As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 17, 2005
1933 Act Registration No. 33-17619
1940 Act Registration No. 811-5349
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
Form N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ( X )
Post-Effective Amendment
No. 103 ( X )
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 ( X )
Amendment No. 104 ( X )
(Check appropriate box or boxes)
GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
4900 Sears Tower
Chicago, Illinois 60606-6303
(Address of principal executive offices)
Registrants Telephone Number,
including Area Code 312-655-4400
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Howard B. Surloff, Esq.
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Copies to:
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Goldman, Sachs & Co.
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Jeffrey A. Dalke, Esq.
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One New York Plaza 37
th
Floor
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Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
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New York, New York 10004
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One Logan Square
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18
th
and Cherry Streets
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Philadelphia, PA 19103
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(Name and address of agent for service)
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)
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r
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Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
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On (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)
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60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
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On (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
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þ
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75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of rule 485
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On (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of rule 485
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If appropriate, check the following box:
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r
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this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective
amendment.
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Preliminary
Prospectus dated June 17, 2005
Subject
to Completion
The
information in the prospectus is not complete and may be
changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration
statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is
effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these
securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these
securities in any state where the offer or sale is not
permitted.
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Class A and
C Shares
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,
2005
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GOLDMAN SACHS SPECIALTY FUNDS
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n
Goldman
Sachs U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund
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THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE
SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND
IS NOT A BANK DEPOSIT AND IS NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT
INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY. AN
INVESTMENT IN THE FUND INVOLVES INVESTMENT RISKS, AND YOU MAY
LOSE MONEY IN THE FUND.
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NOT
FDIC-INSURED
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May Lose
Value
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No Bank
Guarantee
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General Investment
Management Approach
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Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P.
(GSAM) serves as investment adviser to the
U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund. GSAM is referred to
in this Prospectus as the Investment Adviser.
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I.
Stock Selection and Portfolio Construction
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The Fund seeks to maintain an equity portfolio
that will produce an index-like total return. However, because
of the impact of call options written by the Fund, the return of
the Fund is not expected to closely track its benchmark, the
S&P 500 Index, even if the return of the portfolio
securities held by the Fund resembles the return of the
benchmark. In addition, the return of the Fund may trail the
return of the S&P 500 Index for short or extended
periods of time.
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Generally, the Fund will seek to hold certain of
the higher dividend paying stocks within each industry and
sector while still maintaining industry and sector weights that
are similar to those of the S&P 500 Index. The
Investment Adviser will consider annualized dividend yields,
scheduled dividend record dates and any extraordinary dividends
when evaluating securities. The Investment Adviser will
generally not seek to outperform the S&P 500 Index
through active security selection.
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The Investment Adviser will use proprietary
quantitative techniques, including optimization tools, a risk
model, and a transactions cost model, in identifying a portfolio
of stocks that it believes may enhance expected dividend yield
while limiting deviations when compared to the S&P 500
Index. Deviations are constrained with regards to position
sizes, industry weights, sector weights, volatility as compared
to the market (i.e., Beta) and estimated tracking error.
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II.
Call Writing
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The Fund will regularly write call options in
order to generate additional cash flow. It is anticipated that
the calls will typically be written against the S&P 500
Index or against exchange-traded funds linked to the
S&P 500 (ETFs). The goal of the call
writing is to generate an amount of premium that, when
annualized and added to the Funds expected dividend yield,
provides an attractive level of cash flow.
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The Investment Adviser anticipates generally
using index call options, or call options on related ETFs, with
expirations of three months or less. Outstanding call options
will be rolled forward upon expiration, so that there will
generally be some options outstanding.
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1
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Goldman Sachs U.S. Equity
Dividend and Premium Fund is a fully invested portfolio that
offers broad access to a well-defined stock universe, and
disciplined stock selection along with exposure to the returns
of S&P 500 Index or related ETF option call writing.
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References in this Prospectus to the Funds
benchmark or benchmarks are for informational purposes only, and
unless otherwise noted are not an indication of how the Fund is
managed.
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2
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Fund Investment Objective
and Strategies
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Goldman Sachs
U.S. Equity Dividend and
Premium Fund
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FUND FACTS
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Objective:
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Income and Total Return
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Benchmarks:
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S&P 500® Index
and Lehman Aggregate Index
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Investment
Focus:
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Large-cap U.S. equity
investments with a focus on dividend paying stocks along with an
exposure to S&P 500 index or related ETF option call
writing
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Investment
Style:
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Quantitative
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Symbols:
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Class
A: Class C:
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The Fund seeks to maximize income and total
return. The Fund seeks this objective primarily through
investment in large-cap U.S. equity securities and
S&P 500 Index or related ETF option call writing.
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PRINCIPAL
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
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Equity
Investments.
The Fund invests, under
normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets plus any
borrowings for investment purposes (measured at time of
purchase) (Net Assets) in equity investments in
large-cap U.S. issuers (including foreign issuers that are
traded in the United States) with public stock market
capitalizations (based upon shares available for trading on an
unrestricted basis) within the range of the market
capitalization of the S&P 500 at the time of
investment. The Fund focuses on dividend paying stocks.
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3
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Goldman Sachs
U.S. Equity Dividend and
Premium Fund
continued
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The Fund uses both a variety of quantitative
techniques when selecting investments. The Fund will seek to
maintain risk, style, capitalization and industry
characteristics similar to the S&P 500 Index.
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The Fund invests primarily in a diversified
portfolio of common stocks of large cap U.S. issuers represented
in the S&P 500 Index and maintains industry weightings
similar to those of the Index. The Fund seeks to generate
additional cash flow by the sale of call options on the
S&P 500 Index or related ETFs. The volatility of the
Funds portfolio is expected to be reduced by the
Funds sale of call options. The Fund anticipates that its
income will be derived from dividends on the common stock in its
portfolio and premiums it receives from selling S&P 500
Index or related ETF call options. In addition, the Funds
returns will be affected by the capital appreciation and
depreciation of the securities held in its portfolio.
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The Fund expects that, under normal
circumstances, it will sell call options on the S&P 500
Index or related ETFs in an amount that is between 25% and 75%
of the value of the Funds portfolio. As the seller of the
S&P 500 Index or related ETF call options, the Fund
will receive cash (the premium) from the purchaser.
Depending upon the type of call option, the purchaser of an
index or related ETF call option either (i) has the right
to any appreciation in the value of the index or ETF over a
fixed price (the exercise price) on a certain date
in the future (the expiration date) or (ii) has
the right to any appreciation in the value of the index or
related ETF over the exercise price at any time prior to the
expiration of the option. If the purchaser does not exercise the
option, the Fund retains the premium. If the purchaser exercises
the option, the Fund pays the purchaser the difference between
the price of the index or related ETF and the exercise price of
the option. The premium, the exercise price and the market price
of the index or related ETF determine the gain or loss realized
by the Fund as the seller of the index or related ETF call
option. The Fund can also repurchase the call option prior to
the expiration date, ending its obligation. In this case, the
cost of entering into closing purchase transactions will
determine the gain or loss realized by the Fund.
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During periods in which the U.S. equity markets
are generally unchanged or falling, a diversified portfolio with
a S&P 500 Index and related ETF call option strategy
may outperform the same portfolio without the options because of
the premiums received from writing call options. Similarly, in a
modestly rising market (where the income from premiums exceeds
the aggregate appreciation of the
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4
FUND INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
AND STRATEGIES
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underlying index or related ETF over their
exercise prices) such a portfolio may outperform the same
portfolio without the options. However, in other rising markets
(where the aggregate appreciation of the underlying index or
related ETF over its exercise price exceeds the income from
premium), a portfolio with a S&P 500 Index and related
ETF call strategy is expected to underperform the same portfolio
without the options.
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Tax-Efficient
Investing.
The Fund seeks to
achieve returns primarily in the form of qualifying dividends
paid on common stocks, long-term capital gains from the options
and portfolio securities the Fund sells, and unrealized price
appreciation, and may use different strategies in seeking
tax-efficiency. These strategies include:
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Offsetting long-term and short-term capital gains
with long-term and short-term capital losses and creating loss
carry-forward positions
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Limiting portfolio turnover that may result in
short-term capital gains
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Selling tax lots of securities that have a higher
tax basis before selling tax lots of securities that have a
lower tax basis
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Other.
The
Funds investments in fixed-income securities are limited
to securities that are considered cash equivalents.
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5
Other Investment Practices
and Securities
The tables below identify some of the investment
techniques that may (but are not required to) be used by the
Fund in seeking to achieve its investment objective. Numbers in
this table show allowable usage only; for actual usage, consult
the Funds annual/semi-annual reports (when available). For
more information about these and other investment practices and
securities, see Appendix A. The Fund publishes on its
website (http://www.gs.com/funds) its complete portfolio
holdings as of the end of each calendar quarter subject to a
fifteen calendar-day lag between the date of the information and
the date on which the information is disclosed. In addition, the
Fund publishes on its website month-end top ten holdings subject
to a ten calendar-day lag between the date of the information
and the date on which the information is disclosed. This
information will be available on the website until the date on
which the Fund files its next quarterly portfolio holdings
report on Form N-CSR or Form N-Q with the SEC. In addition,
a description of the Funds policies and procedures with
respect to the disclosure of the Funds portfolio
securities is available in the Funds Statement of
Additional Information (Additional Statement).
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10
Percent of total assets (including securities lending collateral)
(italic type)
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10 Percent of net assets (excluding borrowings for investment purposes) (roman type)
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No specific percentage limitation on usage;
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limited only by the objectives and strategies
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of the Fund
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U.S. Equity
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Not permitted
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Dividend and
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Premium Fund
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Investment
Practices
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Borrowings
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33 1/3
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Credit, Currency, Index,
Interest Rate, Total Return and Mortgage Swaps and Options
on Swaps
*
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Cross Hedging of Currencies
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Custodial Receipts and
Trust Certificates
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Equity Swaps*
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15
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Foreign Currency
Transactions
**
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Futures Contracts and
Options on Futures Contracts
1
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Interest Rate Caps, Floors
and Collars
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Investment Company
Securities (including exchange-traded funds)
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10
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Mortgage Dollar Rolls
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Options on Foreign
Currencies
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Options on Securities and
Securities Indices
2
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Repurchase Agreements
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Securities Lending
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33 1/3
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Short Sales Against the Box
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Unseasoned Companies
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Warrants and Stock
Purchase Rights
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When-Issued Securities and
Forward Commitments
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*
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Limited to 15% of net assets (together with
other illiquid securities) for all structured securities which
are not deemed to be liquid and all swap transactions.
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**
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Limited by the amount the Fund may invest in
foreign securities.
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1
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The Fund may enter into futures transactions
only with respect to U.S. equity indices.
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2
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The Fund may sell covered call and put options
and purchase call and put options.
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6
OTHER INVESTMENT PRACTICES
AND SECURITIES
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10
Percent of total assets (excluding securities lending collateral)
(italic type)
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10
Percent of Net Assets (including borrowings for investment purposes) (roman type)
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No specific percentage limitation on usage;
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limited only by the objectives and strategies
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of the Fund
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U.S. Equity
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Not permitted
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Dividend and
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Premium Fund
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Investment
Securities
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American, European and
Global Depositary Receipts
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3
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Asset-Backed and
Mortgage-Backed Securities
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Bank
Obligations
4
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Convertible
Securities
5
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Corporate Debt
Obligations
4
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Equity Investments
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80+
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Emerging Country Securities
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Fixed Income Securities
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20
6
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Foreign Securities
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7
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Non-Investment Grade Fixed
Income Securities
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Real Estate Investment
Trusts
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Stripped Mortgage-Backed
Securities
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Structured
Securities
*
4
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Temporary Investments
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35
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U.S. Government
Securities
4
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Yield Curve Options and
Inverse Floating Rate Securities
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*
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Limited to 15% of net assets (together with
other illiquid securities) for all structured securities which
are not deemed to be liquid and all swap transactions.
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3
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The Fund does not invest in European
Depositary Receipts.
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4
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Limited by the amount the Fund invests in
fixed-income securities.
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5
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Convertible securities purchased by the Fund
use the same rating criteria for convertible and non-convertible
debt securities.
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6
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Cash equivalents only.
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7
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Equity securities of foreign issuers must be
traded in the United States.
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7
Principal Risks of the Fund
Loss of money is a risk of investing in the Fund.
An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of any bank and is
not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other governmental agency. The following
summarizes important risks that apply to the Fund and may result
in a loss of your investment. The Fund should not be relied upon
as a complete investment program. There can be no assurance that
the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
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U.S.
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Equity
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Applicable
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Dividend and
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Not applicable
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Premium Fund
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Option Writing
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Credit/Default
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Foreign
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Emerging Countries
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Stock
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Derivatives
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Interest Rate
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Management
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Market
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Liquidity
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REIT
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Investment Style
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Tax-Efficient Investment
Risk
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n
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Option Writing
Risk
Writing (selling) call
options may reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of owning
stocks. However, it also limits the opportunity to profit from
an increase in the market value of stocks in exchange for
up-front cash at the time of selling the call option. When the
Fund writes (sells) S&P 500 Index or related ETF call
options, it receives cash but limits its opportunity to profit
from an increase in the market value of the S&P 500
Index or related ETF beyond the exercise price (plus the premium
received) of the option. In a rising market, the Fund could
significantly underperform the market. In addition, because the
Fund continues to bear the risk of a decline in the value of the
securities held in its portfolio, the Fund may also experience a
loss on the expiration date of an S&P 500 Index or
related ETF call position if the value of the Funds
portfolio securities has fallen since the purchase date by an
amount greater than the premium received for the option that was
sold. Thus, the Funds option strategies may not fully
protect it against declines in the value of the market. Options
are also
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8
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF THE FUND
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inherently more complex, requiring a higher level
of training for the Fund manager and support personnel.
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Credit/Default
Risk
The risk that an issuer
or guarantor of fixed-income securities held by a Fund may
default on its obligation to pay interest and repay principal.
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Foreign
Risk
The risk that when the
Fund invests in foreign securities, it will be subject to risk
of loss not typically associated with domestic issuers. Loss may
result because of less foreign government regulation, less
public information and less economic, political and social
stability. Loss may also result from the imposition of exchange
controls, confiscations and other government restrictions. The
Fund will also be subject to the risk of negative foreign
currency rate fluctuations.
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Stock
Risk
The risk that stock
prices have historically risen and fallen in periodic cycles.
Recently, U.S. and foreign stock markets have experienced
substantial price volatility.
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Derivatives
Risk
The risk that loss may
result from the Funds investments in options, futures,
swaps, structured securities and other derivative instruments.
These instruments may be leveraged so that small changes may
produce disproportionate losses to the Fund.
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Interest Rate
Risk
The risk that when
interest rates increase, fixed-income securities held by the
Fund will decline in value. Long-term fixed-income securities
will normally have more price volatility because of this risk
than short-term fixed-income securities.
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Management
Risk
The risk that a strategy
used by the Investment Adviser may fail to produce the intended
results.
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Market
Risk
The risk that the value
of the securities in which the Fund invests may go up or down in
response to the prospects of individual companies, particular
industry sectors or governments and/or general economic
conditions. Price changes may be temporary or last for extended
periods.
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Liquidity
Risk
The risk that the Fund
will not be able to pay redemption proceeds within the time
period stated in this Prospectus because of unusual market
conditions, an unusually high volume of redemption requests, or
other reasons. Funds that invest in small and mid-capitalization
stocks, or REITs will be especially subject to the risk that
during certain periods the liquidity of particular issuers or
industries, or all securities within particular investment
categories, will shrink or disappear suddenly and without
warning as a result of adverse economic, market or political
events, or adverse investor perceptions whether or not accurate.
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REIT
Risk
Investing in REITs
involves certain unique risks in addition to those risks
associated with investing in the real estate industry in
general. REITs whose underlying properties are concentrated in a
particular industry or geographic region are also subject to
risks affecting such industries and regions. The securities of
REITs involve greater risks than those associated with larger,
more established
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9
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companies and may be subject to more abrupt or
erratic price movements. Securities of such issuers may lack
sufficient market liquidity to enable a Fund to effect sales at
an advantageous time or without a substantial drop in price.
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n
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Investment Style
Risk
Different investment
styles tend to shift in and out of favor depending upon market
and economic conditions as well as investor sentiment. The Fund
may outperform or underperform other funds that employ a
different investment style. Examples of different investment
styles include growth and value investing. Growth stocks may be
more volatile than other stocks because they are more sensitive
to investor perceptions of the issuing companys growth of
earnings potential. Also, since growth companies usually invest
a high portion of earnings in their business, growth stocks may
lack the dividends of some value stocks that can cushion stock
prices in a falling market. Growth oriented funds will typically
underperform when value investing is in favor. Value stocks are
those that are undervalued in comparison to their peers due to
adverse business developments or other factors.
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Tax-Efficient Investment
Risk
Because the Investment
Adviser balances investment considerations and tax
considerations, the pre-tax performance of the Fund may be lower
than the performance of a similar Fund that is not tax-managed.
This is because the Investment Adviser may choose not to make
certain sales of securities that may result in taxable
distributions. Even though tax-managed strategies are being
used, they may not reduce the amount of taxable income and
capital gains distributed by the Fund to shareholders.
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More information about the Funds portfolio
securities and investment techniques, and their associated
risks, is provided in Appendix A. You should consider the
investment risks discussed in this section and in
Appendix A. Both are important to your investment choice.
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10
HOW THE FUND HAS
PERFORMED
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The Fund commenced operations as of the date of
this Prospectus. Therefore, no performance information is
provided in this Section.
|
11
Fund Fees and Expenses
(Class A and C Shares)
This table describes the fees and expenses that
you would pay if you buy and hold Class A or Class C
Shares of the Fund.
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U.S. Equity Dividend
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and Premium Fund
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Class A
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Class C
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Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment):
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Maximum Sales Charge
(Load) Imposed on Purchases
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5.5%
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1
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None
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Maximum Deferred Sales
Charge (Load)
2
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None
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1
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1.0%
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3
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Maximum Sales Charge
(Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends
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None
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None
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Redemption Fees
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None
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None
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Exchange Fees
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None
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None
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Annual Fund Operating
Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund
assets):
4
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Management Fees
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0.80%
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0.80%
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Distribution and Service
(12b-1) Fees
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0.25%
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1.00%
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Other Expenses
5*
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0. %
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0. %
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Total Fund Operating
Expenses*
|
|
|
0. %
|
|
|
|
0. %
|
|
|
See page 13 for all other
footnotes.
|
|
|
|
|
*
|
The Other Expenses and Total
Fund Operating Expenses (after any waivers and expense
limitations) of the Fund are as set forth below. The waivers and
expense limitations may be terminated at any time at the option
of the Investment Adviser. If this occurs, Other
Expenses and Total Fund Operating Expenses may
increase without shareholder approval.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. Equity Dividend
|
|
|
and Premium Fund
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A
|
|
Class C
|
|
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets):
4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management Fees
|
|
|
0.80%
|
|
|
|
0.80%
|
|
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees
|
|
|
0.25%
|
|
|
|
1.00%
|
|
Other Expenses
5
|
|
|
0. %
|
|
|
|
0. %
|
|
|
Total Fund Operating Expenses (after
current expense limitations)
|
|
|
0. %
|
|
|
|
0. %
|
|
|
12
FUND FEES AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
1
|
|
The maximum sales charge is a percentage of
the offering price. Under certain circumstances, as described in
the Shareholder Guide, the maximum sales charge may be reduced
or waived entirely. A contingent deferred sales charge
(CDSC) of 1% is imposed on certain redemptions
(within 18 months of purchase) of Class A Shares sold
without an initial sales charge as part of an investment of
$1 million or more.
|
|
2
|
|
The maximum CDSC is a percentage of the lesser
of the NAV at the time of the redemption or the NAV when the
shares were originally purchased.
|
3
|
|
A CDSC of 1% is imposed on Class C Shares
redeemed within 12 months of purchase.
|
4
|
|
The Funds annual operating expenses have
been estimated for the current fiscal year.
|
5
|
|
Other Expenses include transfer
agency fees and expenses equal on an annualized basis to 0.19%
of the average daily net assets of the Funds Class A
and C Shares, plus all other ordinary expenses not detailed
above. The Investment Adviser has voluntarily agreed to reduce
or limit Other Expenses (excluding management fees,
distribution and service fees, transfer agency fees and
expenses, taxes, interest, brokerage fees and litigation,
indemnification, shareholder meeting and other extraordinary
expenses) to % of the Funds
average daily net assets.
|
13
Fund Fees and
Expenses
(continued)
Example
The following Example is intended to help you
compare the cost of investing in the Fund (without the waivers
and expense limitations) with the cost of investing in other
mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in
Class A or C Shares of 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 Funds operating expenses
remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or
lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fund
|
|
1 Year
|
|
3 Years
|
|
|
U.S. Equity Dividend
and Premium
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A Shares
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Class C Shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assuming
complete redemption at end of period
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
Assuming no
redemption
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
The hypothetical example assumes that a CDSC will
not apply to redemptions of Class A Shares within the first
18 months.
Certain institutions that sell Fund shares and/or
their salespersons may receive other compensation in connection
with the sale and distribution of Class A and Class C
Shares for services to their customers accounts and/or the
Fund. For additional information regarding such compensation,
see What Should I Know When I Purchase Shares Through An
Authorized Dealer? in the Prospectus and Payments to
Intermediaries in the Additional Statement.
14
|
|
|
Investment Adviser
|
|
Fund
|
|
|
Goldman Sachs Asset
Management, L.P.
32 Old Slip
New York, New York 10005
|
|
U.S. Equity Dividend
and Premium
|
|
|
|
|
GSAM serves as the Investment Adviser to the Fund.
|
|
|
GSAM, 32 Old Slip, New York, New York 10005, has
been registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC) since 1990 and is an
affiliate of Goldman Sachs & Co. (Goldman
Sachs). As
of ,
2005, GSAM, along with other units of the Investment Management
Division of Goldman Sachs, had assets under management of
$ billion.
|
|
|
The Investment Adviser provides day-to-day advice
regarding the Funds portfolio transactions. The Investment
Adviser makes the investment decisions for the Fund and places
purchase and sale orders for the Funds portfolio
transactions in U.S. [and foreign markets.] As permitted by
applicable law, these orders may be directed to any brokers,
including Goldman Sachs and its affiliates. While the Investment
Adviser is ultimately responsible for the management of the
Fund, it is able to draw upon the research and expertise of its
asset management affiliates for portfolio decisions and
management with respect to certain portfolio securities. In
addition, the Investment Adviser has access to the research and
certain proprietary technical models developed by Goldman Sachs,
and will apply quantitative and qualitative analysis in
determining the appropriate allocations among categories of
issuers and types of securities.
|
|
|
The Investment Adviser also performs the
following additional services for the Fund:
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
Supervises all non-advisory operations of the Fund
|
|
n
|
Provides personnel to perform necessary
executive, administrative and clerical services to the Fund
|
|
n
|
Arranges for the preparation of all required tax
returns, reports to shareholders, prospectuses and statements of
additional information and other reports filed with the SEC and
other regulatory authorities
|
|
n
|
Maintains the records of the Fund
|
|
n
|
Provides office space and all necessary office
equipment and services
|
15
|
|
|
As compensation for its services and its
assumption of certain expenses, the Investment Adviser is
entitled to the following fee, computed daily and payable
monthly, at the annual rate listed below (as a percentage of the
Funds average daily net assets):
|
|
|
|
Fund
|
|
Contractual Rate
|
|
|
U.S. Equity Dividend and
Premium
|
|
0.80% on the first
$1 billion
0.72% over $1 billion but less than $2 billion
0.68% $2 billion and over
|
|
|
|
|
The Investment Adviser may voluntarily waive a
portion of its advisory fee from time to time, and may
discontinue or modify any such voluntary waiver in the future at
its discretion.
|
16
SERVICE PROVIDERS
|
|
|
|
n
|
A stable and growing team supported by an
extensive internal staff
|
|
n
|
Access to the research ideas of Goldman
Sachs renowned Global Investment Research Department
|
|
n
|
More than $64 billion in equities currently
under management
|
|
n
|
Proprietary research on quantitative models and
tax-advantaged strategies
|
Quantitative
Equity Team
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Primarily
|
|
|
Name and Title
|
|
Fund Responsibility
|
|
Responsible
|
|
Five Year Employment History
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Don Mulvihill
Managing Director
|
|
Senior Portfolio
Manager U.S. Equity and Dividend Premium
|
|
Since
2005
|
|
Mr. Mulvihill joined
the Investment Adviser in 1985 as a portfolio manager. In 1991
he joined the Fixed Income team in London as a portfolio
manager, and in 1992 he became President of Goldman Sachs Asset
Management, Japan. Mr. Mulvihill joined the Quantitative
Equity team in 1999.
|
|
Gary Chropuvka
Vice President
|
|
Portfolio
Manager
U.S. Equity and Dividend Premium
|
|
Since
2005
|
|
Mr. Chropuvka joined
the Investment Adviser in March 1998. From 1993 to 1997 he spent
four years with Morgan Stanleys Correspondent Clearing
Group.
|
|
|
|
|
Don Mulvihill is the Senior Portfolio Manager
responsible for taxable portfolios, and is responsible for the
Funds portfolio management process, including setting
research priorities and client contact. Gary Chropuvka is
responsible for the portfolio implementation team that has daily
responsibility for the computer optimizer and execution of the
Funds transactions. The computer optimizer constructs the
portfolio and no one person on the team has a subjective
override of the computer optimizer process.
|
DISTRIBUTOR AND
TRANSFER AGENT
|
|
|
|
Goldman Sachs, 85 Broad Street, New York,
New York 10004, serves as the exclusive distributor (the
Distributor) of the Funds shares. Goldman
Sachs, P.O. Box 06050, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6306, also
serves as the Funds transfer agent (the Transfer
Agent) and, as such, performs various shareholder
servicing functions.
|
|
|
From time to time, Goldman Sachs or any of its
affiliates may purchase and hold shares of the Fund. Goldman
Sachs reserves the right to redeem at any time some or all of
the shares acquired for its own account.
|
17
ACTIVITIES
OF GOLDMAN SACHS AND ITS AFFILIATES AND OTHER
ACCOUNTS MANAGED BY GOLDMAN
SACHS
|
|
|
|
The involvement of the Investment Adviser,
Goldman Sachs and their affiliates in the management of, or
their interest in, other accounts and other activities of
Goldman Sachs may present conflicts of interest with respect to
the Fund or limit the Funds investment activities. Goldman
Sachs is a full service investment banking, broker dealer, asset
management and financial services organization and a major
participant in global financial markets. As such, it acts as an
investor, investment banker, research provider, investment
manager, financer, advisor, market maker, trader, prime broker,
lender, agent and principal, and has other direct and indirect
interests, in the global fixed income, currency, commodity,
equity and other markets in which the Fund directly and
indirectly invests. Thus, it is likely that the Fund will have
multiple business relationships with and will invest in, engage
in transactions with, make voting decisions with respect to, or
obtain services from entities for which Goldman Sachs performs
or seeks to perform investment banking or other services.
Goldman Sachs and its affiliates engage in proprietary trading
and advise accounts and funds which have investment objectives
similar to those of the Fund and/or which engage in and compete
for transactions in the same types of securities, currencies and
instruments as the Fund. Goldman Sachs and its affiliates will
not have any obligation to make available any information
regarding their proprietary activities or strategies, or the
activities or strategies used for other accounts managed by
them, for the benefit of the management of the Fund. The results
of the Funds investment activities, therefore, may differ
from those of Goldman Sachs, its affiliates and other accounts
managed by Goldman Sachs, and it is possible that the Fund could
sustain losses during periods in which Goldman Sachs and its
affiliates and other accounts achieve significant profits on
their trading for proprietary or other accounts. In addition,
the Fund may, from time to time, enter into transactions in
which Goldman Sachs or its other clients have an adverse
interest. Furthermore, transactions undertaken by Goldman Sachs,
its affiliates or Goldman Sachs advised clients may adversely
impact the Fund. Transactions by one or more Goldman Sachs
advised clients or the Investment Adviser may have the effect of
diluting or otherwise disadvantaging the values, prices or
investment strategies of the Fund. The Funds activities
may be limited because of regulatory restrictions applicable to
Goldman Sachs and its affiliates, and/or their internal policies
designed to comply with such restrictions. As a global financial
services firm, Goldman Sachs also provides a wide range of
investment banking and financial services to issuers of
securities and investors in securities. Goldman Sachs, its
affiliates and others associated with it may create markets or
specialize in, have positions in and effect transactions in,
securities of issuers held by the Fund, and may also perform or
seek to perform investment
|
18
SERVICE PROVIDERS
|
|
|
banking and financial services for those issuers.
Goldman Sachs and its affiliates may have business relationships
with and purchase or distribute or sell services or products
from or to distributors, consultants or others who recommend the
Fund or who engage in transactions with or for the Fund. For
more information about conflicts of interest, see the Additional
Statement.
|
|
|
Under a securities lending program approved by
the Funds Board of Trustees, the Fund has retained an
affiliate of the Investment Adviser to serve as the securities
lending agent for the Fund to the extent that the Fund engages
in the securities lending program. For these services, the
lending agent may receive a fee from the Fund, including a fee
based on the returns earned on the Funds investment of the
cash received as collateral for the loaned securities. In
addition, the Fund may make brokerage and other payments to
Goldman Sachs and its affiliates in connection with the
Funds portfolio investment transactions.
|
|
|
|
On April 2, 2004, Lois Burke, a plaintiff
identifying herself as a shareholder of the Goldman Sachs
Internet Tollkeeper Fund, filed a purported class and derivative
action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the
Southern District of New York against The Goldman Sachs Group,
Inc. (GSG), GSAM, the Trustees and Officers of the
Goldman Sachs Trust (the Trust), and John Doe
Defendants. In addition, certain other investment portfolios of
the Trust were named as nominal defendants. On April 19 and
May 6, 2004, additional class and derivative action
lawsuits containing substantially similar allegations and
requests for redress were filed in the United States District
Court for the Southern District of New York. On June 29,
2004, the three complaints were consolidated into one action,
In re Goldman Sachs Mutual Funds Fee Litigation
, and on
November 17, 2004, the plaintiffs filed a consolidated
amended complaint against GSG, GSAM, Goldman Sachs Asset
Management International, (GSAMI), Goldman, Sachs
& Co., the Trust, Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust
(GSVIT), the Trustees and Officers of the Trust and
John Doe Defendants (collectively, the Defendants)
in the United States District Court for the Southern District of
New York. Certain investment portfolios of the Trust and GSVIT
(collectively, the Goldman Sachs Funds) were also
named as nominal defendants in the amended complaint.
|
|
|
The consolidated amended complaint, which is
brought on behalf of all persons or entities who held shares in
the Goldman Sachs Funds between April 2, 1999 and
January 9, 2004, inclusive (the Class Period),
asserts claims involving (i) violations of the Investment
Company Act and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940,
(ii) common law breach of fiduciary duty, and
(iii) unjust enrichment. The complaint alleges, among other
things, that during the Class Period, the Defendants
|
19
|
|
|
made improper and excessive brokerage commission
and other payments to brokers that sold shares of the Goldman
Sachs Funds and omitted statements of fact in registration
statements and reports filed pursuant to the Investment Company
Act which were necessary to prevent such registration statements
and reports from being materially false and misleading. In
addition, the complaint alleges that the Goldman Sachs Funds
paid excessive and improper investment advisory fees to GSAM and
GSAMI. The complaint also alleges that GSAM and GSAMI used
Rule 12b-1 fees for improper purposes and made improper use
of soft dollars. The complaint further alleges that the
Trusts Officers and Trustees breached their fiduciary
duties in connection with the foregoing. The plaintiffs in the
cases are seeking compensatory damages; rescission of
GSAMs and GSAMIs investment advisory agreement and
return of fees paid; an accounting of all Goldman Sachs
Funds-related fees, commissions and soft dollar payments;
restitution of all unlawfully or discriminatorily obtained fees
and charges; and reasonable costs and expenses, including
counsel fees and expert fees.
|
|
|
In addition, on March 10, 2005 Jeanne and
Don Masden filed a purported class action lawsuit in the United
States District Court for the Southern District of New York
against GSG, GSAM, Goldman Sachs & Co., the Trustees of the
Trust and John Doe Defendants (collectively, the
Defendants). The lawsuit amends a previously-filed
complaint and alleges that the Defendants breached their
fiduciary duties and duties of care owed under federal and state
law by failing to ensure that equity securities held by the
Goldman Sachs Funds participated in class action settlements for
which they were eligible. Plaintiffs seek compensatory damages,
disgorgement of the fees paid to the investment advisers and
punitive damages.
|
|
|
Based on currently available information, GSAM
believes that the likelihood that the pending purported class
and derivative action lawsuits will have a material adverse
financial impact on the Goldman Sachs Funds is remote, and the
pending actions are not likely to materially affect its ability
to provide investment management services to its clients,
including the Goldman Sachs Funds.
|
20
|
|
|
Dividends
|
|
|
The Fund pays dividends from its investment
company taxable income and distributions from net realized
capital gains. However, the Fund attempts to minimize short-term
capital gains in seeking its investment objective. You may
choose to have dividends and distributions paid in:
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
Cash
|
|
n
|
Additional shares of the same class of the Fund
|
|
n
|
Shares of the same or an equivalent class of
another Goldman Sachs Fund. Special restrictions may apply for
certain Goldman Sachs Institutional Liquid Assets Portfolios
(ILA Portfolios). See the Additional Statement.
|
|
|
|
You may indicate your election on your Account
Application. Any changes may be submitted in writing to Goldman
Sachs at any time before the record date for a particular
dividend or distribution. If you do not indicate any choice,
your dividends and distributions will be reinvested
automatically in the Fund.
|
|
|
The election to reinvest dividends and
distributions in additional shares will not affect the tax
treatment of such dividends and distributions, which will be
treated as received by you and then used to purchase the shares.
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment company taxable
income and distributions from net capital gains are declared and
paid as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment
|
|
Capital Gains
|
Fund
|
|
Income Dividends
|
|
Distributions
|
|
|
U.S. Equity Dividend and
Premium
|
|
Quarterly
|
|
Annually
|
|
|
|
|
From time to time a portion of the Funds
dividends may constitute a return of capital.
|
|
|
When you purchase shares of the Fund, part of the
NAV per share may be represented by undistributed income or
undistributed realized gains that have previously been earned by
the Fund. Therefore, subsequent distributions on such shares
from such income or realized gains may be taxable to you even if
the NAV of the shares is, as a result of the distributions,
reduced below the cost of such shares and the distributions (or
portions thereof) represent a return of a portion of the
purchase price.
|
21
|
|
|
Shareholder
Guide
|
|
|
The following section will provide you with
answers to some of the most often asked questions regarding
buying and selling the Funds shares.
|
|
|
|
How Can
I Purchase Class A And Class C Shares Of The
Fund?
|
|
You may purchase shares of the Fund through:
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
Goldman Sachs;
|
|
n
|
Authorized Dealers; or
|
|
n
|
Directly from the Trust.
|
|
|
|
In order to make an initial investment in the
Fund, you must furnish to the Fund, Goldman Sachs or your
Authorized Dealer the information in the Account Application. An
order will be processed upon receipt of payment.
|
|
|
To Open
an Account:
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
Complete the Account Application
|
|
n
|
Mail your payment and Account Application to:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchases by check or Federal Reserve draft
should be made payable to your Authorized Dealer
|
|
|
Your Authorized Dealer is responsible for
forwarding payment promptly (within three business days) to the
Fund
|
|
|
|
or
|
|
Goldman Sachs
Funds
P.O. Box 219711, Kansas City, MO 64121-9711
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchases by check or Federal Reserve draft
should be made payable to Goldman Sachs Funds (Name
of Fund
and
Class of Shares)
|
|
|
Boston Financial Data Services, Inc.
