------------
Name: John H. Beers
Title: Vice President and Clerk
|
ACCEPTED:
ACADIAN ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
By: /s/ Gary L. Bergstrom ---------------------------------------- Name: Gary L. Bergstrom Title: Chairman |
SCHEDULES: A. Operational Procedures
B. Record Keeping Requirements
C. Fee Schedule
D. Subadviser Functions
E. Form of Sub-Certification
|
OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES
In order to minimize operational problems, it will be necessary for a flow of information to be supplied to State Street Bank and Trust Company (the "Custodian") and PFPC, Inc., (the "Sub-Accounting Agent") for the Fund.
The Subadviser must furnish the Custodian and the Sub-Accounting Agent, with daily information as to executed trades, or, if no trades are executed, with a report to that effect, no later than 5 p.m. (Eastern Standard time) on the day of the trade. (Subadviser will be responsible for reimbursement to the Fund for any loss caused by failure to comply.) The necessary information can be sent via facsimile machine to the Custodian and the Sub-Accounting Agent. Information provided to the Custodian and the Sub-Accounting Agent shall include the following:
1. Purchase or sale;
2. Security name;
3. CUSIP number, ISIN or Sedols (as applicable);
4. Number of shares and sales price per share;
5. Executing broker;
6. Settlement agent;
7. Trade date;
8. Settlement date;
9. Aggregate commission or if a net trade;
10. Interest purchased or sold from interest bearing security;
11. Other fees;
12. Net proceeds of the transaction;
13. Exchange where trade was executed;
14. Identified tax lot (if applicable); and
15. Trade commission reason: best execution, soft dollar or
research.
When opening accounts with brokers for, and in the name of, the Fund, the account must be a cash account. No margin accounts are to be maintained in the name of the Fund. Delivery instructions are as specified by the Custodian. The Custodian will supply the Subadviser daily with a cash availability report via access to the Custodian website, or by email or by facsimile and the Sub-Accounting Agent will provide a five day cash projection. This will normally be done by email so that the Subadviser will know the amount available for investment purposes.
RECORDS TO BE MAINTAINED BY THE SUBADVISER
1. (Rule 31a-1(b)(5)) A record of each brokerage order, and all other series purchases and sales, given by the Subadviser on behalf of the Fund for, or in connection with, the purchase or sale of securities, whether executed or unexecuted. Such records shall include:
A. The name of the broker;
B. The terms and conditions of the order and of any modifications or
cancellations thereof;
C. The time of entry or cancellation;
D. The price at which executed;
E. The time of receipt of a report of execution; and
F. The name of the person who placed the order on behalf of the Fund.
2. (Rule 31a-1(b)(9)) A record for each fiscal quarter, completed within ten
(10) days after the end of the quarter, showing specifically the basis or
bases upon which the allocation of orders for the purchase and sale of
series securities to named brokers or dealers was effected, and the
division of brokerage commissions or other compensation on such purchase
and sale orders. Such record:
A. Shall include the consideration given to:
(i) The sale of shares of the Fund by brokers or dealers.
(ii) The supplying of services or benefits by brokers or dealers
to:
(a) The Fund,
(b) The Adviser,
(c) The Subadviser, and
(d) Any person other than the foregoing.
(iii) Any other consideration other than the technical
qualifications of the brokers and dealers as such.
B. Shall show the nature of the services or benefits made available.
C. Shall describe in detail the application of any general or specific
formula or other determinant used in arriving at such allocation of
purchase and sale orders and such division of brokerage commissions
or other compensation.
D. The name of the person responsible for making the determination of
such allocation and such division of brokerage commissions or other
compensation.
3. (Rule 31a-1(b)(10)) A record in the form of an appropriate memorandum identifying the person or persons, committees or groups authorizing the purchase or sale of series securities. Where a committee or group makes an authorization, a record shall be kept of the names of its members who participate in the authorization. There shall be retained as part of this record: any memorandum, recommendation or instruction supporting or
authorizing the purchase or sale of series securities and such other information as is appropriate to support the authorization.*
4. (Rule 31a-1(f)) Such accounts, books and other documents as are required
to be maintained by registered investment Advisers by rule adopted under
Section 204 of the Advisers Act, to the extent such records are necessary
or appropriate to record the Subadviser's transactions for the Fund.
5. Records as necessary under Board approved Phoenix Funds' valuation policies and procedures.
SUBADVISORY FEE
(a) For services provided to the Fund, the Adviser will pay to the Subadviser, on or before the 10th day of each month, a fee, payable in arrears, at the annual rate stated below. The fees shall be prorated for any month during which this Agreement is in effect for only a portion of the month. In computing the fee to be paid to the Subadviser, the net asset value of the Fund and each Series shall be valued as set forth in the then current registration statement of the Fund.
(b) The fee to be paid to the Subadviser is to be 50% of the gross management fee as calculated based on the average daily net assets of the Phoenix Pathfinder Fund.
SUBADVISER FUNCTIONS
With respect to managing the investment and reinvestment of the Series' assets, the Subadviser shall provide, at its own expense:
(a) An investment program for the Series consistent with its investment objectives based upon the development, review and adjustment of buy/sell strategies approved from time to time by the Board of Trustees and the Adviser;
(b) Implementation of the investment program for the Series based upon the foregoing criteria;
(c) Periodic reports, on at least a quarterly basis, in form and substance acceptable to the Adviser, with respect to: i) compliance with the Code of Ethics and the Fund's code of ethics; ii) compliance with procedures adopted from time to time by the Trustees of the Fund relative to securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; iii) diversification of Series assets in accordance with the then prevailing Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information pertaining to the Series and governing laws; iv) compliance with governing restrictions relating to the fair valuation of securities for which market quotations are not readily available or considered "illiquid" for the purposes of complying with the Series' limitation on acquisition of illiquid securities; v) any and all other reports reasonably requested in accordance with or described in this Agreement; and, vi) the implementation of the Series' investment program, including, without limitation, analysis of Series performance;
(d) Promptly after filing with the SEC an amendment to its Form ADV, a copy of such amendment to the Adviser and the Trustees;
(e) Attendance by appropriate representatives of the Subadviser at meetings requested by the Adviser or Trustees at such time(s) and location(s) as reasonably requested by the Adviser or Trustees; and
(f) Notice to the Trustees and the Adviser of the occurrence of any event which would disqualify the Subadviser from serving as an investment Adviser of an investment company pursuant to Section 9(a) of the 1940 Act or otherwise.
(g) Provide reasonable assistance in the valuation of securities including the participation of appropriate representatives at fair valuation committee meetings.
SCHEDULE E
FORM OF SUB-CERTIFICATION
To:
Re: Form N-CSR Certification for the [Name of Series].
From: [Name of Subadviser]
Representations in support of Investment Company Act Rule 30b1-5 certifications of Form N-CSR.
[Name of Series].
In connection with your certification responsibility under Rule 30b1-5 and Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, I have reviewed the following information presented for the period ended [Date of Reporting Period] (the "Reports") which forms part of the N-CSR for the Funds.
Schedule of Investments (the "Reports")
Our organization has designed, implemented and maintained internal controls and procedures, designed for the purpose of ensuring the accuracy and completeness of relevant portfolio trade data transmitted to those responsible for the preparation of the Schedule of Investments. As of the date of this certification there have been no material modifications to these internal controls and procedures.
In addition, our organization has:
a. Designed such internal controls and procedures to ensure that material information is made known to the appropriate groups responsible for servicing the above-mentioned mutual funds.
b. Evaluated the effectiveness of our internal controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the date of this certification and we have concluded that such controls and procedures are effective.
c. In addition, to the best of my knowledge there has been no fraud, whether, or not material, that involves our organization's management or other employees who have a significant role in our organization's control and procedures as they relate to our duties as sub-adviser to the Funds.
I have read the draft of the Reports which I understand to be current as of
[Date of Reporting Period] and based on my knowledge, such drafts of the Reports
do not, with respect to the Funds, contain any untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the information
contained therein, in light of the circumstances under which such information is
presented, not misleading with respect to the period covered by such draft
Reports.
I have disclosed, based on my most recent evaluation, to the Fund's Chief Accounting Officer:
a. All significant changes, deficiencies and material weakness, if any, in the design or operation of the Subadviser's internal controls and procedures which could adversely affect the Adviser's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data in a timely fashion;
b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves the Subadviser's management or other employees who have significant role in the Subadviser's internal controls and procedures for financial reporting.
I certify that to the best of my knowledge:
a. The Subadviser's portfolio manager have complied with the restrictions and reporting requirements of the Code of Ethics (the "Code"). The term Portfolio Manager is as defined in the Code.
b. The Subadviser has complied with the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information of the Funds and the Policies and Procedures of the Funds as adopted by the Fund's Board of Trustees.
c. I have no knowledge of any compliance violations except as disclosed in writing to the Phoenix Compliance Department by me or by the Subadviser's compliance administrator.
d. The Subadviser has complied with the rules and regulations of the 33 Act and 40 Act, and such other regulations as may apply to the extent those rules and regulations pertain to the responsibilities of the Subadviser with respect to the Fund as outlined above.
This certification relates solely to the Funds named above and may not be relied upon by any other fund or entity.
The Subadviser does not maintain the official books and records of the above Funds. The sub-Subadviser's records are based on its own portfolio management system, a record-keeping system that is not intended to service as the Funds' official accounting system. The Subadviser is not responsible for the preparation of the Reports.
[Name of Authorized Signature] Date
EXHIBIT d.9
PHOENIX EQUITY TRUST
PHOENIX TOTAL VALUE FUND
(F/K/A PHOENIX ALL-WEATHER VALUE FUND)
SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
PHOENIX EQUITY TRUST
PHOENIX TOTAL VALUE FUND
(F/K/A PHOENIX ALL-WEATHER VALUE FUND)
Acadian Asset Management, Inc.
One Post Office Square
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
RE: SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Phoenix Equity Trust (the "Fund") is a diversified open-end investment company of the series type registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "Act"), and is subject to the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. The shares of the Fund are offered or may be offered in several series, including the Phoenix Total Value Fund (previously known as Phoenix-All-Weather Value Fund) (collectively, sometimes hereafter referred to as the "Series").
Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. (the "Adviser") evaluates and recommends series advisers for the Series and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Series.
1. Employment as a Subadviser. The Adviser, being duly authorized, hereby employs Acadian Asset Management, Inc. (the "Subadviser") as a discretionary series adviser to invest and reinvest that discrete portion of the assets of the Series designated by the Adviser on the terms and conditions set forth herein. The services of the Subadviser hereunder are not to be deemed exclusive; the Subadviser may render services to others and engage in other activities that do not conflict in any material manner in the Subadviser's performance hereunder.
2. Acceptance of Employment; Standard of Performance. The Subadviser accepts its employment as a discretionary series Adviser of the Series and agrees to use its best professional judgment to make investment decisions for the Series in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and as set forth in Schedule D attached hereto and made a part hereof.
3. Services of Subadviser. In providing management services to the Series, the Subadviser shall be subject to the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund as they apply to the Series and as set forth in the Fund's then current prospectus ("Prospectus") and statement of additional information ("Statement of Additional Information") filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") as part of the Fund's Registration Statement, as may be periodically amended and provided to the Subadviser by the Adviser, and to the investment restrictions set forth in the Act and the Rules thereunder, to the
supervision and control of the Trustees of the Fund (the "Trustees"), and to instructions from the Adviser. The Subadviser shall not, without the Fund's prior written approval, effect any transactions that would cause the Series at the time of the transaction to be out of compliance with any of such restrictions or policies.
4. Transaction Procedures. All series transactions for the Series shall be consummated by payment to, or delivery by, the Custodian(s) from time to time designated by the Fund (the "Custodian"), or such depositories or agents as may be designated by the Custodian in writing, of all cash and/or securities due to or from the Series. The Subadviser shall not have possession or custody of such cash and/or securities or any responsibility or liability with respect to such custody. The Subadviser shall advise the Custodian and confirm in writing to the Fund all investment orders for the Series placed by it with brokers and dealers at the time and in the manner set forth in Schedule A hereto (as amended from time to time). The Fund shall issue to the Custodian such instructions as may be appropriate in connection with the settlement of any transaction initiated by the Subadviser. The Fund shall be responsible for all custodial arrangements and the payment of all custodial charges and fees, and, upon giving proper instructions to the Custodian, the Subadviser shall have no responsibility or liability with respect to custodial arrangements or the act, omissions or other conduct of the Custodian.
5. Allocation of Brokerage. The Subadviser shall have authority and discretion to select brokers and dealers to execute Series transactions initiated by the Subadviser, and to select the markets on or in which the transactions will be executed.
A. In placing orders for the sale and purchase of Series securities for the Fund, the Subadviser's primary responsibility shall be to seek the best execution of orders at the most favorable prices. However, this responsibility shall not obligate the Subadviser to solicit competitive bids for each transaction or to seek the lowest available commission cost to the Fund, so long as the Subadviser reasonably believes that the broker or dealer selected by it can be expected to obtain a "best execution" market price on the particular transaction and determines in good faith that the commission cost is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services (as defined in Section 28(e)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) provided by such broker or dealer to the Subadviser, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or of the Subadviser's overall responsibilities with respect to its clients, including the Fund, as to which the Subadviser exercises investment discretion, notwithstanding that the Fund may not be the direct or exclusive beneficiary of any such services or that another broker may be willing to charge the Fund a lower commission on the particular transaction.
B. The Subadviser may manage other portfolios and expects that the Fund and other portfolios it manages will, from time to time, purchase or sell the same securities. The Subadviser may aggregate orders for the purchase or sale of securities on behalf of the Fund with orders on behalf of other portfolios the Subadviser manages. Securities purchased or proceeds of securities sold through aggregated orders shall be allocated to the account of each portfolio managed by the Subadviser that bought or
sold such securities at the average execution price. If less than the total of the aggregated orders is executed, purchased securities or proceeds shall generally be allocated pro rata among the participating portfolios in proportion to their planned participation in the aggregated orders. Further, in the event not all portfolios are allocated the entire number of securities sought to be bought or sold on behalf of such portfolio, it is possible that no portfolio will be deemed to have purchased or sold the entire number of securities sought to be purchased or sold on behalf of such portfolio.
C. The Subadviser shall not execute any Series transactions for the Series with a broker or dealer that is an "affiliated person" (as defined in the Act) of the Fund, the Subadviser or the Adviser without the prior written approval of the Fund. The Fund shall provide the Subadviser with a list of brokers and dealers that are "affiliated persons" of the Fund or the Adviser.
6. Proxies. The Subadviser, or a third party designee acting under the authority and supervision of the Subadviser, shall review all proxy solicitation materials and be responsible for voting and handling all proxies in relation to the assets of the Series. Unless the Adviser or the Fund gives the Subadviser written instructions to the contrary, the Subadviser will, in compliance with the proxy voting procedures of the Series then in effect, vote or abstain from voting, all proxies solicited by or with respect to the issuers of securities in which assets of the Series may be invested. The Adviser shall cause the Custodian to forward promptly to the Subadviser all proxies upon receipt, so as to afford the Subadviser a reasonable amount of time in which to determine how to vote such proxies. The Subadviser agrees to provide the Adviser in a timely manner with a record of votes cast containing all of the voting information required by Form N-PX in an electronic format to enable the Series to file Form N-PX as required by Rule 30b1-4 under the Act.
7. Prohibited Conduct. In providing the services described in this Agreement, the Subadviser will not consult with any other investment advisory firm that provides investment advisory services to any investment company sponsored by Phoenix Investment Partners, Ltd. regarding transactions for the Fund in securities or other assets. In addition, the Subadviser shall not, without the prior written consent of the Fund and the Adviser, delegate any obligation assumed pursuant to this Agreement to any affiliated or unaffiliated third party.
8. Information and Reports.
A. The Subadviser shall keep the Fund and the Adviser informed of developments relating to its duties as Subadviser of which the Subadviser has, or should have, knowledge that would materially affect the Series. In this regard, the Subadviser shall provide the Fund, the Adviser and their respective officers with such periodic reports concerning the obligations the Subadviser has assumed under this Agreement as the Fund and the Adviser may from time to time reasonably request. In addition, prior to each meeting of the Trustees, the Subadviser shall provide the Adviser and the Trustees with reports regarding the Subadviser's management of the Series during the most recently completed quarter, to include written communication that the Series is in compliance with its investment objectives and practices, the Act and applicable
rules and regulations under the Act, and the requirements of Subchapter M under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and otherwise in such form as may be mutually agreed upon by the Subadviser and the Adviser.
B. Each of the Adviser and the Subadviser shall provide the other party with a list, to the best of the Adviser's or the Subadviser's respective knowledge, of each affiliated person (and any affiliated person of such an affiliated person) of the Adviser or the Subadviser, as the case may be, and each of the Adviser and Subadviser agrees promptly to update such list whenever the Adviser or the Subadviser becomes aware of any changes that should be added to or deleted from the list of affiliated persons.
C. The Subadviser shall also provide the Adviser with any information reasonably requested regarding its management of the Series required for any shareholder report, amended registration statement, or Prospectus supplement to be filed by the Fund with the SEC.
9. Fees for Services. The compensation of the Subadviser for its services under this Agreement shall be calculated and paid by the Adviser in accordance with the attached Schedule C. Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Fund and the Adviser, the Adviser is solely responsible for the payment of fees to the Subadviser.
10. Limitation of Liability. The Subadviser shall not be liable for any action taken, omitted or suffered to be taken by it in its best professional judgment, in good faith and believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion or rights or powers conferred upon it by this Agreement, or in accordance with specific directions or instructions from the Fund, provided, however, that such acts or omissions shall not have constituted a breach of the investment objectives, policies and restrictions applicable to the Series and that such acts or omissions shall not have resulted from the Subadviser's willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence, or a breach of its duty or of its obligations hereunder (provided, however, that the foregoing shall not be construed to protect the Subadviser from liability under the Act).
11. Confidentiality. Subject to the duty of the Subadviser and the Fund to comply with applicable law, including any demand of any regulatory or taxing authority having jurisdiction, the parties hereto shall treat as confidential all information pertaining to the Series and the actions of the Subadviser and the Fund in respect thereof.
12. Assignment. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment, as that term is defined in Section 2(a)(4) of the Act. The Subadviser shall notify the Fund in writing sufficiently in advance of any proposed change of control, as defined in Section 2(a)(9) of the Act, as will enable the Fund to consider whether an assignment as defined in Section 2(a)(4) of the Act will occur, and to take the steps necessary to enter into a new contract with the Subadviser.
13. Representations, Warranties and Agreements of the Subadviser. The Subadviser represents, warrants and agrees that:
A. It is registered as an "Investment Adviser" under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended ("Advisers Act").
B. It will maintain, keep current and preserve on behalf of the Fund, in the manner required or permitted by the Act and the Rules thereunder including the records identified in Schedule B (as Schedule B may be amended from time to time). The Subadviser agrees that such records are the property of the Fund, and shall be surrendered to the Fund or to the Adviser as agent of the Fund promptly upon request of either. The Fund acknowledges that Subadviser may retain copies of all records required to meet the record retention requirements imposed by law and regulation.
C. It shall maintain a written code of ethics (the "Code of Ethics") complying with the requirements of Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act and Rule 17j-l under the Act and shall provide the Fund and the Adviser with a copy of the Code of Ethics and evidence of its adoption. It shall institute procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons (as defined in Rules 204A-1 and 17j-1) from violating its Code of Ethics. The Subadviser acknowledges receipt of the written code of ethics adopted by and on behalf of the Fund. Each calendar quarter while this Agreement is in effect, a duly authorized compliance officer of the Subadviser shall certify to the Fund and to the Adviser that the Subadviser has complied with the requirements of Rules 204A-1 and 17j-l during the previous calendar quarter and that there has been no violation of its Code of Ethics, or the code of ethics of the Fund pertaining to the section on Unlawful Actions, or if such a violation has occurred, that appropriate action was taken in response to such violation. Annually, the Subadviser shall furnish a written report which complies with the requirements of Rules 204A-1(b) and 17j-1 concerning the Subadviser's Code of Ethics to the Fund and the Adviser. The Subadviser shall permit the Fund and the Adviser to examine the reports required to be made by the Subadviser under Rules 204A-1(b) and 17j-l(d)(1) and this subparagraph.
D. It has adopted and implemented, and throughout the term of this Agreement shall maintain in effect and implement, policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent, detect and correct violations by the Subadviser and its supervised persons, and, to the extent the activities of the Subadviser in respect to the Fund could affect the Fund, by the Fund, of "federal securities laws" (as defined in Rule 38a-1 under the Act), and that the Subadviser has provided the Fund with true and complete copies of its policies and procedures (or summaries thereof) and related information requested by the Fund. The Subadviser agrees to cooperate with periodic reviews by the Fund's compliance personnel of the Subadviser's policies and procedures, their operation and implementation and other compliance matters and to provide to the Fund from time to time such additional information and certifications in respect of the Subadviser's policies and procedures, compliance by the Subadviser with federal securities laws and related matters and the Fund's compliance personnel may reasonably request. The Subadviser agrees to promptly notify the Adviser of any compliance violations which affect the Series.
E. Reference is hereby made to the Declaration of Trust dated August 17, 2000 establishing the Fund, a copy of which has been filed with the Secretary of the State of Delaware and elsewhere as required by law, and to any and all amendments thereto so filed with the Secretary of the State of Delaware and elsewhere as required by law, and to any and all amendments thereto so filed or hereafter filed. The name "Phoenix Equity Trust" refers to the Trustees under said Declaration of Trust, as Trustees and not personally, and no Trustee, shareholder, officer, agent or employee of the Fund shall be held to any personal liability in connection with the affairs of the Fund; only the trust estate under said Declaration of Trust is liable. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, neither the Subadviser nor any of its officers, directors, partners, shareholders or employees shall, under any circumstances, have recourse or cause or willingly permit recourse to be had directly or indirectly to any personal, statutory, or other liability of any shareholder, Trustee, officer, agent or employee of the Fund or of any successor of the Fund, whether such liability now exists or is hereafter incurred for claims against the trust estate.
14. Amendment. This Agreement may be amended at any time, but only by written agreement among the Subadviser, the Adviser and the Fund, which amendment, other than amendments to Schedules A, B, D, and E, is subject to the approval of the Trustees and the shareholders of the Fund as and to the extent required by the Act.
15. Effective Date; Term. This Agreement shall become effective on the date set forth on the first page of this Agreement, and shall continue in effect until November 30, 2006. The Agreement shall continue from year to year thereafter only so long as its continuance has been specifically approved at least annually by the Trustees in accordance with Section 15(a) of the Act, and by the majority vote of the disinterested Trustees in accordance with the requirements of Section 15(c) thereof.
16. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated by any party, without penalty, immediately upon written notice to the other parties in the event of a breach of any provision thereof by a party so notified, or otherwise upon thirty (30) days' written notice to the other parties, but any such termination shall not affect the status, obligations or liabilities of any party hereto to the other parties.
17. Applicable Law. To the extent that state law is not preempted by the provisions of any law of the United States heretofore or hereafter enacted, as the same may be amended from time to time, this Agreement shall be administered, construed and enforced according to the laws of the State of Delaware.
18. Severability. If any term or condition of this Agreement shall be invalid or unenforceable to any extent or in any application, then the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby, and each and every term and condition of this Agreement shall be valid and enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.
19. Notices. Any notice or other communication required to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed duly given if delivered personally or by overnight delivery service or mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid, or sent by facsimile addressed to the parties at their respective addresses set forth below, or at such other address as shall be designated by any party in a written notice to the other party.
(a) To Phoenix at:
Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc.
56 Prospect Street
Hartford, CT 06115
Attn: John H. Beers, Vice President and Clerk
Telephone: (860) 403-5050
Facsimile: (860) 403-7251
Email: john.beers@phoenixwm.com
(b) To Acadian at:
Acadian Asset Management, Inc.
One Post Office Square
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
Attn: Churchill G. Franklin, Executive Vice President
Telephone: (617) 850-3530
Facsimile: (617) 850-3630
Email: cfranklin@acadian-asset.com
20. Certifications. The Subadviser hereby warrants and represents that it will provide the requisite certifications requested by the chief executive officer and chief financial officer of the Fund necessary for those named officers to fulfill their reporting and certification obligations on Form N-CSR as required under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Subadviser shall provide a quarterly certification in a form substantially similar to that attached as Schedule E.
21. Indemnification. The Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Subadviser and the Subadviser's directors, officers, employees and agents from and against any and all losses, liabilities, claims, damages, and expenses whatsoever, including reasonable attorneys' fees (collectively, "Losses"), arising out of or relating to (i) any breach by the Adviser of any provision of this Agreement; (ii) the negligence, willful misconduct, bad faith, or breach of fiduciary duty of the Adviser; (iii) any violation by the Adviser of any law or regulation relating to its activities under this Agreement; and (iv) any dispute between the Adviser and any Fund shareholder, except to the extent that such Losses result from the gross negligence, willful misconduct, bad faith, or breach of fiduciary duty of the Subadviser.
22. Receipt of Disclosure Document. The Fund acknowledges receipt, at least 48 hours prior to entering into this Agreement, of a copy of Part II of the Subadviser's Form ADV containing certain information concerning the Subadviser and the nature of its business.
PHOENIX EQUITY TRUST
By: /s/ George R. Aylward
------------------------------
Name: George R. Aylward
Title: Executive Vice President
|
PHOENIX INVESTMENT COUNSEL, INC.
By: /s/ John H. Beers
-------------------------------
Name: John H. Beers
Title: Vice President and Clerk
|
ACCEPTED:
ACADIAN ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
By: /s/ Gary L. Bergstrom
----------------------------------------
Name: Gary L. Bergstrom
Title: Chairman
|
SCHEDULES: A. Operational Procedures
B. Record Keeping Requirements
C. Fee Schedule
D. Subadviser Functions
E. Form of Sub-Certification
|
OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES
In order to minimize operational problems, it will be necessary for a flow of information to be supplied to State Street Bank and Trust Company (the "Custodian") and PFPC, Inc., (the "Sub-Accounting Agent") for the Fund.
The Subadviser must furnish the Custodian and the Sub-Accounting Agent, with daily information as to executed trades, or, if no trades are executed, with a report to that effect, no later than 5 p.m. (Eastern Standard time) on the day of the trade. (Subadviser will be responsible for reimbursement to the Fund for any loss caused by failure to comply.) The necessary information can be sent via facsimile machine to the Custodian and the Sub-Accounting Agent. Information provided to the Custodian and the Sub-Accounting Agent shall include the following:
1. Purchase or sale; 2. Security name;
3. CUSIP number, ISIN or Sedols (as applicable);
4. Number of shares and sales price per share;
5. Executing broker;
6. Settlement agent;
7. Trade date;
8. Settlement date;
9. Aggregate commission or if a net trade;
10. Interest purchased or sold from interest bearing security;
11. Other fees;
12. Net proceeds of the transaction;
13. Exchange where trade was executed;
14. Identified tax lot (if applicable); and
15. Trade commission reason: best execution, soft dollar or research.
When opening accounts with brokers for, and in the name of, the Fund, the account must be a cash account. No margin accounts are to be maintained in the name of the Fund. Delivery instructions are as specified by the Custodian. The Custodian will supply the Subadviser daily with a cash availability report via access to the Custodian website, or by email or by facsimile and the Sub-Accounting Agent will provide a five day cash projection. This will normally be done by email so that the Subadviser will know the amount available for investment purposes.
RECORDS TO BE MAINTAINED BY THE SUBADVISER
1. (Rule 31a-1(b)(5)) A record of each brokerage order, and all other series purchases and sales, given by the Subadviser on behalf of the Fund for, or in connection with, the purchase or sale of securities, whether executed or unexecuted. Such records shall include:
A. The name of the broker;
B. The terms and conditions of the order and of any modifications or
cancellations thereof;
C. The time of entry or cancellation;
D. The price at which executed;
E. The time of receipt of a report of execution; and
F. The name of the person who placed the order on behalf of the Fund.
2. (Rule 31a-1(b)(9)) A record for each fiscal quarter, completed within ten
(10) days after the end of the quarter, showing specifically the basis or
bases upon which the allocation of orders for the purchase and sale of
series securities to named brokers or dealers was effected, and the
division of brokerage commissions or other compensation on such purchase
and sale orders. Such record:
A. Shall include the consideration given to:
(i) The sale of shares of the Fund by brokers or dealers.
(ii) The supplying of services or benefits by brokers or dealers
to:
(a) The Fund,
(b) The Adviser,
(c) The Subadviser, and
(d) Any person other than the foregoing.
(iii) Any other consideration other than the technical
qualifications of the brokers and dealers as such.
B. Shall show the nature of the services or benefits made available.
C. Shall describe in detail the application of any general or
specific formula or other determinant used in arriving at such
allocation of purchase and sale orders and such division of
brokerage commissions or other compensation.
D. The name of the person responsible for making the determination of such allocation and such division of brokerage commissions or other compensation.
3. (Rule 31a-1(b)(10)) A record in the form of an appropriate memorandum identifying the person or persons, committees or groups authorizing the purchase or sale of series securities. Where a committee or group makes an authorization, a record shall be kept of the names of its members who participate in the authorization. There shall be retained as part of this record: any memorandum, recommendation or instruction supporting or
authorizing the purchase or sale of series securities and such other information as is appropriate to support the authorization.*
4. (Rule 31a-1(f)) Such accounts, books and other documents as are required
to be maintained by registered investment Advisers by rule adopted under
Section 204 of the Advisers Act, to the extent such records are necessary
or appropriate to record the Subadviser's transactions for the Fund.
5. Records as necessary under Board approved Phoenix Funds' valuation policies and procedures.
SUBADVISORY FEE
(a) For services provided to the Fund, the Adviser will pay to the Subadviser, on or before the 10th day of each month, a fee, payable in arrears, at the annual rate stated below. The fees shall be prorated for any month during which this Agreement is in effect for only a portion of the month. In computing the fee to be paid to the Subadviser, the net asset value of the Fund and each Series shall be valued as set forth in the then current registration statement of the Fund.
(b) The fee to be paid to the Subadviser is 50% the gross management fee as calculated based on the average daily net assets of the Phoenix Total Value Fund managed by Acadian Asset Management, Inc.
SUBADVISER FUNCTIONS
With respect to managing the investment and reinvestment of the Series' assets, the Subadviser shall provide, at its own expense:
(a) An investment program for the Series consistent with its investment objectives based upon the development, review and adjustment of buy/sell strategies approved from time to time by the Board of Trustees and the Adviser;
(b) Implementation of the investment program for the Series based upon the foregoing criteria;
(c) Periodic reports, on at least a quarterly basis, in form and substance acceptable to the Adviser, with respect to: i) compliance with the Code of Ethics and the Fund's code of ethics; ii) compliance with procedures adopted from time to time by the Trustees of the Fund relative to securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; iii) diversification of Series assets in accordance with the then prevailing Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information pertaining to the Series and governing laws; iv) compliance with governing restrictions relating to the fair valuation of securities for which market quotations are not readily available or considered "illiquid" for the purposes of complying with the Series' limitation on acquisition of illiquid securities; v) any and all other reports reasonably requested in accordance with or described in this Agreement; and, vi) the implementation of the Series' investment program, including, without limitation, analysis of Series performance;
(d) Promptly after filing with the SEC an amendment to its Form ADV, a copy of such amendment to the Adviser and the Trustees;
(e) Attendance by appropriate representatives of the Subadviser at meetings requested by the Adviser or Trustees at such time(s) and location(s) as reasonably requested by the Adviser or Trustees; and
(f) Notice to the Trustees and the Adviser of the occurrence of any event which would disqualify the Subadviser from serving as an investment Adviser of an investment company pursuant to Section 9(a) of the 1940 Act or otherwise.
(g) Provide reasonable assistance in the valuation of securities including the participation of appropriate representatives at fair valuation committee meetings.
SCHEDULE E
FORM OF SUB-CERTIFICATION
To:
Re: Form N-CSR Certification for the [Name of Series].
From: [Name of Subadviser]
Representations in support of Investment Company Act Rule 30b1-5
certifications of Form N-CSR.
[Name of Series].
In connection with your certification responsibility under Rule 30b1-5
and Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, I have
reviewed the following information presented for the period ended [Date
of Reporting Period] (the "Reports") which forms part of the N-CSR for
the Funds.
|
Schedule of Investments (the "Reports")
Our organization has designed, implemented and maintained internal controls and procedures, designed for the purpose of ensuring the accuracy and completeness of relevant portfolio trade data transmitted to those responsible for the preparation of the Schedule of Investments. As of the date of this certification there have been no material modifications to these internal controls and procedures.
In addition, our organization has:
a. Designed such internal controls and procedures to ensure that material information is made known to the appropriate groups responsible for servicing the above-mentioned mutual funds.
b. Evaluated the effectiveness of our internal controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the date of this certification and we have concluded that such controls and procedures are effective.
c. In addition, to the best of my knowledge there has been no fraud, whether, or not material, that involves our organization's management or other employees who have a significant role in our organization's control and procedures as they relate to our duties as sub-adviser to the Funds.
I have read the draft of the Reports which I understand to be current as of
[Date of Reporting Period] and based on my knowledge, such drafts of the Reports
do not, with respect to the Funds, contain any untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the information
contained therein, in light of the circumstances under which such information is
presented, not misleading with respect to the period covered by such draft
Reports.
I have disclosed, based on my most recent evaluation, to the Fund's Chief Accounting Officer:
a. All significant changes, deficiencies and material weakness, if any, in the design or operation of the Subadviser's internal controls and procedures which could adversely affect the Adviser's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data in a timely fashion;
b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves the Subadviser's management or other employees who have significant role in the Subadviser's internal controls and procedures for financial reporting.
I certify that to the best of my knowledge:
a. The Subadviser's portfolio manager have complied with the restrictions and reporting requirements of the Code of Ethics (the "Code"). The term Portfolio Manager is as defined in the Code.
b. The Subadviser has complied with the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information of the Funds and the Policies and Procedures of the Funds as adopted by the Fund's Board of Trustees.
c. I have no knowledge of any compliance violations except as disclosed in writing to the Phoenix Compliance Department by me or by the Subadviser's compliance administrator.
d. The Subadviser has complied with the rules and regulations of the 33 Act and 40 Act, and such other regulations as may apply to the extent those rules and regulations pertain to the responsibilities of the Subadviser with respect to the Fund as outlined above.
This certification relates solely to the Funds named above and may not be relied upon by any other fund or entity.
The Subadviser does not maintain the official books and records of the above Funds. The sub-Subadviser's records are based on its own portfolio management system, a record-keeping system that is not intended to service as the Funds' official accounting system. The Subadviser is not responsible for the preparation of the Reports.
[Name of Authorized Signature] Date
EXHIBIT d.10
PHOENIX EQUITY TRUST
PHOENIX RELATIVE VALUE FUND
SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
PHOENIX EQUITY TRUST
PHOENIX RELATIVE VALUE FUND
July 29, 2005
Golden Capital Management, LLC
10715 David Taylor Drive, Suite 150
Charlotte, NC 28262
RE: SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Phoenix Equity Trust (the "Fund") is a diversified open-end investment company of the series type registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "Act"), and is subject to the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. The shares of the Fund are offered or may be offered in several series, including the Phoenix Relative Value Fund (collectively, sometimes hereafter referred to as the "Series").
Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. (the "Adviser") evaluates and recommends series advisers for the Series and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Series.
1. Employment as a Subadviser. The Adviser, being duly authorized, hereby employs Golden Capital Management, LLC (the "Subadviser") as a discretionary series adviser to invest and reinvest that discrete portion of the assets of the Series designated by the Adviser on the terms and conditions set forth herein. The services of the Subadviser hereunder are not to be deemed exclusive; the Subadviser may render services to others and engage in other activities that do not conflict in any material manner in the Subadviser's performance hereunder.
2. Acceptance of Employment; Standard of Performance. The Subadviser accepts its employment as a discretionary series Adviser of the Series and agrees to use its best professional judgment to make investment decisions for the Series in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and as set forth in Schedule D attached hereto and made a part hereof.
3. Services of Subadviser. In providing management services to the Series, the Subadviser shall be subject to the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund as they apply to the Series and as set forth in the Fund's then current prospectus ("Prospectus") and statement of additional information ("Statement of Additional Information") filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") as part of the Fund's Registration Statement, as may be periodically amended and provided to the Subadviser by the Adviser, and to the investment restrictions set forth in the Act and the Rules thereunder, to the supervision and control of the Trustees of the Fund (the "Trustees"), and to instructions
from the Adviser. The Subadviser shall not, without the Fund's prior written approval, effect any transactions that would cause the Series at the time of the transaction to be out of compliance with any of such restrictions or policies.
4. Transaction Procedures. All series transactions for the Series shall be consummated by payment to, or delivery by, the Custodian(s) from time to time designated by the Fund (the "Custodian"), or such depositories or agents as may be designated by the Custodian in writing, of all cash and/or securities due to or from the Series. The Subadviser shall not have possession or custody of such cash and/or securities or any responsibility or liability with respect to such custody. The Subadviser shall advise the Custodian and confirm in writing to the Fund all investment orders for the Series placed by it with brokers and dealers at the time and in the manner set forth in Schedule A hereto (as amended from time to time). The Fund shall issue to the Custodian such instructions as may be appropriate in connection with the settlement of any transaction initiated by the Subadviser. The Fund shall be responsible for all custodial arrangements and the payment of all custodial charges and fees, and, upon giving proper instructions to the Custodian, the Subadviser shall have no responsibility or liability with respect to custodial arrangements or the act, omissions or other conduct of the Custodian.
5. Allocation of Brokerage. The Subadviser shall have authority and discretion to select brokers and dealers to execute Series transactions initiated by the Subadviser, and to select the markets on or in which the transactions will be executed.
A. In placing orders for the sale and purchase of Series securities for the Fund, the Subadviser's primary responsibility shall be to seek the best execution of orders at the most favorable prices. However, this responsibility shall not obligate the Subadviser to solicit competitive bids for each transaction or to seek the lowest available commission cost to the Fund, so long as the Subadviser reasonably believes that the broker or dealer selected by it can be expected to obtain a "best execution" market price on the particular transaction and determines in good faith that the commission cost is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services (as defined in Section 28(e)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) provided by such broker or dealer to the Subadviser, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or of the Subadviser's overall responsibilities with respect to its clients, including the Fund, as to which the Subadviser exercises investment discretion, notwithstanding that the Fund may not be the direct or exclusive beneficiary of any such services or that another broker may be willing to charge the Fund a lower commission on the particular transaction.
B. The Subadviser may manage other portfolios and expects that the Fund and other portfolios it manages will, from time to time, purchase or sell the same securities. The Subadviser may aggregate orders for the purchase or sale of securities on behalf of the Fund with orders on behalf of other portfolios the Subadviser manages. Securities purchased or proceeds of securities sold through aggregated orders shall be allocated to the account of each portfolio managed by the Subadviser that bought or sold such securities at the average execution price. If less than the total of the
aggregated orders is executed, purchased securities or proceeds shall generally be allocated pro rata among the participating portfolios in proportion to their planned participation in the aggregated orders. Further, in the event not all portfolios are allocated the entire number of securities sought to be bought or sold on behalf of such portfolio, it is possible that no portfolio will be deemed to have purchased or sold the entire number of securities sought to be purchased or sold on behalf of such portfolio.
C. The Subadviser shall not execute any Series transactions for the Series with a broker or dealer that is an "affiliated person" (as defined in the Act) of the Fund, the Subadviser or the Adviser without the prior written approval of the Fund. The Fund shall provide the Subadviser with a list of brokers and dealers that are "affiliated persons" of the Fund or the Adviser.
6. Proxies. The Subadviser, or a third party designee acting under the authority and supervision of the Subadviser, shall review all proxy solicitation materials and be responsible for voting and handling all proxies in relation to the assets of the Series. Unless the Adviser or the Fund gives the Subadviser written instructions to the contrary, the Subadviser will, in compliance with the proxy voting procedures of the Series then in effect, vote or abstain from voting, all proxies solicited by or with respect to the issuers of securities in which assets of the Series may be invested. The Adviser shall cause the Custodian to forward promptly to the Subadviser all proxies upon receipt, so as to afford the Subadviser a reasonable amount of time in which to determine how to vote such proxies. The Subadviser agrees to provide the Adviser in a timely manner with a record of votes cast containing all of the voting information required by Form N-PX in an electronic format to enable the Series to file Form N-PX as required by Rule 30b1-4 under the Act.
7. Prohibited Conduct. In providing the services described in this Agreement, the Subadviser will not consult with any other investment advisory firm that provides investment advisory services to any investment company sponsored by Phoenix Investment Partners, Ltd. regarding transactions for the Fund in securities or other assets. In addition, the Subadviser shall not, without the prior written consent of the Fund and the Adviser, delegate any obligation assumed pursuant to this Agreement to any affiliated or unaffiliated third party.
8. Information and Reports.
A. The Subadviser shall keep the Fund and the Adviser informed of developments relating to its duties as Subadviser of which the Subadviser has, or should have, knowledge that would materially affect the Series. In this regard, the Subadviser shall provide the Fund, the Adviser and their respective officers with such periodic reports concerning the obligations the Subadviser has assumed under this Agreement as the Fund and the Adviser may from time to time reasonably request. In addition, prior to each meeting of the Trustees, the Subadviser shall provide the Adviser and the Trustees with reports regarding the Subadviser's management of the Series during the most recently completed quarter, to include written communication that the Series is in compliance with its investment objectives and practices, the Act and applicable rules and regulations under the Act, and the requirements of Subchapter M under the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and otherwise in such form as may be mutually agreed upon by the Subadviser and the Adviser.
B. Each of the Adviser and the Subadviser shall provide the other party with a list, to the best of the Adviser's or the Subadviser's respective knowledge, of each affiliated person (and any affiliated person of such an affiliated person) of the Adviser or the Subadviser, as the case may be, and each of the Adviser and Subadviser agrees promptly to update such list whenever the Adviser or the Subadviser becomes aware of any changes that should be added to or deleted from the list of affiliated persons.
C. The Subadviser shall also provide the Adviser with any information reasonably requested regarding its management of the Series required for any shareholder report, amended registration statement, or Prospectus supplement to be filed by the Fund with the SEC.
9. Fees for Services. The compensation of the Subadviser for its services under this Agreement shall be calculated and paid by the Adviser in accordance with the attached Schedule C. Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Fund and the Adviser, the Adviser is solely responsible for the payment of fees to the Subadviser.
10. Limitation of Liability. The Subadviser shall not be liable for any action taken, omitted or suffered to be taken by it in its best professional judgment, in good faith and believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion or rights or powers conferred upon it by this Agreement, or in accordance with specific directions or instructions from the Fund, provided, however, that such acts or omissions shall not have constituted a breach of the investment objectives, policies and restrictions applicable to the Series and that such acts or omissions shall not have resulted from the Subadviser's willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence, or a breach of its duty or of its obligations hereunder (provided, however, that the foregoing shall not be construed to protect the Subadviser from liability under the Act).
11. Confidentiality. Subject to the duty of the Subadviser and the Fund to comply with applicable law, including any demand of any regulatory or taxing authority having jurisdiction, the parties hereto shall treat as confidential all information pertaining to the Series and the actions of the Subadviser and the Fund in respect thereof.
12. Assignment. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment, as that term is defined in Section 2(a)(4) of the Act. The Subadviser shall notify the Fund in writing sufficiently in advance of any proposed change of control, as defined in Section 2(a)(9) of the Act, as will enable the Fund to consider whether an assignment as defined in Section 2(a)(4) of the Act will occur, and to take the steps necessary to enter into a new contract with the Subadviser.
13. Representations, Warranties and Agreements of the Subadviser. The Subadviser represents, warrants and agrees that:
A. It is registered as an "Investment Adviser" under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended ("Advisers Act").
B. It will maintain, keep current and preserve on behalf of the Fund, in the manner required or permitted by the Act and the Rules thereunder including the records identified in Schedule B (as Schedule B may be amended from time to time). The Subadviser agrees that such records are the property of the Fund, and shall be surrendered to the Fund or to the Adviser as agent of the Fund promptly upon request of either. The Fund acknowledges that Subadviser may retain copies of all records required to meet the record retention requirements imposed by law and regulation.
C. It shall maintain a written code of ethics (the "Code of Ethics") complying with the requirements of Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act and Rule 17j-l under the Act and shall provide the Fund and the Adviser with a copy of the Code of Ethics and evidence of its adoption. It shall institute procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons (as defined in Rules 204A-1 and 17j-1) from violating its Code of Ethics. The Subadviser acknowledges receipt of the written code of ethics adopted by and on behalf of the Fund. Each calendar quarter while this Agreement is in effect, a duly authorized compliance officer of the Subadviser shall certify to the Fund and to the Adviser that the Subadviser has complied with the requirements of Rules 204A-1 and 17j-l during the previous calendar quarter and that there has been no violation of its Code of Ethics, or the code of ethics of the Fund, or if such a violation has occurred, that appropriate action was taken in response to such violation. Annually, the Subadviser shall furnish a written report which complies with the requirements of Rules 204A-1(b) and 17j-1 concerning the Subadviser's Code of Ethics to the Fund and the Adviser. The Subadviser shall permit the Fund and the Adviser to examine the reports required to be made by the Subadviser under Rules 204A-1(b) and 17j-l(d)(1) and this subparagraph.
D. It has adopted and implemented, and throughout the term of this Agreement shall maintain in effect and implement, policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent, detect and correct violations by the Subadviser and its supervised persons, and, to the extent the activities of the Subadviser in respect to the Fund could affect the Fund, by the Fund, of "federal securities laws" (as defined in Rule 38a-1 under the Act), and that the Subadviser has provided the Fund with true and complete copies of its policies and procedures (or summaries thereof) and related information requested by the Fund. The Subadviser agrees to cooperate with periodic reviews by the Fund's compliance personnel of the Subadviser's policies and procedures, their operation and implementation and other compliance matters and to provide to the Fund from time to time such additional information and certifications in respect of the Subadviser's policies and procedures, compliance by the Subadviser with federal securities laws and related matters and the Fund's compliance personnel may reasonably request. The Subadviser agrees to promptly notify the Adviser of any compliance violations which affect the Series.
E. Reference is hereby made to the Declaration of Trust dated August 17, 2000 establishing the Fund, a copy of which has been filed with the Secretary of the State of Delaware and elsewhere as required by law, and to any and all amendments thereto so filed with the Secretary of the State of Delaware and elsewhere as required by law, and to any and all amendments thereto so filed or hereafter filed. The name "Phoenix Equity Trust" refers to the Trustees under said Declaration of Trust, as Trustees and not personally, and no Trustee, shareholder, officer, agent or employee of the Fund shall be held to any personal liability in connection with the affairs of the Fund; only the trust estate under said Declaration of Trust is liable. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, neither the Subadviser nor any of its officers, directors, partners, shareholders or employees shall, under any circumstances, have recourse or cause or willingly permit recourse to be had directly or indirectly to any personal, statutory, or other liability of any shareholder, Trustee, officer, agent or employee of the Fund or of any successor of the Fund, whether such liability now exists or is hereafter incurred for claims against the trust estate.
14. Amendment. This Agreement may be amended at any time, but only by written agreement among the Subadviser, the Adviser and the Fund, which amendment, other than amendments to Schedules A, B, D, and E, is subject to the approval of the Trustees and the shareholders of the Fund as and to the extent required by the Act.
15. Effective Date; Term. This Agreement shall become effective on the date set forth on the first page of this Agreement, and shall continue in effect until November 30, 2006. The Agreement shall continue from year to year thereafter only so long as its continuance has been specifically approved at least annually by the Trustees in accordance with Section 15(a) of the Act, and by the majority vote of the disinterested Trustees in accordance with the requirements of Section 15(c) thereof.
16. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated by any party, without penalty, immediately upon written notice to the other parties in the event of a breach of any provision thereof by a party so notified, or otherwise upon thirty (30) days' written notice to the other parties, but any such termination shall not affect the status, obligations or liabilities of any party hereto to the other parties.
17. Applicable Law. To the extent that state law is not preempted by the provisions of any law of the United States heretofore or hereafter enacted, as the same may be amended from time to time, this Agreement shall be administered, construed and enforced according to the laws of the State of Delaware.
18. Severability. If any term or condition of this Agreement shall be invalid or unenforceable to any extent or in any application, then the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby, and each and every term and condition of this Agreement shall be valid and enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.
19. Notices. Any notice or other communication required to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed duly given if delivered personally or by overnight delivery
service or mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid, or sent by facsimile addressed to the parties at their respective addresses set forth below, or at such other address as shall be designated by any party in a written notice to the other party.
(a) To Phoenix at:
Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc.
56 Prospect Street
Hartford, CT 06115
Attn: John H. Beers, Vice President and Clerk
Telephone: (860) 403-5050
Facsimile: (860) 403-7251
Email: john.beers@phoenixwm.com
(b) To Golden Capital at:
Golden Capital Management, LLC
10715 David Taylor Drive, Suite 150
Charlotte, NC 28262
Attn: Greg W. Golden
Telephone: (704) 593-1144 x100
Facsimile: (704) 593-0240
Email: ggolden@gcm1.com
20. Certifications. The Subadviser hereby warrants and represents that it will provide the requisite certifications requested by the chief executive officer and chief financial officer of the Fund necessary for those named officers to fulfill their reporting and certification obligations on Form N-CSR as required under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Subadviser shall provide a quarterly certification in a form substantially similar to that attached as Schedule E.
21. Indemnification. The Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Subadviser and the Subadviser's directors, officers, employees and agents from and against any and all losses, liabilities, claims, damages, and expenses whatsoever, including reasonable attorneys' fees (collectively, "Losses"), arising out of or relating to (i) any breach by the Adviser of any provision of this Agreement; (ii) the negligence, willful misconduct, bad faith, or breach of fiduciary duty of the Adviser; (iii) any violation by the Adviser of any law or regulation relating to its activities under this Agreement; and (iv) any dispute between the Adviser and any Fund shareholder, except to the extent that such Losses result from the gross negligence, willful misconduct, bad faith, or breach of fiduciary duty of the Subadviser.
22. Receipt of Disclosure Document. The Fund acknowledges receipt, at least 48 hours prior to entering into this Agreement, of a copy of Part II of the Subadviser's Form ADV containing certain information concerning the Subadviser and the nature of its business.
PHOENIX EQUITY TRUST
By: /s/ Francis G. Waltman
---------------------------------
Name: Francis G. Waltman
Title: Senior Vice President
|
PHOENIX INVESTMENT COUNSEL, INC.
By: /s/ John H. Beers
-----------------------------------
Name: John H. Beers
Title: Vice President and Clerk
|
ACCEPTED:
GOLDEN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC
By: /s/ Greg W. Golden -------------------------------------- Name: Greg W. Golden Title: President + CEO |
SCHEDULES: A. Operational Procedures
B. Record Keeping Requirements
C. Fee Schedule
D. Subadviser Functions
E. Form of Sub-Certification
|
OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES
In order to minimize operational problems, it will be necessary for a flow of information to be supplied to State Street Bank and Trust Company (the "Custodian") and PFPC, Inc., (the "Sub-Accounting Agent") for the Fund.
The Subadviser must furnish the Custodian and the Sub-Accounting Agent, with daily information as to executed trades, or, if no trades are executed, with a report to that effect, no later than 5 p.m. (Eastern Standard time) on the day of the trade. (Subadviser will be responsible for reimbursement to the Fund for any loss caused by failure to comply.) The necessary information can be sent via facsimile machine to the Custodian and the Sub-Accounting Agent. Information provided to the Custodian and the Sub-Accounting Agent shall include the following:
1. Purchase or sale;
2. Security name;
3. CUSIP number, ISIN or Sedols (as applicable);
4. Number of shares and sales price per share;
5. Executing broker;
6. Settlement agent;
7. Trade date;
8. Settlement date;
9. Aggregate commission or if a net trade;
10. Interest purchased or sold from interest bearing security;
11. Other fees;
12. Net proceeds of the transaction;
13. Exchange where trade was executed;
14. Identified tax lot (if applicable); and
15. Trade commission reason: best execution, soft dollar or research.
When opening accounts with brokers for, and in the name of, the Fund, the account must be a cash account. No margin accounts are to be maintained in the name of the Fund. Delivery instructions are as specified by the Custodian. The Custodian will supply the Subadviser daily with a cash availability report via access to the Custodian website, or by email or by facsimile and the Sub-Accounting Agent will provide a five day cash projection. This will normally be done by email so that the Subadviser will know the amount available for investment purposes.
RECORDS TO BE MAINTAINED BY THE SUBADVISER
1. (Rule 31a-1(b)(5)) A record of each brokerage order, and all other series purchases and sales, given by the Subadviser on behalf of the Fund for, or in connection with, the purchase or sale of securities, whether executed or unexecuted. Such records shall include:
A. The name of the broker;
B. The terms and conditions of the order and of any modifications or
cancellations thereof;
C. The time of entry or cancellation;
D. The price at which executed;
E. The time of receipt of a report of execution; and
F. The name of the person who placed the order on behalf of the Fund.
2. (Rule 31a-1(b)(9)) A record for each fiscal quarter, completed within ten
(10) days after the end of the quarter, showing specifically the basis or
bases upon which the allocation of orders for the purchase and sale of
series securities to named brokers or dealers was effected, and the
division of brokerage commissions or other compensation on such purchase
and sale orders. Such record:
A. Shall include the consideration given to:
(i) The sale of shares of the Fund by brokers or dealers.
(ii) The supplying of services or benefits by brokers or dealers
to:
(a) The Fund,
(b) The Adviser,
(c) The Subadviser, and
(d) Any person other than the foregoing.
(iii) Any other consideration other than the technical
qualifications of the brokers and dealers as such.
B. Shall show the nature of the services or benefits made available.
C. Shall describe in detail the application of any general or
specific formula or other determinant used in arriving at such
allocation of purchase and sale orders and such division of
brokerage commissions or other compensation.
D. The name of the person responsible for making the determination of
such allocation and such division of brokerage commissions or
other compensation.
3. (Rule 31a-1(b)(10)) A record in the form of an appropriate memorandum identifying the person or persons, committees or groups authorizing the purchase or sale of series securities. Where a committee or group makes an authorization, a record shall be kept of the names of its members who participate in the authorization. There shall be retained as part of this record: any memorandum, recommendation or instruction supporting or
authorizing the purchase or sale of series securities and such other information as is appropriate to support the authorization.*
4. (Rule 31a-1(f)) Such accounts, books and other documents as are required
to be maintained by registered investment Advisers by rule adopted under
Section 204 of the Advisers Act, to the extent such records are necessary
or appropriate to record the Subadviser's transactions for the Fund.
5. Records as necessary under Board approved Phoenix Funds' valuation policies and procedures.
SUBADVISORY FEE
(a) For services provided to the Fund, the Adviser will pay to the Subadviser, on or before the 10th day of each month, a fee, payable in arrears, at the annual rate stated below. The fees shall be prorated for any month during which this Agreement is in effect for only a portion of the month. In computing the fee to be paid to the Subadviser, the net asset value of the Fund and each Series shall be valued as set forth in the then current registration statement of the Fund.
(b) The fee to be paid to the Subadviser as calculated based on the average daily net assets of the Phoenix Relative Value Fund is as follows:
--------------------------------- ---------------------------------
AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS ANNUAL RATE PERCENTAGE
--------------------------------- ---------------------------------
First $50 million 0.45%
--------------------------------- ---------------------------------
Over $50 million 0.40%
--------------------------------- ---------------------------------
|
SUBADVISER FUNCTIONS
With respect to managing the investment and reinvestment of the Series' assets, the Subadviser shall provide, at its own expense:
(a) An investment program for the Series consistent with its investment objectives based upon the development, review and adjustment of buy/sell strategies approved from time to time by the Board of Trustees and the Adviser;
(b) Implementation of the investment program for the Series based upon the foregoing criteria;
(c) Periodic reports, on at least a quarterly basis, in form and substance acceptable to the Adviser, with respect to: i) compliance with the Code of Ethics and the Fund's code of ethics; ii) compliance with procedures adopted from time to time by the Trustees of the Fund relative to securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; iii) diversification of Series assets in accordance with the then prevailing Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information pertaining to the Series and governing laws; iv) compliance with governing restrictions relating to the fair valuation of securities for which market quotations are not readily available or considered "illiquid" for the purposes of complying with the Series' limitation on acquisition of illiquid securities; v) any and all other reports reasonably requested in accordance with or described in this Agreement; and, vi) the implementation of the Series' investment program, including, without limitation, analysis of Series performance;
(d) Promptly after filing with the SEC an amendment to its Form ADV, a copy of such amendment to the Adviser and the Trustees;
(e) Attendance by appropriate representatives of the Subadviser at meetings requested by the Adviser or Trustees at such time(s) and location(s) as reasonably requested by the Adviser or Trustees; and
(f) Notice to the Trustees and the Adviser of the occurrence of
any event which would disqualify the Subadviser from serving
as an investment Adviser of an investment company pursuant to
Section 9(a) of the 1940 Act or otherwise.
(g) Provide reasonable assistance in the valuation of securities including the participation of appropriate representatives at fair valuation committee meetings.
SCHEDULE E
FORM OF SUB-CERTIFICATION
To:
Re: Form N-CSR Certification for the [Name of Series].
From: [Name of Subadviser]
Representations in support of Investment Company Act Rule 30b1-5
certifications of Form N-CSR.
[Name of Series].
In connection with your certification responsibility under Rule 30b1-5
and Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, I have
reviewed the following information presented for the period ended [Date
of Reporting Period] (the "Reports") which forms part of the N-CSR for
the Funds.
|
Schedule of Investments (the "Reports")
Our organization has designed, implemented and maintained internal controls and procedures, designed for the purpose of ensuring the accuracy and completeness of relevant portfolio trade data transmitted to those responsible for the preparation of the Schedule of Investments. As of the date of this certification there have been no material modifications to these internal controls and procedures.
In addition, our organization has:
a. Designed such internal controls and procedures to ensure that material information is made known to the appropriate groups responsible for servicing the above-mentioned mutual funds.
b. Evaluated the effectiveness of our internal controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the date of this certification and we have concluded that such controls and procedures are effective.
c. In addition, to the best of my knowledge there has been no fraud, whether, or not material, that involves our organization's management or other employees who have a significant role in our organization's control and procedures as they relate to our duties as sub-adviser to the Funds.
I have read the draft of the Reports which I understand to be current as of
[Date of Reporting Period] and based on my knowledge, such drafts of the Reports
do not, with respect to the Funds, contain any untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the information
contained therein, in light of the circumstances under which such information is
presented, not misleading with respect to the period covered by such draft
Reports.
I have disclosed, based on my most recent evaluation, to the Fund's Chief Accounting Officer:
a. All significant changes, deficiencies and material weakness, if any, in the design or operation of the Subadviser's internal controls and procedures which could adversely affect the Adviser's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data in a timely fashion;
b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves the Subadviser's management or other employees who have significant role in the Subadviser's internal controls and procedures for financial reporting.
I certify that to the best of my knowledge:
a. The Subadviser's portfolio manager have complied with the restrictions and reporting requirements of the Code of Ethics (the "Code"). The term Portfolio Manager is as defined in the Code.
b. The Subadviser has complied with the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information of the Funds and the Policies and Procedures of the Funds as adopted by the Fund's Board of Trustees.
c. I have no knowledge of any compliance violations except as disclosed in writing to the Phoenix Compliance Department by me or by the Subadviser's compliance administrator.
d. The Subadviser has complied with the rules and regulations of the 33 Act and 40 Act, and such other regulations as may apply to the extent those rules and regulations pertain to the responsibilities of the Subadviser with respect to the Fund as outlined above.
This certification relates solely to the Funds named above and may not be relied upon by any other fund or entity.
The Subadviser does not maintain the official books and records of the above Funds. The sub-Subadviser's records are based on its own portfolio management system, a record-keeping system that is not intended to service as the Funds' official accounting system. The Subadviser is not responsible for the preparation of the Reports.
[Name of Authorized Signature] Date
EXHIBIT d.11
PHOENIX EQUITY TRUST
PHOENIX TOTAL VALUE FUND
(F/K/A PHOENIX ALL-WEATHER VALUE FUND)
SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
PHOENIX EQUITY TRUST
PHOENIX TOTAL VALUE FUND
(F/K/A PHOENIX ALL-WEATHER VALUE FUND)
July 29, 2005
Golden Capital Management, LLC
10715 David Taylor Drive, Suite 150
Charlotte, NC 28262
RE: SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Phoenix Equity Trust (the "Fund") is a diversified open-end investment company of the series type registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "Act"), and is subject to the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. The shares of the Fund are offered or may be offered in several series, including the Phoenix Total Value Fund (previously known as Phoenix All-Weather Value Fund)(collectively, sometimes hereafter referred to as the "Series").
Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. (the "Adviser") evaluates and recommends series advisers for the Series and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Series.
1. Employment as a Subadviser. The Adviser, being duly authorized, hereby employs Golden Capital Management, LLC (the "Subadviser") as a discretionary series adviser to invest and reinvest that discrete portion of the assets of the Series designated by the Adviser on the terms and conditions set forth herein. The services of the Subadviser hereunder are not to be deemed exclusive; the Subadviser may render services to others and engage in other activities that do not conflict in any material manner in the Subadviser's performance hereunder.
2. Acceptance of Employment; Standard of Performance. The Subadviser accepts its employment as a discretionary series Adviser of the Series and agrees to use its best professional judgment to make investment decisions for the Series in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and as set forth in Schedule D attached hereto and made a part hereof.
3. Services of Subadviser. In providing management services to the Series, the Subadviser shall be subject to the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund as they apply to the Series and as set forth in the Fund's then current prospectus ("Prospectus") and statement of additional information ("Statement of Additional Information") filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") as part of the Fund's Registration Statement, as may be periodically amended and provided to the Subadviser by the Adviser, and to the investment restrictions set forth in the Act and the Rules thereunder, to the
supervision and control of the Trustees of the Fund (the "Trustees"), and to instructions from the Adviser. The Subadviser shall not, without the Fund's prior written approval, effect any transactions that would cause the Series at the time of the transaction to be out of compliance with any of such restrictions or policies.
4. Transaction Procedures. All series transactions for the Series shall be consummated by payment to, or delivery by, the Custodian(s) from time to time designated by the Fund (the "Custodian"), or such depositories or agents as may be designated by the Custodian in writing, of all cash and/or securities due to or from the Series. The Subadviser shall not have possession or custody of such cash and/or securities or any responsibility or liability with respect to such custody. The Subadviser shall advise the Custodian and confirm in writing to the Fund all investment orders for the Series placed by it with brokers and dealers at the time and in the manner set forth in Schedule A hereto (as amended from time to time). The Fund shall issue to the Custodian such instructions as may be appropriate in connection with the settlement of any transaction initiated by the Subadviser. The Fund shall be responsible for all custodial arrangements and the payment of all custodial charges and fees, and, upon giving proper instructions to the Custodian, the Subadviser shall have no responsibility or liability with respect to custodial arrangements or the act, omissions or other conduct of the Custodian.
5. Allocation of Brokerage. The Subadviser shall have authority and discretion to select brokers and dealers to execute Series transactions initiated by the Subadviser, and to select the markets on or in which the transactions will be executed.
A. In placing orders for the sale and purchase of Series securities for the Fund, the Subadviser's primary responsibility shall be to seek the best execution of orders at the most favorable prices. However, this responsibility shall not obligate the Subadviser to solicit competitive bids for each transaction or to seek the lowest available commission cost to the Fund, so long as the Subadviser reasonably believes that the broker or dealer selected by it can be expected to obtain a "best execution" market price on the particular transaction and determines in good faith that the commission cost is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services (as defined in Section 28(e)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) provided by such broker or dealer to the Subadviser, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or of the Subadviser's overall responsibilities with respect to its clients, including the Fund, as to which the Subadviser exercises investment discretion, notwithstanding that the Fund may not be the direct or exclusive beneficiary of any such services or that another broker may be willing to charge the Fund a lower commission on the particular transaction.
B. The Subadviser may manage other portfolios and expects that the Fund and other portfolios it manages will, from time to time, purchase or sell the same securities. The Subadviser may aggregate orders for the purchase or sale of securities on behalf of the Fund with orders on behalf of other portfolios the Subadviser manages. Securities purchased or proceeds of securities sold through aggregated orders shall be allocated to the account of each portfolio managed by the Subadviser that bought or
sold such securities at the average execution price. If less than the total of the aggregated orders is executed, purchased securities or proceeds shall generally be allocated pro rata among the participating portfolios in proportion to their planned participation in the aggregated orders. Further, in the event not all portfolios are allocated the entire number of securities sought to be bought or sold on behalf of such portfolio, it is possible that no portfolio will be deemed to have purchased or sold the entire number of securities sought to be purchased or sold on behalf of such portfolio.
C. The Subadviser shall not execute any Series transactions for the Series with a broker or dealer that is an "affiliated person" (as defined in the Act) of the Fund, the Subadviser or the Adviser without the prior written approval of the Fund. The Fund shall provide the Subadviser with a list of brokers and dealers that are "affiliated persons" of the Fund or the Adviser.
6. Proxies. The Subadviser, or a third party designee acting under the authority and supervision of the Subadviser, shall review all proxy solicitation materials and be responsible for voting and handling all proxies in relation to the assets of the Series. Unless the Adviser or the Fund gives the Subadviser written instructions to the contrary, the Subadviser will, in compliance with the proxy voting procedures of the Series then in effect, vote or abstain from voting, all proxies solicited by or with respect to the issuers of securities in which assets of the Series may be invested. The Adviser shall cause the Custodian to forward promptly to the Subadviser all proxies upon receipt, so as to afford the Subadviser a reasonable amount of time in which to determine how to vote such proxies. The Subadviser agrees to provide the Adviser in a timely manner with a record of votes cast containing all of the voting information required by Form N-PX in an electronic format to enable the Series to file Form N-PX as required by Rule 30b1-4 under the Act.
7. Prohibited Conduct. In providing the services described in this Agreement, the Subadviser will not consult with any other investment advisory firm that provides investment advisory services to any investment company sponsored by Phoenix Investment Partners, Ltd. regarding transactions for the Fund in securities or other assets. In addition, the Subadviser shall not, without the prior written consent of the Fund and the Adviser, delegate any obligation assumed pursuant to this Agreement to any affiliated or unaffiliated third party.
8. Information and Reports.
A. The Subadviser shall keep the Fund and the Adviser informed of developments relating to its duties as Subadviser of which the Subadviser has, or should have, knowledge that would materially affect the Series. In this regard, the Subadviser shall provide the Fund, the Adviser and their respective officers with such periodic reports concerning the obligations the Subadviser has assumed under this Agreement as the Fund and the Adviser may from time to time reasonably request. In addition, prior to each meeting of the Trustees, the Subadviser shall provide the Adviser and the Trustees with reports regarding the Subadviser's management of the Series during the most recently completed quarter, to include written communication that the Series is in compliance with its investment objectives and practices, the Act and applicable
rules and regulations under the Act, and the requirements of Subchapter M under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and otherwise in such form as may be mutually agreed upon by the Subadviser and the Adviser.
B. Each of the Adviser and the Subadviser shall provide the other party with a list, to the best of the Adviser's or the Subadviser's respective knowledge, of each affiliated person (and any affiliated person of such an affiliated person) of the Adviser or the Subadviser, as the case may be, and each of the Adviser and Subadviser agrees promptly to update such list whenever the Adviser or the Subadviser becomes aware of any changes that should be added to or deleted from the list of affiliated persons.
C. The Subadviser shall also provide the Adviser with any information reasonably requested regarding its management of the Series required for any shareholder report, amended registration statement, or Prospectus supplement to be filed by the Fund with the SEC.
9. Fees for Services. The compensation of the Subadviser for its services under this Agreement shall be calculated and paid by the Adviser in accordance with the attached Schedule C. Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Fund and the Adviser, the Adviser is solely responsible for the payment of fees to the Subadviser.
10. Limitation of Liability. The Subadviser shall not be liable for any action taken, omitted or suffered to be taken by it in its best professional judgment, in good faith and believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion or rights or powers conferred upon it by this Agreement, or in accordance with specific directions or instructions from the Fund, provided, however, that such acts or omissions shall not have constituted a breach of the investment objectives, policies and restrictions applicable to the Series and that such acts or omissions shall not have resulted from the Subadviser's willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence, or a breach of its duty or of its obligations hereunder (provided, however, that the foregoing shall not be construed to protect the Subadviser from liability under the Act).
11. Confidentiality. Subject to the duty of the Subadviser and the Fund to comply with applicable law, including any demand of any regulatory or taxing authority having jurisdiction, the parties hereto shall treat as confidential all information pertaining to the Series and the actions of the Subadviser and the Fund in respect thereof.
12. Assignment. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment, as that term is defined in Section 2(a)(4) of the Act. The Subadviser shall notify the Fund in writing sufficiently in advance of any proposed change of control, as defined in Section 2(a)(9) of the Act, as will enable the Fund to consider whether an assignment as defined in Section 2(a)(4) of the Act will occur, and to take the steps necessary to enter into a new contract with the Subadviser.
13. Representations, Warranties and Agreements of the Subadviser. The Subadviser represents, warrants and agrees that:
A. It is registered as an "Investment Adviser" under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended ("Advisers Act").
B. It will maintain, keep current and preserve on behalf of the Fund, in the manner required or permitted by the Act and the Rules thereunder including the records identified in Schedule B (as Schedule B may be amended from time to time). The Subadviser agrees that such records are the property of the Fund, and shall be surrendered to the Fund or to the Adviser as agent of the Fund promptly upon request of either. The Fund acknowledges that Subadviser may retain copies of all records required to meet the record retention requirements imposed by law and regulation.
C. It shall maintain a written code of ethics (the "Code of Ethics") complying with the requirements of Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act and Rule 17j-l under the Act and shall provide the Fund and the Adviser with a copy of the Code of Ethics and evidence of its adoption. It shall institute procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons (as defined in Rules 204A-1 and 17j-1) from violating its Code of Ethics. The Subadviser acknowledges receipt of the written code of ethics adopted by and on behalf of the Fund. Each calendar quarter while this Agreement is in effect, a duly authorized compliance officer of the Subadviser shall certify to the Fund and to the Adviser that the Subadviser has complied with the requirements of Rules 204A-1 and 17j-l during the previous calendar quarter and that there has been no violation of its Code of Ethics, or the code of ethics of the Fund, or if such a violation has occurred, that appropriate action was taken in response to such violation. Annually, the Subadviser shall furnish a written report which complies with the requirements of Rules 204A-1(b) and 17j-1 concerning the Subadviser's Code of Ethics to the Fund and the Adviser. The Subadviser shall permit the Fund and the Adviser to examine the reports required to be made by the Subadviser under Rules 204A-1(b) and 17j-l(d)(1) and this subparagraph.
D. It has adopted and implemented, and throughout the term of this Agreement shall maintain in effect and implement, policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent, detect and correct violations by the Subadviser and its supervised persons, and, to the extent the activities of the Subadviser in respect to the Fund could affect the Fund, by the Fund, of "federal securities laws" (as defined in Rule 38a-1 under the Act), and that the Subadviser has provided the Fund with true and complete copies of its policies and procedures (or summaries thereof) and related information requested by the Fund. The Subadviser agrees to cooperate with periodic reviews by the Fund's compliance personnel of the Subadviser's policies and procedures, their operation and implementation and other compliance matters and to provide to the Fund from time to time such additional information and certifications in respect of the Subadviser's policies and procedures, compliance by the Subadviser with federal securities laws and related matters and the Fund's compliance personnel may reasonably request. The Subadviser agrees to promptly notify the Adviser of any compliance violations which affect the Series.
E. Reference is hereby made to the Declaration of Trust dated August 17, 2000 establishing the Fund, a copy of which has been filed with the Secretary of the State of Delaware and elsewhere as required by law, and to any and all amendments thereto so filed with the Secretary of the State of Delaware and elsewhere as required by law, and to any and all amendments thereto so filed or hereafter filed. The name "Phoenix Equity Trust" refers to the Trustees under said Declaration of Trust, as Trustees and not personally, and no Trustee, shareholder, officer, agent or employee of the Fund shall be held to any personal liability in connection with the affairs of the Fund; only the trust estate under said Declaration of Trust is liable. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, neither the Subadviser nor any of its officers, directors, partners, shareholders or employees shall, under any circumstances, have recourse or cause or willingly permit recourse to be had directly or indirectly to any personal, statutory, or other liability of any shareholder, Trustee, officer, agent or employee of the Fund or of any successor of the Fund, whether such liability now exists or is hereafter incurred for claims against the trust estate.
14. Amendment. This Agreement may be amended at any time, but only by written agreement among the Subadviser, the Adviser and the Fund, which amendment, other than amendments to Schedules A, B, D, and E, is subject to the approval of the Trustees and the shareholders of the Fund as and to the extent required by the Act.
15. Effective Date; Term. This Agreement shall become effective on the date set forth on the first page of this Agreement, and shall continue in effect until November 30, 2006. The Agreement shall continue from year to year thereafter only so long as its continuance has been specifically approved at least annually by the Trustees in accordance with Section 15(a) of the Act, and by the majority vote of the disinterested Trustees in accordance with the requirements of Section 15(c) thereof.
16. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated by any party, without penalty, immediately upon written notice to the other parties in the event of a breach of any provision thereof by a party so notified, or otherwise upon thirty (30) days' written notice to the other parties, but any such termination shall not affect the status, obligations or liabilities of any party hereto to the other parties.
17. Applicable Law. To the extent that state law is not preempted by the provisions of any law of the United States heretofore or hereafter enacted, as the same may be amended from time to time, this Agreement shall be administered, construed and enforced according to the laws of the State of Delaware.
18. Severability. If any term or condition of this Agreement shall be invalid or unenforceable to any extent or in any application, then the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby, and each and every term and condition of this Agreement shall be valid and enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.
19. Notices. Any notice or other communication required to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed duly given if delivered personally or by overnight delivery
service or mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid, or sent by facsimile addressed to the parties at their respective addresses set forth below, or at such other address as shall be designated by any party in a written notice to the other party.
(a) To Phoenix at:
Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc.
56 Prospect Street
Hartford, CT 06115
Attn: John H. Beers, Vice President and Clerk
Telephone: (860) 403-5050
Facsimile: (860) 403-7251
Email: john.beers@phoenixwm.com
(b) To Golden Capital at:
Golden Capital Management, LLC
10715 David Taylor Drive, Suite 150
Charlotte, NC 28262
Attn: Greg W. Golden
Telephone: (704) 593-1144 x100
Facsimile: (704) 593-0240
Email: ggolden@gcm1.com
20. Certifications. The Subadviser hereby warrants and represents that it will provide the requisite certifications requested by the chief executive officer and chief financial officer of the Fund necessary for those named officers to fulfill their reporting and certification obligations on Form N-CSR as required under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Subadviser shall provide a quarterly certification in a form substantially similar to that attached as Schedule E.
21. Indemnification. The Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Subadviser and the Subadviser's directors, officers, employees and agents from and against any and all losses, liabilities, claims, damages, and expenses whatsoever, including reasonable attorneys' fees (collectively, "Losses"), arising out of or relating to (i) any breach by the Adviser of any provision of this Agreement; (ii) the negligence, willful misconduct, bad faith, or breach of fiduciary duty of the Adviser; (iii) any violation by the Adviser of any law or regulation relating to its activities under this Agreement; and (iv) any dispute between the Adviser and any Fund shareholder, except to the extent that such Losses result from the gross negligence, willful misconduct, bad faith, or breach of fiduciary duty of the Subadviser.
22. Receipt of Disclosure Document. The Fund acknowledges receipt, at least 48 hours prior to entering into this Agreement, of a copy of Part II of the Subadviser's Form ADV containing certain information concerning the Subadviser and the nature of its business.
PHOENIX EQUITY TRUST
By: /s/ Francis G. Waltman
------------------------------
Name: Francis G. Waltman
Title: Senior Vice President
|
PHOENIX INVESTMENT COUNSEL, INC.
By: /s/ John H. Beers -------------------------------- Name: John H. Beers Title: Vice President and Clerk |
ACCEPTED:
GOLDEN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC
By: /s/ Greg W. Golden -------------------------------------- Name: Greg W. Golden Title: President + CEO |
SCHEDULES: A. Operational Procedures
B. Record Keeping Requirements
C. Fee Schedule
D. Subadviser Functions
E. Form of Sub-Certification
|
OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES
In order to minimize operational problems, it will be necessary for a flow of information to be supplied to State Street Bank and Trust Company (the "Custodian") and PFPC, Inc., (the "Sub-Accounting Agent") for the Fund.
The Subadviser must furnish the Custodian and the Sub-Accounting Agent, with daily information as to executed trades, or, if no trades are executed, with a report to that effect, no later than 5 p.m. (Eastern Standard time) on the day of the trade. (Subadviser will be responsible for reimbursement to the Fund for any loss caused by failure to comply.) The necessary information can be sent via facsimile machine to the Custodian and the Sub-Accounting Agent. Information provided to the Custodian and the Sub-Accounting Agent shall include the following:
1. Purchase or sale;
2. Security name;
3. CUSIP number, ISIN or Sedols (as applicable);
4. Number of shares and sales price per share;
5. Executing broker;
6. Settlement agent;
7. Trade date;
8. Settlement date;
9. Aggregate commission or if a net trade;
10. Interest purchased or sold from interest bearing security;
11. Other fees;
12. Net proceeds of the transaction;
13. Exchange where trade was executed;
14. Identified tax lot (if applicable); and
15. Trade commission reason: best execution, soft dollar or
research.
When opening accounts with brokers for, and in the name of, the Fund, the account must be a cash account. No margin accounts are to be maintained in the name of the Fund. Delivery instructions are as specified by the Custodian. The Custodian will supply the Subadviser daily with a cash availability report via access to the Custodian website, or by email or by facsimile and the Sub-Accounting Agent will provide a five day cash projection. This will normally be done by email so that the Subadviser will know the amount available for investment purposes.
RECORDS TO BE MAINTAINED BY THE SUBADVISER
1. (Rule 31a-1(b)(5)) A record of each brokerage order, and all other series purchases and sales, given by the Subadviser on behalf of the Fund for, or in connection with, the purchase or sale of securities, whether executed or unexecuted. Such records shall include:
A. The name of the broker;
B. The terms and conditions of the order and of any modifications or
cancellations thereof;
C. The time of entry or cancellation;
D. The price at which executed;
E. The time of receipt of a report of execution; and
F. The name of the person who placed the order on behalf of the Fund.
2. (Rule 31a-1(b)(9)) A record for each fiscal quarter, completed within ten (10) days after the end of the quarter, showing specifically the basis or bases upon which the allocation of orders for the purchase and sale of series securities to named brokers or dealers was effected, and the division of brokerage commissions or other compensation on such purchase and sale orders. Such record:
A. Shall include the consideration given to:
(i) The sale of shares of the Fund by brokers or dealers.
(ii) The supplying of services or benefits by brokers or dealers
to:
(a) The Fund,
(b) The Adviser,
(c) The Subadviser, and
(d) Any person other than the foregoing.
(iii) Any other consideration other than the technical
qualifications of the brokers and dealers as such.
B. Shall show the nature of the services or benefits made available.
C. Shall describe in detail the application of any general or
specific formula or other determinant used in arriving at such
allocation of purchase and sale orders and such division of
brokerage commissions or other compensation.
D. The name of the person responsible for making the determination of
such allocation and such division of brokerage commissions or
other compensation.
3. (Rule 31a-1(b)(10)) A record in the form of an appropriate memorandum identifying the person or persons, committees or groups authorizing the purchase or sale of series securities. Where a committee or group makes an authorization, a record shall be kept of the names of its members who participate in the authorization. There shall be retained as part of this record: any memorandum, recommendation or instruction supporting or
authorizing the purchase or sale of series securities and such other information as is appropriate to support the authorization.*
4. (Rule 31a-1(f)) Such accounts, books and other documents as are required to be maintained by registered investment Advisers by rule adopted under Section 204 of the Advisers Act, to the extent such records are necessary or appropriate to record the Subadviser's transactions for the Fund.
5. Records as necessary under Board approved Phoenix Funds' valuation policies and procedures.
SUBADVISORY FEE
(a) For services provided to the Fund, the Adviser will pay to the Subadviser, on or before the 10th day of each month, a fee, payable in arrears, at the annual rate stated below. The fees shall be prorated for any month during which this Agreement is in effect for only a portion of the month. In computing the fee to be paid to the Subadviser, the net asset value of the Fund and each Series shall be valued as set forth in the then current registration statement of the Fund.
(b) The following subadvisory fee schedule applies to that portion of the average net assets of the Phoenix Total Value Fund managed by Golden Capital Management, LLC.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS ANNUAL RATE PERCENTAGE
------------------------------------ ------------------------------
First $50 Million 0.45%
------------------------------------ ------------------------------
Over $50 Million 0.40%
-------------------------------------------------------------------
|
SUBADVISER FUNCTIONS
With respect to managing the investment and reinvestment of the Series' assets, the Subadviser shall provide, at its own expense:
(a) An investment program for the Series consistent with its investment objectives based upon the development, review and adjustment of buy/sell strategies approved from time to time by the Board of Trustees and the Adviser;
(b) Implementation of the investment program for the Series based upon the foregoing criteria;
(c) Periodic reports, on at least a quarterly basis, in form and
substance acceptable to the Adviser, with respect to: i)
compliance with the Code of Ethics and the Fund's code of ethics;
ii) compliance with procedures adopted from time to time by the
Trustees of the Fund relative to securities eligible for resale
under Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; iii)
diversification of Series assets in accordance with the then
prevailing Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information
pertaining to the Series and governing laws; iv) compliance with
governing restrictions relating to the fair valuation of
securities for which market quotations are not readily available
or considered "illiquid" for the purposes of complying with the
Series' limitation on acquisition of illiquid securities; v) any
and all other reports reasonably requested in accordance with or
described in this Agreement; and, vi) the implementation of the
Series' investment program, including, without limitation,
analysis of Series performance;
(d) Promptly after filing with the SEC an amendment to its Form ADV, a copy of such amendment to the Adviser and the Trustees;
(e) Attendance by appropriate representatives of the Subadviser at meetings requested by the Adviser or Trustees at such time(s) and location(s) as reasonably requested by the Adviser or Trustees; and
(f) Notice to the Trustees and the Adviser of the occurrence of any event which would disqualify the Subadviser from serving as an investment Adviser of an investment company pursuant to Section 9(a) of the 1940 Act or otherwise.
(g) Provide reasonable assistance in the valuation of securities including the participation of appropriate representatives at fair valuation committee meetings.
SCHEDULE E
FORM OF SUB-CERTIFICATION
To:
Re: Form N-CSR Certification for the [Name of Series].
From: [Name of Subadviser]
Representations in support of Investment Company Act Rule 30b1-5
certifications of Form N-CSR.
[Name of Series].
In connection with your certification responsibility under Rule 30b1-5
and Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, I have
reviewed the following information presented for the period ended [Date
of Reporting Period] (the "Reports") which forms part of the N-CSR for
the Funds.
|
Schedule of Investments (the "Reports")
Our organization has designed, implemented and maintained internal controls and procedures, designed for the purpose of ensuring the accuracy and completeness of relevant portfolio trade data transmitted to those responsible for the preparation of the Schedule of Investments. As of the date of this certification there have been no material modifications to these internal controls and procedures.
In addition, our organization has:
a. Designed such internal controls and procedures to ensure that material information is made known to the appropriate groups responsible for servicing the above-mentioned mutual funds.
b. Evaluated the effectiveness of our internal controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the date of this certification and we have concluded that such controls and procedures are effective.
c. In addition, to the best of my knowledge there has been no fraud, whether, or not material, that involves our organization's management or other employees who have a significant role in our organization's control and procedures as they relate to our duties as sub-adviser to the Funds.
I have read the draft of the Reports which I understand to be current as of
[Date of Reporting Period] and based on my knowledge, such drafts of the Reports
do not, with respect to the Funds, contain any untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the information
contained therein, in light of the circumstances under which such information is
presented, not misleading with respect to the period covered by such draft
Reports.
I have disclosed, based on my most recent evaluation, to the Fund's Chief Accounting Officer:
a. All significant changes, deficiencies and material weakness, if any, in the design or operation of the Subadviser's internal controls and procedures which could adversely affect the Adviser's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data in a timely fashion;
b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves the Subadviser's management or other employees who have significant role in the Subadviser's internal controls and procedures for financial reporting.
I certify that to the best of my knowledge:
a. The Subadviser's portfolio manager have complied with the restrictions and reporting requirements of the Code of Ethics (the "Code"). The term Portfolio Manager is as defined in the Code.
b. The Subadviser has complied with the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information of the Funds and the Policies and Procedures of the Funds as adopted by the Fund's Board of Trustees.
c. I have no knowledge of any compliance violations except as disclosed in writing to the Phoenix Compliance Department by me or by the Subadviser's compliance administrator.
d. The Subadviser has complied with the rules and regulations of the 33 Act and 40 Act, and such other regulations as may apply to the extent those rules and regulations pertain to the responsibilities of the Subadviser with respect to the Fund as outlined above.
This certification relates solely to the Funds named above and may not be relied upon by any other fund or entity.
The Subadviser does not maintain the official books and records of the above Funds. The sub-Subadviser's records are based on its own portfolio management system, a record-keeping system that is not intended to service as the Funds' official accounting system. The Subadviser is not responsible for the preparation of the Reports.
[Name of Authorized Signature] Date
EXHIBIT d.12
PHOENIX EQUITY TRUST
PHOENIX TOTAL VALUE FUND
(F/K/A PHOENIX ALL-WEATHER VALUE FUND)
SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
PHOENIX EQUITY TRUST
PHOENIX TOTAL VALUE FUND
(F/K/A PHOENIX ALL-WEATHER VALUE FUND)
July 29, 2005
Harris Investment Management, Inc.
190 South LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL 60603
RE: SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Phoenix Equity Trust (the "Fund") is a diversified open-end investment company of the series type registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "Act"), and is subject to the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. The shares of the Fund are offered or may be offered in several series, including the Phoenix Total Value Fund (collectively, sometimes hereafter referred to as the "Series").
Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. (the "Adviser") evaluates and recommends series advisers for the Series and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Series.
1. Employment as a Subadviser. The Adviser, being duly authorized, hereby employs Harris Investment Management, Inc. (the "Subadviser") as a discretionary series adviser to invest and reinvest that discrete portion of the assets of the Series designated by the Adviser on the terms and conditions set forth herein. The services of the Subadviser hereunder are not to be deemed exclusive; the Subadviser may render services to others and engage in other activities that do not conflict in any material manner in the Subadviser's performance hereunder.
2. Acceptance of Employment; Standard of Performance. The Subadviser accepts its employment as a discretionary series Adviser of the Series and agrees to use its best professional judgment to make investment decisions for the Series in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and as set forth in Schedule D attached hereto and made a part hereof.
3. Services of Subadviser. In providing management services to the Series, the Subadviser shall be subject to the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund as they apply to the Series as set forth in the Fund's then current prospectus ("Prospectus") and statement of additional information ("Statement of Additional Information") filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") as part of the Fund's Registration Statement, as may be periodically amended and provided to the Subadviser by the Adviser, and to the investment restrictions set forth in the Act and the Rules thereunder, to the
supervision and control of the Trustees of the Fund (the "Trustees"), and to instructions from the Adviser. The Subadviser shall not, without the Fund's prior written approval, effect any transactions that would cause the Series at the time of the transaction to be out of compliance with any of such restrictions or policies, provided that the Adviser and Fund will be responsible for providing notice, given in reasonably sufficient time, to the Subadviser concerning any holding limitations or other information to which Subadviser is not privy but which is necessary for it to meet its obligations under this section.
4. Transaction Procedures. All series transactions for the Series shall be consummated by payment to, or delivery by, the Custodian(s) from time to time designated by the Fund (the "Custodian"), or such depositories or agents as may be designated by the Custodian in writing, of all cash and/or securities due to or from the Series. The Subadviser shall not have possession or custody of such cash and/or securities or any responsibility or liability with respect to such custody. The Subadviser shall advise the Custodian and confirm in writing to the Fund all investment orders for the Series placed by it with brokers and dealers at the time and in the manner set forth in Schedule A hereto (as amended from time to time). The Fund shall issue to the Custodian such instructions as may be appropriate in connection with the settlement of any transaction initiated by the Subadviser. The Fund shall be responsible for all custodial arrangements and the payment of all custodial charges and fees, and, upon giving proper instructions to the Custodian, the Subadviser shall have no responsibility or liability with respect to custodial arrangements or the act, omissions or other conduct of the Custodian.
5. Allocation of Brokerage. The Subadviser shall have authority and discretion to select brokers and dealers to execute Series transactions initiated by the Subadviser, and to select the markets on or in which the transactions will be executed.
A. In placing orders for the sale and purchase of Series securities for the Fund, the Subadviser's primary responsibility shall be to seek the best execution of orders at the most favorable prices. However, this responsibility shall not obligate the Subadviser to solicit competitive bids for each transaction or to seek the lowest available commission cost to the Fund, so long as the Subadviser reasonably believes that the broker or dealer selected by it can be expected to obtain a "best execution" market price on the particular transaction and determines in good faith that the commission cost is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services (as defined in Section 28(e)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) provided by such broker or dealer to the Subadviser, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or of the Subadviser's overall responsibilities with respect to its clients, including the Fund, as to which the Subadviser exercises investment discretion, notwithstanding that the Fund may not be the direct or exclusive beneficiary of any such services or that another broker may be willing to charge the Fund a lower commission on the particular transaction.
B. The Subadviser may manage other portfolios and expects that the Fund and other portfolios the Subadviser manages will, from time to time, purchase or sell the same securities. The Subadviser may aggregate orders for the purchase or sale of securities
on behalf of the Fund with orders on behalf of other portfolios the Subadviser manages. Securities purchased or proceeds of securities sold through aggregated orders shall be allocated to the account of each portfolio managed by the Subadviser that bought or sold such securities at the average execution price. If less than the total of the aggregated orders is executed, purchased securities or proceeds shall generally be allocated pro rata among the participating portfolios in proportion to their planned participation in the aggregated orders.
C. The Subadviser shall not execute any Series transactions for the Series with a broker or dealer that is an "affiliated person" (as defined in the Act) of the Fund, the Subadviser or the Adviser without the prior written approval of the Fund. The Fund shall provide the Subadviser with a list of brokers and dealers that are "affiliated persons" of the Fund or the Adviser.
6. Proxies. The Subadviser, or a third party designee acting under the authority and supervision of the Subadviser, shall review all proxy solicitation materials and be responsible for voting and handling all proxies in relation to the assets of the Series. Unless the Adviser or the Fund gives the Subadviser written instructions to the contrary, the Subadviser will, in compliance with the proxy voting procedures of the Series then in effect, vote or abstain from voting, all proxies solicited by or with respect to the issuers of securities in which assets of the Series may be invested. The Adviser shall cause the Custodian to forward promptly to the Subadviser all proxies upon receipt, so as to afford the Subadviser a reasonable amount of time in which to determine how to vote such proxies. The Subadviser agrees to provide the Adviser in a timely manner with a record of votes cast containing all of the voting information required by Form N-PX in an electronic format to enable the Series to file Form N-PX as required by Rule 30b1-4 under the Act.
7. Prohibited Conduct. In providing the services described in this Agreement, the Subadviser will not consult with any other investment advisory firm that provides investment advisory services to any investment company sponsored by Phoenix Investment Partners, Ltd. regarding transactions for the Fund in securities or other assets. In addition, the Subadviser shall not, without the prior written consent of the Fund and the Adviser, delegate any obligation assumed pursuant to this Agreement to any affiliated or unaffiliated third party.
8. Information and Reports.
A. The Subadviser shall keep the Fund and the Adviser informed of developments relating to its duties as Subadviser of which the Subadviser has, or should have, knowledge that would materially affect the Series. In this regard, the Subadviser shall provide the Fund, the Adviser and their respective officers with such periodic reports concerning the obligations the Subadviser has assumed under this Agreement as the Fund and the Adviser may from time to time reasonably request. In addition, prior to each meeting of the Trustees, the Subadviser shall provide the Adviser and the Trustees with reports regarding the Subadviser's management of that discrete portion of the assets of the Series managed by Subadviser during the most recently completed quarter, to include written communication that the Subadviser's portion of
the Series is in compliance with its investment objectives and investment strategies, the Act and applicable rules and regulations under the Act, and the requirements of Subchapter M under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and otherwise in such form as may be mutually agreed upon by the Subadviser and the Adviser.
B. Each of the Adviser and the Subadviser shall provide the other party with a list, to the best of the Adviser's or the Subadviser's respective knowledge, of each affiliated person (and any affiliated person of such an affiliated person) of the Adviser or the Subadviser, as the case may be, and each of the Adviser and Subadviser agrees promptly to update such list whenever the Adviser or the Subadviser becomes aware of any changes that should be added to or deleted from the list of affiliated persons.
C. The Subadviser shall also provide the Adviser with any information reasonably requested regarding its management of the Series required for any shareholder report, amended registration statement, or Prospectus supplement to be filed by the Fund with the SEC.
9. Fees for Services. The compensation of the Subadviser for its services under this Agreement shall be calculated and paid by the Adviser in accordance with the attached Schedule C. Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Fund and the Adviser, the Adviser is solely responsible for the payment of fees to the Subadviser.
10. Limitation of Liability. The Subadviser shall not be liable for any action taken, omitted or suffered to be taken by it in its best professional judgment, in good faith and believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion or rights or powers conferred upon it by this Agreement, or in accordance with specific directions or instructions from the Fund, provided, however, that such acts or omissions shall not have constituted a breach of the investment objectives, policies and restrictions applicable to the Series as defined in the prospectus and SAI and that such acts or omissions shall not have resulted from the Subadviser's willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence, or a breach of its duty or of its obligations hereunder (provided, however, that the foregoing shall not be construed to protect the Subadviser from liability under the Act).
11. Confidentiality. Subject to the duty of the Subadviser and the Fund to comply with applicable law, including any demand of any regulatory or taxing authority having jurisdiction, the parties hereto shall treat as confidential all information pertaining to the Series and the actions of the Subadviser and the Fund in respect thereof.
12. Assignment. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment, as that term is defined in Section 2(a)(4) of the Act. The Subadviser shall notify the Fund in writing sufficiently in advance of any proposed change of control, as defined in Section 2(a)(9) of the Act, as will enable the Fund to consider whether an assignment as defined in Section 2(a)(4) of the Act will occur, and to take the steps necessary to enter into a new contract with the Subadviser.
13. Representations, Warranties and Agreements of the Subadviser. The Subadviser represents, warrants and agrees that:
A. It is registered as an "Investment Adviser" under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended ("Advisers Act").
B. It will maintain, keep current and preserve on behalf of the Fund, in the manner required or permitted by the Act and the Rules thereunder including the records identified in Schedule B (as Schedule B may be amended from time to time). The Subadviser agrees that such records are the property of the Fund, and shall be surrendered to the Fund or to the Adviser as agent of the Fund promptly upon request of either. The Fund acknowledges that Subadviser may retain copies of all records required to meet the record retention requirements imposed by law and regulation.
C. It shall maintain a written code of ethics (the "Code of Ethics") complying with the requirements of Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act and Rule 17j-l under the Act and shall provide the Fund and the Adviser with a copy of the Code of Ethics and evidence of its adoption. It shall institute procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons (as defined in Rules 204A-1 and 17j-1) from violating its Code of Ethics. The Subadviser acknowledges receipt of the written code of ethics adopted by and on behalf of the Fund. Each calendar quarter while this Agreement is in effect, a duly authorized compliance officer of the Subadviser shall certify to the Fund and to the Adviser that the Subadviser has complied with the requirements of Rules 204A-1 and 17j-l during the previous calendar quarter and that there has been no violation of its Code of Ethics or of Rule 17j-1(b), or that any persons covered under its Code of Ethics has divulged or acted upon any material, non-public information, as such term is defined under relevant securities laws, and if such a violation has occurred, appropriate action was taken in response to such violation. Annually, the Subadviser shall furnish a written report which complies with the requirements of Rules 204A-1(b) and 17j-1 concerning the Subadviser's Code of Ethics to the Fund and the Adviser. The Subadviser shall permit the Fund and the Adviser to examine the reports required to be made by the Subadviser under Rules 204A-1(b) and 17j-l(d)(1) and this subparagraph.
D. It has adopted and implemented, and throughout the term of this Agreement shall maintain in effect and implement, policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent, detect and correct violations by the Subadviser and its supervised persons, and, to the extent the activities of the Subadviser in respect to the Fund could affect the Fund, by the Fund, of "federal securities laws" (as defined in Rule 38a-1 under the Act), and that the Subadviser has provided the Fund with true and complete copies of its policies and procedures (or summaries thereof) and related information requested by the Fund. The Subadviser agrees to cooperate with periodic reviews by the Fund's compliance personnel of the Subadviser's policies and procedures, their operation and implementation and other compliance matters and to provide to the Fund from time to time such additional information and certifications in respect of the Subadviser's policies and procedures, compliance by the Subadviser with federal
securities laws and related matters and the Fund's compliance personnel may reasonably request. The Subadviser agrees to promptly notify the Adviser of any compliance violations which affect the Series.
E. Reference is hereby made to the Declaration of Trust dated August 17, 2000 establishing the Fund, a copy of which has been filed with the Secretary of the State of Delaware and elsewhere as required by law, and to any and all amendments thereto so filed with the Secretary of the State of Delaware and elsewhere as required by law, and to any and all amendments thereto so filed or hereafter filed. The name "Phoenix Equity Trust" refers to the Trustees under said Declaration of Trust, as Trustees and not personally, and no Trustee, shareholder, officer, agent or employee of the Fund shall be held to any personal liability in connection with the affairs of the Fund; only the trust estate under said Declaration of Trust is liable. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, neither the Subadviser nor any of its officers, directors, partners, shareholders or employees shall, under any circumstances, have recourse or cause or willingly permit recourse to be had directly or indirectly to any personal, statutory, or other liability of any shareholder, Trustee, officer, agent or employee of the Fund or of any successor of the Fund, whether such liability now exists or is hereafter incurred for claims against the trust estate.
14. Amendment. This Agreement may be amended at any time, but only by written agreement among the Subadviser, the Adviser and the Fund, which amendment, other than amendments to Schedules A, B, D, and E, is subject to the approval of the Trustees and the shareholders of the Fund as and to the extent required by the Act.
15. Effective Date; Term. This Agreement shall become effective on the date set forth on the first page of this Agreement, and shall continue in effect until November 30, 2006. The Agreement shall continue from year to year thereafter only so long as its continuance has been specifically approved at least annually by the Trustees in accordance with Section 15(a) of the Act, and by the majority vote of the disinterested Trustees in accordance with the requirements of Section 15(c) thereof.
16. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated by any party, without penalty, immediately upon written notice to the other parties in the event of a breach of any provision thereof by a party so notified, or otherwise upon thirty (30) days' written notice to the other parties.
17. Applicable Law. To the extent that state law is not preempted by the provisions of any law of the United States heretofore or hereafter enacted, as the same may be amended from time to time, this Agreement shall be administered, construed and enforced according to the laws of the State of Delaware.
18. Severability. If any term or condition of this Agreement shall be invalid or unenforceable to any extent or in any application, then the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby, and each and every term and condition of this Agreement shall be valid and enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.
19. Notices. Any notice or other communication required to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed duly given if delivered personally or by overnight delivery service or mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid, or sent by facsimile addressed to the parties at their respective addresses set forth below, or at such other address as shall be designated by any party in a written notice to the other party.
(a) To the Fund or Adviser at:
Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc.
56 Prospect Street
Hartford, Connecticut 06115
Attn: John H. Beers, Vice President and Clerk
Telephone: (860) 403-5050
Facsimile: (860) 403-7251
Email: john.beers@phoenixwm.com
(b) To Subadviser at:
Harris Investment Management, Inc.
190 South LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
Attn: Randall J. Johnson, Senior Partner and CFO
Telephone: (312) 461-3922
Facsimile: (312) 461-6268
Email: randall.johnson@harrisbank.com
20. Certifications. The Subadviser hereby warrants and represents that it will provide the requisite certifications requested by the chief executive officer and chief financial officer of the Fund necessary for those named officers to fulfill their reporting and certification obligations on Form N-CSR as required under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Subadviser shall provide a quarterly certification in a form substantially similar to that attached as Schedule E.
21. Indemnification. The Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Subadviser and the Subadviser's directors, officers, employees and agents from and against any and all losses, liabilities, claims, damages, and expenses whatsoever, including reasonable attorneys' fees (collectively, "Losses"), arising out of or relating to (i) any breach by the Adviser of any provision of this Agreement; (ii) the negligence, willful misconduct, bad faith, or breach of fiduciary duty of the Adviser; (iii) any violation by the Adviser of any law or regulation relating to its activities under this Agreement; and (iv) any dispute between the Adviser and any Fund shareholder, except to the extent that such Losses result from the gross negligence, willful misconduct, bad faith, or breach of fiduciary duty of the Subadviser.
22. Receipt of Disclosure Document. The Fund acknowledges receipt, at least 48 hours prior to entering into this Agreement, of a copy of Part II of the Subadviser's Form ADV containing certain information concerning the Subadviser and the nature of its business.
PHOENIX EQUITY TRUST
By: /s/ George R Aylward ---------------------------------- Name: George R. Aylward Title: Executive Vice President |
PHOENIX INVESTMENT COUNSEL, INC.
By: /s/ John H. Beers -------------------------------- Name: John H. Beers Title: Vice President and Clerk |
ACCEPTED:
HARRIS INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, INC.
By: /s/ W. O Leszinske
----------------------------------------
Name: William O. Leszinske
Title: President
|
SCHEDULES: A. Operational Procedures
B. Record Keeping Requirements
C. Fee Schedule
D. Subadviser Functions
E. Form of Sub-Certification
|
OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES
In order to minimize operational problems, it will be necessary for a flow of information to be supplied by the Subadviser to State Street Bank and Trust Company (the "Custodian") and PFPC, Inc., (the "Sub-Accounting Agent") for the Fund.
The Subadviser must furnish the Custodian and the Sub-Accounting Agent, with daily information as to executed trades, or, if no trades are executed, with a report to that effect, no later than 5 p.m. (Eastern Standard time) each day the Fund is open for business. (Subadviser will be responsible for reimbursement to the Fund for any loss caused by Subadviser's failure to comply.) The necessary information may be sent via facsimile machine to the Custodian and the Sub-Accounting Agent. Information provided to the Custodian and the Sub-Accounting Agent shall include the following:
1. Purchase or sale;
2. Security name;
3. CUSIP number, ISIN or Sedols (as applicable);
4. Number of shares and sales price per share;
5. Executing broker;
6. Settlement agent;
7. Trade date;
8. Settlement date;
9. Aggregate commission or if a net trade;
10. Interest purchased or sold from interest bearing security;
11. Other fees;
12. Net proceeds of the transaction;
13. Exchange where trade was executed;
14. Identified tax lot (if applicable); and
15. Trade commission reason: best execution, soft dollar or research.
When opening accounts with brokers for, and in the name of, the Fund, the account must be a cash account. No margin accounts are to be maintained in the name of the Fund. Delivery instructions are as specified by the Custodian. The Custodian will supply the Subadviser daily with a cash availability report via access to the Custodian website, or by email or by facsimile and the Sub-Accounting Agent will provide a five day cash projection. This will normally be done by email so that the Subadviser will know the amount available for investment purposes.