(BFDS), the Funds sub-transfer agent, will not
accept checks drawn on foreign banks, third-party checks,
cashiers checks or official checks (except in instances
pertaining to retirement asset transfers), temporary checks,
electronic checks, drawer checks, cash, money orders, travelers
cheques or credit card checks
|
|
|
Federal funds wire, Automated Clearing House
Network (ACH) transfer or bank wires should be sent
to State Street Bank and Trust Company (State
Street) (the Funds custodian). Please call the Fund
at 1-800-526-7384 to get detailed instructions on how to wire
your money.
|
22
SHAREHOLDER GUIDE
|
|
|
What Is
My Minimum Investment In The Fund?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Initial
|
|
Additional
|
|
|
Regular Accounts
|
|
|
$1,000
|
|
|
|
$50
|
|
|
Tax-Sheltered Retirement
Plans
|
|
|
$250
|
|
|
|
$50
|
|
|
Uniform Gift to Minors Act
Accounts/Uniform Transfer to
Minors Act Accounts
|
|
|
$250
|
|
|
|
$50
|
|
|
403(b) Plan Accounts
|
|
|
$200
|
|
|
|
No Minimum
|
|
|
SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs and
Education IRAs
|
|
|
$50
|
|
|
|
No Minimum
|
|
|
Automatic Investment Plan
Accounts
|
|
|
$50
|
|
|
|
No Minimum
|
|
|
|
|
|
What
Alternative Sales Arrangements Are Available?
|
|
The Fund offers two classes of shares through
this Prospectus.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maximum Amount You Can
Buy In The Aggregate Across Funds
|
|
Class A
|
|
No limit
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class C
|
|
$1,000,000
|
|
Initial Sales
Charge
|
|
Class A
|
|
Applies to purchases of
less than $1 millionvaries by size of investment with
a maximum of 5.5%
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class C
|
|
None
|
|
CDSC
|
|
Class A
|
|
1.00% on certain
investments of $1 million or more
if
you sell
within 18 months
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class C
|
|
1% if shares are redeemed
within 12 months of purchase
|
|
Conversion
Feature
|
|
Class A
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class C
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
What
Else Should I Know About Share Purchases?
|
|
The Trust reserves the right to:
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
Refuse to open an account if you fail to
(i) provide a Social Security Number or other taxpayer
identification number; or (ii) certify that such number is
correct (if required to do so under applicable law).
|
|
n
|
Reject or restrict any purchase or exchange order
by a particular purchaser (or group of related purchasers) for
any reason in its discretion. Without limiting the foregoing,
the Trust may reject or restrict purchase and exchange orders by
a particular purchaser (or group of related purchasers) when a
pattern of frequent purchases, sales or exchanges of shares of
the Fund is evident, or if purchases, sales or exchanges are, or
a subsequent abrupt redemption might be, of a size that would
disrupt the management of the Fund.
|
|
n
|
Close the Fund to new investors from time to time
and reopen the Fund whenever it is deemed appropriate by the
Funds Investment Adviser.
|
|
n
|
Modify or waive the minimum investment amounts.
|
23
|
|
|
|
n
|
Modify the manner in which shares are offered.
|
|
n
|
Modify the sales charge rates applicable to
future purchases of shares.
|
|
|
|
Generally, the Fund will not allow non-U.S.
citizens and certain U.S. citizens residing outside the United
States to open an account directly with the Fund.
|
|
|
The Fund may allow you to purchase shares with
securities instead of cash if consistent with the Funds
investment policies and operations and if approved by the
Funds Investment Adviser.
|
|
|
Customer Identification
Program.
Federal law requires
the Fund to obtain, verify and record identifying information,
which may include the name, residential or business street
address, date of birth (for an individual), Social Security
Number or taxpayer identification number or other identifying
information, for investors who open accounts with the Fund.
Applications without the required information, or (where
applicable) without an indication that a Social Security Number
or taxpayer identification number has been applied for, may not
be accepted by the Fund. After accepting an application, to the
extent permitted by applicable law or their customer
identification program, the Fund reserves the right to
(i) place limits on transactions in any account until the
identity of the investor is verified; (ii) refuse an
investment in the Fund; or (iii) involuntarily redeem an
investors shares and close an account in the event that
the Fund is unable to verify an investors identity. The
Fund and its agents will not be responsible for any loss in an
investors account resulting from the investors delay
in providing all required identifying information or from
closing an account and redeeming an investors shares
pursuant to the customer identification program.
|
|
|
How Are
Shares Priced?
|
|
The price you pay or receive when you buy, sell
or exchange shares is the Funds next determined NAV and
share class. Each class calculates its NAV as follows:
|
|
|
|
NAV =
|
|
(Value of Assets of the Class)
- (Liabilities of the Class)
Number of Outstanding Shares of the Class
|
|
|
|
The Funds investments are valued based on
market quotations, or if market quotations are not readily
available, or if the Investment Adviser believes that such
quotations do not accurately reflect fair value, the fair value
of the Funds investments may be determined in good faith
under procedures established by the Trustees.
|
|
|
To the extent the Fund invests a significant
portion of assets in foreign equity securities, fair
value prices are provided by an independent fair value
service. Fair value prices are used because many foreign markets
operate at times that do
|
24
SHAREHOLDER GUIDE
|
|
|
not coincide with those of the major
U.S. markets. Events that could affect the values of
foreign portfolio holdings may occur between the close of the
foreign market and the time of determining the NAV, and would
not otherwise be reflected in the NAV. If the independent fair
value service does not provide a fair value for a particular
security or if the value does not meet the established criteria
for the Fund, the most recent closing price for such a security
on its principal exchange will generally be its fair value on
such date.
|
|
|
In addition, the Investment Adviser, consistent
with applicable regulatory guidance, may determine to make an
adjustment to the previous closing prices of either domestic or
foreign securities in light of significant events, to reflect
what it believes to be the fair value of the securities at the
time of determining the Funds NAV. Significant events that
could affect a large number of securities in a particular market
may include, but are not limited to: situations relating to one
or more single issuers in a market sector; significant
fluctuations in foreign markets; market disruptions or market
closings; governmental actions or other developments; as well as
the same or similar events which may affect specific issuers or
the securities markets even though not tied directly to the
securities markets. Other significant events that could relate
to a single issuer may include, but are not limited to:
corporate actions such as reorganizations, mergers and buy-outs;
corporate announcements on earnings; significant litigation; and
regulatory news such as governmental approvals.
|
|
|
One effect of using an independent fair value
service and fair valuation may be to reduce stale pricing
arbitrage opportunities presented by the pricing of Fund shares.
However, it involves the risk that the values used by the Fund
to price its investments may be different from those used by
other investment companies and investors to price the same
investments.
|
|
|
Investments in other registered mutual funds (if
any) are valued based on the NAV of those mutual funds (which
may use fair value pricing as discussed in their prospectuses).
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
NAV per share of each share class is generally
calculated by the accounting agent on each business day as of
the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange
(normally 4:00 p.m. New York time) or such later time as
the New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ market may officially
close. Fund shares will generally not be priced on any day the
New York Stock Exchange is closed.
|
|
n
|
When you buy shares, you pay the NAV next
calculated
after
the Fund receives your order in proper
form, plus any applicable sales charge.
|
|
n
|
When you sell shares, you receive the NAV next
calculated
after
the Fund receives your order in proper
form, less any applicable CDSC or redemption fee.
|
25
|
|
|
|
n
|
The Trust reserves the right to reprocess
purchase (including dividend reinvestments), redemption and
exchange transactions that were processed at an NAV other than
the Funds official closing NAV that is subsequently
adjusted, and to recover amounts from (or distribute amounts to)
shareholders accordingly based on the official closing NAV.
|
|
n
|
The Trust reserves the right to advance the time
by which purchase and redemption orders must be received for
same business day credit as otherwise permitted by the SEC.
|
|
|
|
Note: The time at which transactions and
shares are priced and the time by which orders must be received
may be changed in case of an emergency or if regular trading on
the New York Stock Exchange is stopped at a time other than
4:00 p.m. New York time. In the event the New York Stock
Exchange does not open for business because of an emergency, the
Trust may, but is not required to, open the Fund for purchase,
redemption and exchange transactions if the Federal Reserve wire
payment system is open. To learn whether the Fund is open for
business during an emergency situation, please call
1-800-526-7384.
|
|
|
Foreign securities may trade in their local
markets on days the Fund is closed. As a result, if the Fund
holds foreign securities, its NAV may be impacted on days when
investors may not purchase or redeem Fund shares.
|
COMMON QUESTIONS
ABOUT THE PURCHASE OF CLASS A
SHARES
|
|
|
|
What Is
The Offering Price Of Class A Shares?
|
|
The offering price of Class A Shares
of the Fund is the next determined NAV per share plus an initial
sales charge paid to Goldman Sachs at the time of purchase of
shares.
The sales charge varies
depending upon the amount you purchase. In some cases, described
below, the initial sales charge may be eliminated altogether,
and the offering price will be the NAV per share. The current
sales charges and commissions paid to Authorized Dealers are as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales Charge
|
|
Maximum Dealer
|
|
|
Sales Charge as
|
|
as Percentage
|
|
Allowance as
|
Amount of Purchase
|
|
Percentage of
|
|
of Net Amount
|
|
Percentage of
|
(including sales charge, if any)
|
|
Offering Price
|
|
Invested
|
|
Offering Price*
|
|
|
Less than $50,000
|
|
|
5.50
|
%
|
|
|
5.82
|
%
|
|
|
5.00
|
%
|
$50,000 up to (but less
than) $100,000
|
|
|
4.75
|
|
|
|
4.99
|
|
|
|
4.00
|
|
$100,000 up to (but less
than) $250,000
|
|
|
3.75
|
|
|
|
3.90
|
|
|
|
3.00
|
|
$250,000 up to (but less
than) $500,000
|
|
|
2.75
|
|
|
|
2.83
|
|
|
|
2.25
|
|
$500,000 up to (but less
than) $1 million
|
|
|
2.00
|
|
|
|
2.04
|
|
|
|
1.75
|
|
$1 million or more
|
|
|
0.00
|
**
|
|
|
0.00
|
**
|
|
|
***
|
|
|
26
SHAREHOLDER GUIDE
|
|
|
*
|
|
Dealers allowance may be changed
periodically. During special promotions, the entire sales charge
may be allowed to Authorized Dealers. Authorized Dealers to whom
substantially the entire sales charge is allowed may be deemed
to be underwriters under the Securities Act of
1933.
|
**
|
|
No sales charge is payable at the time of
purchase of Class A Shares of $1 million or more, but
a CDSC of 1% may be imposed in the event of certain redemptions
within 18 months of purchase.
|
***
|
|
The Distributor may pay a one-time commission
to Authorized Dealers who initiate or are responsible for
purchases of $1 million or more of shares of the Fund equal to
1.00% of the amount under $3 million, 0.50% of the next $2
million, and 0.25% thereafter. In instances where an Authorized
Dealer (including Goldman Sachs Private Wealth Management
unit) agrees to waive its receipt of the one-time commission
described above, the CDSC on Class A Shares, generally,
will be waived. The Distributor may also pay, with respect to
all or a portion of the amount purchased, a commission in
accordance with the foregoing schedule to Authorized Dealers who
initiate or are responsible for purchases of $500,000 or more by
certain Section 401(k), profit sharing, money purchase
pension, tax-sheltered annuity, defined benefit pension, or
other employee benefit plans that are sponsored by one or more
employers (including governmental or church employers) or
employee organizations investing in the Funds which satisfy the
criteria set forth below in When Are Class A Shares
Not Subject To A Sales Load? or $1 million or more by
certain wrap accounts. Purchases by such plans will
be made at NAV with no initial sales charge, but if shares are
redeemed within 18 months after the end of the calendar
month in which such purchase was made, a CDSC of 1% may be
imposed upon the plan, the plan sponsor or the third-party
administrator. In addition, Authorized Dealers will remit to the
Distributor such payments received in connection with
wrap accounts in the event that shares are redeemed
within 18 months after the end of the calendar month in
which the purchase was made.
|
|
|
|
You should note that the actual sales charge that
appears in your mutual fund transaction confirmation may differ
slightly from the rate disclosed above in this Prospectus due to
rounding calculations.
|
|
|
As indicated in the chart on the preceding page,
and as discussed further below and in the section titled
How Can the Sales Charge on Class A Shares Be
Reduced?, you may, under certain circumstances, be
entitled to pay reduced sales charges on your purchases of
Class A Shares or have those charges waived entirely. To
take advantage of these discounts, you or your Authorized Dealer
or financial intermediary must notify the Funds Transfer
Agent at the time of your purchase order that a discount may
apply to your current purchases. You may also be required to
provide appropriate documentation to receive these discounts,
including:
|
|
|
|
|
(i)
|
Information or records regarding shares of the
Fund or other funds held in all accounts (
e.g.,
retirement accounts) of the shareholder at the financial
intermediary;
|
|
|
(ii)
|
Information or records regarding shares of the
Fund or other funds held in any account of the shareholder at
another financial intermediary; and
|
|
|
|
|
(iii)
|
Information or records regarding shares of the
Fund or other funds held at any financial intermediary by
related parties of the shareholder, such as members of the same
family or household.
|
|
|
|
You should note in particular that, if the
Funds Transfer Agent is properly notified, under the
Right of Accumulation described below, the
Amount of Purchase
|
27
|
|
|
in the chart on the preceding page will be deemed
to include all Class A, Class B and/or Class C
Shares of the Goldman Sachs Funds that were acquired by purchase
or exchange, and that were subject to a sales charge, that are
held at the time of purchase by any of the following persons:
(i) you, your spouse and your children; and (ii) any
trustee, guardian or other fiduciary of a single trust estate or
a single fiduciary account. This includes, for example, any
Class A, Class B and/or Class C Shares held at a
broker-dealer or other financial intermediary other than the one
handling your current purchase. In some circumstances, other
Class A, Class B and/or Class C Shares may be
aggregated with your current purchase under the Right of
Accumulation as described in the Additional Statement. For
purposes of determining the Amount of Purchase, all
Class A, Class B and/or Class C Shares held at
the time of purchase will be valued at their current market
value.
|
|
|
You should also note that if you provide the
Transfer Agent a signed written Statement of Intention to invest
(not counting reinvestments of dividends and distributions) in
the aggregate $50,000 or more in Class A Shares of one or
more Goldman Sachs Funds within a 13-month period, any
investments you make during the 13 months will be treated
as though the total quantity were invested in one lump sum and
you will receive the discounted sales load based on your
investment commitment. You must, however, inform the Transfer
Agent that the Statement of Intention is in effect each time
shares are purchased. Each purchase will be made at the public
offering price applicable to a single transaction of the dollar
amount specified on the Statement of Intention.
|
|
|
In addition to the information provided in this
Prospectus and the Additional Statement, information about sales
charge discounts is available from your Authorized Dealer or
financial intermediary and, free of charge, on the Funds
website at http://www.gs.com/funds.
|
|
|
What
Else Do I Need To Know About Class A Shares
CDSC?
|
|
Purchases of $1 million or more of
Class A Shares will be made at NAV with no initial sales
charge. However, if you redeem shares within 18 months
after the end of the calendar month in which the purchase was
made, a CDSC of 1% may be imposed. The CDSC may not be imposed
if your Authorized Dealer enters into an agreement with the
Distributor to return all or an applicable prorated portion of
its commission to the Distributor. The CDSC is waived on
redemptions in certain circumstances. See In What
Situations May The CDSC On Class A Or C Shares Be Waived Or
Reduced? below.
|
28
SHAREHOLDER GUIDE
|
|
|
When
Are Class A Shares Not Subject To A Sales Load?
|
|
Class A Shares of the Fund may be sold at
NAV without payment of any sales charge to the following
individuals and entities:
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
Goldman Sachs, its affiliates or their respective
officers, partners, directors or employees (including retired
employees and former partners), any partnership of which Goldman
Sachs is a general partner, any Trustee or officer of the Trust
and designated family members of any of these individuals;
|
|
n
|
Qualified retirement plans of Goldman Sachs;
|
|
n
|
Trustees or directors of investment companies for
which Goldman Sachs or an affiliate acts as sponsor;
|
|
n
|
Any employee or registered representative of any
Authorized Dealer or their respective spouses, children and
parents;
|
|
n
|
Banks, trust companies or other types of
depository institutions;
|
|
n
|
Any state, county or city, or any
instrumentality, department, authority or agency thereof, which
is prohibited by applicable investment laws from paying a sales
charge or commission in connection with the purchase of shares
of the Fund;
|
|
n
|
Section 401(k), profit sharing, money
purchase pension, tax-sheltered annuity, defined benefit
pension, or other employee benefit plans that are sponsored by
one or more employers (including governmental or church
employers) or employee organizations (Retirement
Plans) that:
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
Buy shares of Goldman Sachs Funds worth $500,000
or more; or
|
|
n
|
Have 100 or more eligible employees at the time
of purchase; or
|
|
n
|
Certify that they expect to have annual plan
purchases of shares of Goldman Sachs Funds of $200,000 or more;
or
|
|
n
|
Are provided administrative services by certain
third-party administrators that have entered into a special
service arrangement with Goldman Sachs relating to such plans; or
|
|
n
|
Have at the time of purchase aggregate assets of
at least $2,000,000;
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
Wrap accounts for the benefit of
clients of broker-dealers, financial institutions or financial
planners, provided they have entered into an agreement with GSAM
specifying aggregate minimums and certain operating policies and
standards;
|
|
n
|
Registered investment advisers investing for
accounts for which they receive asset-based fees;
|
|
n
|
Accounts over which GSAM or its advisory
affiliates have investment discretion;
|
|
n
|
Shareholders receiving distributions from a
qualified retirement plan invested in the Goldman Sachs Funds
and reinvesting such proceeds in a Goldman Sachs IRA;
|
|
n
|
Shareholders who roll over distributions from any
tax-qualified retirement plan or tax-sheltered annuity to an IRA
which invests in the Goldman Sachs Funds if
|
29
|
|
|
|
|
the tax-qualified retirement plan or
tax-sheltered annuity receives administrative services provided
by certain third-party administrators that have entered into a
special service arrangement with Goldman Sachs relating to such
plan or annuity; or
|
|
n
|
Investors who qualify under other exemptions that
are stated from time to time in the Additional Statement.
|
|
|
|
You must certify eligibility for any of the
above exemptions on your Account Application and notify the Fund
if you no longer are eligible for the exemption.
The Fund will grant you an exemption
subject to confirmation of your entitlement. You may be charged
a fee if you effect your transactions through a broker or agent.
|
|
|
How Can
The Sales Charge On Class A Shares Be Reduced?
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
Right of Accumulation:
When buying Class A Shares in
Goldman Sachs Funds, your current aggregate investment
determines the initial sales load you pay. You may qualify for
reduced sales charges when the current market value of holdings
across Class A, Class B and/or Class C Shares,
plus new purchases, reaches $50,000 or more. Class A,
Class B and/or Class C Shares of any of the Goldman
Sachs Funds may be combined under the Right of Accumulation. For
purposes of applying the Right of Accumulation, shares of the
Fund and any other Goldman Sachs Fund purchased by an existing
client of Goldman Sachs Wealth Management or GS Ayco Holding LLC
will be combined with Class A, Class B and/or
Class C Shares and other assets held by all other Goldman
Sachs Wealth Management accounts or accounts of GS Ayco Holding
LLC, respectively. In addition, under some circumstances,
Class A and/or Class C Shares of the Fund and
Class A, Class B and/or Class C Shares of any
other Goldman Sachs Fund purchased by partners, directors,
officers or employees of the same business organization, groups
of individuals represented by and investing on the
recommendation of the same accounting firm, certain affinity
groups or other similar organizations may be combined for the
purpose of determining whether a purchase will qualify for the
Right of Accumulation and, if qualifying, the applicable sales
charge level. To qualify for a reduced sales load, you or your
Authorized Dealer must notify the Funds Transfer Agent at
the time of investment that a quantity discount is applicable.
Use of this option is subject to a check of appropriate records.
The Additional Statement has more information about the Right of
Accumulation.
|
|
n
|
Statement of Intention:
You may obtain a reduced sales
charge by means of a written Statement of Intention which
expresses your non-binding commitment to invest (not counting
reinvestments of dividends and distributions) in the aggregate
$50,000 or more within a period of 13 months in
Class A Shares of one or more of the Goldman Sachs Funds.
Any investments you make during
|
30
SHAREHOLDER GUIDE
|
|
|
|
|
the period will receive the discounted sales load
based on the full amount of your investment commitment. At your
request, purchases made during the previous 90 days may be
included; however, capital appreciation does not apply toward
these combined purchases. If the investment commitment of the
Statement of Intention is not met prior to the expiration of the
13-month period, the entire amount will be subject to the higher
applicable sales charge. By selecting the Statement of
Intention, you authorize the Transfer Agent to escrow and redeem
Class A Shares in your account to pay this additional
charge. The Additional Statement has more information about the
Statement of Intention, which you should read carefully.
|
A COMMON QUESTION
ABOUT THE PURCHASE OF CLASS C
SHARES
|
|
|
|
What Is
The Offering Price Of Class C Shares?
|
|
You may purchase Class C Shares of the
Fund at the next determined NAV without paying an initial sales
charge. However, if you redeem Class C Shares within
12 months of purchase, a CDSC of 1% will normally be
deducted from the redemption proceeds. In connection with
purchases by Retirement Plans, where Class C Shares are
redeemed within 12 months of purchase, a CDSC of 1% may be
imposed upon the plan sponsor or third-party
administrator.
|
|
|
Proceeds from the CDSC are payable to the
Distributor and may be used in whole or in part to defray the
Distributors expenses related to providing
distribution-related services to the Fund in connection with the
sale of Class C Shares, including the payment of
compensation to Authorized Dealers. An amount equal to 1% of the
amount invested is normally paid by the Distributor to
Authorized Dealers.
|
COMMON
QUESTIONS APPLICABLE TO THE PURCHASE OF CLASS A AND C
SHARES
|
|
|
|
What
Else Do I Need To Know About The CDSC On Class A Or C
Shares?
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
The CDSC is based on the lesser of the NAV of the
shares at the time of redemption or the original offering price
(which is the original NAV).
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
No CDSC is charged on shares acquired from
reinvested dividends or capital gains distributions.
|
|
n
|
No CDSC is charged on the per share appreciation
of your account over the initial purchase price.
|
|
n
|
When counting the number of months since a
purchase of Class C Shares was made, all payments made
during a month will be combined and considered to have been made
on the first day of that month.
|
31
|
|
|
|
n
|
To keep your CDSC as low as possible, each time
you place a request to sell shares, the Fund will first sell any
shares in your account that do not carry a CDSC and then the
shares in your account that have been held the longest.
|
|
|
|
In What
Situations May The CDSC On Class A Or C Shares Be Waived Or
Reduced?
|
|
The CDSC on Class A and Class C Shares
that are subject to a CDSC may be waived or reduced if the
redemption relates to:
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
Retirement distributions or loans to participants
or beneficiaries from Retirement Plans;
|
|
n
|
The death or disability (as defined in
Section 72(m)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the Code)) of a participant or beneficiary
in a Retirement Plan;
|
|
n
|
Hardship withdrawals by a participant or
beneficiary in a Retirement Plan;
|
|
n
|
Satisfying the minimum distribution requirements
of the Code;
|
|
n
|
Establishing substantially equal periodic
payments as described under Section 72(t)(2) of the
Code;
|
|
n
|
The separation from service by a participant or
beneficiary in a Retirement Plan;
|
|
n
|
The death or disability (as defined in
Section 72(m)(7) of the Code) of a shareholder if the
redemption is made within one year of the event;
|
|
n
|
Excess contributions distributed from a
Retirement Plan;
|
|
n
|
Distributions from a qualified Retirement Plan
invested in the Goldman Sachs Funds which are being rolled over
to a Goldman Sachs IRA in the same share class; or
|
|
n
|
Redemption proceeds which are to be reinvested in
accounts or non-registered products over which GSAM or its
advisory affiliates have investment discretion.
|
|
|
|
In addition, Class A and C Shares subject to
a systematic withdrawal plan may be redeemed without a CDSC. The
Fund reserves the right to limit such redemptions, on an annual
basis, to 12% each of the value of your Class C Shares and
10% of the value of your Class A Shares.
|
|
|
How Do
I Decide Whether To Buy Class A Or C Shares?
|
|
The decision as to which Class to purchase
depends on the amount you invest, the intended length of the
investment and your personal situation.
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
Class A
Shares.
If you are making an
investment of $50,000 or more that qualifies for a reduced sales
charge, you should consider purchasing Class A Shares.
|
|
n
|
Class C
Shares.
If you are unsure of the
length of your investment and would prefer not to pay an initial
sales charge, you may prefer Class C Shares. By not paying
a front-end sales charge, your entire investment in Class C
Shares is available to work for you from the time you make your
initial investment.
|
32
SHAREHOLDER GUIDE
|
|
|
|
|
However, the distribution and service fee paid by
Class C Shares will cause your Class C Shares to have
a higher expense ratio, and thus lower performance and lower
dividend payments (to the extent dividends are paid) than
Class A Shares.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Although Class C Shares are subject to a
CDSC for only 12 months, Class C Shares do not have an
automatic conversion feature and your investment may pay higher
distribution fees indefinitely.
|
|
|
|
A maximum purchase limitation of $1,000,000 in
the aggregate normally applies to purchases of Class C
Shares. Once the current value of your Class C Shares in
the aggregate across all Goldman Sachs Funds is equal to
$1,000,000, you will not be allowed to purchase any additional
Class C Shares. Individual purchases exceeding $1,000,000
will be rejected and additional purchases which could cause your
holdings in Class C Shares to exceed $1,000,000 will be
rejected.
|
|
|
|
Note: Authorized Dealers may receive
different compensation for selling Class A or Class C
Shares.
|
|
|
In addition to Class A and Class C
Shares, the Fund also offers another class of shares to
investors. This other share class is subject to different fees
and expenses (which affect performance), has different minimum
investment requirements and is entitled to different services.
Information regarding this other share class may be obtained
from your sales representative or from Goldman Sachs by calling
the number on the back cover of this Prospectus.
|
|
|
|
How Can
I Sell Class A And Class C Shares Of The
Fund?
|
|
You may arrange to take money out of your account
by selling (redeeming) some or all of your shares.
Generally, the Fund will redeem its shares upon request on
any business day at the NAV next determined after receipt of
such request in proper form, subject to any applicable CDSC.
You may request that redemption proceeds be sent to you by
check or by wire (if the wire instructions are on record).
Redemptions may be requested in writing or by telephone.
|
33
|
|
|
Instructions For Redemptions:
|
|
|
|
|
By Writing:
|
|
n
Write
a letter of instruction that includes:
|
|
|
n
Your
name(s) and signature(s)
|
|
|
n
Your
account number
|
|
|
n
The
Fund name and Class of Shares
|
|
|
n
The
dollar amount you want to sell
|
|
|
n
How
and where to send the proceeds
|
|
|
n
Obtain
a Medallion signature guarantee (see details below)
|
|
|
n
Mail
your request to:
Goldman Sachs
Funds
P.O. Box
219711
Kansas City, MO 64121-9711
|
|
|
or for overnight
delivery:
Goldman Sachs
Funds
330 West 9th
Street
Poindexter Bldg., 1st
Floor
Kansas City, MO 64105
|
|
By Telephone:
|
|
If you have not declined
the telephone redemption privilege on your Account Application:
|
|
|
n
1-800-526-7384
(8:00 a.m.
to 4:00 p.m. New York time)
|
|
|
n
You
may redeem up to $50,000 of your shares daily
|
|
|
n
Proceeds
which are sent directly to a Goldman
Sachs
brokerage account or to the
bank account designated on
your
account application are not
subject to the $50,000 limit
|
|
|
|
|
When Do
I Need A Medallion Signature Guarantee To Redeem
Shares?
|
|
A Medallion signature guarantee may be required
if:
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
You are requesting in writing to redeem shares in
an amount over $50,000;
|
|
n
|
You would like the redemption proceeds sent to an
address that is not your address of record; or
|
|
n
|
You would like to change the bank designated on
your Account Application.
|
|
n
|
Any redemption request that requires money to go
to an account or address other than that designated on the
Account Application must be in writing and signed by an
authorized person designated on the Account Application. The
written request may be confirmed by telephone with both the
requesting party and the designated bank account to verify
instructions.
|
|
|
|
A signature guarantee must be obtained from a
bank, brokerage firm or other financial intermediary that is a
member of an approved Medallion Guarantee Program or that is
otherwise approved by the Trust. A notary public cannot provide
|
34
SHAREHOLDER GUIDE
|
|
|
a signature guarantee. Additional documentation
may be required for executors, trustees or corporations or when
deemed appropriate by the Transfer Agent.
|
|
|
What Do
I Need To Know About Telephone Redemption Requests?
|
|
The Trust, the Distributor and the Transfer Agent
will not be liable for any loss you may incur in the event that
the Trust accepts unauthorized telephone redemption requests
that the Trust reasonably believes to be genuine. The Trust may
accept telephone redemption instructions from any person
identifying himself or herself as the owner of an account or the
owners registered representative where the owner has not
declined in writing to use this service. Thus, you risk possible
losses if a telephone redemption is not authorized by you.
|
|
|
In an effort to prevent unauthorized or
fraudulent redemption and exchange requests by telephone,
Goldman Sachs and BFDS each employ reasonable procedures
specified by the Trust to confirm that such instructions are
genuine. If reasonable procedures are not employed, the Trust
may be liable for any loss due to unauthorized or fraudulent
transactions. The following general policies are currently in
effect:
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
All telephone requests are recorded.
|
|
n
|
Proceeds of telephone redemption requests will be
sent only to your address of record or authorized bank account
designated in the Account Application (unless you provide
written instructions and a signature guarantee, indicating
another address or account).
|
|
n
|
For the 30-day period following a change of
address, telephone redemptions will only be filled by a wire
transfer to the bank account designated in the Account
Applications (see immediately preceding bullet point). In order
to receive the redemption by check during this time period, the
redemption request must be a written, Medallion signature
guaranteed letter.
|
|
n
|
The telephone redemption option does not apply to
shares held in a street name account. Street
name accounts are accounts maintained and serviced by your
Authorized Dealer. If your account is held in street
name, you should contact your registered representative of
record, who may make telephone redemptions on your behalf.
|
|
n
|
The telephone redemption option may be modified
or terminated at any time.
|
|
|
|
Note: It may be difficult to make telephone
redemptions in times of drastic economic or market
conditions.
|
35
|
|
|
How Are
Redemption Proceeds Paid?
|
|
By Wire:
You
may arrange for your redemption proceeds to be wired as federal
funds to the domestic bank account designated in your Account
Application. The following general policies govern wiring
redemption proceeds:
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
Redemption proceeds will normally be wired on the
next business day in federal funds (for a total of one business
day delay), but may be paid up to three business days following
receipt of a properly executed wire transfer redemption request.
If you are selling shares you recently paid for by check, the
Fund will pay you when your check has cleared, which may take up
to 15 days. If the Federal Reserve Bank is closed on the
day that the redemption proceeds would ordinarily be wired,
wiring the redemption proceeds may be delayed one additional
business day.
|
|
n
|
To change the bank designated on your Account
Application, you must send written instructions (with your
signature guaranteed) to the Transfer Agent.
|
|
n
|
Neither the Trust nor Goldman Sachs assumes any
responsibility for the performance of your bank or any
intermediaries in the transfer process. If a problem with such
performance arises, you should deal directly with your bank or
any such intermediaries.
|
|
|
|
By Check:
You
may elect to receive your redemption proceeds by check.
Redemption proceeds paid by check will normally be mailed to the
address of record within three business days of a properly
executed redemption request. If you are selling shares you
recently paid for by check, the Fund will pay you when your
check has cleared, which may take up to 15 days.
|
|
|
What
Else Do I Need To Know About Redemptions?
|
|
The following generally applies to redemption
requests:
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
Additional documentation may be required when
deemed appropriate by the Transfer Agent. A redemption request
will not be in proper form until such additional documentation
has been received.
|
|
n
|
Institutions (including banks, trust companies,
brokers and investment advisers) are responsible for the timely
transmittal of redemption requests by their customers to the
Transfer Agent. In order to facilitate the timely transmittal of
redemption requests, these institutions may set times by which
they must receive redemption requests. These institutions may
also require additional documentation from you.
|
|
|
|
The Trust reserves the right to:
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
Redeem your shares if your account balance falls
below the required Fund minimum as a result of a redemption. The
Fund will not redeem your shares on this basis if the value of
your account falls below the minimum account balance solely as a
result of market conditions. The Fund will give you
60 days prior
|
36
SHAREHOLDER GUIDE
|
|
|
|
|
written notice to allow you to purchase
sufficient additional shares of the Fund in order to avoid such
redemption.
|
|
n
|
Redeem your shares in other circumstances
determined by the Board of Trustees to be in the best interests
of the Trust.
|
|
n
|
Pay redemptions by a distribution in-kind of
securities (instead of cash). If you receive redemption proceeds
in-kind, you should expect to incur transaction costs upon the
disposition of those securities.
|
|
n
|
Reinvest any dividends or other distributions
which you have elected to receive in cash should your check for
such dividends or other distributions be returned to the Fund as
undeliverable or remain uncashed for six months. This provision
may not apply to certain retirement or qualified accounts. In
addition, that distribution and all future distributions payable
to you will be reinvested at the NAV on the day of reinvestment
in additional shares of the same class of the Fund that pays the
distributions. No interest will accrue on amounts represented by
uncashed distribution or redemption checks.
|
|
|
|
Can I
Reinvest Redemption Proceeds In The Same Or Another Goldman
Sachs Fund?
|
|
You may redeem shares of the Fund and reinvest a
portion or all of the redemption proceeds (plus any additional
amounts needed to round off purchases to the nearest full share)
at NAV. To be eligible for this privilege, you must hold the
shares you want to redeem for at least 30 days and you must
reinvest the share proceeds within 90 days after you
redeem. You may reinvest as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
Class A SharesClass A Shares of
the same Fund or another Goldman Sachs Fund
|
|
n
|
Class C SharesClass C Shares of
the same Fund or another Goldman Sachs Fund
|
|
n
|
You should obtain and read the applicable
prospectuses before investing in any other Funds.
|
|
n
|
If you pay a CDSC upon redemption of Class A
or Class C Shares and then reinvest in Class A or
Class C Shares as described above, your account will be
credited with the amount of the CDSC you paid. The reinvested
shares will, however, continue to be subject to a CDSC. The
holding period of the shares acquired through reinvestment will
include the holding period of the redeemed shares for purposes
of computing the CDSC payable upon a subsequent redemption.
|
|
n
|
The reinvestment privilege may be exercised at
any time in connection with transactions in which the proceeds
are reinvested at NAV in a tax-sheltered retirement plan. In
other cases, the reinvestment privilege may be exercised once
per year upon receipt of a written request.
|
37
|
|
|
|
n
|
You may be subject to tax as a result of a
redemption. You should consult your tax adviser concerning the
tax consequences of a redemption and reinvestment.
|
|
|
|
Can I
Exchange My Investment From One Fund To Another?
|
|
You may exchange shares of the Fund at NAV
without the imposition of an initial sales charge or CDSC at the
time of exchange for shares of the same class or an equivalent
class of another Goldman Sachs Fund. The exchange privilege may
be materially modified or withdrawn at any time upon
60 days written notice to you.
|
|
|
|
Instructions For Exchanging Shares:
|
|
|
|
|
By Writing:
|
|
n
Write
a letter of instruction that includes:
|
|
|
n
Your
name(s) and signature(s)
|
|
|
n
Your
account number
|
|
|
n
The
Fund names and Class of Shares
|
|
|
n
The
dollar amount you want to exchange
|
|
|
n
Mail
the request to:
Goldman Sachs
Funds
P.O. Box
219711
Kansas City, MO 64121-9711
|
|
|
or for overnight
delivery -
Goldman Sachs
Funds
330 West 9th
St.
Poindexter Bldg., 1st
Floor
Kansas City, MO 64105
|
|
By Telephone:
|
|
If you have not declined
the telephone exchange privilege on your Account Application:
|
|
|
n
1-800-526-7384
(8:00 a.m.
to 4:00 p.m. New York time)
|
|
|
|
|
You should keep in mind the following factors
when making or considering an exchange:
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
You should obtain and carefully read the
prospectus of the Fund you are acquiring before making an
exchange.
|
|
n
|
Currently, there is no charge for exchanges,
although the Fund may impose a charge in the future.
|
|
n
|
The exchanged shares may later be exchanged for
shares of the same class (or an equivalent class) of the
original Fund at the next determined NAV without the imposition
of an initial sales charge or CDSC if the amount in the Fund
resulting from such exchanges is less than the largest amount on
which you have previously paid the applicable sales charge.
|
|
n
|
When you exchange shares subject to a CDSC, no
CDSC will be charged at that time. The exchanged shares will be
subject to the CDSC of the shares originally held. For purposes
of determining the amount of the applicable CDSC, the length of
time you have owned the shares will be measured from the date you
|
38
SHAREHOLDER GUIDE
|
|
|
|
|
acquired the original shares subject to a CDSC
and will not be affected by a subsequent exchange.
|
|
n
|
Eligible investors may exchange certain classes
of shares for another class of shares of the same Fund. For
further information, call Goldman Sachs Funds at 1-800-526-7384
and see the Additional Statement.
|
|
n
|
All exchanges which represent an initial
investment in a Fund must satisfy the minimum initial investment
requirements of that Fund or the entire balance of the original
Fund account should be exchanged.
|
|
n
|
Exchanges are available only in states where
exchanges may be legally made.
|
|
n
|
It may be difficult to make telephone exchanges
in times of drastic economic or market conditions.
|
|
n
|
Goldman Sachs and BFDS may use reasonable
procedures described under What Do I Need to Know About
Telephone Redemption Requests? in an effort to prevent
unauthorized or fraudulent telephone exchange requests.
|
|
n
|
Telephone exchanges normally will be made only to
an identically registered account.
|
|
n
|
Exchanges into Funds that are closed to new
investors may be restricted.
|
|
|
|
For federal income tax purposes, an exchange from
one Fund to another is treated as a redemption of the shares
surrendered in the exchange, on which you may be subject to tax,
followed by a purchase of shares received in the exchange. You
should consult your tax adviser concerning the tax consequences
of an exchange.
|
|
|
|
Can I
Arrange To Have Automatic Investments Made On A Regular
Basis?
|
|
You may be able to make systematic cash
investments through your bank via ACH transfer or your checking
account via bank draft each month. Forms for this option are
available from Goldman Sachs and your Authorized Dealer, or you
may check the appropriate box on the Account Application.
|
|
|
Can My
Dividends And Distributions From The Fund Be Invested In Other
Funds?
|
|
You may elect to cross-reinvest dividends and
capital gain distributions paid by the Fund in shares of the
same class or an equivalent class of other Goldman Sachs Funds.
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
Shares will be purchased at NAV.
|
|
n
|
No initial sales charge or CDSC will be imposed.
|
|
n
|
You may elect cross-reinvestment into an
identically registered account or a similarly registered account
provided that at least one name on the account is registered
identically.
|
39
|
|
|
Can I
Arrange To Have Automatic Exchanges Made On A Regular
Basis?
|
|
You may elect to exchange automatically a
specified dollar amount of shares of the Fund for shares of the
same class or an equivalent class of other Goldman Sachs Funds.
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
Shares will be purchased at NAV.
|
|
n
|
No initial sales charge is imposed.
|
|
n
|
Shares subject to a CDSC acquired under this
program may be subject to a CDSC at the time of redemption from
the Fund into which the exchange is made depending upon the date
and value of your original purchase.
|
|
n
|
Automatic exchanges are made monthly on the 15th
day of each month or the first business day thereafter.
|
|
n
|
Minimum dollar amount: $50 per month.
|
|
|
|
What
Else Should I Know About Cross-Reinvestments And Automatic
Exchanges?
|
|
Cross-reinvestments and automatic exchanges are
subject to the following conditions:
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
You must invest an amount in the Fund into which
cross-reinvestments or automatic exchanges are being made that
is equal to that Funds minimum initial investment or
continue to cross-reinvest or to make automatic exchanges until
such minimum initial investment is met.
|
|
n
|
You should obtain and read the prospectus of the
Fund into which dividends are invested or automatic exchanges
are made.
|
|
|
|
Can I
Have Automatic Withdrawals Made On A Regular Basis?
|
|
You may draw on your account systematically via
check or ACH transfer in any amount of $50 or more.
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
It is normally undesirable to maintain a
systematic withdrawal plan at the same time that you are
purchasing additional Class A or Class C Shares
because of the sales charge imposed on your purchases of
Class A Shares or the imposition of a CDSC on your
redemptions of Class A or Class C Shares.
|
|
n
|
You must have a minimum balance of $5,000 in the
Fund.
|
|
n
|
Checks are mailed the next business day after
your selected systematic withdrawal date.
|
|
n
|
Each systematic withdrawal is a redemption and
therefore may be a taxable transaction.
|
|
n
|
The CDSC applicable to Class A or
Class C Shares redeemed under the systematic withdrawal
plan may be waived.
|
|
|
|
What
Types of Reports Will I Be Sent Regarding My
Investment?
|
|
You will be provided with a printed confirmation
of each transaction in your account and an individual quarterly
account statement. A year-to-date statement for
|
40
SHAREHOLDER GUIDE
|
|
|
your account will be provided upon request made
to Goldman Sachs. If your account is held in street
name you may receive your statements and confirmations on
a different schedule.
|
|
|
You will also receive an annual shareholder
report containing audited financial statements and a semi-annual
shareholder report. If you have consented to the delivery of a
single copy of shareholder reports, prospectuses and other
information to all shareholders who share the same mailing
address with your account, you may revoke your consent at any
time by contacting Goldman Sachs Funds by phone at
1-800-526-7384 or by mail at Goldman Sachs Funds, P.O. Box
06050, Chicago, IL 60606-6306. The Fund will begin sending
individual copies to you within 30 days after receipt of
your revocation.
|
|
|
The Fund does not generally provide
sub-accounting services.
|
|
|
What
Should I Know When I Purchase Shares Through An Authorized
Dealer?
|
|
Authorized Dealers and other financial
intermediaries may provide varying arrangements for their
clients to purchase and redeem Fund shares. They may charge
additional fees not described in this Prospectus to their
customers for such services.
|
|
|
If shares of the Fund are held in a street
name account with an Authorized Dealer, all recordkeeping,
transaction processing and payments of distributions relating to
your account will be performed by the Authorized Dealer, and not
by the Fund and its Transfer Agent. Since the Fund will have no
record of your transactions, you should contact the Authorized
Dealer to purchase, redeem or exchange shares, to make changes
in or give instructions concerning the account or to obtain
information about your account. The transfer of shares in a
street name account to an account with another
dealer or to an account directly with the Fund involves special
procedures and will require you to obtain historical purchase
information about the shares in the account from the Authorized
Dealer.
|
|
|
Authorized Dealers and other financial
intermediaries may be authorized to accept, on behalf of the
Trust, purchase, redemption and exchange orders placed by or on
behalf of their customers, and if approved by the Trust, to
designate other intermediaries to accept such orders. In these
cases:
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
The Fund will be deemed to have received an order
that is in proper form when the order is accepted by an
Authorized Dealer or intermediary on a business day, and the
order will be priced at the Funds NAV per share (adjusted
for any applicable sales charge) next determined after such
acceptance.
|
|
n
|
Authorized Dealers and intermediaries are
responsible for transmitting accepted orders to the Fund within
the time period agreed upon by them.
|
41
|
|
|
You should contact your Authorized Dealer or
intermediary to learn whether it is authorized to accept orders
for the Trust.
|
|
|
The Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their
affiliates may make payments to Authorized Dealers and other
financial intermediaries (Intermediaries) from time
to time to promote the sale, distribution and/or servicing of
shares of the Fund and other Goldman Sachs Funds. These payments
are made out of the Investment Advisers,
Distributors and/or their affiliates own assets, and
are not an additional charge to the Fund. The payments are in
addition to the distribution and service fees and sales charges
described in this Prospectus. Such payments are intended to
compensate Intermediaries for, among other things: marketing
shares of the Fund and other Goldman Sachs Funds, which may
consist of payments relating to the Fund included on preferred
or recommended fund lists or in certain sales programs from time
to time sponsored by the Intermediaries; access to the
Intermediaries registered representatives or salespersons,
including at conferences and other meetings; assistance in
training and education of personnel; marketing support; and/or
other specified services intended to assist in the distribution
and marketing of the Fund and other Goldman Sachs Funds. The
payments may also, to the extent permitted by applicable
regulations, contribute to various non-cash and cash incentive
arrangements to promote the sale of shares, as well as sponsor
various educational programs, sales contests and/or promotions.
The additional payments by the Investment Adviser, Distributor
and/or their affiliates may also compensate Intermediaries for
subaccounting, administrative and/or shareholder processing
services that are in addition to the fees paid for these
services by the Fund. The amount of these additional payments is
normally not expected to exceed 0.50% (annualized) of the amount
sold or invested through the Intermediaries. Please refer to the
Payments to Intermediaries section of the Additional
Statement for more information about these payments.
|
|
|
The payments made by the Investment Adviser,
Distributor and/or their affiliates may be different for
different Intermediaries. The presence of these payments and the
basis on which an Intermediary compensates its registered
representatives or salespersons may create an incentive for a
particular Intermediary, registered representative or
salesperson to highlight, feature or recommend the Fund based,
at least in part, on the level of compensation paid. You should
contact your Authorized Dealer or other Intermediary for more
information about the payments it receives and any potential
conflicts of interest.
|
42
SHAREHOLDER GUIDE
DISTRIBUTION
SERVICES AND FEES
|
|
|
|
What
Are The Different Distribution And Service Fees Paid By
Class A and C Shares?
|
|
The Trust has adopted distribution and service
plans (each a Plan) under which Class A and
Class C Shares bear distribution and service fees paid to
Goldman Sachs and Authorized Dealers. If the fees received by
Goldman Sachs pursuant to the Plans exceed its expenses, Goldman
Sachs may realize a profit from these arrangements. Goldman
Sachs generally pays the distribution and service fees on a
quarterly basis.
|
|
|
Under the Plans, Goldman Sachs is entitled to a
monthly fee from the Fund for distribution services equal, on an
annual basis, to 0.25% and 0.75%, respectively, of the
Funds average daily net assets attributed to Class A
and Class C Shares. Because these fees are paid out of the
Funds 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 such charges.
|
|
|
The distribution fees are subject to the
requirements of Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company
Act, and may be used (among other things) for:
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
Compensation paid to and expenses incurred by
Authorized Dealers, Goldman Sachs and their respective officers,
employees and sales representatives;
|
|
n
|
Commissions paid to Authorized Dealers;
|
|
n
|
Allocable overhead;
|
|
n
|
Telephone and travel expenses;
|
|
n
|
Interest and other costs associated with the
financing of such compensation and expenses;
|
|
n
|
Printing of prospectuses for prospective
shareholders;
|
|
n
|
Preparation and distribution of sales literature
or advertising of any type; and
|
|
n
|
All other expenses incurred in connection with
activities primarily intended to result in the sale of
Class A and Class C Shares.
|
|
|
|
In connection with the sale of Class C
Shares, Goldman Sachs normally begins paying the 0.75%
distribution fee as an ongoing commission to Authorized Dealers
after the shares have been held for one year.
|
PERSONAL ACCOUNT
MAINTENANCE SERVICES AND FEES
|
|
|
|
Under the Plans, Goldman Sachs is also entitled
to receive a separate fee equal on an annual basis to 0.25% of
the Funds average daily net assets attributed to
Class C Shares. This fee is for personal and account
maintenance services, and may be used to make payments to
Goldman Sachs, Authorized Dealers and their
|
43
|
|
|
officers, sales representatives and employees for
responding to inquiries of, and furnishing assistance to,
shareholders regarding ownership of their shares or their
accounts or similar services not otherwise provided on behalf of
the Fund. If the fees received by Goldman Sachs pursuant to the
Plans exceed its expenses, Goldman Sachs may realize a profit
from this arrangement.
|
|
|
In connection with the sale of Class C
Shares, Goldman Sachs normally begins paying the 0.25% ongoing
service fee to Authorized Dealers after the shares have been
held for one year.
|
RESTRICTIONS ON
EXCESSIVE TRADING PRACTICES
|
|
|
|
Policies and Procedures on Excessive Trading
Practices.
In accordance with the
policy adopted by the Board of Trustees, the Trust discourages
frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares and does not
permit market timing or other excessive trading practices.
Purchases and exchanges should be made with a view to
longer-term investment purposes only that are consistent with
the investment policies and practices of the Fund. Excessive,
short-term (market timing) trading practices may disrupt
portfolio management strategies, increase brokerage and
administrative costs, harm Fund performance and result in
dilution in the value of Fund shares held by long-term
shareholders. The Trust and Goldman Sachs reserve the right to
reject or restrict purchase or exchange requests from any
investor. The Trust and Goldman Sachs will not be liable for any
loss resulting from rejected purchase or exchange orders. To
minimize harm to the Trust and its shareholders (or Goldman
Sachs), the Trust (or Goldman Sachs) will exercise this right
if, in the Trusts (or Goldman Sachs) judgment, an
investor has a history of excessive trading or if an
investors trading, in the judgment of the Trust (or
Goldman Sachs), has been or may be disruptive to the Fund. In
making this judgment, trades executed in multiple accounts under
common ownership or control may be considered together to the
extent they can be identified. No waivers of the provisions of
the policy established to detect and deter market timing and
other excessive trading activity are permitted that would harm
the Trust or its shareholders or would subordinate the interests
of the Trust or its shareholders to those of Goldman Sachs or
any affiliated person or associated person of Goldman Sachs.
|
|
|
To deter excessive shareholder trading, the
International Equity Funds and certain Fixed Income Funds (which
are offered in separate prospectuses) impose a redemption fee on
redemptions made within 30 calendar days of purchase
subject to certain exceptions. For more information about these
Funds, obtain a prospectus from your Authorized Dealer or from
Goldman Sachs by calling the number on the back cover of this
Prospectus.
|
44
SHAREHOLDER GUIDE
|
|
|
Pursuant to the policy adopted by the Board of
Trustees, Goldman Sachs has developed criteria that it uses to
identify trading activity that may be excessive. Goldman Sachs
reviews on a regular, periodic basis available information
relating to the trading activity in the Fund in order to assess
the likelihood that the Fund may be the target of excessive
trading. As part of its excessive trading surveillance process,
Goldman Sachs, on a periodic basis, examines transactions that
exceed certain monetary thresholds or numerical limits within a
period of time. If, in its judgment, Goldman Sachs detects
excessive, short term trading, Goldman Sachs may reject or
restrict a purchase or exchange request and may further seek to
close an investors account with the Fund. Goldman Sachs
may modify its surveillance procedures and criteria from time to
time without prior notice regarding the detection of excessive
trading or to address specific circumstances. Goldman Sachs will
apply the criteria in a manner that, in Goldman Sachs
judgment, will be uniform.
|
|
|
Fund shares may be held through omnibus
arrangements maintained by intermediaries such as
broker-dealers, investment advisers, transfer agents,
administrators and insurance companies. In addition, Fund shares
may be held in omnibus 401(k) plans, retirement plans and other
group accounts. Omnibus accounts include multiple investors and
such accounts typically provide the Fund with a net purchase or
redemption request on any given day where the purchases and
redemptions of Fund shares by the investors are netted against
one another. The identity of individual investors whose purchase
and redemption orders are aggregated are not known by the Fund.
A number of these financial intermediaries may not have the
capability or may not be willing to apply the Funds market
timing policies or any applicable redemption fee. While Goldman
Sachs may monitor share turnover at the omnibus account level,
the Funds ability to monitor and detect market timing by
shareholders or apply any applicable redemption fee in these
omnibus accounts is limited. The netting effect makes it more
difficult to identify, locate and eliminate market timing
activities. In addition, those investors who engage in market
timing and other excessive trading activities may employ a
variety of techniques to avoid detection. There can be no
assurance that the Fund and Goldman Sachs will be able to
identify all those who trade excessively or employ a market
timing strategy, and curtail their trading in every instance.
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45
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Taxation
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As with any investment, you should consider how
your investment in the Fund will be taxed. The tax information
below is provided as general information. More tax information
is available in the Additional Statement. You should consult
your tax adviser about the federal, state, local or foreign tax
consequences of your investment in the Fund.
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Unless your investment is an IRA or other
tax-advantaged account, you should consider the possible tax
consequences of Fund distributions and the sale of your Fund
shares.
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The Fund contemplates declaring as dividends each
year all or substantially all of its taxable income.
Distributions you receive from the Fund are generally subject to
federal income tax, and may also be subject to state or local
taxes (although the Fund attempts to minimize capital gains and
income distributions in seeking its investment objective). This
is true whether you reinvest your distributions in additional
Fund shares or receive them in cash. For federal tax purposes,
Fund distributions attributable to short-term capital gains and
net investment income are generally taxable to you as ordinary
income while distributions attributable to long-term capital
gains are taxable as long-term capital gains, no matter how long
you have owned your Fund shares. The Funds accrued income
or loss each year from writing S&P 500 Index or related
ETF call options will, under special tax rules applicable to
those transactions, be treated as 40% short-term capital gain or
loss or 60% long-term capital gain or loss; this will, in turn,
affect the amount and character of the Funds distributions
to you under the rules described in the preceding sentence.
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Under recent changes to the Internal Revenue Code
(the Code), the maximum long-term capital gain tax
rate applicable to individuals, estates, and trusts is 15%. (A
sunset provision provides that the 15% long-term capital gain
rate and the taxation of dividends at the long-term capital gain
rate will revert back to a prior version of these provisions in
the Code for taxable years beginning after December 31,
2008.) Also, Fund distributions to noncorporate shareholders
attributable to dividends received by the Fund from U.S. and
certain qualified foreign corporations will generally be taxed
at the long-term capital gain rate, as long as certain other
requirements are met. The amount of the Funds
distributions that qualify for this favorable tax treatment may
be reduced as a result of the
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46
TAXATION
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Funds securities lending activities, by a
high portfolio turnover rate or by investments in debt
securities or non-qualified foreign corporations.
For these lower rates to apply, the non-corporate shareholder
must own Fund shares for at least 61 days during the
121-day period beginning 60 days before the Funds
ex-dividend date.
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Although distributions are generally treated as
taxable to you in the year they are paid, distributions declared
in October, November or December but paid in January are taxable
as if they were paid in December. A percentage of the
Funds dividends paid to corporate shareholders may be
eligible for the corporate dividends-received deduction. This
percentage may, however, be reduced as a result of the
Funds securities lending activities, by a high portfolio
turnover rate or by investments in debt securities or foreign
corporations. Character and tax status of all distributions will
be available to shareholders after the close of each calendar
year.
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The Fund may be subject to foreign withholding or
other foreign taxes on income or gain from certain of the
Funds investments. In general, the Fund may deduct these
taxes in computing their taxable income.
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If you buy shares of the Fund before it makes a
distribution, the distribution will be taxable to you even
though it may actually be a return of a portion of your
investment. This is known as buying a dividend.
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Your sale of Fund shares is a taxable transaction
for federal income tax purposes, and may also be subject to
state and local taxes. For tax purposes, the exchange of your
Fund shares for shares of a different Goldman Sachs Fund is the
same as a sale. When you sell your shares, you will generally
recognize a capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the
difference between your adjusted tax basis in the shares and the
amount received. Generally, this gain or loss is long-term or
short-term depending on whether your holding period exceeds
twelve months, except that any loss realized on shares held for
six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss
to the extent of any capital gain dividends that were received
on the shares. Additionally, any loss realized on a sale,
exchange or redemption of Fund shares may be disallowed under
wash sale rules to the extent the shares disposed of
are replaced with other shares of the Fund within a period of
61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days
after the shares are disposed of, such as pursuant to a dividend
reinvestment in shares of the Fund. If disallowed, the loss will
be reflected in an adjustment to the basis of the shares
acquired.
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47
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When you open your account, you should provide
your Social Security Number or tax identification number on your
Account Application. By law, the Fund must withhold 28% of your
taxable distributions and any redemption proceeds if you do not
provide your correct taxpayer identification number, or certify
that it is correct, or if the IRS instructs the Fund to do so.
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Non-U.S. investors may be subject to U.S.
withholding and estate tax. However, distributions of short-term
capital gains and qualified interest income made by the Fund to
non-U.S. investors between January 1, 2005 and
December 31, 2007 will generally not be subject to U.S.
withholding.
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Investments in the Fund are subject to the tax
risks described previously under Principal Risks of the
Fund.
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48
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Appendix A
Additional Information on Portfolio
Risks, Securities and Techniques
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A. General
Portfolio Risks
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The Fund will be subject to the risks associated
with equity investments. Equity investments may
include common stocks, preferred stocks, interests in real
estate investment trusts, convertible debt obligations,
convertible preferred stocks, equity interests in trusts,
partnerships, joint ventures, limited liability companies and
similar enterprises, warrants, stock purchase rights and
synthetic and derivative instruments that have economic
characteristics similar to equity securities. In general, the
values of equity investments fluctuate in response to the
activities of individual companies and in response to general
market and economic conditions. Accordingly, the values of
equity investments that the Fund holds may decline over short or
extended periods. The stock markets tend to be cyclical, with
periods when stock prices generally rise and periods when prices
generally decline. This volatility means that the value of your
investment in the Fund may increase or decrease. In recent
years, certain stock markets have experienced substantial price
volatility.
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To the extent that the Fund invests in
fixed-income securities, the Fund will also be subject to the
risks associated with its fixed-income securities. These risks
include interest rate risk, credit risk and call/extension risk.
In general, interest rate risk involves the risk that when
interest rate decline, the market value of fixed-income
securities tends to increase. Conversely, when interest rates
increase, the market value of fixed-income securities tends to
decline. Credit risk involves the risk that an issuer or
guarantor could default on its obligations, and the Fund will
not recover its investment. Call risk and extension risk are
normally present when the borrower has the option to prepay its
obligations.
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The Investment Adviser will not consider the
portfolio turnover rate a limiting factor in making investment
decisions for the Fund. A high rate of portfolio turnover (100%
or more) involves correspondingly greater expenses which must be
borne by the Fund and its shareholders, and is also likely to
result in higher short-term capital gains taxable to
shareholders. The portfolio turnover rate is calculated by
dividing the lesser of the dollar amount of sales or purchases
of portfolio securities by the average monthly value of the
Funds portfolio securities, excluding securities having a
maturity at the date of purchase of one year or less.
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The following sections provide further
information on certain types of securities and investment
techniques that may be used by the Fund, including their
associated
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49
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risks. Additional information is provided in the
Additional Statement, which is available upon request. Among
other things, the Additional Statement describes certain
fundamental investment restrictions that cannot be changed
without shareholder approval. You should note, however, that all
investment objectives, and all investment policies not
specifically designated as fundamental are non-fundamental and
may be changed without shareholder approval. If there is a
change in the Funds investment objective, you should
consider whether the Fund remains an appropriate investment in
light of your then current financial position and needs.
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Risks of Writing S&P 500 Index and
Related ETF Call Options.
When the
Fund writes (sells) S&P 500 Index or related ETF call
options, it foregoes the opportunity to benefit from an increase
in the value of the Index or related ETF above the exercise
price (plus the premium received) of the option, but it
continues to bear the risk of a decline in the value of the
Index or related ETF. As the seller of the S&P 500
Index or related EFT call options, the Fund receives cash (the
premium) from the purchaser. Depending upon the type
of call option, the purchaser of an index or related ETF call
option either (i) has the right to any appreciation in the
value of the index or related ETF over a fixed price (the
exercise price) on a certain date in the future (the
expiration date) or (ii) has the right to any
appreciation in the value of the index or related ETF over the
exercise price at any time prior to the expiration of the
option. If the purchaser does not exercise the option, the Fund
retains the premium. If the purchaser exercises the option, the
Fund pays the purchaser the difference between the price of the
index or related ETF and the exercise price of the option. The
premium, the exercise price and the market value of the index or
related ETF determine the gain or loss realized by the Fund as
the seller of the index or related ETF call option. The Fund can
also repurchase the call option prior to the expiration date,
ending its obligation. In this case, the cost of entering into
closing purchase transactions will determine the gain or loss
realized by the Fund.
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There is no assurance that a liquid market will
be available at all times for a Fund to write call options or to
enter into closing purchase transactions. In addition, the
premiums the Fund receives for writing call options may decrease
as a result of a number of factors, including a reduction in
interest rates generally, a decline in stock market volumes or a
decrease in the price volatility of the underlying securities.
For more information see Portfolio Securities and
Techniques Options on Securities, Securities Indices
and Foreign Currencies.
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Risks of Foreign Investments.
The Fund may make foreign
investments. However, the Fund may only invest in foreign
issuers that are traded in the United States.
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50
APPENDIX A
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Foreign investments involve special risks that
are not typically associated with U.S. dollar denominated or
quoted securities of U.S. issuers. Foreign investments may be
affected by changes in currency rates, changes in foreign or
U.S. laws or restrictions applicable to such investments and
changes in exchange control regulations (
e.g.
, currency
blockage). A decline in the exchange rate of the
currency (
i.e.
, weakening of the currency against
the U.S. dollar) in which a portfolio security is quoted or
denominated relative to the U.S. dollar would reduce the value
of the portfolio security. In addition, if the currency in which
the Fund receives dividends, interest or other payments declines
in value against the U.S. dollar before such income is
distributed as dividends to shareholders or converted to U.S.
dollars, the Fund may have to sell portfolio securities to
obtain sufficient cash to pay such dividends.
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Foreign issuers are not generally subject to
uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards
comparable to those applicable to U.S. issuers. There may be
less publicly available information about a foreign issuer than
about a U.S. issuer. In addition, there is generally less
government regulation of foreign markets, companies and
securities dealers than in the United States, and the legal
remedies for investors may be more limited than the remedies
available in the United States. Foreign securities markets may
have substantially less volume than U.S. securities markets and
securities of many foreign issuers are less liquid and more
volatile than securities of comparable domestic issuers.
Furthermore, with respect to certain foreign countries, there is
a possibility of nationalization, expropriation or confiscatory
taxation, imposition of withholding or other taxes on dividend
or interest payments (or, in some cases, capital gains
distributions), limitations on the removal of funds or other
assets from such countries, and risks of political or social
instability or diplomatic developments which could adversely
affect investments in those countries.
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Investments in foreign securities may take the
form of sponsored and unsponsored American Depositary Receipts
(ADRs) and Global Depositary Receipts
(GDRs). ADRs and GDRs represent the right to receive
securities of foreign issuers deposited in a bank or other
depository. ADRs and certain GDRs are traded in the United
States. GDRs may be traded in either the United States or in
foreign markets. Prices of ADRs are quoted in U.S. dollars.
GDRs are not necessarily quoted in the same currency as the
underlying security.
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Risks of Euro.
On January 1, 1999, the
European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) introduced a new
single currency called the euro. The euro has replaced the
national currencies of the following member countries: Austria,
Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy,
Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. In addition,
Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia,
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51
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Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia
became members of the EMU on May 1, 2004, but these
countries will not adopt the euro as their new currency until
they can show that their economies have converged with the
economies of the euro zone.
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The European Central Bank has control over each
countrys monetary policies. Therefore, the member
countries no longer control their own monetary policies by
directing independent interest rates for their currencies. The
national governments of the participating countries, however,
have retained the authority to set tax and spending policies and
public debt levels.
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The change to the euro as a single currency is
relatively new and untested. The elimination of currency risk
among EMU countries has affected the economic environment and
behavior of investors, particularly in European markets, but the
long term impact of those changes on currency values or on the
business or financial condition of European countries and
issuers cannot be fully assessed at this time. In addition, the
introduction of the euro presents other unique uncertainties,
including the fluctuation of the euro relative to non-euro
currencies; whether the interest rate, tax and labor regimes of
European countries participating in the euro will converge over
time; and whether the conversion of the currencies of other
countries that now are or may in the future become members of
the European Union (EU) will have an impact on the
euro. Also, it is possible that the euro could be abandoned in
the future by countries that have already adopted its use. These
or other events, including political and economic developments,
could cause market disruptions, and could adversely affect the
value of securities held by the Fund.
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Risks of Derivative Investments.
The Funds transactions, if
any, in options, futures, options on futures, swaps, structured
securities and foreign currency transactions involve additional
risk of loss. Loss can result from a lack of correlation between
changes in the value of derivative instruments and the portfolio
assets (if any) being hedged, the potential illiquidity of the
markets for derivative instruments, or the risks arising from
margin requirements and related leverage factors associated with
such transactions. The use of these management techniques also
involves the risk of loss if the Investment Adviser is incorrect
in its expectation of fluctuations in securities prices,
interest rates or currency prices. The Fund may also invest in
derivative investments for non-hedging purposes (that is, to
seek to increase total return). Investing for non-hedging
purposes is considered a speculative practice and presents even
greater risk of loss.
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52
APPENDIX A
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Risks of Illiquid Securities.
The Fund may invest up to 15% of
its net assets in illiquid securities which cannot be disposed
of in seven days in the ordinary course of business at fair
value. Illiquid securities include:
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n
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Both domestic and foreign securities that are not
readily marketable
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n
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Certain stripped mortgage-backed securities
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n
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Repurchase agreements and time deposits with a
notice or demand period of more than seven days
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n
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Certain over-the-counter options
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n
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Certain structured securities and all swap
transactions
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n
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Certain restricted securities, unless it is
determined, based upon a review of the trading markets for a
specific restricted security, that such restricted security is
liquid because it is so-called 4(2) commercial paper
or is otherwise eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A
under the Securities Act of 1933
(144A Securities).
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Investing in 144A Securities may decrease the
liquidity of the Funds portfolio to the extent that
qualified institutional buyers become for a time uninterested in
purchasing these restricted securities. The purchase price and
subsequent valuation of restricted and illiquid securities
normally reflect a discount, which may be significant, from the
market price of comparable securities for which a liquid market
exists.
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Credit/Default Risks.
Debt securities purchased by the
Fund may include securities (including zero coupon bonds) issued
by the U.S. government (and its agencies, instrumentalities
and sponsored enterprises), foreign government, domestic and
foreign corporations, banks and other issuers. Some of these
fixed-income securities are described in the next section below.
Further information is provided in the Additional Statement.
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Debt securities rated BBB or higher by
Standard & Poors Rating Group
(Standard & Poors), or Baa or higher
by Moodys Investors Service, Inc.
(Moodys) or having a comparable rating by
another NRSRO are considered investment grade.
Securities rated BBB or Baa or considered medium-grade
obligations with speculative characteristics, and adverse
economic conditions or changing circumstances may weaken their
issuers capacity to pay interest and repay principal. A
security will be deemed to have met a rating requirement if it
receives the minimum required rating from at least one such
rating organization even though it has been rated below the
minimum rating by one or more other rating organizations, or if
unrated by such rating organizations, the security is determined
by the Investment Adviser to be of comparable credit quality. A
security satisfies the Funds minimum rating requirement
regardless of its relative ranking (for example, plus or minus)
within a designated major rating category (for
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53
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example, BBB or Baa). If a security satisfies the
Funds minimum rating requirement at the time of purchase
and is subsequently downgraded below that rating, the Fund will
not be required to dispose of the security. If a downgrade
occurs, the Investment Adviser will consider which action,
including the sale of the security, is in the best interest of
the Fund and its shareholders.
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Temporary Investment Risks.
The Fund may, for temporary
defensive purposes, invest a certain percentage of its total
assets in:
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n
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U.S. government securities
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n
|
Commercial paper rated at least A-2 by Standard
& Poors; P-2 by Moodys or having a comparable
rating by another NRSRO
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n
|
Certificates of deposit
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n
|
Bankers acceptances
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n
|
Repurchase agreements
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n
|
Non-convertible preferred stocks and
non-convertible corporate bonds with a remaining maturity of
less than one year
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When the Funds assets are invested in such
instruments, the Fund may not be achieving its investment
objective.
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C. Portfolio
Securities and Techniques
|
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This section provides further information on
certain types of securities and investment techniques that may
be used by the Fund, including their associated risks.
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The Fund may purchase other types of securities
or instruments similar to those described in this section if
otherwise consistent with the Funds investment objectives
and policies. Further information is provided in the Additional
Statement, which is available upon request.
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|
Convertible Securities.
The Fund may invest in convertible
securities. Convertible securities are preferred stock or debt
obligations that are convertible into common stock. Convertible
securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields
than non-convertible securities of similar quality. Convertible
securities in which the Fund invests are subject to the same
rating criteria as its other investments in fixed-income
securities. Convertible securities have both equity and
fixed-income risk characteristics. Like all fixed-income
securities, the value of convertible securities is susceptible
to the risk of market losses attributable to changes in interest
rates. Generally, the market value of convertible securities
tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, to
increase as interest rates decline. However, when the market
price of the common stock underlying a convertible security
exceeds the conversion price of the convertible security, the
convertible security tends to reflect
|
54
APPENDIX A
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|
the market price of the underlying common stock.
As the market price of the underlying common stock declines, the
convertible security, like a fixed-income security, tends to
trade increasingly on a yield basis, and thus may not decline in
price to the same extent as the underlying common stock.
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|
Structured Securities.
The Fund may invest in structured
securities. Structured securities are securities whose value is
determined by reference to changes in the value of specific
currencies, interest rates, commodities, indices or other
financial indicators (the Reference) or the relative
change in two or more References.
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|
The interest rate or the principal amount payable
upon maturity or redemption may be increased or decreased
depending upon changes in the applicable Reference. Structured
securities may be positively or negatively indexed, so that
appreciation of the Reference may produce an increase or
decrease in the interest rate or value of the security at
maturity. In addition, changes in the interest rates or the
value of the security at maturity may be a multiple of changes
in the value of the Reference. Consequently, structured
securities may present a greater degree of market risk than many
types of securities and may be more volatile, less liquid and
more difficult to price accurately than less complex securities.
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|
REITs.
The
Fund may invest in REITs. REITs are pooled investment vehicles
that invest primarily in either real estate or real estate
related loans. The value of a REIT is affected by changes in the
value of the properties owned by the REIT or securing mortgage
loans held by the REIT. REITs are dependent upon the ability of
the REITs managers, and are subject to heavy cash flow
dependency, default by borrowers and the qualification of the
REITs under applicable regulatory requirements for favorable
income tax treatment. REITs are also subject to risks generally
associated with investments in real estate including possible
declines in the value of real estate, general and local economic
conditions, environmental problems and changes in interest
rates. To the extent that assets underlying a REIT are
concentrated geographically, by property type or in certain
other respects, these risks may be heightened. The Fund will
indirectly bear its proportionate share of any expenses,
including management fees, paid by a REIT in which it invests.
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|
Options on Securities, Securities Indices
and Foreign Currencies.
A put
option gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell, and
the writer (seller) of the option the obligation to buy, the
underlying instrument during the option period.
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|
A call option gives the purchaser of the option
the right to buy, and the writer (seller) of the option the
obligation to sell, the underlying instrument during the option
period. The Fund may write (sell) covered call and put options
and purchase put and call options on any securities in which the
Fund may invest or on any securities index consisting of
securities in which it may invest. The Fund may also,
|
55
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|
|
to the extent consistent with its investment
policies, purchase and sell (write) put and call options on
foreign currencies.
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|
The writing and purchase options is a highly
specialized activity which involves special investment risks.
Options may be used for either hedging or cross-hedging
purposes, or to seek to increase total return (which is
considered a speculative activity). The successful use of
options depends in part on the ability of the Investment Adviser
to manage future price fluctuations and the degree of
correlation between the options and securities (or currency)
markets. If the Investment Adviser is incorrect in its
expectation of changes in market prices or determination of the
correlation between the instruments or indices on which options
are written and purchased and the instruments in the Funds
investment portfolio, the Fund may incur losses that it would
not otherwise incur. The use of options can also increase the
Funds transaction costs. Options written or purchased by
the Fund may be traded on either U.S. or foreign exchanges or
over-the-counter. Foreign and over-the-counter options will
present greater possibility of loss because of their greater
illiquidity and credit risks.
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|
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures
Contracts.
Futures contracts are
standardized, exchange-traded contracts that provide for the
sale or purchase of a specified financial instrument or currency
at a future time at a specified price. An option on a futures
contract gives the purchaser the right (and the writer of the
option the obligation) to assume a position in a futures
contract at a specified exercise price within a specified period
of time. A futures contract may be based on particular
securities, foreign currencies, securities indices and other
financial instruments and indices. The Fund may only engage in
futures transactions with respect to U.S. equity indices.
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|
|
The Fund may purchase and sell futures contracts,
and purchase and write call and put options on futures
contracts, in order to seek to increase total return or to hedge
against changes in securities prices. The Fund may also enter
into closing purchase and sale transactions with respect to such
contracts and options. The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has
claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term
commodity pool operator under the Commodity Exchange
Act, and therefore is not subject to registration or regulation
as a pool operator under that Act with respect to the Fund.
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|
|
Futures contracts and related options present the
following risks:
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
While the Fund may benefit from the use of
futures and options on futures, unanticipated changes in
interest rates, securities prices or currency exchange rates may
result in poorer overall performance than if the Fund had not
entered into any futures contracts or options transactions.
|
56
APPENDIX A
|
|
|
|
n
|
Because perfect correlation between a futures
position and the portfolio position that is intended to be
protected is impossible to achieve, the desired protection may
not be obtained and the Fund may be exposed to additional risk
of loss.
|
|
n
|
The loss incurred by the Fund in entering into
futures contracts and in writing call options on futures is
potentially unlimited and may exceed the amount of the premium
received.
|
|
n
|
Futures markets are highly volatile and the use
of futures may increase the volatility of the Funds NAV.
|
|
n
|
As a result of the low margin deposits normally
required in futures trading, a relatively small price movement
in a futures contract may result in substantial losses to the
Fund.
|
|
n
|
Futures contracts and options on futures may be
illiquid, and exchanges may limit fluctuations in futures
contract prices during a single day.
|
|
|
|
Equity Swaps.
The Fund may invest in equity
swaps. Equity swaps allow the parties to a swap agreement to
exchange the dividend income or other components of return on an
equity investment (for example, a group of equity securities or
an index) for a component of return on another non-equity or
equity investment.
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|
|
An equity swap may be used by the Fund to invest
in a market without owning or taking physical custody of
securities in circumstances in which direct investment may be
restricted for legal reasons or is otherwise deemed impractical
or disadvantageous. Equity swaps are derivatives and their value
can be very volatile. To the extent that the Investment Adviser
does not accurately analyze and predict the potential relative
fluctuation of the components swapped with another party, the
Fund may suffer a loss, which may be substantial. The value of
some components of an equity swap (such as the dividends on a
common stock) may also be sensitive to changes in interest
rates. Furthermore, the Fund may suffer a loss if the
counterparty defaults. Because equity swaps are normally
illiquid, the Fund may be unable to terminate its obligations
when desired.
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|
|
When-Issued Securities and Forward
Commitments.
The Fund may purchase
when-issued securities and make contracts to purchase or sell
securities for a fixed price at a future date beyond customary
settlement time. When-issued securities are securities that have
been authorized, but not yet issued. When-issued securities are
purchased in order to secure what is considered to be an
advantageous price and yield to the Fund at the time of entering
into the transaction. A forward commitment involves the entering
into a contract to purchase or sell securities for a fixed price
at a future date beyond the customary settlement period.
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|
|
The purchase of securities on a when-issued or
forward commitment basis involves a risk of loss if the value of
the security to be purchased declines before the settlement
date. Conversely, the sale of securities on a forward commitment
basis
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57
|
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|
involves the risk that the value of the
securities sold may increase before the settlement date.
Although the Fund will generally purchase securities on a
when-issued or forward commitment basis with the intention of
acquiring the securities for its portfolio, the Fund may dispose
of when-issued securities or forward commitments prior to
settlement if the Investment Adviser deems it appropriate.