RECORDS TO BE MAINTAINED BY THE SUBADVISER
1. (Rule 31a-1(b)(5)) A record of each brokerage order, and all other series purchases and sales, given by the Subadviser on behalf of the Fund for, or in connection with, the purchase or sale of securities, whether executed or unexecuted. Such records shall include:
A. The name of the broker;
B. The terms and conditions of the order and of any modifications or
cancellations thereof;
C. The time of entry or cancellation;
D. The price at which executed;
E. The time of receipt of a report of execution; and
F. The name of the person who placed the order on behalf of the Fund.
2. (Rule 31a-1(b)(9)) A record for each fiscal quarter, completed within ten
(10) days after the end of the quarter, showing specifically the basis or
bases upon which the allocation of orders for the purchase and sale of
series securities to named brokers or dealers was effected, and the
division of brokerage commissions or other compensation on such purchase
and sale orders. Such record:
A. Shall include the consideration given to:
(i) The sale of shares of the Fund by brokers or dealers.
(ii) The supplying of services or benefits by brokers or
dealers to:
(a) The Fund,
(b) The Adviser,
(c) The Subadviser, and
(d) Any person other than the foregoing.
(iii) Any other consideration other than the technical
qualifications of the brokers and dealers as such.
B. Shall show the nature of the services or benefits made available.
C. Shall describe in detail the application of any general or
specific formula or other determinant used in arriving at such
allocation of purchase and sale orders and such division of
brokerage commissions or other compensation.
D. The name of the person responsible for making the determination of
such allocation and such division of brokerage commissions or
other compensation.
3. (Rule 31a-1(b)(10)) A record in the form of an appropriate memorandum identifying the person or persons, committees or groups authorizing the purchase or sale of series securities. Where a committee or group makes an authorization, a record shall be kept of the names of its members who participate in the authorization. There shall be retained as part of this record: any memorandum, recommendation or instruction supporting or
authorizing the purchase or sale of series securities and such other information as is appropriate to support the authorization.*
4. (Rule 31a-1(f)) Such accounts, books and other documents as are required
to be maintained by registered investment Advisers by rule adopted under
Section 204 of the Advisers Act, to the extent such records are necessary
or appropriate to record the Subadviser's transactions for the Fund.
5. Records as necessary under Board approved Phoenix Funds' valuation policies and procedures.
SUBADVISORY FEE
(a) For services provided to the Fund, the Adviser will pay to the Subadviser, on or before the 10th day of each month, a fee, payable in arrears, at the annual rate stated below. The fees shall be prorated for any month during which this Agreement is in effect for only a portion of the month. In computing the fee to be paid to the Subadviser, the net asset value of the Fund and each Series shall be valued as set forth in the then current registration statement of the Fund.
(b) The following subadvisory fee schedule applies to the average net assets of the Phoenix Total Value Fund managed by Harris Investment Management, Inc. and is as follows:
----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS ANNUAL RATE PERCENTAGE
----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
First $25 Million 0.50%
----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Over $25 Million 0.40%
----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
|
SUBADVISER FUNCTIONS
With respect to managing the investment and reinvestment of the Series' assets, the Subadviser shall provide, at its own expense:
(a) An investment strategy for the Series consistent with its investment objectives based upon the development, review and adjustment of buy/sell strategies approved from time to time by the Board of Trustees and the Adviser;
(b) Implementation of the investment program for the Series based upon the foregoing criteria;
(c) Periodic reports, on at least a quarterly basis, in form and substance acceptable to the Adviser, with respect to: i) compliance with the Code of Ethics and the Fund's code of ethics; ii) compliance with procedures adopted from time to time by the Trustees of the Fund relative to securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; iii) diversification of Series assets in accordance with the then prevailing Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information pertaining to the Series and governing laws; iv) compliance with governing restrictions relating to the fair valuation of securities for which market quotations are not readily available or considered "illiquid" for the purposes of complying with the Series' limitation on acquisition of illiquid securities; v) any and all other reports reasonably requested in accordance with or described in this Agreement; and, vi) the implementation of the Series' investment program, including, without limitation, analysis of Series performance;
(d) Promptly after filing with the SEC an amendment to its Form ADV, a copy of such amendment to the Adviser and the Trustees;
(e) Attendance by appropriate representatives of the Subadviser at meetings requested by the Adviser or Trustees at such time(s) and location(s) as reasonably requested by the Adviser or Trustees; and
(f) Notice to the Trustees and the Adviser of the occurrence of
any event which would disqualify the Subadviser from serving
as an investment Adviser of an investment company pursuant to
Section 9(a) of the 1940 Act or otherwise.
(g) Provide reasonable assistance in the valuation of securities including the participation of appropriate representatives at fair valuation committee meetings.
SCHEDULE E
FORM OF SUB-CERTIFICATION
To:
Re: Form N-CSR Certification for the [Name of Series].
From: [Name of Subadviser]
Representations in support of Investment Company Act Rule 30b1-5
certifications of Form N-CSR.
[Name of Series].
In connection with your certification responsibility under Rule 30b1-5
and Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, I have
reviewed the following information presented for the period ended
[Date of Reporting Period] (the "Reports") which forms part of the
N-CSR for the Funds.
|
Schedule of Investments (the "Reports")
Our organization has designed, implemented and maintained internal controls and procedures, designed for the purpose of ensuring the accuracy and completeness of relevant portfolio trade data transmitted to those responsible for the preparation of the Schedule of Investments. As of the date of this certification there have been no material modifications to these internal controls and procedures.
In addition, our organization has:
a. Designed such internal controls and procedures to ensure that material information is made known to the appropriate groups responsible for servicing the above-mentioned mutual funds.
b. Evaluated the effectiveness of our internal controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the date of this certification and we have concluded that such controls and procedures are effective.
c. In addition, to the best of my knowledge there has been no fraud, whether, or not material, that involves our organization's management or other employees who have a significant role in our organization's control and procedures as they relate to our duties as sub-adviser to the Funds.
I have read the draft of the Reports which I understand to be current as of
[Date of Reporting Period] and based on my knowledge, such drafts of the Reports
do not, with respect to the Funds, contain any untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the information
contained therein, in light of the circumstances under which such information is
presented, not misleading with respect to the period covered by such draft
Reports.
I have disclosed, based on my most recent evaluation, to the Fund's Chief Accounting Officer:
a. All significant changes, deficiencies and material weakness, if any, in the design or operation of the Subadviser's internal controls and procedures which could adversely affect the Adviser's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data in a timely fashion;
b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves the Subadviser's management or other employees who have significant role in the Subadviser's internal controls and procedures for financial reporting.
I certify that to the best of my knowledge:
a. The Subadviser's portfolio manager have complied with the restrictions and reporting requirements of the Code of Ethics (the "Code"). The term Portfolio Manager is as defined in the Code.
b. The Subadviser has complied with the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information of the Funds and the Policies and Procedures of the Funds as adopted by the Fund's Board of Trustees.
c. I have no knowledge of any compliance violations except as disclosed in writing to the Phoenix Compliance Department by me or by the Subadviser's compliance administrator.
d. The Subadviser has complied with the rules and regulations of the 33 Act and 40 Act, and such other regulations as may apply to the extent those rules and regulations pertain to the responsibilities of the Subadviser with respect to the Fund as outlined above.
This certification relates solely to the Funds named above and may not be relied upon by any other fund or entity.
The Subadviser does not maintain the official books and records of the above Funds. The sub-Subadviser's records are based on its own portfolio management system, a record-keeping system that is not intended to service as the Funds' official accounting system. The Subadviser is not responsible for the preparation of the Reports.
[Name of Authorized Signature] Date
EXHIBIT h.2
SUB-TRANSFER AGENCY AND SERVICE AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
PHOENIX EQUITY PLANNING CORPORATION
AND
BOSTON FINANCIAL DATA SERVICES, INC.
SUB-TRANSFER AGENCY AND SERVICE AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
PHOENIX EQUITY PLANNING CORPORATION
AND
BOSTON FINANCIAL DATA SERVICES, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1. Terms of Appointment and Duties.......................................1
2. Third Party Administrators for Defined Contribution Plans.............4
3. Fees and Expenses.....................................................5
4. Representations and Warranties of the Sub-Transfer Agent..............6
5. Representations and Warranties of the Transfer Agent..................7
6. Wire Transfer Operating Guidelines....................................7
7. Data Access and Proprietary Information...............................9
8. Indemnification......................................................10
9. Standard of Care/Limitation of Liability.............................12
10. Confidentiality......................................................12
11. Covenants of the Transfer Agent and the Sub-Transfer Agent...........13
12. Termination of Agreement.............................................13
13. Assignment and Third Party Beneficiaries.............................14
14. Subcontractors.......................................................15
15. Miscellaneous........................................................15
16. Additional Funds.....................................................17
AGREEMENT made as of the 1ST day of January, 2005, by and between PHOENIX EQUITY PLANNING CORPORATION, a Connecticut corporation, having its principal office and place of business at 56 Prospect St., Hartford, Connecticut 06115 (the "Transfer Agent"), and BOSTON FINANCIAL DATA SERVICES, INC., a Massachusetts corporation having its principal office and place of business at 2 Heritage Drive, North Quincy, Massachusetts 02171 (the "Sub-Transfer Agent").
WHEREAS, the Transfer Agent has been assigned 030197 as its six-digit FINS number by the Depository Trust Company of New York, NY ("DTC");
WHEREAS, the Transfer Agent registered with the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission, its appropriate regulatory authority ("ARA") and has been assigned a seven digit number (generally beginning with an "84" or an "85") ARA number of 084-5491;
WHEREAS, the Transfer Agent has been appointed by each of the investment
companies (including each series thereof, a "Portfolio", and collectively as the
"Portfolios") listed on Schedule A (the "Fund(s)") which may be amended by the
parties from time to time and made subject to this Agreement in accordance with
Section 16, each an open-end diversified management investment company
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as transfer
agent, dividend disbursing agent and shareholder servicing agent in connection
with certain activities, and the Transfer Agent has accepted each such
appointment;
WHEREAS, the Transfer Agent has entered into a Transfer Agency and Service Agreement with each of the Funds (including each series thereof) listed on Schedule A pursuant to which the Transfer Agent is responsible for certain transfer agency and dividend disbursing functions and the Transfer Agent is authorized to subcontract for the performance of its obligations and duties thereunder in whole or in part with the Sub-Transfer Agent;
WHEREAS, the Transfer Agent is desirous of having the Sub-Transfer Agent perform certain shareholder accounting, administrative and servicing function (collectively "Shareholder and Record-Keeping Services");
WHEREAS, the Transfer Agent desires to appoint the Sub-Transfer Agent as its agent, and the Sub-Transfer Agent desires to accept such appointment; and
WHEREAS, the parties hereto acknowledge and agree that the Sub-Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation and State Street Bank and Trust Company effective June 1, 1994 is terminated as of January 1, 2005.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1.1 Sub-Transfer Agency Services. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Transfer Agent hereby employs and appoints the Sub-Transfer Agent to act as, and the Sub-Transfer Agent agrees to act as, the agent of the Transfer Agent for
the shares of the Funds in connection with any accumulation, open-account, retirement plans or similar plan provided to the shareholders of each Fund ("Shareholders") and set out in the currently effective prospectus and statement of additional information ("prospectus") of each such Fund, including without limitation any periodic investment plan or periodic withdrawal program. As used herein, the term "Shares" means the authorized and issued shares of common stock, or shares of beneficial interest, as the case may be, for each of the Funds (including each series thereof) enumerated in Schedule A. In accordance with procedures established from time to time by agreement between the Transfer Agent and the Sub-Transfer Agent, the Sub-Transfer Agent agrees that it will perform the following Shareholder and Record-Keeping services:
(a) Receive for acceptance, orders for the purchase of Shares, and promptly deliver payment and appropriate documentation thereof to the Custodian of the Fund authorized pursuant to the Articles of Incorporation of the Fund (the "Custodian");
(b) Pursuant to purchase orders, issue the appropriate number of Shares and hold such Shares in the appropriate Shareholder account;
(c) Receive for acceptance redemption requests and redemption directions and deliver the appropriate documentation thereof to the Custodian;
(d) In respect to the transactions in items (a), (b) and (c) above, the Sub-Transfer Agent shall execute transactions directly with broker-dealers authorized by the Fund;
(e) At the appropriate time as and when it receives monies paid to it by the Custodian with respect to any redemption, pay over or cause to be paid over in the appropriate manner such monies as instructed by the redeeming Shareholders;
(f) Effect transfers of Shares by the registered owners thereof upon receipt of appropriate instructions;
(g) Prepare and transmit payments for dividends and distributions declared by the Fund;
(h) Issue replacement certificates for those certificates alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed upon receipt by the Sub-Transfer Agent of indemnification satisfactory to the Sub-Transfer Agent and protecting the Sub-Transfer Agent and the Fund, and the Sub-Transfer Agent at its option, may issue replacement certificates in place of mutilated stock certificates upon presentation thereof and without such indemnity;
(i) Issue replacement checks and place stop orders on original checks based on Shareholder's representation that a check was not received or was lost. Such stop orders and replacements will be deemed to have been made at the request of the Transfer Agent, and the Transfer Agent shall be responsible for all losses or claims resulting from such replacement;
(j) Maintain records of account for and advise the Transfer Agent and its Shareholders as to the foregoing; and
(k) Record the issuance of Shares of the Fund and maintain pursuant to SEC Rule 17Ad-10(e) a record of the total number of Shares of the Fund which are authorized,
based upon data provided to it by the Fund, and issued and outstanding. The Sub-Transfer Agent shall also provide the Fund on a regular basis with the total number of Shares which are authorized and issued and outstanding and shall have no obligation, when recording the issuance of Shares, to monitor the issuance of such Shares or to take cognizance of any laws relating to the issue or sale of such Shares, which functions shall be the sole responsibility of the Fund.
1.2 Additional Services. In addition to, and neither in lieu nor in contravention of, the services set forth in the above paragraph, the Sub-Transfer Agent shall perform the following services:
(a) Other Customary Services. Perform the customary services of a transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent and, as relevant, agent in connection with accumulation, open-account or similar plan (including without limitation any periodic investment plan or periodic withdrawal program), including but not limited to: maintaining all Shareholder accounts, preparing Shareholder meeting lists, mailing Shareholder proxies, Shareholder reports and prospectuses to current Shareholders, withholding taxes on U.S. resident and non-resident alien accounts, preparing and filing U.S. Treasury Department Forms 1099 and other appropriate forms required with respect to dividends and distributions by federal authorities for all Shareholders, preparing and mailing confirmation forms and statements of account to Shareholders for all purchases and redemptions of Shares and other confirmable transactions in Shareholder accounts, preparing and mailing activity statements for Shareholders, and providing Shareholder account information;
(b) Control Book (also known as "Super Sheet"). Maintain a daily record and produce a daily report for the Fund of all transactions and receipts and disbursements of money and securities and deliver a copy of such report for the Fund for each business day to the Fund no later than 9:00 AM Eastern Time, or such earlier time as the Fund may reasonably require, on the next business day;
(c) "Blue Sky" Reporting. The Fund or Transfer Agent shall (i) identify to the Sub-Transfer Agent in writing those transactions and assets to be treated as exempt from blue sky reporting for each State and (ii) verify the establishment of transactions for each State on the system prior to activation and thereafter monitor the daily activity for each State. The responsibility of the Sub-Transfer Agent for the Fund's blue sky State registration status is solely limited to the initial establishment of transactions subject to blue sky compliance by the Fund and providing a system which will enable the Fund to monitor the total number of Shares sold in each State;
(d) National Securities Clearing Corporation (the "NSCC"). (i) accept and effectuate the registration and maintenance of accounts through Networking and the purchase, redemption, transfer and exchange of shares in such accounts through Fund/SERV (Networking and Fund/SERV being programs operated by the NSCC on behalf of NSCC's participants, including the Fund), in accordance with, instructions transmitted to and received by the Sub-Transfer Agent by transmission from NSCC on behalf of broker-dealers and banks which have been established by, or in accordance with the instructions of authorized persons, as hereinafter defined on the dealer file maintained by the Sub-Transfer Agent; (ii) issue instructions to Fund's banks for the settlement of transactions between the Fund and NSCC (acting on behalf of its broker-dealer and bank
participants); (iii) provide account and transaction information from the affected Fund's records on DST Systems, Inc. computer system TA2000 ("TA2000 System") in accordance with NSCC's Networking and Fund/SERV rules for those broker-dealers; and (iv) maintain Shareholder accounts on TA2000 System through Networking;
(e) New Procedures. New procedures as to who shall provide certain of these services in Section 1 may be established in writing from time to time by agreement between the Transfer Agent and the Sub-Transfer. The Sub-Transfer Agent may at times perform only a portion of these services and the Transfer Agent, the Funds or their agent may perform these services on the Fund's behalf; and
(f) Anti-Money Laundering ("AML") Delegation. If the Transfer Agent
elects to delegate to the Sub-Transfer Agent certain AML duties under
this Agreement, the parties will agree to such duties and terms as
stated in the attached schedule ("Schedule 1.2(f) entitled "AML
Delegation" which may be changed from time to time subject to mutual
written agreement between the parties. In consideration of the
performance of the duties by the Sub-Transfer Agent pursuant to this
Section 1.2(f), the Transfer Agent agrees to pay the Sub-Transfer Agent
for the reasonable administrative expense that may be associated with
such additional duties in the amount as the parties may from time to
time agree in writing in accordance with Section 3 (Fees and Expenses)
below.
1.3 Fiduciary Accounts. With respect to certain retirement plans (such as individual retirement accounts ("IRAs")) or accounts, SIMPLE IRAs, SEP IRAs, Roth IRAs, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, and 403(b) Plans (collectively, such accounts, "Fiduciary Accounts"), the Sub-Transfer Agent, at the request of the Transfer Agent, shall arrange for the provision of appropriate prototype plans as well as provide or arrange for the provision of various services to such plans and/or accounts, which services may include custodial services to be provided by State Street Bank and Trust Company (the "Bank"), account set-up maintenance, and disbursements as well as such other services as the parties hereto shall mutually agree upon.
2.1 The Fund may decide to make available to certain of its customers, a qualified plan program (the "Program") pursuant to which the customers ("Employers") may adopt certain plans of deferred compensation ("Plan or Plans") for the benefit of the individual Plan participant (the "Plan Participant"), such Plan(s) being qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Code") and administered by third party administrators which may be plan administrators as defined in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended)(the "TPA(s)").
2.2 In accordance with the procedures established in the initial Schedule 2.1 entitled "Third Party Administrator Procedures", as may be amended by the Sub-Transfer Agent and the Fund from time to time ("Schedule 2.1"), the Sub-Transfer Agent shall:
(a) Treat Shareholder accounts established by the Plans in the name of the Trustees, Plans or TPAs as the case may be as omnibus accounts;
(b) Maintain omnibus accounts on its records in the name of the TPA or its designee as the Trustee for the benefit of the Plan; and
(c) Perform all services under Section 1 as sub-transfer agent of the Funds and not as a record-keeper for the Plans.
2.3 Transactions identified under Section 2 of this Agreement shall be deemed exception services ("Exception Services") when such transactions:
(a) Require the Sub-Transfer Agent to use methods and procedures other than those usually employed by the Sub-Transfer Agent to perform services under Section 1 of this Agreement;
(b) Involve the provision of information to the Sub-Transfer Agent after the commencement of the nightly processing cycle of the TA2000 System; or
(c) Require more manual intervention by the Sub-Transfer Agent, either in the entry of data or in the modification or amendment of reports generated by the TA2000 System than is usually required by non-retirement plan and pre-nightly transactions.
3.1 Fee Schedule. For the performance by the Sub-Transfer Agent pursuant to this Agreement, the Transfer Agent agrees to pay the Sub-Transfer Agent an annual maintenance fee for each Shareholder account as set forth in the attached fee schedule ("Schedule 3.1"). Such fees and out-of-pocket expenses and advances identified under Section 3.2 below may be changed from time to time subject to mutual written agreement between the Transfer Agent and the Sub-Transfer Agent.
3.2 Out-of-Pocket Expenses. In addition to the fee paid under Section 3.1 above, the Transfer Agent agrees to reimburse the Sub-Transfer Agent for out-of-pocket expenses, including but not limited to confirmation production, postage, forms, telephone, microfilm, microfiche, mailing and tabulating proxies, records storage, or advances incurred by the Sub-Transfer Agent for the items set out in Schedule 3.1 attached hereto. In addition, any other expenses incurred by the Sub-Transfer Agent at the request or with the consent of the Transfer Agent, will be reimbursed by the Fund.
3.3 Postage. Postage for mailing of dividends, proxies, Fund reports and other mailings to all shareholder accounts shall be advanced to the Transfer Agent by the Fund at least seven (7) days prior to the mailing date of such materials.
3.4 Invoices. The Transfer Agent agrees to pay all fees and reimbursable expenses within thirty (30) days following the receipt of the respective billing notice, except for any fees or expenses which are subject to good faith dispute. In the event of such a dispute, the Transfer Agent may only withhold that portion of the fee or expense subject to the good faith dispute. The Transfer Agent shall notify the Sub-Transfer Agent in writing within twenty-one (21) calendar days following the receipt of each billing notice if the Transfer Agent is disputing any amounts in good faith. If the Transfer Agent does not provide such notice of dispute within the required time, the billing notice will be deemed accepted by the Transfer Agent. The Fund shall settle such disputed amounts within five (5) days of the day on which the parties agree on the amount to be paid by payment of the agreed amount. If no agreement is reached, then such disputed amounts shall be settled by law or legal process.
3.5 Cost of Living Adjustment. Following the first year of the Initial Term, the total fee for all services for each succeeding year shall equal the fee that would be charged for the same services based on a fee rate (as reflected in a fee rate schedule) increased by the percentage increase (not to exceed 5%) for the twelve-month period of such previous calendar year of the CPI-W (defined below), or, in the event that publication of such Index is terminated, any successor or substitute index, appropriately adjusted, acceptable to both parties. As used herein, "CPI-W" shall mean the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers for Boston-Brockton-Nashua, MA-NH-ME-CT, (Base Period: 1982-84 = 100), as published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
3.6 Late Payments. If any undisputed amount in an invoice of the Sub-Transfer Agent (for fees or reimbursable expenses) is not paid when due, the Transfer Agent shall pay the Sub-Transfer Agent interest thereon (from the due date to the date of payment) at a per annum rate equal to one percent (1.0%) plus the prime Rate (that is, the base rate on corporate loans posted by large domestic banks) published by The Wall Street Journal (or, in the event such rate is not so published, a reasonably equivalent published rate selected by the Transfer Agent on the first day of publication during the month when such amount was due. Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, such interest rate shall be no greater than permitted under applicable provision of Massachusetts law.
The Sub-Transfer Agent represents and warrants to the Transfer Agent that:
4.1 It is a corporation duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
4.2 It is duly qualified to carry on its business in The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
4.3 It is empowered under applicable laws and by its Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws to enter into and perform this Agreement.
4.4 All requisite corporate proceedings have been taken to authorize it to enter into and perform this Agreement.
4.5 It has and will continue to have access to the necessary facilities, equipment and personnel to perform its duties and obligations under this Agreement.
4.6 It will provide security, as set forth in Section 10 of this Agreement, for Transfer Agent materials in Sub-Transfer Agent's possession, in the same manner and to the same extent by which Sub-Transfer Agent treats its own Confidential information.
4.7 It will provide to Transfer Agent, upon request, Sub-Transfer Agent's certification related to its internal controls for handling of Transfer Agent's information. Upon request, Sub-Transfer Agent will provide a copy of its SAS 70 report to Transfer Agent on an annual basis.
The Transfer Agent represents and warrants to the Sub-Transfer Agent that:
5.1 It is a corporation duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Connecticut.
5.2 It is empowered under applicable laws and by its Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws to enter into and perform this Agreement.
5.3 All corporate proceedings required by said Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws have been taken to authorize it to enter into and perform this Agreement.
5.4 Each Fund is an open-end, diversified management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
5.5 A registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended is currently effective and will remain effective, and appropriate state securities law filings have been made and will continue to be made, with respect to all Shares of the Fund being offered for sale.
5.6 It has obtained, from each Fund, all consents and approvals necessary for the subcontracting of the Shareholder and Record-Keeping Services being provided herein.
6.1 Obligation of Sender. The Sub-Transfer Agent is authorized to promptly debit the appropriate Transfer Agent account(s) upon the receipt of a payment order in compliance with the selected security procedure (the "Security Procedure") chosen for funds transfer and in the amount of money that the Sub-Transfer Agent has been instructed to transfer. The Sub-Transfer Agent shall execute payment orders in compliance with the Security Procedure and with the Transfer Agent instructions on the execution date provided that such payment order is received by the customary deadline for processing such a request, unless the payment order specifies a later time. All payment orders and communications received after this the customary deadline will be deemed to have been received the next business day.
6.2 Security Procedure. The Transfer Agent acknowledges that the Security Procedure it has designated on the Transfer Agent Selection Form was selected by the Transfer Agent from security procedures offered by the Sub-Transfer Agent. The Transfer Agent shall restrict access to confidential information relating to the Security Procedure to authorized persons as communicated to the Sub-Transfer Agent in writing. The Transfer Agent must notify the Sub-Transfer Agent immediately if it has reason to believe unauthorized persons may have obtained access to such information or of any change in the Transfer Agent's authorized personnel. The Sub-Transfer Agent shall verify the authenticity of all Transfer Agent instructions according to the Security Procedure.
6.3 Account Numbers. The Sub-Transfer Agent shall process all payment orders on the basis of the account number contained in the payment order. In the event of a discrepancy between any name indicated on the payment order and the account number, the account number shall take precedence and govern.
6.4 Rejection. The Sub-Transfer Agent reserves the right to decline to process or delay the processing of a payment order which (a) is in excess of the collected balance in the account to be charged at the time of the Sub-Transfer Agent's receipt of such payment order; (b) if initiating such payment order would cause the Sub-Transfer Agent, in the Sub-Transfer Agent's sole judgement, to exceed any volume, aggregate dollar, network, time, credit or similar limits which are applicable to the Sub-Transfer Agent; or (c) if the Sub-Transfer Agent, in good faith, is unable to satisfy itself that the transaction has been properly authorized.
6.5 Cancellation Amendment. The Sub-Transfer Agent shall use reasonable efforts to act on all authorized requests to cancel or amend payment orders received in compliance with the Security Procedure provided that such requests are received in a timely manner affording the Sub-Transfer Agent reasonable opportunity to act. However, the Sub-Transfer Agent assumes no liability if the request for amendment or cancellation cannot be satisfied.
6.6 Errors. The Sub-Transfer Agent shall assume no responsibility for failure to detect any erroneous payment order provided that the Sub-Transfer Agent complies with the payment order instructions as received and the Sub-Transfer Agent complies with the Security Procedure. The Security Procedure is established for the purpose of authenticating payment orders only and not for the detection of errors in payment orders.
6.7 Interest. The Sub-Transfer Agent shall assume no responsibility for lost interest with respect to the refundable amount of any unauthorized payment order, unless the Sub-Transfer Agent is notified of the unauthorized payment order within thirty (30) days of notification by the Sub-Transfer Agent of the acceptance of such payment order. In no event (including failure to execute a payment order) shall the Sub-Transfer Agent be liable for special, indirect or consequential damages, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.
6.8 ACH Credit Entries/Provisional Payments. When the Transfer Agent initiates or receives Automated Clearing House credit and debit entries pursuant to these guidelines and the rules of the National Automated Clearing House Association and the New England Clearing House Association, the Bank will act as an Originating Depository Financial Institution and/or Receiving Depository Financial Institution, as the case may be, with respect to such entries. Credits given by the Sub-Transfer Agent with respect to an ACH credit entry are provisional until the Sub-Transfer Agent receives final settlement for such entry from the Federal Reserve Bank. If the Sub-Transfer Agent does not receive such final settlement, the Transfer Agent agrees that the Sub-Transfer Agent shall receive a refund of the amount credited to the Transfer Agent in connection with such entry, and the party making payment to the Transfer Agent via such entry shall not be deemed to have paid the amount of the entry.
6.9 Confirmation. Confirmation of Sub-Transfer Agent's execution of payment orders shall ordinarily be provided within twenty four (24) hours notice of which may be delivered through the Sub-Transfer Agent's proprietary information systems, or by facsimile or call-back. Transfer Agent must report any objections to the execution of an order within thirty (30) days.
7.1 The Transfer Agent acknowledges that the databases, computer programs, screen formats, report formats, interactive design techniques, and documentation manuals furnished to the Transfer Agent by the Sub-Transfer Agent as part of the Fund's ability to access certain Fund-related data ("Customer Data") maintained by the Sub-Transfer Agent on databases under the control and ownership of the Sub-Transfer Agent or other third party ("Data Access Services") constitute copyrighted, trade secret, or other proprietary information (collectively, "Proprietary Information") of substantial value to the Sub-Transfer Agent or other third party. In no event shall Proprietary Information be deemed Customer Data. The Transfer Agent agrees to treat all Proprietary Information as proprietary to the Sub-Transfer Agent and further agrees that it shall not divulge any Proprietary Information to any person or organization except as may be provided hereunder. Without limiting the foregoing, the Transfer Agent agrees for itself and its employees and agents to:
(a) Use such programs and databases (i) solely on the Transfer Agent's computers, or (ii) solely from equipment at the location agreed to between the Sub-Transfer Agent and the Transfer Agent and (iii) solely in accordance with the Sub-Transfer Agent's applicable user documentation;
(b) Refrain from copying or duplicating in any way (other than in the normal course of performing processing on the Transfer Agent's computer(s)), the Proprietary Information;
(c) Refrain from obtaining unauthorized access to any portion of the Proprietary Information, and if such access is inadvertently obtained, to inform in a timely manner of such fact and dispose of such information in accordance with the Sub-Transfer Agent's instructions;
(d) Refrain from causing or allowing information transmitted from the Sub-Transfer Agent's computer to the Transfer Agent's terminal to be retransmitted to any other computer terminal or other device except as expressly permitted by the Transfer Agent (such permission not to be unreasonably withheld);
(e) Allow the Transfer Agent to have access only to those authorized transactions as agreed to between the Sub-Transfer Agent and the Transfer Agent; and
(f) Honor all reasonable written requests made by the Sub-Transfer Agent to protect at the Sub-Transfer Agent's expense the rights of the Sub-Transfer Agent in Proprietary Information at common law, under federal copyright law and under other federal or state law.
7.2 Proprietary Information shall not include all or any portion of any of the foregoing items that: (i) are or become publicly available without breach of this Agreement; (ii) are released for general disclosure by a written release by the Sub-Transfer Agent; or (iii) are already in the possession of the receiving party at the time of receipt without obligation of confidentiality or breach of this Agreement.
7.3 The Transfer Agent acknowledges that its obligation to protect the Sub-Transfer Agent's Proprietary Information is essential to the business interest of the Sub-Transfer Agent and that the disclosure of such Proprietary Information in breach of this Agreement would cause the Sub-Transfer Agent immediate, substantial and irreparable harm, the value of which would be extremely difficult to determine. Accordingly, the parties agree that, in addition to any other remedies that may be available in law, equity, or otherwise for the disclosure or use of the Proprietary Information in breach of this Agreement, the Sub-Transfer Agent shall be entitled to seek and obtain a temporary restraining order, injunctive relief, or other equitable relief against the continuance of such breach.
7.4 If the Transfer Agent notifies the Sub-Transfer Agent that any of the Data Access Services do not operate in material compliance with the most recently issued user documentation for such services, the Sub-Transfer Agent shall endeavor in a timely manner to correct such failure. Organizations from which the Sub-Transfer Agent may obtain certain data included in the Data Access Services are solely responsible for the contents of such data and the Transfer Agent agrees to make no claim against the Sub-Transfer Agent arising out of the contents of such third-party data, including, but not limited to, the accuracy thereof. DATA ACCESS SERVICES AND ALL COMPUTER PROGRAMS AND SOFTWARE SPECIFICATIONS USED IN CONNECTION THEREWITH ARE PROVIDED ON AN AS IS, AS AVAILABLE BASIS. THE SUB-TRANSFER AGENT EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES EXCEPT THOSE EXPRESSLY STATED HEREIN INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
7.5 If the transactions available to the Transfer Agent include the ability to originate electronic instructions to the Sub-Transfer Agent in order to (i) effect the transfer or movement of cash or Shares or (ii) transmit Shareholder information or other information, then in such event the Sub-Transfer Agent shall be entitled to rely on the validity and authenticity of such instruction without undertaking any further inquiry as long as such instruction is undertaken in conformity with security procedures established by the Sub-Transfer Agent from time to time.
7.6 Each party shall take reasonable efforts to advise its employees of
their obligations pursuant to this Section 7. The obligations of this
Section shall survive any earlier termination of this Agreement.
8.1 The Sub-Transfer Agent shall not be responsible for, and the Transfer Agent shall indemnify and hold the Sub-Transfer Agent and with respect to Section 8.1(e) herein, also the Bank, harmless from and against, any and all losses, damages, costs, charges, counsel fees, payments, expenses and liability arising out of or attributable to:
(a) All actions of the Sub-Transfer Agent or its agents or subcontractors required to be taken pursuant to this Agreement, (including the defense of any law suit in which the Sub-Transfer Agent or affiliate is a named party), provided that such actions are taken in good faith and without negligence or willful misconduct;
(b) The Transfer Agent's lack of good faith, negligence or willful misconduct which arise out of the breach of any representation or warranty of the Transfer Agent hereunder;
(c) The reliance upon, and any subsequent use of or action taken or
omitted, by the Sub-Transfer Agent, or its agents or subcontractors on:
(i) any information, records, documents, data, stock certificates or
services, which are received by the Sub-Transfer Agent or its agents or
subcontractors by machine readable input, facsimile, CRT data entry,
electronic instructions or other similar means authorized by the
Transfer Agent, and which have been prepared, maintained or performed
by the Transfer Agent or each Fund or any other person or firm on
behalf of the Transfer Agent or each Fund including but not limited to
any broker-dealer, TPA or previous transfer agent or registrar; (ii)
any instructions or requests of the Transfer Agent or each Fund or any
of its officers; (iii) any instructions or opinions of legal counsel
with respect to any matter arising in connection with the services to
be performed by the Sub-Transfer Agent under this Agreement which are
provided to the Sub-Transfer Agent after consultation with such legal
counsel; or (iv) any paper or document reasonably believed to be
genuine, authentic, or signed by the proper person or persons;
(d) The acceptance of e-mail and facsimile transaction requests on behalf of individual Shareholders received from broker-dealers, TPAs, the Funds or the Transfer Agent, and the reliance by the Sub-Transfer Agent on the broker-dealer, TPA, the Fund or the Transfer Agent ensuring that the original source documentation is in good order and properly retained;
(e) The offer or sale of Shares in violation of federal or state securities laws or regulations requiring that such Shares be registered or in violation of any stop order or other determination or ruling by any federal or any state agency with respect to the offer or sale of such Shares;
(f) The negotiation and processing of any checks, wires and ACH payments including without limitation for deposit into the Fund's demand deposit account maintained at the Bank; or
(g) Upon the Fund's request entering into any agreements required by the NSCC for the transmission of Fund or Shareholder data through the NSCC clearing systems
8.2 In order that the indemnification provisions contained in this Section 8 shall apply, upon the assertion of a claim for which the Transfer Agent may be required to indemnify the Sub-Transfer Agent, the Sub-Transfer Agent shall promptly notify the Transfer Agent of such assertion, and shall keep the Transfer Agent advised with respect to all developments concerning such claim. The Transfer Agent shall have the option to participate with the Sub-Transfer Agent in the defense of such claim or to defend
against said claim in its own name or in the name of the Sub-Transfer Agent. The Sub-Transfer Agent shall in no case confess any claim or make any compromise in any case in which the Transfer Agent may be required to indemnify the Sub-Transfer Agent except with the Transfer Agent's prior written consent.
The Sub-Transfer Agent shall at all times act in good faith and agrees
to use its best efforts within reasonable limits to ensure the accuracy
of all services performed under this Agreement, but assumes no
responsibility and shall not be liable for loss or damage due to
errors, including encoding and payment processing errors, unless said
errors are caused by its negligence, bad faith, or willful misconduct
or that of its employees or agents. The parties agree that any encoding
or payment processing errors shall be governed by this standard of care
and Section 4-209 of the Uniform Commercial Code is superseded by
Section 9 of this Agreement. This standard of care shall apply to
Exception Services as defined in Section 2.3 herein, but such
application shall take into consideration the manual processing
involved in, and time sensitive nature of, Exception Services.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Sub-Transfer Agent's aggregate liability
during any term of this Agreement with respect to, arising from or
arising in connection with this Agreement, or from all services
provided or omitted to be provided by Sub-Transfer Agent under this
Agreement, whether in contract, or in tort, or otherwise, is limited
to, and shall not exceed, the aggregate of the amounts actually
received hereunder by Sub-Transfer Agent as fees and charges, but not
including reimbursable expenses, during the six (6) calendar months
immediately preceding the event for which recovery from Sub-Transfer
Agent is being sought.
10.1 The Sub-Transfer Agent and the Transfer Agent agree that they will not,
at any time during the term of this Agreement or after its termination,
reveal, divulge, or make known to any person, firm, corporation or
other business organization, any customers' lists, trade secrets, cost
figures and projections, profit figures and projections, or any other
secret or confidential information whatsoever, whether of the
Sub-Transfer Agent or of the Transfer Agent, used or gained by the
Sub-Transfer Agent or the Transfer Agent during performance under this
Agreement. The Sub-Transfer Agent and the Transfer Agent further
covenant and agree to retain all such knowledge and information
acquired during and after the term of this Agreement respecting such
lists, trade secrets, or any secret or confidential information
whatsoever in trust for the sole benefit of the Sub-Transfer Agent or
the Transfer Agent and their successors and assigns. In the event of
breach of the foregoing by either party, the remedies provided by
Section 7.3 shall be available to the party whose confidential
information is disclosed. The above prohibition of disclosure shall not
apply to the extent that the Sub-Transfer Agent must disclose such data
to its sub-contractor or Fund agent for purposes of providing services
under this Agreement.
10.2 In the event that any requests or demands are made for the inspection of the Shareholder records of the Fund, other than request for records of Shareholders pursuant to standard subpoenas from state or federal government authorities (i.e., divorce and criminal actions), the Sub-Transfer Agent will use best efforts to notify the Transfer Agent and to secure instructions from an authorized officer of the Transfer Agent as to such
inspection. The Sub-Transfer Agent expressly reserves the right, however, to exhibit the Shareholder records to any person whenever it is advised by counsel that it may be held liable for the failure to exhibit the Shareholder records to such person or if required by law or court order.
11.1 The Sub-Transfer Agent hereby agrees to establish and maintain facilities and procedures reasonably acceptable to the Transfer Agent for safekeeping of stock certificates, check forms and facsimile signature imprinting devices, if any; and for the preparation or use, and for keeping account of, such certificates, forms and devices.
11.2 The Sub-Transfer Agent shall keep records relating to the services to
be performed hereunder, in the form and manner as it may deem
advisable. To the extent required by Section 31 of the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the Rules thereunder, the
Sub-Transfer Agent agrees that all such records prepared or maintained
by the Sub-Transfer Agent relating to the services to be performed by
the Sub-Transfer Agent hereunder are the property of the Fund and will
be preserved, maintained and made available in accordance with such
Section and Rules, and will be surrendered promptly to the Fund on and
in accordance with its request.
12.1 Term. The initial term of this Agreement (the "Initial Term") shall be
three years from the date first stated above unless terminated pursuant
to the provisions of this Section 12. Unless a terminating party gives
written notice to the other party one hundred and twenty (120) days
before the expiration of the Initial Term or any Renewal Term, this
Agreement will renew automatically from year to year (each such
year-to-year renewal term a "Renewal Term"). One hundred and twenty
(120) days before the expiration of the Initial Term or a Renewal Term
the parties to this Agreement will agree upon a Fee Schedule for the
upcoming Renewal Term. Otherwise the fees shall be increased pursuant
to Section 3.5 of this Agreement.
12.2 Termination by Transfer Agent for Cause. If Sub-Transfer Agent defaults in the performance of any of its material obligations (or repeatedly defaults in the performance of any of its other obligations) under this Agreement, and does not cure such default within sixty days (60) of notice of the default, then Transfer Agent may, by giving notice to Sub-Transfer Agent, terminate this Agreement as of the termination date specified in the notice of termination.
12.3 Early Termination. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, should the Transfer Agent desire to move any of its services provided by the Sub-Transfer Agent hereunder to a successor service provider prior to the expiration of the then current Initial or Renewal Term, or without the required notice, the Sub-Transfer Agent shall make a good faith effort to facilitate the conversion on such prior date; however, there can be no guarantee or assurance that the Sub-Transfer Agent will be able to facilitate a conversion of services on such prior date. In connection with the foregoing, should services be converted to a successor service provider, or if the Fund is liquidated or its assets merged or purchased or the like with or by another entity which does not utilize the services of the Transfer Agent, the fees payable to the Sub-Transfer
Agent shall be calculated as if the services had been performed by the Sub-Transfer Agent until the expiration of the then current Initial or Renewal Term and calculated at the asset and/or Shareholder account levels, as the case may be, on the date notice of termination was given to the Sub-Transfer Agent. In addition to the foregoing, the Transfer Agent shall pay to the Sub-Transfer Agent an amount equal to the aggregate of all discounts on fees received by the Transfer Agent which would, other than for such discounts, have been due and owed by the Transfer Agent to the Sub-Transfer Agent during the Initial Term or subsequent Renewal Term. For purposes of this provision the parties have calculated this amount to be $377,000 for each year or partial year remaining in the then current term. The payment of all fees to the Sub-Transfer Agent as set forth shall be accelerated to the business day immediately prior to the conversion or termination of services.
12.4 Expiration of Term. During the Initial Term or Renewal Term, whichever currently is in effect, should either party exercise its right to terminate, all out-of-pocket expenses or costs associated with the movement of records and material will be borne by the Transfer Agent. Additionally, the Sub-Transfer Agent reserves the right to charge for any other reasonable expenses associated with such termination.
12.5 Confidential Information. Upon termination of this Agreement, each party shall return to the other party all copies of confidential or proprietary materials or information received from such other party hereunder, other than materials or information required to be retained by such party under applicable laws or regulations.
12.6 Unpaid Invoices. The Sub-Transfer Agent may terminate this Agreement immediately upon an unpaid invoice payable by the Transfer Agent to the Sub-Transfer Agent being outstanding for more than ninety (90) days, except with respect to any amount subject to a good faith dispute within the meaning of Section 3.4 of this Agreement.
12.7 Bankruptcy. Either party hereto may terminate this Agreement by notice to the other party, effective at any time specified therein, in the event that (a) the other party ceases to carry on its business or (b) in the event that any of the following occur(s) and is not discharged within thirty days: (i) voluntary institution by the other party of insolvency, receivership, bankruptcy, or any other proceedings for the settlement of the other party's debt, (ii) involuntary institution of insolvency, receivership, bankruptcy or any other proceedings for settlement of the other party's debt, (iii) the making of general assignment by the other party for the benefit of creditors; or (iv) the dissolution of the other party.
13.1 Except as provided in Section 14.1 below, neither this Agreement nor any rights or obligations hereunder may be assigned by either party without the written consent of the other party. Any attempt to do so in violation of this Section shall be void. Unless specifically stated to the contrary in any written consent to an assignment, no assignment will release or discharge the assignor from any duty or responsibility under this Agreement.
13.2 Except as explicitly stated elsewhere in this Agreement, nothing under this Agreement shall be construed to give any rights or benefits in this Agreement to anyone other than the Sub-Transfer Agent and the Transfer Agent, and the duties and responsibilities undertaken pursuant to this Agreement shall be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the Sub-Transfer Agent and the Transfer Agent. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns.
13.3 This Agreement does not constitute an agreement for a partnership or joint venture between the Sub-Transfer Agent and the Transfer Agent. Other than as provided in Section 14.1 and Schedule 1.2(f), neither party shall make any commitments with third parties that are binding on the other party without the other party's prior written consent.
14. Subcontractors
14.1 The Sub-Transfer Agent may, with notice, but without further consent on the part of the Transfer Agent, subcontract for the performance hereof with a Sub-Transfer Agent affiliate duly registered as a transfer agent under Section 17A(c)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; provided, however, that the Sub-Transfer Agent shall be fully responsible to the Transfer Agent for the acts and omissions of the Sub-Transfer Agent or its affiliate as it is for its own acts and omissions.
14.2 Nothing herein shall impose any duty upon the Sub-Transfer Agent in connection with or make the Sub-Transfer Agent liable for the actions or omissions to act of unaffiliated third parties such as, by way of example and not limitation, Airborne Services, Federal Express, United Parcel Service, the U.S. Mails, the NSCC and telecommunication companies, provided, if the Sub-Transfer Agent selected such company, the Sub-Transfer Agent shall have exercised due care in selecting the same.
15.1 Amendment. This Agreement may be amended or modified by a written agreement executed by both parties.
15.2 Massachusetts Law to Apply. This Agreement shall be construed and the provisions thereof interpreted under and in accordance with the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
15.3 Force Majeure. In the event either party is unable to perform its obligations under the terms of this Agreement because of acts of God, strikes, equipment or transmission failure or damage reasonably beyond its control, or other causes reasonably beyond its control, such party shall not be liable for damages to the other for any damages resulting from such failure to perform or otherwise from such causes. Performance under this Agreement shall resume when the affected party or parties are able to perform substantially that party's duties.
15.4 Consequential Damages. Neither party to this Agreement shall be liable to the other party for consequential, indirect or special damages under any provision of this Agreement or for any consequential, indirect or special damages arising out of any act or failure to act hereunder.
15.5 Survival. All provisions regarding indemnification, warranty, liability, and limits thereon, and confidentiality and/or protections of proprietary rights and trade secrets shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
15.6 Severability. If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable, the validity, legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired.
15.7 Priorities Clause. In the event of any conflict, discrepancy or ambiguity between the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement and any Schedules or attachments hereto, the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement shall take precedence.
15.8 Waiver. No waiver by either party or any breach or default of any of the covenants or conditions herein contained and performed by the other party shall be construed as a waiver of any succeeding breach of the same or of any other covenant or condition.
15.9 Merger of Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto and supersedes any prior agreement with respect to the subject matter hereof whether oral or written.
15.10 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto on any number of counterparts, and all of said counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument.
15.11 Reproduction of Documents. This Agreement and all schedules, exhibits, attachments and amendments hereto may be reproduced by any photographic, photostatic, microfilm, micro-card, miniature photographic or other similar process. The parties hereto each agree that any such reproduction shall be admissible in evidence as the original itself in any judicial or administrative proceeding, whether or not the original is in existence and whether or not such reproduction was made by a party in the regular course of business, and that any enlargement, facsimile or further reproduction shall likewise be admissible in evidence.
15.12 Notices. All notices and other communications as required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and sent by first class mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows or to such other address or addresses of which the respective party shall have notified the other.
(a) If to Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. to: Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. 2 Heritage Drive, 4th Floor North Quincy, Massachusetts 02171 Attn: Legal Department Facsimile: (617) 483-2490
(b) If to the Transfer Agent, to:
Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation
101 Munson Street
Greenfield, Massachusetts 01301
Attention: Heidi Griswold
Facsimile: (413) 772-4112
cc: Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation
One American Row
Hartford, Connecticut 06115
Attention: Matthew Swendiman
In the event that any Fund establishes one or more series of Shares or a new investment company is added in addition to those listed on the attached Schedule A, with respect to which the Transfer Agent desires to have the Sub-Transfer Agent render services as sub-transfer agent under the terms hereof, it shall so notify the Sub-Transfer Agent in writing, and if the Sub-Transfer Agent agrees in writing to provide such services, such Fund or such series of Shares shall become a Portfolio (as the case may be) hereunder.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed in their names and on their behalf by and through their duly authorized officers, as of the day and year first above written.
PHOENIX EQUITY PLANNING
CORPORATION
By: /s/ Heidi Griswold
-----------------------------------------
Name: Heidi Griswold
---------------------------------------
Title: AVP, Mutual Fund Services
--------------------------------------
ATTEST:
/s/ Thomas J. Almstead
----------------------
BOSTON FINANCIAL DATA SERVICES, INC.
BY: /s/ Jane L. Brennan
-----------------------------------------
Jane Brennan, Divisional Vice President
ATTEST:
/s/ Steve Silverman, Client Service Officer
-------------------------------------------
|
SCHEDULE A
January 1, 2005
PHOENIX EQUITY TRUST
Phoenix Mid-Cap Value Fund
Phoenix-Aberdeen Worldwide Opportunities Fund
PHOENIX PARTNER SELECT FUNDS
Phoenix Partner Select Wealth Builder Fund
Phoenix Partner Select Wealth Guardian Fund
THE PHOENIX-ENGEMANN FUNDS
Phoenix-Engemann Balanced Return Fund
Phoenix-Engemann Focus Growth Fund
Phoenix-Engemann Nifty Fifty Fund
Phoenix-Engemann Small-Cap Growth
PHOENIX MULTI-SERIES TRUST
Phoenix-Goodwin Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund
Phoenix-Goodwin Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund
PHOENIX INSTITUTIONAL MUTUAL FUNDS
Phoenix Institutional Bond Fund
PHOENIX STRATEGIC EQUITY SERIES FUND
Phoenix-Seneca Growth Fund
Phoenix-Seneca Strategic Theme Fund
PHOENIX EQUITY SERIES FUND
Phoenix Growth & Income Fund
PHOENIX PORTFOLIOS
Phoenix Market Neutral Fund
PHOENIX INSTITUTIONAL MUTUAL FUNDS
Phoenix Institutional Bond Fund
PHOENIX INVESTMENT SERIES FUND
Phoenix Income & Growth Fund
Phoenix Global Utilities Fund
PHOENIX INVESTMENT TRUST 97
Phoenix Small Cap Value Fund
Phoenix Value Equity Fund
PHOENIX-GOODWIN MULTI SECTOR FIXED INCOME FUND, INC.
PHOENIX GOODWIN CALIFORNIA TAX-EXEMPT BOND FUND
PHOENIX STRATEGIC ALLOCATION FUND
PHOENIX MULTI-PORTFOLIO FUND
Phoenix-Aberdeen International Fund
Phoenix-Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Fund
Phoenix-Goodwin Emerging Markets Bond Fund
Phoenix-Goodwin Tax Exempt Bond Fund
PHOENIX-KAYNE FUNDS
Phoenix-Kayne Rising Dividends Fund
Phoenix-Kayne Small-Mid Cap Fund
Phoenix-Kayne International Fund
Phoenix-Kayne Intermediate Total Return Bond Fund
Phoenix-Kayne California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund
SCHEDULE A
January 1, 2005
(continued)
PHOENIX-SENECA FUNDS
Phoenix-Seneca Bond Fund
Phoenix-Seneca Mid-Cap "EDGE" Fund
Phoenix-Seneca Equity Income Fund
PHOENIX SERIES FUND
Phoenix Core Bond Fund
Phoenix-Engemann Mid-Cap Growth Fund
Phoenix-Engemann Capital Growth Fund
Phoenix-Goodwin High Yield Fund
Phoenix-Goodwin Money Market Fund
PHOENIX EQUITY PLANNING BOSTON FINANCIAL DATA SERVICES,
CORPORATION INC.
By: /s/ Heidi Griswold By: /s/ Jane L. Brennan
---------------------------- -------------------------------------
Jane Brennan, Divisional Vice President
Name: Heidi Griswold
--------------------------
Title: AVP, Mutual Fund Services
--------------------------
|
SCHEDULE 1.2(g)
AML DELEGATION
1. DELEGATION. In connection with the enactment of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 and the regulations promulgated thereunder, (collectively, the "USA PATRIOT Act"), the Transfer Agent and the Funds have developed and implemented a written anti-money laundering program (the "AML Program"), which is designed to satisfy the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act. Under the USA PATRIOT Act, a mutual fund can elect to delegate certain duties with respect to the implementation and operation of its AML Program to a service provider, including its transfer agent. The Funds have made such a delegation to the Transfer Agent. In accordance with the Funds' delegation, the Transfer Agent is desirous of having the Sub-Transfer Agent perform certain delegated duties pursuant to the AML Program and the Sub-Transfer Agent desires to accept such delegation.