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|
Repurchase Agreements.
Repurchase agreements involve the
purchase of securities subject to the sellers agreement to
repurchase them at a mutually agreed upon date and price. The
Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with securities
dealers and banks which furnish collateral at least equal in
value or market price to the amount of their repurchase
obligation.
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If the other party or seller
defaults, the Fund might suffer a loss to the extent that the
proceeds from the sale of the underlying securities and other
collateral held by the Fund are less than the repurchase price
and the Funds costs associated with delay and enforcement
of the repurchase agreement. In addition, in the event of
bankruptcy of the seller, the Fund could suffer additional
losses if a court determines that the Funds interest in
the collateral is not enforceable.
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The Fund, together with other registered
investment companies having advisory agreements with the
Investment Adviser or any of its affiliates, may transfer
uninvested cash balances into a single joint account, the daily
aggregate balance of which will be invested in one or more
repurchase agreements.
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|
Lending of Portfolio Securities.
The Fund may engage in securities
lending. Securities lending involves the lending of securities
owned by the Fund to financial institutions such as certain
broker-dealers including, as permitted by the SEC, Goldman
Sachs. The borrowers are required to secure their loan
continuously with cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government
securities or letters of credit in an amount at least equal to
the market value of the securities loaned. Cash collateral may
be invested by the Fund in short-term investments, including
unregistered investment pools managed by the Investment Adviser
or its affiliates. To the extent that cash collateral is so
invested, such collateral will be subject to market depreciation
or appreciation, and the Fund will be responsible for any loss
that might result from its investment of the borrowers
collateral. If the Investment Adviser determines to make
securities loans, the value of the securities loaned may not
exceed 33 1/3% of the value of the total assets of the Fund
(including the loan collateral). Loan collateral (including any
investment of the collateral) is not subject to the percentage
limitations described elsewhere in this Prospectus regarding
investments in fixed-income securities and cash equivalents.
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|
The Fund may lend its securities to increase its
income. The Fund may, however, experience delay in the recovery
of its securities or incur a loss if the institution
|
58
APPENDIX A
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|
|
with which it has engaged in a portfolio loan
transaction breaches its agreement with the Fund or becomes
insolvent.
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|
Preferred Stock, Warrants and Rights.
The Fund may invest in preferred
stock, warrants and rights. Preferred stocks are securities that
represent an ownership interest providing the holder with claims
on the issuers earnings and assets before common stock
owners but after bond owners. Unlike debt securities, the
obligations of an issuer of preferred stock, including dividend
and other payment obligations, may not typically be accelerated
by the holders of such preferred stock on the occurrence of an
event of default or other non-compliance by the issuer of the
preferred stock.
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Warrants and other rights are options to buy a
stated number of shares of common stock at a specified price at
any time during the life of the warrant or right. The holders of
warrants and rights have no voting rights, receive no dividends
and have no rights with respect to the assets of the issuer.
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|
Other Investment Companies.
The Fund may invest in securities
of other investment companies (including exchange-traded funds
such as SPDRs and iShares
TM
, as defined below)
subject to statutory limitations prescribed by the Investment
Company Act. These limitations include a prohibition on the Fund
acquiring more than 3% of the voting shares of any other
investment company, and a prohibition on investing more than 5%
of the Funds total assets in securities of any one
investment company or more than 10% of its total assets in
securities of all investment companies. The Fund will indirectly
bear its proportionate share of any management fees and other
expenses paid by such other investment companies. Although the
Fund does not expect to do so in the foreseeable future, the
Fund is authorized to invest substantially all of its assets in
a single open-end investment company or series thereof that has
substantially the same investment objective, policies and
fundamental restrictions as the Fund. Pursuant to an exemptive
order obtained from the SEC, other investment companies in which
the Fund may invest include money market funds which the
Investment Adviser or any of its affiliates serves as investment
adviser, administrator or distributor.
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|
|
Exchange-traded funds such as SPDRs and
iShares
TM
are shares of unaffiliated investment
companies which are traded like traditional equity securities on
a national securities exchange or the NASDAQ® National
Market System.
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|
|
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n
|
Standard & Poors Depositary
Receipts
TM
.
The Fund
may, consistent with their investment policies, purchase
Standard & Poors Depositary Receipts
TM
(SPDRs). SPDRs are securities traded on the American
Stock Exchange (AMEX) that represent ownership in
the SPDR Trust, a trust which has been established to accumulate
and hold a portfolio of common stocks that is
|
59
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|
intended to track the performance and dividend
yield of the S&P 500®. The SPDR Trust is sponsored
by a subsidiary of the AMEX. SPDRs may be used for several
reasons, including, but not limited to, facilitating the
handling of cash flows or trading, or reducing transaction
costs. The price movement of SPDRs may not perfectly parallel
the price action of the S&P 500®.
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n
|
iShares
TM
.
iShares are shares of an
investment company that invests substantially all of its assets
in securities included in specified indices, including the MSCI
indices for various countries and regions. iShares are listed on
the AMEX and were initially offered to the public in 1996. The
market prices of iShares are expected to fluctuate in accordance
with both changes in the NAVs of their underlying indices and
supply and demand of iShares on the AMEX. However, iShares have
a limited operating history and information is lacking regarding
the actual performance and trading liquidity of iShares for
extended periods or over complete market cycles. In addition,
there is no assurance that the requirements of the AMEX
necessary to maintain the listing of iShares will continue to be
met or will remain unchanged. In the event substantial market or
other disruptions affecting iShares should occur in the future,
the liquidity and value of the Funds shares could also be
substantially and adversely affected. If such disruptions were
to occur, the Fund could be required to reconsider the use of
iShares as part of its investment strategy.
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Unseasoned Companies.
The Fund may invest in companies
which (together with their predecessors) have operated less than
three years. The securities of such companies may have limited
liquidity, which can result in their being priced higher or
lower than might otherwise be the case. In addition, investments
in unseasoned companies are more speculative and entail greater
risk than do investments in companies with an established
operating record.
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Corporate Debt Obligations.
Corporate debt obligations include
bonds, notes, debentures, commercial paper and other obligations
of corporations to pay interest and repay principal. The Fund
may invest in corporate debt obligations issued by U.S. and
certain non-U.S. issuers which issue securities denominated
in the U.S. dollar (including Yankee and Euro obligations).
In addition to obligations of corporations, corporate debt
obligations include securities issued by banks and other
financial institutions and supranational entities (
i.e.
,
the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, etc.).
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|
|
Bank Obligations.
The Fund may invest in obligations
issued or guaranteed by U.S. or foreign banks. Bank obligations,
including without limitation, time deposits, bankers
acceptances and certificates of deposit, may be general
obligations of the parent bank or may be limited to the issuing
branch by the terms of the specific obligations or by government
regulations. Banks are subject to extensive but
|
60
APPENDIX A
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|
different governmental regulations which may
limit both the amount and types of loans which may be made and
interest rates which may be charged. In addition, the
profitability of the banking industry is largely dependent upon
the availability and cost of funds for the purpose of financing
lending operations under prevailing money market conditions.
General economic conditions as well as exposure to credit losses
arising from possible financial difficulties of borrowers play
an important part in the operation of this industry.
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|
U.S. Government Securities.
The Fund may invest in
U.S. Government Securities. U.S. Government Securities
include U.S. Treasury obligations and obligations issued or
guaranteed by U.S. government agencies, instrumentalities
or sponsored enterprises. U.S. Government Securities may be
supported by (a) the full faith and credit of the
U.S. Treasury; (b) the right of the issuer to borrow
from the U.S. Treasury; (c) the discretionary
authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain
obligations of the issuer; or (d) only the credit of the
issuer. U.S. Government Securities also include Treasury
receipts, zero coupon bonds and other stripped
U.S. Government Securities, where the interest and
principal components of stripped U.S. Government Securities
are traded independently.
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|
Custodial Receipts and Trust Certificates.
The Fund may invest in custodial
receipts and trust certificates representing interests in
securities held by a custodian or trustee. The securities so
held may include U.S. Government Securities or other types
of securities in which the Fund may invest. The custodial
receipts or trust certificates may evidence ownership of future
interest payments, principal payments or both on the underlying
securities, or, in some cases, the payment obligation of a third
party that has entered into an interest rate swap or other
arrangement with the custodian or trustee. For certain
securities laws purposes, custodial receipts and trust
certificates may not be considered obligations of the
U.S. government or other issuer of the securities held by
the custodian or trustee. If for tax purposes the Fund is not
considered to be the owner of the underlying securities held in
the custodial or trust account, the Fund may suffer adverse tax
consequences. As a holder of custodial receipts and trust
certificates, the Fund will bear its proportionate share of the
fees and expenses charged to the custodial account or trust. The
Fund may also invest in separately issued interests in custodial
receipts and trust certificates.
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|
|
Borrowings.
The Fund can borrow money from
banks and other financial institutions in amounts not exceeding
one-third of its total assets for temporary or emergency
purposes. The Fund may not make additional investments if
borrowings exceed 5% of its total assets.
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61
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[This page intentionally left blank]
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1
General Investment Management Approach
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3 Fund
Investment Objective and Strategies
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|
Goldman Sachs U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium
Fund
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|
6 Other
Investment Practices and Securities
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8
Principal Risks of the Fund
|
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11 Fund
Performance
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12 Fund
Fees and Expenses
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15
Service Providers
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21
Dividends
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22
Shareholder Guide
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22
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How To Buy Shares
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33
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How To Sell Shares
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46
Taxation
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49
Appendix A
Additional
Information on
Portfolio Risks,
Securities
and
Techniques
|
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|
|
Specialty FundGoldman
Sachs U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund
Prospectus
(Class A and
C Shares)
|
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|
Annual/Semi-annual
Report
|
|
Additional information about the Funds
investments is available in the Funds annual and
semi-annual reports to shareholders. In the Funds annual
reports, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and
investment strategies that significantly affected the
Funds performance during the last fiscal year. As of the
date of this Prospectus the U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium
Fund had not commenced operations. The annual report for the
fiscal period ended December 31, 2005 will become available
to shareholders in February 2006.
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|
Statement
of Additional Information
|
|
Additional information about the Fund and its
policies is also available in the Funds Additional
Statement. The Additional Statement is incorporated by reference
into this Prospectus (is legally considered part of this
Prospectus).
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The Funds annual and semi-annual reports
(when available), and the Additional Statement, are available
free upon request by calling Goldman Sachs at 1-800-526-7384.
You can also access and download the annual and semi-annual
reports (when available) and the Additional Statement at the
Funds website: http://www.gs.com/funds.
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To obtain other information and for shareholder
inquiries:
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n
By
telephone:
|
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1-800-526-7384
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n
By
mail:
|
|
Goldman Sachs Funds, P.O. Box 06050,
Chicago, IL 60606-6306
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n
By
e-mail:
|
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gs-funds@gs.com
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n
On
the Internet:
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|
SEC EDGAR database
http://www.sec.gov
Goldman Sachs http://www.gs.com
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You may review and obtain copies of Fund
documents by visiting the SECs public reference room in
Washington, D.C. You may also obtain copies of Fund documents,
after paying a duplicating fee, by writing to the SECs
Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102 or by
electronic request to: publicinfo@sec.gov. Information on the
operation of the public reference room may be obtained by
calling the SEC at (202) 942-8090.
|
The Funds investment company registration
number is 811-5349.
532589
EQDOMPROABC
Preliminary
Prospectus dated June 17, 2005
Subject
to Completion
The
information in the prospectus is not complete and may be
changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration
statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is
effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these
securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these
securities in any state where the offer or sale is not
permitted.
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Institutional
Shares
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,
2005
|
GOLDMAN SACHS SPECIALTY FUNDS
|
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n
Goldman
Sachs U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund
|
|
THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE
SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND
IS NOT A BANK DEPOSIT AND IS NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT
INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY. AN
INVESTMENT IN THE FUND INVOLVES INVESTMENT RISKS, AND YOU MAY
LOSE MONEY IN THE FUND.
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NOT
FDIC-INSURED
|
|
May Lose
Value
|
|
No Bank
Guarantee
|
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|
General Investment
Management Approach
|
|
|
Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P.
(GSAM) serves as investment adviser to the
U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund. GSAM is referred to
in this Prospectus as the Investment Adviser.
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I.
Stock Selection and Portfolio Construction
|
|
The Fund seeks to maintain an equity portfolio
that will produce an index-like total return. However, because
of the impact of call options written by the Fund, the return of
the Fund is not expected to closely track its benchmark, the
S&P 500 Index, even if the return of the portfolio
securities held by the Fund resembles the return of the
benchmark. In addition, the return of the Fund may trail the
return of the S&P 500 Index for short or extended
periods of time.
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|
Generally, the Fund will seek to hold certain of
the higher dividend paying stocks within each industry and
sector while still maintaining industry and sector weights that
are similar to those of the S&P 500 Index. The
Investment Adviser will consider annualized dividend yields,
scheduled dividend record dates and any extraordinary dividends
when evaluating securities. The Investment Adviser will
generally not seek to outperform the S&P 500 Index
through active security selection.
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The Investment Adviser will use proprietary
quantitative techniques, including optimization tools, a risk
model, and a transactions cost model, in identifying a portfolio
of stocks that it believes may enhance expected dividend yield
while limiting deviations when compared to the S&P 500
Index. Deviations are constrained with regards to position
sizes, industry weights, sector weights, volatility as compared
to the market (i.e., Beta) and estimated tracking error.
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II.
Call Writing
|
|
The Fund will regularly write call options in
order to generate additional cash flow. It is anticipated that
the calls will typically be written against the S&P 500
Index or against exchange-traded funds linked to the
S&P 500 (ETFs). The goal of the call
writing is to generate an amount of premium that, when
annualized and added to the Funds expected dividend yield,
provides an attractive level of cash flow.
|
1
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|
The Investment Adviser anticipates generally
using index call options, or call options on related ETFs, with
expirations of three months or less. Outstanding call options
will be rolled forward upon expiration, so that there will
generally be some options outstanding.
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Goldman Sachs U.S. Equity
Dividend and Premium Fund is a fully invested portfolio that
offers broad access to a well-defined stock universe, and
disciplined stock selection along with exposure to the returns
of S&P 500 Index or related ETF option call
writing.
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|
References in this Prospectus to the Funds
benchmark or benchmarks are for informational purposes only, and
unless otherwise noted are not an indication of how the Fund is
managed.
|
2
|
|
|
Fund Investment Objective
and Strategies
|
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|
Goldman Sachs
U.S. Equity Dividend and
Premium Fund
|
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FUND FACTS
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Objective:
|
|
Income and Total Return
|
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Benchmarks:
|
|
S&P 500® Index
and Lehman Aggregate Index
|
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Investment
Focus:
|
|
Large-cap U.S. equity
investments with a focus on dividend paying stocks along with an
exposure to S&P 500 index or related ETF option call
writing
|
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|
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Investment
Style:
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|
Quantitative
|
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Symbols:
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|
Class
A: Class C:
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|
The Fund seeks to maximize income and total
return. The Fund seeks this objective primarily through
investment in large-cap U.S. equity securities and
S&P 500 Index or related ETF option call writing.
|
PRINCIPAL
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
|
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|
Equity
Investments.
The Fund invests, under
normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets plus any
borrowings for investment purposes (measured at time of
purchase) (Net Assets) in equity investments in
large-cap U.S. issuers (including foreign issuers that are
traded in the United States) with public stock market
capitalizations (based upon shares available for trading on an
unrestricted basis) within the range of the market
capitalization of the S&P 500 at the time of
investment. The Fund focuses on dividend paying stocks.
|
3
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|
Goldman Sachs
U.S. Equity Dividend and
Premium Fund
continued
|
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|
The Fund uses both a variety of quantitative
techniques when selecting investments. The Fund will seek to
maintain risk, style, capitalization and industry
characteristics similar to the S&P 500 Index.
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|
The Fund invests primarily in a diversified
portfolio of common stocks of large cap U.S. issuers represented
in the S&P 500 Index and maintains industry weightings
similar to those of the Index. The Fund seeks to generate
additional cash flow by the sale of call options on the
S&P 500 Index or related ETFs. The volatility of the
Funds portfolio is expected to be reduced by the
Funds sale of call options. The Fund anticipates that its
income will be derived from dividends on the common stock in its
portfolio and premiums it receives from selling S&P 500
Index or related ETF call options. In addition, the Funds
returns will be affected by the capital appreciation and
depreciation of the securities held in its portfolio.
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|
The Fund expects that, under normal
circumstances, it will sell call options on the S&P 500
Index or related ETFs in an amount that is between 25% and 75%
of the value of the Funds portfolio. As the seller of the
S&P 500 Index or related ETF call options, the Fund
will receive cash (the premium) from the purchaser.
Depending upon the type of call option, the purchaser of an
index or related ETF call option either (i) has the right
to any appreciation in the value of the index or related ETF
over a fixed price (the exercise price) on a certain
date in the future (the expiration date) or
(ii) has the right to any appreciation in the value of the
index or related ETF over the exercise price at any time prior
to the expiration of the option. If the purchaser does not
exercise the option, the Fund retains the premium. If the
purchaser exercises the option, the Fund pays the purchaser the
difference between the price of the index or related ETF and the
exercise price of the option. The premium, the exercise price
and the market price of the index or related ETF determine the
gain or loss realized by the Fund as the seller of the index or
related ETF call option. The Fund can also repurchase the call
option prior to the expiration date, ending its obligation. In
this case, the cost of entering into closing purchase
transactions will determine the gain or loss realized by the
Fund.
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During periods in which the U.S. equity markets
are generally unchanged or falling, a diversified portfolio with
a S&P 500 Index and related ETF call option strategy
may outperform the same portfolio without the options because of
the premiums received from writing call options. Similarly, in a
modestly rising market
|
4
FUND INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
AND STRATEGIES
|
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|
(where the income from premiums exceeds the
aggregate appreciation of the underlying index or related ETF
over their exercise prices) such a portfolio may outperform the
same portfolio without the options. However, in other rising
markets (where the aggregate appreciation of the underlying
index or related ETF over its exercise price exceeds the income
from premium), a portfolio with a S&P 500 Index and
related ETF call strategy is expected to underperform the same
portfolio without the options.
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Tax-Efficient
Investing.
The Fund seeks to
achieve returns primarily in the form of qualifying dividends
paid on common stocks, long-term capital gains from the options
and portfolio securities the Fund sells, and unrealized price
appreciation, and may use different strategies in seeking
tax-efficiency. These strategies include:
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|
n
|
Offsetting long-term and short-term capital gains
with long-term and short-term capital losses and creating loss
carry-forward positions
|
|
n
|
Limiting portfolio turnover that may result in
short-term capital gains
|
|
n
|
Selling tax lots of securities that have a higher
tax basis before selling tax lots of securities that have a
lower tax basis
|
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|
|
Other.
The
Funds investments in fixed-income securities are limited
to securities that are considered cash equivalents.
|
5
Other Investment Practices
and Securities
The tables below identify some of the investment
techniques that may (but are not required to) be used by the
Fund in seeking to achieve its investment objective. Numbers in
this table show allowable usage only; for actual usage, consult
the Funds annual/semi-annual reports (when available). For
more information about these and other investment practices and
securities, see Appendix A. The Fund publishes on its
website (http://www.gs.com/funds) its complete portfolio
holdings as of the end of each calendar quarter subject to a
fifteen calendar-day lag between the date of the information and
the date on which the information is disclosed. In addition, the
Fund publishes on its website month-end top ten holdings subject
to a ten calendar-day lag between the date of the information
and the date on which the information is disclosed. This
information will be available on the website until the date on
which the Fund files its next quarterly portfolio holdings
report on Form N-CSR or Form N-Q with the SEC. In addition,
a description of the Funds policies and procedures with
respect to the disclosure of the Funds portfolio
securities is available in the Funds Statement of
Additional Information (Additional Statement).
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10
Percent of total assets (including securities lending collateral)
(italic type)
|
|
10 Percent of net assets (excluding borrowings for investment purposes) (roman type)
|
No specific percentage limitation on usage;
|
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|
limited only by the objectives and strategies
|
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|
of the Fund
|
|
U.S. Equity
|
Not permitted
|
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Dividend and
|
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|
Premium Fund
|
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|
Investment
Practices
|
Borrowings
|
|
33 1/3
|
Credit, Currency, Index,
Interest Rate, Total Return and Mortgage Swaps and Options
on Swaps
*
|
|
|
Cross Hedging of Currencies
|
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|
Custodial Receipts and
Trust Certificates
|
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Equity Swaps*
|
|
15
|
Foreign Currency
Transactions
**
|
|
|
Futures Contracts and
Options on Futures Contracts
1
|
|
|
Interest Rate Caps, Floors
and Collars
|
|
|
Investment Company
Securities (including exchange-traded funds)
|
|
10
|
Mortgage Dollar Rolls
|
|
|
Options on Foreign
Currencies
|
|
|
Options on Securities and
Securities Indices
2
|
|
|
Repurchase Agreements
|
|
|
Securities Lending
|
|
33 1/3
|
Short Sales Against the Box
|
|
|
Unseasoned Companies
|
|
|
Warrants and Stock
Purchase Rights
|
|
|
When-Issued Securities and
Forward Commitments
|
|
|
|
|
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|
*
|
|
Limited to 15% of net assets (together with
other illiquid securities) for all structured securities which
are not deemed to be liquid and all swap transactions.
|
**
|
|
Limited by the amount the Fund may invest in
foreign securities.
|
1
|
|
The Fund may enter into futures transactions
only with respect to U.S. equity indices.
|
2
|
|
The Fund may sell covered call and put options
and purchase call and put options.
|
6
OTHER INVESTMENT PRACTICES
AND SECURITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10
Percent of total assets (excluding securities lending collateral)
(italic type)
|
|
10
Percent of Net Assets (including borrowings for investment purposes) (roman type)
|
No specific percentage limitation on usage;
|
|
|
limited only by the objectives and strategies
|
|
|
of the Fund
|
|
U.S. Equity
|
Not permitted
|
|
Dividend and
|
|
|
Premium Fund
|
|
|
Investment
Securities
|
American, European and
Global Depositary Receipts
|
|
|
3
|
|
Asset-Backed and
Mortgage-Backed Securities
|
|
|
|
|
Bank
Obligations
4
|
|
|
|
|
Convertible
Securities
5
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate Debt
Obligations
4
|
|
|
|
|
Equity Investments
|
|
|
80+
|
|
Emerging Country Securities
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed Income Securities
|
|
|
20
6
|
|
Foreign Securities
|
|
|
7
|
|
Non-Investment Grade Fixed
Income Securities
|
|
|
|
|
Real Estate Investment
Trusts
|
|
|
|
|
Stripped Mortgage-Backed
Securities
|
|
|
|
|
Structured
Securities
*
4
|
|
|
|
|
Temporary Investments
|
|
|
35
|
|
U.S. Government
Securities
4
|
|
|
|
|
Yield Curve Options and
Inverse Floating Rate Securities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
Limited to 15% of net assets (together with
other illiquid securities) for all structured securities which
are not deemed to be liquid and all swap transactions.
|
3
|
|
The Fund does not invest in European
Depositary Receipts.
|
4
|
|
Limited by the amount the Fund invests in
fixed-income securities.
|
5
|
|
Convertible securities purchased by the Fund
use the same rating criteria for convertible and non-convertible
debt securities.
|
6
|
|
Cash equivalents only.
|
7
|
|
Equity securities of foreign issuers must be
traded in the United States.
|
7
Principal Risks of the Fund
Loss of money is a risk of investing in the Fund.
An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of any bank and is
not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other governmental agency. The following
summarizes important risks that apply to the Fund and may result
in a loss of your investment. The Fund should not be relied upon
as a complete investment program. There can be no assurance that
the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S.
|
|
|
Equity
|
Applicable
|
|
Dividend and
|
Not applicable
|
|
Premium Fund
|
|
|
Option Writing
|
|
|
Credit/Default
|
|
|
Foreign
|
|
|
Emerging Countries
|
|
|
Stock
|
|
|
Derivatives
|
|
|
Interest Rate
|
|
|
Management
|
|
|
Market
|
|
|
Liquidity
|
|
|
REIT
|
|
|
Investment Style
|
|
|
Tax-Efficient Investment
Risk
|
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
Option Writing
Risk
Writing (selling) call
options may reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of owning
stocks. However, it also limits the opportunity to profit from
an increase in the market value of stocks in exchange for
up-front cash at the time of selling the call option. When the
Fund writes (sells) S&P 500 Index or related ETF call
options, it receives cash but limits its opportunity to profit
from an increase in the market value of the S&P 500
Index or related ETF beyond the exercise price (plus the premium
received) of the option. In a rising market, the Fund could
significantly underperform the market. In addition, because the
Fund continues to bear the risk of a decline in the value of the
securities held in its portfolio, the Fund may also experience a
loss on the expiration date of an S&P 500 Index or
related ETF call position if the value of the Funds
portfolio securities has fallen since the purchase date by an
amount greater than the premium received for the option that was
sold. Thus, the Funds option strategies may not fully
protect it against declines in the value of the market. Options
are also
|
8
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF THE FUND
|
|
|
inherently more complex, requiring a higher level
of training for the Fund manager and support personnel.
|
n
|
Credit/Default
Risk
The risk that an issuer
or guarantor of fixed-income securities held by a Fund may
default on its obligation to pay interest and repay principal.
|
n
|
Foreign
Risk
The risk that when the
Fund invests in foreign securities, it will be subject to risk
of loss not typically associated with domestic issuers. Loss may
result because of less foreign government regulation, less
public information and less economic, political and social
stability. Loss may also result from the imposition of exchange
controls, confiscations and other government restrictions. The
Fund will also be subject to the risk of negative foreign
currency rate fluctuations.
|
n
|
Stock
Risk
The risk that stock
prices have historically risen and fallen in periodic cycles.
Recently, U.S. and foreign stock markets have experienced
substantial price volatility.
|
n
|
Derivatives
Risk
The risk that loss may
result from the Funds investments in options, futures,
swaps, structured securities and other derivative instruments.
These instruments may be leveraged so that small changes may
produce disproportionate losses to the Fund.
|
n
|
Interest Rate
Risk
The risk that when
interest rates increase, fixed-income securities held by the
Fund will decline in value. Long-term fixed-income securities
will normally have more price volatility because of this risk
than short-term fixed-income securities.
|
n
|
Management
Risk
The risk that a strategy
used by the Investment Adviser may fail to produce the intended
results.
|
n
|
Market
Risk
The risk that the value
of the securities in which the Fund invests may go up or down in
response to the prospects of individual companies, particular
industry sectors or governments and/or general economic
conditions. Price changes may be temporary or last for extended
periods.
|
n
|
Liquidity
Risk
The risk that the Fund
will not be able to pay redemption proceeds within the time
period stated in this Prospectus because of unusual market
conditions, an unusually high volume of redemption requests, or
other reasons. Funds that invest in small and mid-capitalization
stocks, or REITs will be especially subject to the risk that
during certain periods the liquidity of particular issuers or
industries, or all securities within particular investment
categories, will shrink or disappear suddenly and without
warning as a result of adverse economic, market or political
events, or adverse investor perceptions whether or not accurate.
|
n
|
REIT
Risk
Investing in REITs
involves certain unique risks in addition to those risks
associated with investing in the real estate industry in
general. REITs whose underlying properties are concentrated in a
particular industry or geographic region are also subject to
risks affecting such industries and regions. The securities of
REITs involve greater risks than those associated with larger,
more established
|
9
|
|
|
companies and may be subject to more abrupt or
erratic price movements. Securities of such issuers may lack
sufficient market liquidity to enable a Fund to effect sales at
an advantageous time or without a substantial drop in price.
|
n
|
Investment Style
Risk
Different investment
styles tend to shift in and out of favor depending upon market
and economic conditions as well as investor sentiment. The Fund
may outperform or underperform other funds that employ a
different investment style. Examples of different investment
styles include growth and value investing. Growth stocks may be
more volatile than other stocks because they are more sensitive
to investor perceptions of the issuing companys growth of
earnings potential. Also, since growth companies usually invest
a high portion of earnings in their business, growth stocks may
lack the dividends of some value stocks that can cushion stock
prices in a falling market. Growth oriented funds will typically
underperform when value investing is in favor. Value stocks are
those that are undervalued in comparison to their peers due to
adverse business developments or other factors.
|
n
|
Tax-Efficient Investment
Risk
Because the Investment
Adviser balances investment considerations and tax
considerations, the pre-tax performance of the Fund may be lower
than the performance of a similar Fund that is not tax-managed.
This is because the Investment Adviser may choose not to make
certain sales of securities that may result in taxable
distributions. Even though tax-managed strategies are being
used, they may not reduce the amount of taxable income and
capital gains distributed by the Fund to shareholders.
|
|
|
|
More information about the Funds portfolio
securities and investment techniques, and their associated
risks, is provided in Appendix A. You should consider the
investment risks discussed in this section and in
Appendix A. Both are important to your investment choice.
|
10
HOW THE FUND HAS
PERFORMED
|
|
|
|
The Fund commenced operations as of the date of
this Prospectus. Therefore, no performance information is
provided in this Section.
|
11
Fund Fees and Expenses
(Institutional Shares)
This table describes the fees and expenses that
you would pay if you buy and hold Institutional Shares of the
Fund.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. Equity
|
|
|
Dividend
|
|
|
and
|
|
|
Premium
|
|
|
Fund
|
|
|
Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment):
|
|
|
|
|
Maximum Sales Charge
(Load) Imposed on Purchases
|
|
|
None
|
|
Maximum Sales Charge
(Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends
|
|
|
None
|
|
Redemption Fees
|
|
|
None
|
|
Exchange Fees
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Fund Operating
Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund
assets):
1
|
|
|
|
|
Management Fees
|
|
|
0.80%
|
|
Distribution and Service
(12b-1) Fees
|
|
|
None
|
|
Other Expenses
2*
|
|
|
0. %
|
|
|
Total Fund Operating
Expenses*
|
|
|
0. %
|
|
|
See page 13 for all other
footnotes.
|
|
|
|
|
*
|
The Other Expenses and Total
Fund Operating Expenses (after any waivers and expense
limitations) of the Fund are as set forth below. The waivers and
expense limitations may be terminated at any time at the option
of the Investment Adviser. If this occurs, Other
Expenses and Total Fund Operating Expenses may
increase without shareholder approval.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. Equity
|
|
|
Dividend
|
|
|
and
|
|
|
Premium
|
|
|
Fund
|
|
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets):
1
|
|
|
|
|
Management Fees
|
|
|
0.80%
|
|
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees
|
|
|
None
|
|
Other Expenses
2
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
Total Fund Operating Expenses (after
current waivers and expense limitations)
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
12
FUND FEES AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
1
|
|
The Funds annual operating expenses have
been estimated for the current fiscal year.
|
2
|
|
Other Expenses include transfer
agency fees and expenses equal on an annualized basis to 0.04%
of the average daily net assets of the Funds Institutional
Shares plus all other ordinary expenses not detailed above. The
Investment Adviser has voluntarily agreed to reduce or limit
Other Expenses (excluding management fees, transfer
agency fees and expenses, taxes, interest, brokerage fees and
litigation, indemnification, shareholder meeting and other
extraordinary expenses) to % of the
Funds average daily net assets.
|
13
Fund Fees and Expenses
continued
Example
The following Example is intended to help you
compare the cost of investing in the Fund (without the waivers
and expense limitations) with the cost of investing in other
mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in
Institutional Shares of 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 Funds operating expenses remain the
same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based
on these assumptions your costs would be:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fund
|
|
1 Year
|
|
3 Years
|
|
|
U.S. Equity
Dividend and Premium
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
Institutions that invest in Institutional Shares
on behalf of their customers may charge other fees directly to
their customer accounts in connection with their investments.
You should contact your institution for information regarding
such charges. Such fees, if any, may affect the return such
customers realize with respect to their investments.
Certain institutions that invest in Institutional
Shares may receive other compensation in connection with the
sale and distribution of Institutional Shares or for services to
their customers accounts and/or the Fund. For additional
information regarding such compensation, see Shareholder
Guide in the Prospectus and Payments to
Intermediaries in the Additional Statement.
14
|
|
|
Investment Adviser
|
|
Fund
|
|
|
Goldman Sachs Asset
Management, L.P.
32 Old Slip
New York, New York 10005
|
|
U.S. Equity Dividend
and Premium
|
|
|
|
|
GSAM serves as the Investment Adviser to the Fund.
|
|
|
GSAM, 32 Old Slip, New York, New York 10005, has
been registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC) since 1990 and is an
affiliate of Goldman Sachs & Co. (Goldman
Sachs). As
of ,
2005, GSAM, along with other units of the Investment Management
Division of Goldman Sachs, had assets under management of
$ billion.
|
|
|
The Investment Adviser provides day-to-day advice
regarding the Funds portfolio transactions. The Investment
Adviser makes the investment decisions for the Fund and places
purchase and sale orders for the Funds portfolio
transactions in U.S. [and foreign markets.] As permitted by
applicable law, these orders may be directed to any brokers,
including Goldman Sachs and its affiliates. While the Investment
Adviser is ultimately responsible for the management of the
Fund, it is able to draw upon the research and expertise of its
asset management affiliates for portfolio decisions and
management with respect to certain portfolio securities. In
addition, the Investment Adviser has access to the research and
certain proprietary technical models developed by Goldman Sachs,
and will apply quantitative and qualitative analysis in
determining the appropriate allocations among categories of
issuers and types of securities.
|
|
|
The Investment Adviser also performs the
following additional services for the Fund:
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
Supervises all non-advisory operations of the Fund
|
|
n
|
Provides personnel to perform necessary
executive, administrative and clerical services to the Fund
|
|
n
|
Arranges for the preparation of all required tax
returns, reports to shareholders, prospectuses and statements of
additional information and other reports filed with the SEC and
other regulatory authorities
|
|
n
|
Maintains the records of the Fund
|
|
n
|
Provides office space and all necessary office
equipment and services
|
15
|
|
|
As compensation for its services and its
assumption of certain expenses, the Investment Adviser is
entitled to the following fee, computed daily and payable
monthly, at the annual rate listed below (as a percentage of the
Funds average daily net assets):
|
|
|
|
Fund
|
|
Contractual Rate
|
|
|
U.S. Equity Dividend and
Premium
|
|
0.80% on the first
$1 billion
0.72% over $1 billion but less than $2 billion
0.68% $2 billion and over
|
|
|
|
|
The Investment Adviser may voluntarily waive a
portion of its advisory fee from time to time, and may
discontinue or modify any such voluntary waiver in the future at
its discretion.
|
16
SERVICE PROVIDERS
|
|
|
|
n
|
A stable and growing team supported by an
extensive internal staff
|
|
n
|
Access to the research ideas of Goldman
Sachs renowned Global Investment Research Department
|
|
n
|
More than $64 billion in equities currently
under management
|
|
n
|
Proprietary research on quantitative models and
tax-advantaged strategies
|
Quantitative
Equity Team
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Primarily
|
|
|
Name and Title
|
|
Fund Responsibility
|
|
Responsible
|
|
Five Year Employment History
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Don Mulvihill
Managing Director
|
|
Senior Portfolio
Manager U.S. Equity and Dividend Premium
|
|
Since
2005
|
|
Mr. Mulvihill joined
the Investment Adviser in 1985 as a portfolio manager. In 1991
he joined the Fixed Income team in London as a portfolio
manager, and in 1992 he became President of Goldman Sachs Asset
Management, Japan. Mr. Mulvihill joined the Quantitative
Equity team in 1999.
|
|
Gary Chropuvka
Vice President
|
|
Portfolio
Manager
U.S. Equity and Dividend Premium
|
|
Since
2005
|
|
Mr. Chropuvka joined
the Investment Adviser in March 1998. From 1993 to 1997 he spent
four years with Morgan Stanleys Correspondent Clearing
Group.
|
|
|
|
|
Don Mulvihill is the Senior Portfolio Manager
responsible for taxable portfolios, and is responsible for the
Funds portfolio management process, including setting
research priorities and client contact. Gary Chropuvka is
responsible for the portfolio implementation team that has daily
responsibility for the computer optimizer and execution of the
Funds transactions. The computer optimizer constructs the
portfolio and no one person on the team has a subjective
override of the computer optimizer process.
|
DISTRIBUTOR AND
TRANSFER AGENT
|
|
|
|
Goldman Sachs, 85 Broad Street, New York,
New York 10004, serves as the exclusive distributor (the
Distributor) of the Funds shares. Goldman
Sachs, P.O. Box 06050, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6306, also
serves as the Funds transfer agent (the Transfer
Agent) and, as such, performs various shareholder
servicing functions.
|
|
|
From time to time, Goldman Sachs or any of its
affiliates may purchase and hold shares of the Fund. Goldman
Sachs reserves the right to redeem at any time some or all of
the shares acquired for its own account.
|
17
ACTIVITIES
OF GOLDMAN SACHS AND ITS AFFILIATES AND OTHER
ACCOUNTS MANAGED BY GOLDMAN
SACHS
|
|
|
|
The involvement of the Investment Adviser,
Goldman Sachs and their affiliates in the management of, or
their interest in, other accounts and other activities of
Goldman Sachs may present conflicts of interest with respect to
the Fund or limit the Funds investment activities. Goldman
Sachs is a full service investment banking, broker dealer, asset
management and financial services organization and a major
participant in global financial markets. As such, it acts as an
investor, investment banker, research provider, investment
manager, financer, advisor, market maker, trader, prime broker,
lender, agent and principal, and has other direct and indirect
interests, in the global fixed income, currency, commodity,
equity and other markets in which the Fund directly and
indirectly invests. Thus, it is likely that the Fund will have
multiple business relationships with and will invest in, engage
in transactions with, make voting decisions with respect to, or
obtain services from entities for which Goldman Sachs performs
or seeks to perform investment banking or other services.