2. LIMITATION ON DELEGATION. The Transfer Agent acknowledges and agrees that in accepting the delegation hereunder, the Sub-Transfer Agent is agreeing to perform only those services that have been expressly delegated hereby as the same may from time to time be amended and is not undertaking and shall not be responsible for any other aspect of the AML Program or for the overall compliance by the Funds with the USA PATRIOT Act or for any other matters delegated by the Funds to the Transfer Agent that have not been further delegated hereunder. Additionally, the parties acknowledge and agree that the Sub-Transfer Agent shall only be responsible for performing the delegated duties with respect to the ownership of, and transactions in, shares in the Funds for which the Sub-Transfer Agent maintains the applicable shareholder information.
3. CONSENT TO EXAMINATION. In connection with the performance by the Sub-Transfer Agent of the delegated duties below, the Sub-Transfer Agent understands and acknowledges that the Transfer Agent and the Funds remain responsible for assuring compliance with the USA PATRIOT Act and that the records the Sub-Transfer Agent maintains for the Transfer Agent on behalf of the Funds relating to the AML Program may be subject, from time to time, to examination and/or inspection by federal regulators in order that the regulators may evaluate such compliance. The Sub-Transfer Agent hereby consents to such examination and/or inspection and agrees to cooperate with such federal examiners in connection with their review. For purposes of such examination and/or inspection, the Sub-Transfer Agent will use its best efforts to make available, during normal business hours and on reasonable notice all required records and information for review by such examiners.
4. DELEGATED DUTIES.
4.1 Consistent with the services provided by the Sub-Transfer Agent and with respect to the beneficial ownership of, and transactions in, shares in the Fund for which the Sub-Transfer Agent maintains the applicable shareholder information, the Sub-Transfer Agent shall:
SCHEDULE 1.2(f)
AML DELEGATION
(continued)
(a) Submit all financial and non-financial transactions through the Office of Foreign Assets Control ("OFAC") database and such other lists or databases as may be required from time to time by applicable regulatory authorities;
(b) Review special payee checks through OFAC database;
(c) Review redemption transactions that occur within thirty (30) days of account establishment or maintenance;
(d) Review wires sent pursuant to banking instructions other than those on file with the Sub-Transfer Agent;
(e) Review accounts with small balances followed by large purchases;
(f) Review accounts with frequent activity within a specified date range followed by a large redemption;
(g) On a daily basis, review purchase and redemption activity per tax identification number ("TIN") within the Funds to determine if activity for that TIN exceeded the $100,000 threshold on any given day;
(h) Monitor and track cash equivalents under $10,000 for a rolling twelve-month period and file IRS Form 8300 and issue the Shareholder notices required by the IRS;
(i) Determine when a suspicious activity report ("SAR") should be filed as required by regulations applicable to mutual funds; prepare and file the SAR. Provide the Transfer Agent with a copy of the SAR within a reasonable time after filing; notify the Transfer Agent if any further communication is received from U.S. Department of the Treasury or other law enforcement agencies regarding the SAR;
(j) Compare account information to any FinCEN request received by the Transfer Agent and provided to the Transfer Agent pursuant to USA PATRIOT Act Sec. 314(a). Provide the Transfer Agent with documentation/information necessary to respond to requests under USA PATRIOT Act Sec. 314(a) within required time frames; and
(k) In accordance with procedures agreed upon by the parties (which may be amended from time to time by mutual agreement of the parties) (i) verify the identity of any person seeking to open an account with a Fund, (ii) Maintain records of the information used to verify the person's identity and (iii) Determine whether the person appears on any lists of known or suspected terrorists or terrorists organizations provided to the Transfer Agent by any government agency.
SCHEDULE 1.2(f)
AML DELEGATION
(continued)
4.2 In the event that the Sub-Transfer Agent detects suspicious activity as a result of the foregoing procedures, which necessitates the filing by the Sub-Transfer Agent of a SAR, a Form 8300 or other similar report or notice to OFAC, then the Sub-Transfer Agent shall also immediately notify the Transfer Agent, unless prohibited by applicable law.
PHOENIX EQUITY PLANNING BOSTON FINANCIAL DATA SERVICES,
CORPORATION INC.
By: /s/ Heidi Griswold By: /s/ Jane L. Brennan
---------------------------- -------------------------------------
Jane Brennan, Divisional Vice President
Name: Heidi Griswold
--------------------------
Title: AVP, Mutual Fund Services
--------------------------
|
SCHEDULE 2.1
THIRD PARTY ADMINISTRATOR(S) PROCEDURES
Dated: January 1, 2005
1. On each day on which both the New York Stock Exchange and the Fund are open for business (a "Business Day"), the TPA(s) shall receive, on behalf of and as agent of the Fund, Instructions (as hereinafter defined) from the Plan. Instructions shall mean as to each Fund (i) orders by the Plan for the purchases of Shares, and (ii) requests by the Plan for the redemption of Shares; in each case based on the Plan's receipt of purchase orders and redemption requests by Participants in proper form by the time required by the terms of the Plan, but not later than the time of day at which the net asset value of a Fund is calculated, as described from time to time in that Fund's prospectus. Each Business Day on which the TPA receives Instructions shall be a "Trade Date".
2. The TPA(s) shall communicate the TPA(s)'s acceptance of such Instructions, to the applicable Plan.
3. On the next succeeding Business Day following the Trade Date on which it accepted Instructions for the purchase and redemption of Shares, (TD+1), the TPA(s) shall notify the Sub-Transfer Agent of the net amount of such purchases or redemptions, as the case may be, for each of the Plans. In the case of net purchases by any Plan, the TPA(s) shall instruct the Trustees of such Plan to transmit the aggregate purchase price for Shares by wire transfer to the Sub-Transfer Agent on (TD+1). In the case of net redemptions by any Plan, the TPA(s) shall instruct the Fund's custodian to transmit the aggregate redemption proceeds for Shares by wire transfer to the Trustees of such Plan on (TD+1). The times at which such notification and transmission shall occur on (TD+1) shall be as mutually agreed upon by each Fund, the TPA(s), and the Sub-Transfer Agent.
4. The TPA(s) shall maintain separate records for each Plan, which record shall reflect Shares purchased and redeemed, including the date and price for all transactions, and Share balances. The TPA(s) shall maintain on behalf of each of the Plans a single master account with the Sub-Transfer Agent and such account shall be in the name of that Plan, the TPA(s), or the nominee of either thereof as the record owner of Shares owned by such Plan.
5. The TPA(s) shall maintain records of all proceeds of redemptions of Shares and all other distributions not reinvested in Shares.
6. The TPA(s) shall prepare, and transmit to each of the Plans, periodic account statements showing the total number of Shares owned by that Plan as of the statement closing date, purchases and redemptions of Shares by the Plan during the period covered by the statement, and the dividends and other distributions paid to the Plan on Shares during the statement period (whether paid in cash or reinvested in Shares).
7. The TPA(s) shall, at the request and expense of each Fund, transmit to the Plans prospectuses, proxy materials, reports, and other information provided by each Fund for delivery to its shareholders.
SCHEDULE 2.1
THIRD PARTY ADMINISTRATOR(S) PROCEDURES
Dated: January 1, 2005
(continued)
8. The TPA(s) shall, at the request of each Fund, prepare and transmit to each Fund or any agent designated by it such periodic reports covering Shares of each Plan as each Fund shall reasonably conclude are necessary to enable the Fund to comply with state Blue Sky requirements.
9. The TPA(s) shall transmit to the Plans confirmation of purchase orders and redemption requests placed by the Plans; and
10. The TPA(s) shall, with respect to Shares, maintain account balance information for the Plan(s) and daily and monthly purchase summaries expressed in Shares and dollar amounts.
11. Plan sponsors may request, or the law may require, that prospectuses, proxy materials, periodic reports and other materials relating to each Fund be furnished to Participants in which event the Sub-Transfer Agent or each Fund shall mail or cause to be mailed such materials to Participants. With respect to any such mailing, the TPA(s) shall, at the request of the Sub-Transfer Agent or each Fund, provide at the TPA(s)'s expense a complete and accurate set of mailing labels with the name and address of each Participant having an interest through the Plans in Shares.
PHOENIX EQUITY PLANNING BOSTON FINANCIAL DATA SERVICES,
CORPORATION INC.
By: /s/ Heidi Griswold By: /s/ Jane L. Brennan
---------------------------- -------------------------------------
Jane Brennan, Divisional Vice President
Name: Heidi Griswold
--------------------------
Title: AVP, Mutual Fund Services
--------------------------
|
SCHEDULE 2.1
FEES
January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2007
General: Fees are billable on a monthly basis at the rate of 1/12th of the annual fee and include National Quality Review charges. A charge is made for an account in the month that an account opens or closes. Account service fees are the higher of; (a) open account charges plus closed account charges or, (b) the CUSIP minimum. A CUSIP that merges with another CUSIP shall be charged account service fees through May of the year following the calendar year in which the CUSIP merged. CUSIPs are subject to account service fees until purged from the TA2000 System.
Annual Account Service Fees*
----------------------------
Open Account $ 5.75/account
Closed Account $ 1.40/account
*Note: A CUSIP Minimum Fee of $1,617/month applies.
Other Annual Fees
-----------------
Investor $ 1.89/Investor
12b-1 Commissions/TASS $ 1.08/account
COMFEE Processing $ 0.25/account (once initialized)
Transaction Fees
----------------
Checkwriting $ 1.05/draft
Automated Work Station ("AWD") Support Fees
-------------------------------------------
1-150 Workstations $4,500.00/each/year
151+ Workstations $4,400.00/each/year
AWD AUTOSOURCE $ 10.00/report/execution
NT Fax $1,500.00/line/year
|
Out-of-Pocket Expenses**: Out-of-pocket expenses include but are not limited to confirmation statement files, NSCC charges, postage, forms, audio response, Internet based applications, disaster backup, project management, business event management, programming, reports, telephone/line charges, faxes, transmissions, freight, records retention, federal funds wires, microfiche, CD ROMS, fund implementation and expenses incurred at the specific direction of the Transfer Agent.
**Note: The Sub-Transfer Agent agrees to inform the Transfer Agent of rate changes prior to their implementation.
PHOENIX EQUITY PLANNING BOSTON FINANCIAL DATA SERVICES, INC.
CORPORATION
By: /s/ Heidi Griswold By: /s/ Jane L. Brennan
---------------------------- ----------------------
Jane Brennan, Divisional Vice President
Name: Heidi Griswold
--------------------------
|
EXHIBIT j
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form N-1A of our report dated August 19, 2005, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights which appears in the June 30, 2005 Annual Report to Shareholders of Phoenix Mid-Cap Value Fund and Phoenix Worldwide Strategies Fund (constituting Phoenix Equity Trust), which are also incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement. We also consent to the references to us under the headings "Financial Highlights", "Non-Public Holdings Information", "Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm" and "Reports to Shareholders" in such Registration Statement.
/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Boston, Massachusetts October 25, 2005 |
EXHIBIT m.1
PHOENIX-ABERDEEN WORLDWIDE OPPORTUNITIES FUND
(THE "FUND")
CLASS A SHARES
AMENDED AND RESTATED DISTRIBUTION PLAN
PURSUANT TO RULE 12b-1
UNDER THE
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
PHOENIX-ABERDEEN WORLDWIDE OPPORTUNITIES FUND
(the "Fund")
CLASS A SHARES
AMENDED AND RESTATED DISTRIBUTION PLAN
PURSUANT TO RULE 12b-1
under the
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
The Fund and Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation (the "Distributor"), a broker-dealer registered under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, have entered into a Distribution Agreement pursuant to which the Distributor will act as principal underwriter of each class of shares of the Fund for sale to the permissible purchasers. The Trustees of the Fund have determined to adopt this Distribution Plan (the "Plan"), in accordance with the requirements of Section 12b-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act") with respect to Class A shares of the Fund and have determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Plan will benefit the Fund and its Class A shareholders.
The Fund shall pay the Distributor, at the end of each month, an amount on an annual basis equal to 0.25% of the average daily value of the net assets of the Fund's Class A shares, as compensation of providing personal service to shareholders, including assistance in connection with inquiries relating to shareholder accounts, and for maintaining shareholder accounts (the "Service Fee").
Amounts paid or payable by the Fund under this Plan or any agreement with any person or entity relating to the implementation of this Plan ("related agreement") shall only be used to pay for, or reimburse payment for, the distribution expenditures described in the preceding paragraph and shall, given all surrounding circumstances, represent charges within the range of what would have been negotiated at arm's length as payment for the specific sales or promotional services and activities to be financed hereunder and any related agreement, as determined by the Trustees of the Fund, in the exercise of reasonable business judgment, in light of fiduciary duties under state law and Sections 36(a) and (b) of the Act and based upon appropriate business estimates and projections.
At least quarterly in each year this Plan remains in effect, the Fund's Principal Accounting Officer or Treasurer, or such other person authorized to direct the disposition of monies paid or payable by the Fund, shall prepare and furnish to the Trustees of the Fund for their review, and the Trustees shall review, a written report complying with the requirements of Rule 12b-1 under the Act regarding the amounts expended under this Plan and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.
This plan shall not take effect until it, together with any related agreement, has been approved by a vote of at least a majority of the Fund's Trustees as well as a vote of at least a majority of the Trustees of the Fund who are not interested persons (as defined in the Act) of the Fund and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or in any related agreement (the "Disinterested Trustees"), cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan or any related agreement and this Plan shall not take effect with respect to the Fund until it has been approved by a vote of at least a majority of the outstanding voting Class A shares (as such phrase is defined in the Act).
This Plan shall remain in effect for one year from the date of its
adoption and may be continued thereafter if specifically approved at least
annually by a vote of at least a majority of the Trustees of the Fund as well as
a majority of the Disinterested Trustees. This Plan may be amended at any time,
provided that (a) the Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount
of the distribution expenses provided in Paragraph 2 hereof (including the
Service Fee) without the approval of at least a majority of the outstanding
voting securities (as defined in the Act) of the Class A shares of the Fund and
(b) all material amendments to this Plan must be approved by a majority vote of
the Trustees of the Fund and of the Disinterested Trustees cast in person at a
meeting called for the purpose of such vote.
While this Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination of Trustees who are not interested persons (as defined in the Act) of the Fund shall be committed to the discretion of the Disinterested Trustees then in office.
Any related agreements shall be in writing and shall provide that (a) such agreement shall be subject to termination, without penalty, by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the Act) of the Class A shares of the Fund on not more than 60 days' written notice to the other party to the agreement and (b) such agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
This Plan may be terminated at any time by a vote of a majority of the Disinterested Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the Act) of the Class A shares of the Fund. In the event this Plan is terminated or otherwise discontinued, no further payments hereunder will be made hereunder.
The Fund shall preserve copies of this Plan and any related agreements and all reports made pursuant to Paragraph 3 hereof, and any other information, estimates, projections and other materials that serve as a basis therefor, considered by the Trustee of the Fund, for a period of not less than six years from the date of this Plan, the agreement or report, as the case may be, the first two years in an easily accessible place.
The Fund's Declaration of Trust dated November 4, 1991, a copy of which, together with the amendments thereto ("Declaration"), is on file in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, refers to the Trustees under the Declaration of Trust collectively as Trustees, but not as individuals or personally, and no Trustee, shareholder, officer, employee or agent of the Fund may be held to any personal liability, nor may any resort be had to their private property for the satisfaction of any obligation or claim or otherwise in connection with the affairs of the Fund but the Fund property only shall be liable.
[Adopted at a duly held meeting of the Board of Trustees on November 18, 1998.]
EXHIBIT p.1
CODE OF ETHICS
PHOENIX FUNDS
THE PHOENIX EDGE SERIES FUND
PURSUANT TO RULE 17j-1
OF THE 1940 ACT
AMENDED AND RESTATED 02/05
This Code of Ethics applies to all Access Persons of each Phoenix advisory and broker-dealer subsidiary in their management and administration of the Funds(1). The Advisers include Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc.; Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co.; Engemann Asset Management; Euclid Advisors, LLC; Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management, LLC, Phoenix Variable Advisors, Inc.; Seneca Capital Management, LLC; and Phoenix/Zweig Advisers LLC (for use herein referred to collectively as "Adviser"). Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation is a registered broker/dealer, a related subsidiary which currently provide services to the Funds and acts as the principal underwriter of the Funds. Access Persons of the investment advisers and subadvisers to the Funds that are not affiliated with Phoenix are governed by separate codes. To the extent necessary, each subsidiary may impose further limitations of personal trading subject to notifying the Chief Legal Officer and the Chief Compliance Officer of the applicable Fund.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE ABOVE, THE PROHIBITIONS IN SECTION 2 BELOW ARE IMPOSED BY RULE 17J-1, AND APPLY TO ALL AFFILIATED PERSONS OF THE FUNDS AND THEIR INVESTMENT ADVISERS AND SUBADVISERS, WHETHER OR NOT THEY ARE GOVERNED BY THIS CODE OF ETHICS.
1. STATEMENT OF ETHICAL PRINCIPLES
Each Adviser holds its employees to a high standard of integrity and business practices. In serving their respective shareholders and clients, each Adviser strives to avoid conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflicts of interest in connection with the personal trading activities of its employees and the Fund's securities transactions.
While affirming their confidence in the integrity and good faith of all of their employees, officers, trustees, and directors, each Adviser recognizes that the knowledge of present or future portfolio transactions or the power to influence portfolio transactions, if held by such individuals, could place them in a position where their personal interests might conflict with the interests of the Fund, if they were to trade in securities eligible for investment by the Fund.
In view of the foregoing and of the provisions of Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), each Adviser has determined to adopt this Code of Ethics to specify and prohibit certain types of transactions deemed to create conflicts of interest (or at least the potential for or the appearance of such a conflict) and to establish reporting requirements and enforcement procedures.
When Access Persons covered by the terms of this Code of Ethics engage in personal securities transactions, they must adhere to the following general principles as well as to the Code's specific provisions:
(a) At all times, the interests of Fund shareholders must be paramount;
(b) Personal transactions must be conducted consistent with this Code of Ethics in a manner that avoids any actual or potential conflict of interest; and
(c) No inappropriate advantage should be taken of any position of trust and responsibility.
(d) Compliance with all applicable federal securities laws must be maintained.
2. UNLAWFUL ACTIONS
It is unlawful for any Affiliated person of any Fund or any of its Advisers, in connection with the purchase or sale, directly or indirectly, by the person of a Security Held or to be Acquired by any Fund:
(a) to employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud any Fund;
(b) to make any untrue statement of a material fact to any Fund or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made to any Fund, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading;
(c) to engage in any act, practice or course of business that operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit on any Fund; or to engage in any manipulative practice with respect to any Fund.
(d) to divulge or act upon any material, non-public information, as such term is defined under relevant securities laws.
3. DEFINITIONS
(a) "Access Person": pursuant to Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, means any Advisory Person of a Fund or of a Fund's investment adviser. All of Advisers directors, officers, and general partners are presumed to be Access Persons of any Fund advised by the investment adviser. All of the Funds directors, officers, and general partners are presumed to be Access Persons of the Fund.
(b) In addition, Access Persons include any director, officer or general partner of PEPCO, the principal underwriter of the Funds, who, in the ordinary course of business, makes, participates in or obtains information regarding the purchase or sale of Covered Securities by the Fund for which PEPCO acts, or whose functions
or duties in the ordinary course of business relate to the making of any recommendation to the Fund regarding the purchase or sale of Covered Securities.
(c) Advisory Person of a Fund or of a Fund's investment adviser means:
(i) Any director, officer, general partner or employee of the Fund or investment advisor (or of any company in a control relationship to the Fund or investment adviser) who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes, participates in, or obtains information regarding, the purchase or sale of Covered Securities by a Fund, or whose functions relate to the making of any recommendations with respect to such purchases or sales; and
(ii) Any natural person in a control relationship to the Fund or investment adviser who obtains information concerning recommendations made to the Fund with regard to the purchase or sale of Covered Securities by the Fund.
(iii) Any Investment Personnel.
(d) "Affiliated person" of an issuer is a person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such issuer.
(e) "Beneficial ownership" shall be interpreted in the same manner as
it would be under Rule 16a-1(a)(2) in determining whether a
person is the beneficial owner of a security for purposes of
Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange
Act") and the rules and regulations thereunder. Generally,
beneficial ownership means having or sharing, directly or
indirectly through any contract, arrangement, understanding,
relationship, or otherwise, a direct or indirect "pecuniary
interest" in the security. For the purposes hereof,
(i) "Pecuniary interest" means the opportunity, directly or indirectly, to profit or share in any profit derived from a transaction in the security.
(ii) "Indirect pecuniary interest" includes, but is not limited to: (a) securities held by members of the person's "immediate family" (this means any child, child-in-law, stepchild, grandchild, parent, parent-in-law, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, sibling, or sibling-in-law and includes adoptive relationships) sharing the same household (which ownership interest may be rebutted); (b) a general partner's proportionate interest in portfolio securities held by a general or limited partnership; (c) a person's right to dividends that is separated or separable from the underlying securities (otherwise, a right to dividends alone will not constitute a pecuniary interest in securities); (d) a person's interest in securities held by a trust; (e) a person's right to acquire securities through the exercise or conversion of any derivative security, whether or not presently exercisable; and (f) a
performance-related fee, other than an asset based fee, received by any broker, dealer, bank, insurance company, investment company, investment manager, trustee, or person or entity performing a similar function, with certain exceptions (see Rule 16a-1(a)(2)).
(f) "Chief Compliance Officer" refers to the person appointed by the Boards of the funds pursuant to the provisions of Rule 38a-1. Such person is identified on Schedule A hereto.
(g) "Compliance Officer" may refer to the Fund's designated Compliance Officer or an Adviser's Compliance Officer or any person designated by each such to perform the administrative functions of this Code. Such persons are identified on Schedule B hereto.
(h) "Control" shall have the same meaning as that set forth in
Section 2(a)(9) of the 1940 Act.
(i) "Covered Security" means all securities including those issued by any reportable fund, except securities that are direct obligations of the Government of the United States, bankers' acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and shares of unaffiliated registered open-end investment companies.
(j) "Disinterested Trustee" means a Trustee of a Fund who is not an "interested person" of the Fund within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.
(k) "Initial Public Offering" means an offering of securities registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the issuer of which, immediately before the registration, was not subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
(l) "Investment Personnel" shall mean:
(i) any employee of the Fund or Adviser (or of any company in a control relationship to the Fund or Adviser) who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes or participates in making recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of securities by the Fund; and
(ii) any natural person who controls the Fund or an Adviser and who obtains information concerning recommendations made to the Fund regarding the purchase or sale of securities by the Fund. Investment Personnel includes any Portfolio Manager or other investment person, such as an analyst or trader, who provides information and advice to a Portfolio Manager or assists in the execution of the investment decisions.
(m) "Limited Offering" or "Private Placement" means an offering that is exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to Section 4(2) or Section 4(6) thereof, or pursuant to Rule 504, Rule 505, or Rule 506 thereunder.
(n) "Managed Portfolio" shall mean those Funds, individually and collectively, for which the Portfolio Manager makes buy and sell decisions. For those Funds operating as series companies, Managed Portfolio shall include only the series for which the Portfolio Manager serves as the Portfolio Manager.
(o) "Portfolio Manager" means the person or portfolio management team entrusted to make or participate in the making of the buy and sell decisions for a Fund, or series thereof; as disclosed in the Fund(s) prospectus.
(p) "Purchase or sale of a security" includes, among other things, the writing of an option to purchase or sell a security or the purchase or sale of a security that is exchangeable for or convertible into a security.
(q) "Reportable Fund" includes those 1940 Act registered investment companies for which the Adviser or an affiliate acts as adviser or sub-adviser, or principal underwriter.
(r) "Security" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(36) of the 1940 Act.
(s) "Security Held or to be Acquired" by a Fund means:
(i) any Covered Security which, within the most recent 15 days:
(A) is or has been held by the Fund; or
(B) is being or has been considered by the Fund or any of
its investment advisers for purchase by the Fund; and
(ii) any option to purchase or sell, and any security convertible into or exchangeable for, a Covered Security described in paragraph (p)(i) of this Section.
A security is "being considered for purchase or sale" when a recommendation to purchase or sell a security has been made and communicated and, with respect to the Investment Personnel making the recommendation, when such person seriously considers making such a recommendation.
4. EXEMPTED TRANSACTIONS
The preclearance prohibitions of Section 5 of this Code, shall not apply to:
(a) Purchases or sales effected in any account over which the Advisory Person has no direct or indirect influence or control in the reasonable estimation of the Adviser's Compliance Officer. This exemption will also apply to personal brokerage
accounts for which a third party (e.g. broker, financial advisor) makes all investment decisions on behalf of the Access Person. The discretionary arrangement must be documented to the Adviser's Compliance Officer or his or her designee.
(b) Purchases or sales of securities not eligible for purchase or sale by the Fund.
(c) Purchases or sales which are non-volitional on the part of either the Advisory Person or the Fund.
(d) Purchases of shares necessary to establish an automatic dividend reinvestment plan or pursuant to an automatic dividend reinvestment plan, and subsequent sales of such securities.
(e) Purchases effected upon the exercise of rights issued by an issuer pro rata to all holders of a class of its securities, to the extent such rights were acquired from such issuer, and sales of such rights so acquired.
(f) Purchase or sale of securities issued under an employee stock purchase or incentive program unless otherwise restricted.
5. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES
(a) IPO Rule: No Advisory Person may directly or indirectly acquire beneficial ownership in any securities in an Initial Public Offering (including IPOs offered through the Internet), except with the prior written approval of the Adviser's Compliance Officer. No NASD registered person may participate in an IPO pursuant to NASD Rule 2790.
(b) Limited Offering/Private Placement Rule: No Advisory Person may directly or indirectly acquire beneficial ownership in any securities in a Limited Offering or Private Placement except with the prior written approval of the Adviser's Compliance Officer.
(i) The Adviser's Compliance Officer will make a record of any decision, and the reasons supporting the decision, to grant approval for transactions in IPOs and Limited Offerings, and will maintain these records for at least five years after the end of the fiscal year in which the approval is granted.
(c) Preclearance Rule: No Advisory Person may directly or indirectly acquire or dispose of beneficial ownership in a Covered Security unless such transaction has been precleared by the Adviser's Compliance Officer. Preclearance is required prior to executing any trade through any personal brokerage account, unless specially exempted under Section 4 above. Preclearance is valid through the business day next following the day preclearance is given.
(i) The Adviser's Compliance Officer will monitor investment activity by the Advisory Person involving the precleared transaction.
(ii) Compliance reserves up to one business day to respond to any request for preclearance.
NOTE: EACH ADVISER'S COMPLIANCE OFFICER MAY DENY APPROVAL OF ANY TRANSACTION REQUIRING PRECLEARANCE UNDER THIS PRECLEARANCE RULE, EVEN IF THE TRANSACTION IS NOMINALLY PERMITTED UNDER THIS CODE OF ETHICS, IF HE OR SHE REASONABLY BELIEVES THAT DENYING PRECLEARANCE IS NECESSARY FOR THE PROTECTION OF A FUND. ANY SUCH DENIAL MAY BE APPEALED TO THE FUND'S CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER. THE DECISION OF THE CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER SHALL BE FINAL.
(d) Open Order Rule: No Advisory Person may directly or indirectly acquire or dispose of beneficial ownership in any Covered Security on a day during which a Fund has a pending "buy" or "sell" order for that security of the same type (i.e., buy or sell) as the proposed personal trade, until the Fund's order is executed or withdrawn.
Exceptions: The following securities transactions are exempt from the Open Order Rule:
1. Purchases or sales of up to 500 shares of an issuer ranked in the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Index (S&P 500) at the time of purchase or sale The Adviser's Compliance Officer shall make available an updated list of such issuers quarterly.
2. Purchases or sales approved by the Adviser's Compliance Officer in his/her discretion.
(e) Blackout Rule: No Investment Personnel may directly or indirectly acquire or dispose of beneficial ownership in a Covered Security within seven calendar days before and after a Managed Portfolio trades in that Security.
Transactions permitted under the Blackout Rule must also satisfy the Open Order Rule and the Preclearance Rule, if and to the extent the transaction is not covered by exceptions to those rules.
(f) Ban on Short-term Trading. Advisory Persons must hold each Security for a period of not less than sixty (60) days from date of acquisition.
(g) Gifts. No Access Person shall accept any gift or other item (for the purpose of this Code "gifts" include but are not limited to cash, merchandise, gifts, prizes, travel expenses, meals and certain types of entertainment) of more than $100 in value from any person or entity that does business with or on behalf of the Advisor or the Fund. All gifts received must be reported to the Advisor's Compliance Department.
ANY PROFITS REALIZED BY A PORTFOLIO MANAGER ON A PERSONAL TRADE IN VIOLATION OF SECTIONS 5(d) (e) AND (f) MUST BE DISGORGED AT THE REQUEST OF THE FUND.
(h) Service as Director. No Advisory Person shall serve on the board of directors of a publicly traded company without prior authorization by the President or the Compliance Officer of the Fund. If board service is authorized, such Advisory Person shall have no role in making investment decisions with respect to the publicly traded company.
(i) Market Timing Prohibited. No Portfolio Manager shall engage in excessive trading or market timing activities with respect to any mutual fund whether or not such mutual fund is a Managed Portfolio, or is managed by such Adviser/Subadvisor or any affiliated adviser or subadviser. For the purposes of the foregoing, "market timing" shall be defined as a purchase and redemption, regardless of size, in and out of the same mutual fund within any sixty (60) day period. The foregoing restrictions shall not apply to Portfolio Managers investing in mutual funds through automatic reinvestment programs, and any other non-volitional investment vehicles. Portfolio Managers shall provide quarterly certifications as to their compliance with this restriction.
6. REPORTING AND COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES
(a) The Code of Ethics, and any amendments thereto, shall be provided to every Access Person.
(b) All Access Persons (other than Disinterested Trustees) shall direct their brokers to supply, at the same time that they are sent to the Access Person, a copy of the confirmation for each personal securities trade and a copy of each periodic account statement to the Adviser's Compliance Officer.
(c) Every Access Person shall report to the Fund the information described in Section 6(c) of this Code with respect to transactions in any Covered Security in which such Access Person has, or by reason of such transaction acquires, any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the Covered Security, provided that
(i) a Disinterested Trustee of the Fund need not report securities transactions unless the Trustee knew or, in the ordinary course of fulfilling his or her official duties as a Fund Trustee, should have known that during the 15-day period immediately before or after the Trustee's transaction in a Covered Security, the Fund purchased or sold the Covered Security or the Fund or any of its investment advisers or subadvisers considered purchasing or selling the Covered Security, and
(ii) An Access Person whose duplicate broker trade confirmations or account statements are received by the Adviser's Compliance Officer, pursuant to Section 6(a) with respect to the time period required by Section 6(c), may reference that duplicate information in their quarterly report if all of the information required in Section 6(c) is contained in those confirmations and statements.
(d) Every report required pursuant to Section 6(b) above shall be made not later than 15 days after the end of the calendar quarter in which the transaction to which the report relates was effected, and shall contain the following information:
(i) with respect to any transaction during the quarter in a Covered Security in which the Access Person (other than Disinterested Trustees) had or acquired any direct or indirect beneficial ownership:
(A) The date of the transaction, the title and number of shares; the maturity date, principal amount and interest rate of debt securities, of each Covered Security involved; and, as applicable, the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number;
(B) The nature of the transaction (i.e., purchase, sale, or any other type of acquisition or disposition);
(C) The price of the Covered Security at which the transaction was effected; and
(D) The name of the broker, dealer or bank with or through whom the transaction was effected; and
(ii) with respect to any account established during the quarter in which Securities were held during the quarter for the direct or indirect benefit of the Access Person:
(A) The name of the broker, dealer, or bank with whom the Access Person established the account; and
(B) The date the account was established.
(iii) Access Persons are required to report transactions in any affiliated mutual fund for which they have any direct or indirect beneficial ownership; except as specifically exempted by Section 4 above.
(iv) The date the report is submitted by the Access Person.
(e) No later than 10 days after becoming an Access Person, and annually thereafter on or before January 31 of each year, each Access Person (other than Disinterested
Trustees) must submit to the Adviser's Compliance Officer a report of his or her personal securities holdings (the "Initial Holdings Report" and the "Annual Holdings Report", respectively), which must include the following information (the Applicable Date for the Initial Holdings Report is the date the person became an Access Person; the Applicable Date for the Annual Holdings Report must be a date no earlier than December 31 of the prior year):
(i) The title and number of shares; and/or the maturity date, principal amount and interest rate of debt securities; and, as applicable the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number of each Covered Security in which the Access Person had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership as of the Applicable Date.
(ii) The name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom the Access Person maintained an account in which securities were held for the direct or indirect benefit of the Access Person as of the Applicable Date.
(iii) The date the report is submitted by the Access Person.
(f) Each Access Person (other than Disinterested Trustees) shall submit annually to the Adviser's Compliance Officer a certification by the Access Person that he or she has received, read and understood the Code of Ethics, has complied with the Code's requirements, and has disclosed or reported all personal securities transactions required to be disclosed or reported pursuant to the Code's requirements. The certification will be submitted to the Compliance Officer by January 31 of each year.
(g) Any report made under this Section 6 may contain a statement that the report shall not be construed as an admission by the person making such report that he or she has any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the security to which the report relates.
(h) (i) Each Fund's Compliance Officer shall furnish to the applicable Fund's Board of Trustees annually, and such Board will consider, a written report that:
(A) Summarizes the current procedures under the Code of Ethics;
(B) Describes any issues arising from the Code of Ethics or procedures since the last report to the Board, including, but not limited to, information about material violations of the Code or procedures and sanctions imposed in response to the material violations; and
(C) Certifies that the Fund or the Adviser, as applicable, has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from violating the Code.
(ii) The Fund's Compliance Officer shall obtain from each investment adviser and the subadviser to the Fund whose Access Persons are governed by its own Code of Ethics, a written report including the information and certification required in (B) and (C) above with respect to that Code.
(iii) The Board will consider all of these reports.
(iv) These reports will be available to the Chief Compliance Officer of the Funds.
(i) Any Access Person shall immediately report any potential violation of this Code of which he or she becomes aware to the Adviser's Compliance Officer.
(j) An Access Person need not make reports under this Section 6 with respect to transactions effected for any account over which such person does not have any direct or indirect influence or control.
(k) Each Adviser's Compliance Officer will review all reports and other information submitted under this Section 6. This review will include such comparisons with trading records of the Fund as are necessary or appropriate to determine whether there have been any violations of the Code.
(l) Each Adviser's Compliance Officer will maintain a list of all Access Persons who are required to make reports under the Code, and shall inform those Access Persons of their reporting obligations. Each Adviser's Compliance Officer shall promptly notify any Access Person when any report has not been filed on a timely basis.
(m) Please refer to Schedule B for person(s) to contact for preclearance and to file Annual Holdings and Quarterly Personal Securities Transaction reports.
7. SANCTIONS
Upon discovering a violation of this Code, the Board of Trustees of a Fund may impose such sanctions as it deems appropriate, including inter alia, a letter of censure or suspension or termination of employment, or suspension of personal trading privileges for such period as it may deem appropriate. Provided further, the Adviser's Compliance Officer shall review and present sanctions levied for non-compliance at each regularly scheduled Board meeting. Please see attached Schedule A of Sanctions that may be levied for violations of this Code.
8. EXCEPTIONS
Each Adviser's Compliance Officer, in consultation with the Chief Legal Officer, may grant written exceptions to provisions of the Code based on equitable considerations. The
exceptions may be granted to individuals or classes of individuals with respect to particular transactions, classes of transactions or all transactions, and may apply to past as well as future transactions, provided, however, that no exception will be granted where the exceptions would result in a violation of Rule 17j-1. To the extent any such exception relates to an Access Person of a Fund, the exception will be reported to a Fund's Board at its next regularly scheduled meeting. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Compliance Officer shall promptly report any and all exceptions to the Chief Compliance Officer of the applicable Fund and the Chief Compliance Officer may provide an independent report to the applicable Board regarding his/her assessment of the merits and potential repercussions of granting any such exceptions.
9. RECORDKEEPING
All Code of Ethics records will be maintained pursuant to the provisions of Rules 17j-1 and 204A-1.
10. OTHER CODES OF ETHICS
This Code of Ethics does not amend or supercede any other Code(s) of Ethics that may affect the duties and obligations of any person affected hereby.
(Revised February 2005)
SCHEDULE A
Chief Compliance Officer of the Funds: Marc Baltuch
SCHEDULE B
Person to contact for preclearance and reporting requirements: Frances Crisafulli
CERTIFICATION:
By my signature below, I certify that I have received, read, and understood the foregoing policies of the Phoenix Funds Code of Ethics, and will comply in all respects with such policies.
Name Date
Please print or type name: ___________________________________
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q REPORT AFFILIATED MF
INITIAL HOLDINGS REPORT Q REPORT TRANSACTIONS ANNUAL REPORT PRE-CLEAR
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All Access Persons All Access Persons Investment Personnel All Access Persons Advisory Persons
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
o 1st violation - written o 1st violation - o 1st violation - o 1st violation - o 1st violation -
warning written warning written warning written warning written warning
o 2nd violation within o 2nd violation within o 2nd violation within o 2nd violation
the same year - $50.00 the same year - $50.00 the same year - $50.00 within the same
fine payable to the fine payable to the fine payable to the year - $100 fine
Phoenix Foundation Phoenix Foundation Phoenix Foundation payable to the
o 3rd violation within o 3rd violation within o 3rd violation within Phoenix Foundation
the same year - suspension the same year - the same year - and suspension of
of trading privileges for suspension of trading suspension of trading trading privileges
30 days privileges for 30 days privileges for 30 days for 30 days
o 3rd violation
within the same
year - suspension
of trading
privileges for 90
days
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRE-CLEAR IPOs & LIMITED MARKET TIMING PROHIBITION
OFFERINGS* BLACKOUT 60-DAY HOLDING REQUIREMENT AND Q CERTIFICATE OPEN ORDER RULE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Advisory Personnel Investment Personnel Advisory Personnel Investment Personnel Investment Personnel
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
o 1st violation - o 1st violation - o 1st violation - o 1st violation - o 1st violation -
Reported to Chief Legal disgorgement of profits written warning possible grounds Reported to - Chief
Officer and President of on the personal trade o 2nd violation - for termination Legal Officer and
Phoenix Investment Counsel o 2nd violation - violation within the at determination President of
for determination of Reported to Chief Legal same year - $50.00 fine of Chief Legal Phoenix Investment
appropriate sanctions. Officer and President of payable to the Phoenix Officer and Counsel for
o 2nd violation - Phoenix Investment Foundation President of determination of
possible grounds for Counsel for o 3rd violation within Phoenix Investment appropriate
termination determination of the same year - Counsel sanctions.
appropriate sanctions. suspension of trading o 2nd violation -
o 3rd violation - privileges for 60 days possible grounds
possible grounds for for termination
termination
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
*s/t NASD Prohibition Rule 2790.
EXHIBIT p.2
CODE OF ETHICS
PHOENIX INVESTMENT COUNSEL, INC.
AMENDED AND RESTATED 02/2005
This Code of Ethics applies to all Access Persons of Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc.
1. STATEMENT OF ETHICAL PRINCIPLES
The Adviser holds its employees to a high standard of integrity and business practices. In serving their respective shareholders and clients, the Adviser strives to avoid conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflicts of interest in connection with the personal trading activities of its employees and the securities transactions in any managed account.
While affirming their confidence in the integrity and good faith of all of their employees, officers, trustees, and directors, the Adviser recognizes that the knowledge of present or future portfolio transactions or the power to influence portfolio transactions, if held by such individuals, could place them in a position where their personal interests might conflict with the interests of the managed account, if they were to trade in securities eligible for investment by the managed account.
In view of the foregoing and of the provisions of Sections 204-2 and 204A-1under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, the Adviser has determined to adopt this Code of Ethics to specify and prohibit certain types of transactions deemed to create conflicts of interest (or at least the potential for or the appearance of such a conflict) and to establish reporting requirements and enforcement procedures. When Access Persons covered by the terms of this Code of Ethics engage in personal securities transactions, they must adhere to the following general principles as well as to the Code's specific provisions:
(a) At all times, the interests of the Adviser and the Adviser's clients must be paramount;
(b) Personal transactions must be conducted consistent with this Code of Ethics in a manner that avoids any actual or potential conflict of interest; and
(c) No inappropriate advantage should be taken of any position of trust and responsibility.
(d) Compliance with all applicable federal securities laws must be maintained, to include the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(e) Access Persons are required to adhere to the standards of business conduct outlined in The Phoenix Companies Code of Conduct.
(f) Access Persons of the Advisor are required to adhere to the Phoenix Funds Code of Ethics.
2. UNLAWFUL ACTIONS
It is unlawful for any Affiliated person, in connection with the purchase or sale, directly or indirectly, by the person of a Security Held or to be Acquired by any client account:
(a) to employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud any client;
(b) to make any untrue statement of a material fact to any client or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made to any client, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading;
(c) to engage in any act, practice or course of business that operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit on any client; or to engage in any manipulative practice with respect to any client;
(d) to divulge or act upon any material, non-public information, as such term is defined under relevant securities laws.
3. DEFINITIONS
(a) "Access Person" means any Director, officer, general partner, Portfolio Manager or Advisory Person of the adviser. An Access person is any supervised person who has access to nonpublic information regarding purchase or sales in managed accounts, or portfolio holdings of a managed account. The Compliance Department shall maintain a list of the Adviser's Access Persons.
(b) "Adviser" means Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc.
(c) "Advisory Person" means
(i) any employee of the Adviser or of any company in a control relationship to the Adviser, who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes, participates in, or obtains information regarding the purchase or sale of securities by the Adviser for a Client, or whose functions relate to the making of any recommendations with respect to such purchases or sales; and
(ii) Any natural person in a control relationship to the Fund or investment adviser who obtains information concerning recommendations made to the Fund with regard to the purchase or sale of Covered Securities by the Fund.
(iii) Any Investment Personnel.
(d) "Beneficial ownership" shall be interpreted in the same manner
as it would be under Rule 16a-1(a)(2) in determining whether a
person is the beneficial owner of a security for purposes of
Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the
"Exchange Act") and the rules and regulations thereunder.
Generally, beneficial ownership means having or sharing,
directly or indirectly through any contract, arrangement,
understanding, relationship, or otherwise, a direct or
indirect "pecuniary interest" in the security. For the
purposes hereof,
(i) "Pecuniary interest" means the opportunity, directly or indirectly, to profit or share in any profit derived from a transaction in the security.
(ii) "Indirect pecuniary interest" includes, but is not
limited to: (a) securities held by members of the
person's "immediate family" (this means any child,
child-in-law, stepchild, grandchild, parent,
parent-in-law, stepparent, grandparent, spouse,
sibling, or sibling-in-law and includes adoptive
relationships) sharing the same household (which
ownership interest may be rebutted); (b) a general
partner's proportionate interest in portfolio
securities held by a general or limited partnership;
(c) a person's right to dividends that is separated
or separable from the underlying securities
(otherwise, a right to dividends alone will not
constitute a pecuniary interest in securities); (d) a
person's interest in securities held by a trust; (e)
a person's right to acquire securities through the
exercise or conversion of any derivative security,
whether or not presently exercisable; and (f) a
performance-related fee, other than an asset based
fee, received by any broker, dealer, bank, insurance
company, investment company, investment manager,
trustee, or person or entity performing a similar
function, with certain exceptions (see Rule
16a-1(a)(2)).
(e) "Chief Compliance Officer" refers to the person appointed by the Advisor pursuant to the provisions of Section 206(4)-7.
(f) "Client" means each and every investment company, or series thereof, or other institutional account managed by the Adviser, individually and collectively.
(g) "Compliance Officer" may refer to the Adviser's designated Compliance Officer or any person designated to perform the administrative functions of this Code.
(h) "Control" shall have the same meaning as that set forth in
Section 2(a)(9) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (the "1940 Act").
(i) "Covered Security" means all securities, including those issued by any reportable fund, except securities that are direct obligations of the Government of the United States, bankers' acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and shares of unaffiliated registered open-end investment companies.
(j) "Initial Public Offering" means an offering of securities registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the issuer of which, immediately before the registration, was not subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
(k) "Investment Personnel" shall mean:
(i) any employee of the Adviser (or of any company in a control relationship to the Adviser) who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes or participates in making recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of securities; and
(ii) any natural person who controls the Adviser and who obtains information concerning recommendations made regarding the purchase or sale of securities by the Fund. Investment Personnel includes any Portfolio Manager or other investment person, such as an analyst or trader, who provides information and advice to a Portfolio Manager or assists in the execution of the investment decisions.
(l) "Limited Offering" or "Private Placement" means an offering that is exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to Section 4(2) or Section 4(6) thereof, or pursuant to Rule 504, Rule 505, or Rule 506 thereunder.
(m) "Managed Account" shall mean those Clients' accounts, individually and collectively, for which the Portfolio Manager makes buy and sell decisions.
(n) "Portfolio Manager" means the person or portfolio management team entrusted to make or participate in the making of the buy and sell decisions for a Client.
(o) "Purchase or sale of a security" includes, among other things, the writing of an option to purchase or sell a security or the purchase or sale of a security that is exchangeable for or convertible into a security.
(p) "Security" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(36) of the 1940 Act.
(q) "Reportable Fund" includes those 1940 Act registered investment companies for which the Adviser or an affiliate acts as adviser or sub-adviser, or principal underwriter.
4. EXEMPTED TRANSACTIONS
The preclearance prohibitions of Section 5 of this Code, shall not apply to:
(a) Purchases or sales effected in any account over which the Advisory Person has no direct or indirect influence or control in the reasonable estimation of the Adviser's
Compliance Officer. This exemption will also apply to personal brokerage accounts for which a third party (e.g. broker, financial advisor) makes all investment decisions on behalf of the Access Person. The discretionary arrangement must be documented to the Adviser's Compliance Department.
(b) Purchases or sales of securities not eligible for purchase or sale by the managed account.
(c) Purchases or sales which are non-volitional on the part of either the Advisory Person or the managed account.
(d) Purchases of shares necessary to establish an automatic dividend reinvestment plan or pursuant to an automatic dividend reinvestment plan, and subsequent sales of such securities.
(e) Purchases effected upon the exercise of rights issued by an issuer pro rata to all holders of a class of its securities, to the extent such rights were acquired from such issuer, and sales of such rights so acquired.
(f) Purchase or sale of securities issued under an employee stock purchase or incentive program unless otherwise restricted.
5. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES
(a) IPO Rule: No Access Person may directly or indirectly acquire beneficial ownership in any securities in an Initial Public Offering (including IPOs offered through the Internet), except with the prior written approval of the Adviser's Compliance Officer. No NASD registered person may participate in an IPO pursuant to NASD Rule 2790.
(b) Limited Offering/Private Placement Rule: No Access Person may directly or indirectly acquire beneficial ownership in any securities in a Limited Offering or Private Placement except with the prior written approval of the Adviser's Compliance Officer.
(i) The Adviser's Compliance Officer will make a record of any decision, and the reasons supporting the decision, to grant approval for transactions in IPOs and Limited Offerings, and will maintain these records for at least five years after the end of the fiscal year in which the approval is granted.
(c) Preclearance Rule: No Advisory Person may directly or indirectly acquire or dispose of beneficial ownership in a Covered Security unless such transaction has been precleared by the Adviser's Compliance Officer. Preclearance is required prior to executing any trade through any personal brokerage account, unless
specially exempted under Section 4 above. Preclearance is valid through the business day next following the day preclearance is given.
(i) The Adviser's Compliance Officer will monitor investment activity by the Advisory Person involving the precleared transaction.
(ii) Compliance reserves up to one business day to respond to any request for preclearance.
NOTE: THE ADVISER'S COMPLIANCE OFFICER MAY DENY APPROVAL OF ANY TRANSACTION REQUIRING PRECLEARANCE UNDER THIS PRECLEARANCE RULE, EVEN IF THE TRANSACTION IS NOMINALLY PERMITTED UNDER THIS CODE OF ETHICS, IF HE OR SHE REASONABLY BELIEVES THAT DENYING PRECLEARANCE IS NECESSARY FOR THE PROTECTION OF A MANAGED ACCOUNT. ANY SUCH DENIAL MAY BE APPEALED TO THE ADVISER'S CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER. THE DECISION OF THE CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER SHALL BE FINAL.
(d) Open Order Rule: No Advisory Person may directly or indirectly acquire or dispose of beneficial ownership in any Covered Security on a day during which a Managed Account has a pending "buy" or "sell" order for that security of the same type (i.e., buy or sell) as the proposed personal trade, until such order is executed or withdrawn.
Exceptions: The following securities transactions are exempt from the Open Order Rule:
1. Purchases or sales of up to 500 shares of an issuer ranked in the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Index (S&P 500) at the time of purchase or sale The Adviser's Compliance Officer shall make available an updated list of such issuers quarterly.
2. Purchases or sales approved by the Adviser's Compliance Officer in his/her discretion.
(e) Blackout Rule: No Investment Personnel may directly or indirectly acquire or dispose of beneficial ownership in a Covered Security within seven calendar days before and after a Managed Account trades in that Covered Security.
Transactions permitted under the Blackout Rule must also satisfy the Open Order Rule and the Preclearance Rule, if and to the extent the transaction is not covered by exceptions to those rules.
ANY PROFITS REALIZED BY A PORTFOLIO MANAGER ON A PERSONAL TRADE IN VIOLATION OF SECTIONS 5(d) AND (e) MUST BE DISGORGED AT THE REQUEST OF THE FUND.
(f) Ban on Short-term Trading. Advisory Persons must hold each Covered Security for a period of not less than sixty (60) days from date of acquisition.
(g) Gifts. No Access Person shall accept any gift or other item (for the purpose of this Code "gifts" include but are not limited to cash, merchandise, gifts, prizes, travel expenses, meals and certain types of entertainment) of more than $100 in value from any person or entity that does business with or on behalf of the Advisor or the Managed Account. All gifts received must be reported to the Advisor's Compliance Department.
(h) Service as Director. No Advisory Person shall serve on the board of directors of a publicly traded company without prior authorization by the President or the Compliance Officer of the Adviser. If board service is authorized, such Advisory Person shall have no role in making investment decisions with respect to the publicly traded company.
(i) Market Timing Prohibited. No Portfolio Manager shall engage in excessive trading or market timing activities with respect to any mutual fund whether or not such mutual fund is a Managed Account, or is managed by such Adviser/Subadvisor or any affiliated adviser or subadviser. For the purposes of the foregoing, "market timing" shall be defined as a purchase and redemption, regardless of size, in and out of the same mutual fund within any sixty (60) day period. The foregoing restrictions shall not apply to Portfolio Managers investing in mutual funds through automatic reinvestment programs, and any other non-volitional investment vehicles. Portfolio Managers shall provide quarterly certifications as to their compliance with this restriction.
6. REPORTING AND COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES
(a) The Advisor shall provide a copy of the Code of Ethics, and any amendments thereto, to all Access Persons.
(b) All Access Persons shall direct their brokers to supply, at the same time that they are sent to the Access Person, a copy of the confirmation for each personal securities trade and a copy of each periodic account statement to the Adviser's Compliance Officer.