Goldman Sachs and its affiliates engage in proprietary trading
and advise accounts and funds which have investment objectives
similar to those of the Fund and/or which engage in and compete
for transactions in the same types of securities, currencies and
instruments as the Fund. Goldman Sachs and its affiliates will
not have any obligation to make available any information
regarding their proprietary activities or strategies, or the
activities or strategies used for other accounts managed by
them, for the benefit of the management of the Fund. The results
of the Funds investment activities, therefore, may differ
from those of Goldman Sachs, its affiliates and other accounts
managed by Goldman Sachs, and it is possible that the Fund could
sustain losses during periods in which Goldman Sachs and its
affiliates and other accounts achieve significant profits on
their trading for proprietary or other accounts. In addition,
the Fund may, from time to time, enter into transactions in
which Goldman Sachs or its other clients have an adverse
interest. Furthermore, transactions undertaken by Goldman Sachs,
its affiliates or Goldman Sachs advised clients may adversely
impact the Fund. Transactions by one or more Goldman Sachs
advised clients or the Investment Adviser may have the effect of
diluting or otherwise disadvantaging the values, prices or
investment strategies of the Fund. The Funds activities
may be limited because of regulatory restrictions applicable to
Goldman Sachs and its affiliates, and/or their internal policies
designed to comply with such restrictions. As a global financial
services firm, Goldman Sachs also provides a wide range of
investment banking and financial services to issuers of
securities and investors in securities. Goldman Sachs, its
affiliates and others associated with it may create markets or
specialize in, have positions in and effect transactions in,
securities of issuers held by the Fund, and may also perform or
seek to perform investment
|
18
SERVICE PROVIDERS
|
|
|
banking and financial services for those issuers.
Goldman Sachs and its affiliates may have business relationships
with and purchase or distribute or sell services or products
from or to distributors, consultants or others who recommend the
Fund or who engage in transactions with or for the Fund. For
more information about conflicts of interest, see the Additional
Statement.
|
|
|
Under a securities lending program approved by
the Funds Board of Trustees, the Fund has retained an
affiliate of the Investment Adviser to serve as the securities
lending agent for the Fund to the extent that the Fund engages
in the securities lending program. For these services, the
lending agent may receive a fee from the Fund, including a fee
based on the returns earned on the Funds investment of the
cash received as collateral for the loaned securities. In
addition, the Fund may make brokerage and other payments to
Goldman Sachs and its affiliates in connection with the
Funds portfolio investment transactions.
|
|
|
|
On April 2, 2004, Lois Burke, a plaintiff
identifying herself as a shareholder of the Goldman Sachs
Internet Tollkeeper Fund, filed a purported class and derivative
action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the
Southern District of New York against The Goldman Sachs Group,
Inc. (GSG), GSAM, the Trustees and Officers of the
Goldman Sachs Trust (the Trust), and John Doe
Defendants. In addition, certain other investment portfolios of
the Trust were named as nominal defendants. On April 19 and
May 6, 2004, additional class and derivative action
lawsuits containing substantially similar allegations and
requests for redress were filed in the United States District
Court for the Southern District of New York. On June 29,
2004, the three complaints were consolidated into one action,
In re Goldman Sachs Mutual Funds Fee Litigation
, and on
November 17, 2004, the plaintiffs filed a consolidated
amended complaint against GSG, GSAM, Goldman Sachs Asset
Management International, (GSAMI), Goldman, Sachs
& Co., the Trust, Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust
(GSVIT), the Trustees and Officers of the Trust and
John Doe Defendants (collectively, the Defendants)
in the United States District Court for the Southern District of
New York. Certain investment portfolios of the Trust and GSVIT
(collectively, the Goldman Sachs Funds) were also
named as nominal defendants in the amended complaint.
|
|
|
The consolidated amended complaint, which is
brought on behalf of all persons or entities who held shares in
the Goldman Sachs Funds between April 2, 1999 and
January 9, 2004, inclusive (the Class Period),
asserts claims involving (i) violations of the Investment
Company Act and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940,
(ii) common law breach of fiduciary duty, and
(iii) unjust enrichment. The complaint alleges, among other
things, that during the Class Period, the Defendants
|
19
|
|
|
made improper and excessive brokerage commission
and other payments to brokers that sold shares of the Goldman
Sachs Funds and omitted statements of fact in registration
statements and reports filed pursuant to the Investment Company
Act which were necessary to prevent such registration statements
and reports from being materially false and misleading. In
addition, the complaint alleges that the Goldman Sachs Funds
paid excessive and improper investment advisory fees to GSAM and
GSAMI. The complaint also alleges that GSAM and GSAMI used
Rule 12b-1 fees for improper purposes and made improper use
of soft dollars. The complaint further alleges that the
Trusts Officers and Trustees breached their fiduciary
duties in connection with the foregoing. The plaintiffs in the
cases are seeking compensatory damages; rescission of
GSAMs and GSAMIs investment advisory agreement and
return of fees paid; an accounting of all Goldman Sachs
Funds-related fees, commissions and soft dollar payments;
restitution of all unlawfully or discriminatorily obtained fees
and charges; and reasonable costs and expenses, including
counsel fees and expert fees.
|
|
|
In addition, on March 10, 2005 Jeanne and
Don Masden filed a purported class action lawsuit in the United
States District Court for the Southern District of New York
against GSG, GSAM, Goldman Sachs & Co., the Trustees of the
Trust and John Doe Defendants (collectively, the
Defendants). The lawsuit amends a previously-filed
complaint and alleges that the Defendants breached their
fiduciary duties and duties of care owed under federal and state
law by failing to ensure that equity securities held by the
Goldman Sachs Funds participated in class action settlements for
which they were eligible. Plaintiffs seek compensatory damages,
disgorgement of the fees paid to the investment advisers and
punitive damages.
|
|
|
Based on currently available information, GSAM
believes that the likelihood that the pending purported class
and derivative action lawsuits will have a material adverse
financial impact on the Goldman Sachs Funds is remote, and the
pending actions are not likely to materially affect its ability
to provide investment management services to its clients,
including the Goldman Sachs Funds.
|
20
|
|
|
Dividends
|
|
|
The Fund pays dividends from its investment
company taxable income and distributions from net realized
capital gains. However, the Fund attempts to minimize short-term
capital gains in seeking its investment objective. You may
choose to have dividends and distributions paid in:
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
Cash
|
|
n
|
Additional shares of the same class of the Fund
|
|
n
|
Shares of the same or an equivalent class of
another Goldman Sachs Fund. Special restrictions may apply for
certain Goldman Sachs Institutional Liquid Assets Portfolios
(ILA Portfolios). See the Additional Statement.
|
|
|
|
You may indicate your election on your Account
Application. Any changes may be submitted in writing to Goldman
Sachs at any time before the record date for a particular
dividend or distribution. If you do not indicate any choice,
your dividends and distributions will be reinvested
automatically in the Fund.
|
|
|
The election to reinvest dividends and
distributions in additional shares will not affect the tax
treatment of such dividends and distributions, which will be
treated as received by you and then used to purchase the shares.
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment company taxable
income and distributions from net capital gains are declared and
paid as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment
|
|
Capital Gains
|
Fund
|
|
Income Dividends
|
|
Distributions
|
|
|
U.S. Equity Dividend and
Premium
|
|
Quarterly
|
|
Annually
|
|
|
|
|
From time to time a portion of the Funds
dividends may constitute a return of capital.
|
|
|
When you purchase shares of the Fund, part of the
NAV per share may be represented by undistributed income or
undistributed realized gains that have previously been earned by
the Fund. Therefore, subsequent distributions on such shares
from such income or realized gains may be taxable to you even if
the NAV of the shares is, as a result of the distributions,
reduced below the cost of such shares and the distributions (or
portions thereof) represent a return of a portion of the
purchase price.
|
21
|
|
|
Shareholder
Guide
|
|
|
The following section will provide you with
answers to some of the most often asked questions regarding
buying and selling the Funds Institutional Shares.
|
|
|
|
How Can
I Purchase Institutional Shares Of The Fund?
|
|
You may purchase Institutional Shares on any
business day at their NAV next determined after receipt of an
order. No sales load is charged. To place an order with Goldman
Sachs call 1-800-621-2550 and either:
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
Wire federal funds to The Northern Trust Company
(Northern), as subcustodian for State Street Bank
and Trust Company (State Street) (the Funds
custodian) on the next business day;
or
|
|
n
|
Send a check or Federal Reserve draft payable to
Goldman Sachs Funds(Name of Fund and Class of Shares),
P.O. Box 06050, Chicago, IL 60606-6306. The Fund will not accept
a check drawn on foreign banks, third party checks,
cashiers checks or official checks, temporary checks,
electronic checks, drawer checks, cash, money orders,
travelers cheques or credit card checks.
|
|
|
|
In order to make an initial investment in the
Fund, you must furnish to the Fund or Goldman Sachs the Account
Application. Purchases of Institutional Shares must be settled
within three business days of receipt of a complete purchase
order.
|
|
|
How Do
I Purchase Shares Through A Financial Institution?
|
|
Certain institutions (including banks, trust
companies, brokers and investment advisers) that provide
recordkeeping, reporting and processing services to their
customers may be authorized to accept, on behalf of the Trust,
purchase, redemption and exchange orders placed by or on behalf
of their customers, and may designate other intermediaries to
accept such orders, if approved by the Trust. In these cases:
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
The Fund will be deemed to have received an order
in proper form when the order is accepted by the authorized
institution or intermediary on a business day, and the order
will be priced at the Funds NAV next determined after such
acceptance.
|
|
n
|
Authorized institutions and intermediaries will
be responsible for transmitting accepted orders and payments to
the Trust within the time period agreed upon by them.
|
|
|
|
You should contact your institution or
intermediary to learn whether it is authorized to accept orders
for the Trust.
|
22
SHAREHOLDER GUIDE
|
|
|
These institutions may receive payments from the
Fund or Goldman Sachs for the services provided by them with
respect to the Funds Institutional Shares. These payments
may be in addition to other payments borne by the Fund.
|
|
|
The Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their
affiliates may make payments to authorized dealers and other
financial intermediaries (Intermediaries) from time
to time to promote the sale, distribution and/or servicing of
shares of the Fund and other Goldman Sachs Funds. These payments
are made out of the Investment Advisers,
Distributors and/or their affiliates own assets, and
are not an additional charge to the Fund. The payments are in
addition to the fees described in this Prospectus. Such payments
are intended to compensate Intermediaries for, among other
things: marketing shares of the Fund and other Goldman Sachs
Funds, which may consist of payments relating to the Fund
included on preferred or recommended fund lists or in certain
sales programs from time to time sponsored by the
Intermediaries; access to the Intermediaries registered
representatives or salespersons, including at conferences and
other meetings; assistance in training and education of
personnel; marketing support; and/or other specified services
intended to assist in the distribution and marketing of the Fund
and other Goldman Sachs Funds. The payments may also, to the
extent permitted by applicable regulations, contribute to
various non-cash and cash incentive arrangements to promote the
sale of shares, as well as sponsor various educational programs,
sales contests and/or promotions. The additional payments by the
Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates may also
compensate Intermediaries for subaccounting, administrative
and/or shareholder processing services that are in addition to
the fees paid for these services by the Fund. The amount of
these additional payments is normally not expected to exceed
0.50% (annualized) of the amount sold or invested through the
Intermediaries. Please refer to the Payments to
Intermediaries section of the Additional Statement for
more information about these payments.
|
|
|
The payments made by the Investment Adviser,
Distributor and/or their affiliates may be different for
different Intermediaries. The presence of these payments and the
basis on which an Intermediary compensates its registered
representatives or salespersons may create an incentive for a
particular Intermediary, registered representative or
salesperson to highlight, feature or recommend the Fund based,
at least in part, on the level of compensation paid. You should
contact your authorized dealer or other Intermediary for more
information about the payments it receives and any potential
conflicts of interest.
|
|
|
In addition to Institutional Shares, the Fund
also offers other classes of shares to investors. These other
share classes are subject to different fees and expenses (which
affect performance), have different minimum investment
requirements and
|
23
|
|
|
are entitled to different services than
Institutional Shares. Information regarding these other share
classes may be obtained from your sales representative or from
Goldman Sachs by calling the number on the back cover of this
Prospectus.
|
|
|
What Is
My Minimum Investment In The Fund?
|
|
|
|
Type of Investor
|
|
Minimum Investment
|
|
|
n
Banks,
trust companies or other
depository
institutions investing for
their own account or on
behalf of
their clients
|
|
$1,000,000 in
Institutional Shares of the Fund alone or in combination with
other assets under the management of GSAM and its affiliates
|
n
Section 401(k),
profit sharing, money
purchase
pension, tax-sheltered
annuity, defined benefit
pension, or
other employee benefit plans that
are
sponsored by one or more
employers (including
governmental or
church employers) or
employee
organizations
|
|
|
n
State,
county, city or any
instrumentality,
department,
authority or agency thereof
|
|
|
n
Corporations
with at least $100 million in assets
or
in outstanding publicly traded
securities
|
|
|
n
Wrap
account sponsors (provided they have
an
agreement covering the arrangement
with GSAM)
|
|
|
n
Registered
investment advisers investing
for
accounts for which they receive
asset-based fees
|
|
|
n
Qualified
non-profit organizations,
charitable
trusts, foundations and
endowments
|
|
|
|
n
Individual
investors
|
|
$10,000,000
|
n
Accounts
over which GSAM or its advisory affiliates
have
investment discretion
|
|
|
|
n
Individual
Retirement Accounts (IRAs) for
which
GSAM or its advisory affiliates
act
as fiduciary
|
|
No minimum
|
|
|
|
|
The minimum investment requirement may be waived
for current and former officers, partners, directors or
employees of Goldman Sachs or any of its affiliates; brokerage
or advisory clients of Goldman Sachs Private Wealth Management;
and for other investors at the discretion of the Trusts
officers. No minimum amount is required for subsequent
investments.
|
24
SHAREHOLDER GUIDE
|
|
|
What
Else Should I Know About Share Purchases?
|
|
The Trust reserves the right to:
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
Refuse to open an account if you fail to
(i) provide a Social Security Number or other taxpayer
identification number; or (ii) certify that such number is
correct (if required to do so under applicable law).
|
|
n
|
Modify or waive the minimum investment amounts.
|
|
n
|
Reject or restrict any purchase or exchange order
by a particular purchaser (or group of related purchasers) for
any reason in its discretion. Without limiting the foregoing,
the Trust may reject or restrict purchase and exchange orders by
a particular purchaser (or group of related purchasers) when a
pattern of frequent purchases, sales or exchanges of
Institutional Shares of the Fund is evident, or if purchases,
sales or exchanges are, or a subsequent abrupt redemption might
be, of a size that would disrupt the management of the Fund.
|
|
n
|
Close the Fund to new investors from time to time
and reopen the Fund whenever it is deemed appropriate by the
Funds Investment Adviser.
|
|
|
|
Generally, the Funds will not allow non-U.S.
citizens and certain U.S. citizens residing outside the United
States to open an account directly with the Funds.
|
|
|
The Fund may allow you to purchase shares with
securities instead of cash if consistent with the Funds
investment policies and operations and if approved by the
Funds Investment Adviser.
|
|
|
Customer Identification
Program.
Federal law requires the
Fund to obtain, verify and record identifying information, which
may include the name, residential or business street address,
date of birth (for an individual), Social Security Number or
taxpayer identification number or other identifying information,
for each investor who opens an account with the Fund.
Applications without the required information, or (where
applicable) without an indication that a Social Security Number
or taxpayer identification number has been applied for, may not
be accepted by the Fund. After accepting an application, to the
extent permitted by applicable law or their customer
identification program, the Fund reserves the right to
(i) place limits on transactions in any account until the
identity of the investor is verified; (ii) refuse an
investment in the Fund; or (iii) involuntarily redeem an
investors shares and close an account in the event that
the Fund is unable to verify an investors identity. The
Fund and its agents will not be responsible for any loss in an
investors account resulting from the investors delay
in providing all required identifying information or from
closing an account and redeeming an investors shares
pursuant to the customer identification program.
|
25
|
|
|
How Are
Shares Priced?
|
|
The price you pay or receive when you buy, sell
or exchange Institutional Shares is the Funds next
determined NAV. The Fund calculates NAV as follows:
|
|
|
|
NAV =
|
|
(Value of Assets of the Class)
- (Liabilities of the Class)
Number of Outstanding Shares of the Class
|
|
|
|
The Funds investments are valued based on
market quotations, or if market quotations are not readily
available, or if the Investment Adviser believes that such
quotations do not accurately reflect fair value, the fair value
of the Funds investments may be determined in good faith
under procedures established by the Trustees.
|
|
|
To the extent the Fund invests a significant
portion of assets in foreign equity securities, fair
value prices are provided by an independent fair value
service. Fair value prices are used because many foreign markets
operate at times that do not coincide with those of the major
U.S. markets. Events that could affect the values of foreign
portfolio holdings may occur between the close of the foreign
market and the time of determining the NAV, and would not
otherwise be reflected in the NAV. If the independent fair value
service does not provide a fair value for a particular security
or if the value does not meet the established criteria for the
Fund, the most recent closing price for such a security on its
principal exchange will generally be its fair value on such date.
|
|
|
In addition, the Investment Adviser, consistent
with applicable regulatory guidance, may determine to make an
adjustment to the previous closing prices of either domestic or
foreign securities in light of significant events, to reflect
what it believes to be the fair value of the securities at the
time of determining the Funds NAV. Significant events that
could affect a large number of securities in a particular market
may include, but are not limited to: situations relating to one
or more single issuers in a market sector; significant
fluctuations in foreign markets; market disruptions or market
closings; governmental actions or other developments; as well as
the same or similar events which may affect specific issuers or
the securities markets even though not tied directly to the
securities markets. Other significant events that could relate
to a single issuer may include, but are not limited to:
corporate actions such as reorganizations, mergers and buy-outs;
corporate announcements on earnings; significant litigation; and
regulatory news such as governmental approvals.
|
|
|
One effect of using an independent fair value
service and fair valuation may be to reduce stale pricing
arbitrage opportunities presented by the pricing of Fund shares.
However, it involves the risk that the values used by the Fund
to price its
|
26
SHAREHOLDER GUIDE
|
|
|
investments may be different from those used by
other investment companies and investors to price the same
investments.
|
|
|
Investments in other registered mutual funds (if
any) are valued based on the NAV of those mutual funds (which
may use fair value pricing as discussed in their prospectuses).
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
NAV per share of each class is generally
calculated by the accounting agent on each business day as of
the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange
(normally 4:00 p.m. New York time) or such later time as
the New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ market may officially
close. Fund shares will generally not be priced on any day the
New York Stock Exchange is closed.
|
|
n
|
When you buy shares, you pay the NAV next
calculated
after
the Fund receives your order in proper
form.
|
|
n
|
When you sell shares, you receive the NAV next
calculated
after
the Fund receives your order in proper
form.
|
|
n
|
The Trust reserves the right to reprocess
purchase (including dividend reinvestments), redemption and
exchange transactions that were processed at an NAV other than
the Funds official closing NAV that is subsequently
adjusted, and to recover amounts from (or distribute amounts to)
shareholders accordingly based on the official closing NAV.
|
|
n
|
The Trust reserves the right to advance the time
by which purchase and redemption orders must be received for
same business day credit as otherwise permitted by the SEC.
|
|
|
|
Note: The time at which transactions and
shares are priced and the time by which orders must be received
may be changed in case of an emergency or if regular trading on
the New York Stock Exchange is stopped at a time other than
4:00 p.m. New York time. In the event the New York Stock
Exchange does not open for business because of an emergency, the
Trust may, but is not required to, open the Fund for purchase,
redemption and exchange transactions if the Federal Reserve wire
payment system is open. To learn whether the Fund is open for
business during an emergency situation, please call
1-800-621-2550.
|
|
|
Foreign securities may trade in their local
markets on days the Fund is closed. As a result, if the Fund
holds foreign securities, its NAV may be impacted on days when
investors may not purchase or redeem Fund shares.
|
27
|
|
|
How Can
I Sell Institutional Shares Of The Fund?
|
|
You may arrange to take money out of your account
by selling (redeeming) some or all of your shares.
Generally,
the Fund will redeem its Institutional Shares upon request on
any business day at their NAV next determined after receipt of
such request in proper form.
You may request that redemption
proceeds be sent to you by check or by wire (if the wire
instructions are on record). Redemptions may be requested in
writing or by telephone.
|
|
|
|
Instructions For Redemptions:
|
|
|
|
|
By Writing:
|
|
n
Write
a letter of instruction that includes:
|
|
|
n
Account
name(s) and authorized signature(s)
|
|
|
n
Account
number
|
|
|
n
The
Fund name and Class of Shares
|
|
|
n
The
dollar amount you want to sell
|
|
|
n
How
and where to send the proceeds
|
|
|
n
Obtain
a Medallion signature guarantee (see details below)
|
|
|
n
Mail
your request to:
Goldman Sachs
Funds
P.O. Box
06050
Chicago, IL 60606-6306
|
|
By Telephone:
|
|
If you have elected the
telephone redemption privilege on your Account Application:
|
|
|
n
1-800-621-2550
(8:00 a.m.
to 4:00 p.m. New York time)
|
|
|
|
|
Certain institutions and intermediaries are
authorized to accept redemption requests on behalf of the Fund
as described under How Do I Purchase Shares Through A
Financial Institution?
|
|
|
When Do
I Need A Medallion Signature Guarantee To Redeem
Shares?
|
|
A Medallion signature guarantee may be required
if:
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
You would like the redemption proceeds sent to an
address that is not your address of record; or
|
|
n
|
You would like to change your current bank
designations.
|
|
n
|
Any redemption request that requires money to go
to an account or address other than that designated on the
Account Application must be in writing and signed by an
authorized person designated on the Account Application. The
written request may be confirmed by telephone with both the
requesting party and the designated bank account to verify
instructions.
|
28
SHAREHOLDER GUIDE
|
|
|
A signature guarantee must be obtained from a
bank, brokerage firm or other financial intermediary that is a
member of an approved Medallion Guarantee Program or that is
otherwise approved by the Trust. A notary public cannot provide
a signature guarantee. Additional documentation may be required
for executors, trustees or corporations or when deemed
appropriate by the Transfer Agent.
|
|
|
What Do
I Need To Know About Telephone Redemption Requests?
|
|
The Trust, the Distributor and the Transfer Agent
will not be liable for any loss you may incur in the event that
the Trust accepts unauthorized telephone redemption requests
that the Trust reasonably believes to be genuine. In an effort
to prevent unauthorized or fraudulent redemption and exchange
requests by telephone, Goldman Sachs employs reasonable
procedures specified by the Trust to confirm that such
instructions are genuine. If reasonable procedures are not
employed, the Trust may be liable for any loss due to
unauthorized or fraudulent transactions. The following general
policies are currently in effect:
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
All telephone requests are recorded.
|
|
n
|
Any redemption request that requires money to go
to an account or address other than that designated on the
Account Application must be in writing and signed by an
authorized person designated on the Account Application. The
written request may be confirmed by telephone with both the
requesting party and the designated bank account to verify
instructions.
|
|
n
|
The telephone redemption option may be modified
or terminated at any time.
|
|
|
|
Note: It may be difficult to make telephone
redemptions in times of drastic economic or market
conditions.
|
|
|
How Are
Redemption Proceeds Paid?
|
|
By Wire:
You
may arrange for your redemption proceeds to be wired as federal
funds to the bank account designated in your Account
Application. The following general policies govern wiring
redemption proceeds:
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
Redemption proceeds will normally be wired on the
next business day in federal funds (for a total of one business
day delay), but may be paid up to three business days following
receipt of a properly executed wire transfer redemption request.
Although redemption proceeds will normally be wired as described
above, under certain circumstances, redemption requests or
payments may be postponed or suspended as permitted pursuant to
Section 22(e) of the Investment Company Act. Generally,
under that section, redemption requests or payments may be
postponed or suspended if (i) the New York Stock Exchange
is closed for trading or trading is restricted; (ii) an
emergency exists which makes the disposal of securities owned by
a Fund or the fair determination of the value of the Funds
net assets not reasonably practicable; or (iii) the SEC by
order permits the suspension of the right of redemption. If you
are selling shares you
|
29
|
|
|
|
|
recently paid for by check, the Fund will pay you
when your check has cleared, which may take up to 15 days.
If the Federal Reserve Bank is closed on the day that the
redemption proceeds would ordinarily be wired, wiring the
redemption proceeds may be delayed one additional business day.
|
|
n
|
To change the bank designated on your Account
Application, you must send written instructions signed by an
authorized person designated on the account application to the
Transfer Agent.
|
|
n
|
Neither the Trust, Goldman Sachs nor any other
institution assumes any responsibility for the performance of
your bank or any intermediaries in the transfer process. If a
problem with such performance arises, you should deal directly
with your bank or any such intermediaries.
|
|
|
|
By Check:
You
may elect in writing to receive your redemption proceeds by
check. Redemption proceeds paid by check will normally be mailed
to the address of record within three business days of a
properly executed redemption request. If you are selling shares
you recently paid for by check, the Fund will pay you when your
check has cleared, which may take up to 15 days.
|
|
|
What
Else Do I Need To Know About Redemptions?
|
|
The following generally applies to redemption
requests:
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
Additional documentation may be required when
deemed appropriate by the Transfer Agent. A redemption request
will not be in proper form until such additional documentation
has been received.
|
|
n
|
Institutions (including banks, trust companies,
brokers and investment advisers) are responsible for the timely
transmittal of redemption requests by their customers to the
Transfer Agent. In order to facilitate the timely transmittal of
redemption requests, these institutions may set times by which
they must receive redemption requests. These institutions may
also receive additional documentation from you.
|
|
|
|
The Trust reserves the right to:
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
Redeem your shares if your account balance falls
below the required Fund minimum as a result of a redemption. The
Fund will not redeem your shares on this basis if the value of
your account falls below the minimum account balance solely as a
result of market conditions. The Fund will give you
60 days prior written notice to allow you to purchase
sufficient additional shares of the Fund in order to avoid such
redemption.
|
|
n
|
Redeem your shares in other circumstances
determined by the Board of Trustees to be in the best interest
of the Trust.
|
|
n
|
Pay redemptions by a distribution in-kind of
securities (instead of cash). If you receive redemption proceeds
in-kind, you should expect to incur transaction costs upon the
disposition of those securities.
|
30
SHAREHOLDER GUIDE
|
|
|
|
n
|
Reinvest any dividends or other distributions
which you have elected to receive in cash should your check for
such dividends or other distributions be returned to the Fund as
undeliverable or remain uncashed for six months. In addition,
that distribution and all future distributions payable to you
will be reinvested at the NAV on the day of reinvestment in
additional Institutional Shares of the Fund that pays the
distributions. No interest will accrue on amounts represented by
uncashed distribution or redemption checks.
|
|
|
|
Can I
Exchange My Investment From One Fund To Another?
|
|
You may exchange Institutional Shares of the Fund
at NAV for Institutional Shares of another Goldman Sachs Fund.
The exchange privilege may be materially modified or withdrawn
at any time upon 60 days written notice to you.
|
|
|
|
Instructions For Exchanging Shares:
|
|
|
|
|
By Writing:
|
|
n
Write
a letter of instruction that includes:
|
|
|
n
Account
name(s) and signature(s)
|
|
|
n
Account
number
|
|
|
n
The
Fund names and Class of Shares
|
|
|
n
The
dollar amount to be exchanged
|
|
|
n
Mail
the request to:
Goldman Sachs
Funds
P.O. Box
06050
Chicago, IL 60606-6306
|
|
By Telephone:
|
|
If you have elected the
telephone exchange privilege on your Account Application:
|
|
|
n
1-800-621-2550
(8:00 a.m.
to 4:00 p.m. New York time)
|
|
|
|
|
You should keep in mind the following factors
when making or considering an exchange:
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
You should obtain and carefully read the
prospectus of the Fund you are acquiring before making an
exchange.
|
|
n
|
All exchanges which represent an initial
investment in the Fund must satisfy the minimum initial
investment requirements of that Fund or the entire balance of
the original Fund account should be exchanged. This requirement
may be waived at the discretion of the Trust.
|
|
n
|
Telephone exchanges normally will be made only to
an identically registered account.
|
|
n
|
Exchanges are available only in states where
exchanges may be legally made.
|
|
n
|
It may be difficult to make telephone exchanges
in times of drastic economic or market conditions.
|
31
|
|
|
|
n
|
Goldman Sachs may use reasonable procedures
described under What Do I Need To Know About Telephone
Redemption Requests? in an effort to prevent unauthorized
or fraudulent telephone exchange requests.
|
|
n
|
Exchanges into Goldman Sachs Funds that are
closed to new investors may be restricted.
|
|
|
|
For federal income tax purposes, an exchange from
one Goldman Sachs Fund to another is treated as a redemption of
the shares surrendered in the exchange, on which you may be
subject to tax, followed by a purchase of shares received in the
exchange. You should consult your tax adviser concerning the tax
consequences of an exchange.
|
|
|
What
Types of Reports Will I Be Sent Regarding Investments In
Institutional Shares?
|
|
You will receive an annual report containing
audited financial statements and a semi-annual report. To
eliminate unnecessary duplication, only one copy of such reports
will be sent to shareholders with the same mailing address. If
you would like a duplicate copy to be mailed to you, please
contact Goldman Sachs Funds at 1-800-621-2550. You will also be
provided with a printed confirmation for each transaction in
your account and a monthly account statement. The Fund does not
generally provide sub-accounting services.
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RESTRICTIONS ON
EXCESSIVE TRADING PRACTICES
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Policies and Procedures on Excessive
Trading Practices.
In accordance
with the policy adopted by the Board of Trustees, the Trust
discourages frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares
and does not permit market timing or other excessive trading
practices. Purchases and exchanges should be made with a view to
longer-term investment purposes only that are consistent with
the investment policies and practices of the Fund. Excessive,
short-term (market timing) trading practices may disrupt
portfolio management strategies, increase brokerage and
administrative costs, harm Fund performance and result in
dilution in the value of Fund shares held by long-term
shareholders. The Trust and Goldman Sachs reserve the right to
reject or restrict purchase or exchange requests from any
investor. The Trust and Goldman Sachs will not be liable for any
loss resulting from rejected purchase or exchange orders. To
minimize harm to the Trust and its shareholders (or Goldman
Sachs), the Trust (or Goldman Sachs) will exercise this right
if, in the Trusts (or Goldman Sachs) judgment, an
investor has a history of excessive trading or if an
investors trading, in the judgment of the Trust (or
Goldman Sachs), has been or may be disruptive to the Fund. In
making this judgment, trades executed in multiple accounts under
common ownership or control may be considered together to the
extent they can be identified. No waivers of the
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32
SHAREHOLDER GUIDE
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provisions of the policy established to detect
and deter market timing and other excessive trading activity are
permitted that would harm the Trust or its shareholders or would
subordinate the interests of the Trust or its shareholders to
those of Goldman Sachs or any affiliated person or associated
person of Goldman Sachs.
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To deter excessive shareholder trading, the
International Equity Funds and certain Fixed Income Funds (which
are offered in separate prospectuses) impose a redemption fee on
redemptions made within 30 calendar days of purchase
subject to certain exceptions. For more information about these
Funds, obtain a prospectus from your sales representative or
from Goldman Sachs by calling the number on the back cover of
this Prospectus.
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Pursuant to the policy adopted by the Board of
Trustees, Goldman Sachs has developed criteria that it uses to
identify trading activity that may be excessive. Goldman Sachs
reviews on a regular, periodic basis available information
relating to the trading activity in the Fund in order to assess
the likelihood that the Fund may be the target of excessive
trading. As part of its excessive trading surveillance process,
Goldman Sachs, on a periodic basis, examines transactions that
exceed certain monetary thresholds or numerical limits within a
period of time. If, in its judgment, Goldman Sachs detects
excessive, short term trading, Goldman Sachs may reject or
restrict a purchase or exchange request and may further seek to
close an investors account with the Fund. Goldman Sachs
may modify its surveillance procedures and criteria from time to
time without prior notice regarding the detection of excessive
trading or to address specific circumstances. Goldman Sachs will
apply the criteria in a manner that, in Goldman Sachs
judgment, will be uniform.
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Fund shares may be held through omnibus
arrangements maintained by intermediaries such as
broker-dealers, investment advisers, transfer agents,
administrators and insurance companies. In addition, Fund shares
may be held in omnibus 401(k) plans, retirement plans and other
group accounts. Omnibus accounts include multiple investors and
such accounts typically provide the Fund with a net purchase or
redemption request on any given day where the purchases and
redemptions of Fund shares by the investors are netted against
one another. The identity of individual investors whose purchase
and redemption orders are aggregated are not known by the Fund.
A number of these financial intermediaries may not have the
capability or may not be willing to apply the Funds market
timing policies or any applicable redemption fee. While Goldman
Sachs may monitor share turnover at the omnibus account level,
the Funds ability to monitor and detect market timing by
shareholders or apply any applicable redemption fee in these
omnibus accounts is limited. The netting effect makes it more
difficult to identify, locate and
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33
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eliminate market timing activities. In addition,
those investors who engage in market timing and other excessive
trading activities may employ a variety of techniques to avoid
detection. There can be no assurance that the Fund and Goldman
Sachs will be able to identify all those who trade excessively
or employ a market timing strategy, and curtail their trading in
every instance.
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34
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Taxation
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As with any investment, you should consider how
your investment in the Fund will be taxed. The tax information
below is provided as general information. More tax information
is available in the Additional Statement. You should consult
your tax adviser about the federal, state, local or foreign tax
consequences of your investment in the Fund.
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Unless your investment is an IRA or other
tax-advantaged account, you should consider the possible tax
consequences of Fund distributions and the sale of your Fund
shares.
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The Fund contemplates declaring as dividends each
year all or substantially all of its taxable income.
Distributions you receive from the Fund are generally subject to
federal income tax, and may also be subject to state or local
taxes (although the Fund attempts to minimize capital gains and
income distributions in seeking its investment objective). This
is true whether you reinvest your distributions in additional
Fund shares or receive them in cash. For federal tax purposes,
Fund distributions attributable to short-term capital gains and
net investment income are generally taxable to you as ordinary
income while distributions attributable to long-term capital
gains are taxable as long-term capital gains, no matter how long
you have owned your Fund shares. The Funds accrued income
or loss each year from writing S&P 500 Index or related
ETF call options will, under special tax rules applicable to
those transactions, be treated as 40% short-term capital gain or
loss and 60% long-term capital gain or loss; this will, in turn,
affect the amount and character of the Funds distributions
to you under the rules described in the preceding sentence.
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Under recent changes to the Internal Revenue Code
(the Code), the maximum long-term capital gain tax
rate applicable to individuals, estates, and trusts is 15%. (A
sunset provision provides that the 15% long-term capital gain
rate and the taxation of dividends at the long-term capital gain
rate will revert back to a prior version of these provisions in
the Code for taxable years beginning after December 31,
2008.) Also, Fund distributions to noncorporate shareholders
attributable to dividends received by the Fund from U.S. and
certain qualified foreign corporations will generally be taxed
at the long-term capital gain rate, as long as certain other
requirements are met. The amount of the Funds
distributions that qualify for this favorable tax treatment may
be reduced as a result of the
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35
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Funds securities lending activities, by a
high portfolio turnover rate or by investments in debt
securities or non-qualified foreign corporations.
For these lower rates to apply, the non-corporate shareholder
must own Fund shares for at least 61 days during the
121-day period beginning 60 days before the Funds
ex-dividend date.
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Although distributions are generally treated as
taxable to you in the year they are paid, distributions declared
in October, November or December but paid in January are taxable
as if they were paid in December. A percentage of the
Funds dividends paid to corporate shareholders may be
eligible for the corporate dividends-received deduction. This
percentage may, however, be reduced as a result of the
Funds securities lending activities, by a high portfolio
turnover rate or by investments in debt securities or foreign
corporations. Character and tax status of all distributions will
be available to shareholders after the close of each calendar
year.
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The Fund may be subject to foreign withholding or
other foreign taxes on income or gain from certain of the
Funds investments. In general, the Fund may deduct these
taxes in computing their taxable income.
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If you buy shares of the Fund before it makes a
distribution, the distribution will be taxable to you even
though it may actually be a return of a portion of your
investment. This is known as buying a dividend.
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Your sale of Fund shares is a taxable transaction
for federal income tax purposes, and may also be subject to
state and local taxes. For tax purposes, the exchange of your
Fund shares for shares of a different Goldman Sachs Fund is the
same as a sale. When you sell your shares, you will generally
recognize a capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the
difference between your adjusted tax basis in the shares and the
amount received. Generally, this gain or loss is long-term or
short-term depending on whether your holding period exceeds
twelve months, except that any loss realized on shares held for
six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss
to the extent of any capital gain dividends that were received
on the shares. Additionally, any loss realized on a sale,
exchange or redemption of Fund shares may be disallowed under
wash sale rules to the extent the shares disposed of
are replaced with other shares of the Fund within a period of
61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days
after the shares are disposed of, such as pursuant to a dividend
reinvestment in shares of the Fund. If disallowed, the loss will
be reflected in an adjustment to the basis of the shares
acquired.