(c) Every Access Person shall report to the Adviser's Compliance
Officer the information described in Section 6(c) of this Code
with respect to transactions in any Covered Security in which
such Access Person has, or by reason of such transaction
acquires, any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the
Covered Security, provided that an Access Person whose
duplicate broker trade confirmations or account statements are
received by the Adviser's Compliance Officer, pursuant to
Section 6(a) with respect to the time period required by
Section 6(c), may reference that duplicate information in
their quarterly report if all of the information -- required
in Section 6(c) is contained in those confirmations and
statements.
(d) Every report required pursuant to Section 6(b) above shall be made not later than 15 days after the end of the calendar quarter in which the transaction to which the report relates was effected, and shall contain the following information:
(i) with respect to any transaction during the quarter in a Covered Security in which the Access Person had or acquired any direct or indirect beneficial ownership:
(A) The date of the transaction, the title and number of shares; the maturity date, principal amount and interest rate of debt securities, of each Covered Security involved; as applicable the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number;
(B) The nature of the transaction (i.e., purchase, sale, or any other type of acquisition or disposition);
(C) The price of the Covered Security at which the transaction was effected; and
(D) The name of the broker, dealer or bank with or through whom the transaction was effected.
(ii) with respect to any account established during the quarter in which Securities were held during the quarter for the direct or indirect benefit of the Access Person:
(A) The name of the broker, dealer, or bank with whom the Access Person established the account; and
(B) The date the account was established.
(iii) Access Persons are required to report transactions in any affiliated mutual fund for which they have any direct or indirect beneficial ownership; except as specifically exempted by Section 4 above.
(iv) The date the report is submitted by the Access Person.
(e) No later than 10 days after becoming an Access Person, and annually thereafter on or before January 31 of each year, each Access Person (other than Disinterested Trustees) must submit to the Adviser's Compliance Officer a report of his or her personal securities holdings (the "Initial Holdings Report" and the "Annual Holdings Report", respectively), which must include the following information (the Applicable Date for the Initial Holdings Report is the date the person became an Access Person; the Applicable Date for the Annual Holdings Report must be a date no earlier than December 31 of the prior year):
(i) The title, type and number of shares; and/or the maturity date, principal amount and interest rate of debt securities; and as applicable, the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number of each Covered Security in which the Access Person had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership as of the Applicable Date.
(ii) The title, number of shares, and, as applicable the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number of any Reportable Fund holding in which the Access Person had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership as of the Applicable Date.
(iii) The name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom the Access Person maintained an account in which securities were held for the direct or indirect benefit of the Access Person as of the Applicable Date.
(iv) The date the report is submitted by the Access Person.
(f) Each Access Person shall submit annually to the Adviser's Compliance Officer a certification by the Access Person that he or she has received, read and understood the Code of Ethics, has complied with the Code's requirements, and has disclosed or reported all personal securities transactions required to be disclosed or reported pursuant to the Code's requirements. The certification will be submitted to the Compliance Officer by January 31 of each year.
(g) Any report made under this Section 6 may contain a statement that the report shall not be construed as an admission by the person making such report that he or she has any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the security to which the report relates.
(h) (i) The Adviser's Compliance Officer shall submit an annual report to the Directors of the Adviser that summarizes the current Code of Ethics procedures, identifies any violations requiring significant remedial action, and recommends appropriate changes to the Code, if any.
(ii) The Adviser's Compliance Officer shall submit to the managed fund's Compliance Officer an annual written report that
(A) Summarizes the current procedures under the Code of Ethics;
(B) Describes any issues arising from the Code of Ethics or procedures since the last report, including, but not limited to, information about material violations of the Code or procedures and sanctions imposed in response to the material violations; and
(C) Certifies that the Adviser, has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from violating the Code.
(iii) These reports will be available to the Chief Compliance Officer of the Funds.
(i) Any Access Person shall immediately report any potential violation of this Code of which he or she becomes aware to the Adviser's Compliance Officer.
(j) An Access Person need not make reports under this Section 6 with respect to transactions effected for any account over which such person does not have any direct or indirect influence or control.
(k) Each Adviser's Compliance Officer will review all reports and other information submitted under this Section 6. This review will include such comparisons with trading records of managed accounts as are necessary or appropriate to determine whether there have been any violations of the Code.
(l) Each Adviser's Compliance Officer will maintain a list of all Access Persons who are required to make reports under the Code, and shall inform those Access Persons of their reporting obligations. Each Adviser's Compliance Officer shall promptly notify any Access Person when any report has not been filed on a timely basis.
7. SANCTIONS
Upon discovering a violation of this Code, the Directors of the Adviser may impose such sanctions as it deems appropriate, including inter alia, a letter of censure or suspension or termination of employment, or suspension of personal trading privileges for such period as it may deem appropriate. Provided further, the Adviser's Compliance Officer shall review and present sanctions levied for non-compliance at each regularly scheduled Fund Board meeting. Recommended sanctions are attached as Schedule A.
8. EXCEPTIONS
The Adviser's Compliance Officer, may grant written exceptions to provisions of the Code based on equitable considerations. The exceptions may be granted to individuals or classes of individuals with respect to particular transactions, classes of transactions or all transactions, and may apply to past as well as future transactions, provided, however, that no exception will be granted where the exceptions would result in a violation of Section 204-2. Exceptions granted will be reported to the Directors of the Advisor, as well as the Boards of any managed fund.
9. RECORDKEEPING
All Code of Ethics records will be maintained pursuant to the provisions of Rules 204A-1 and 17j-1.
10. OTHER CODES OF ETHICS
This Code of Ethics does not amend or supercede any other Code(s) of Ethics that may affect the duties and obligations of any person affected hereby.
By my signature below, I certify that I have received, read, and understood the foregoing policies of the Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. Code of Ethics, and will comply in all respects with such policies.
Name Date
Please print or type name: ___________________________________
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q REPORT AFFILIATED MF
INITIAL HOLDINGS REPORT Q REPORT TRANSACTIONS ANNUAL REPORT PRE-CLEAR
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All Access Persons All Access Persons Investment Personnel All Access Persons Advisory Persons
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
o 1st violation - o 1st violation - o 1st violation - o 1st violation - o 1st violation - written
written warning written warning written warning written warning warning
o 2nd violation within o 2nd violation within o 2nd violation within o 2nd violation within the
the same year - the same year - $50.00 the same year - $50.00 same year - $100 fine
$50.00 fine fine payable to the fine payable to the payable to the Phoenix
payable to the Phoenix Foundation Phoenix Foundation Foundation and suspension
Phoenix Foundation o 3rd violation within o 3rd violation within of trading privileges for
o 3rd violation within the same year - the same year - 30 days
the same year - suspension of trading suspension of trading o 3rd violation within the
suspension of trading privileges for 30 days privileges for 30 days same year - suspension of
privileges for trading privileges for 90
30 days days
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRE-CLEAR IPOs & LIMITED 60-DAY HOLDING MARKET TIMING PROHIBITION
OFFERINGS* BLACKOUT REQUIREMENT AND Q CERTIFICATE OPEN ORDER RULE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Advisory Personnel Investment Personnel Advisory Personnel Investment Personnel Investment Personnel
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
o 1st violation - o 1st violation - o 1st violation - o 1st violation - o 1st violation - Reported
Reported to Chief disgorgement of profits written warning possible grounds to Chief Legal Officer and
Legal Officer and on the personal trade o 2nd violation - for termination President of Phoenix
President of o 2nd violation - violation within the at determination Investment Counsel for
Phoenix Investment Reported to Chief Legal same year - $50.00 fine of Chief Legal determination of appropriate
Counsel for Officer and President payable to the Phoenix Officer and sanctions.
determination of of Phoenix Investment Foundation President of o 2nd violation - possible
appropriate Counsel for o 3rd violation within Phoenix grounds for termination
sanctions. determination of the same year - Investment
o 2nd violation - appropriate sanctions. suspension of trading Counsel
possible grounds o 3rd violation - privileges for 60 days
for termination possible grounds for
termination
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
*s/t NASD Prohibition Rule 2790
EXHIBIT p.3
ACADIAN ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
CODE OF ETHICS
[logo]
Acadian
ACADIAN ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
CODE OF ETHICS
UPDATED AS OF FEBRUARY 1, 2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 7
Part 1. General Principles 7
Part 2. Scope of the Code 8
A. Persons Covered by the Code 8
B. Securities Covered by the Code 9
Part 3. Standards of Business Conduct 9
A. Compliance with Laws and Regulations 9
B. Conflicts of Interest 10
1. Conflicts Among Client Interests 10
2. Competing with Client Trades 10
3. Other Potential Conflicts Provisions 10
a. Disclosure of Personal Interest 10
b. Referrals/Brokerage 11
c. Vendors and Suppliers 11
d. Soft Dollars 11
e. Frontrunning 11
f. Churning 11
g. Unfair Treatment of Certain Clients vis-a-vis Others 11
h. Dealing with Clients as agent and principal 12
C. Insider Trading 12
1. Penalties 12
2. Material Nonpublic Information 12
D. Personal Securities Transactions 13
1. Initial Public Offerings 13
2. Limited or Private Offerings 14
3. Blackout Periods 14
4. Short-Term Trading 14
5. Personal securities trades that are exempt 15
E. Gifts and Entertainment 16
1. General Statement 16
2. Gifts 16
a. Receipt 16
b. Offer 16
3. Cash 17
2
|
4. Entertainment 17
5. Conferences 17
6. Preclearance 17
7. Quarterly Reporting 17
F. Political and Charitable Contributions 17
G. Confidentiality 17
H. Service on a Board of Directors 18
I. Partnerships 18
J. Other Outside Activities 18
K. Marketing and Promotional Activities 18
L. Old Mutual Stock 19
Part 4. Compliance Procedures 19
A. Access Person Investment Accounts and Duplicate Confirms and Statements 19
B. Personal Securities Transactions Procedures and Reporting 19
1. Monthly Reporting 20
2. Quarterly Reporting 20
3. Annual Reporting 20
4. New Hire Reporting 20
C. Review and Enforcement 21
D. Certification of Compliance 21
1. Initial Certification 21
2. Acknowledgement of Amendments 21
3. Annual Certification 21
Part 5. Miscellaneous 22
A. Excessive Trading 22
B. Access Person Disclosure and Reporting 22
1. Access Person Background Information 22
2. Upon Occurrence 22
C. Responsibility to Know Rules 22
3
|
Part 6. Recordkeeping 22 Part 7. Form ADV Disclosure 23 Part 8. Administration and Enforcement of the Code 23 A. Training and Education 23 B. Annual Review 23 C. Board Approval (Fund Advisers) 23 D. Report to Board (Fund Advisers) 24 E. Report to Senior Management (All Advisers) 24 F. Reporting Violations 24 1. Confidentiality 24 2. Advice of Counsel 24 3. Apparent Violations 24 4. Retaliation 24 G. Sanctions 24 H. Further Information about the Code 25 |
EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT A PERSONS RESPONSIBLE FOR CODE ENFORCEMENT EXHIBIT B NEW INVESTMENT ACCOUNT APPROVAL FORM EXHIBIT C ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RECEIPT OF CODE OF ETHICS EXHIBIT D ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS TO CODE OF ETHICS EXHIBIT E INITIAL REPORT OF ACCESS PERSONS EXHIBIT F ANNUAL CODE CERTIFICATION AND REPORT OF ACCESS PERSONS EXHIBIT G ACCESS PERSON MONTHLY SECURITIES TRANSACTION REPORT EXHIBIT H SECURITIES TRANSACTION REPORT FOR SHORT TERM TRADING EXHIBIT I PERSONAL SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS PRE-CLEARANCE FORM EXHIBIT J ACCESS PERSON RELATIONSHIP FORM EXHIBIT K ACCESS PERSON PARTNERSHIP FORM EXHIBIT L EMPLOYEE ENTERTAINMENT FORM >$250 EXHIBIT M QUARTERLY REPORT FORM FOR GIFTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EXHIBIT N BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPROVAL |
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A DEFINITIONS OF TERMS USED IN THE CODE APPENDIX B FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS APPENDIX C SPECIAL PROCEDURES RELATING TO RULE 17j-1 |
INTRODUCTION
Acadian Asset Management, Inc. ("Acadian") has adopted this Code of Ethics pursuant to Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the "Advisers Act") and rule amendments under Section 204 of the Advisers Act. The Code of Ethics sets forth standards of conduct expected of all of Acadian's employees and contractors and addresses conflicts that may arise from personal trading. Acadian has determined that all employees and some contractors (and their immediate family members) will be characterized as "Access Persons" for purposes of implementing and enforcing this Code. This is further defined in Part 2, A, below. The policies and procedures outlined in the Code of Ethics are intended to promote compliance with fiduciary standards by Acadian and its Access Persons. As a fiduciary, Acadian has the responsibility to render professional, continuous and unbiased investment advice, owes its clients a duty of honesty, good faith and fair dealing, must act at all times in the best interests of clients and must avoid or disclose conflicts of interests.
This Code of Ethics is designed to:
o Protect Acadian's clients by deterring misconduct;
o Educate Access Persons regarding Acadian's expectations and the laws
governing their conduct;
o Remind Access Persons that they are in a position of trust and must act
with complete propriety at all times;
o Protect the reputation of Acadian;
o Guard against violation of the securities laws; and
o Establish procedures for Access Persons to follow so that Acadian may
determine whether Access Persons are complying with its ethical
principles.
This Code of Ethics is based upon the principle that the directors, officers and other Access Persons of Acadian owe a fiduciary duty to, among others, the clients of Acadian to conduct their affairs, including their personal securities transactions, in such a manner as to avoid (i) serving their own personal interests ahead of clients; (ii) taking inappropriate advantage of their position with Acadian; and (iii) any actual or potential conflicts of interest or any abuse of their position of trust and responsibility. This fiduciary duty includes the duty of the Chief Compliance Officer of Acadian to report violations of this Code of Ethics to Acadian's Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors of any U.S. registered management investment company for which Acadian acts as adviser or sub-adviser.
PART 1. GENERAL PRINCIPLES
Our principles and philosophy regarding ethics stress Acadian's overarching fiduciary duty to its clients and the obligation of its Access Persons to uphold that fundamental duty. In recognition of the trust and confidence placed in Acadian by its clients and to give effect to the belief that Acadian's operations should be directed to benefit its clients, Acadian has adopted the following general principles to guide the actions of its Access Persons:
1. The interests of clients are paramount. All Access Persons must conduct themselves and their operations to give maximum effect to this belief by at all times placing the interests of clients before their own.
2. All personal transactions in securities by Access Persons must be accomplished so as to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest on the part of such Access Persons with the interests of any client.
3. All Access Persons must avoid actions or activities that allow (or appear to allow) a person to profit or benefit from his or her position with respect to a client, or that otherwise bring into question the person's independence or judgment.
4. All information concerning the specific security holdings and financial circumstances of any client is strictly confidential. Access Persons are expected to maintain such confidentiality, secure such information and disclose it only to other Access Persons with a need to know that information.
5. All supervise persons will conduct themselves honestly, with integrity and in a professional manner to preserve and protect Acadian's reputation.
Federal law requires that this Code of Ethics not only be adopted but that it must also be enforced with reasonable diligence. The Chief Compliance Officer will keep records of any violation of the Code of Ethics and of the actions taken as a result of such violations. Failure to comply with the Code of Ethics may result in disciplinary action, including monetary penalties and the potential for the termination of employment with Acadian. In addition, noncompliance with the Code of Ethics has severe ramifications, including enforcement actions by regulatory authorities, criminal fines, civil injunctions and penalties, disgorgement of profits and sanctions on your ability to remain employed in any capacity in the investment advisory business or in a related capacity.
PART 2. SCOPE OF THE CODE OF ETHICS
A. PERSONS COVERED BY THE CODE OF ETHICS
Acadian's operational and investment management practices expose many if not all its employees and contractors to client information, including holdings. As a result, to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, Acadian has determined that it will characterize all employees and some contractors (to be determined by the Chief Compliance Officer) as Access Persons under the Code of Ethics.
With respect to the reporting of personal securities accounts and pre-clearing transactions (requirements outlined below), the definition of an Access Persons is expanded to include the accounts and transactions of the Access Person's immediate family members. An immediate family member is defined to include any relative by blood or marriage living in an Access Person's household (spouse, minor children, a domestic partner etc.), or someone who is primarily supported financial by the Access Person. The Access Person must report accounts and personal securities transactions for any account in which he or she has a direct or indirect beneficial interest. This typically includes individual and joint accounts, accounts in the name of a spouse, accounts established for minors, trust accounts, estate accounts, accounts in which the Access Person has power of attorney or trading authority, and other accounts in which he or she has a present or future interest in the income, principal or right to obtain title to securities.
Each employee is responsible for any of his or her immediate family members' compliance with the requirements imposed by the Code of Ethics. Education and oversight is a must.
Noncompliance with the Code of Ethics by an immediate family member's will have the same ramifications on the related employee as if it were the employee who did not comply.
B. SECURITIES COVERED BY THE CODE OF ETHICS
For purposes of the Code of Ethics and its reporting requirements, the term
"covered security" will include the following:
o any stock or bond;
o investment or futures contracts;
o limited partnerships meeting the definition of a "security" (including
limited liability and other companies that are treated as partnerships
for U.S. federal income tax purposes);
o foreign unit trusts and foreign mutual funds;
o closed-end investment companies;
o shares of open-end mutual funds that are advised or sub-advised by
Acadian or one of Acadian's affiliates, including all companies under the
Old Mutual umbrellas*; and
o private investment funds, hedge funds, and investment clubs;
but specifically does not include:
o direct obligations of the U.S. government;
o bankers' acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper, and
high quality short-term debt obligations, including repurchase
agreements;
o shares issued by money market funds (domiciled inside or outside the
United States);
o shares of open-end mutual funds that are not advised or sub-advised by
Acadian or one of Acadian's affiliates, including all companies under the
Old Mutual umbrellas; and
o shares issued by unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in
one or more open-end funds, none of which are funds advised or
sub-advised by Acadian or one of Acadian's affiliates, including all
companies under the Old Mutual umbrellas.
* The Chief Compliance Officer will attempt to maintain a current list of firm affiliates and open ended funds that will require pre-approval. If there is any doubt about any open ended fund you wish to purchase you should pre-clear.
PART 3. STANDARDS OF BUSINESS CONDUCT
The Code of Ethics sets forth standards of business conduct that Acadian requires of its Access Persons and that relate to Acadian's and Access Person's fiduciary obligations. Access Persons should maintain the highest ethical standards in carrying out Acadian's business activities. Acadian's reputation is one of its most important assets. Maintaining the trust and confidence of clients is a vital responsibility. This section sets forth Acadian's business conduct standards.
A. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS AND REGULATIONS
Each Access Person must comply with applicable federal securities laws and all provisions of Acadian's Compliance Manual.
1. As part of this requirement, Access Persons are not permitted, in connection with the purchase or sale, directly or indirectly, of a security held or to be acquired by a client:
a. to defraud that client in any manner;
b. to mislead that client, including by making a statement that omits material facts;
c. to engage in any act, practice or course of conduct which operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon that client;
d. to engage in any manipulative practice with respect to that client; or
e. to engage in any manipulative practice with respect to securities, including price manipulation.
B. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
As a fiduciary, Acadian has an affirmative duty of care, loyalty, honesty and good faith to act in the best interests of its clients. Compliance with this duty can be achieved by trying to avoid conflicts of interest and by fully disclosing all material facts concerning any conflict that does arise with respect to any client. In addition, Acadian imposes a higher standard by providing that Access Persons must try to avoid situations that have even the appearance of conflict or impropriety.
1. CONFLICTS AMONG CLIENT INTERESTS. Conflicts of interest may arise where Acadian or its Access Persons have reason to favor the interests of one client over another client (e.g., larger accounts over smaller accounts, accounts compensated by performance fees over accounts not so compensated, accounts in which Access Persons have made material personal investments, or accounts of close friends or relatives of Access Persons, etc.). Access Persons are prohibited from engaging in inappropriate favoritism of one client over another client that would constitute a breach of fiduciary duty.
2. COMPETING WITH CLIENT TRADES. Access Persons are prohibited from using knowledge about pending or currently considered securities transactions for clients to profit personally, directly or indirectly, as a result of such transactions, including by purchasing or selling such securities. Conflicts raised by personal securities transactions also are addressed more specifically in section D below.
3. OTHER POTENTIAL CONFLICTS PROVISIONS:
a. DISCLOSURE OF PERSONAL INTEREST. Access Persons are prohibited from recommending, implementing or considering any securities transaction for a client without having disclosed any material beneficial ownership, business or personal relationship or other material interest in the issuer, or its affiliates, to the Chief Compliance Officer or, with respect to the Chief Compliance Officer's interests, another designated senior officer. If such designated person deems the disclosed interest to present a material
conflict, the access person may not participate in any decision-making process regarding the securities of that issuer.
This provision applies in addition to Acadian's initial, monthly and annual personal securities reporting requirements for Access Persons.
b. REFERRALS/BROKERAGE. Access Persons are required to act in the best interests of Acadian's clients regarding execution and other costs paid by clients for brokerage services. As part of this principle, Access Persons will strictly adhere to Acadian's policies and procedures regarding brokerage allocation, best execution, soft dollars and other related policies.
c. VENDORS AND SUPPLIERS. Each Access Person is required to disclose any personal investments or other interests in vendors or suppliers with respect to which that person negotiates or makes decisions on behalf of Acadian. Access Persons with such interests are prohibited from negotiating or making decisions regarding Acadian's business with those companies.
d. SOFT-DOLLAR COMMISSIONS. All soft dollar trades must comply with the "safe harbor" provisions of Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and any client specific restrictions.
e. FRONT-RUNNING. The Company forbids Access Persons, except Non- Resident Directors unless they have specific knowledge of the recommendation, from purchasing or selling stock before a buy or sell recommendation is made to the Client if such transaction will be have a negative impact on the client.
f. CHURNING. Access Persons should not effect transactions to generate increased commissions and unnecessary expenses for a Client. The volume and frequency of all sales and purchases of securities must be measured against the need and purpose for the activities, a Client's investment objectives, and the expenses and benefits to the account. All trading for a Client's account must be undertaken solely in the Client's interest.
g. UNFAIR TREATMENT OF CERTAIN CLIENTS VIS-A-VIS OTHERS. An Access Person who handles one or more Clients may be faced with situations in which it is possible to give preference to certain Clients over others. Access Persons must be careful not to give preference to one Client over another even if the preferential treatment would benefit Acadian or the Access Person. Each situation should be examined closely to determine whether the Client has consented to the Access Person's actions favoring another Client and whether the resulting relationship with the Client that was not favored is fair and consistent with the securities laws. If both parts of this test have been satisfied, most likely there has been no breach of fiduciary duty.
h. DEALING WITH CLIENTS AS AGENT AND PRINCIPAL: Section 206(3) of the Act addresses cross trades. To avoid conflicts of interest and to ensure the requirements of Section 206(3) are met, the Chief Compliance Officer should be consulted before a cross trade is proposed and facilitated.
C. INSIDER TRADING
Access Persons are prohibited from trading, either personally or on behalf of others, while in possession of material nonpublic information and from communicating material nonpublic information to others in violation of the law. This specifically includes personally trading or informing others of the securities held in a client portfolio or securities transaction contemplated on behalf of any client.
1. PENALTIES. Trading securities while in possession of material nonpublic information or improperly communicating that information to others may expose you to severe penalties. Criminal sanctions may include a fine of up to $1,000,000 and/or ten years imprisonment. The Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") can recover the profits gained or losses avoided through violative trading, impose a penalty of up to three times the illicit windfall and can permanently bar you from the securities industry. You may also be sued by those seeking to recover damages for insider trading violations. Regardless of whether a government inquiry occurs, Acadian views seriously any violation of its insider trading policies, and such violations constitute grounds for disciplinary sanctions, including immediate dismissal.
2. MATERIAL NONPUBLIC INFORMATION. The term "material nonpublic information" relates not only to issuers but also to Acadian's securities recommendations and client securities holdings and transactions.
Information is "material" when there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable investor would consider it important in making his or her investment decisions. Generally, this is information the disclosure of which will have a substantial effect on the price of a company's securities. You should direct any questions about whether information is material to the Chief Compliance Officer.
Material information often relates to a company's results and operations, including, for example, dividend changes, earnings results, changes in previously released earnings estimates, significant merger or acquisition proposals or agreements, major litigation, liquidation problems and extraordinary management developments. Material information also may relate to the market for a company's securities. Information about a significant order to purchase or sell securities may, in some contexts, be deemed material. Similarly, prepublication information regarding reports in the financial press also may be deemed material.
Information is "public" when it has been disseminated broadly to investors in the marketplace. Tangible evidence of such dissemination is the best indication that the information is public. For example, information is public after it has become available to the general public through a public filing with the SEC or some other governmental agency, The Wall Street Journal, other publications of general circulation, media broadcasts, or over public internet websites.
Access Persons shall not disclose any nonpublic information (whether or not it is material) relating to Acadian or its securities transactions to any person outside Acadian (unless such disclosure has been authorized by Acadian). Material nonpublic information may not be communicated to anyone, including persons within Acadian, with the exception of the Chief Compliance Officer or his designee, unless this is required for the performance of job responsibilities. Such information should be secured. For example, access to files containing material nonpublic information and computer files containing it should be restricted to Acadian employees, and conversations containing such information, if appropriate at all, should be conducted in private to avoid potential interception.
3. Before executing any trade for yourself or others, including clients, an Access Person must determine whether he or she has access to material nonpublic information. If you think that you might have access to material nonpublic information, you should take the following steps:
a. report the information and proposed trade immediately to the Chief Compliance Officer.
b. do not purchase or sell the securities on behalf of yourself or others, including clients.
c. do not communicate the information inside or outside Acadian, other than to the Chief Compliance Officer or his designee.
d. after the Chief Compliance Officer has reviewed the issue, Acadian will determine whether the information is material and nonpublic and, if so, what action Acadian should take, if any.
D. PERSONAL SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS
All Access Persons will strictly comply with Acadian's policies and procedures regarding personal securities transactions. Acadian's Pre-Clearance form is attached as Exhibit I and is discussed in greater detail in Section 4 (B) below.
1. INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERINGS - PRE-CLEARANCE. Access Persons, with the
exception of non-resident directors who are exempt from this
requirement and Access Persons who are also registered with the NASD
who are prohibited from participating in IPOs, must pre-clear for
their personal accounts purchases of any securities in an initial
public offering (IPO). Acadian will maintain a written record of any
decision, and the reasons supporting the decision, to approve the
personal acquisition of an IPO for at least five years after the end
of the fiscal year in which the approval was granted. Before granting
such approval Acadian will evaluate such investment to determine that
the investment creates no material conflict between the access person
and Acadian. Acadian may consider approving the transaction if it can
determine that: (i) the investment did not result from directing Firm
brokerage business to the underwriter of the issuer of the security,
(ii) the access person is not misappropriating an opportunity that
should have been offered to eligible clients, and (iii) the access
person's investment decisions
for clients will not be unduly influenced by his or her personal holdings, and investment decisions are based solely on the best interests of clients. Any access person authorized to purchase securities in an IPO shall disclose that investment when they play a part in the client's subsequent consideration of an investment in that issuer. In such circumstances, the client's decision to purchase securities of the issuer shall be subject to independent review by investment Access Persons with no personal interest in the issuer.
2. LIMITED OR PRIVATE OFFERINGS - PRE-CLEARANCE. Access Persons, with the exception of non-resident directors, must pre-clear for their personal accounts purchases of any securities in limited or private offerings (commonly referred to as private placements). Acadian will maintain a record of any decision, and the reasons supporting the decision, to approve the personal acquisition of a private placement for at least five years after the end of the fiscal year in which the approval was granted. Before granting such approval Acadian will evaluate such investment to determine that the investment creates no material conflict between the access person and Acadian. Acadian may consider approving the transaction if it can determine that: (i) the investment did not result from directing Firm brokerage business to the underwriter of the issuer of the security, (ii) the access person is not misappropriating an opportunity that should have been offered to eligible clients, and (iii) the access person's investment decisions for clients will not be unduly influenced by his or her personal holdings, and investment decisions are based solely on the best interests of clients. Any access person authorized to purchase securities in a private placement shall disclose that investment when they play a part in the client's subsequent consideration of an investment in that issuer. In such circumstances, the client's decision to purchase securities of the issuer shall be subject to independent review by investment Access Persons with no personal interest in the issuer.
3. BLACKOUT PERIODS. With the exception of non-resident directors for which this requirement does not apply, a "pre-trade" blackout period of trade date plus two days prior to trade date will apply to all access persons who become aware or reasonably should have been aware because of their job responsibilities that a security is being considered for purchase or sale for a client account. This "pre-trade" blackout period will not apply to access persons who did not know of and had no reason to know of the pending transaction. A "post-trade" blackout period of trade date plus two days after trade date will apply to all access persons regardless of job responsibilities.
Depending on the occurrence, trades made within the proscribed period shall generally be unwound, if possible. Otherwise, profits realized on trades within the proscribed period shall generally be disgorged to a charity designated by Acadian or to a client if appropriate at the discretion of the Chief Compliance Officer.
4. SHORT-TERM TRADING. Unless an exception is granted by the Chief Compliance Officer, no access person may profit in the purchase and sale, or sale and purchase, of the same (or equivalent) securities within sixty (60) calendar days. Trades made in violation of this prohibition should be unwound, if possible. Otherwise, any profits realized on such short-term trades shall be subject to
disgorgement to a charity designated by Acadian or to a client if appropriate at the discretion of the Chief Compliance Officer.
Access Persons are reminded that they are specifically prohibited from engaging in short-term trading in mutual funds advised by Acadian or sub-advised by Acadian.
The ban on short-term trading profits is specifically designed to deter potential conflicts of interest and frontrunning transactions, which typically involve a quick trading pattern to capitalize on a short-lived market impact of a trade by a Client. Acadian shall consider the policy reasons for the ban on these short-term trades, as stated herein, in determining when an exception to this prohibition is permissible. An Access Person wishing to execute a short term trade must complete both the Pre-Clearance Form (Exhibit L) and the Short Term Trading Form (Exhibit H) and submit each to the Chief Compliance Officer for review and approval.
PERSONAL SECURITIES THAT ARE SUBJECT TO PRECLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS BUT ARE EXEMPT FROM THE THE BLACKOUT RESTRICTIONS NOTED ABOVE:
Acadian's Chief Compliance Officer may allow exceptions to policy on a case-by-case basis when the abusive practices that the policy is designed to prevent, such as frontrunning or conflicts of interest, are not present and the equity of the situation strongly supports an exemption. Acadian has determined that the following categories of transactions will be subject to preclearance requirements but will be exempt from the blackout restrictions noted above as these transactions appear upon reasonable inquiry and investigation to present no reasonable likelihood of harm to the Client provided they are otherwise executed in accordance with this Code, Section 206 of the Advisers Act, and Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940.
1. purchases or sales of any securities with > $2 billion market capitalization on transaction date;
2. purchases or sales of 500 shares of an equity security within any three-consecutive month period (all trades within a three-consecutive month period shall be aggregated to determine the availability of this exemption); or any amount if the actual or proposed acquisition or disposition by the Client is in the amount of 1,000 or fewer shares (or less than $25,000 market value) and the Security is listed on a national securities exchange or the NASDAQ system.
PERSONAL SECURITIES TRADES THAT ARE EXEMPT FROM BOTH THE PRECLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS AND THE PROHIBITIONS NOTED ABOVE:
1. purchases or sales affected in any account over which the Access Person has no direct or indirect influence or Control including accounts in which the Access Person has granted to a broker, dealer, trust officer or other third party non-access person full discretion to execute transactions on behalf of the Access Person without consultation or Access person input or direction.
2. purchases or sales which are involuntary on the part of the Access Person;
3. purchases which are part of an automatic dividend reinvestment plan;
4. purchases effected upon the exercise of rights issued by an issuer pro rata to all holders of a class of its securities, to the extent such rights were acquired from such issuer, and sales of such rights so acquired;
5. purchases or sales of currencies and interest rate instruments or futures or options on them.
E. GIFTS AND ENTERTAINMENT.
1. GENERAL STATEMENT
A conflict of interest occurs when the personal interests of Access Persons interfere or could potentially interfere with their responsibilities to Acadian and its clients. Access Persons may not accept inappropriate gifts, favors, entertainment, special accommodations or other things of material value that could influence their decision-making or make them feel beholden to a person or firm. Access Persons are expressly prohibited from considering gifts, gratuities or entertainment when choosing brokers or vendors. Similarly, Access Persons may not offer gifts, favors, entertainment or other things of value that could be viewed as overly generous or aimed at influencing decision-making or making a client feel beholden to Acadian or the Access Person.
2. GIFTS
a. RECEIPT - No Access Person may receive any gift, service or other thing totaling more than de minimis value ($250 per year) from any person or entity that does business with or on behalf of Acadian. (Note - If the access person is also registered with the NASD, the permissible limit is only $100 per year). Access Persons are expressly prohibited from soliciting any gift.
b. OFFER - No Access Person may give or offer any gift of more than de minimis value ($250 per year) to existing clients, prospective clients or any entity that does business with or on behalf of Acadian without pre-approval by the Chief Compliance Officer. (Note - Regulations relating to the investment management of state or municipal pension funds often severely restrict or prohibit the offer of gifts or entertainment of any value to government officials (elected officials and employees of elected offices) who have involvement or influence over the selection of an investment manager. As a best practice, it is advisable to consult with such individuals prior to providing any type gift or entertainment.)
3. CASH - No Access Person may give or accept cash gifts or cash equivalents to or from a client, prospective client or any entity that does business with or on behalf of Acadian.
4. ENTERTAINMENT - No Access Person may provide or accept extravagant or excessive entertainment to or from a client, prospective client, or any person or entity that does or seeks to do business with or on behalf of Acadian. Access
Persons may provide or accept an occasional business entertainment event, such as dinner or a sporting event, of reasonable value, if the person or entity providing the entertainment is present. Access Persons are expressly prohibited from soliciting any entertainment. (Note - Regulations relating to the investment management of state or municipal pension funds often severely restrict or prohibit the offer of gifts or entertainment of any value to government officials (elected officials and employees of elected offices) who have involvement or influence over the selection of an investment manager. As a best practice, it is advisable to consult with such individuals prior to providing any type gift or entertainment.)
5. CONFERENCES - Employee attendance at all industry conferences must be preapproved by the employee's supervisor. If any part of the conference will be paid for by the host or a third party, conference attendance will require approval by the Chief Compliance Officer. The Chief Compliance Officer will review, among other factors, the purpose of the conference, the conference agenda, and the proposed costs that will be paid or reimbursement by the third party. It is against Acadian policy to pay to attend any conference where the payment to attend will directly or indirectly impact whether Acadian is awarded client business.
6. PRECLEARANCE - If the anticipated value of the entertainment or event exceeds $250 per person or includes travel expenses (airfare, hotel, etc.), the access person is required to preclear the event with their Department Supervisor and with the Chief Compliance Officer prior to accepting. A gift/entertainment preclearance form has been provided as Exhibit L.
7. QUARTERLY REPORTING - Acadian will require all Access Persons to report any gifts or entertainment received on a Quarterly basis using the form provided at Exhibit M.
F. POLITICAL AND CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS
Acadian as a firm and all Access Persons are prohibited from making political contributions to any candidate or party for the purpose of obtaining or retaining advisory contracts with government entities. This includes contributing to any candidate involved with or having any influence over the investment manager selection process.
G. CONFIDENTIALITY. Access Persons have the highest fiduciary obligation not to reveal confidential company information to any party that does not have a clear and compelling need to know such information and to safeguard all client information. Access Persons must keep confidential at all times any nonpublic information they may obtain in the course of their employment at Acadian. This information includes but is not limited to:
a. any client's identity (unless the client consents), any information regarding a client's financial circumstances or advice furnished to a client by Acadian;
b. information on specific client accounts, including recent or impending securities transactions by clients and activities of the portfolio managers for client accounts;
c. specific information on Acadian's investments for clients (including former clients) and prospective clients and account transactions;
d. information on other Access Persons, including their compensation, benefits, position level and performance rating; and
e. information on Acadian's business activities, including new services, products, technologies and business initiatives, unless disclosure has been authorized by Acadian.
Access Persons should be sensitive to the problem of inadvertent or accidental disclosure, through careless conversation in a public place or the failure to safeguard papers and documents. Documents and papers should be kept in appropriately marked file folders and locked in file cabinets when appropriate.
H. SERVICE ON A BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Prior to accepting a position as an officer, director, trustee, partner, or Controlling person in any other company or business venture (other than a non-profit organization that is not a Client of the Company), or as a member of an investment organizations (e.g., an investment club), Access Persons, except Non-Resident Directors, must disclose the position to the Chief Compliance Officer using the form provided at Exhibit J. Any such position should also be disclosed to the Chief Compliance Officer at least annually using the same form. Notice of such positions may be given to the compliance officer of any Fund advised or subadvised by the Company.
I. PARTNERSHIPS
Any partnership or similar arrangement, either participated in or formulated by an Access Person, except Non-Resident Directors, should be disclosed to the Chief Compliance Officer prior to formation, or if already in existence, at the time of employment using the form provided at Exhibit K. Any such partnership interest should also be disclosed to the Chief Compliance Officer at least annually using the same form.
J. OTHER OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES
Access Persons may not engage in outside business interests or employment that could in any way conflict with the proper performance of their duties as Access Persons of Acadian. All Access Persons must obtain the approval of their Department Supervisor and Human Resources prior to accepting any employment outside of Acadian. Supervisors will keep a record of all approvals and involve the Chief Compliance Officer as needed.
K. MARKETING AND PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Acadian has instituted policies and procedures relating to its marketing, performance, advertising and promotional materials to comply with relevant securities laws. All oral and written statements by Access Persons, including those made to clients, their representatives, the public or the media, must be professional, accurate, balanced and not misleading in any way.
L. OLD MUTUAL STOCK
No Access Person shall advise a Client to purchase, hold or sell Old Mutual stock. No Access Person having discretionary authority over Client funds shall exercise such discretion to invest such funds in Old Mutual Stock.
PART 4. COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES
In general, any reports, statements or confirmations described herein and submitted pursuant to this Code of Ethics to the Chief Compliance Officer or his designee shall be treated as confidential. Access Persons are expected to respond truthfully and accurately to all requests for information. Access Person should be aware that copies of such reports, statements or confirmations, or summaries of each, may be provided to certain managers, officers or directors at Acadian, chief compliance officers of any registered investment company client Acadian advises or sub-advises, outside counsel, and/or regulatory authorities upon appropriate request.
A. ACCESS PERSON INVESTMENT ACCOUNTS AND DUPLICATE TRADE CONFIRMATIONS AND STATEMENTS
All Access Persons as defined in the Code of Ethics are required to notify in writing the Chief Compliance Officer of any investment account in which he or she has direct or indirect beneficial interest and to seek the approval of the Chief Compliance Officer prior to establishing any such accounts. A form has been provided at Exhibit B for this purpose. For all such accounts in which a "covered security" as defined in this Code of Ethics can be purchased, Acadian will request directly from the account custodian to be made an interested third party on the account for the purpose of receiving duplicate confirmations and account statements.
B. PERSONAL SECURITIES TRANSACTION PROCEDURES AND REPORTING
Utilizing the Personal Securities Transaction Pre-Clearance Form provided at Exhibit I, each Access Person, except Non-Resident Directors, must pre-clear any proposed transaction in "covered securities" with the Chief Compliance Officer or his designee prior to proceeding with the transaction. No transaction in a "covered security" shall be effected without the prior written approval of the Chief Compliance Officer or his designee. Once granted, each pre-clearance is only effective until the close of the next trading day from which it was granted unless granted on a Friday then it will expire at the close of the US markets on Friday.
In the absence of the Chief Compliance Officer, Mark Minichiello, Acadian's Chief Financial Officer, is authorized to pre-clear transactions. The CFO pre-clears any proposed transactions by the Chief Compliance Officer.
1. MONTHLY REPORTING
All Access Persons, except Non-Resident Directors, must make a monthly report to the Chief Compliance Officer of all transactions involving covered securities in which they have direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership and the account in which the security was purchased using the form provided at Exhibit G. The Compliance Officer will submit his or her own personal transactions report to a designated Alternate Review Officer. Every report should be signed and dated and made not later than 10 days after the end of the calendar month. If no trading occurred, the report should so note.
2. QUARTERLY REPORTING
All Non-Resident Directors must make a quarterly report to the Compliance Officer of all transactions involving Securities in which they have Beneficial Ownership. If the Non-Resident Director establishes a securities account during the period, the quarterly report must also disclose the name of broker, dealer, or bank with whom the account is established. This information will be kept confidential if requested by the Non-Resident Director subject to any obligations the Company may have to disclose information to regulatory authorities or under law or court order. Every report should be signed and dated and made not later than 10 days after the end of the calendar quarter. If no trading occurred, the report should so note.
3. ANNUAL REPORTING
By January 30 of each year, each Access Person must also complete an annual report confirming that they have read and understood the Code of Ethics, have complied with its requirements, and have reported all personal securities transactions required to be reported pursuant to the requirements of the Code of Ethics. This confirmation should take the form attached as Exhibit F and shall be delivered to the Compliance Officer.
a. Each Access Person must provide to the Chief Compliance Officer a complete listing of all securities in which he/she has Beneficial Ownership and securities accounts the Access Person maintains in a broker, dealer, or bank as of December 31 of the previous year. The report shall be made on the Exhibit F attached and shall be delivered to the Chief Compliance Officer.
b. Each Access Person, except Non-Resident Directors must annually disclose any relationship (such as a directorship, trusteeship, etc.). This disclosure should be made on the form attached as Exhibit J and shall be delivered to the Chief Compliance Officer.
c. Each Access Person, except Non-Resident Directors, must annually disclose any participation in a partnership. This disclosure should be made on the form attached as Exhibit K and shall be delivered to the Chief Compliance Officer.
4. NEW HIRE REPORTING
New Access Persons are required to file the following forms within ten days of
their hire date:
a. Initial Certification of Receipt of Code. (Exhibit C)
b. Initial Report of Access Person. (Exhibit E)
c. Access Person Relationship Report (Exhibit J - Access Persons except
Non- Resident Directors),
d. Access Person Partnership Report (Exhibit K - Access Persons except
Non-Resident Directors)
Thereafter, the above referenced reports will be required on an annual basis.
C. REVIEW AND ENFORCEMENT
The Chief Compliance Officer (or other designated compliance associate) will review personal securities transactions and holdings reports periodically submitted by Access Persons under this Code. The review may include, but not limited to, the following:
a. An assessment of whether the access person followed the Code and any
required internal procedures, such as pre-clearance, including the
comparison of the "Pre-Clearance Reports" to the monthly account
statements;
b. Comparison of personal trading to any restricted lists;
c. An assessment of whether the access person and Acadian are trading in
the same securities and, if so, whether the clients are receiving
terms as favorable as the access person;
d. Periodically analyzing the access person's trading for patterns that
may indicate potential compliance issues including front running,
excessive or short term trading or market timing.
Before making any determination that a violation has been committed by any Access Person, the Access Person will have the opportunity to supply additional explanatory material. If the Chief Compliance Officer initially determines that a violation has occurred, he will prepare a written summary of the occurrence, together will all supporting information/documentation including any explanatory material provided by the Access Person, and present the situation to the Compliance Committee for initial determination and recommendation for resolution. If deemed warranted by the Compliance Committee, the report of the incident and the recommendation for resolution will be forwarded to Acadian's Executive Committee and potentially outside counsel for evaluation and recommendation for resolution. No Access Person will participate in a determination of whether he/she has committed a violation or impose any sanction against him/her. All violations and resolutions will be documented.
D. CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE
1. INITIAL CERTIFICATION. Acadian provides all Access Persons with a copy of this Code of Ethics. Acadian requires all Access Persons to certify in writing that they have: (a) received a copy of the Code; (b) read and understand all provisions of the Code; and (c) agreed to comply with the terms of the Code.
2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF AMENDMENTS. Acadian will provide Access Persons with any amendments to its Code of Ethics and Access Persons will submit a written acknowledgement that they have received, read, and understood the amendments to the Code. Acadian and members of its compliance staff will make every attempt to bring important changes to the attention of Access Persons.
3. ANNUAL CERTIFICATION. All Access Persons are required annually to certify that they have read, understood, and complied with the Code of Ethics.
PART 5. MISCELLANEOUS
A. EXCESSIVE TRADING
The Company understands that it is appropriate for Access Persons to participate in the public securities markets as part of their overall personal investment programs. As in other areas, however, this should be done in a way that creates no potential conflicts with the interests of any Fund or Portfolio. Further, it is important to recognize that otherwise appropriate trading, if excessive (measured in terms of frequency, complexity of trading programs, numbers of trades, or other measure as deemed appropriate by the Chief Compliance Officer), may compromise the best interests of any Funds or Portfolios if such excessive trading is conducted during the workday or using Fund/Portfolio resources. Accordingly, if personal trading rises to such dimension as to create an environment that is not consistent with the Code of Ethics, such personal transactions may not be approved or may be limited by the Chief Compliance Officer.
B. ACCESS PERSON DISCLOSURES AND REPORTING
1. ACCESS PERSON BACKGROUND INFORMATION. The SEC registration form for investment advisors requires the reporting, under oath, of past disciplinary actions taken against all "advisory affiliates." The Investment Advisers Act requires similar disclosure to the Client. The term "advisory affiliate" includes directors and chief officers of an advisor; individuals who have the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a company; and all current Access Persons except those performing only clerical, administrative, support or similar functions. Many advisory affiliates must also provide biographical information that must be reported to the SEC. If any of the information becomes inaccurate or needs to be updated to make it accurate, it shall be your obligation to bring this to the attention of the Compliance Officer.
2. UPON OCCURRENCE. Any prior, current, or potential litigation in which the Access Person is, or has been, a party, or is aware of the possibility of being named as a party, which in any way relates to the Company business, must disclose this to the Chief Compliance Officer.
C. RESPONSIBILITY TO KNOW THE RULES
Access Persons are responsible for their actions under the law and are therefore required to be sufficiently familiar with the Advisers Act and other applicable federal and state securities laws and regulations to avoid violating them. Claimed ignorance of any rule or regulation or of any requirement under this Code or any other Acadian policy or procedure is not a defense for employee conduct.
PART 6. RECORDKEEPING
Acadian will maintain the following records in a readily accessible place pertaining to this Code of Ethics:
o A copy of each Code that has been in effect at any time during the past five years;
o A record of any violation of the Code and any action taken as a result of such violation for five years from the end of the fiscal year in which the violation occurred;
o A record of all written acknowledgements of receipt of the Code and amendments for each person who is currently, or within the past five years was, a Access Person (these records must be kept for five years after the individual ceases to be a Access Person of Acadian);
o Holdings and transactions reports made pursuant to the Code;
o A list of the names of persons who are currently, or within the past five years were, Access Persons;
o A record of any decision and supporting reasons for approving the acquisition of securities by Access Persons in IPOs and limited offerings for at least five years after the end of the fiscal year in which approval was granted.
o A record of persons responsible for reviewing Access Persons' reports currently or during the last five years; and
o A copy of reports provided to the board of directors of any U.S. registered management investment company for which Acadian acts as adviser or sub-adviser regarding the Code.
PART 7. FORM ADV DISCLOSURE
Acadian will include on Schedule F of Form ADV, Part II a description of Acadian's Code of Ethics, and Acadian will provide a copy of its Code of Ethics to any client or prospective client upon request.
PART 8. ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE CODE
A. TRAINING AND EDUCATION
Acadian has designated the Chief Compliance Officer and head of Human Resources as the persons primarily responsible for training and educating Access Persons regarding the Code. In addition to training newly hire Access Persons, a training session for all Access Persons will occur at least yearly.
B. ANNUAL REVIEW
The Chief Compliance Officer will review the Code on an ongoing basis to ensure effective implementation and to make any revisions necessary to comply with regulatory requirements, industry best practices and/or Acadian's changing business requirements.
C. BOARD APPROVAL (FUND ADVISERS)
Acadian will submit any material amendments to its own Board of Directors, the Board of Directors of Old Mutual and any fund we advise or sub-advise.
D. REPORT TO THE BOARD(S) OF INVESTMENT COMPANY CLIENTS
Acadian will provide an annual written report to the board of the directors of each of its U.S. registered management investment company clients that describes any issues arising under
Acadian's Code of Ethics since the last report, including information about material violations of the Code and sanctions imposed in response to such violations. The report will include discussion of whether any waivers that might be considered important by the board were granted during the period. The report must also certify that the adviser has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from violating the code.
E. REPORT TO SENIOR MANAGEMENT
The Chief Compliance Officer will report to Acadian's Compliance and Executive Committees regarding the annual review of this Code and to bring all material violations to their attention.
F. REPORTING VIOLATIONS
All Access Persons must report violations of Acadian's Code of Ethics promptly to the Chief Compliance Officer or other appropriate Access Persons designated in this Code. This includes the CFO and the Head of Human Resources.
1. CONFIDENTIALITY. Any reports pursuant to Acadian's Code of Ethics will be treated confidentially to the extent permitted by law and investigated promptly and appropriately. Access Persons may submit any violation report referenced herein anonymously.
2. ADVICE OF COUNSEL. Access Persons are encouraged to seek advice from the Chief Compliance Officer with respect to any action or transaction which may violate Acadian's Code of Ethics and should also refrain from any action or transaction with might lead to the appearance of a violation of this Code.
3. APPARENT VIOLATIONS. Acadian encourages Access Persons to report "apparent" or "suspected" violations of the Code of Ethics in addition to actual or known violations of the Code.
4. RETALIATION. Retaliation against any Access Person who reports a violation with respect to Acadian's Code of Ethics is prohibited and constitutes a further violation of this Code.
G. SANCTIONS
Any violation of Acadian's Code of Ethics may result in disciplinary action that the Chief Compliance Officer or other Firm employee(s) responsible for its administration deem appropriate, including but not limited to a warning, fines, disgorgement, suspension, demotion, or termination of employment. In addition to sanctions, violations may result in referral to civil or criminal authorities where appropriate.
H. FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE CODE
Access Persons are encouraged to contact the Chief Compliance Officer (Scott Dias) with any questions about permissible conduct under the Code.
EXHIBIT A
PERSONS RESPONSIBLE FOR CODE ENFORCEMENT
PRIMARY ------- CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER: SCOTT DIAS ALTERNATE REVIEW OFFICER ------------------------ CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER: MARK MINICHIELLO MANAGING DIRECTOR, SINGAPORE OFFICE: RICK BARRY TRAINING -------- HEAD OF HUMAN RESOURCES: JOANN BILES |
ACADIAN'S COMPLIANCE AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE'S ARE ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR CODE OF ETHICS IMPLEMENTATION AND ENFORCEMENT
EXHIBIT B
ACCESS PERSON NEW INVESTMENT ACCOUNT APPROVAL FORM
Access Persons, defined in the Code of Ethics to include all Access Persons and immediate family members (spouse, domestic partner, minor children or anyone living in your household subject to your support), are required to notify Acadian at the time they establish any investment account in which they have a direct or indirect beneficial interest including all accounts in which the access person has sole or shared voting or investment power by contract, arrangement, understanding or relationship.
For each new account disclosed below in which a "covered security" is eligible for purchase, Acadian will directly contact each account custodian to request that Acadian be made an interested third party and that the custodian provide duplicate copies of account statements and trade confirmations directly to Acadian. Duplicate statements will not be requested where the account is only eligible to purchase direct obligations of the U.S. Government, bankers' acceptances, bank certificate of deposits, commercial paper, high quality short term debt instruments and unaffiliated registered open-ended investment companies (mutual funds).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAILING ADDRESS FOR YES/NO
BROKER, DEALER OR BENEFICIAL ABILITY TO
BROKER, DEALER OR BANK WHERE ACCOUNT OWNER OWNERS PURCHASE STOCK,
BANK WHERE ACCOUNT IS HELD (ON OF THE RELATIONSHIP BONDS OR AFFILIATED
IS HELD STATEMENT) ACCOUNT TO YOU ACCOUNT NUMBER MUTUAL FUNDS
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
EXHIBIT C (NEW HIRES)
WRITTEN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RECEIPT OF THE ACADIAN'S CODE
OF ETHICS
o I HAVE RECEIVED A COPY OF THE ACADIAN CODE OF ETHICS.
o I RECOGNIZE THAT I AND MY IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS AS DEFINED IN THE CODE OF ETHICS ARE SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE CODE.
o I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL PROVISIONS OF THE CODE OF ETHICS.
o I HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT ANY PROVISIONS THAT ARE UNCLEAR TO ME.
o I AGREE TO COMPLY WITH THE TERMS OF THE CODE.