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36
TAXATION
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When you open your account, you should provide
your Social Security Number or tax identification number on your
Account Application. By law, the Fund must withhold 28% of your
taxable distributions and any redemption proceeds if you do not
provide your correct taxpayer identification number, or certify
that it is correct, or if the IRS instructs the Fund to do so.
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Non-U.S. investors may be subject to U.S.
withholding and estate tax. However, distributions of short-term
capital gains and qualified interest income made by the Fund to
non-U.S. investors between January 1, 2005 and
December 31, 2007 will generally not be subject to U.S.
withholding.
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Investments in the Fund are subject to the tax
risks described previously under Principal Risks of the
Fund.
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37
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Appendix A
Additional Information on Portfolio
Risks, Securities and Techniques
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A. General
Portfolio Risks
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The Fund will be subject to the risks associated
with equity investments. Equity investments may
include common stocks, preferred stocks, interests in real
estate investment trusts, convertible debt obligations,
convertible preferred stocks, equity interests in trusts,
partnerships, joint ventures, limited liability companies and
similar enterprises, warrants, stock purchase rights and
synthetic and derivative instruments that have economic
characteristics similar to equity securities. In general, the
values of equity investments fluctuate in response to the
activities of individual companies and in response to general
market and economic conditions. Accordingly, the values of
equity investments that the Fund holds may decline over short or
extended periods. The stock markets tend to be cyclical, with
periods when stock prices generally rise and periods when prices
generally decline. This volatility means that the value of your
investment in the Fund may increase or decrease. In recent
years, certain stock markets have experienced substantial price
volatility.
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To the extent that the Fund invests in
fixed-income securities, the Fund will also be subject to the
risks associated with its fixed-income securities. These risks
include interest rate risk, credit risk and call/extension risk.
In general, interest rate risk involves the risk that when
interest rate decline, the market value of fixed-income
securities tends to increase. Conversely, when interest rates
increase, the market value of fixed-income securities tends to
decline. Credit risk involves the risk that an issuer or
guarantor could default on its obligations, and the Fund will
not recover its investment. Call risk and extension risk are
normally present when the borrower has the option to prepay its
obligations.
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The Investment Adviser will not consider the
portfolio turnover rate a limiting factor in making investment
decisions for the Fund. A high rate of portfolio turnover (100%
or more) involves correspondingly greater expenses which must be
borne by the Fund and its shareholders, and is also likely to
result in higher short-term capital gains taxable to
shareholders. The portfolio turnover rate is calculated by
dividing the lesser of the dollar amount of sales or purchases
of portfolio securities by the average monthly value of the
Funds portfolio securities, excluding securities having a
maturity at the date of purchase of one year or less.
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The following sections provide further
information on certain types of securities and investment
techniques that may be used by the Fund, including their
associated
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38
APPENDIX A
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risks. Additional information is provided in the
Additional Statement, which is available upon request. Among
other things, the Additional Statement describes certain
fundamental investment restrictions that cannot be changed
without shareholder approval. You should note, however, that all
investment objectives, and all investment policies not
specifically designated as fundamental are non-fundamental and
may be changed without shareholder approval. If there is a
change in the Funds investment objective, you should
consider whether the Fund remains an appropriate investment in
light of your then current financial position and needs.
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Risks of Writing S&P 500 Index and
Related ETF Call Options.
When the
Fund writes (sells) S&P 500 Index or related ETF call
options, it foregoes the opportunity to benefit from an increase
in the value of the Index or related ETF above the exercise
price (plus the premium received) of the option, but it
continues to bear the risk of a decline in the value of the
Index or related ETF. As the seller of the S&P 500
Index or related EFT call options, the Fund receives cash (the
premium) from the purchaser. Depending upon the type
of call option, the purchaser of an index or related ETF call
option either (i) has the right to any appreciation in the
value of the index or related ETF over a fixed price (the
exercise price) on a certain date in the future (the
expiration date) or (ii) has the right to any
appreciation in the value of the index or related ETF over the
exercise price at any time prior to the expiration of the
option. If the purchaser does not exercise the option, the Fund
retains the premium. If the purchaser exercises the option, the
Fund pays the purchaser the difference between the price of the
index or related ETF and the exercise price of the option. The
premium, the exercise price and the market value of the index or
related ETF determine the gain or loss realized by the Fund as
the seller of the index or related ETF call option. The Fund can
also repurchase the call option prior to the expiration date,
ending its obligation. In this case, the cost of entering into
closing purchase transactions will determine the gain or loss
realized by the Fund.
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There is no assurance that a liquid market will
be available at all times for a Fund to write call options or to
enter into closing purchase transactions. In addition, the
premiums the Fund receives for writing call options may decrease
as a result of a number of factors, including a reduction in
interest rates generally, a decline in stock market volumes or a
decrease in the price volatility of the underlying securities.
For more information see Portfolio Securities and
Techniques Options on Securities, Securities Indices
and Foreign Currencies.
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Risks of Foreign Investments.
The Fund may make foreign
investments. However, the Fund may only invest in foreign
issuers that are traded in the United States.
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Foreign investments involve special risks that
are not typically associated with U.S. dollar denominated or
quoted securities of U.S. issuers. Foreign investments may be
affected by changes in currency rates, changes in foreign or
U.S. laws or restrictions applicable to such investments and
changes in exchange control regulations (
e.g.
, currency
blockage). A decline in the exchange rate of the
currency (
i.e.
, weakening of the currency against
the U.S. dollar) in which a portfolio security is quoted or
denominated relative to the U.S. dollar would reduce the value
of the portfolio security. In addition, if the currency in which
the Fund receives dividends, interest or other payments declines
in value against the U.S. dollar before such income is
distributed as dividends to shareholders or converted to U.S.
dollars, the Fund may have to sell portfolio securities to
obtain sufficient cash to pay such dividends.
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Foreign issuers are not generally subject to
uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards
comparable to those applicable to U.S. issuers. There may be
less publicly available information about a foreign issuer than
about a U.S. issuer. In addition, there is generally less
government regulation of foreign markets, companies and
securities dealers than in the United States, and the legal
remedies for investors may be more limited than the remedies
available in the United States. Foreign securities markets may
have substantially less volume than U.S. securities markets and
securities of many foreign issuers are less liquid and more
volatile than securities of comparable domestic issuers.
Furthermore, with respect to certain foreign countries, there is
a possibility of nationalization, expropriation or confiscatory
taxation, imposition of withholding or other taxes on dividend
or interest payments (or, in some cases, capital gains
distributions), limitations on the removal of funds or other
assets from such countries, and risks of political or social
instability or diplomatic developments which could adversely
affect investments in those countries.
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Investments in foreign securities may take the
form of sponsored and unsponsored American Depositary Receipts
(ADRs) and Global Depositary Receipts
(GDRs). ADRs and GDRs represent the right to receive
securities of foreign issuers deposited in a bank or other
depository. ADRs and certain GDRs are traded in the United
States. GDRs may be traded in either the United States or in
foreign markets. Prices of ADRs are quoted in U.S. dollars.
GDRs are not necessarily quoted in the same currency as the
underlying security.
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Risks of Euro.
On January 1, 1999, the
European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) introduced a new
single currency called the euro. The euro has replaced the
national currencies of the following member countries: Austria,
Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy,
Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. In addition,
Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia,
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40
APPENDIX A
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Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia
became members of the EMU on May 1, 2004, but these
countries will not adopt the euro as their new currency until
they can show that their economies have converged with the
economies of the euro zone.
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The European Central Bank has control over each
countrys monetary policies. Therefore, the member
countries no longer control their own monetary policies by
directing independent interest rates for their currencies. The
national governments of the participating countries, however,
have retained the authority to set tax and spending policies and
public debt levels.
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The change to the euro as a single currency is
relatively new and untested. The elimination of currency risk
among EMU countries has affected the economic environment and
behavior of investors, particularly in European markets, but the
long term impact of those changes on currency values or on the
business or financial condition of European countries and
issuers cannot be fully assessed at this time. In addition, the
introduction of the euro presents other unique uncertainties,
including the fluctuation of the euro relative to non-euro
currencies; whether the interest rate, tax and labor regimes of
European countries participating in the euro will converge over
time; and whether the conversion of the currencies of other
countries that now are or may in the future become members of
the European Union (EU) will have an impact on the
euro. Also, it is possible that the euro could be abandoned in
the future by countries that have already adopted its use. These
or other events, including political and economic developments,
could cause market disruptions, and could adversely affect the
value of securities held by the Fund.
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Risks of Derivative Investments.
The Funds transactions, if
any, in options, futures, options on futures, swaps, structured
securities and foreign currency transactions involve additional
risk of loss. Loss can result from a lack of correlation between
changes in the value of derivative instruments and the portfolio
assets (if any) being hedged, the potential illiquidity of the
markets for derivative instruments, or the risks arising from
margin requirements and related leverage factors associated with
such transactions. The use of these management techniques also
involves the risk of loss if the Investment Adviser is incorrect
in its expectation of fluctuations in securities prices,
interest rates or currency prices. The Fund may also invest in
derivative investments for non-hedging purposes (that is, to
seek to increase total return). Investing for non-hedging
purposes is considered a speculative practice and presents even
greater risk of loss.
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Risks of Illiquid Securities.
The Fund may invest up to 15% of
its net assets in illiquid securities which cannot be disposed
of in seven days in the ordinary course of business at fair
value. Illiquid securities include:
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n
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Both domestic and foreign securities that are not
readily marketable
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n
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Certain stripped mortgage-backed securities
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n
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Repurchase agreements and time deposits with a
notice or demand period of more than seven days
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n
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Certain over-the-counter options
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n
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Certain structured securities and all swap
transactions
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n
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Certain restricted securities, unless it is
determined, based upon a review of the trading markets for a
specific restricted security, that such restricted security is
liquid because it is so-called 4(2) commercial paper
or is otherwise eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A
under the Securities Act of 1933
(144A Securities).
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Investing in 144A Securities may decrease the
liquidity of the Funds portfolio to the extent that
qualified institutional buyers become for a time uninterested in
purchasing these restricted securities. The purchase price and
subsequent valuation of restricted and illiquid securities
normally reflect a discount, which may be significant, from the
market price of comparable securities for which a liquid market
exists.
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Credit/Default Risks.
Debt securities purchased by the
Fund may include securities (including zero coupon bonds) issued
by the U.S. government (and its agencies, instrumentalities
and sponsored enterprises), foreign government, domestic and
foreign corporations, banks and other issuers. Some of these
fixed-income securities are described in the next section below.
Further information is provided in the Additional Statement.
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Debt securities rated BBB or higher by
Standard & Poors Rating Group
(Standard & Poors), or Baa or higher
by Moodys Investors Service, Inc.
(Moodys) or having a comparable rating by
another NRSRO are considered investment grade.
Securities rated BBB or Baa or considered medium-grade
obligations with speculative characteristics, and adverse
economic conditions or changing circumstances may weaken their
issuers capacity to pay interest and repay principal. A
security will be deemed to have met a rating requirement if it
receives the minimum required rating from at least one such
rating organization even though it has been rated below the
minimum rating by one or more other rating organizations, or if
unrated by such rating organizations, the security is determined
by the Investment Adviser to be of comparable credit quality. A
security satisfies the Funds minimum rating requirement
regardless of its relative ranking (for example, plus or minus)
within a designated major rating category (for example, BBB or
Baa). If a security satisfies the Funds minimum rating
requirement at the time of purchase and is subsequently
downgraded below that rating, the Fund will not be required to
dispose of the security. If a downgrade
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42
APPENDIX A
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occurs, the Investment Adviser will consider
which action, including the sale of the security, is in the best
interest of the Fund and its shareholders.
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Temporary Investment Risks.
The Fund may, for temporary
defensive purposes, invest a certain percentage of its total
assets in:
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n
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U.S. government securities
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n
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Commercial paper rated at least A-2 by Standard
& Poors; P-2 by Moodys or having a comparable
rating by another NRSRO
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n
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Certificates of deposit
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n
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Bankers acceptances
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n
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Repurchase agreements
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n
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Non-convertible preferred stocks and
non-convertible corporate bonds with a remaining maturity of
less than one year
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When the Funds assets are invested in such
instruments, the Fund may not be achieving its investment
objective.
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C. Portfolio
Securities and Techniques
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This section provides further information on
certain types of securities and investment techniques that may
be used by the Fund, including their associated risks.
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The Fund may purchase other types of securities
or instruments similar to those described in this section if
otherwise consistent with the Funds investment objectives
and policies. Further information is provided in the Additional
Statement, which is available upon request.
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Convertible Securities.
The Fund may invest in convertible
securities. Convertible securities are preferred stock or debt
obligations that are convertible into common stock. Convertible
securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields
than non-convertible securities of similar quality. Convertible
securities in which the Fund invests are subject to the same
rating criteria as its other investments in fixed-income
securities. Convertible securities have both equity and
fixed-income risk characteristics. Like all fixed-income
securities, the value of convertible securities is susceptible
to the risk of market losses attributable to changes in interest
rates. Generally, the market value of convertible securities
tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, to
increase as interest rates decline. However, when the market
price of the common stock underlying a convertible security
exceeds the conversion price of the convertible security, the
convertible security tends to reflect the market price of the
underlying common stock. As the market price of the underlying
common stock declines, the convertible security, like a
fixed-income
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43
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security, tends to trade increasingly on a yield
basis, and thus may not decline in price to the same extent as
the underlying common stock.
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Structured Securities.
The Fund may invest in structured
securities. Structured securities are securities whose value is
determined by reference to changes in the value of specific
currencies, interest rates, commodities, indices or other
financial indicators (the Reference) or the relative
change in two or more References.
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The interest rate or the principal amount payable
upon maturity or redemption may be increased or decreased
depending upon changes in the applicable Reference. Structured
securities may be positively or negatively indexed, so that
appreciation of the Reference may produce an increase or
decrease in the interest rate or value of the security at
maturity. In addition, changes in the interest rates or the
value of the security at maturity may be a multiple of changes
in the value of the Reference. Consequently, structured
securities may present a greater degree of market risk than many
types of securities and may be more volatile, less liquid and
more difficult to price accurately than less complex securities.
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REITs.
The
Fund may invest in REITs. REITs are pooled investment vehicles
that invest primarily in either real estate or real estate
related loans. The value of a REIT is affected by changes in the
value of the properties owned by the REIT or securing mortgage
loans held by the REIT. REITs are dependent upon the ability of
the REITs managers, and are subject to heavy cash flow
dependency, default by borrowers and the qualification of the
REITs under applicable regulatory requirements for favorable
income tax treatment. REITs are also subject to risks generally
associated with investments in real estate including possible
declines in the value of real estate, general and local economic
conditions, environmental problems and changes in interest
rates. To the extent that assets underlying a REIT are
concentrated geographically, by property type or in certain
other respects, these risks may be heightened. The Fund will
indirectly bear its proportionate share of any expenses,
including management fees, paid by a REIT in which it invests.
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Options on Securities, Securities Indices
and Foreign Currencies.
A put
option gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell, and
the writer (seller) of the option the obligation to buy, the
underlying instrument during the option period.
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A call option gives the purchaser of the option
the right to buy, and the writer (seller) of the option the
obligation to sell, the underlying instrument during the option
period. The Fund may write (sell) covered call and put options
and purchase put and call options on any securities in which the
Fund may invest or on any securities index consisting of
securities in which it may invest. The Fund may also, to the
extent consistent with its investment policies, purchase and
sell (write) put and call options on foreign currencies.
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44
APPENDIX A
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The writing and purchase options is a highly
specialized activity which involves special investment risks.
Options may be used for either hedging or cross-hedging
purposes, or to seek to increase total return (which is
considered a speculative activity). The successful use of
options depends in part on the ability of the Investment Adviser
to manage future price fluctuations and the degree of
correlation between the options and securities (or currency)
markets. If the Investment Adviser is incorrect in its
expectation of changes in market prices or determination of the
correlation between the instruments or indices on which options
are written and purchased and the instruments in the Funds
investment portfolio, the Fund may incur losses that it would
not otherwise incur. The use of options can also increase the
Funds transaction costs. Options written or purchased by
the Fund may be traded on either U.S. or foreign exchanges or
over-the-counter. Foreign and over-the-counter options will
present greater possibility of loss because of their greater
illiquidity and credit risks.
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Futures Contracts and Options on Futures
Contracts.
Futures contracts are
standardized, exchange-traded contracts that provide for the
sale or purchase of a specified financial instrument or currency
at a future time at a specified price. An option on a futures
contract gives the purchaser the right (and the writer of the
option the obligation) to assume a position in a futures
contract at a specified exercise price within a specified period
of time. A futures contract may be based on particular
securities, foreign currencies, securities indices and other
financial instruments and indices. The Fund may only engage in
futures transactions with respect to U.S. equity indices.
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The Fund may purchase and sell futures contracts,
and purchase and write call and put options on futures
contracts, in order to seek to increase total return or to hedge
against changes in securities prices. The Fund may also enter
into closing purchase and sale transactions with respect to such
contracts and options. The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has
claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term
commodity pool operator under the Commodity Exchange
Act, and therefore is not subject to registration or regulation
as a pool operator under that Act with respect to the Fund.
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Futures contracts and related options present the
following risks:
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n
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While the Fund may benefit from the use of
futures and options on futures, unanticipated changes in
interest rates, securities prices or currency exchange rates may
result in poorer overall performance than if the Fund had not
entered into any futures contracts or options transactions.
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n
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Because perfect correlation between a futures
position and the portfolio position that is intended to be
protected is impossible to achieve, the desired protection may
not be obtained and the Fund may be exposed to additional risk
of loss.
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45
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n
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The loss incurred by the Fund in entering into
futures contracts and in writing call options on futures is
potentially unlimited and may exceed the amount of the premium
received.
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n
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Futures markets are highly volatile and the use
of futures may increase the volatility of the Funds NAV.
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n
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As a result of the low margin deposits normally
required in futures trading, a relatively small price movement
in a futures contract may result in substantial losses to the
Fund.
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n
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Futures contracts and options on futures may be
illiquid, and exchanges may limit fluctuations in futures
contract prices during a single day.
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Equity Swaps.
The Fund may invest in equity
swaps. Equity swaps allow the parties to a swap agreement to
exchange the dividend income or other components of return on an
equity investment (for example, a group of equity securities or
an index) for a component of return on another non-equity or
equity investment.
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An equity swap may be used by the Fund to invest
in a market without owning or taking physical custody of
securities in circumstances in which direct investment may be
restricted for legal reasons or is otherwise deemed impractical
or disadvantageous. Equity swaps are derivatives and their value
can be very volatile. To the extent that the Investment Adviser
does not accurately analyze and predict the potential relative
fluctuation of the components swapped with another party, the
Fund may suffer a loss, which may be substantial. The value of
some components of an equity swap (such as the dividends on a
common stock) may also be sensitive to changes in interest
rates. Furthermore, the Fund may suffer a loss if the
counterparty defaults. Because equity swaps are normally
illiquid, the Fund may be unable to terminate its obligations
when desired.
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When-Issued Securities and Forward
Commitments.
The Fund may purchase
when-issued securities and make contracts to purchase or sell
securities for a fixed price at a future date beyond customary
settlement time. When-issued securities are securities that have
been authorized, but not yet issued. When-issued securities are
purchased in order to secure what is considered to be an
advantageous price and yield to the Fund at the time of entering
into the transaction. A forward commitment involves the entering
into a contract to purchase or sell securities for a fixed price
at a future date beyond the customary settlement period.
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The purchase of securities on a when-issued or
forward commitment basis involves a risk of loss if the value of
the security to be purchased declines before the settlement
date. Conversely, the sale of securities on a forward commitment
basis involves the risk that the value of the securities sold
may increase before the settlement date. Although the Fund will
generally purchase securities on a when-issued or forward
commitment basis with the intention of acquiring the securities
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46
APPENDIX A
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for its portfolio, the Fund may dispose of
when-issued securities or forward commitments prior to
settlement if the Investment Adviser deems it appropriate.
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Repurchase Agreements.
Repurchase agreements involve the
purchase of securities subject to the sellers agreement to
repurchase them at a mutually agreed upon date and price. The
Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with securities
dealers and banks which furnish collateral at least equal in
value or market price to the amount of their repurchase
obligation.
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If the other party or seller
defaults, the Fund might suffer a loss to the extent that the
proceeds from the sale of the underlying securities and other
collateral held by the Fund are less than the repurchase price
and the Funds costs associated with delay and enforcement
of the repurchase agreement. In addition, in the event of
bankruptcy of the seller, the Fund could suffer additional
losses if a court determines that the Funds interest in
the collateral is not enforceable.
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The Fund, together with other registered
investment companies having advisory agreements with the
Investment Adviser or any of its affiliates, may transfer
uninvested cash balances into a single joint account, the daily
aggregate balance of which will be invested in one or more
repurchase agreements.
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Lending of Portfolio Securities.
The Fund may engage in securities
lending. Securities lending involves the lending of securities
owned by the Fund to financial institutions such as certain
broker-dealers including, as permitted by the SEC, Goldman
Sachs. The borrowers are required to secure their loan
continuously with cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government
securities or letters of credit in an amount at least equal to
the market value of the securities loaned. Cash collateral may
be invested by the Fund in short-term investments, including
unregistered investment pools managed by the Investment Adviser
or its affiliates. To the extent that cash collateral is so
invested, such collateral will be subject to market depreciation
or appreciation, and the Fund will be responsible for any loss
that might result from its investment of the borrowers
collateral. If the Investment Adviser determines to make
securities loans, the value of the securities loaned may not
exceed 33 1/3% of the value of the total assets of the Fund
(including the loan collateral). Loan collateral (including any
investment of the collateral) is not subject to the percentage
limitations described elsewhere in this Prospectus regarding
investments in fixed-income securities and cash equivalents.
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The Fund may lend its securities to increase its
income. The Fund may, however, experience delay in the recovery
of its securities or incur a loss if the institution with which
it has engaged in a portfolio loan transaction breaches its
agreement with the Fund or becomes insolvent.
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47
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Preferred Stock, Warrants and Rights.
The Fund may invest in preferred
stock, warrants and rights. Preferred stocks are securities that
represent an ownership interest providing the holder with claims
on the issuers earnings and assets before common stock
owners but after bond owners. Unlike debt securities, the
obligations of an issuer of preferred stock, including dividend
and other payment obligations, may not typically be accelerated
by the holders of such preferred stock on the occurrence of an
event of default or other non-compliance by the issuer of the
preferred stock.
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Warrants and other rights are options to buy a
stated number of shares of common stock at a specified price at
any time during the life of the warrant or right. The holders of
warrants and rights have no voting rights, receive no dividends
and have no rights with respect to the assets of the issuer.
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Other Investment Companies.
The Fund may invest in securities
of other investment companies (including exchange-traded funds
such as SPDRs and iShares
TM
, as defined below)
subject to statutory limitations prescribed by the Investment
Company Act. These limitations include a prohibition on the Fund
acquiring more than 3% of the voting shares of any other
investment company, and a prohibition on investing more than 5%
of the Funds total assets in securities of any one
investment company or more than 10% of its total assets in
securities of all investment companies. The Fund will indirectly
bear its proportionate share of any management fees and other
expenses paid by such other investment companies. Although the
Fund does not expect to do so in the foreseeable future, the
Fund is authorized to invest substantially all of its assets in
a single open-end investment company or series thereof that has
substantially the same investment objective, policies and
fundamental restrictions as the Fund. Pursuant to an exemptive
order obtained from the SEC, other investment companies in which
the Fund may invest include money market funds which the
Investment Adviser or any of its affiliates serves as investment
adviser, administrator or distributor.
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Exchange-traded funds such as SPDRs and
iShares
TM
are shares of unaffiliated investment
companies which are traded like traditional equity securities on
a national securities exchange or the NASDAQ® National
Market System.
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n
|
Standard & Poors Depositary
Receipts.
The Fund may,
consistent with their investment policies, purchase
Standard & Poors Depositary Receipts
TM
(SPDRs). SPDRs are securities traded on the American
Stock Exchange (AMEX) that represent ownership in
the SPDR Trust, a trust which has been established to accumulate
and hold a portfolio of common stocks that is intended to track
the performance and dividend yield of the
S&P 500®. The SPDR Trust is sponsored by a
subsidiary of the AMEX. SPDRs may be used for several reasons,
including, but not limited to, facilitating the handling of
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48
APPENDIX A
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|
cash flows or trading, or reducing transaction
costs. The price movement of SPDRs may not perfectly parallel
the price action of the S&P 500®.
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n
|
iShares.
iShares are shares of an
investment company that invests substantially all of its assets
in securities included in specified indices, including the MSCI
indices for various countries and regions. iShares are listed on
the AMEX and were initially offered to the public in 1996. The
market prices of iShares are expected to fluctuate in accordance
with both changes in the NAVs of their underlying indices and
supply and demand of iShares on the AMEX. However, iShares have
a limited operating history and information is lacking regarding
the actual performance and trading liquidity of iShares for
extended periods or over complete market cycles. In addition,
there is no assurance that the requirements of the AMEX
necessary to maintain the listing of iShares will continue to be
met or will remain unchanged. In the event substantial market or
other disruptions affecting iShares should occur in the future,
the liquidity and value of the Funds shares could also be
substantially and adversely affected. If such disruptions were
to occur, the Fund could be required to reconsider the use of
iShares as part of its investment strategy.
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Unseasoned Companies.
The Fund may invest in companies
which (together with their predecessors) have operated less than
three years. The securities of such companies may have limited
liquidity, which can result in their being priced higher or
lower than might otherwise be the case. In addition, investments
in unseasoned companies are more speculative and entail greater
risk than do investments in companies with an established
operating record.
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Corporate Debt Obligations.
Corporate debt obligations include
bonds, notes, debentures, commercial paper and other obligations
of corporations to pay interest and repay principal. The Fund
may invest in corporate debt obligations issued by U.S. and
certain non-U.S. issuers which issue securities denominated
in the U.S. dollar (including Yankee and Euro obligations).
In addition to obligations of corporations, corporate debt
obligations include securities issued by banks and other
financial institutions and supranational entities (
i.e.
,
the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, etc.).
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Bank Obligations.
The Fund may invest in obligations
issued or guaranteed by U.S. or foreign banks. Bank obligations,
including without limitation, time deposits, bankers
acceptances and certificates of deposit, may be general
obligations of the parent bank or may be limited to the issuing
branch by the terms of the specific obligations or by government
regulations. Banks are subject to extensive but different
governmental regulations which may limit both the amount and
types of loans which may be made and interest rates which may be
charged. In addition, the profitability of the banking industry
is largely dependent upon the availability and
|
49
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|
cost of funds for the purpose of financing
lending operations under prevailing money market conditions.
General economic conditions as well as exposure to credit losses
arising from possible financial difficulties of borrowers play
an important part in the operation of this industry.
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U.S. Government Securities.
The Fund may invest in
U.S. Government Securities. U.S. Government Securities
include U.S. Treasury obligations and obligations issued or
guaranteed by U.S. government agencies, instrumentalities
or sponsored enterprises. U.S. Government Securities may be
supported by (a) the full faith and credit of the
U.S. Treasury; (b) the right of the issuer to borrow
from the U.S. Treasury; (c) the discretionary
authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain
obligations of the issuer; or (d) only the credit of the
issuer. U.S. Government Securities also include Treasury
receipts, zero coupon bonds and other stripped
U.S. Government Securities, where the interest and
principal components of stripped U.S. Government Securities
are traded independently.
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Custodial Receipts and Trust Certificates.
The Fund may invest in custodial
receipts and trust certificates representing interests in
securities held by a custodian or trustee. The securities so
held may include U.S. Government Securities or other types
of securities in which the Fund may invest. The custodial
receipts or trust certificates may evidence ownership of future
interest payments, principal payments or both on the underlying
securities, or, in some cases, the payment obligation of a third
party that has entered into an interest rate swap or other
arrangement with the custodian or trustee. For certain
securities laws purposes, custodial receipts and trust
certificates may not be considered obligations of the
U.S. government or other issuer of the securities held by
the custodian or trustee. If for tax purposes the Fund is not
considered to be the owner of the underlying securities held in
the custodial or trust account, the Fund may suffer adverse tax
consequences. As a holder of custodial receipts and trust
certificates, the Fund will bear its proportionate share of the
fees and expenses charged to the custodial account or trust. The
Fund may also invest in separately issued interests in custodial
receipts and trust certificates.
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Borrowings.
The Fund can borrow money from
banks and other financial institutions in amounts not exceeding
one-third of its total assets for temporary or emergency
purposes. The Fund may not make additional investments if
borrowings exceed 5% of its total assets.
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50
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1
General Investment Management Approach
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3 Fund
Investment Objective and Strategies
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3
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Goldman Sachs U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium
Fund
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6 Other
Investment Practices and Securities
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8
Principal Risks of the Fund
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11 Fund
Performance
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12 Fund
Fees and Expenses
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15
Service Providers
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21
Dividends
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22
Shareholder Guide
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22
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How To Buy Shares
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30
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How To Sell Shares
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35
Taxation
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38
Appendix A
Additional
Information on
Portfolio Risks,
Securities
and
Techniques
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Specialty Fund Goldman
Sachs
U.S. Equity Dividend and
Premium Fund
Prospectus
(Institutional
Shares)
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Annual/Semi-annual
Report
|
|
Additional information about the Funds
investments is available in the Funds annual and
semi-annual reports to shareholders. In the Funds annual
reports, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and
investment strategies that significantly affected the
Funds performance during the last fiscal year. As of the
date of this Prospectus the U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium
Fund had not commenced operations. The semi-annual report for
the fiscal period ended December 31, 2005 will become
available to shareholders in February 2006.
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Statement
of Additional Information
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|
Additional information about the Fund and its
policies is also available in the Funds Additional
Statement. The Additional Statement is incorporated by reference
into this Prospectus (is legally considered part of this
Prospectus).
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The Funds annual and semi-annual reports
(when available), and the Additional Statement, are available
free upon request by calling Goldman Sachs at 1-800-621-2550.
You can also access and download the annual and semi-annual
reports (when available) and the Additional Statement at the
Funds website: http://www.gs.com/funds.
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To obtain other information and for shareholder
inquiries:
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n
By
telephone:
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1-800-621-2550
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n
By
mail:
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|
Goldman Sachs Funds, P.O. Box 06050,
Chicago, IL 60606-6306
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n
By
e-mail:
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gs-funds@gs.com
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n
On
the Internet:
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SEC EDGAR database http://www.sec.gov
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You may review and obtain copies of Fund
documents by visiting the SECs public reference room in
Washington, D.C. You may also obtain copies of Fund
documents, after paying a duplicating fee, by writing to the
SECs Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C.
20549-0102 or by electronic request to: publicinfo@sec.gov.
Information on the operation of the public reference room may be
obtained by calling the SEC at (202) 942-8090.
|
The Funds investment company registration
number is 811-5349.
EQDOMPROINST
PRELIMINARY STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DATED JUNE 17, 2005
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
The information in this statement of additional information is not complete and may be changed. We
may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission is effective. This statement of additional information is not an offer to sell
these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the
offer or sale is not permitted.
PART B
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DATED __________, 2005
CLASS A SHARES
CLASS C SHARES
INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
GOLDMAN SACHS U.S. EQUITY DIVIDEND AND PREMIUM FUND
(A SPECIALTY FUND OF GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST)
4900 Sears Tower
Chicago, Illinois 60606-6303
This Statement of Additional Information (the Additional Statement) is not a Prospectus.
This Additional Statement should be read in conjunction with the Prospectuses for the Class A
Shares, Class C Shares and Institutional Shares of the Goldman Sachs U.S. Equity Dividend and
Premium Fund, dated ___, 2005, as they may be further amended and/or supplemented from time
to time, (the Prospectuses), which may be obtained without charge from Goldman, Sachs & Co. by
calling the telephone number, or writing to one of the addresses, listed below or from institutions
(Service Organizations) acting on behalf of their customers.
The audited financial statements and related report of Ernst & Young LLP, independent
registered public accounting firm for the Fund, contained in the Funds ___are incorporated
herein by reference in the section Financial Statements. No other portions of the Funds annual
report are incorporated by reference. The Funds annual report may be obtained upon request and
without charge by calling Goldman, Sachs & Co. toll-free at 800-621-2550.
GSAM® is a registered service mark of Goldman, Sachs & Co.
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GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P.
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GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
|
Investment Adviser
|
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Distributor
|
32 Old Slip
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85 Broad Street
|
New York, New York 10005
|
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New York, New York 10004
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GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
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Transfer Agent
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4900 Sears Tower
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Chicago, Illinois 60606
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Toll-free (in U.S.) . . . 800-621-2550
The date of this Additional Statement is _________, 2005.
B-1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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INTRODUCTION
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B-3
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INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
|
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B-3
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INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
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B-22
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TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
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B-24
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INVESTMENT ADVISER
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B-34
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POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
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B-41
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PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
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B-52
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NET ASSET VALUE
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B-54
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PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
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B-56
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SHARES OF THE TRUST
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B-59
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TAXATION
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B-63
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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B-70
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PROXY VOTING
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B-70
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PAYMENTS TO INTERMEDIARIES
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B-72
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OTHER INFORMATION
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B-73
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DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLANS
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B-76
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OTHER INFORMATION REGARDING MAXIMUM SALES CHARGE,
PURCHASES, REDEMPTIONS, EXCHANGES AND DIVIDENDS
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B-77
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APPENDIX A DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS
|
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1-A
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APPENDIX B ISS PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES SUMMARY
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1-B
|
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APPENDIX C BUSINESS PRINCIPLES OF GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
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1-C
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APPENDIX D STATEMENT OF INTENTION (APPLICABLE ONLY TO CLASS A SHARES)
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1-D
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B-2
INTRODUCTION
Goldman Sachs Trust (the Trust) is an open-end, management investment company. The Trust is
organized as a Delaware statutory trust and was established by a Declaration of Trust dated January
28, 1997. The Trust is a successor to a Massachusetts business trust that was combined with the
Trust on April 30, 1997. The following series of the Trust is described in this Additional
Statement: Goldman Sachs U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund (the Fund).
The Trustees of the Trust have authority under the Declaration of Trust to create and classify
shares into separate series and to classify and reclassify any series or portfolio of shares into
one or more classes without further action by shareholders. Pursuant thereto, the Trustees have
created the Fund and other series. Additional series may be added in the future from time to time.
The Fund currently offers three classes of shares: Class A Shares, Class C Shares and
Institutional Shares. See Shares of the Trust.
Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (GSAM or the Investment Adviser) (formerly Goldman
Sachs Funds Management, L.P.), an affiliate of Goldman, Sachs & Co. (Goldman Sachs), serves as
the Investment Adviser to the Fund. In addition, Goldman Sachs serves as the Funds distributor
and transfer agent. The Funds custodian is State Street Bank and Trust Company (State Street).
The following information relates to and supplements the description of the Funds investment
policies contained in the Prospectuses. See the Prospectuses for a more complete description of
the Funds investment objectives and policies. Investing in the Fund entails certain risks and
there is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its objective. Capitalized terms used but not
defined herein have the same meaning as in the Prospectuses.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
The Fund has a distinct investment objective and policies. There can be no assurance that the
Funds objective will be achieved. The Fund is a diversified, open-end management company as
defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the Act). The investment objective
and policies of the Fund, and the associated risks of the Fund, are discussed in the Funds
Prospectuses, which should be read carefully before an investment is made. All investment
objectives and investment policies not specifically designated as fundamental may be changed
without shareholder approval. However, to the extent required by Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) regulations, shareholders will be provided with sixty days notice in the manner
prescribed by the SEC before any change in the Funds policy to invest at least 80% of its net
assets plus any borrowings for investment purposes (measured at the time of purchase) in the
particular type of investment suggested by its name. Additional information about the Fund, its
policies, and the investment instruments it may hold, is provided below.
The Funds share price will fluctuate with market, economic and, to the extent applicable,
foreign exchange conditions, so that an investment in the Fund may be worth more or less when
B-3
redeemed than when purchased. The Fund should not be relied upon as a complete investment
program.
The following discussion supplements the information in the Funds Prospectuses.
General Information Regarding The Fund
.
The Investment Adviser may purchase for the Fund common stocks, preferred stocks, interests in
real estate investment trusts, convertible debt obligations, convertible preferred stocks, equity
interests in trusts, partnerships, joint ventures, limited liability companies and similar
enterprises, warrants and stock purchase rights and synthetic and derivative instruments that have
economic characteristics similar to equity securities (equity investments). The Investment
Adviser utilizes first-hand fundamental research, including visiting company facilities to assess
operations and to meet decision-makers, in choosing the Funds securities. The Investment Adviser
may also use macro analysis of numerous economic and valuation variables to anticipate changes in
company earnings and the overall investment climate. The Investment Adviser is able to draw on the
research and market expertise of the Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research Department and other
affiliates of the Investment Adviser, as well as information provided by other securities dealers.
Equity investments in the Funds portfolio will generally be sold when the Investment Adviser
believes that the market price fully reflects or exceeds the investments fundamental valuation or
when other more attractive investments are identified.
Stock Selection and Portfolio Construction.
The Fund seeks to maintain an equity portfolio
that will produce an index-like total return. However, because of the impact of call options
written by the Fund, the return of the Fund is not expected to closely track its benchmark, the S&P
Index even if the return of the portfolio securities held by the Fund resembles the return of the
benchmark. In addition, the return of the Fund may trail the return of the S&P 500 Index for short
or extended periods of time.
Generally, the Fund will seek to hold certain of the higher dividend paying stocks within each
industry and sector while still maintaining industry and sector weights that are similar to those
of the S&P 500 Index. The Investment Adviser will consider annualized dividend yields, scheduled
dividend record dates and any extraordinary dividends when evaluating securities. The Investment
Adviser will generally not seek to outperform the S&P 500 Index through active security selection.
The Investment Adviser will use proprietary quantitative techniques, including optimization
tools, a risk model, and a transactions cost model, in identifying a portfolio of stocks that it
believes may enhance expected dividend yield while limiting deviations when compared to the S&P 500
Index. Deviations are constrained with regards to position sizes, industry weights, sector
weights, volatility as compared to the market (i.e., Beta) and estimated tracking error.
Call Writing.
The Fund will regularly write call options in order to generate additional cash
flow. It is anticipated that the calls will typically be written against the S&P 500 Index or
against exchange-traded funds linked to the S&P 500 (ETFs). The goal of the call writing is to
B-4
generate an amount of premium that, when annualized and added to the Funds expected dividend
yield, provides an attractive level of cash flow.
The Investment Adviser anticipates generally using index call options, or call options on
ETFs, with expirations of three months or less. Outstanding call options will be rolled forward
upon expiration, so that there will generally be some options outstanding.
Corporate Debt Obligations
The Fund may, under normal market conditions, invest in corporate debt obligations, including
obligations of industrial, utility and financial issuers. Corporate debt obligations include
bonds, notes, debentures and other obligations of corporations to pay interest and repay principal.
The Fund may only invest in debt securities that are cash equivalents. Corporate debt obligations
are subject to the risk of an issuers inability to meet principal and interest payments on the
obligations and may also be subject to price volatility due to such factors as market interest
rates, market perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and general market liquidity.
The Investment Adviser employs its own credit research and analysis, which includes a study of
existing debt, capital structure, ability to service debt and to pay dividends, the issuers
sensitivity to economic conditions, its operating history and the current trend of earnings. The
Investment Adviser continually monitors the investments in the Funds portfolio and evaluates
whether to dispose of or to retain corporate debt obligations whose credit ratings or credit
quality may have changed.
Commercial Paper and Other Short-Term Corporate Obligations
The Fund may invest in commercial paper and other short-term obligations issued or guaranteed
by U.S. corporations, non-U.S. corporations or other entities. Commercial paper represents
short-term unsecured promissory notes issued in bearer form by banks or bank holding companies,
corporations and finance companies.
U.S. Government Securities
The Fund may invest in U.S. Government Securities. Some U.S. Government Securities (such as
Treasury bills, notes and bonds, which differ only in their interest rates, maturities and times of
issuance) are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States. Others, such as
obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored
enterprises, are supported either by (i) the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury,
(ii) the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of the
issuer or (iii) only the credit of the issuer. The U.S. government is under no legal obligation,
in general, to purchase the obligations of its agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored
enterprises. No assurance can be given that the U.S. government will provide financial support to
the U.S. government agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises in the future.
U.S. Government Securities include (to the extent consistent with the Act) securities for
which the payment of principal and interest is backed by an irrevocable letter of credit issued by
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the U.S. government, or its agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. U.S. Government
Securities may also include (to the extent consistent with the Act) participations in loans made to
foreign governments or their agencies that are guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S.
government or its agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. The secondary market for
certain of these participations is extremely limited. In the absence of a suitable secondary
market, such participations are regarded as illiquid.
The Fund may also purchase U.S. Government Securities in private placements and may also
invest in separately traded principal and interest components of securities guaranteed or issued by
the U.S. Treasury that are traded independently under the separate trading of registered interest
and principal of securities program (STRIPS). The Fund may also invest in zero coupon U.S.
Treasury Securities and in zero coupon securities issued by financial institutions which represent
a proportionate interest in underlying U.S. Treasury Securities. A zero coupon security pays no
interest to its holder during its life and its value consists of the difference between its face
value at maturity and its cost. The market prices of zero coupon securities generally are more
volatile than the market prices of securities that pay interest periodically.
Bank Obligations
The Fund may invest in obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. or foreign banks. Bank
obligations, including without limitation, time deposits, bankers acceptances and certificates of
deposit, may be general obligations of the parent bank or may be limited to the issuing branch by
the terms of the specific obligations or by government regulation. Banks are subject to extensive
but different governmental regulations which may limit both the amount and types of loans which may
be made and interest rates which may be charged. In addition, the profitability of the banking
industry is largely dependent upon the availability and cost of funds for the purpose of financing
lending operations under prevailing money market conditions. General economic conditions as well as
exposure to credit losses arising from possible financial difficulties of borrowers play an
important part in the operation of this industry.
Zero Coupon Bonds
The Funds investments in fixed-income securities may include zero coupon bonds. Zero coupon
bonds are debt obligations issued or purchased at a discount from face value. The discount
approximates the total amount of interest the bonds would have accrued and compounded over the
period until maturity. Zero coupon bonds do not require the periodic payment of interest. Such
investments benefit the issuer by mitigating its need for cash to meet debt service but also
require a higher rate of return to attract investors who are willing to defer receipt of such cash.
Such investments may experience greater volatility in market value than debt obligations which
provide for regular payments of interest. In addition, if an issuer of zero coupon bonds held by
the Fund defaults, the Fund may obtain no return at all on its investment. The Fund will accrue
income on such investments for each taxable year which (net of deductible expenses, if any) is
distributable to shareholders and which, because no cash is generally received at the time of
accrual, may require the liquidation of other portfolio securities to obtain sufficient cash to
satisfy the Funds distribution obligations.
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Variable and Floating Rate Securities
The interest rates payable on certain fixed-income securities in which the Fund may invest are
not fixed and may fluctuate based upon changes in market rates. A variable rate obligation has an
interest rate which is adjusted at pre-designated periods in response to changes in the market rate
of interest on which the interest rate is based. Variable and floating rate obligations are less
effective than fixed rate instruments at locking in a particular yield. Nevertheless, such
obligations may fluctuate in value in response to interest rate changes if there is a delay between
changes in market interest rates and the interest reset date for the obligation.
Custodial Receipts and Trust Certificates
The Fund may invest in debt custodial receipts and trust certificates, which may be
underwritten by securities dealers or banks, representing interests in securities held by a
custodian or trustee. The securities so held may include U.S. Government securities, municipal
securities or other types of securities in which the Fund may invest. The custodial receipts or
trust certificates are underwritten by securities dealers or banks and may evidence ownership of
future interest payments, principal payments or both on the underlying securities, or, in some
cases, the payment obligation of a third party that has entered into an interest rate swap or other
arrangement with the custodian or trustee. For certain securities laws purposes, custodial
receipts and trust certificates may not be considered obligations of the U.S. Government or other
issuer of the securities held by the custodian or trustee. As a holder of custodial receipts and
trust certificates, the Fund will bear its proportionate share of the fees and expenses charged to
the custodial account or trust. The Fund may also invest in separately issued interests in
custodial receipts and trust certificates.
Although under the terms of a custodial receipt or trust certificate the Fund would be
typically authorized to assert its rights directly against the issuer of the underlying obligation,
the Fund could be required to assert through the custodian bank or trustee those rights as may
exist against the underlying issuers. Thus, in the event an underlying issuer fails to pay
principal and/or interest when due, the Fund may be subject to delays, expenses and risks that are
greater than those that would have been involved if the Fund had purchased a direct obligation of
the issuer. In addition, in the event that the trust or custodial account in which the underlying
securities have been deposited is determined to be an association taxable as a corporation, instead
of a non-taxable entity, the yield on the underlying securities would be reduced in recognition of
any taxes paid.
Certain custodial receipts and trust certificates may be synthetic or derivative instruments
that have interest rates that reset inversely to changing short-term rates and/or have embedded
interest rate floors and caps that require the issuer to pay an adjusted interest rate if market
rates fall below or rise above a specified rate. Because some of these instruments represent
relatively recent innovations, and the trading market for these instruments is less developed than
the markets for traditional types of instruments, it is uncertain how these instruments will
perform under different economic and interest-rate scenarios. Also, because these instruments may
be leveraged, their market values may be more volatile than other types of fixed income instruments
and may present greater potential for capital gain or loss. The possibility of default by an
issuer or the issuers credit provider may be greater for these derivative instruments than for
other types of instruments. In some cases, it may be difficult to determine the fair value of a
derivative instrument because of a lack of reliable objective information and an established
secondary market for some instruments may not exist. In many cases, the Internal Revenue Service
has not ruled on the tax treatment of the interest
B-7
or payments received on the derivative instruments and, accordingly, purchases of such instruments
are based on the opinion of counsel to the sponsors of the instruments.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts
The Fund may purchase and sell futures contracts and may also purchase and write call and put
options on futures contracts. The Fund may purchase and sell futures contracts based on various
securities, securities indices, foreign currencies and other financial instruments and indices.
The Fund may engage in transactions only with respect to U.S. equity indices. The Fund will engage
in futures and related options transactions in order to seek to increase total return or to hedge
against changes in securities prices. The Fund may also enter into closing purchase and sale
transactions with respect to such contracts and options. The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has
claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term commodity pool operator under the Commodity
Exchange Act and, therefore, is not subject to registration or regulation as a pool operator under
that Act with respect to the Fund.
Futures contracts entered into by the Fund have historically been traded on U.S. exchanges or
boards of trade that are licensed and regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission
(CFTC). More recently, certain futures may also be traded either over-the-counter or on trading
facilities such as derivatives transaction execution facilities, exempt boards of trade or
electronic trading facilities that are licensed and/or regulated to varying degrees by the CFTC.
Also, certain single stock futures and narrow based security index futures may be traded either
over-the-counter or on trading facilities such as contract markets, derivatives transaction
execution facilities and electronic trading facilities that are licensed and/or regulated to
varying degrees by both the CFTC and the SEC or on foreign exchanges.
Futures Contracts.
A futures contract may generally be described as an agreement between two
parties to buy and sell particular financial instruments for an agreed price during a designated
month (or to deliver the final cash settlement price, in the case of a contract relating to an
index or otherwise not calling for physical delivery at the end of trading in the contract).
When interest rates are rising or securities prices are falling, the Fund can seek through the
sale of futures contracts to offset a decline in the value of its current portfolio securities.
When interest rates are falling or securities prices are rising, the Fund, through the purchase of
futures contracts, can attempt to secure better rates or prices than might later be available in
the market when it effects anticipated purchases. Similarly, the Fund can purchase and sell
futures contracts on a specified currency in order to seek to increase total return or to protect
against changes in currency exchange rates. For example, the Fund can purchase futures contracts
on foreign currency to establish the price in U.S. dollars of a security quoted or denominated in
such currency that the Fund has acquired or expects to acquire. As another example, the Fund may
enter into futures transactions to seek a closer correlation between the Funds overall currency
exposures and the currency exposures of the Funds performance benchmark.
Positions taken in the futures market are not normally held to maturity, but are instead
liquidated through offsetting transactions which may result in a profit or a loss. While the Fund
will usually liquidate futures contracts on securities or currency in this manner, the Fund may
instead make or take delivery of the underlying securities or currency whenever it appears
B-8
economically advantageous for the Fund to do so. A clearing corporation associated with the
exchange on which futures are traded guarantees that, if still open, the sale or purchase will be
performed on the settlement date.
Hedging Strategies.
Hedging, by use of futures contracts, seeks to establish with more
certainty than would otherwise be possible the effective price, rate of return or currency exchange
rate on portfolio securities or securities that a Fund owns or proposes to acquire. The Fund may,
for example, take a short position in the futures market by selling futures contracts to seek to
hedge against an anticipated rise in interest rates or a decline in market prices or foreign
currency rates that would adversely affect the dollar value of such Funds portfolio securities.
Similarly, the Fund may sell futures contracts on a currency in which its portfolio securities are
quoted or denominated, or sell futures contracts on one currency to seek to hedge against
fluctuations in the value of securities quoted or denominated in a different currency if there is
an established historical pattern of correlation between the two currencies. If, in the opinion of
the Investment Adviser, there is a sufficient degree of correlation between price trends for the
Funds portfolio securities and futures contracts based on other financial instruments, securities
indices or other indices, the Fund may also enter into such futures contracts as part of its
hedging strategy. Although under some circumstances prices of securities in the Funds portfolio
may be more or less volatile than prices of such futures contracts, the Investment Adviser will
attempt to estimate the extent of this volatility difference based on historical patterns and
compensate for any such differential by having the Fund enter into a greater or lesser number of
futures contracts or by attempting to achieve only a partial hedge against price changes affecting
the Funds portfolio securities. When hedging of this character is successful, any depreciation in
the value of portfolio securities will be substantially offset by appreciation in the value of the
futures position. On the other hand, any unanticipated appreciation in the value of the Funds
portfolio securities would be substantially offset by a decline in the value of the futures
position.
On other occasions, the Fund may take a long position by purchasing such futures contracts.
This may be done, for example, when the Fund anticipates the subsequent purchase of particular
securities when it has the necessary cash, but expects the prices or currency exchange rates then
available in the applicable market to be less favorable than prices or rates that are currently
available.
Options on Futures Contracts.
The acquisition of put and call options on futures contracts
will give the Fund the right (but not the obligation), for a specified price, to sell or to
purchase, respectively, the underlying futures contract at any time during the option period. As
the purchaser of an option on a futures contract, the Fund obtains the benefit of the futures
position if prices move in a favorable direction but limits its risk of loss in the event of an
unfavorable price movement to the loss of the premium and transaction costs.
The writing of a call option on a futures contract generates the premium which may partially
offset a decline in the value of the Funds assets. By writing a call option, the Fund becomes
obligated, in exchange for the premium, to sell a futures contract if the option is exercised,
which may have a value higher than the exercise price. The writing of a put option on a futures
contract generates a premium, which may partially offset an increase in the price of securities
that the Fund intends to purchase. However, the Fund becomes obligated (upon the
B-9
exercise of the option) to purchase a futures contract if the option is exercised, which may
have a value lower than the exercise price. Thus, the loss incurred by the Fund in writing options
on futures is potentially unlimited and may exceed the amount of the premium received. The Fund
will incur transaction costs in connection with the writing of options on futures.
The holder or writer of an option on a futures contract may terminate its position by selling
or purchasing an offsetting option on the same financial instrument. There is no guarantee that
such closing transactions can be effected. The Funds ability to establish and close out positions
on such options will be subject to the development and maintenance of a liquid market.
Other Considerations.
The Fund will engage in transactions in futures contracts and related
options transactions only to the extent such transactions are consistent with the requirements of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code) for maintaining its qualification as a
regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes. Transactions in futures contracts
and options on futures involve brokerage costs, require margin deposits and, in certain cases,
require the Fund to segregate cash or liquid assets in an amount equal to the underlying value of
such contracts and options.
While transactions in futures contracts and options on futures may reduce certain risks, such
transactions themselves entail certain other risks. Thus, unanticipated changes in interest rates,
securities prices or currency exchange rates may result in a poorer overall performance for the
Fund than if it had not entered into any futures contracts or options transactions. When futures
contracts and options are used for hedging purposes, perfect correlation between the Funds futures
positions and portfolio positions will be impossible to achieve. In the event of an imperfect
correlation between a futures position and a portfolio position which is intended to be protected,
the desired protection may not be obtained and the Fund may be exposed to risk of loss.
Perfect correlation between the Funds futures positions and portfolio positions will be
difficult to achieve, particularly where futures contracts based on individual equity or corporate
fixed-income securities are currently not available. In addition, it is not possible for the Fund
to hedge fully or perfectly against currency fluctuations affecting the value of securities quoted
or denominated in foreign currencies because the value of such securities is likely to fluctuate as
a result of independent factors unrelated to currency fluctuations. The profitability of the
Funds trading in futures depends upon the ability of the Investment Adviser to analyze correctly
the futures markets.
Options on Securities and Securities Indices
Writing Covered Options.
The Fund may write (sell) covered call and put options on any
securities in which it may invest. The Fund may also, to the extent it invests in foreign
securities, write (sell) put and call options on foreign currencies. A call option written by the
Fund obligates it to sell specified securities to the holder of the option at a specified price if
the option is exercised before the expiration date. All call options written by the Fund are
covered, which means that it will own the securities subject to the option as long as the option is
outstanding or it will use the other methods described below. The Funds purpose in writing
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covered call options is to realize greater income than would be realized on portfolio
securities transactions alone. However, the Fund may forego the opportunity to profit from an
increase in the market price of the underlying security.
A put option written by the Fund would obligate such Fund to purchase specified securities
from the option holder at a specified price if the option is exercised at any time before the
expiration date. All put options written by the Fund would be covered, which means that it will
segregate cash or liquid assets with a value at least equal to the exercise price of the put option
or will use the other methods described below. The purpose of writing such options is to generate
additional income for the Fund. However, in return for the option premium, the Fund accepts the
risk that it may be required to purchase the underlying securities at a price in excess of the
securities market value at the time of purchase.
In the case of a call option, the option is covered if the Fund owns the instrument
underlying the call or has an absolute and immediate right to acquire that instrument without
additional cash consideration (or, if additional cash consideration is required, liquid assets in
such amount are segregated) upon conversion or exchange of other instruments held by it. A call
option is also covered if the Fund holds a call on the same instrument as the option written where
the exercise price of the option held is (i) equal to or less than the exercise price of the option
written, or (ii) greater than the exercise price of the option written provided the Fund segregates
liquid assets in the amount of the difference. A put option is also covered if the Fund holds a
put on the same instrument as the option written where the exercise price of the option held is (i)
equal to or higher than the exercise price of the option written, or (ii) less than the exercise
price of the option written provided the Fund segregates liquid assets in the amount of the
difference.
The Fund may also write (sell) covered call and put options on any securities index comprised
of securities in which it may invest. Options on securities indices are similar to options on
securities, except that the exercise of securities index options requires cash payments and does
not involve the actual purchase or sale of securities. In addition, securities index options are
designed to reflect price fluctuations in a group of securities or segment of the securities market
rather than price fluctuations in a single security. The Fund expects that, under normal
circumstances, it will sell call options on the S&P 500 Index or related exchange traded funds in
an amount that is between 25% and 75% of the value of the Funds portfolio.
The Fund may cover call options on a securities index by owning securities whose price changes
are expected to be similar to those of the underlying index, or by having an absolute and immediate
right to acquire such securities without additional cash consideration (or for additional
consideration which has been segregated by the Fund) upon conversion or exchange of other
securities in its portfolio. The Fund may cover put options on a securities index by segregating
cash or liquid assets with a value equal to the exercise price or by owning offsetting options as
described above.
The Fund may terminate its obligations under an exchange traded call or put option by
purchasing an option identical to the one it has written. Obligations under over-the-counter
options may be terminated only by entering into an offsetting transaction with the counterparty to
such option. Such purchases are referred to as closing purchase transactions.
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Purchasing Options.
The Fund may purchase put and call options on any securities in which it
may invest or options on any securities index comprised of securities in which it may invest. The
Fund may also, to the extent that it invests in foreign securities, purchase put and call options
on foreign currencies. The Fund may also enter into closing sale transactions in order to realize
gains or minimize losses on options it had purchased.
The Fund may purchase call options in anticipation of an increase in the market value of
securities of the type in which it may invest. The purchase of a call option would entitle the
Fund, in return for the premium paid, to purchase specified securities at a specified price during
the option period. The Fund would ordinarily realize a gain if, during the option period, the
value of such securities exceeded the sum of the exercise price, the premium paid and transaction
costs; otherwise the Fund would realize either no gain or a loss on the purchase of the call
option.
The Fund may purchase put options in anticipation of a decline in the market value of
securities in its portfolio (protective puts) or in securities in which it may invest. The
purchase of a put option would entitle the Fund, in exchange for the premium paid, to sell
specified securities at a specified price during the option period. The purchase of protective
puts is designed to offset or hedge against a decline in the market value of the Funds securities.
Put options may also be purchased by the Fund for the purpose of affirmatively benefiting from a
decline in the price of securities which it does not own. The Fund would ordinarily realize a gain
if, during the option period, the value of the underlying securities decreased below the exercise
price sufficiently to more than cover the premium and transaction costs; otherwise it would realize
either no gain or a loss on the purchase of the put option. Gains and losses on the purchase of
protective put options would tend to be offset by countervailing changes in the value of the
underlying portfolio securities.
The Fund would purchase put and call options on securities indices for the same purposes as it
would purchase options on individual securities. For a description of options on securities
indices, see Writing Covered Options above.
Risks Associated with Options Transactions.
There is no assurance that a liquid secondary
market on an options exchange will exist for any particular exchange-traded option or at any
particular time. If the Fund is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction with respect to
covered options it has written, the Fund will not be able to sell the underlying securities or
dispose of segregated assets until the options expire or are exercised. Similarly, if the Fund is
unable to effect a closing sale transaction with respect to options it has purchased, it will have
to exercise the options in order to realize any profit and will incur transaction costs upon the
purchase or sale of underlying securities.
Reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market on an exchange include the following:
(i) there may be insufficient trading interest in certain options; (ii) restrictions may be imposed
by an exchange on opening or closing transactions or both; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or
other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options; (iv)
unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; (v) the
facilities of an exchange or the Options Clearing Corporation may not at all times be adequate to
handle current trading volume; or (vi) one or more exchanges could, for
B-12
economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the
trading of options (or a particular class or series of options), in which event the secondary
market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would cease to exist, although
outstanding options on that exchange that had been issued by the Options Clearing Corporation as a
result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.
There can be no assurance that higher trading activity, order flow or other unforeseen events
might not, at times, render certain of the facilities of the Options Clearing Corporation or
various exchanges inadequate. Such events have, in the past, resulted in the institution by an
exchange of special procedures, such as trading rotations, restrictions on certain types of order
or trading halts or suspensions with respect to one or more options. These special procedures may
limit liquidity.
The Fund may purchase and sell both options that are traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges and
options traded over-the-counter with broker-dealers who make markets in these options. The ability
to terminate over-the-counter options is more limited than with exchange-traded options and may
involve the risk that broker-dealers participating in such transactions will not fulfill their
obligations.
Transactions by the Fund in options on securities and indices will be subject to limitations
established by each of the exchanges, boards of trade or other trading facilities on which such
options are traded governing the maximum number of options in each class which may be written or
purchased by a single investor or group of investors acting in concert regardless of whether the
options are written or purchased on the same or different exchanges, boards of trade or other
trading facility or are held in one or more accounts or through one or more brokers. Thus, the
number of options which the Fund may write or purchase may be affected by options written or
purchased by other investment advisory clients of the Investment Adviser. An exchange, board of
trade or other trading facility may order the liquidation of positions found to be in excess of
these limits, and it may impose certain other sanctions.
The writing and purchase of options is a highly specialized activity which involves investment
techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities
transactions. The use of options to seek to increase total return involves the risk of loss if the
Investment Adviser is incorrect in its expectation of fluctuations in securities prices or interest
rates. The successful use of options for hedging purposes also depends in part on the ability of
the Investment Adviser to manage future price fluctuations and the degree of correlation between
the options and securities (or currency) markets. If the Investment Adviser is incorrect in its
expectation of changes in securities prices or determination of the correlation between the
securities or securities indices on which options are written and purchased and the securities in
the Funds investment portfolio, the Fund may incur losses that it would not otherwise incur. The
writing of options could increase the Funds portfolio turnover rate and, therefore, associated
brokerage commissions or spreads.
Real Estate Investment Trusts
The Fund may invest in shares of REITs. The Fund expects that a substantial portion of its
assets will be invested in REITs and real estate industry companies. REITs are pooled
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investment vehicles which invest primarily in real estate or real estate related loans. REITs
are generally classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs or a combination of equity and mortgage
REITs. Equity REITs invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive
income primarily from the collection of rents. Equity REITs can also realize capital gains by
selling properties that have appreciated in value. Mortgage REITs invest the majority of their
assets in real estate mortgages and derive income from the collection of interest payments. Like
regulated investment companies such as the Fund, REITs are not taxed on income distributed to
shareholders provided they comply with certain requirements under the Code. The Fund will
indirectly bear its proportionate share of any expenses paid by REITs in which it invests in
addition to the expenses paid by the Fund.
Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks. Equity REITs may be affected by changes in
the value of the underlying property owned by such REITs, while mortgage REITs may be affected by
the quality of any credit extended. REITs are dependent upon management skills, are not
diversified (except to the extent the Code requires), and are subject to the risks of financing
projects. REITs are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, default by borrowers, self-liquidation,
and the possibilities of failing to qualify for the exemption from tax for distributed income under
the Code and failing to maintain their exemptions from the Act. REITs (especially mortgage REITs)
are also subject to interest rate risks.
Warrants and Stock Purchase Rights
The Fund may invest in warrants or rights (in addition to those acquired in units or attached
to other securities) which entitle the holder to buy equity securities at a specific price for a
specific period of time. The Fund will invest in warrants and rights only if such equity
securities are deemed appropriate by the Investment Adviser for investment by the Fund. However,
the Fund has no present intention of acquiring warrants or rights. Warrants and rights have no
voting rights, receive no dividends and have no rights with respect to the assets of the issuer.
Foreign Securities
The Fund may invest only in equity securities of foreign issuers which are traded in the
United States. Investments in foreign securities may offer potential benefits not available from
investments solely in U.S. dollar-denominated or quoted securities of domestic issuers. Such
benefits may include the opportunity to invest in foreign issuers that appear, in the opinion of
the Investment Adviser, to offer the potential for long-term growth of capital and income, the
opportunity to invest in foreign countries with economic policies or business cycles different from
those of the United States and the opportunity to reduce fluctuations in portfolio value by taking
advantage of foreign stock markets that do not necessarily move in a manner parallel to U.S.
markets.
Investing in foreign securities involves certain special risks, including those discussed in
the Funds Prospectuses and those set forth below, which are not typically associated with
investing in U.S. dollar-denominated or quoted securities of U.S. issuers. Investments in foreign
securities usually involve currencies of foreign countries. Accordingly, a Fund that invests in
foreign securities may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency rates and in
B-14
exchange control regulations and may incur costs in connection with conversions between
various currencies. The Fund may be subject to currency exposure independent of its securities
positions. To the extent that the Fund is fully invested in foreign securities while also
maintaining currency positions, it may be exposed to greater combined risk.
Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time. They
generally are determined by the forces of supply and demand in the foreign exchange markets and the
relative merits of investments in different countries, actual or anticipated changes in interest
rates and other complex factors, as seen from an international perspective. Currency exchange
rates also can be affected unpredictably by intervention by U.S. or foreign governments or central
banks or the failure to intervene or by currency controls or political developments in the United
States or abroad.
Since foreign issuers generally are not subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial
reporting standards, practices and requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies,
there may be less publicly available information about a foreign company than about a U.S. company.
Volume and liquidity in most foreign securities markets are less than in the United States and
securities of many foreign companies are less liquid and more volatile than securities of
comparable U.S. companies. The securities of foreign issuers may be listed on foreign securities
exchanges or traded in foreign over-the-counter markets. Fixed commissions on foreign securities
exchanges are generally higher than negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges, although the Fund
endeavors to achieve the most favorable net results on its portfolio transactions. There is
generally less government supervision and regulation of foreign securities exchanges, brokers,
dealers and listed and unlisted companies than in the United States, and the legal remedies for
investors may be more limited than the remedies available in the United States.
Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain
markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of
securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Such delays in
settlement could result in temporary periods when some of the Funds assets are uninvested and no
return is earned on such assets. The inability of the Fund to make intended security purchases due
to settlement problems could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability
to dispose of portfolio securities due to settlement problems could result either in losses to the
Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the portfolio securities or, if the Fund has entered
into a contract to sell the securities, could result in possible liability to the purchaser. In
addition, with respect to certain foreign countries, there is the possibility of expropriation or
confiscatory taxation, limitations on the movement of funds and other assets between different
countries, political or social instability, or diplomatic developments which could adversely affect
the Funds investments in those countries. Moreover, individual foreign economies may differ
favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross national
product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments
position.
The Fund may invest in foreign securities which take the form of sponsored and unsponsored
American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) and Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) (together,
Depositary Receipts).
B-15
ADRs represent the right to receive securities of foreign issuers deposited in a domestic bank
or a correspondent bank. ADRs are traded on domestic exchanges or in the U.S. over-the-counter
market and, generally, are in registered form. GDRs are receipts evidencing an arrangement with a
non-U.S. bank similar to that for ADRs and are designed for use in the non-U.S. securities markets.
GDRs are not necessarily quoted in the same currency as the underlying security.
To the extent the Fund acquires Depositary Receipts through banks which do not have a
contractual relationship with the foreign issuer of the security underlying the Depositary Receipts
to issue and service such unsponsored Depositary Receipts, there may be an increased possibility
that the Fund would not become aware of and be able to respond to corporate actions such as stock
splits or rights offerings involving the foreign issuer in a timely manner. In addition, the lack
of information may result in inefficiencies in the valuation of such instruments. Investment in
Depositary Receipts does not eliminate all the risks inherent in investing in securities of
non-U.S. issuers. The market value of Depositary Receipts is dependent upon the market value of
the underlying securities and fluctuations in the relative value of the currencies in which the
Depositary Receipts and the underlying securities are quoted. However, by investing in Depositary
Receipts, such as ADRs, that are quoted in U.S. dollars, the Fund may avoid currency risks during
the settlement period for purchases and sales.
Convertible Securities
The Fund may invest in convertible securities. Convertible securities are bonds, debentures,
notes, preferred stocks or other securities that may be converted into or exchanged for a specified
amount of common stock of the same or different issuer within a particular period of time at a
specified price or formula. A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest that is
generally paid or accrued on debt or a dividend that is paid or accrued on preferred stock until
the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Convertible securities
have unique investment characteristics, in that they generally (i) have higher yields than common
stocks, but lower yields than comparable non-convertible securities, (ii) are less subject to
fluctuation in value than the underlying common stock due to their fixed-income characteristics and
(iii) provide the potential for capital appreciation if the market price of the underlying common
stock increases.
The value of a convertible security is a function of its investment value (determined by its
yield in comparison with the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and quality that do
not have a conversion privilege) and its conversion value (the securitys worth, at market value,
if converted into the underlying common stock). The investment value of a convertible security is
influenced by changes in interest rates, with investment value normally declining as interest rates
increase and increasing as interest rates decline. The credit standing of the issuer and other
factors may also have an effect on the convertible securitys investment value. The conversion
value of a convertible security is determined by the market price of the underlying common stock.
If the conversion value is low relative to the investment value, the price of the convertible
security is governed principally by its investment value. To the extent the market price of the
underlying common stock approaches or exceeds the conversion price, the price of the convertible
security will be increasingly influenced by its conversion value. A convertible
B-16
security generally will sell at a premium over its conversion value by the extent to which
investors place value on the right to acquire the underlying common stock while holding a
fixed-income security.
A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price
established in the convertible securitys governing instrument. If a convertible security held by
the Fund is called for redemption, the Fund will be required to permit the issuer to redeem the
security, convert it into the underlying common stock or sell it to a third party. Any of these
actions could have an adverse effect on the Funds ability to achieve its investment objective,
which, in turn, could result in losses to the Fund.
Preferred Securities
The Fund may invest in preferred securities. Unlike debt securities, the obligations of an
issuer of preferred stock, including dividend and other payment obligations, may not typically be
accelerated by the holders of preferred stock on the occurrence of an event of default (such as a
covenant default or filing of a bankruptcy petition) or other non-compliance by the issuer with the
terms of the preferred stock. Often, however, on the occurrence of any such event of default or
non-compliance by the issuer, preferred stockholders will be entitled to gain representation on the
issuers board of directors or increase their existing board representation. In addition,
preferred stockholders may be granted voting rights with respect to certain issues on the
occurrence of any event of default.
Equity Swaps
The Fund may enter into equity swap contracts to invest in a market without owning or taking
physical custody of securities in various circumstances, including circumstances where direct
investment in the securities is restricted for legal reasons or is otherwise impracticable. Equity
swaps may also be used for hedging purposes or to seek to increase total return. The counterparty
to an equity swap contract will typically be a bank, investment banking firm or broker/dealer.
Equity swap contracts may be structured in different ways. For example, a counterparty may agree
to pay the Fund the amount, if any, by which the notional amount of the equity swap contract would
have increased in value had it been invested in the particular stocks (or an index of stocks), plus
the dividends that would have been received on those stocks. In these cases, the Fund may agree to
pay to the counterparty a floating rate of interest on the notional amount of the equity swap
contract plus the amount, if any, by which that notional amount would have decreased in value had
it been invested in such stocks. Therefore, the return to the Fund on the equity swap contract
should be the gain or loss on the notional amount plus dividends on the stocks less the interest
paid by the Fund on the notional amount. In other cases, the counterparty and the Fund may each
agree to pay the other the difference between the relative investment performances that would have
been achieved if the notional amount of the equity swap contract had been invested in different
stocks (or indices of stocks).
The Fund will generally enter into equity swaps on a net basis, which means that the two
payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net
amount of the two payments. Payments may be made at the conclusion of an equity swap contract or
periodically during its term. Equity swaps normally do not involve the delivery of
B-17
securities or other underlying assets. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to equity
swaps is normally limited to the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to
make. If the other party to an equity swap defaults, the Funds risk of loss consists of the net
amount of payments that it is contractually entitled to receive, if any. Inasmuch as these
transactions are entered into for hedging purposes or are offset by segregated cash or liquid
assets to cover the Funds potential exposure, the Fund and their Investment Adviser believe that
transactions do not constitute senior securities under the Act and, accordingly, will not treat
them as being subject to the Funds borrowing restrictions.
The Fund will not enter into swap transactions unless the unsecured commercial paper, senior
debt or claims paying ability of the other party thereto is considered to be investment grade by
the Investment Adviser. The Funds ability to enter into certain swap transactions may be limited
by tax considerations.
Lending of Portfolio Securities
The Fund may lend portfolio securities. Under present regulatory policies, such loans may be
made to institutions, such as brokers or dealers (including, Goldman Sachs) and are required to be
secured continuously by collateral in cash, cash equivalents, letters of credit or U.S. Government
securities maintained on a current basis at an amount, marked to market daily, at least equal to
the market value of the securities loaned. Cash received as collateral for securities lending
transactions may be invested in short-term investments. Investing the collateral subjects it to
market depreciation or appreciation, and the Fund is responsible for any loss that may result from
its investment of the borrowed collateral. The Fund will have the right to terminate a loan at any
time and recall the loaned securities within the normal and customary settlement time for
securities transactions. For the duration of the loan the Fund will continue to receive the
equivalent of the interest or dividends paid by the issuer on the securities loaned and will also
receive compensation from investment of the collateral. The Fund will not have the right to vote
any securities having voting rights during the existence of the loan, but the Fund may call the
loan in anticipation of an important vote to be taken by the holders of the securities or the
giving or withholding of their consent on a material matter affecting the investment. As with
other extensions of credit there are risks of delay in recovering, or even loss of rights in, the
collateral and loaned securities should the borrower of the securities fail financially. However,
the loans will be made only to firms deemed to be of good standing, and when the consideration
which can be earned currently from securities loans of this type is deemed to justify the attendant
risk. In determining whether to lend securities to a particular borrower and during the period of
the loan, the creditworthiness of the borrower will be considered and monitored. It is intended
that the value of the securities loaned by the Fund will not exceed one-third of the value of the
total assets of the Fund (including the loan collateral). Loan collateral (including any
investment of the collateral) is not subject to the percentage limitations stated elsewhere in this
Additional Statement of the Prospectus regarding investing in fixed-income securities and cash
equivalents.
The Funds Board of Trustees has approved the Funds participation in a securities lending
program and adopted policies and procedures relating thereto. Under the securities lending
program, the Fund has retained an affiliate of the Investment Adviser to serve as the securities
lending agent for the Fund. For these services the lending agent may receive a fee from the Fund,
including a fee based on the returns earned on the Funds investment of cash
B-18
received as collateral for the loaned securities. In addition, the Fund may make brokerage and
other payments to Goldman Sachs and its affiliates in connection with the Funds portfolio
investment transactions. The lending agent may, on behalf of the Fund, invest cash collateral
received by it for securities loans in, among other things, other registered or unregistered funds.
These funds include private investing funds or money market funds that are managed by the
Investment Adviser or its affiliates for the purpose of investing cash collateral generated from
securities lending activities and which pay the Investment Adviser or its affiliates for these
services. The Funds Board of Trustees will periodically review securities loan transactions for
which the Goldman Sachs affiliate has acted as lending agent for compliance with the Funds
securities lending procedures. Goldman Sachs also has been approved as a borrower under the Funds
securities lending program, subject to certain conditions.