EXHIBIT D
WRITTEN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RECEIPT OF THE AMENDMENTS TO
ACADIAN'S CODE OF ETHICS
o I HAVE RECEIVED A COPY OF AMENDMENTS TO THE ACADIAN CODE OF ETHICS.
o I RECOGNIZE THAT I AND MY IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS AS DEFINED IN THE CODE OF ETHICS ARE SUBJECT TO THESE AMENDMENTS AND ALL PROVISIONS OF THE CODE.
o I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THESE AMENDMENTS TO THE CODE OF ETHICS.
o I HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT ANY AMENDMENT THAT IS UNCLEAR TO ME.
o I AGREE TO COMPLY WITH THESES AMENDMENTS AND ALL OTHER TERMS OF THE CODE.
1. Access Persons, defined in the Code of Ethics to include all Access Persons and immediate family members (spouse, domestic partner, minor children or anyone living in your household subject to your support), are required to notify Acadian of any investment account in which they have a direct or indirect beneficial interest including all accounts in which the access person has sole or shared voting or investment power by contract, arrangement, understanding or relationship.
For each account disclosed below in which a "covered security" (ex.. stock, bond or affiliated mutual fund) is eligible for purchase, Acadian will directly contact each account custodian to request that Acadian be made an interested third party and that the custodian provide duplicate copies of account statements and trade confirmations directly to Acadian. Duplicate statements will not be requested where the account is only eligible to purchase direct obligations of the U.S. Government, bankers' acceptances, bank certificate of deposits, commercial paper, high quality short term debt instruments and unaffiliated registered open-ended investment companies (mutual funds). (USE THE CHECK ________ IF ADDENDUM IS BEING USED NEEDED TO DISCLOSE ADDITIONAL ACCOUNTS)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAILING ADDRESS FOR YES/NO
BROKER, DEALER OR BENEFICIAL ABILITY TO
BROKER, DEALER OR BANK WHERE ACCOUNT OWNER OWNERS PURCHASE STOCK,
BANK WHERE ACCOUNT IS HELD (ON OF THE RELATIONSHIP BONDS OR AFFILIATED
IS HELD STATEMENT) ACCOUNT TO YOU ACCOUNT NUMBER MUTUAL FUNDS
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
Access Person Signature Date
2. Except as noted below, I hereby certify that I have no knowledge of the existence of any personal conflict of interest relationship which may involve the Company, such as any economic relationship between my transactions and securities held or to be acquired by the Company or any of its portfolios.
3. As of the date below I had a direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the
following securities. You do not need to report transactions in direct
obligations of the U.S. government, bankers' acceptances, bank certificates
of deposit, commercial paper, high quality short-term debt instruments and
unaffiliated registered open-end investment companies (mutual funds).
PLEASE CHECK THIS BOX IF AN ADDENDUM IS ATTACHED LISTING ADDITIONAL
SECURITIES [ ]
This report (i) excludes transactions with respect to which I had no direct or indirect influence or Control; and (ii) is not an admission that I have or had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the securities listed above.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRICE PER PRINCIPAL TYPE OF
SHARE AS AMOUNT AS OWNERSHIP
NAME OF BROKER, DEALER OR BANK AND # OF OF LAST OF LAST (DIRECT OR
ACCOUNT NUMBER NAME OF SECURITY SHARES STATEMENT STATEMENT INDIRECT)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
Directors who are not "interested persons" of the Company are required to complete this form but are not required to make a report of personal securities holdings.
------------------------------- -------------------------------------- Access Person name Compliance Date ------------------------------------- Access Person Signature Date |
EXHIBIT E (NEW HIRE)
INITIAL REPORT OF ACCESS PERSON
ADDENDUM (PAGE 3)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAILING ADDRESS FOR YES/NO
BROKER, DEALER OR BENEFICIAL ABILITY TO
BROKER, DEALER OR BANK WHERE ACCOUNT OWNER OWNERS PURCHASE STOCK,
BANK WHERE ACCOUNT IS HELD (ON OF THE RELATIONSHIP BONDS OR AFFILIATED
IS HELD STATEMENT) ACCOUNT TO YOU ACCOUNT NUMBER MUTUAL FUNDS
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRICE PER PRINCIPAL TYPE OF
SHARE AS AMOUNT AS OWNERSHIP
NAME OF BROKER, DEALER OR BANK AND # OF OF LAST OF LAST (DIRECT OR
ACCOUNT NUMBER NAME OF SECURITY SHARES STATEMENT STATEMENT INDIRECT)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
Directors who are not "interested persons" of the Company are required to complete this form but are not required to make a report of personal securities holdings.
------------------------------- -------------------------------------- Access Person name Compliance Date ------------------------------------- Access Person Signature Date |
EXHIBIT F
ANNUAL CERTIFICATION AND WRITTEN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF
RECEIPT OF ACADIAN'S CODE OF ETHICS AND ANNUAL REPORT OF
ACCESS PERSONS (PAGE 1)
o I HAVE A COPY OF THE ACADIAN CODE OF ETHICS AND ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF ANY AMENDMENTS DURING THE PAST YEAR.
o I RECOGNIZE THAT I AND MY IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS AS DEFINED IN THE CODE OF ETHICS ARE SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE CODE.
o I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL PROVISIONS OF THE CODE OF ETHICS.
o I HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT ANY PROVISIONS THAT ARE UNCLEAR TO ME.
o IT IS MY BELIEF THAT I HAVE COMPLIED WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE CODE OF ETHICS DURING THE PAST YEAR INCLUDING THE REPORTING OF ALL SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS.
EXHIBIT F
ANNUAL CERTIFICATION AND WRITTEN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF
RECEIPT OF ACADIAN'S CODE OF ETHICS AND ANNUAL REPORT OF
ACCESS PERSONS (PAGE 2)
1. Except as noted below, I hereby certify that I have no knowledge of the existence of any personal conflict of interest relationship which may involve the Company, such as any economic relationship between my transactions and securities held or to be acquired by the Company or any of its portfolios.
2. As of December 31, 200__, I had a direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the securities listed below. You do not need to report transactions in direct obligations of the U.S. government, bankers' acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper, high quality short-term debt instruments and unaffiliated registered open-end investment companies (mutual funds). PLEASE CHECK THIS BOX IF AN ADDENDUM IS ATTACHED LISTING ADDITIONAL SECURITIES [ ]
This report (i) excludes transactions with respect to which I had no direct or indirect influence or Control; and (ii) is not an admission that I have or had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the securities listed above.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRICE PER PRINCIPAL TYPE OF
SHARE AS AMOUNT AS OWNERSHIP
NAME OF BROKER, DEALER OR BANK AND # OF OF LAST OF LAST (DIRECT OR
ACCOUNT NUMBER NAME OF SECURITY SHARES STATEMENT STATEMENT INDIRECT)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
------------------------------- -------------------------------------- Access Person name Compliance Date ------------------------------------- Access Person Signature Date |
EXHIBIT F
ANNUAL CERTIFICATION AND WRITTEN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF
RECEIPT OF ACADIAN'S CODE OF ETHICS AND ANNUAL REPORT OF
ACCESS PERSONS (PAGE 3)
3. As of the date below I maintain accounts with the brokers, dealers or banks listed below to hold securities for my direct or indirect benefit. PLEASE CHECK THIS BOX IF AN ADDENDUM IS ATTACHED LISTING ADDITIONAL ACCOUNTS [ ] BROKER, DEALER OR
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAILING ADDRESS FOR YES/NO
BROKER, DEALER OR BENEFICIAL ABILITY TO
BROKER, DEALER OR BANK WHERE ACCOUNT OWNER OWNERS PURCHASE STOCK,
BANK WHERE ACCOUNT IS HELD (ON OF THE RELATIONSHIP BONDS OR AFFILIATED
IS HELD STATEMENT) ACCOUNT TO YOU ACCOUNT NUMBER MUTUAL FUNDS
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
--------------------------------- -------------------------------------- Access Person name Compliance Date --------------------------------------- Access Person Signature Date |
EXHIBIT F
ANNUAL CERTIFICATION AND WRITTEN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF
RECEIPT OF ACADIAN'S CODE OF ETHICS AND ANNUAL REPORT OF
ACCESS PERSONS (ADDENDUM - PAGE 4)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAILING ADDRESS FOR YES/NO
BROKER, DEALER OR BENEFICIAL ABILITY TO
BROKER, DEALER OR BANK WHERE ACCOUNT OWNER OWNERS PURCHASE STOCK,
BANK WHERE ACCOUNT IS HELD (ON OF THE RELATIONSHIP BONDS OR AFFILIATED
IS HELD STATEMENT) ACCOUNT TO YOU ACCOUNT NUMBER MUTUAL FUNDS
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRICE PER PRINCIPAL TYPE OF
SHARE AS AMOUNT AS OWNERSHIP
NAME OF BROKER, DEALER OR BANK AND # OF OF LAST OF LAST (DIRECT OR
ACCOUNT NUMBER NAME OF SECURITY SHARES STATEMENT STATEMENT INDIRECT)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
Directors who are not "interested persons" of the Company are required to complete this form but are not required to make a report of personal securities holdings.
------------------------------- -------------------------------------- Access Person name Compliance Date ------------------------------------- Access Person Signature Date |
EXHIBIT G
ACCESS PERSON SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS REPORT FOR THE CALENDAR
MONTH ENDED:_________________(PAGE 1)
(SUBMIT WITHIN 10 DAYS OF MONTH END)
1. During the month referred to above, the following transactions were effected in securities of which I had, or by reason of such transaction acquired, direct or indirect beneficial ownership, and which are required to be reported pursuant to the Code of Ethics adopted by the Company. (if none were transacted, write "none"). You do not need to report transactions in direct obligations of the U.S. government, bankers' acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper, high quality short-term debt instruments and unaffiliated registered open-end investment companies (mutual funds). PLEASE CHECK THIS BOX IF AN ADDENDUM IS ATTACHED LISTING ADDITIONAL SECURITIES [ ]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRICE PER PRINCIPAL TYPE OF
SHARE AS AMOUNT AS OWNERSHIP
NAME OF BROKER, DEALER OR BANK AND # OF OF MONTH OF MONTH (DIRECT OR
ACCOUNT NUMBER NAME OF SECURITY SHARES END END INDIRECT)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
Directors who are not "interested persons" of the Company are required to complete this form but are not required to make a report of personal securities holdings.
------------------------------- -------------------------------------- Access Person name Compliance Date ------------------------------------- Access Person Signature Date |
EXHIBIT G
ACCESS PERSON SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS REPORT FOR THE CALENDAR
MONTH ENDED:_________________(PAGE 2)
2. During the month referred to above, I established the following accounts in which securities were held during the month for my direct or indirect benefit (if none were opened, write "none"). PLEASE CHECK THIS BOX IF AN ADDENDUM IS ATTACHED LISTING ADDITIONAL ACCOUNTS [ ]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAILING ADDRESS FOR YES/NO
BROKER, DEALER OR BENEFICIAL ABILITY TO
BROKER, DEALER OR BANK WHERE ACCOUNT OWNER OWNERS PURCHASE STOCK,
BANK WHERE ACCOUNT IS HELD (ON OF THE RELATIONSHIP BONDS OR AFFILIATED
IS HELD STATEMENT) ACCOUNT TO YOU ACCOUNT NUMBER MUTUAL FUNDS
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
3. Except as noted on the reverse side of this report, I hereby certify that I have no knowledge of the existence of any personal conflict of interest relationship which may involve the Company, such as the existence of any economic relationship between my transactions and securities held or to be acquired by the Company or any of its portfolios.
------------------------------- -------------------------------------- Access Person name Compliance Date ------------------------------------- Access Person Signature Date |
EXHIBIT G
ACCESS PERSON SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS REPORT FOR THE CALENDAR
MONTH ENDED:_________________(ADDENDUM - PAGE 3)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAILING ADDRESS FOR YES/NO
BROKER, DEALER OR BENEFICIAL ABILITY TO
BROKER, DEALER OR BANK WHERE ACCOUNT OWNER OWNERS PURCHASE STOCK,
BANK WHERE ACCOUNT IS HELD (ON OF THE RELATIONSHIP BONDS OR AFFILIATED
IS HELD STATEMENT) ACCOUNT TO YOU ACCOUNT NUMBER MUTUAL FUNDS
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRICE PER PRINCIPAL TYPE OF
SHARE AS AMOUNT AS OWNERSHIP
NAME OF BROKER, DEALER OR BANK AND # OF OF MONTH OF MONTH (DIRECT OR
ACCOUNT NUMBER NAME OF SECURITY SHARES END END INDIRECT)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
Directors who are not "interested persons" of the Company are required to complete this form but are not required to make a report of personal securities holdings.
------------------------------- -------------------------------------- Access Person name Compliance Date ------------------------------------- Access Person Signature Date |
EXHIBIT H
SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS REPORT RELATING TO SHORT-TERM TRADING FOR THE SIXTY-DAY PERIOD FROM________TO ____________ (PAGE 1)
During the sixty (60) calendar day period referred to above, the following purchases and sales, or sales and purchases, of the same (or equivalent) securities were effected or are proposed to be effected in securities of which I have, or by reason of such transaction acquired, direct or indirect beneficial ownership. (Please provide information for the original and the proposed trade.) You do not need to report transactions in direct obligations of the U.S. government, bankers' acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper, high quality short-term debt instruments and unaffiliated registered open-end investment companies (mutual funds).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSACTION 1: [ ] AUTHORIZED
[ ] NOT AUTHORIZED
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME OF BROKER, DEALER OR BANK NAME OF ORIGINAL BUY/SELL PRICE NUMBER OF PRINCIPAL
AND ACCOUNT NUMBER SECURITY TRANSACTION DATE OTHER PER SHARE SHARES AMOUNT
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME OF BROKER, DEALER OR BANK NAME OF PROPOSED BUY/SELL PRICE NUMBER OF PRINCIPAL
AND ACCOUNT NUMBER SECURITY TRANSACTION DATE OTHER PER SHARE SHARES AMOUNT
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSACTION 2: [ ] AUTHORIZED
[ ] NOT AUTHORIZED
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME OF BROKER, DEALER OR BANK NAME OF ORIGINAL BUY/SELL PRICE NUMBER OF PRINCIPAL
AND ACCOUNT NUMBER SECURITY TRANSACTION DATE OTHER PER SHARE SHARES AMOUNT
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME OF BROKER, DEALER OR BANK NAME OF PROPOSED BUY/SELL PRICE NUMBER OF PRINCIPAL
AND ACCOUNT NUMBER SECURITY TRANSACTION DATE OTHER PER SHARE SHARES AMOUNT
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSACTION 3: [ ] AUTHORIZED
[ ] NOT AUTHORIZED
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME OF BROKER, DEALER OR BANK NAME OF ORIGINAL BUY/SELL PRICE NUMBER OF PRINCIPAL
AND ACCOUNT NUMBER SECURITY TRANSACTION DATE OTHER PER SHARE SHARES AMOUNT
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME OF BROKER, DEALER OR BANK NAME OF PROPOSED BUY/SELL PRICE NUMBER OF PRINCIPAL
AND ACCOUNT NUMBER SECURITY TRANSACTION DATE OTHER PER SHARE SHARES AMOUNT
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSACTION 4: [ ] AUTHORIZED
[ ] NOT AUTHORIZED
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME OF BROKER, DEALER OR BANK NAME OF ORIGINAL BUY/SELL PRICE NUMBER OF PRINCIPAL
AND ACCOUNT NUMBER SECURITY TRANSACTION DATE OTHER PER SHARE SHARES AMOUNT
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME OF BROKER, DEALER OR BANK NAME OF PROPOSED BUY/SELL PRICE NUMBER OF PRINCIPAL
AND ACCOUNT NUMBER SECURITY TRANSACTION DATE OTHER PER SHARE SHARES AMOUNT
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
This report (i) excludes transactions with respect to which I had no direct or indirect influence or Control; and (ii) is not an admission that I have or had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the securities listed above.
------------------------------- -------------------------------------- Access Person name Compliance Date ------------------------------------- Access Person Signature Date |
EXHIBIT H
SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS REPORT RELATING TO SHORT-TERM TRADING FOR THE SIXTY-DAY PERIOD FROM________TO ____________ (PAGE 2)
With respect to my status as an Access Person of the Company, and transactions in the securities set forth in the table on page 1 of this report, I hereby certify that:
(a) I have no knowledge of the existence of any personal conflict of interest relationship which may involve any of the Portfolios managed by the Company, such as frontrunning transactions or the existence of any economic relationship between my transactions and securities held or to be acquired by any Portfolio;
(b) such securities, including securities that are economically related to such securities, involved in the transaction are not (i) Being Considered for Purchase or Sale by any Portfolio managed by the Company, or (ii) Being Purchased or Sold by any Portfolio; and
(c) such transactions are in compliance with the Code of Ethics of the Company.
------------------------------- -------------------------------------- Access Person name Compliance Date ------------------------------------- Access Person Signature Date |
EXHIBIT I
PERSONAL SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS PRE-CLEARANCE FORM
I hereby request pre-clearance of the securities listed below. I am aware that each pre-clearance is only effective until the close of the next trading day from which it was granted unless granted on a Friday then it will expire at the close of the US markets on Friday. The Access Person is required to obtain additional preclearance if the trade is not completed before the authority expires.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSACTION
TYPE (I.E. COMPLIANCE
NAME OF BROKER, DEALER OR BANK SYMBOL/NAME PRICE PER PRINCIPAL BUY, SELL, AUTHORIZED
AND ACCOUNT NUMBER OF SECURITY # OF SHARES SHARE AMOUNT ETC.) YES NO
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
This report (i) excludes transactions with respect to which I had no direct or indirect influence or Control; and (ii) is not an admission that I have or had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the securities listed above.
Is any proposed transaction described above within sixty (60) days of a prior transaction in the same or equivalent Security? Yes: [ ] No: [ ]
If yes, the Access Person must submit a Securities Transactions Report Relating to Short Term Trading (Exhibit E) for preapproval.
Is any proposed transaction described above considered an Initial Public Offering (IPO) or Private Placement? Yes: [ ] No: [ ] (If yes, the Compliance Officer should prepare a memorandum describing the reasons for preapproving the transaction pursuant to Section B(2)(b) of the Code.)
------------------------------- -------------------------------------- Access Person name Compliance Date ------------------------------------- Access Person Signature Date |
EXHIBIT J
ACCESS PERSON RELATIONSHIP REPORT
PLEASE COMPLETE A SEPARATE REPORT FOR EACH RELATIONSHIP
Please disclose your position as an officer, director, trustee, partner, or Controlling person in any other company or business venture, or as a member of an investment organization. For existing Access Persons, please remember to provide the requested information to the Chief Compliance Officer for review prior to accepting the position.
1. Name of Organization:_______________________________
2. Type of Organization:_______________________________
3. Your position:______________________________________
4. Start Date of Affiliation:__________________________
5. Is this a client or publicly traded company? Yes No
6. Do you have an equity interest in the organization? Yes No
7. Do you have any investment responsibilities on behalf of the organization?
Yes No
8. Provide a description of your role and responsibilities______________________
------------------------------- -------------------------------------- Access Person name Compliance Date ------------------------------------- Access Person Signature Date |
EXHIBIT K
ACCESS PERSON PARTNERSHIP REPORT
PLEASE COMPLETE A SEPARATE REPORT FOR EACH PARTNERSHIP
Any partnership or similar arrangement, either participated in or formulated by an Access Person, should be disclosed to the Chief Compliance Officer. For existing Access Persons, please remember to provide the requested information to the Chief Compliance Officer for review prior to accepting forming or joining the partnership.
1. Name of Partnership:_____________________________
2. Type of Organization:______________________________
3. Your position:______________________________________
4. Start Date of Affiliation:__________________________
5. Any clients involved? Yes No
6. Do you have an equity interest in the partnership? Yes No
7. Do you have any investment responsibilities on behalf of the partnership?
Yes No
8. Provide a description of your role and responsibilities______________________
------------------------------- -------------------------------------- Access Person name Compliance Date ------------------------------------- Access Person Signature Date |
EXHIBIT L
EMPLOYEE ENTERTAIMENT FORM WHEN ANTICIPATED BENEFIT WILL
EXCEED $250.
1. Name and department of Acadian employee who will be attending the event:_____
2. Date of event:_______________________________________________________________
3. Location:____________________________________________________________________
4. Purpose:_____________________________________________________________________
5. Name of Company sponsoring the event or offering the event:__________________
6. Name and title of Company representative offering the event:_________________
7. Anticipated benefits and value received:_____________________________________
8. Have you received or accepted any other entertainment or gifts from this individual or company since January 1 of this year? Yes No
If Yes, provide details on when, what and what amount___________________________
EXHIBIT M
ACCESS PERSON QUARTERLY REPORT OF GIFTS OR ENTERTAINMENT
RECEIVED
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IF EVENT,
WAS COMPANY ACTUAL OR
DATE OF NAME AND TITLE OF NAME OF COMPANY REP. APPROXIMATE
GIFT/EVENT INDIVIDUAL PROVIDING PROVIDING PRESENT DESCRIPTION OF GIFT/EVENT VALUE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
EXHIBIT N
BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPROVAL
The undersigned, being all of the Directors of Acadian Asset Management, Inc. hereby consent to the adoption of the following resolutions with the same effect as though they had been adopted at a meeting of the Directors of Acadian Asset Management:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors authorizes the adoption of the Acadian Code of Ethics, effective February 1, 2005, a copy of which is here attached.
-------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- Gary L. Bergstrom Date -------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- Ronald D. Frashure Date -------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- Churchill G. Franklin Date -------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- John R. Chisholm Date -------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- Scott F. Powers Date |
APPENDIX A
"ACCESS PERSON" includes:
a. Any officer, director or employee of Acadian (or other person
occupying a similar status or performing a similar function);
b. Any other person who provides advice on behalf of Acadian and is
subject to Acadian's supervision and control; and
c. Any temporary worker, consultant, independent contractor, or any
particular person designated by the Chief Compliance Officer.
d. "IMMEDIATE FAMILY" member is defined to include any relative by blood
or marriage living in an Access Person's household (spouse, minor
children, a domestic partner etc.), or someone who is primarily
supported financial by the Access Person.
e. Any person who's account you have a direct or indirect beneficial
interest in, including investment accounts where you act as trustee,
power or attorney or have some sort of legal authority.
"Access person" is a person who:
a. has access to nonpublic information regarding any client's purchase or
sale of securities, or nonpublic information regarding the portfolio
holdings of any investment company Acadian or its control affiliates
manage;
b. is involved in making securities recommendations to clients, or has
access to such recommendations that are nonpublic; or
c. is a director or officer of Acadian (or other person occupying a
similar status or performing a similar function).
"BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP" is to be determined in the same manner as it is for purposes of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations thereunder which, generally speaking, encompasses those situations where the Beneficial Owner has the right to enjoy some economic benefit from the investment account or ownership of the Security. "DIRECT" means that the account is in the name of the access person. "INDIRECT" means the account is in the name of another party but you have an interest i.e. spouse's account.
"CLIENTS" mean those persons or entities for whom the Company acts as investment manager or fiduciary, including any trusts or funds which fall under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
"SECURITY" is defined to include:
o options on securities, on indexes and on currencies;
o futures contracts;
o limited partnerships (including limited liability and other companies
that are treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax
purposes);
o foreign unit trusts and foreign mutual funds;
o closed-end investment companies;
48
|
o shares of open-end mutual funds that are advised or sub-advised by
Acadian or one of Acadian's affiliates, including all companies under
the Old Mutual umbrellas*; and
o private investment funds, hedge funds, and investment clubs;
|
but specifically does not include:
o direct obligations of the U.S. government;
o bankers' acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper,
and high quality short-term debt obligations, including repurchase
agreements;
o shares issued by money market funds (domiciled inside or outside the
United States);
o shares of open-end mutual funds that are not advised or sub-advised by
Acadian or one of Acadian's affiliates, including all companies under
the Old Mutual umbrellas; and
o shares issued by unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively
in one or more open-end funds, none of which are funds advised or
sub-advised by Acadian or one of Acadian's affiliates, including all
companies under the Old Mutual umbrellas.
"NON-RESIDENT DIRECTOR" means any director of the Company who does not maintain a business address at the Company and who does not, in the ordinary cause of his or her business, receive current information regarding the purchase or sale of securities by the Company or information regarding recommendations concerning the purchase or sale of securities by the Company.
APPENDIX B
ANSWERS TO COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I. FIDUCIARY DUTY AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Conflicts of interest can arise in any number of situations. No comprehensive list of all possible conflicts of interest can be provided in this memorandum. However, the following example may be helpful. Consider these two cases: an Access Person seeking to induce a bank to give the Access Person a loan in exchange for maintaining excessive cash balances of a Client with the bank, and an Access Person executing trades for a Client through a broker-dealer that provides research services for the Company but charges commissions higher than other broker-dealers. In the first case, such activity would be a violation of an Access Person's fiduciary duty and might subject the Access Person and the Company to liability under the Advisers Act and other applicable laws. In the latter case, if the Company determines in good faith that the higher commissions are reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided, the payment of higher commissions may be permitted under the safe harbor of Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 -- as long as appropriate disclosure is made to the Client and in the Company's Form ADV.
Another common conflict of interest occurs when the Company pays some consideration to a person for recommending the Company as an adviser. In those circumstances, an Access Person must make disclosure to any prospective Client of any consideration paid for recommending the Company's services to that prospective Client and the Company must comply with Rule 206(4)-3 of the Advisers Act. This Rule governs situations involving cash payments for Client solicitations and requires that specific disclosure documents containing information about the solicitor and the adviser be provided to a prospective Client at the time of the solicitation.
The Company and its Access Persons have a fiduciary duty to act for the benefit of the Clients and to take action on the Clients' behalf before taking action in the interest of any Access Person or the Company.
The manner in which any Access Person discharges this fiduciary duty depends on the circumstances. Sometimes general disclosure of common conflicts of interest may suffice. In other circumstances, explicit consent of the Client to the particular transaction giving rise to a conflict of interest may be required or an Access Person may be prohibited from engaging in the transaction regardless of whether the Client consents.
The Client's consent will not in all cases insulate the Access Person against a claim of breach of the Access Person's fiduciary duty. Full disclosure of all material facts must be given if consent is to be effective. As a result, consents concerning possible future breaches of laws will not usually work. However, waivers of known past violations may be effective. In addition, a Client under the Control and influence of the Access Person or who has come to rely on the Access Person's investment decisions cannot effectively consent to a conflict of interest or breach of fiduciary duty. Consent must be competent, informed and freely given.
The duty to disclose and obtain a Client's consent to a conflict of interest must always be undertaken in a manner consistent with the Access Person's duty to deal fairly with the Client. Therefore, even when taking action with a Client's consent, each Access Person must always seek to assure that the action taken is fair to the Client.
If any Access Person is faced with any conflict of interest, he or she should consult the Chief Compliance Officer or designee prior to taking any action.
II. MATERIAL INSIDE INFORMATION
All Company staff and all persons -- friends, relatives, business associates and others -- who receive nonpublic material inside information from Company staff concerning an issuer of securities (whether such issuer is a Client or not) are subject to these rules. It does not matter whether the issuer is public or private.
At the Company, the rules apply to officers, marketing, advisory, administrative, secretarial, or other staff. Furthermore, if any Access Person gives nonpublic material inside information concerning an issuer of securities to a person outside the Company and that person trades in securities of that issuer, the Access Person and that person may have both civil and criminal liability.
Generally speaking, material inside information is significant information about an issuer's business or operations (past, present or prospective) that becomes known to an Access Person and which is not otherwise available to the public. While the exact meaning of the word "material" is not entirely clear, it turns on whether the information about an issuer would influence an investor in any investment decision concerning that issuer's securities and whether the information has not already been disclosed to the public. Under current court decisions, it makes no difference whether the material inside information is good or bad. Needless to say, if the undisclosed information would influence an Access Person's own decision to buy or sell or to trade for a Client or the Company, the information probably is material and an Access Person should not trade or permit the Company to trade for a Client or itself until it has been publicly disclosed.
Here is an example that should clarify the difference between the two. Suppose the Company is engaged by the president of a publicly traded corporation to provide advice concerning her personal pension fund and while working on the matter an Access Person learns the amount of alimony she pays to her former spouse. That discovery should be kept confidential, but it almost certainly has no bearing on the value of her corporation's securities (i.e., it is not material) and, in fact, it probably is not "inside information" about the corporation itself. Accordingly, an Access Person of the Company could buy or sell securities of that issuer so long as the Access Person possesses no material nonpublic information about the corporation. But disclosure of the president's alimony payments would be entirely improper and in breach of fiduciary duty.
In other words, confidential information should never be disclosed, but it is not always material inside information. Knowing it is not necessarily an impediment to participating in the securities markets concerning a particular issuer.
Yes. While the following list is by no means complete, information about the following subjects is particularly sensitive:
a. Dividends, stock dividends and stock splits.
b. Sales and earnings and forecasts of sales and earnings.
c. Changes in previously disclosed financial information.
d. Corporate acquisitions, tender offers, major joint ventures or
merger proposals.
e. Significant negotiations, new contracts or changes in significant
business relationships.
f. Changes in Control or a significant change in management.
g. Adoption of stock option plans or other significant compensation
plans.
h. Proposed public or private sales of additional or new securities.
i. Significant changes in operations.
j. Large sales or purchases of stock by principal stockholders.
k. Purchases or sales of substantial corporate assets, or decisions
or agreements to make any such purchase or sale.
1. Significant increases or declines in backlogs of orders.
m. Significant new products to be introduced.
n. Write-offs.
o. Changes in accounting methods.
p. Unusual corporate developments such as major layoffs, personnel
furloughs or unscheduled vacations for a significant number of
workers.
q. Labor slowdowns, work stoppages, strikes, or the pending
negotiation of a significant labor contract.
r. Significant reductions in the availability of goods from
suppliers or shortages of these goods.
s. Extraordinary borrowings.
t. Major litigation.
u. Governmental investigations concerning the Company or any of its
officers or directors.
v. Financial liquidity problems.
w. Bankruptcy proceedings.
x. Establishment of a program to repurchase outstanding securities.
Federal law, and the policy of the Company, prohibit any Access Person from using material inside information, whether obtained in the course of working at the Company or otherwise, for his or her private gain, for the Company's gain or for a Client's gain and prohibit any Access Person from furnishing such information to others for their private gain. This is true whether or not the information is considered "confidential". When in doubt, the information should be presumed to be material and not to have been disclosed to the public. No trades should be
executed for any Access Person, any Client or for the Company, if the person executing the trade or the Company has material inside information about the issuer.
Under the federal securities laws, it is illegal to disclose (or "tip") material inside information to another person who subsequently uses that information for his or her profit.
Questions regarding whether such information may constitute "inside" information should be referred to the Chief Compliance Officer.
To the public. Public disclosure of material events is usually made by means of an official press release or filing with the SEC. An Access Person's disclosure to a broker or other person will not be effective, and such Access Person may face civil or criminal liability if such Access Person (or the person to whom the Access Person makes disclosure) trades on the basis of the information. Company staff should be aware that in most cases they are not authorized to disclose material events about an issuer to the public and that right usually belongs to the issuer alone.
If an Access Person sees information in a newspaper or public magazine, that information will clearly have been disclosed. Information in a filing with the SEC or a press release will also have been disclosed. However, the courts have said that one should wait for a reasonable period of time after the publication, filing or release date to assure that the information has been widely disseminated and that the public has had sufficient time to evaluate the news. If any Access Person has any questions about whether information has been disclosed, such Access Person should not trade in the affected securities.
Company staff may not purchase or sell any securities about which they have inside information for their own, the Company's or for a Client's account or cause Clients to trade on such information until after such information becomes public. The foregoing prohibition applies whether or not the material inside information is the basis for the trade. Company staff should be alert for information they receive about issuers on their recommendation or approved lists that may be material inside information. Whenever Company staff come into possession of what they believe may be material nonpublic information about an issuer, they should notify the Chief Compliance Officer because the Company as a whole may have an obligation not to trade in the securities of the issuer.
The Chief Compliance Officer or his designee will oversee matters relating to inside information and prohibitions on insider trading. Currently, all questions should be addressed to Scott Dias or, in his absence, Mark Minichiello.
III. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
An investment adviser has a fiduciary duty to its Clients not to divulge information obtained in connection with its services as an adviser. Therefore, all information, whether of a personal or business nature, that an Access Person obtains about a Client's affairs during employment with the Company should be treated as confidential both during the Access Persons employment and after employment terminates. Such information may sometimes include information about non-Clients, and that information should likewise be held in confidence. Even the fact that the Company advises a particular Client should ordinarily be treated as confidential.
All personnel -- officers and advisory, marketing, administrative and secretarial staff -- are subject to these policies. (For the sake of convenience, this group is sometimes referred to in this memorandum as "Company staff").
Since an investment adviser has a fiduciary duty to its Clients not to divulge information obtained from or about a Client in connection with its services as an adviser, Company staff must not repeat or disclose confidential information received from or about Clients outside the Company to anyone, including relatives, friends or strangers. Any misuse of confidential information about a Client is a disservice to the Client that may cause both the Client and the Company substantial injury. Failure to comply with this policy may have very serious consequences for Company staff and for the Company, including termination and criminal action.
There are a number of steps Company staff should take to help preserve Client and other confidences, including the following:
i. Company staff should be sensitive to the problem of inadvertent or accidental disclosure. Careless conversation, naming names or describing details of a current or proposed trade, investment or transaction in a lounge, hallway, elevator or restore, or in a train, taxi, airplane, restaurant or other public place, can result in the disclosure of confidential information and should be strictly avoided.
ii. Maintenance of confidentiality requires careful safeguarding of papers and documents, both inside and outside the Company. Documents and papers should be kept in appropriately marked file folders and locked in file cabinets when appropriate.
iii. If an Access Person uses a speakerphone, the Access Person should be careful to refrain from using it in any way that might increase the likelihood of accidental
disclosure. Use caution, for example, when participating in a speakerphone conversation dealing with confidential information if the office door is open, or if the speakerphone volume is set too high. The same applies if an Access Person knows or suspects that a speakerphone or a second extension phone is being used at the other end of a telephone conversation.
iv. In especially sensitive situations, it may be necessary to establish barriers to the exchange of information within the Company and to take other steps to prevent the leak of confidential information.
APPENDIX C
Acadian, an investment adviser and sub-adviser to certain Investment Company Act mutual funds, follows specific procedures mandated by Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act and any other reporting requirements required by the Trust or investment adviser whose fund Acadian advises.
I. SEI INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENTS TRUST
This section applies to the SEI Institutional Investments Trust (the "Trust").
In the instances where the Company serves as an investment advisor to the Trust, the Company will:
1. Submit to the Board of Trustees of the Trust a copy of its code of ethics adopted pursuant to Rule 17j-1, which code shall comply with the recommendations of the Investment Company Institute's Advisory Group on Personal Investing;
2. Promptly report to the Trust in writing any material amendments to such Code;
3. Promptly furnish to the Trust upon request copies of any reports made pursuant to such Code by any person who is an Access Person as to the Trust, and
4. Shall immediately furnish to the Trust, without request, all material information regarding any violation of such Code by any person who is an Access Person as to the Trust.
II. ADVISERS IN A CIRCLE - ACADIAN EMERGING MARKETS PORTFOLIO
This section applies to the AIC Acadian Emerging Markets Portfolio (the "Fund").
A. REPORTING OF VIOLATIONS TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE FUND
1. The Compliance Officer of the Fund shall promptly report to the Board of Directors of the Fund ("the Board") all material violations of this Code of Ethics and the reporting requirements thereunder.
2. When the Compliance Officer of the Fund finds that a transaction otherwise reportable to the Board under Paragraph 1.) of this Section could not reasonably be found to have resulted in a fraud, deceit or manipulative practice in violation of Rule 17j-1(a), he may, in his discretion, lodge a written memorandum of such finding and the reasons therefore with the reports made pursuant to this Code of Ethics, in lieu of reporting the transaction to the Board.
3. The Board, or a Committee of Directors created by the Board for that purpose, shall consider reports made to the Board hereunder and shall determine whether or not this Code of Ethics has been violated and what sanctions, if any, should be imposed.
B. ANNUAL REPORTING TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE FUND
The Compliance Officer of the Fund shall prepare an annual report relating to this Code of Ethics to the Board. Such annual report shall:
1. summarize existing procedures concerning personal investing and any changes in the procedures made during the past year;
2. identify material violations requiring significant remedial actions during the past year; and
3. identify any recommended changes in the existing restrictions or procedures based upon the Fund's experience under its Code of Ethics, evolving industry practices or developments in applicable laws or regulations.
C. SANCTIONS
Upon discovering a violation of this Code, the Board of Directors may
impose such sanctions as they deem appropriate, including, among other
things, a letter of censure or suspension or termination of the employment
of the violator.
D. MISCELLANEOUS
In the event of conflict between the Code of Ethics and the terms of the
Code of Ethics of the Fund, the terms of the Fund's Code will govern.
EXHIBIT p.4
ENGEMANN ASSET MANAGEMENT
CODE OF ETHICS
ENGEMANN ASSET MANAGEMENT
CODE OF ETHICS
This Code of Ethics (the "Code") applies to all Access Persons, as defined in Section 1(a) below, of Engemann Asset Management ("Engemann" or "the Company").
(a) "Access Person" means, for the purposes of the Code, all employees of Engemann.
(b) "Affiliated Mutual Funds" means any Phoenix Funds.
(c) "Federal Securities Laws" means the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, Title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, any rules adopted by the SEC under any of these statutes, the Bank Secrecy Act as it applies to fund and investment advisers, and any rules adopted thereunder by the SEC or the Department of Treasury.
(d) "Initial Public Offering" means an offering of securities registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the issuer of which, immediately before the registration, was not subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
(e) "Personal Account" means every account for which an Access Person, directly or indirectly, influences or controls the investment decisions of such account. This would include any account of (a) any Access Person, (b) the spouse of such Access Person, (c) any children living in the same household of such Access Person, and/or (d) any other person residing in the same household of such Access Person. Each account shall be deemed a personal account of the Access Person UNLESS such Access Person certifies in writing to the Company's Compliance Department for each applicable personal account that: (i) the certifying Access Person does not influence the investment decisions for such account, (ii) the person or persons making the investment decisions for such account do not make such decisions, in whole or in part, based upon any information provided by the certifying Access Person. (For example, if an Access Person has established a personal account with an investment adviser or broker/dealer and has signed a written contract giving the investment adviser or broker/dealer full discretion over the personal account).
(f) "Purchase or sale of a security" includes, among other things, the writing of an option to purchase or sell a security or the purchase or sale of a security that is exchangeable for or convertible into a security.
(g) "Secondary Offering" means an offering of securities of a publicly traded company that prior to the offering were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(h) "Security" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(36) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, except that is shall not include securities issued by the Government of the United States, bankers' acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercials paper, shares purchased in an automatic dividend reinvestment plan, shares of non-affiliated registered open-end investment companies (" non-affiliated mutual funds") and shares of money-market mutual funds.
Engemann, and all its Access Persons have an ongoing fiduciary responsibility to the Company's clients and must ensure that the needs of the clients always come first. Engemann holds its Access Persons to a very high standard of integrity and business practices. In serving its clients, the Company and its Access Persons must at all times deal with clients in an honest and ethical manner and comply with all the Federal Securities Laws.
While affirming its confidence in the integrity and good faith of all of its Access Persons, Engemann recognizes that the knowledge of present or future portfolio transactions or the power to influence portfolio transactions, if held by such individuals, places them in a position where their personal interests might conflict with the interests of the Company's clients. Such conflicts of interest could arise if securities are bought or sold for personal accounts in a manner that would significantly compete with the purchase or sale of securities for clients or if securities are bought or sold for client accounts in a manner that is advantageous to such personal accounts.
Because the Company is a fiduciary to its clients, each Access Person must avoid actual and apparent conflicts of interest with the Company's clients. Therefore, in view of the foregoing and in accordance with the provisions of Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act, Engemann has adopted the Code to specify and prohibit certain types of activity deemed to create conflicts of interest (or at least the potential for or the appearance of such a conflict) and to outline reporting requirements and enforcement procedures.
In addition, when Access Persons covered by the terms of the Code engage in the types of activity described in Section 4 below, they must adhere to the following general principles as well as to the Code's specific provisions:
(a) At all times, the interests of the Company's clients must come first;
(b) Personal security transactions must be conducted consistent with the Code in a manner that avoids any actual or potential conflict of interest; and
(c) No inappropriate advantage should be taken of any position of trust and responsibility.
It is unlawful for any Access Person:
(a) To employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud a client;
(b) To make any untrue statement of a material fact to any of the Company's clients or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made to a client, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading;
(c) To engage in any act, practice or course of business that operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit on a client; or
(d) To engage in any manipulative practice with respect to a client.
(a) IPO Rule: No Access Person may purchase or sell shares of any Security in an Initial Public Offering or Secondary Offering (including offers through the Internet).
(b) Limited Offering Rule: No Access Person may purchase or sell shares of any Security in a limited offering without prior written approval from the Company's Compliance Department.
(c) Private Placement Rule: No Access Person may purchase or sell shares of a Security in a private placement without prior written approval from the Company's Compliance Department.
(d) Pre-clearance Rule: No Access Person may purchase or sell a Security without prior written approval from the Company's Compliance Department. Pre-clearance is valid through the next business day following the day pre-clearance is given, unless an extension is granted in writing by the Company's Compliance Department. In addition, the Company's Compliance Department may deny approval of any transaction requiring pre-clearance, even if the transaction is normally permitted under the Code, if there is a reasonable belief that denying pre-clearance is necessary for the protection of a client. Any such denial may be appealed to the Company's Chief Executive Officer whose decision shall be final.
EXCEPTION: A purchase or sell of shares of any Affiliated Mutual Fund does not require pre-clearance.
(e) Blackout Rule: No Access Person may purchase or sell shares of a Security within seven calendar days before and after a client, except for:
1. A purchase or sell of up to 500 shares of common stock per day of any security listed on the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Index list (the "S&P 500 List"). The Company's Compliance Department will maintain, update and distribute, at the beginning of each quarter, a list of securities that are currently ranked within the S&P 500 Index as of the beginning of each calendar quarter.
(f) Ban on Short-term Trading Profits. Access Persons must hold each Security for a period of not less than sixty (60) days from date of acquisition.
(j) Gifts. No Access Person shall accept any gift or other item (for the purpose of this Code "gifts" include but are not limited to cash, merchandise, gifts, prizes, travel expenses, meals and certain types of entertainment) of more than $100 in value from any person or entity that does business with or on behalf of the Company. All gifts received must be reported to the Company's Compliance Department.
(k) Service as Director. No Access Person shall serve on the board of directors of a publicly traded company without prior written authorization by the CEO or the Chief Compliance Officer. If board service is authorized, such Access Person shall have no role in making investment decisions with respect to the publicly traded company.
(l) Market Timing Prohibited. No Access Person shall engage in excessive trading or market timing activities with respect to any Affiliated Mutual Fund. For the purposes of the Code, "market timing" shall be defined as a purchase and redemption, regardless of size, of the same mutual fund within a sixty- (60) day period.
(m) Misuse of Non-Public Information. No Access Person shall divulge or act upon any material, non-public information, as such activity is defined under relevant securities laws and in the Company's Insider Trading Policy.
(a) Brokerage Statements: All Access Persons shall direct their broker/s to supply to the Company's Compliance Department, at the same time that they are sent to the Access Person, a copy of each periodic account statement for each of the Access Person's Personal Account.
(b) Submission of Quarterly Reports: In order for the Company to monitor compliance with the Code and to comply with Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act, every Access Person shall be required to report to the Company's Compliance Department the information described in Section 5(c) below.
(c) Every report required pursuant to Section 5(b) above shall be made no later than 15 days after the end of each calendar quarter and shall contain the following information:
(i) For each Security transaction, if any, executed during the quarter by an Access Person in the Access Person's Personal Account/s:
(A) The date of the transaction (either trade date or settlement date), the name of the Security, the symbol, the number of shares, the maturity date and/or the interest rate, if applicable, and the principal amount of each Security involved;
(B) The nature of the transaction (i.e., purchase, sale, or any other type of acquisition or disposition);
(C) The price of the Security at which the transaction was effected;
(D) The name of the broker, dealer or bank with or through whom the transaction was effected; and
(E) The name and account number of the Personal Account.
(ii) If the Access Person established a Personal Account during the quarter:
(A) The name of the broker, dealer, or bank with whom the Access Person established the account;
(B) The date the account was established; and
(C) The name and the account number of the Personal Account.
(iii) The date the report is submitted by the Access Person.
(d) No later than 10 days after becoming an Access Person, and annually thereafter on or before January 30 of each year, each Access Person must submit to the Company's Compliance Department a report of his or her personal securities holdings (the "Initial Holdings Report" and the "Annual Holdings Report", respectively), which must include the following information (Please note: the "Applicable Date" for the Initial Holdings Report is within 30 days from the date the person became an Access Person; the "Applicable Date" for the Annual Holdings Report must be a date no earlier than December 31 of the prior year):
(i) The title, number of shares and principal amount of each Security in which the Access Person had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership as of the Applicable Date;
(ii) The name of each broker, dealer or bank with whom the Access Person maintains a Personal Account in which each Security is held for the direct or indirect benefit of the Access Person as of the Applicable Date;
(iii) The name and account number of the Personal Account;
(iv) The location of the Security if not held with a broker, dealer or bank; and
(v) The date the report is submitted by the Access Person.
(e) Each Access Person shall receive a copy of the Code annually and anytime an amendment has taken place. Upon receipt, each Access Person is required to read and understand the requirements of the Code and then submit to the Company's Compliance Department, a certification stating that they have read and understand the Code. The certification must be submitted no later than 30 days from the date of receipt of the Code and any amendments thereto.
(h) Access Persons are required to immediately report any potential violation or violation of this Code of which he or she becomes aware, to the Chief Compliance Officer.
(i) The Company's Compliance Department will review all reports and other information submitted under this Section 5. This review will include: 1) an assessment of whether the Access Person followed the required procedures, 2) an assessment of whether
the Access Person has traded in the same securities as the Company's clients and if so, determining whether the client terms for the transactions were more favorable, (3 an assessment of any trading patterns that may indicate abuse, including market timing, and 4) performing any other assessment that may be necessary to determine whether there have been any violations of the Code.
If the Company's Compliance Department determines that a violation of the Code has or may have occurred, it shall submit a written determination and any additional explanatory material provided by the Access Person, to the Company's Chief Executive Officer, who shall make an independent determination of whether any violation has occurred. If it is determined by the Chief Executive Officer that a violation has occurred, the Chief Executive Officer may impose such sanctions as she deems appropriate, including, but not limited to dismissal from the Company, suspension of personal trading privileges for such period as may be deemed appropriate, and/or disgorging profits made by the violator.
The Chief Compliance Officer, in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer, may grant written exceptions to the provisions of the Code based on equitable considerations. The exceptions may be granted to individuals or classes of individuals with respect to particular transactions, classes of transactions or all transactions, and may apply to past as well as future transactions, provided, however, that no exception will be granted where the exceptions would result in a violation of Rule 204A-1 of the Advisers Act or any other Federal Securities Law. To the extent any such exception relates to an Access Person that is also deemed an Access Person of any mutual fund managed by Engemann, the exception will be reported to such mutual fund's Chief Compliance Officer.
The Code does not amend or supercede any other Code(s) of Ethics that may affect the duties and obligations of any person affected hereby.
The Company's Compliance Department will be responsible for maintaining the following records pertaining to the Code for a minimum of five years from the end of the fiscal year in which the report was obtained and/or in effect, the first two years in an appropriate office of the Company, with the exception of #3, which will be kept for five years after the individual ceases to be deemed an Access Person.
(1) A list of all of the Company's Access Persons, which will include every person who was deemed an Access Person at anytime within the past five years, even if they are no longer deemed as such.
(2) Copies of the Code and all amendments thereto.
(3) Copies of all the written acknowledgments required in 5(e) above submitted by each Access Person.
(4) A record of any violation of the Code and any action taken as a result of the violation.
(5) Copies of each report submitted by an Access Person required in 5(b) and (d) above.
(6) Copies of all brokerage statements submitted in accordance with 5(a) above.
(7) All Pre-Clearance decisions, and the reasons supporting the decision.
Dated: January 31, 2005
CODE OF ETHICS ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Name of Access Person:_________________________________________________
(Please print name)
I fully understand and hereby subscribe to, and acknowledge receipt of, this Code of Ethics dated January 31, 2005.
EXHIBIT p.5
CODE OF ETHICS
FOR
EMPLOYEES OF GOLDEN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC
CODE OF ETHICS
FOR
EMPLOYEES OF GOLDEN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC
o Code of Ethics
o Introduction
o Definitions
o Prohibited Transactions
o Pre-clearance of Securities Transactions
o Compliance Procedures for Code of Ethics
o Sanctions
o Exceptions
o Employee Annual Acknowledgement
o Personal Security Transaction Policy Summary
o Personal Securities Transactions Procedure
o Request for Personal Security Transaction Pre-Clearance
o Quarterly Personal Security Transaction Report
o Standard Letter - Duplicate Confirms
o Written Policy on Insider Trading
Acknowledgement
o Agreement to Abide by Written Code of Ethics and Insider Policy
CODE OF ETHICS
FOR
EMPLOYEES OF GOLDEN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC
INTRODUCTION
This Code of Ethics has been adopted by Golden Capital Management, LLC ("GCM"), a registered investment adviser, in connection with various investment advisory services it provides to certain of the investment portfolios (each a "Client") of GCM. This Code contains standards and procedures intended to assure that Employees (as defined below) do not use any information concerning the investments or investment intentions of a Client, or their ability to influence such investment intentions, for personal gain or in a manner detrimental to the interests of the Clients. The Personal Security Transactions Procedure, and forms of a request for pre-clearance and reporting requirements are incorporated into this Code of Ethics and attached as Appendix A.
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS
(a) "Employee" means any employee, director, or officer, of GCM.
(b) "being considered for purchase or sale" means, with respect to a security, when a recommendation to purchase or sell that security has been communicated and, with respect to the person making the recommendation, when that person seriously considers making the recommendation.
(c) "Security" shall mean a security as defined in Section 2(a)(36) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "Act"); provided, however, that the term shall not include:
(i) direct obligations of the Government of the United States;
(ii) high quality short-term debt instruments, including, but not limited to, bankers' acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper, repurchase agreements covering any of the foregoing, and, other money market instruments as determined by GCM.
(iii) shares of registered open-end investment companies.
SECTION 2. PROHIBITED TRANSACTIONS
(a) Insider Trading Policy. (Section 204A) Employees are prohibited from trading in a security, on their behalf or for others, while in possession of material, nonpublic information ("insider trading"). Insider trading is a violation of the federal securities laws and may result in criminal and civil penalties for the Employee and the Firm. Tipping of material, nonpublic information is also prohibited.
The Firm considers information to be material if there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable shareholder would consider it important in deciding how to act. Information is considered to be nonpublic when it has not been disseminated in a manner making it available to investors generally. Information becomes public once it is publicly disseminated; limited disclosure does not make the information public.
Any questions regarding the Firm's insider trading policy should be directed to Lynette Alexander. Ms. Alexander is responsible for monitoring employee compliance for the Firm.
(b) Securities Transactions. No Employee may execute any Security transaction in any account in which the Employee has any direct or indirect beneficial ownership unless the transaction has received Pre-Clearance pursuant to Section 3, below. Such transactions include, but are not limited to purchases or sales of Securities and private placements and purchases, sales and exercises of puts, calls and warrants.
(c) Undue Influence: Disclosure of Personal Interest. No Employee shall cause or attempt to cause any Client to purchase, sell, or hold any Security in a manner calculated to create any personal benefit to the Employee. No Employee shall recommend any Securities transactions for a Client without having disclosed his or her interest, if any, in such Securities or the issuer thereof, including, without limitation:
(i) his or her direct or indirect beneficial ownership of any Securities of such issuer;
(ii) any position with such issuer or its affiliates; and
(iii) any present or proposed business relationship between such issuer or its affiliates and the Employee or any party in which the Employee has a significant interest.
(d) Investment Opportunities. All Employees are expressly prohibited from taking personal advantage of any investment opportunity which is to the detriment of the Client.
(e) Confidentiality. Except as required in the normal course of carrying out an Employee's business responsibilities, Employees are prohibited from revealing information relating to the investment intentions or activities of any Client or Securities that are being considered for purchase or sale on behalf of any Client.
SECTION 3. PRE-CLEARANCE OF SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS
(a) Every Employee must obtain written pre-clearance from Ms. Alexander or her designee, for any securities transaction in which the Employee has a direct or indirect beneficial ownership. A form for the purpose of obtaining pre-clearance is included in Appendix A. Ms. Alexander must obtain pre-clearance for any securities transactions from Greg Golden, president of the Firm.
(b) Pre-Clearance is not required for any of the following transactions:
(i) purchases or sales for any account over which an Employee has no direct or indirect influence or control.;
(ii) purchases which are part of an automatic dividend reinvestment plan; or
(iii) purchases made in the exercise of rights issued by an issuer pro rata to all holders of a class of its Securities, to the extent such rights were initially acquired from the issues.
(c) A Prohibited Security is any Security that either:
(i) is being considered for purchase or sale for any Client;
(ii) is being purchased or sold for any Client; or
(iii) has been purchased or sold for any Client within the preceding 7 calendar days.
For the purposes of this section, a purchase and sale of a Security for a Client includes an initial and a final purchase and sale as well as any interim adjustments to a Client's position.
(d) Approval will be granted for transaction in a Prohibited Security which immediately follows the completion of all Client purchases and sales of that Security and is the same direction as the Client's transactions (i.e. a purchase which follows the completion of all Client purchases or a sale which follows the completion of all Client sales).
(e) Except as provided above, approval will not be granted for any transaction in a Prohibited Security. In addition, approval will not be granted for any transaction in any Security if that transaction:
(i) would result in the buying or selling of securities in competition with buy or sell orders of any Client, or operate to the detriment of a Client, including executing a securities transaction on a day during which a Client has a pending buy or sell order for that same Security;
(ii) would be for the purpose of, or result in, buying or selling securities to take advantage of recent or imminent trades by a Client;
(iii) would involve the Security of a company with respect to which the Employee has material non-public information;
(iv) would involve trading in options on any of the stocks held by or contemplated for a Client;
(v) would take place before a sufficient period of time has elapsed after a purchase or sale of the Security by a Client for the effects of the Client's transaction on the market price to dissipate (even though seven calendar days may have elapsed); or
(vi) would, in the case of Investment Personnel, involve the acquisition of a direct or indirect interest in any securities in an initial public offering.
(f) Pre-Clearance shall be effective for one business day following the day on which granted.
SECTION 4. COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES FOR THE CODE OF ETHICS
Ms. Alexander is responsible for monitoring Employee compliance with the Code of Ethics, insuring that all Employees comply with the Code, and enforcing the Code's requirements and prohibitions. Ms. Alexander will respond to any questions regarding the Code of Ethics.
(a) Personal Holdings Disclosure Requirement/Annual Certifications. Every Employee is required, upon his/her initial designation as an Employee to disclose all of his/her personal Securities holdings and accounts. On an annual basis, Ms. Alexander will distribute and subsequently obtain a certification from each Employee, as described in the Code of Ethics. If the Employee does not promptly deliver the requested certification, Ms. Alexander will notify one or more Managing Directors.
(b) Duplicate Trade Confirmation Requirement. Every Employee must direct his/her broker(s) to supply on a timely basis, duplicate copies of confirmations of all personal securities transactions and copies of periodic statements for all accounts in which the Employee has any beneficial ownership. Duplicate trade confirmations are not required with respect to transactions effected for any account over which the Employee does not have any direct or indirect influence or control.
(c) All reports are to be filed with Ms. Alexander or her designee. Forms of reports for compliance can be found in Appendix A.
(d) Reviewing Personal Securities Transactions. Ms. Alexander will, on at least a quarterly basis, compare Request for Personal Securities Transaction Forms with duplicate brokerage confirmations, quarterly/monthly brokerage account statements, and quarterly transaction reports to ensure that each Employee has requested and obtained approval for each personal securities transaction during the quarter. If Ms. Alexander does not receive confirmations or statements on a timely basis, or quarterly reports no later than the 10th day following the end of each calendar quarter, Ms. Alexander will contact the Employee(s) to request such document(s). If the Employee does not promptly deliver the requested document(s), Ms. Alexander will notify one or more Managing Directors.
(e) Requests for Personal Securities Transactions. Ms. Alexander will review all Request for Personal Securities Transaction Forms and determine whether to grant such requests. Before determining whether to grant a request, Ms. Alexander will obtain a report that shows whether one or more advisory clients own the security for which approval is sought. The report will also show the number of shares (or the principle amount, as applicable) owned by clients. Ms. Alexander will consider such report, and any other information Ms. Alexander believes is necessary or appropriate, in determining whether to grant a request. If an Employee seeks approval to acquire a privately placed security, Ms. Alexander will record, in writing, the reasons supporting any decision to approve the acquisition. The Firm will maintain such written records for at least five years after the end of the fiscal year in which the approval is granted.
SECTION 5. SANCTIONS
(a) Sanctions. If Ms. Alexander finds that an Employee has violated the Code of Ethics, Ms. Alexander will notify one or more Managing Directors. The Managing Directors will determine and impose appropriate disciplinary action, which may include a warning, disgorgement of profits made or losses avoided, and/or dismissal.
SECTION 6. EXCEPTIONS
The Managing Directors, or their designee may grant exceptions to the policies contained in the Code in appropriate circumstances.
I __________________________________, an employee of Golden Capital Management, LLC acknowledge receipt and review of the Code of Ethics and the forms incorporated in Appendix A.
NAME ____________________________________________________________ TITLE ____________________________________________________________ TELEPHONE ____________________________________________________________
PERSONAL HOLDINGS DISCLOSURE
[ ] DUPLICATE ACCOUNT STATEMENTS FOR ALL PERSONAL ACCOUNTS ARE AUTOMATICALLY
MAILED TO GCM - COMPLIANCE. THE REPORTS IDENTIFY EVERY SECURITY, AS DEFINED
IN SECTION 1(c) OF THE GOLDEN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, L.L.C. CODE OF ETHICS,
THAT I HAVE ANY BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP AND INCLUDE EVERY PERSONAL SECURITIES
ACCOUNT.
[ ] HAVE ATTACHED A REPORT THAT IDENTIFIES EVERY SECURITY, AS DEFINED IN
SECTION 1(c) OF THE GOLDEN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, L.L.C. CODE OF ETHICS, THAT
I HAVE ANY BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP AND EVERY PERSONAL SECURITIES ACCOUNT.
[ ] HAVE NO SECURITIES OR HOLD ONLY SECURITIES IDENTIFIED AS EXEMPT IN SECTION
1(c) OF THE GOLDEN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, L.L.C. CODE OF ETHICS.
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN IS COMPLETE AND ACCURATE. I also acknowledge that I have received, reviewed, and understand the Golden Capital Management, L.L.C. Code of Ethics and its subsidiaries, and have complied with all of their requirements.
SUMMARY
Employees may not engage in any Personal Security Transaction that would either create a conflict of interest with, be detrimental to, or take an investment opportunity away from a Client. Employees are referred to the Code of Ethics for Employees (the "Code") for the complete policy.
STANDARDS
PRE-CLEARANCE OF SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS
Every Employee must obtain prior written approval from Ms. Lynette Alexander (responsible for monitoring the Firm's compliance) or her designee for any security transaction except those specifically exempted by the Code. The Request for Personal Security Transaction Pre-Clearance form is available for purposes of compliance with this policy. Except for the purchase or sale of a Prohibited Security, which immediately follows the completion of all purchases or sales of that security, and is the same direction as the Client's transactions, no transaction in a security included on the Prohibited Security list will be approved.
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Employees must, upon his/her designation, and at least annually thereafter, disclose all of his/her personal securities holdings and accounts. Employees must direct his/her brokers(s) to supply, on a timely basis, duplicate copies of confirmations of all personal securities transactions and copies of periodic statements for all accounts in which Employee has any beneficial ownership.
SANCTIONS
Employees who violate the Code will be subject to disciplinary action, which could include disgorgement of profits made, or losses avoided, and/or dismissal.
EXCEPTIONS
The Managing Directors of Golden Capital Management, L.L.C., or their designee may grant exceptions to this policy in the appropriate circumstances
In every case, the application of this procedure is governed by the Code of Ethics for Employees (the "Code").
Employees wishing to execute a personal trade are required to request pre-clearance using the "Request for Personal Security Transaction Pre-Clearance" form. This form includes:
o A summary of the policy;
o A place to provide a description of the transaction for which
pre-clearance is sought;
o Certifications as to compliance with the Golden Capital Management
L.L.C. policies; and
o Signatures of both the Employee and Ms. Alexander or her designee.
After reading the summary, completing and signing the form, the Employee will submit the form to Ms. Alexander. If Ms. Alexander is not available for pre-clearance, she is responsible for designating a replacement and informing Employee of the replacement. Ms. Alexander, or other designated individual, none of whom may have a direct or indirect personal interest in the transaction being reviewed, will confer with the appropriate Client Manager(s) to determine if the Security is a Prohibited Security. Ms. Alexander or her designee will complete the "Trade Approval" section of the form. If the trade is approved, the transaction may be executed. A copy of the form must be retained by the Employee and filed with Ms. Alexander, regardless of trade approval or disapproval. Exceptions must be examined and approved by the Managing Directors of Golden Capital Management L.L.C., or their designee, on a case by case basis. Ms. Alexander will obtain the approval of Greg Golden, president of the Firm.
Upon the request of Ms. Alexander, the Client Manager will identify a PROHIBITED SECURITY with respect to the Client they manage. A Prohibited Security is a Security that either:
o Has been purchased or sold within the past seven calendar days; or
o Is being considered for purchase or sale.
DATE AND TIME: TRANSACTION TYPE:
REQUESTED BY: SECURITY:
TITLE: SECURITY TYPE:
TELEPHONE: CUSIP:
# OF UNITS:
--------------------------------------------------------------------
|
IN REQUESTING PRE-CLEARANCE FOR THE ABOVE TRANSACTION, I CERTIFY THAT:
o I HAVE READ AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE GOLDEN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT,
L.L.C. CODE OF ETHICS AND INSIDER TRADING POLICY. THIS PROPOSED
TRANSACTION WOULD NOT VIOLATE ANY OF THE ABOVE.
o THIS TRADE WILL NOT COMPETE WITH AND IS NOT IN CONFLICT WITH ANY RECENT
OR IMMINENT SECURITY TRADE OF A CLIENT FOR WHICH I AM AN EMPLOYEE.
o I HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE THAT THIS SECURITY IS CURRENTLY BEING CONSIDERED FOR
PURCHASE OR SALE BY A CLIENT.
o THIS TRADE IS NOT BEING CONTEMPLATED FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECEIVING
PERSONAL FINANCIAL GAIN IN CONNECTION WITH ANY RECENT OR IMMINENT
SECURITY TRADE OF A CLIENT.
SIGNATURE ______________________________________
[ ] TRADE APPROVED [ ] TRADE DISAPPROVED
BY APPROVING THIS TRADE, I CERTIFY THAT I AM NOT AWARE OF ANY REASON THIS TRADE IS IN CONFLICT WITH ANY GOLDEN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, L.C.C. POLICY OR CLIENT.
____________________________ ____________________________ SIGNED SIGNED ____________________________ ____________________________ DATE AND TIME DATE AND TIME -------------------------------------------------------------------- |
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETION OF FORM:
o COMPLETE ALL BOXES AND SIGN FORM. USE A SEPARATE FORM FOR EACH SECURITY.
o LYNETTE ALEXANDER (COMPLIANCE MONITOR), OR IN HER ABSENCE, HER DESIGNEE
WILL COMPLETE THE TRADE APPROVAL PORTION OF THE FORM.
o MS. ALEXANDER WILL MAINTAIN THE ORIGINAL FORM, AND A COPY OF THIS FORM
SHOULD BE RETAINED BY THE ACCESS PERSON.
o TRADE MUST BE COMPLETED WITHIN ONE BUSINESS DAY OF APPROVAL, OF
RE-APPROVAL MUST BE OBTAINED.
THE MANAGING DIRECTORS, OR THEIR DESIGNEE MAY GRANT EXCEPTIONS TO THE
POLICIES CONTAINED IN THE CODE IN APPROPRIATE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Golden Capital Management - Personal Security Transaction Report SEC Rule 204(a)(12)
For _______ Quarter _______
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date Ticker Security Description B/S/SS Shares Price Amount Broker --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Policy Signed:
Statement: ______________________________
This form is required by
the SEC for the employees
of Golden Capital
Management as described in the
Investment Advisors Act of 1940. Date: _________________________
It must be completed within
10 days of the end of each
calendar quarter.
Listed above is record of
every transaction for qualifying
securities affected in accounts
where the Employee has direct
or indirect beneficial control
FOR WHICH DUPLICATE CONFIRMS HAVE
NOT BEEN SENT to Lynette Alexander
(compliance monitor).
|
December 1, 2000
Dear:
I am an employee of Golden Capital Management, LLC, which is an investment advisory firm. Golden Capital Management is not a broker / dealer. My firm is requesting information regarding my accounts to comply with SEC regulations and the firm's code of ethics. Please accept this letter as authorization to send all trade confirmations and MONTHLY STATEMENTS to the following address for the accounts listed below.
Golden Capital Management, LLC
Attn: Compliance
10715 David Taylor Drive, Suite 150
Charlotte, NC 28262
The account name and numbers are as follows:
Your cooperation and prompt attention to this matter is greatly appreciated. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require additional information.
Sincerely,
AGREEMENT TO ABIDE BY WRITTEN POLICY
ON INSIDER TRADING
The Company forbids any officer, director, employee, investment advisory representative, or other associated persons from trading, either personally or on behalf of others, on material non-public information or communicating material non-public information to others in violation of the Insider Trading and Securities Fraud Enforcement Act of 1988. This conduct is frequently referred to as "insider trading." This policy applies to every officer, director, employee, investment advisory representative and other associated persons and extends to activities within and outside their duties at the Company. The "Agreement to Abide by the Written Policy of the Company on Insider Trading" must be read and signed by all officers, directors, employees, investment advisory representatives and other associated persons. Any questions regarding this policy should be referred to the Company's compliance monitor, Lynette Alexander.
The term "insider trading" is not clearly defined in federal or state securities laws, but generally is used to refer to the use of material non-public information to trade in securities (whether or not one is an "insider") or to communications of material non-public information to others.
While the law concerning insider trading is not static, it is generally understood that the law prohibits:
o Trading by an insider on the basis of material non-public information;
o Trading by a non-insider on the basis of material non-public information, where the information either was disclosed to the non-insider in violation of an insider's duty to keep it confidential or was misappropriated; or,
o Communicating material non-public information to others.
The elements of insider trading and penalties for such unlawful conduct are discussed below. If, after reviewing this policy statement, you have any questions you should consult the Company's compliance monitor, Lynette Alexander.
The term `insider" is broadly defined. It includes officers, directors and employees of a company. In addition, a person can be a "temporary insider" if they enter into a special confidential relationship in the conduct of a company's affairs and, as a result, are given access to information solely for the company's purposes. A temporary insider can include, among others, a company's attorneys, accountants, consultants, bank lending officers, and the employees of such organizations. In
addition, our Company may become a temporary insider of a client company it advises or for which it performs other services. If a client company expects our Company to keep the disclosed non-public information confidential and the relationship implies such a duty, than our Company will be considered an insider.
Trading on insider information is not a basis for liability unless the information is material. "Material information" generally is defined as information that a reasonable investor would most likely consider important in making their investment decisions, or information that is reasonably certain to have a substantial effect on the price of a company's securities, regardless of whether the information is related directly to the company's business. Information that officers, directors, employees, investment advisory representatives and other associated persons should consider material includes, but is not limited to: dividend changes; earnings estimates; changes in previously released earnings estimates; significant merger or acquisition proposals or agreements; major litigation; liquidation problems; and, extraordinary management developments.
Information is non-public until it has been effectively communicated to the marketplace. For example, information found in a report filed with the SEC, or appearing in Dow Jones, Reuters Economic Services, The Wall Street Journal or other publications of general circulation would be considered public information.
Penalties for trading on or communicating material non-public information are severe, both for individuals involved in such unlawful conduct and their employers. A person can be subject to some or all of the penalties described below even if they do not personally benefit from the activities surrounding the violation. Penalties include: civil injunctions; treble damages; disgorgement of profits; jail sentences; fines for the person who committed the violation of up to three times the profit gained or loss avoided, whether or not the person actually benefited; and, fines for the employer or other controlling person of up to the greater of $1,000,000 or three times the amount of the profit gained or loss avoided. In addition, any violation of this policy statement can be expected to result in serious sanctions by the Company, including dismissal of the persons involved.
The following procedures have been established to aid the officers, directors, employees, investment advisory representatives and other associated persons of the
Company in avoiding insider trading. Failure to follow these procedures may result in dismissal, regulatory sanctions and criminal penalties.
A. IDENTIFY INSIDER INFORMATION
Before trading or making investment recommendations for yourself or others, including investment companies or private accounts managed by the Company, or in the securities of a company about which you may have potential insider information, ask yourself the following questions:
1. Is the information material? Is this information that an investor would consider important in making an investment decision? Is this information that would substantially effect the market price of the securities if generally disclosed?
2. Is the information non-public? To whom has this information been provided? Has the information been effectively communicated to the market place by being published in publications of general circulation?
B. If, after consideration of the above, the information is material and non-public, or if further questions arise as to whether the information is material and non-public, the following procedures shall be followed:
1. Report the matter immediately to Ms. Alexander. (In this and all other matters, Ms. Alexander will report all insider trading matters that she originates to Greg Golden, president of the Firm.)
2. Do not purchase, sell or recommend securities on behalf of yourself or others, including accounts managed by the Company.
3. Do not communicate the information inside or outside the Company other than to Ms. Alexander.
4. After the Ms. Alexander has reviewed the issue, you will be instructed as to the proper course of action to take.
C. PERSONAL SECURITIES TRADING
1. All officers, directors, employees, investment advisory
representatives and other associated persons of the Company are required to submit a report to the Company of every securities transaction in which they, their families (including spouse, minor children and adults living in the same household), and any trust of which they are trustees or in which they have a beneficial interest or are parties, within ten (10) days after the end of the calendar quarter in which the transactions were effected. This report shall include the names of the securities, dates of the transactions, quantities, prices and broker/dealer or other entity through which the transactions were effected. This requirement may be satisfied by submitting copies of confirmations or account statements accompanied by a signed and dated notice of submission.
2. Any transactions by an officer, director, employee, investment advisory representative and other associated persons (including their related parties) through a broker/dealer, investment advisory firm or clearing firm, other than the Company, shall be reported to the Company within ten (10) days after such transactions are effected and such report shall include the names of the securities, dates of the transactions, quantities, prices and broker/dealer or other entity through which the transactions were effected. This requirement may be satisfied by submission of duplicate confirmations accompanied by a signed and dated notice of submission.
D. RESTRICTING ACCESS TO MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION
Information in your possession that you identify as material and non-public may not be communicated to anyone, including persons within the Company except as provided in paragraph 1 above. In addition, care should be taken so that such information is secure. For example, files containing material non-public information should be sealed.
E. RESOLVING ISSUES CONCERNING INSIDER TRADING
If, after consideration of the items set forth in paragraph 1, doubt remains as to whether information is material or non-public, or if there is any unresolved question as to the applicability or interpretation of the foregoing procedures, or as to the propriety of any action, it must be discussed with Ms. Alexander before trading or communicating the information to anyone.
F. ACKNOWLEDGMENT
By affixing my signature below, I acknowledge that I have read and understood the foregoing policies and will comply in all respects with such policies.
AGREEMENT TO ABIDE BY WRITTEN CODE OF ETHICS AND INSIDER POLICY
This agreement is entered into by and between GOLDEN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC (the "Company") and the employee whose signature is represented below (the "Employee").
By signing this agreement, the Employee acknowledges that:
1. He or she has received a copy of the Company's Code of Ethics and the Company's Policy of Insider Trading;
2. He or she has read and understands the information contained in both documents; and,
3. He or she will abide by all rules, policies and procedures as described therein.
EXHIBIT p.6
HARRIS TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK
HARRIS INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, INC.
HIM MONEGY, INC.
STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES AND
CODE OF ETHICS FOR
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND
MUTUAL FUND MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL
CONTENTS
HARRIS TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK
HARRIS INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, INC.
HIM MONEGY, INC.
STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES AND
CODE OF ETHICS FOR
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND
MUTUAL FUND MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL
CONTENTS
STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES........................................................1
Introduction...............................................................1
Confidential Information...................................................1
Inside Information.........................................................2
Definition of Insider Trading...........................................2
Harris Policy...........................................................3
CODE OF ETHICS.................................................................4
Definitions................................................................4
Covered Person..........................................................4
Access Persons.......................................................4
Advisory Person......................................................4
Investment Personnel....................................................5
Fund Investing Personnel................................................6
Covered Security........................................................6
Security Held or to be Acquired.........................................7
Automatic Investment Plan...............................................7
Beneficial Ownership...................................................24
Immediate Family Member................................................24
Unlawful Actions...........................................................7
Restrictions on Activities.................................................8
Blackout Periods........................................................8
Interested Transactions.................................................9
Initial Public Offerings................................................9
Private Placements.....................................................10
Short-Term Trading Profits.............................................10
Gifts..................................................................11
Service as a Director..................................................11
Exempt Transactions.......................................................11
Compliance Procedures.....................................................12
Execution of personal securities transactions..........................12
Pre-clearance..........................................................13
Transaction Reports....................................................14
Disclosure of Personal Holdings........................................15
Exceptions from Reporting Requirements....................................16
Delivery of Code and Certification of Compliance..........................17
Reports to Board..........................................................17
|
CONTENTS
Review by the Board.......................................................18
Review Procedures.........................................................18
Sanctions.................................................................18
Recordkeeping.............................................................19
Confidentiality...........................................................19
Whistleblowing............................................................20
Other Laws, Rule and Statements of Policy.................................20
Further Information.......................................................20
Attachment A-1................................................................21
Attachment A-2................................................................22
Attachment B..................................................................23
|
HARRIS TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK
HARRIS INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, INC.
HIM MONEGY, INC.
STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES AND
CODE OF ETHICS FOR
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND
MUTUAL FUND MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL
STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES
This Statement of Principles and Code of Ethics ("Code") establishes rules of conduct for "Covered Persons" and "Investment Personnel" (as defined in Sections I.A and I.B, below) employed by Harris Trust and Savings Bank ("Bank"), HIM Monegy, Inc. ("Monegy"), or Harris Investment Management, Inc. ("HIM"; HIM, Monegy, and the Bank are referred to together as "Harris"), respectively the administrator and transfer agent for, an investment sub-adviser to, and the adviser to Harris Insight Funds Trust (the "Funds", each portfolio of which is a "Fund"), and is designed to govern the personal securities activities of Covered Persons. In general, in connection with personal securities transactions, Covered Persons should (1) always place the interests of the Funds and their shareholders first; (2) ensure that all personal securities transactions are conducted in a manner consistent with this Code and in such manner as to avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest or any abuse of a Covered Person's position of trust and responsibility; and (3) not take inappropriate advantage of their positions.
In the course of their employment with Harris, employees, in their capacities as investment personnel, administrators, and/or officers, will learn confidential information concerning Harris, the Funds, and various other matters. "Confidential information" means, until such information has been publicly disseminated (through the media or public records, by sale to clients, or through any other means of external communication) all information not publicly available and includes, but is not limited to, the composition of individual fund and client portfolios; fund and client financial information; corporate financial activity; client lists; securities candidate and working lists; investment models, methods, processes,
and formulae; and certain records, procedures, systems, pending research recommendations, software and other proprietary information.
It is crucial that all personnel realize that the proper treatment of
confidential information is a key aspect of preserving the integrity of
Harris' advisory function. Accordingly, and in addition to any other
restrictions and requirements imposed by Harris, Covered Persons shall
not (i) disclose, directly or indirectly, any confidential information
to anyone other than personnel and authorized professional advisers
such as our attorneys and accountants who need such information in
order to discharge their professional duties, or (ii) use, directly or
indirectly, any confidential information for their personal benefit,
e.g., front-running client transactions. Furthermore, given the
importance of confidentiality to Harris' business, each Covered Person
should refrain from discussing Harris' business, investments, and
client relationships and any matters relating to investments for or by
the Funds unless such Covered Person is absolutely certain that the
matter is not covered by any confidentiality requirements. All Covered
Persons should understand that any breach of the above confidentiality
requirements contained in these policies and procedures will result in
disciplinary action against the employee and may constitute a violation
of federal laws.
Insider trading is prohibited by the federal securities laws, including the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "1934 Act") and the Insider Trading and Securities Fraud Enforcement Act of 1988 ("ITSFEA"), which is specifically applicable to investment advisers and broker/dealers and is otherwise applicable to any entity with access to inside information relating to public companies. Such organizations have an affirmative statutory obligation to establish and enforce written policies and procedures that are reasonably designated to prevent the misuse of inside information. Substantial criminal and civil penalties can be imposed for failing to meet these new standards.*
While there is no single precise definition of insider trading, the term is generally understood to mean the purchase or sale of securities while in possession of material, non-public information (i.e., information not available to the general public that would be important to an investor in making a decision to buy or sell a security). Insider trading also includes making such information available ("tipping") to others who may trade based
on that information; the laws governing insider trading by an
employee who has such information cover trades made not only
for the employee's own account but for the account(s) of any
family member of the employee (including spouse, minor
children, and adults living in the same household), accounts
under the control of the employee or any family member, and
accounts including trusts in which the employee or any family
member has any Beneficial Ownership interest (as further
defined in Attachment B). Obviously, these descriptions do not
catalogue the many different types of information that can be
construed as material and nonpublic. Rather than attempting to
make such determinations on their own, employees who receive
nonpublic, important information should immediately seek the
advice of a Designated Supervisory Person (as defined in
Section V.B.1 below).
It is Harris' policy to comply fully with all federal and state laws and regulations, including specifically the federal securities laws,+ and that policy applies to all employees and directors of Harris. Consistent with these historic policies and practices, Harris intends to monitor the activities of all of its employees to prevent the misuse of inside information. IN FURTHERANCE OF THAT AIM, HARRIS HAS IMPLEMENTED AND WILL STRICTLY ENFORCE THE FOLLOWING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES DESIGNED BOTH TO MEET OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE 1934 ACT AND UNDER ITSFEA, AND TO REINFORCE HISTORIC POLICIES REGARDING THE USE OF CONFIDENTIAL OR INSIDE INFORMATION. In order to comply fully with the requirements of the applicable securities laws, it is imperative that each employee carefully read, understand, and act in conformity with the policies and procedures outlined below. Employees should also be familiar and comply with the provisions of all applicable BMO FINANCIAL GROUP (BANK OF MONTREAL) AND HARRIS FINANCIAL CORP. CORPORATE POLICIES, the HARRIS BANK TRUST, CUSTODY AND INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT DIRECTIVES MANUAL, and the CODE OF ETHICS AND STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT OF THE CFA INSTITUTE (formerly, Association for Investment Management and Research). AS REQUIRED BY BMO FINANCIAL GROUP POLICY (CP 0602-03), EACH OFFICER AND EMPLOYEE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PERSONAL COMPLIANCE WITH OUR FIRST PRINCIPLES AND CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT.
CODE OF ETHICS
I. Definitions
A. For purposes of this Code--
1. "Covered Person" shall include:
a. "Access Persons" of the Funds or of Harris, which means any trustee or officer of the Funds (other than a trustee who is not an affiliated person of Harris), and any director, officer, or Advisory Person of Harris who, with respect to any Fund or to any accounts of clients of The Private Bank ("PB"), Monegy, or HIM, (i) makes any recommendation, participates in the determination of which recommendation will be made, or whose principal function or duties relate to the determination of which recommendation will be made; or (ii) in connection with his or her duties, obtains any non-public information concerning recommendations or transactions in Covered Securities being made for or by any Fund or any accounts of clients of PB, Monegy or HIM.
b. "Access Persons" of HIM and Monegy, which means any director, officer, or Advisory Person of HIM or Monegy, respectively.
c. As used in the preceding paragraphs, the term "Advisory Person" means--
(i) any trustee, director, officer or employee of the Funds (other than a trustee who is not an affiliated person of Harris), the Bank,++ Monegy, or HIM, respectively, (or of any company in a control relationship to the Bank, Monegy, or HIM) who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes any recommendation, participates in, or obtains information regarding ((alpha)) the purchase or sale of Covered Securities by a Fund or by any accounts of clients of PB, Monegy, or HIM, or ((beta)) the portfolio holdings of any Fund, or whose functions relate to the making of any recommendations with respect to the purchases or sales, including (w) the person or persons with the direct responsibility and authority to make investment decisions affecting any portfolio of the Funds or accounts managed within PB, Monegy, or HIM (together, "Portfolio Managers"), (x) analysts, (y) traders,
and (z) support staff working directly with Portfolio Managers and analysts, and employees who work on Funds-related or PB, Monegy, or HIM investment-related accounting matters; and
(ii) Any natural person in a control relationship to the Bank, Monegy, or HIM who obtains information concerning recommendations made to the Funds or to any accounts of clients of PB, Monegy, or HIM with regard to the purchase or sale of Covered Securities by the Funds or by any accounts of clients of PB, Monegy, or HIM.
A list of all Covered Persons as of the date of adoption of this Code is attached as Attachments A-1 and A-2, which attachments shall be updated at least annually by the Bank, Monegy, and HIM.
2. For purposes of this Code, a "Covered Person" does not include any person who is subject to the securities transaction pre-clearance requirements and securities transaction reporting requirements of the codes of ethics adopted by (a) the Board of Trustees of the Funds, (b) any Fund's investment adviser or sub-adviser other than HIM or Monegy, or (c) the Funds' principal underwriter in compliance with Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act ("Rule 17j-1") and Rule 204A-1 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 ("Advisers Act") or Section 15(f) of the 1934 Act, as applicable.
3. For purposes of this Code, a person who normally assists in the preparation of public reports or who receives public reports but who receives no information about current recommendations or trading or who obtains knowledge of current recommendations or trading activity once or infrequently or inadvertently shall not be deemed to be a Covered Person.
B. For purposes of this Code, "Investment Personnel" shall mean--
1. any employee of the Funds, the Bank, HIM, or Monegy,
respectively, (or of any company in a control relationship to the Bank, HIM, or Monegy) who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes or participates in making recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of securities by a Fund or by any accounts of clients of PB, HIM, or Monegy, including (a) the person or persons with the direct responsibility and authority to make investment decisions affecting any portfolio of the Funds or accounts managed within PB, HIM, or Monegy (together, "Portfolio Managers"), (b) analysts, (c) traders, and (d) support staff working directly with Portfolio Managers and analysts, and employees who work on
Funds-related or PB, HIM, or Monegy investment-related accounting matters; and
2. Any natural person who controls the Bank, HIM, or Monegy and who obtains information concerning recommendations made to the Funds or to any accounts of clients of PB, HIM, or Monegy regarding the purchase or sale of securities by the Funds or by any accounts of clients of PB, HIM, or Monegy.
C. For purposes of this Code, "Fund Investing Personnel" means all officers and employees of HIM, HIM Monegy, and the Bank's Investment Products Group, including all Covered Persons and Investment Personnel whose work relates to the Funds.
D. For purposes of this Code, "Covered Security" means any stock, treasury stock, bond, debenture, evidence of indebtedness, certificate of interest or participation in any profit-sharing agreement, collateral-trust certificate, preorganization certificate or subscription, transferable share, investment contract, voting-trust certificate, certificate of deposit for a security, fractional undivided interest in oil, gas, or other mineral rights, any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege on any security (including a certificate of deposit) or on any group or index of securities (including any interest therein or based on the value thereof), or any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege entered into on a national securities exchange relating to foreign currency, or, in general, any interest or instrument commonly known as a "security," or any certificate of interest or participation in, temporary or interim certificate for, receipt for, guarantee of, or warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase, any of the foregoing. The "purchase or sale of a Covered Security" includes, among other things, the writing of an option to purchase or sell a Covered Security. "Covered Securities" shall not, however, include the following instruments, transactions in which are not subject to the pre-clearance, blackout, or reporting provisions of this Code:
1. direct obligations of the Government of the United States;
2. bankers' acceptances;
3. bank certificates of deposit;
4. high-quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements;
5. commercial paper;
6. shares of a money- market fund
7. shares of registered open-end investment companies, other than shares of the Funds;
8. options on a securities index;
9. exchange-traded synthetic index securities or funds (ETFs),
e.g., SPDRs, WEBs, etc., and
10. shares of unit investment trusts that invest exclusively in one or more open-end investment companies other than the Funds.
E. For purposes of this Code, a "Security Held or to be Acquired" by a Fund means-
1. Any Covered Security which, within the most recent 15 days,
(a) Is or has been held by the Fund; or
(b) Is being or has been considered by the Fund or its investment adviser for purchase by the Fund; and
2. Any option to purchase or sell, and any security convertible into or exchangeable for, a Covered Security described in paragraph (D)(1).
F. As used in this Code, the terms "Beneficial Ownership" and "Immediate Family" shall have the meanings given in Attachment B.
G. As used in this Code, the term "Automatic Investment Plan" means a program, including a dividend reinvestment plan, in which regular periodic investments or withdrawals are made automatically in or from investment accounts in accordance with a predetermined schedule and allocation.
It is unlawful for any affiliated person of any Fund, or any affiliated person of an investment adviser for any Fund, in connection with the purchase or sale, directly or indirectly, by the person of a Security Held or to be Acquired by the Fund:
A. To employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud the Fund;
B. To make any untrue statement of a material fact to the Fund or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made to the Fund, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading;
C. To engage in any act, practice or course of business that operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit on the Fund; or
D. To engage in any manipulative practice with respect to the Fund.
1. No Covered Person shall purchase or sell, directly or indirectly, any security in which he or she has, or by reason of such transaction acquires, any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership (including, generally, accounts of Immediate Family Members) (a) on a day during which a Fund or specific client account has a pending "buy" or "sell" order in that same security until that order is executed or withdrawn or (b) when a Designated Supervisory Person (as defined in Section V.B.1, below) has been advised (i) by the Funds' investment adviser or investment sub-adviser that the same security is being actively considered for purchase or sale for any Fund or (ii) that the same security is being actively considered for purchase or sale for any specific client account. A purchase or sale of a security is being "actively considered" when a recommendation to purchase or sell has been made for a Fund or specific client account and is pending.
2. No Portfolio Manager, with regard to any security under consideration for a Fund or specific client account, or analyst, with regard to any security followed by him or her, who knows or who has reason to know such security is under consideration for purchase or sale in a Fund or specific client account, shall purchase or sell, directly or indirectly, any security in which he or she has, or by reason of such transaction acquires, any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership (including, generally, accounts of Immediate Family Members) (a) from the time of dissemination of the output of any investment model until the time of publication of the final list of pending transactions based upon the investment model and (b) from the time of publication of the final list of pending transactions based upon the investment model until seven calendar days after a Fund or specific client account has completed its transaction(s) in that security.
3. No analyst or member of his/her household, with regard to any security the analyst follows, shall, without the approval of the Designated Supervisory Person, purchase or sell any security within thirty calendar days before or seven calendar days after the analyst issues or publishes an update of any research notes, current comments, ratings changes, etc., concerning that security. No analyst or member of his/her household may purchase or sell a security in a manner inconsistent with the recommendations made by the analyst in his/her most recent research report.[s.s.]
No Covered Person shall recommend any securities transactions by the Funds without having disclosed his or her interest, if any, in such securities or the issuer thereof, including without limitation:
1. Any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership (including, generally, accounts of Immediate Family Members) of any securities of such issuer;
2. Any contemplated transaction by such person in such securities;
3. Any position with such issuer or its affiliates; and
4. Any present or proposed business relationship between such issuer or its affiliates and such person or any party in which such person has a significant interest.
A Covered Person may acquire securities in an initial public offering for his or her personal account, provided that (1) such transaction otherwise complies with all other provisions of this Code, NASD Rule 2790 (formerly, the Free-Riding and Withholding Interpretation), and other applicable laws and regulations; (2) the Covered Person has no responsibility for (a) any Fund or (b) any PB, HIM, or Monegy client account that is authorized to invest in initial public offerings; and (3) the Covered Person has submitted for review by and obtained the prior approval of a Designated Supervisory Person who has been provided by such Covered Person with full details of the proposed transaction (including written certification that the investment opportunity did not arise by virtue of the Cov-
ered Person's activities on behalf of the Funds or any PB, HIM, or Monegy client account) and has concluded after consultation with other Harris investment advisory personnel that the Funds or PB, HIM, or Monegy client accounts have no foreseeable interest in purchasing such securities. In accordance with NASD Conduct Rule 2711 and NYSE Rule 472, no analyst or member of his/her household may purchase or receive pre-IPO securities from a company engaged in the industry that he/she covers.
No Covered Person shall acquire, directly or indirectly, Beneficial Ownership of any securities in a private placement without the review and prior approval of a Designated Supervisory Person who has been provided by such Covered Person with full details of the proposed transaction (including written certification that the investment opportunity did not arise by virtue of the Covered Person's activities on behalf of the Funds) and has concluded after consultation with other Harris investment advisory personnel that the Funds have no foreseeable interest in purchasing such securities.
No Covered Person shall profit within a sixty- (60-) day calendar period from the purchase and sale, or sale and purchase, of the same (or equivalent) securities of which such Covered Person has Beneficial Ownership if such securities are on any Harris-approved Working List** or are being actively considered for addition to or deletion from any Working List. A security is being "actively considered" when a recommendation to add the security to or delete it from any Working List has been made and is pending decision. Any profit so realized shall, unless the Funds' Board(s) approves otherwise, be paid over to the Funds or to a charitable organization of the Covered Person's choosing. Notwithstanding the foregoing and provided that at least two Designated Supervisory Persons approve any exception granted pursuant to this paragraph, a Covered Person may be permitted to retain profits that result from a purchase or sale that occurs as a consequence of circumstances not foreseen at the time of the initial sale or purchase transaction, e.g., a "sale" pursuant to a tender offer for securities purchased without knowledge of the impending tender offer within 60 days of the required tender date. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to transactions effected to close out a pre-existing hedge position within 60 days of the date on which such position was established.
No Covered Person shall receive any gift or other things of more than de minimis value from any person or entity that does or seeks to do business with or on behalf of the Funds. Gifts of more than de minimis value(i.e., in excess of $100) must be either returned to the donor or paid for by the recipient. This prohibition does not apply to an occasional meal or ticket to a theater, entertainment, or sporting event that is an incidental part of a meeting that has a clear business purpose.
No Covered Person, other than an individual who is a Covered Person solely because such individual is a member of the board of directors of HIM, shall serve on the board of directors of any publicly traded company without prior written authorization from a committee comprised of all Designated Supervisory Persons, an Executive Vice President or a Senior Vice President of the Bank, and a senior manager of the Funds' portfolio management agent (the "Compliance Committee") based upon a determination that such board service would be consistent with the interests of the Funds and their shareholders.
In instances in which such service is authorized, the Covered Person shall not participate in making investment decisions relating to the securities of the company on whose board he or she sits through the implementation of appropriate "Chinese Wall" procedures established by the Compliance Committee.
The prohibitions described in paragraphs (A) and (E) of Section III shall not apply to:
A. Purchases or sales effected in any account over which the Covered Person has no direct or indirect influence or control;
B. Securities which the Funds or other client accounts are not permitted to purchase or sell under the investment objectives and policies set forth in the Funds' then current prospectuses, under the Securities Act of 1933, or the Funds' registration statement on Form N-1A.
C. Purchases or sales over which neither the Covered Person nor the Funds have control;
D. Purchases that are part of an automatic dividend reinvestment plan;
E. Purchases effected upon the exercise of rights issued by an issuer pro rata to all holders of a class of its securities, to the extent such rights were acquired from the issuer, and sales of such rights so acquired;
F. Cumulative purchases or sales within a seven-day period of up to 200 shares of securities issued by any company with a market capitalization in excess of $1 billion; or
G. Subject to the advance approval by a Designated Supervisory Person, purchases or sales which are permissible in the opinion of a Designated Supervisory Person because such purchases or sales would be unlikely to affect a highly institutional market, or because such purchases or sales are clearly not related economically to the securities held, purchased or sold by the Funds.
A. Execution of personal securities transactions.
1. All personal securities transactions of Covered Persons, including, generally, accounts of Immediate Family Members and other accounts in which a Covered Person has a Beneficial Ownership interest, must be conducted through brokerage accounts that have been identified to a Designated Supervisory Person, and any account in which any Covered Person has a Beneficial Ownership interest shall be so identified. Each such brokerage account must be set up to deliver duplicate copies of all confirmations and statements to a Designated Supervisory Person. No exceptions will be made to this policy.
2. All purchase, redemption, and exchange transactions by all officers and employees of HIM, HIM Monegy, and Harris Bank's Investment Products Group, Personal Trust Department, and Private Bank unit, including Covered Persons and Investment Personnel (together, "Fund Investing Personnel") (including transactions by or for the benefit of any of their Immediate Family Members with whom they share the same household or for accounts as to which such officer or employee has Beneficial Ownership) in shares of any of the Funds shall be placed through (i) Harrisdirect LLC, (ii) an account with a broker/dealer other than Harrisdirect LLC that has been identified to and approved by a Designated Supervisory Person, or (iii) an account with the transfer agent for the Funds, for all of which above-described accounts copies of all confirmations shall be provided to the Designated Supervisory Person. Fund shares
held through a qualified employee benefit plan, deferred compensation plan, or similar account required to be maintained by a third-party administrator are exempt from the broker-specification requirement set forth in this paragraph, but remain subject to the duplicate confirmation requirement. ["Transactions of Fund Investing Personnel" include transactions by or for the benefit of any of their Immediate Family Members or for accounts as to which such officer or employee has Beneficial Ownership.]
B. Pre-clearance
1. A Covered Person and, generally, an Immediate Family Member of a Covered Person with whom they share the same household may, directly or indirectly, acquire or dispose of Beneficial Ownership of a security, other than shares of the Funds, only if (a) such purchase or sale has been approved in advance by the Compliance Officer of HIM or another of the supervisory persons designated by Harris (each a "Designated Supervisory Person"), (b) the approved transaction is completed within two business days of the day approval is received, and (c) a Designated Supervisory Person has not rescinded such approval prior to execution of the transaction. If any Designated Supervisory Person is also a Covered Person, that individual shall obtain pre-clearance approval from another Designated Supervisory Person in conformity with the preceding sentence and shall otherwise comply with all the provisions of this Code.
2. A written authorization for a security transaction will be provided by a Designated Supervisory Person to the person receiving authorization, to memorialize any oral authorization that may have been granted.
3. Pre-clearance approval under paragraph (1) above will expire at the close of business on the trading day after the date on which authorization is received, and the Covered Person is required to renew clearance for the transaction if the trade is not completed before the authority expires.
4. If a securities transaction has received pre-clearance approval under paragraph (1) above but has not been executed prior to the expiration of that approval as provided by paragraph (3) above, the Covered Person who requested pre-clearance shall report the non-execution to the Designated Supervisory Person who granted the approval no later than the close of business on the trading day after the approval expired.
C. Transaction Reports
1. Every Covered Person must report certain information about each transaction by which the Covered Person acquires any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership (as defined in Attachment A to this Code) of a Covered Security, subject to the exceptions set forth in Section V.E, below.
2. A Covered Person must submit to a Designated Supervisory Person a transaction report pursuant to this Section V.C.2 no later than 30 days after the end of any calendar quarter in which occurred any transaction with respect to a Covered Security (including shares of the Funds) in which the Covered Person had any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership interest. The report must contain the following information:
a. The name of the reporting person;
b. The date of the transaction, the title and type of security, the tickler symbol or CUSIP member (as applicable), interest rate and maturity date (if applicable), the number of shares, and the principal amount of each Covered Security involved;
c. The nature of the transaction (i.e., purchase, sale, gift, or any other acquisition or disposition);
d. The price of the Covered Security at which the transaction was effected;
e. The name of the broker, dealer or bank with or through whom the transaction was effected; and
f. The date that the report is submitted by the Covered Person.
3. A Covered Person must submit to a Designated Supervisory Person a securities account report pursuant to this Section V.C.3 no later than 30 days after the end of any calendar quarter with respect to any account (including any account held directly with the transfer agent for the Funds) established during that quarter in which the Covered Person has a direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership interest. Each year, concurrently with the annual report of holdings required to be submitted by 1 February, each Covered Person must submit to a Designated Supervisory Person a summary report listing all accounts in which the Covered Person has a direct or indi-
rect Beneficial Ownership interest and in which, during the preceding year, securities were held. These quarterly and annual reports must contain the following information:
a. The name of the reporting person;
b. The name of the broker, dealer or bank with whom the Covered Person established the account;
c. The date the account was established; and
d. The date that the report is submitted by the Covered Person.
4. The Designated Supervisory Person shall monitor the trading patterns of Covered Persons, review reports received, and as appropriate compare the reports with the written pre-clearance authorization provided and with records of transactions for the Funds and other clients of PB and HIM.
5. In order to comply with Section III.B, any portfolio
manager, analyst, trader, or support staff working directly
with portfolio managers and analysts, who, at the time of an
investment model 'reoptimization', has engaged in any
transaction in a Covered Security, which transaction has not
been pre-cleared pursuant to the exclusion provided by
Section IV.F and has not yet been reported pursuant to
Section V.C.2, shall provide a written report of the
excluded transaction(s) to that Covered Person's Designated
Supervisory Person or respective Compliance Officer,
disclosing the information required by Section V.C.2.
6. Any report submitted to comply with the requirements of this
Section V may contain a statement that the report shall not
be construed as an admission by the person making such
report that such person has any direct or indirect
Beneficial Ownership in the securities to which the report
relates.
D. Disclosure of Personal Holdings
1. Initial Holdings Reports: Upon commencement of employment,++ but in no case later than 10 days after a person becomes a Covered Person under this Code, each Covered Person shall be required to disclose his or her current personal securities holdings (including any account held directly with the transfer agent for the Funds) in-
cluding, generally, accounts in which the Covered Person has a Beneficial Ownership interest in a report containing the following information, (which information must be current as of a date no more than 45 days prior to the date the person becomes a Covered Person):
a. The name of the Covered Person;
b. The title and type of security, the ticker symbol or CUSIP number (as applicable), number of shares and principal amount of each Covered Security in which the Covered Person had any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership when the person became an Covered Person;
c. The name of any broker, dealer, or bank with whom the Covered Person maintained an account in which any securities were held for the direct or indirect benefit of the Covered Person as of the date the person became an Covered Person; and
d. The date that the report is submitted by the Covered Person.
2. Annual Holdings Reports: Each Covered Person shall deliver to a Designated Supervisory Person no later than February 1 of each year an annual report of holdings, current as of a date no more than 45 days before the annual report is submitted and providing the following information:
a. The name of the Covered Person;
b. The title and type of security, the ticker symbol or CUSIP number (as applicable), number of shares and principal amount of each Covered Security in which the Covered Person had any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership;
c. The name of any broker, dealer, or bank with whom the Covered Person maintains an account in which any securities are held for the direct or indirect benefit of the Covered Person; and
d. The date that the report is submitted by the Covered Person.
E. Exceptions from Reporting Requirements.
1. No report shall be required of a Covered Person pursuant to Sections V.C and V.D with respect to transactions effected for, and
Covered Securities held in, any account over which the Covered Person has no direct or indirect influence or control.
2. No report shall be required of a Covered Person pursuant to
Section V.C if such report would duplicate (a) information
recorded pursuant to Rules 204-2(a)(12) or 204-2(a)(13)
under the Advisers Act, as amended, or (b) information
contained in broker trade confirmations or account
statements received by the Funds or Harris with respect to
the Covered Person in the time period required by Section
V.C.2, provided that all of the information required by that
Section is contained in the broker trade confirmations or
account statements, or in the records of the Funds or
Harris. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, each Covered
Person shall, in response to the quarterly transactions list
provided to the Covered Person by the Designated Supervisory
Persons, confirm the accuracy of and, to the extent required
to conform with the reports otherwise required by Section
V.C, supplement said transactions list within the period
stated in the transactions list.
3. No report shall be required of a Covered Person pursuant to
Section V.C.2 with respect to transactions effected pursuant
to an Automatic Investment Plan.
F. Delivery of Code and Certification of Compliance
The Bank, Monegy and HIM are each responsible for notifying their directors, officers, and employees who are Covered Persons of their status and obligations under this Code and for providing to each of those individuals a copy of this Code, as amended from time to time. Each Covered Person shall certify annually that he or she has read and understood this Code and recognizes that he or she is subject to such Code. Further, each Covered Person shall certify annually that he or she has complied with all the requirements of the Code and that he or she has disclosed or reported all personal securities transactions required to be disclosed or reported pursuant to the requirements of the Code. A form of certification is attached to this Code as Attachment C.
G. Reports to Board
1. At least annually the investment adviser of the Funds shall provide a written report at a regular meeting of the Funds' Board of Trustees that:
a. Describes any issues arising under this Code or the procedures adopted by Harris since the last report to the Board of Trustees, including, but not limited to, information about material violations of the code or procedures and sanctions imposed in response to such material violations, provided, however, that such reports shall not include issues or information concerning Access Persons whose activities and knowledge concerning securities transactions relate solely to the accounts of clients of PB; and
b. Certifies that Harris has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from violating the code.
2. HIM, HIM Monegy, and the Bank shall require their respective Chief Compliance Officers or their representatives to report quarterly to the Board of Trustees any material breach of fiduciary duty and/or the federal securities laws of which the respective Chief Compliance Officer becomes aware in the course of carrying out his or her duties.
H. Review by the Board
At least annually and, in any case, within six months of adopting any material change to this Code, the Bank, HIM, and Monegy shall report to the Board of Trustees of the Funds and submit for approval:
1. All existing procedures concerning Covered Persons' personal trading activities and any procedural changes made during the past year; and
2. Any recommended or previously adopted changes to this Code or the related procedures.
I. Review Procedures. Harris shall institute and periodically review procedures (1) reasonably necessary to prevent violations of this Code and (2) pursuant to which appropriate management or compliance personnel review all reports required by this Code.
Upon discovering that a Covered Person has not complied with the requirements of this Code, a Designated Supervisory Person shall submit findings to the Compliance Committee. The Compliance Committee may impose on that Covered Person whatever sanctions the Compliance Committee deems appropriate, in-
cluding, among other things, the unwinding of the transaction and the disgorgement of profits, letter of censure, suspension or termination of employment or removal from office. Any significant sanction imposed shall be reported to the Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees in accordance with Section V.G above.
There shall be preserved with the Funds' records in accordance with Rule 17j-1:
A. This Code and any prior code in effect during the five years preceding the date of this Code, maintained in an easily accessible place;
B. A record (maintained in an easily accessible place for at least five years after the end of the fiscal year in which the violation occurs) of any violation of this Code, and of any action taken as a result of the violation;
C. A copy (maintained for at least five years after the end of the fiscal year in which the report is made or the information is provided, the first two years in an easily accessible place) of each report made by a Covered Person as required by this Code, including any information provided pursuant to Section V.E.2(b) in lieu of the quarterly reports otherwise required by this Code;
D. A record (maintained in an easily accessible place) of all persons, currently or within the past five years, who are or were required to make reports under Sections V.C and V.D of this Code, or who are or were responsible for reviewing these reports;
E. A copy (maintained for at least five years after the end of the fiscal year in which it is made, the first two years in an easily accessible place) of each report required by Section V.G of this Code;
F. A record (maintained by the Funds or Harris, as the case may
be, for at least five years after the end of the fiscal year
in which the approval is granted) of any decision, and the
reasons supporting the decision, to approve the acquisition by
investment personnel of securities under Sections III.C and
III.D of this Code; and
G. Any written report prepared by the Bank or HIM concerning the subject matter of this Code.
All information obtained from any Covered Person hereunder shall be kept in strict confidence, except that reports of securities transactions hereunder may be
made available to the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other regulatory or self-regulatory organization, to the Funds, and may otherwise be disclosed to the extent required by law or regulation.
Each Covered Person who is an Access Person of the Bank, HIM, or Monegy shall report any known or reasonably suspected violation of this Code to his or her respective Designated Supervisory Person, to the Law Department of the Bank, or to the Bank's Chief Compliance Officer, provided, however, that any report by an Access Person of HIM or Monegy shall also be provided to the Chief Compliance Officer of HIM or Monegy, respectively. In addition, HIM, Monegy, and the Bank shall designate one or more corporate ombudsmen to whom Fund Investing Personnel may convey concerns about Fund-related business matters that they believe implicate matters of ethics or questionable practices. HIM, Monegy, and the Bank shall establish procedures to investigate matters brought to the attention of the ombudsman. HIM, Monegy, and the Bank shall review matters brought to the attention of the ombudsman, along with any resolution of such matters, with the Board of Trustees of the Funds with such frequency as the Trustees may instruct, but no less frequently than annually.
Nothing contained in this Code shall be interpreted as relieving any Covered Person from acting in accordance with the provision of any applicable law, rule, or regulation or any other statement of policy or procedure governing the conduct of such person adopted by Harris or the Funds.
If any person has any questions with regard to the applicability of the provisions of this Code generally or with regard to any securities transaction or transactions such person should consult a Designated Supervisory Person.
Harris Insight Funds Trust
Covered Persons employed by
Harris Investment Management, Inc.,
Investment Adviser to the Funds,
and
HIM Monegy, Inc.
Investment Sub-Adviser to the Funds,
as of _________________________
Harris Insight Funds Trust
Covered Persons employed by
Harris Trust and Savings Bank,
Administrator and Transfer Agent for the Funds, as of ___ July, 2001
The term "Beneficial Ownership" as used in the attached Code of Ethics (the "Code") is to be interpreted by reference to Rule 16a-1(a)(2) under the 1934 Act (the "Rule"), except that the determination of direct or indirect beneficial ownership for purposes of the Code must be made with respect to all securities that a Covered Person has or acquires. Under the Rule, a person is generally deemed to have Beneficial Ownership of securities if the person, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in the securities.
The term "pecuniary interest" in particular securities is generally defined in the Rule to mean the opportunity, directly or indirectly, to profit or share in any profit derived from a transaction in the securities. A PERSON IS REFUTABLY DEEMED TO HAVE AN "INDIRECT PECUNIARY INTEREST" WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE RULE IN ANY SECURITIES HELD BY MEMBERS OF THE PERSON'S IMMEDIATE FAMILY SHARING THE SAME HOUSEHOLD. The term "Immediate Family Member" includes any child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, as well as adoptive relationships. Under the Rule, an indirect pecuniary interest also includes, among other things: a general partner's proportionate interest in the portfolio securities held by a general or limited partnership; a performance-related fee, other than an asset-based fee, received by any broker, dealer, bank, insurance company, investment company, investment adviser, investment manager, trustee, person or entity performing a similar function; a person's right to dividends that is separated or separable from the underlying securities; a person's interest in securities held by certain trusts, including specifically a beneficiary's interest in a trust, transactions for which are under the beneficiary's direction or control, whether sole or shared; and a person's right to acquire equity securities through the exercise or conversion of any derivative security, whether or not presently exercisable, the term "derivative security" being generally defined as any option, warrant, convertible security, stock appreciation right, or similar right with an exercise or conversion privilege at a price related to an equity security, or similar securities with, or value derived from the value of any equity security. For purposes of the Rule, a person who is a shareholder of a corporation or similar entity is not deemed to have a pecuniary interest in portfolio securities held by the corporation or entity, so long as the shareholder is not a controlling shareholder of the corporation or the entity and does not have or share investment control over the corporation's or the entity portfolio.
Attachment C
HARRIS TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK
HARRIS INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, INC.
HIM MONEGY, INC.
STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES AND
CODE OF ETHICS FOR
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND
MUTUAL FUND MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL
ANNUAL CERTIFICATION
Pursuant to the requirements of the Code of Ethics for Investment Advisory and Mutual Fund Management Personnel of Harris Trust and Savings Bank, Harris Investment Management, Inc., and HIM Monegy, Inc., the undersigned hereby certifies as follows:
1. I have read the Code of Ethics.
2. I understand the Code of Ethics and acknowledge that I am subject to it.
3. Since the date of the last Annual Certification (if any) given pursuant to the Code of Ethics, I have reported all personal securities transactions required to be reported under the requirements of the Code of Ethics.
Date: ____________________________
Signature
____________________________
|
Print Name
EXHIBIT p.7
CODE OF CONDUCT
JANUARY 2005
NEW
STAR [LOGO]
CODE OF CONDUCT
JANUARY 2005
NEW STAR ASSET MANAGEMENT GROUP
CODE OF CONDUCT
1 INTRODUCTION................................................................2 2. GENERAL PRINCIPLES......................................................... 3 3 PERSONAL ACCOUNT DEALING and the CODE OF ETHICS.............................4 4. LEVEL 1 POLICY (FSA Policy).................................................5 Avoiding conflicts of interest Pre-clearance/pre-approval of transactions Mutual funds Holding periods Prohibited dealings Dealing on inside information Rights issues, takeovers etc Non-discretionary portfolios Contract notes Periodic statements Consequences of breaches 5. LEVEL 2 POLICY (SEC Policy).................................................9 Level 2 Requirements Prohibited Transactions Pre-Approval Requirements Initial and Annual Holdings Reports Quarterly Transaction Reports Exceptions to Reporting Requirements Review of Reports Mutual Fund Reporting Pension Plans Reports to Fund Board of Directors Recordkeeping 6. CONFIDENTIALITY............................................................14 Protecting confidential information Disclosure of holdings 7. INSIDER TRADING............................................................15 8. GIFTS AND HOSPITALITY......................................................16 Providing gifts and hospitality Receiving gifts and hospitality Avoiding conflicts of interest 9. SERVICE AS A DIRECTOR & OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT AND ACTIVITIES..................18 10.SANCTIONS..................................................................19 |
NEW STAR ASSET MANAGEMENT GROUP
CODE OF CONDUCT
1 INTRODUCTION
The Code of Conduct (the "Code") is designed to reinforce New Star Asset Management Group's ("New Star") reputation for integrity by avoiding even the appearance of impropriety in the conduct of our business. The Code sets out standards of conduct expected from every New Star employee (regardless of position or level of seniority) in the UK.
New Star is regulated in the UK by the Financial Services Authority ("FSA") but is also subject to specific requirements enforced by the Securities Exchange Commission ("SEC") in its capacity as an Investment Advisor to US clients. As a consequence New Star and its employees are subject to both high level principles and specific regulations regarding personal securities trading, disclosure of external directorships and business interests and gifts and hospitality.
We have developed this Code to promote the highest standards of behaviour and ensure compliance with applicable regulations. In addition to the provisions outlined in this document, employees must also read the documents that make up the Compliance Manual which set out specific requirements relating to our regulated activities under the FSA. In addition, staff involved in the management and administration for our institutional business should read the SEC Compliance Programme which sets out the requirements and procedures under the SEC regulations.
Employees should be aware that they may be held personally liable for any improper or illegal acts committed during the course of their employment, and that "ignorance of the law" is not a defense. Employees may be subject to civil penalties such as fines and regulatory sanctions including suspension, as well as criminal penalties.
Employees must read the Code and ensure that they not only comply with the specific requirements, but also meet the spirit of the requirements. Failure to comply with the provisions of the Code may result in serious sanctions including, but not limited to:
o Unwinding transactions that breach the code;
o Payments to charity of profits made as a result of actions that breached the
code;
o Disciplinary proceedings, including dismissal;
o Potentially substantial personal liability; and
o Referral to law enforcement agencies or other regulatory agencies.
Employees should retain a copy of the Code in their records for future reference. Any questions regarding the Code should be directed to Compliance.
This Code applies to all employees of the New Star Asset Management Group. For this purpose, the term "employee" includes consultants, secondees, temporary employees, fixed term contractors and work experience students. In the case of personal account dealing, the Code will also include "closely connected persons". A more detailed definition of this term can be found in the Level 1 Policy.
NEW STAR ASSET MANAGEMENT GROUP
CODE OF CONDUCT
2 GENERAL PRINCIPLES
Each New Star employee is responsible for maintaining the very highest ethical standards when conducting business. More specifically, this means:
o Each employee has a duty at all times to place the interests of our
clients first;
o Each employee is required to report any circumstance that gives rise
to, could give rise to or could appear to give rise to a conflict of
interest between that staff member or New Star and any of New Star's
clients (e.g. other business interests of that employee, family
relationships etc). This should be reported to the employee's head of
department, who should escalate to senior management;
o All personal securities transactions must be conducted in accordance
with our personal dealing rules incorporated in this Code and in such
a manner as to avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest or
other abuse of the employee's position of trust and responsibility;
and
o No employee should take inappropriate advantage of his/her position
at New Star or engage in any fraudulent or manipulative practice.
NEW STAR ASSET MANAGEMENT GROUP
CODE OF CONDUCT
3 PERSONAL ACCOUNT DEALING
Personal account dealing by employees of New Star is governed by the Code. This sets out the requirements and procedures to be followed by staff.
New Star is required to manage potential conflicts of interest between itself, staff members and its customers and to organise and control its internal affairs responsibly and effectively. These requirements are especially important to ensure that none of the group's customers are disadvantaged in any way by the personal dealings of any of the group's employees.
The Code has 2 levels reflecting the differing standards and requirements under the FSA's and the SEC regulations
LEVEL 1
This relates to the requirements of the FSA regulations. As such, it relates to all staff employed by the New Star Group.
LEVEL 2
As it relates to the SEC regulations, the Level 2 requirements govern directors, officers and "advisory persons" of New Star (collectively "Access Persons"). For this purpose, the term "advisory person" means:
1. any employee of New Star who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes, participates in or obtains information regarding the purchase or sale of a security by New Star for the account of any U.S. mutual fund managed by New Star (a "Fund"), or whose functions relate to the making of any recommendations with respect to such purchases or sales; and
2. any natural person who controls New Star and who obtains information concerning recommendations made by New Star to Fund clients with regard to the purchase or sale of a security by such Funds.
Accordingly, advisory persons include all Fund management staff, all dealers and relevant back office staff. The Code permits Access Persons to buy and sell securities for their own accounts, including securities that may be purchased and sold for the accounts of Fund clients, subject to certain restrictions.
Please note that employees that are subject to the level 2 requirements are still subject to the level 1 requirements.
ANY VIOLATIONS OF THE POLICIES DISCUSSED BELOW SHOULD BE REPORTED TO COMPLIANCE (LORRAINE HUNT OR CHESSY MARTIN) AS SOON AS THEY ARE IDENTIFIED. IN ADDITION, PLEASE CONTACT COMPLIANCE IF YOU HAVE ANY QUERIES ON HOW THE POLICIES RELATE TO YOURSELF.
NEW STAR ASSET MANAGEMENT GROUP
CODE OF CONDUCT
4 LEVEL 1 POLICY
As noted above, New Star is required under FSA regulations to maintain and apply a code of conduct in relation to personal securities transactions of staff within New Star.
The FSA regulations require New Star to manage conflicts of interest fairly between itself and its customers and to organise and control its internal affairs responsibly and effectively. These requirements are especially important to ensure that none of the firm's customers are disadvantaged by the personal dealings of any of the firm's employees.
In addition to the definitions set forth under the heading "Introduction" above, for purposes of the Level 1 Policy, the following terms shall be defined as set forth below:
The term "closely connected person" of an employee includes:
o the employee's spouse, person cohabiting with the employee as a spouse and, if under the age of 18, any child, stepchild and adopted child of either party;
o any company in which the employee and/or any closely connected person is interested, directly or indirectly, in 15% or more of the equity capital;
o any estate or trust where the employee is a personal representative of that estate or a trustee of that trust, if the employee holds, or may hold, a significant interest or such an interest is held, or may be held, by anyone whose relationship with the employee might reasonably be expected to give rise to a community of interest between them which may involve a conflict of interest in dealings with a third party;
o any estate or trust where the employee is a personal representative of that estate or a trustee of that trust, whatever his interest, if the employee is not relying entirely on the advice of another person from whom it is appropriate to seek advice in the circumstances; and
o any other person connected to the employee by reason of a domestic or business relationship (other than as arises solely because that person is a customer of the firm), such that the employee has material influence over that person's judgement in respect of his dealings.
This definition is not exhaustive and may, in individual circumstances, be extended to apply to persons who can, otherwise than as specified above, reasonably be deemed to fall within an employee's sphere of influence.
Under no circumstances may employees deal for unconnected friends or acquaintances on their personal account or on the account of a closely connected person if such persons would not qualify under these definitions.
o 'Securities' means all types of investment, including their derivatives except for life policies, unit trusts, mutual funds and subscriptions through investment trust or unit trust savings schemes. It covers UK and foreign securities, both listed and unlisted. Included are the following: stocks and shares in UK or foreign companies; debenture stock, loan stock, bonds, notes, certificates of deposit, commercial paper or other debt instruments, including government, public agency, municipal and corporate issues; warrants; depository receipts; traded and conventional options; financial, currency and commodity futures; contracts for differences, e.g. FTSE, S&P 500 or other contracts on indices.
For the avoidance of doubt, 'securities' does not include spot foreign exchange dealing for delivery of the currency. Forward or 'roll-over' contracts are, however, included. Spread betting on non-financial products is allowed and does not need approval but this activity should be kept to a minimum during business hours. No prior approval is required for OEICS, unit trusts, government bonds and life policies.
o 'Dealing' means the application for, and the acquisition or disposal of, securities, either on a regulated market or over the counter whether in the UK or overseas. It does not include decisions to take up or allow to lapse rights, scrip dividends, options and warrants, any gifts of securities or acceptance of formal take-over or merger offers.
NEW STAR ASSET MANAGEMENT GROUP
CODE OF CONDUCT
PLEASE NOTE THAT NEW STAR EMPLOYEES WHOSE PERSONAL DEALINGS BREACH THE LETTER OR THE SPIRIT OF THE LEVEL 1 POLICY REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH BELOW WILL RENDER THEMSELVES LIABLE TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION UP TO AND INCLUDING DISMISSAL.
The requirements of the Level 1 Policy are as follows:
AVOIDING CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Each New Star Employee is responsible for maintaining the highest ethical standards when conducting business. More specifically this means:
1. Each employee has a duty at all times to place the interests of our clients first;
2. No New Star Employee may effect a personal account transaction that will, or may, conflict with the firm's duties to its customers and all such transactions must comply with this Code;
3. No New Star Employee should take inappropriate advantage of his/her position or engage in any fraudulent or manipulative practice with respect to our clients' accounts; and
4. No New Star Employee may effect a personal account transaction with any customer of the firm, subject to certain exceptions, except on an arms length basis under standard business terms.
PRE-CLEARANCE/PRE-APPROVAL OF TRANSACTIONS
All personal account transactions must be approved by someone within the Compliance Department. If no one from Compliance is available, the CIO or one of the Deputy CIOs may also sign off transactions. Transactions should be placed within 24 hours of obtaining authorisation.
Certain deals, including those listed below, may require sign off by the Compliance Director or CEO.
o For any transaction which is likely to exceed (pound)25,000 in gross value (for derivatives, the market exposure will be the determining factor); and
o For any transaction (regardless of value) bought or sold within seven days of another transaction in the same security by New Star.
Note: Subject to a deminimus of (pound)15,000, if an individual buys a security at a lower price, or sells at a higher price than that obtained by a New Star client who buys or sells the same security within seven days, the difference in price will be given to the client; i.e. the purchase price obtained by the individual will be the same as for the client.
The Compliance Director has discretion to waive the above in special circumstances such as if the individual can demonstrate, without doubt, that they would not have had any prior knowledge or say in the client transaction.
The following types of transaction do not require pre-approval:
1. purchase of a mutual fund (with the exception of a US Mutual fund
that we are sub-adviser to), a government or other public security or
life policies;
2. purchases or sales effected in any account over which the employee
has no direct influence or control (even though they may have a
beneficial interest); and
3. purchases or sales which are not voluntary on the part of the
employee (i.e. stock splits, recapitalizations, and mergers);
NEW STAR ASSET MANAGEMENT GROUP
CODE OF CONDUCT
4. purchases which are part of an automatic dividend reinvestment plan
(although in the case of Access Persons, the establishment of the
plan should be notified to Compliance);
5. purchases effected upon the exercise of rights issued by an issuer
pro rata to all holders of a class of its securities, to the extent
such rights were acquired from the issuer, and sales of such rights
so acquired; and
6. gifts of securities to charitable organisations.
Where a New Star Employee has been precluded from effecting a personal account transaction, they must not procure another person to enter into such a transaction or communicate any information or opinion to another person if they know, or ought to know, that the person will, as a result, enter into such a transaction, or counsel or procure some other person to do so.
MUTUAL FUNDS
Transactions in mutual funds (with the exception of a US Mutual fund that we are sub-adviser to) do not require pre-approval by Compliance. However Access Persons should read and understand the reporting requirements for mutual funds detailed in the Level 2 Policy.
HOLDING PERIODS
Speculative, short term trading of securities should not be undertaken by New Star Employees. New Star Employees are therefore required to hold securities, including funds, for a minimum period of 3 months. All investment decisions made by employees should be made on the basis that the shares will be held for the medium to long term.
There may be certain circumstances when securities bought in the previous 3 months may need to be sold within that period to meet liabilities (e.g., unexpected bills requiring settlement). In such cases, the reasons for the sale must be given in an attachment to the Personal Dealing authorisation form and must be approved by the Head of Compliance or the Compliance Director.
PROHIBITED DEALINGS
No Employees, either on their own account or that of any Connected Person, may:
o deal in securities on the basis of unpublished price sensitive
information (inside information);
o deal in securities where unpublished price sensitive information
relevant to those securities is held by New Star;
o take a financial interest in transactions entered into by New Star;
o make multiple applications for new issues;
o take speculative positions which they are unable to settle; and
o accept credit, other financial accommodation or preferential terms of
business.
DEALING ON INSIDE INFORMATION
New Star Employees are reminded about the insider dealing provisions contained in Part V of the Criminal Justice Act 1993 making it a criminal offence, with a maximum penalty of 7 years imprisonment and an unlimited fine, for an individual who has non-public information to deal in price-affected securities. There is also a similar offense under the FSA's Market Conduct Sourcebook. This applies to trading undertaken on behalf of New Star and personal account transactions.
New Star maintains a restricted list of securities on which it has non-public information. No personal share dealing will be permitted in such companies.
NEW STAR ASSET MANAGEMENT GROUP
CODE OF CONDUCT
RIGHTS ISSUES, TAKEOVERS ETC.
Please note that these rules extend to making any formal or informal offer to buy, sell or take up rights on a rights issue and exercising conversion or subscription rights and exercising an option. The rules also extends to buying or selling an investment under any offer, including a takeover or tender offer, which is made to the public or all (or substantially all) the holders of the investment concerned. Authorisation would still need to be sought in these instances.
NON-DISCRETIONARY PORTFOLIOS
Pre-approval is not required on transactions executed on behalf of any New Star Employee who is the beneficiary of a portfolio or trust but has no direct influence over the management of the portfolio. In these cases, staff are required to provide details of the portfolio. The manager of the portfolio will be required to provide an annual statement that the relevant New Star Employee has not exercised any influence over the management of the Fund in the relevant time period. In the case of access persons, we also require an annual statement of holdings and transaction.
Influence can include:
o Deciding asset allocation; and
o Directing a manager to invest in in-house funds.
In all cases, non-discretionary portfolios should be discussed with Compliance, to ensure that the definition of influence is understood.
CONTRACT NOTES
Staff are required to provide New Star with copies of contract notes of all personal account transactions. Where staff are establishing an on-going brokerage relationship/account, please request that the broker sends a copy of any contract note direct to the Compliance Department.
PERIODIC STATEMENTS
Each employee shall sign an annual statement of purchases and sales of all investments.
Nominated discretionary fund managers will be asked to provide an annual statement of purchases and sales (at calendar year end).
CONSEQUENCE OF BREACHES OF THIS POLICY
New Star reserves the right to require a New Star Employee to unwind or cancel any personal account transaction or require any profit made to be given to a charity of New Star's choosing.
NEW STAR EMPLOYEES WHO ARE SUBJECT TO THE LEVEL 1 POLICY WILL BE ASKED TO SUBMIT AN ANNUAL CONFIRMATION OF ALL THE TRANSACTIONS UNDERTAKEN IN THE PERIOD. NEW STAR EMPLOYEES SHOULD CONSULT THE COMPLIANCE DEPARTMENT IF THEY ARE IN ANY DOUBT AS TO WHETHER OR NOT AN INSTRUMENT IS A SECURITY FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE LEVEL 1 POLICY.
NEW STAR ASSET MANAGEMENT GROUP
CODE OF CONDUCT
5 LEVEL 2 POLICY
Because New Star acts as a sub-adviser of a US mutual fund, New Star is subject to the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and in relation to all US Clients to Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act (collectively "the Rules"). These Rules govern the personal account dealing activities of New Star staff.
The Rules prohibit New Star and its affiliates from engaging in fraud, deceit or manipulative practices with respect to any US Client managed by New Star. Accordingly, this Level 2 Policy has been adopted by New Star to prevent Access Persons from :
(1) serving their own personal interests ahead of a client;
(2) taking inappropriate advantage of their position with New Star; and
(3) engaging in any actual or potential conflicts of interest.
Access Persons will be given a copy of this Code annually and will be required to certify in writing to New Star that they have read and understand the Level 2 Policy contained herein as it relates to them, and have complied with it in all material respects.
In addition to the definitions set forth under the heading "Introduction", for purposes of the Level 2 Policy, the following terms shall be defined as set forth below:
o The term "beneficial ownership" refers to situations where a person
has the right to direct the disposition of a security or possess
voting power over the security or enjoys some economic benefit from
the ownership of the security. This will include indirect ownership,
e.g. through ownership by a closely connected person. Please also see
the explanatory note on "Exemptions from Reporting Requirements"
below.
o The term "securities" means any note, stock, treasury stock, security future, bond, debenture, evidence of indebtedness, certificate of interest or participation in any profit-sharing agreement, collateral-trust certificate, preorganisation certificate or subscription, transferable share, investment contract, voting-trust certificate, certificate of deposit for a security, fractional undivided interest in oil, gas or other mineral rights, any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege on any security (including a certificate of deposit) or on any group or index of securities (including any interest therein or based on the value thereof), or any put, call, straddle, option or privilege entered into on a national securities exchange relating to foreign currency, or, in general, any interest or instrument commonly known as a "security," or any certificate of interest or participation in, temporary or interim certificate for, receipt for, guarantee of, or warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase, any of the foregoing. The term does not include:
(1) direct obligations of the U.S. government;
(2) bankers' acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial
paper and high quality short-term debt instruments (e.g.,
repurchase agreements); or
(3) shares issued by open-end investment companies registered with
the SEC under the 1940 Act (i.e., U.S. mutual funds).
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS EXEMPTION DOES NOT EXTEND TO UK FUNDS ALTHOUGH
PRE-APPROVAL ON UK FUNDS IS NOT REQUIRED. PLEASE ALSO REFER TO THE
EXPLANATORY NOTE ON NEW STAR MANAGED FUNDS DETAILED UNDER MUTUAL FUND
REPORTING.
NEW STAR ASSET MANAGEMENT GROUP
CODE OF CONDUCT
The requirements of the Level 2 Policy are as follows:
PROHIBITED TRANSACTIONS
Subject to a deminimus of (pound)15,000, Access Persons may not purchase or sell any security that, within the preceding 7 days, is or has been traded by a US client, or is being or has been considered for purchase or sale by a US Client, unless the transaction is executed at the same or worse price as that received by the US Client.
This prohibition will be monitored by the Compliance Department through a review of trading after all personal account dealing. Access Persons may be required to unwind or cancel any personal account transaction if it is believed that the transaction has breached these procedures.
PRE-APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
Access persons are required to have all personal securities transactions pre-approved by someone within the Compliance Department in accordance with the requirements under the Level I procedures.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, access persons must obtain the approval of someone within the Compliance Department before directly or indirectly acquiring beneficial ownership in any securities issued in an initial public offering in the U.S. or in a private placement transaction in the U.S. Once the transaction is completed the number of shares purchased during an IPO or private placement must be reported to Compliance.
INITIAL AND ANNUAL HOLDINGS REPORTS
No later than 30 days after a person becomes an Access Person, Access Persons must report the following information to the Compliance Department:
1. the title, number of shares and principal amount of each security,
INCLUDING UK UNIT TRUSTS OR OEICS, in which the Access Person had any
direct or indirect beneficial ownership when the person became an
Access Person; and
2. the name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom the Access Person
maintained an account in which any securities were held for the direct
or indirect benefit of the Access Person as of the date the person
became an Access Person.
This information is required to be broken down into the following groups:
- Direct holdings in securities/stocks (which would include debentures,
bonds etc);
- Details of any personal portfolios or pensions over which the Access
Person exercises discretion. In such cases, staff will be required to
provide details of holding in such portfolios/plans;
- Investments in New Star funds; and
- Investment in non-New Star funds.
In addition, the same information must be reported to the Compliance Department on an annual basis. New Star has set an annual confirmation date of 30 September. With regard to the annual report, the information provided must be current as of a date no more than 30 days before the report is submitted.
QUARTERLY TRANSACTION REPORTS
No later than 30 days after the end of each calendar quarter, Access Persons must report the following information to the Compliance Department:
NEW STAR ASSET MANAGEMENT GROUP
CODE OF CONDUCT
(a) with respect to any personal dealing transaction during the quarter in a security over which the Access Person had any direct or indirect influence,
- the date of the transaction, the title, the interest rate and
maturity date (if applicable), the number of shares and the
principal amount of each security involved;
- the nature of the transaction (i.e., purchase or sale);
- the price of the security at which the transaction was effected;
and
- the name of the broker, dealer or bank with or through whom the
transaction was effected.
(b) with respect to any account established by the Access Person in which securities were held during the quarter for the direct or indirect benefit of the Access Person,
- the name of the broker, dealer or bank with whom the Access
Person established the account; and
- the date the account was established. The quarterly report must
be submitted to the Head of Compliance or Compliance Director by
each Access Person even if such person did not effect any
securities transactions during the quarter.
EXCEPTIONS TO REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
An Access Person need not submit the initial, annual or quarterly reports discussed above with respect to transactions effected for, and securities held in, any account over which the person has no direct or indirect influence or control.
In the case of pension plans or personal portfolios where the Access Person does not exercise discretion, the Access Person is only required to provide the name of the operator or manager of the plan. In the case of personal portfolios, we will request that the firm managing the portfolio provides an annual statement that the Access Person has not influenced the management and an annual statement of holdings and transaction.
Please note that if the Access Person chose an allocation between funds, this information will need to be reported, along with any changes in the allocation.
In addition, an Access Person need not submit the quarterly reports discussed above if the report would duplicate information contained in broker trade confirmations or account statements submitted to the Compliance Department by the Access Person in lieu of the reports. Please note that this exemption only applies if it has been specifically agreed with the Compliance Department.
MUTUAL FUND REPORTING
New Star has previously reviewed the trading in mutual funds by New Star Employees. This indicated that the level of trading was very low, with those staff who are purchasing shares/units in our funds holding them as longer term investments. We therefore have not imposed any holding period requirements on New Star mutual funds.
Access Persons are not required to seek pre-approval of purchases in mutual funds. This exemption may be removed if it is believed that any staff are short term trading in New Star funds.
On a quarterly basis, Compliance will obtain transaction details from the funds administrator, which will be included in each Access Person's personal dealing records.
NEW STAR ASSET MANAGEMENT GROUP
CODE OF CONDUCT
Investments in the shares/units of other mutual funds do not require pre-approval. However access persons are required to notify Compliance as follows:
- On at least a quarterly basis, notify of new investments or
establishment of any new regular savings plan;
- On at least a quarterly basis, notify of any changes to allocation
of existing investments (i.e. switches), of changes in the
allocation of regular saving plans, or of any redemptions; and
- Semi-annually (in line with fund operators reporting schedule),
provide copies of semi-annual statements issued by the operator.
PENSION PLANS
The reporting requirements for pension plans depends on the type of plan that is being used. Below are three types of plan and the relevant reporting requirements. If any Access Person is not clear which category their plan falls into, they should contact Compliance.
These are plans were the New Star Employee does not exercise any discretion over the management of the plan or the selection of investments in the plan. For these type of plans, staff are only required to provide New Star with the name of the plan.
Typically in this category of plans, a plan holder can select which markets or funds the plan will invest in but has no discretion over the selection of underlying investments. The New Star Pension Plan falls into this category of plan.
For this type of plan, Access Persons are required to provide New Star with the name of the plan, details of the manager and the asset allocation (including names of funds if mutual funds are used). Thereafter, Access Persons are required to report to any changes in the allocation.
For New Star Pension Plans, this information will be sought directly from the plan manager.
Access Persons who actively manage their own pension plans should follow the standard pre-approval procedures for any investments that they make and include details of the portfolio and transactions in their reporting under the SEC Rules.
REVIEW OF REPORTS
The Compliance Department shall be responsible for reviewing the initial, annual and quarterly reports of Access Persons in order to detect violations of the Level 2 Policy. In the event a violation is detected, the Compliance Director, in conjunction with other senior management personnel, shall determine what sanctions, if any, shall be imposed on the violator, including reprimands, fines or assessments, removal from office, or suspension or termination of employment in accordance with New Star's disciplinary procedure.
NEW STAR ASSET MANAGEMENT GROUP
CODE OF CONDUCT
REPORTS TO FUND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
No less frequently than annually, New Star will furnish to the board of New Star Institutional Managers Limited and to the board of directors of any Fund it manages a written report that:
1. describes any issues arising under the Level 2 Policy since the last report to the board, including information about material violations of the Level 2 Policy and sanctions imposed in response thereto; and
2. certifies that New Star has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from violating the Level 2 Policy.
RECORDKEEPING
New Star will maintain records relating to the Level 2 Policy, as required by the Rules.
NEW STAR ASSET MANAGEMENT GROUP
CODE OF CONDUCT
6 CONFIDENTIALITY
We have a responsibility to maintain confidentiality around our clients' investments and any other information that we maintain on clients (e.g. settlement details, client specific terms of business).
PROTECTING CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
During the course of their employment, New Star employees may receive information about New Star (or other group companies), our clients or other parties. All such information should be treated as confidential, unless you know that it is in the public domain. As such, it should not be discussed with any third parties outside of New Star and usually should not be discussed between departments within New Star unless necessary.
All employees are expected to implement and comply with measures designed to preserve the confidentiality of such information. These include, but are not limited to:
o Maintenance of passwords to prevent inappropriate access to New Star
systems;
o Secure filing of confidential paperwork; and
o Use of relevant disposal bins for confidential waste.
Some clients require that we do not use their name on lists of current clients that may be provided to third parties as part of our marketing efforts. In no circumstances should these clients' names be used. This may breach of terms of business with the client.
The institutional marketing team (Annie McEwen) maintains a list of clients whose names may be used.
DISCLOSURE OF HOLDINGS
We have a responsibility to maintain confidentiality around our clients' investments. Information on holdings by clients (whether through a fund or a segregated portfolio) should not be made available to third parties (except where required under any relevant securities legislation).
Any requests for information should be handled as follows:
1. New Star retail funds - requests should be referred to the retail
sales and marketing department.
2. New Star Hedge funds - requests should be referred to hedge fund
marketing team.
3. Institutional clients - requests should be referred back to our
client contact.
4. Third party funds (including mutual funds where we are the appointed
sub-adviser) - requests for information will be referred back to the
investment manager unless specifically covered in the investment
management agreement.
Information on clients' holdings (whether through a fund or a segregated portfolio) should not be made available to third parties (except where required under any relevant securities legislation). In any circumstance where a member of staff receives a request for information from a third party, this should be referred to senior management.
NEW STAR ASSET MANAGEMENT GROUP
CODE OF CONDUCT
7 INSIDER TRADING
The misuse of material non-public information, or inside information, is prohibited under securities law in the UK, the United States and many other countries. In the UK, the insider dealing provisions are contained in Part V of the Criminal Justice Act 1993 and are also covered by the FSA in the Market Abuse Sourcebook.
The provisions are very complex but essentially apply to all securities traded on a regulated market, and to warrants and derivatives (including options and futures) relating to these securities.
Misuse of inside information includes buying or selling securities while in the possession of inside information. It applies to transactions for personal or related accounts, proprietory accounts and for client accounts. It would also cover disclosing or tipping such information to someone else who then trades on it, or using such information as a basis for recommending the purchase or sale of a security.
The Criminal Justice Act makes it a criminal offence, with a maximum penalty of 7 years imprisonment and an unlimited fine, for an individual who has non-public information to deal in price-affected securities.
Securities are `price-affected' if the inside information, if made public, would be likely to have a significant effect on the price of the securities. This applies to all companies affected by the information, whether directly or indirectly.
More information on what constitutes inside information is contained within the Market Abuse section of the Compliance Manual.
PROCEDURES
In the event that a New Star employee receives or believes that they have received inside information:
o You should inform someone in the Compliance Department or the Chief Investment Officer.
o The security will then be placed on a restricted list.
o No dealing will be permitted by the group or any member of staff.
o This information should not be disclosed to anyone outside of New Star, with the exception of disclosure to legal counsel and/or disclosure to a regulatory body.
The Compliance Director may allow dealing in very rare circumstances,
e.g. as part of a programme trade to match a portfolio or if a security
no longer meets the stated investment policy.
NEW STAR ASSET MANAGEMENT GROUP
CODE OF CONDUCT
8 GIFTS AND HOSPITALITY
Our obligations to minimise the risk of conflict of interest between employees and the duty and they and the Group owe to its customers require that we take reasonable steps to ensure that New Star, and any employee acting on its behalf, does not offer, give, solicit or accept an inducement, if it is likely to conflict to a material extent with any duty that the Group owes to its customers.
The term "gift" or "benefits" includes credit or any other financial advantage, any opportunity to make, receive or increase any gain or revenue or to avoid or reduce any loss or expense, money or other property, and any service, facility, system or information.
PROVIDING GIFTS AND HOSPITALITY
Unless authorised by someone in senior management (i.e. a director) and reported to Compliance, subject to a de minimis of (pound)25, personal gifts or any other benefits must not be offered or provided by New Star to employees of any other company or person in an existing or potential business relationship.
Reasonable hospitality can be offered to employees of other companies where there is an existing or potential business relationship. Typically we do not pay for accommodation or traveling expenses for third parties. Any such payments should be referred to Compliance in advance.
Please note that there are additional provisions under "Inducements and Soft Commissions" that impact intermediaries in relation to packaged products.
RECEIVING GIFTS AND HOSPITALITY
Under no circumstances may cash or cash convertible gifts be offered or accepted. Any such gift which is offered to an employee in the course of, or in connection with, a current or prospective business relationship must be declined, and reported immediately to relevant senior management or the Compliance Department.
Normal business courtesies, such as lunch and dinner invitations or entry to and reasonable hospitality at a social event, do not require approval provided the host is present. Repeated and lavish entertainment or hospitality is not acceptable.
NEW STAR ASSET MANAGEMENT GROUP
CODE OF CONDUCT
Gifts over (pound)25 in value or believed to be over (pound)25 in value should be reported to Compliance, using the Gift and Hospitality Form, as soon as possible after receipt. This includes attendance at sporting occasions, including golf days, football matches etc. These should be reported to Compliance in advance of attending.
Where possible, gifts of a value in excess of (pound)200 (e.g. cases of wine) should be shared with other staff.
In general, there will always be flexibility in the implementation of these guidelines. Reasonable entertaining will normally be accepted. Please note that reasonableness is a factor not only of the cost of a specific event, but also of what is involved. At these events, you are representing New Star.
The following are general principles on what will not be approved:
o Hospitality that involves overseas travel - typically you will be
asked to pay for your own travel, or if this is not possible, to
make an equivalent contribution to charity.
o Excessive accommodation - in general, reasonable overnight
accommodation will be approved (e.g. at a moderate hotel or B&B). 3
nights stay at a 5 star hotel will not be approved.
AVOIDANCE OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
As an authorised firm, situations may arise where two or more interests that exist legitimately may also compete or conflict between different operating activities within the firm or between the firm, its employees and its clients. As such, any actual or potential conflicts arising from the activities of the firm, its employees and its clients must be identified and resolved as a matter of urgency.
The compliance procedures must be observed to ensure that:
o unmanageable conflicts of interest do not develop;
o the firm properly fulfils its contractual and fiduciary duties to
its clients and, in particular, does not give or appear to give
unfair preference to its own or its employees' interests;
o confidential or inside information acquired in one business area
does not leak into other areas; and
o the firm abides by the principles and rules of the FSA and the Panel
on Take-overs and Mergers, who have established requirements in
respect of conflicts of interest.
All members of staff are responsible for considering potential conflicts of interest in the giving and receiving of gifts and hospitality. Any potential conflicts of interest should be escalated to management and/or Compliance.
NEW STAR ASSET MANAGEMENT GROUP
CODE OF CONDUCT
9 SERVICE AS A DIRECTOR & OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT AND ACTIVITIES
In certain cases employees of New Star may wish to hold positions outside their role within the company, for example, a Trustee of a family Trust or a Director of an unrelated New Star company.
As an authorised firm, situations may arise where two or more interests that exist legitimately may also compete or conflict between different operating activities within the firm or between the firm, its employees and its clients. As such, any actual or potential conflicts arising from the activities of the firm, its employees and its clients must be identified and resolved as a matter of urgency. In order to mitigate the likelihood of conflicts arising, the Code of Conduct must be followed.
The policy includes the following provisions:
o Employees must avoid any business activity, outside employment or professional service that competes with New Star or conflicts with the interests of New Star or its customers.
o An employee is required to obtain the approval of his/her Head of Department and a main board director before becoming a director, officer, employee, partner or sole proprietor of a another organisation, with the exception of charitable or not for profit organisations. This includes nonexecutive directorships of private and public companies.
The request for approval should disclose the name of the organisation, the nature of the business, whether any conflicts of interest could reasonably result from the association, whether fees, income or other compensation will be earned and whether there are any relationships between the organisation and New Star.
The request for approval along with the preliminary approval of the Head of Department is subject to final review and approval by a main board director. This should then be passed to Human Resources who will maintain this for our records. This matter is also covered in your employment contract.
o Employees must not accept any personal fiduciary appointments such as administrator, executor or trustee other than those arising from family or other close personal relationships.
o Employees should not use New Star resources, including software, proprietary information, letterhead and other property in connection with any employment or other activity outside New Star.
o Employees must disclose to their Head of Department any situation that could present a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict with New Star and discuss how to control the risk.
When completing their annual certification acknowledging receipt and understanding of the Code of Conduct, New Star employees will be asked to disclose and re-confirm previously disclosed outside affiliations.
NEW STAR ASSET MANAGEMENT GROUP
CODE OF CONDUCT
10 SANCTIONS
Upon discovering a violation of this Code by an employee or his/her family member or related party, Senior Management may impose such sanctions as it deems appropriate, including, among other things, the following:
o Suspension of employment, in accordance with New Star's disciplinary
procedure;
o A verbal warning, in accordance with New Star's disciplinary
procedure;
o A written warning, in accordance with New Star's disciplinary
procedure;
o Requirement to return or donate to charity any profits arising from
the violation;
o Termination of employment, in accordance with New Star's disciplinary
procedure;
o Civil referral to the FSA or other civil regulatory authorities
determined by New Star; or
o Criminal referral - determined by New Star.
Examples of other possible sanctions include, but are not limited to:
o A warning letter, copied to the employee's Head of Department, for a
more minor violation (e.g. omitting to request pre-clearance of a
personal security transaction where there is no conflict with our
duty to customers);
o Donation to charity of any profits when an employee profits on the
purchase of a security that violated the Code; and
o Recommendation for suspension or termination if an employee is a
serial violator of the Code.
APPEALS PROCESS
If an employee decides to appeal a sanction, he/she should contact Human Resources. The Staff Handbook details the appeals process under New Star's disciplinary procedure in more detail.
EXHIBIT p.8
SASCO CAPITAL, INC.
AMENDED AND RESTATED
2004 CODE OF ETHICS
This Policy applies to those employees of Sasco Capital, Inc. ("SCI) involved in the management of Client assets ("Access Persons") and provides guidelines for the conduct of their personal investments. In general, applicability is intended to cover all employees who have direct responsibility for, or knowledge of, investment policy and employees who provide support services.
Sasco Capital, Inc. holds its employees to a high standard of integrity and business practices. In carrying out its fiduciary responsibilities in servicing its clients, SCI strives to avoid conflicts of interest, or the appearance of conflicts of interest, in connection with the personal trading activities of its employees. While affirming its confidence in the integrity and good faith of all its employees, SCI recognizes that the knowledge of present or future portfolio transactions, if held by such individuals, could place them in a position where their personal interests might conflict with the interests of its clients, if they were to trade in securities eligible for investment in Clients' portfolios.
In view of the foregoing and the provisions of Rule 17j-1 and Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the "1940 Act"), Sasco Capital has determined to adopt this Code of Ethics to specify and prohibit certain types of transactions deemed to create conflicts of interest (or at least the potential for or the appearance of such a conflict) and to establish reporting requirements and enforcement procedures. Every practical step must be taken to execute this Policy while at the same time avoiding unnecessary or complex interference with the privacy and freedom of the individuals concerned.
The provisions of this Policy apply to every security transaction in which an employee has, or by reason of such transaction acquires, any direct or indirect beneficial interest in any account over which he has any direct or indirect control. Generally, an employee is regarded as having a beneficial interest in those securities held in his or her name, the name of his or her spouse, and the names of his or her immediate family members who reside with him or her. A person may be regarded as having a beneficial interest in the securities held in the name of another person (individual, partnership, corporation, trust, custodian or other entity) if by reason of any contract, understanding or relationship, the employee obtains or may obtain therefrom benefits substantially equivalent to those of ownership. One does not derive a beneficial interest by virtue of serving as a trustee or executor unless they, or a member of their immediate family, have a vested interest in the income or corpus of the trust or estate. When employees serve in any such capacity, they should at all times avoid conduct in conflict with the interests of SCI's clients.
When Access Persons covered by the terms of this Code of Ethics engage in personal securities transactions, they must adhere to the following general principles, as well as to the Code's specific provisions:
a) With respect to their personal investment activities, it is the duty of Access Persons at all times to place the interests of the clients first.
b) Personal transactions must be conducted consistent with this Code of Ethics in a manner that avoids any actual or potential conflict of interest; and
c) No inappropriate advantage should be taken of any position of trust and responsibility.
The following pre-clearance procedures must be followed when buying or selling any security that (i) is held in SCI's client portfolio; (ii) has been placed on SCI's priority research list; or (iii) is being sold in an initial public offering or in a private offering. Any access person contemplating buying or selling any such security must first obtain pre-clearance approval from SCI's assigned Compliance Officer/Managing Director, prior to executing any such transaction. Approval will be granted if:
1) SCI is not actively engaged in buying or selling the particular security on the day pre-clearance is requested; and
2) SCI has no "working order" with specific price limits in place with its trader at the time approval is requested.
3) The particular security is not on SCI's priority research list for imminent purchase consideration.
Approvals granted will be valid for no more than two business days, thereafter, a new pre-clearance request must be submitted for approval. The assigned Compliance Officer will maintain a log detailing all transactions approved for clearance. In it will be recorded information with regard to every pre-clearance request as follows:
1) Date
2) Name of Access Person making request
3) Name of company for which securities were requested to be pre-cleared.
4) Name of brokerage firm executing the trade
5) Compliance Officer's Approval (Yes or No).
Sasco Capital's Compliance Officer will maintain confidentiality of the pre-clearance logbook.
The above pre-clearance procedures shall not apply to:
1) Purchase or sale of any security that IS NOT held in SCI's Client portfolios, or placed on its research list.
2) Purchase or sales of securities which had been placed by an Access Person with their broker at an earlier date with a "good till cancel" order specifying certain price limits.
3) Securities that are effected in connection with the exercise of rights to purchase additional securities from an issuer and granted by such issuer pro rata to all holders of a class of securities.
4) Purchases which are part of an automatic dividend reinvestment plan.
5) Open-end mutual funds.
6) Government Securities.
No investment personnel may directly or indirectly acquire beneficial ownership in any securities in an Initial Public Offering (including IPOs offered through the Internet), except with the prior written approval of the Compliance Officer.
No investment personnel may directly or indirectly invest in a private placement of securities unless the individual receives prior approval of the Compliance Officer. Prior approval shall not be given if the Compliance Officer believes that the investment opportunity should be reserved for SCI's clients, or is being offered to the individual by reason of his or her position with SCI.
No investment personnel shall serve on the board of directors of a publicly traded company.
No investment personnel will ever engage in excessive trading or market timing activities with respect to any mutual fund whether or not such mutual fund is a Managed Portfolio. For the purpose of the foregoing, "market timing" shall be defined as a purchase and redemption, regardless of size, in and out of the same mutual fund within any sixty (60) day period. The foregoing restrictions shall not apply to investment personnel investing in mutual funds through asset allocation programs, automatic reinvestment programs, 401(k) and similar retirement accounts and any other non-volitional investment vehicles.
No Access Person shall annually accept a gift or other item of more than $300 in value from any person or entity that does business with SCI.
(1) Except as otherwise, provided below, every access person shall report to the Compliance Officer, no later than 10 days after the person becomes an access person, the following information (which information must be current as of a date no more than 45 days prior to the date the person becomes an access person):
a) The title, number of shares, principal amount, exchange ticker symbol, or CUSIP number of each security in which the access person had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership when the person became an access person;
b) The name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom the access person maintained an account in which any securities were held for the direct or indirect benefit of the access person as of the date the person became an access person; and
c) The date that the report is submitted by the access person.
To facilitate the quarterly holdings report requirement, all individuals are required to submit to the assigned Compliance Officer a MONTHLY report (no later than 30 days after the end of each month) that contains the following information:
1. Date of transaction.
2. Title and number of shares.
3. Nature of the transaction (i.e., purchase, sale or any other type of
acquisition/disposition).
4. Price at which the transaction was effected.
5. Name of the broker, dealer or bank with or through whom the transaction was
placed.
Every access person is required to submit annually, no later than 30 days following the end of the year, the following information to the Compliance Officer (which information must be current as of a date no more than 45 days before the report is submitted).
l) The title and number of shares and principal amount of each security in which the access person had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership; and
2) The name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom the access person maintains an account in which any securities are held for the direct or indirect benefit of the access person.
3) The date that the report is submitted by the access person.
Each access person must certify annually that he or she has read and understands the Code and recognizes that he or she is subject to the Code. In addition, each access person must certify annually that he or she has complied with the requirements of the Code and that he or she has disclosed or reported all personal securities transactions required to be disclosed or reported pursuant to the requirements of the code.
Any questions regarding the applicability, meaning or administration of this Policy shall be referred by the person concerned in advance to the Compliance Officer. Exemption from one or more of the above provisions may be granted only, if in the judgment of two Managing Directors, the fundamental fiduciary obligation of the person involved is not compromised. If prohibited transactions should cause a hardship for any individual, a request for an exception setting forth the basic facts should be submitted in writing to two Managing Directors and outside Legal Counsel for approval.
Any breach of these provisions may constitute grounds for disciplinary action and may lead to dismissal from Sasco Capital.
Each employee to whom this Policy is applicable, shall receive a copy of this Policy and shall sign a receipt for same, in the format attached as the last page of this Policy, which shall constitute the employee's agreement to comply with the terms of this Policy.
EXHIBIT q.2
POWER OF ATTORNEY
POWER OF ATTORNEY
I, the undersigned member of the Board of Trustees of the below-named mutual funds, hereby constitute and appoint Daniel T. Geraci, Tracy L. Rich and Kevin J. Carr, or either of them as my true and lawful attorneys and agents with full power to sign for me in the capacity indicated below, any or all Registration Statements, amendments thereto, and such other filings as may be appropriate, with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940 relating to each of said mutual funds, and hereby ratify and confirm my signature as it may be signed by said attorneys and agents.
Janus Adviser (to be known as Phoenix Adviser Trust)
Phoenix-Engemann Funds
Phoenix Equity Series Fund
Phoenix Equity Trust
Phoenix-Goodwin California Tax Exempt Bond Fund (to be known as Phoenix
CA Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund)
Phoenix Institutional Mutual Funds
Phoenix Investment Series Fund
Phoenix Investment Trust 97
Phoenix-Kayne Funds
Phoenix Multi-Portfolio Fund
Phoenix Multi-Series Trust
Phoenix Partner Select Funds (to be known as Phoenix PHOLIOs(sm))
Phoenix Portfolios
Phoenix-Seneca Funds
Phoenix Series Fund
Phoenix Strategic Allocation Fund
Phoenix Strategic Equity Series Fund
I hereby declare that a photostatic, xerographic or other similar copy of this original instrument shall be as effective as the original.
I hereby further revoke any and all powers of attorney previously given by me with respect to the above-named mutual funds, provided that this revocation shall not affect the exercise of such powers prior to the date hereof.
WITNESS my hand and seal on this 13th day of June, 2005.
/s/ E. Virgil Conway /s/ Harry Dalzell-Payne ------------------------------------ ----------------------- E. Virgil Conway, Trustee Harry Dalzell-Payne, Trustee /s/ S. Leland Dill /s/ Francis E. Jeffries ------------------------------------ ----------------------- S. Leland Dill, Trustee Francis E. Jeffries, Trustee /s/ Dr. Leroy Keith, Jr. /s/ Marilyn E. LaMarche ------------------------------------ ----------------------- Dr. Leroy Keith, Jr., Trustee Marilyn E. LaMarche, Trustee /s/ Philip R. McLoughlin /s/ Geraldine M. McNamara ------------------------------------ ------------------------- Philip R. McLoughlin, Trustee Geraldine M. McNamara, Trustee /s/ Everett L. Morris /s/ James M. Oates ------------------------------------ ------------------ Everett L. Morris, Trustee James M. Oates, Trustee /s/ Donald B. Romans /s/ Richard E. Segerson ------------------------------------ ----------------------- Donald B. Romans, Trustee Richard E. Segerson, Trustee /s/ Ferdinand L.J. Verdonck /s/ Lowell P. Weicker, Jr. ------------------------------------ -------------------------- Ferdinand L.J. Verdonck, Trustee Lowell P. Weicker, Jr., Trustee |