When-Issued Securities and Forward Commitments
The Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued basis or purchase or sell securities on a
forward commitment basis beyond the customary settlement time. These transactions involve a
commitment by the Fund to purchase or sell securities at a future date. The price of the
underlying securities (usually expressed in terms of yield) and the date when the securities will
be delivered and paid for (the settlement date) are fixed at the time the transaction is
negotiated. When-issued purchases and forward commitment transactions are negotiated directly with
the other party, and such commitments are not traded on exchanges. The Fund will generally
purchase securities on a when-issued basis or purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment
basis only with the intention of completing the transaction and actually purchasing or selling the
securities. If deemed advisable as a matter of investment strategy, however, the Fund may dispose
of or negotiate a commitment after entering into it. The Fund may realize a capital gain or loss
in connection with these transactions. For purposes of determining the Funds duration, the
maturity of when-issued or forward commitment securities will be calculated from the commitment
date. The Fund is generally required to segregate until three days prior to the settlement date,
cash and liquid assets in an amount sufficient to meet the purchase price unless the Funds
obligations are otherwise covered. Securities purchased or sold on a when-issued or forward
commitment basis involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines prior
to the settlement date or if the value of the security to be sold increases prior to the settlement
date.
Investment in Unseasoned Companies
The Fund may invest in companies (including predecessors) which have operated less than three
years. The securities of such companies may have limited liquidity, which can result in their
being priced higher or lower than might otherwise be the case. In addition, investments in
unseasoned companies are more speculative and entail greater risk than do investments in companies
with an established operating record.
Other Investment Companies
The Fund reserves the right to invest up to 10% of its total assets, calculated at the time of
purchase, in the securities of other investment companies (including exchange-traded funds such as
Standard & Poors Depositary Receipts (SPDRs) and iShares
sm
, as defined below)
B-19
but may neither invest more than 5% of its total assets in any one investment company nor
acquire more than 3% of the voting securities of any other investment company. Pursuant to an
exemptive order obtained from the SEC, the Fund may invest in money market funds for which the
Investment Adviser or any of its affiliates serves as investment adviser, administrator and/or
distributor. The Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees and
other expenses paid by investment companies in which it invests in addition to the management fees
and other expenses paid by it. However, to the extent that the Fund invests in a money market fund
for which the Investment Adviser or any of its affiliates acts as Investment Adviser, the
management fees payable by the Fund to the Investment Adviser will, to the extent required by the
SEC, be reduced by an amount equal to the Funds proportionate share of the management fees paid by
such money market fund to its investment adviser. Although the Fund does not expect to do so in
the foreseeable future, the Fund is authorized to invest substantially all of its assets in a
single open-end investment company or series thereof that has substantially the same investment
objective, policies and fundamental restrictions as the Fund.
Exchange-traded funds are shares of unaffiliated investment companies issuing shares which are
traded like traditional equity securities on a national stock exchange or the National Association
of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations System (NASDAQ) National Market System. SPDRs are
interests in a unit investment trust (UIT) that may be obtained from the UIT or purchased in the
secondary market (SPDRs are listed on the American Stock Exchange). The UIT was established to
accumulate and hold a portfolio of common stocks that is intended to track the price performance
and dividend yield of the Standard & Poors 500 Composite Stock Price Index (the S&P 500). The
UIT is sponsored by a subsidiary of the AMEX. SPDRs may be used for several reasons, including,
but not limited to, facilitating the handling of cash flows or trading or reducing transaction
costs. The price movement of SPDRs may not perfectly parallel the price activity of the S&P 500.
The UIT will issue SPDRs in aggregations known as Creation Units in exchange for a Portfolio
Deposit consisting of (i) a portfolio of securities substantially similar to the component
securities (Index Securities) of the S&P 500, (ii) a cash payment equal to a pro rata portion of
the dividends accrued on the UITs portfolio securities since the last dividend payment by the UIT,
net of expenses and liabilities, and (iii) a cash payment or credit (Balancing Amount) designed
to equalize the net asset value of the S&P 500 and the net asset value of a Portfolio Deposit.
SPDRs are not individually redeemable, except upon termination of the UIT. To redeem, an
investor must accumulate enough SPDRs to reconstitute a Creation Unit. The liquidity of small
holdings of SPDRs, therefore, will depend upon the existence of a secondary market. Upon
redemption of a Creation Unit, an investor will receive Index Securities and cash identical to the
Portfolio Deposit required of an investor wishing to purchase a Creation Unit that day.
The price of SPDRs is derived from and based upon the securities held by the UIT.
Accordingly, the level of risk involved in the purchase or sale of a SPDR is similar to the risk
involved in the purchase or sale of traditional common stock, with the exception that the pricing
mechanism for SPDRs is based on a basket of stocks. Disruptions in the markets for the securities
underlying SPDRs purchased or sold by the Funds could result in losses on SPDRs.
The Fund may also purchase shares of investment companies investing primarily in foreign
securities, including country funds. Country funds have portfolios consisting primarily
B-20
of securities of issuers located in specified foreign countries or regions. The Fund may,
subject to the limitations stated above, invest in iShares
sm
and similar securities that
invest in securities included in specified indices including the MSCI indices for various countries
and regions. iShares
sm
are listed on the AMEX and were initially offered to the public
in 1996. The market prices of iShares
sm
are expected to fluctuate in accordance with
both changes in the asset values of their underlying indices and supply and demand of
iShares
sm
on the AMEX. However, iShares
sm
have a limited operating history
and information is lacking regarding the actual performance and trading liquidity of
iShares
sm
for extended periods or over complete market cycles. In addition, there is no
assurance that the requirements of the AMEX necessary to maintain the listing of
iShares
sm
will continue to be met or will remain unchanged. In the event substantial
market or other disruptions affecting iShares
sm
should occur in the future, the
liquidity and value of the Funds shares could also be substantially and adversely affected. If
such disruptions were to occur, the Fund could be required to reconsider the use of
iShares
sm
as part of its investment strategy.
Repurchase Agreements
The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with banks, brokers and securities dealers which
furnish collateral at least equal in value or market price to the amount of their repurchase
obligations. A repurchase agreement is an arrangement under which the Fund purchases securities
and the seller agrees to repurchase the securities within a particular time and at a specified
price. Custody of the securities is maintained by the Funds custodian (or subcustodian). The
repurchase price may be higher than the purchase price, the difference being income to the Fund, or
the purchase and repurchase prices may be the same, with interest at a stated rate due to the Fund
together with the repurchase price on repurchase. In either case, the income to the Fund is
unrelated to the interest rate on the security subject to the repurchase agreement.
For purposes of the Act and generally for tax purposes, a repurchase agreement is deemed to be
a loan from the Fund to the seller of the security. For other purposes, it is not always clear
whether a court would consider the security purchased by the Fund subject to a repurchase agreement
as being owned by the Fund or as being collateral for a loan by the Fund to the seller. In the
event of commencement of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings with respect to the seller of the
security before repurchase of the security under a repurchase agreement, the Fund may encounter
delay and incur costs before being able to sell the security. Such a delay may involve loss of
interest or a decline in price of the security. If the court characterizes the transaction as a
loan and the Fund has not perfected a security interest in the security, the Fund may be required
to return the security to the sellers estate and be treated as an unsecured creditor of the
seller. As an unsecured creditor, the Fund would be at risk of losing some or all of the principal
and interest involved in the transaction.
Apart from the risk of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, there is also the risk that the
seller may fail to repurchase the security. However, if the market value of the security subject
to the repurchase agreement becomes less than the repurchase price (including accrued interest),
the Fund will direct the seller of the security to deliver additional securities so that the market
value of all securities subject to the repurchase agreement equals or exceeds the repurchase price.
Certain repurchase agreements which provide for settlement in more than seven days can be
B-21
liquidated before the nominal fixed term on seven days or less notice. Such repurchase
agreements will be regarded as liquid instruments.
The Fund, together with other registered investment companies having advisory agreements with
the Investment Adviser or its affiliates, may transfer uninvested cash balances into a single joint
account, the daily aggregate balance of which will be invested in one or more repurchase
agreements.
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund may engage in active short-term trading to benefit from price disparities among
different issues of securities or among the markets for equity securities, or for other reasons.
It is anticipated that the portfolio turnover may vary greatly from year to year as well as within
a particular year, and may be affected by changes in the holdings of specific issuers, changes in
country and currency weightings, cash requirements for redemption of shares and by requirements
which enable the Fund to receive favorable tax treatment. The Fund is not restricted by policy
with regard to portfolio turnover and will make changes in their investment portfolio from time to
time as business and economic conditions as well as market prices may dictate.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The investment restrictions set forth below have been adopted by the Trust as fundamental
policies that cannot be changed with respect to the Fund without the affirmative vote of the
holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the Act) of the Fund.
The investment objective of the Fund and all other investment policies or practices of the Fund are
considered by the Trust not to be fundamental and accordingly may be changed without shareholder
approval. For purposes of the Act, majority of the outstanding voting securities means the
lesser of (a) 67% or more of the shares of the Trust or the Fund present at a meeting, if the
holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Trust or the Fund are present or
represented by proxy, or (b) more than 50% of the shares of the Trust or the Fund. For purposes of
the following limitations, any limitation which involves a maximum percentage shall not be
considered violated unless an excess over the percentage occurs immediately after, and is caused
by, an acquisition or encumbrance of securities or assets of, or borrowings by, the Fund. With
respect to the Funds fundamental investment restriction no. 3, asset coverage of at least 300% (as
defined in the Act), inclusive of any amounts borrowed, must be maintained at all times.
As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund may not:
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(1)
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Make any investment inconsistent with the Funds classification
as a diversified company under the Act.
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(2)
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Invest 25% or more of its total assets in the securities of one
or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same
industry (excluding the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or
instrumentalities).
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B-22
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(3)
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Borrow money, except (a) to the extent permitted by applicable
law, the Fund may borrow from banks (as identified in the Act), other
affiliated investment companies and other persons or through reverse repurchase
agreements in amounts up to 33-1/3% of its total assets (including the amount
borrowed), (b) the Fund may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, borrow
up to an additional 5% of its total assets for temporary purposes, (c) the Fund
may obtain such short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of
purchases and sales of portfolio securities, and (d) the Fund may purchase
securities on margin to the extent permitted by applicable law.
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(4)
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Make loans, except through (a) the purchase of debt obligations
in accordance with the Funds investment objective and policies, (b) repurchase
agreements with banks, brokers, dealers and other financial institutions, (c)
loans of securities as permitted by applicable law, and (d) loans to affiliates
of the Fund to the extent permitted by law.
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(5)
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Underwrite securities issued by others, except to the extent
that the sale of portfolio securities by the Fund may be deemed to be an
underwriting.
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(6)
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Purchase, hold or deal in real estate, although the Fund may
purchase and sell securities that are secured by real estate or interests
therein, securities of real estate investment trusts and mortgage-related
securities and may hold and sell real estate acquired by the Fund as a result
of the ownership of securities.
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(7)
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Invest in commodities or commodity contracts, except that the
Fund may invest in currency and financial instruments and contracts that are
commodities or commodity contracts.
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(8)
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Issue senior securities to the extent such issuance would
violate applicable law.
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The Fund may, notwithstanding any other fundamental investment restriction or policy, invest
some or all of its assets in a single open-end investment company or series thereof with
substantially the same fundamental investment objective, restrictions and policies as the Fund.
In addition to the fundamental policies mentioned above, the Trustees have adopted the
following non-fundamental policies which can be changed or amended by action of the Trustees
without approval of shareholders.
The Fund may not:
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(a)
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Invest in companies for the purpose of exercising control or
management.
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B-23
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(b)
|
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Invest more than 15% of the Funds net assets in illiquid
investments including illiquid repurchase agreements with a notice or demand
period of more than seven days, securities which are not readily marketable and
restricted securities not eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the
1933 Act.
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(c)
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Purchase additional securities if the Funds borrowings exceed
5% of its net assets.
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(d)
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Make short sales of securities.
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TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the Board of Trustees
subject to the laws of the State of Delaware and the Trusts Declaration of Trust. The Trustees
are responsible for deciding matters of general policy and reviewing the actions of the Trusts
service providers. The officers of the Trust conduct and supervise the Funds daily business
operations.
Trustees of the Trust
Information pertaining to the Trustees of the Trust is set forth below. Trustees who are not
deemed to be interested persons of the Trust as defined in the Act are referred to as
Independent Trustees. Trustees who are deemed to be interested persons of the Trust are
referred to as Interested Trustees.
B-24
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Independent Trustees
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Number of
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Term of
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Portfolios in
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Office and
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Fund
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Position(s)
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Length of
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Complex
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Name,
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Held with
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Time
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Principal Occupation(s)
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Overseen by
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Other Directorships
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Address and Age
1
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the Trust
2
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Served
3
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During Past 5 Years
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Trustee
4
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Held by Trustee
5
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Ashok N. Bakhru
Age: 63
|
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Chairman of
the Board of
Trustees
|
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Since 1991
|
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President, ABN
Associates (July
1994March 1996 and
November
1998Present);
Executive Vice
President Finance
and Administration and
Chief Financial
Officer, Coty Inc.
(manufacturer of
fragrances and
cosmetics) (April
1996November 1998);
Director of Arkwright
Mutual Insurance
Company (19841999);
Trustee of
International House of
Philadelphia (program
center and residential
community for students
and professional
trainees from the
United States and
foreign countries)
(1989-2004); Member of
Cornell University
Council (1992-2004);
Trustee of the Walnut
Street Theater
(1992-2004); Trustee,
Scholarship America
(1998-Present);
Director, Private
Equity InvestorsIII
and IV (November
1998-Present), and
Equity-Limited
Investors II (April
2002-Present); and
Chairman, Lenders
Service Inc. (provider
of mortgage lending
services) (2000-2003).
Chairman of the Board
of Trustees Goldman
Sachs Mutual Fund
Complex (registered
investment companies).
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63
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None
|
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John P. Coblentz, Jr.
Age: 64
|
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Trustee
|
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Since 2003
|
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Partner, Deloitte &
Touche LLP (June 1975
May 2003).
Trustee Goldman
Sachs Mutual Fund
Complex (registered
investment companies).
|
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63
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None
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Patrick T. Harker
Age: 46
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Trustee
|
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Since 2000
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Dean and Reliance
Professor of
Operations and
Information
Management, The
Wharton School,
University of
Pennsylvania (February
2000-Present); Interim
and Deputy Dean, The
Wharton School,
University of
Pennsylvania (July
1999-Present); and
Professor and Chairman
of Department of
Operations and
Information
Management, The
Wharton School,
University of
Pennsylvania (July
1997August 2000).
Trustee Goldman
Sachs Mutual Fund
Complex (registered
investment companies).
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63
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None
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B-25
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Independent Trustees
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Number of
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Term of
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Portfolios in
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|
|
|
|
|
Office and
|
|
|
|
Fund
|
|
|
|
|
Position(s)
|
|
Length of
|
|
|
|
Complex
|
|
|
Name,
|
|
Held with
|
|
Time
|
|
Principal Occupation(s)
|
|
Overseen by
|
|
Other Directorships
|
Address and Age
1
|
|
the Trust
2
|
|
Served
3
|
|
During Past 5 Years
|
|
Trustee
4
|
|
Held by Trustee
5
|
Mary P. McPherson
Age: 69
|
|
Trustee
|
|
Since 1997
|
|
Vice President, The
Andrew W. Mellon
Foundation (provider
of grants for
conservation,
environmental and
educational purposes)
(October
1997-Present);
Director, Smith
College
(1998-Present);
Director, Josiah Macy,
Jr. Foundation (health
educational programs)
(1977-Present);
Director, Philadelphia
Contributionship
(insurance)
(1985-Present);
Director Emeritus,
Amherst College
(19861998); Director,
The Spencer Foundation
(educational research)
(1993-February 2003);
member of PNC Advisory
Board (banking)
(1993-1998);
Director, American
School of Classical
Studies in Athens
(1997-Present); and
Trustee, Emeriti
Retirement Health
Solutions
(post-retirement
medical insurance
program for
not-for-profit
institutions) (since
2005).
Trustee Goldman
Sachs Mutual Fund
Complex (registered
investment companies).
|
|
|
63
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wilma J. Smelcer
Age: 56
|
|
Trustee
|
|
Since 2001
|
|
Chairman, Bank of
America, Illinois
(banking)
(1998-January 2001);
and Governor, Board of
Governors, Chicago
Stock Exchange
(national securities
exchange) (April
2001-April 2004).
Trustee Goldman
Sachs Mutual Fund
Complex (registered
investment companies).
|
|
|
63
|
|
|
Lawson Products Inc.
(distributor of industrial
products).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Richard P. Strubel
Age: 65
|
|
Trustee
|
|
Since 1987
|
|
Vice Chairman and
Director, Unext, Inc.
(provider of
educational services
via the internet)
(2003-Present);
President, COO and
Director, Unext, Inc.
(1999-2003); Director,
Cantilever
Technologies, Inc. (a
private software
company)
(1999-Present);
Trustee, The
University of Chicago
(1987-Present); and
Managing Director,
Tandem Partners, Inc.
(management services
firm) (19901999).
Trustee Goldman
Sachs Mutual Fund
Complex (registered
investment companies).
|
|
|
63
|
|
|
Gildan Activewear Inc.
(an activewear clothing
marketing and manufacturing
company); Unext, Inc.
(provider of educational
services via the internet);
Northern Mutual
Fund Complex (53 Portfolios).
|
B-26
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Independent Trustees
|
*Alan A. Shuch
Age: 55
|
|
Trustee
|
|
Since 1990
|
|
Advisory Director GSAM (May
1999-Present); Consultant to
GSAM (December 1994 May
1999); and Limited Partner,
Goldman Sachs (December 1994
- May 1999).
Trustee Goldman Sachs
Mutual Fund Complex
(registered investment
companies).
|
|
|
63
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Term of
|
|
|
|
Portfolios in
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Office and
|
|
|
|
Fund
|
|
|
|
|
Position(s)
|
|
Length of
|
|
|
|
Complex
|
|
|
Name,
|
|
Held with
|
|
Time
|
|
Principal Occupation(s)
|
|
Overseen by
|
|
Other Directorships
|
Address and Age
1
|
|
the Trust
2
|
|
Served
3
|
|
During Past 5 Years
|
|
Trustee
4
|
|
Held by Trustee
5
|
*Kaysie P. Uniacke
Age: 44
|
|
Trustee
&
President
|
|
Since 2001
Since 2002
|
|
Managing Director, GSAM
(1997-Present).
Trustee Goldman Sachs
Mutual Fund Complex
(registered investment
companies).
President Goldman Sachs
Mutual Fund Complex
(2002-Present) (registered
investment companies).
Assistant Secretary Goldman
Sachs Mutual Fund Complex
(1997 2002) ( registered
investment companies).
Trustee Gettysburg College.
|
|
|
63
|
|
|
None
|
*
|
|
These persons are considered to be Interested Trustees because they hold positions with
Goldman Sachs and own securities issued by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. Each Interested
Trustee holds comparable positions with certain other companies of which Goldman Sachs, GSAM
or an affiliate thereof is the investment adviser, administrator and/or distributor.
|
|
1
|
|
Each Trustee may be contacted by writing to the Trustee, c/o Goldman Sachs, One New
York Plaza, 37
th
Floor, New York, New York, 10004, Attn: Howard B. Surloff.
|
|
2
|
|
The Trust is a successor to a Massachusetts business trust that was combined with the
Trust on April 30, 1997.
|
|
3
|
|
Each Trustee holds office for an indefinite term until the earliest of: (a) the
election of his or her successor; (b) the date the Trustee resigns or is removed by the Board
of Trustees or shareholders, in accordance with the Trusts Declaration of Trust; (c) the date
the Trustee attains the age of 72 years (in accordance with the current resolutions of the
Board of Trustees, which may be changed by the Trustees without shareholder vote); or (d) the
termination of the Trust.
|
|
4
|
|
The Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex consists of Goldman Sachs Trust and Goldman
Sachs Variable Insurance Trust. As of December 31, 2004, Goldman Sachs Trust consisted of 57
portfolios, including the Funds described in this Additional Statement, and Goldman Sachs
Variable Insurance Trust consisted of 6 portfolios.
|
|
5
|
|
This column includes only directorships of companies required to report to the SEC
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (
i.e.
, public companies) or other investment
companies registered under the Act.
|
B-27
Officers of the Trust
Information pertaining to the officers of the Trust is set forth below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Officers of the Trust
|
|
|
Position(s) Held
|
|
Term of Office
|
|
|
Name, Age
|
|
With the
|
|
and Length of
|
|
Principal Occupation(s)
|
And Address
|
|
Trust
|
|
Time Served
1
|
|
During Past 5 Years
|
Kaysie P. Uniacke
32 Old Slip
New York, NY 10005
Age: 44
|
|
President
&
Trustee
|
|
Since 2002
Since 2001
|
|
Managing Director, GSAM (1997-Present).
Trustee Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex (registered
investment companies).
President Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex
(registered investment companies).
Assistant Secretary Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex
(19972002) (registered investment companies).
Trustee Gettysburg College.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John M. Perlowski
32 Old Slip
New York, NY 10005
Age: 40
|
|
Treasurer
|
|
Since 1997
|
|
Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (November 2003
Present) and Vice President, Goldman Sachs (July
1995-November 2003).
Treasurer Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex
(registered investment companies).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Philip V. Giuca, Jr.
32 Old Slip
New York, NY 10005
Age: 43
|
|
Assistant
Treasurer
|
|
Since 1997
|
|
Vice President, Goldman Sachs (May 1992-Present).
Assistant Treasurer Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex
(registered investment companies).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peter Fortner
32 Old Slip
New York, NY 10005
Age: 47
|
|
Assistant
Treasurer
|
|
Since 2000
|
|
Vice President, Goldman Sachs (July 2000-Present);
Associate, Prudential Insurance Company of America
(November 1985June 2000); and Assistant Treasurer,
certain closed-end funds administered by Prudential
(1999 and 2000).
Assistant Treasurer Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex
(registered investment companies).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kenneth G. Curran
32 Old Slip
New York, NY 10005
Age: 41
|
|
Assistant
Treasurer
|
|
Since 2001
|
|
Vice President, Goldman Sachs (November 1998-Present);
and Senior Tax Manager, KPMG Peat Marwick (accountants)
(August 1995October 1998).
Assistant Treasurer Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex
(registered investment companies).
|
B-28
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Officers of the Trust
|
|
|
Position(s) Held
|
|
Term of Office
|
|
|
Name, Age
|
|
With the
|
|
and Length of
|
|
Principal Occupation(s)
|
And Address
|
|
Trust
|
|
Time Served
1
|
|
During Past 5 Years
|
James A. Fitzpatrick
4900 Sears Tower
Chicago, IL 60606
Age: 45
|
|
Vice
President
|
|
Since 1997
|
|
Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (October 1999
Present); and Vice President of GSAM (April
1997December 1999).
Vice President Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex
(registered investment companies).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jesse Cole
4900 Sears Tower
Chicago, IL 60606
Age: 41
|
|
Vice
President
|
|
Since 1998
|
|
Vice President, GSAM (June 1998-Present); and Vice
President, AIM Management Group, Inc. (investment
adviser) (April 1996June 1998).
Vice President Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex
(registered investment companies).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kerry K. Daniels
4900 Sears Tower
Chicago, IL 60606
Age: 42
|
|
Vice
President
|
|
Since 2000
|
|
Manager, Financial Control Shareholder Services,
Goldman Sachs (1986-Present).
Vice President Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex
(registered investment companies).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James McNamara
32 Old Slip
New York, NY 10005
Age: 42
|
|
Vice
President
|
|
Since 2001
|
|
Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (December
1998-Present); Director of Institutional Fund Sales,
GSAM (April 1998December 2000); and Senior Vice
President and Manager, Dreyfus Institutional Service
Corporation (January 1993 April 1998).
Vice PresidentGoldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex
(registered investment companies).
Trustee Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex
(registered investment companies) (December 2002-May
2004).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Howard B. Surloff
One New York Plaza
37
th
Floor
New York, NY 10004
Age: 39
|
|
Secretary
|
|
Since 2001
|
|
Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (November
2002Present); Associate General Counsel, Goldman Sachs
and General Counsel to the U.S. Funds Group (December
1997Present).
Secretary Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex
(registered investment companies) (2001-Present) and
Assistant Secretary prior thereto.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dave Fishman
32 Old Slip
New York, NY 10005
Age: 40
|
|
Assistant
Secretary
|
|
Since 2001
|
|
Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (December
2001Present); and Vice President, Goldman Sachs
(1997December 2001).
Assistant Secretary Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex
(registered investment companies).
|
B-29
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Officers of the Trust
|
|
|
Position(s) Held
|
|
Term of Office
|
|
|
Name, Age
|
|
With the
|
|
and Length of
|
|
Principal Occupation(s)
|
And Address
|
|
Trust
|
|
Time Served
1
|
|
During Past 5 Years
|
Danny Burke
32 Old Slip
New York, NY 10005
Age: 42
|
|
Assistant
Secretary
|
|
Since 2001
|
|
Vice President, Goldman Sachs (1987Present).
Assistant Secretary Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex
(registered investment companies).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Elizabeth
D. Anderson
32 Old Slip
New York, NY 10005
Age: 35
|
|
Assistant
Secretary
|
|
Since 1997
|
|
Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (December 2002
Present); Vice President, Goldman Sachs (1997-December
2002) and Fund Manager, GSAM (April 1996Present).
Assistant Secretary Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex
(registered investment companies).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amy E. Curran
One New York Plaza
37
th
Floor
New York, NY 10004
Age: 35
|
|
Assistant
Secretary
|
|
Since 1999
|
|
Vice President, Goldman Sachs (June 1999Present);
Assistant General Counsel, Goldman Sachs
(2000-Present); Counsel, Goldman Sachs (19982000); and
Associate, Dechert Price & Rhoads (law firm) (September
19961998).
Assistant Secretary Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex
(registered investment companies).
|
1
|
|
Officers hold office at the pleasure of the Board of Trustees or until their
successors are duly elected and qualified. Each officer holds comparable positions with
certain other companies of which Goldman Sachs, GSAM or an affiliate thereof is the investment
adviser, administrator and/or distributor.
|
Standing Board Committees
The Board of Trustees has established seven standing committees in connection with their
governance of the Fund Audit, Governance and Nominating, Compliance, Valuation, Dividend,
Schedule E and Contract Review.
The Audit Committee oversees the audit process and provides assistance to the full Board of
Trustees with respect to fund accounting, tax compliance and financial statement matters. In
performing its responsibilities, the Audit Committee selects and recommends annually to the entire
Board of Trustees an independent registered public accounting firm to audit the books and records
of the Trust for the ensuing year, and reviews with the firm the scope and results of each audit.
All of the Independent Trustees serve on the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee held three
meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004.
The Governance and Nominating Committee has been established to: (i) assist the Board of
Trustees in matters involving mutual fund governance and industry practices; (ii) select and
nominate candidates for appointment or election to serve as Trustees who are not interested
B-30
persons of the Trust or its investment adviser or distributor (as defined by the Act); and (iii)
advise the Board of Trustees on ways to improve its effectiveness. All of the Independent Trustees
serve on the Governance and Nominating Committee. The Governance and Nominating Committee held
four meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004. As stated above, each Trustee holds
office for an indefinite term until the occurrence of certain events. In filling Board vacancies,
the Governance and Nominating Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders.
Nominee recommendations should be submitted to the Trust at its mailing address stated in the
Funds Prospectuses and should be directed to the attention of Goldman Sachs Trust Governance and
Nominating Committee.
The Compliance Committee has been established for the purpose of overseeing the compliance
processes: (i) of the Fund; and (ii) insofar as they relate to services provided to the Fund, of
the Funds investment adviser, distributor, administrator (if any), and transfer agent, except that
compliance processes relating to the accounting and financial reporting processes, and certain
related matters, are overseen by the Audit Committee. In addition, the Compliance Committee
provides assistance to the full Board of Trustees with respect to compliance matters. The
Compliance Committee was formed on May 6, 2004 and met twice during the fiscal year ended December
31, 2004. All of the Independent Trustees serve on the Compliance Committee.
The Valuation Committee is authorized to act for the Board of Trustees in connection with the
valuation of portfolio securities held by the Funds in accordance with the Trusts Valuation
Procedures. Mr. Shuch and Ms. Uniacke serve on the Valuation Committee. During the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2004, the Valuation Committee held twelve meetings.
The Dividend Committee is authorized, subject to the ratification of Trustees who are not
members of the committee, to declare dividends and capital gain distributions consistent with each
Funds Prospectus. Currently, the sole member of the Trusts Dividend Committee is Ms. Uniacke.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, the Dividend Committee held twenty-one meetings
with respect to all of the Funds of the Trust (not including the Fund included in this Additional
Statement).
The Schedule E Committee is authorized to address potential conflicts of interest regulated by
the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (NASD). The sole member of the Trusts
Schedule E Committee is Mr. Bakhru. The Schedule E Committee did not meet during the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2004.
The Contract Review Committee has been established for the purpose of overseeing the processes
of the Board of Trustees for approving and monitoring the Funds investment management,
distribution, transfer agency and other agreements with the Funds Investment Adviser and its
affiliates. The Contract Review Committee is responsible for overseeing the Board of Trustees
processes for approving and reviewing the operation of the Funds distribution, service,
shareholder administration and other plans, and any agreements related to the plans, whether or not
such plans and agreements are adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The Contract
Review Committee also provides appropriate assistance to the Board of Trustees in connection with
the Boards approval, oversight and review of the Funds other service providers including, without
limitation, the Funds custodian/accounting agent, sub-
B-31
transfer agents, professional (legal and accounting) firms and printing firms. The Contract
Review Committee was formed on November 4, 2004 and held one meeting during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2004. All of the Independent Trustees serve on the Contract Review Committee.
Trustee Ownership of Fund Shares
The following table shows the dollar range of shares beneficially owned by each Trustee in the
Fund and other portfolios of the Trust and Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust as of December
31, 2004.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aggregate Dollar Range of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity Securities in All
|
|
|
|
Dollar Range of
|
|
|
Portfolios in Fund Complex
|
|
Name of Trustee
|
|
Equity Securities in the Funds
1
|
|
|
Overseen By Trustee
2
|
|
Ashok N. Bakhru
|
|
None
|
|
Over $100,000
|
John P. Coblentz, Jr.
|
|
None
|
|
Over $100,000
|
Patrick T. Harker
|
|
None
|
|
Over $100,000
|
Mary P. McPherson
|
|
None
|
|
Over $100,000
|
Alan A. Shuch
|
|
None
|
|
Over $100,000
|
Wilma J. Smelcer
|
|
None
|
|
Over $100,000
|
Richard P. Strubel
|
|
None
|
|
Over $100,000
|
Kaysie P. Uniacke
|
|
None
|
|
Over $100,000
|
1
|
|
The Fund in this Additional Statement was not yet in operation as of December
31, 2004.
|
|
2
|
|
Includes Goldman Sachs Trust and Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust. As
of December 31, 2004, Goldman Sachs Trust consisted of 57 portfolios (not including the Fund
described in this Additional Statement which had not yet been established on that date) and
Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust consisted of 6 portfolios.
|
As of March 31, 2005, the Trustees and officers of the Trust as a group owned less than
1% of the outstanding shares of beneficial interest of each Fund.
Board Compensation
The Trust pays each Independent Trustee an annual fee for his or her services as a Trustee of
the Trust, plus an additional fee for each regular and special telephonic Board meeting, Governance
and Nominating Committee meeting, Compliance Committee meeting, Contract Review Committee meeting,
and Audit Committee meeting attended by such Trustee. The Independent Trustees are also reimbursed
for travel expenses incurred in connection with attending such meetings. The Trust may also pay
the incidental costs of a Trustee to attend training or other types of conferences relating to the
investment company industry.
B-32
The following tables set forth certain information with respect to the compensation of each
Trustee of the Trust for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004:
Trustee Compensation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension or Retirement
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aggregate
|
|
|
|
Benefits Accrued as
|
|
|
|
Total Compensation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation
|
|
|
|
Part of the Trusts
|
|
|
|
From Fund Complex
|
|
|
|
Name of Trustee
|
|
|
from the Fund*
|
|
|
|
Expenses
|
|
|
|
(including the Fund)
3
|
|
|
|
Ashok N. Bakhru
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
198,500
|
|
|
|
Gary D. Black
2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John P. Coblentz, Jr.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
141,000
|
|
|
|
Patrick T. Harker
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
141,000
|
|
|
|
James McNamara
2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mary P. McPherson
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
141,000
|
|
|
|
Alan A. Shuch
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wilma J. Smelcer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
141,000
|
|
|
|
Richard P. Strubel
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
141,000
|
|
|
|
Kaysie P. Uniacke
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
The Fund described in this Additional Statement was not yet in operation as of December
31, 2004.
|
|
1
|
|
Includes compensation as Board Chairman.
|
|
2
|
|
Mr. Black and Mr. McNamara resigned from the Boards of Trustees of Goldman
Sachs Trust and Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust in April 2004 and May 2004,
respectively.
|
|
3
|
|
The Fund Complex consists of Goldman Sachs Trust and Goldman Sachs Variable
Insurance Trust. Goldman Sachs Trust consisted of 57 portfolios and Goldman Sachs Variable
Insurance Trust consisted of 6 portfolios as of December 31, 2004.
|
Miscellaneous
Class A Shares of the Fund may be sold at net asset value without payment of any sales charge
to Goldman Sachs, its affiliates and their respective officers, partners, directors or employees
(including retired employees and former partners), any partnership of which Goldman Sachs is a
general partner, any Trustee or officer of the Trust and designated family members of any of the
above individuals. These and the Funds other sales load waivers are due to the nature of the
investors and/or the reduced sales effort and expense that are needed to obtain such investments.
The Trust, its Investment Adviser and principal underwriter have adopted codes of ethics under
Rule 17j-1 of the Act that permit personnel subject to their particular codes of ethics to invest
in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund.
B-33
INVESTMENT ADVISER
As stated in the Funds Prospectuses, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (GSAM) (formerly
Goldman Sachs Funds Management, L.P.), 32 Old Slip, New York, New York 10005 serves as Investment
Adviser to the Fund. GSAM is a subsidiary of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. and an affiliate of
Goldman Sachs. Prior to the end of April, 2003, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, a business unit of
the Investment Management Division of Goldman Sachs served as the Funds investment adviser. In
April 2003, GSAM assumed Goldman Sachs Asset Managements investment advisory responsibilities for
the Fund. See Service Providers in the Funds Prospectuses for a description of the Investment
Advisers duties to the Fund.
Founded in 1869, Goldman Sachs is among the oldest and largest investment banking firms in the
United States. Goldman Sachs is a leader in developing portfolio strategies and in many fields of
investing and financing, participating in financial markets worldwide and serving individuals,
institutions, corporations and governments. Goldman Sachs is also among the principal market
sources for current and thorough information on companies, industrial sectors, markets, economies
and currencies, and trades and makes markets in a wide range of equity and debt securities 24-hours
a day. The firm is headquartered in New York and has offices throughout the United States and in
Bangkok, Beijing, Buenos Aires, Calgary, Dublin, Frankfurt, Geneva, George Town, Hong Kong,
Johannesburg, London, Madrid, Mexico City, Milan, Moscow, Paris, Sao Paulo, Seoul, Shanghai,
Singapore, Stockholm, Sydney, Taipei, Tokyo, Toronto, and Zurich. It has trading professionals
throughout the United States, as well as in London, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Singapore. The active
participation of Goldman Sachs in the worlds financial markets enhances its ability to identify
attractive investments. Goldman Sachs has agreed to permit the Fund to use the name Goldman
Sachs or a derivative thereof as part of the Funds name for as long as the Funds Management
Agreement is in effect.
The Investment Adviser is able to draw on the substantial research and market expertise of
Goldman Sachs, whose investment research effort is one of the largest in the industry. The Goldman
Sachs Global Investment Research Department covers approximately 2,400 companies, over 50 economies
and over 25 markets. The in-depth information and analyses generated by Goldman Sachs research
analysts are available to the Investment Adviser.
For more than a decade, Goldman Sachs has been among the top-ranked firms in Institutional
Investors annual All-America Research Team survey. In addition, many of Goldman Sachs
economists, securities analysts, portfolio strategists and credit analysts have consistently been
highly ranked in respected industry surveys conducted in the United States and abroad. Goldman
Sachs is also among the leading investment firms using quantitative analytics to structure and
evaluate portfolios.
In managing the Fund, the Investment Adviser has access to Goldman Sachs economics research.
The Economics Research Department, based in London, conducts economic, financial and currency
markets research which analyzes economic trends and interest and exchange rate movements worldwide.
The Economics Research Department tracks factors such as inflation and money supply figures,
balance of trade figures, economic growth, commodity prices, monetary and fiscal policies, and
political events that can influence interest rates and currency trends. The success of Goldman
Sachs international research team has brought wide recognition
B-34
to its members. The team has earned top rankings in various external surveys such as Extel,
Institutional Investor and Reuters. These rankings acknowledge the achievements of the firms
economists, strategists and equity analysts.
The Management Agreement provides that GSAM, in its capacity as Investment Adviser, may render
similar services to others so long as the services under the Management Agreement are not impaired
thereby. The Funds Management Agreement was approved by the Trustees of the Trust, including a
majority of the Trustees of the Trust who are not parties to such agreement or interested persons
(as such term is defined in the Act) of any party thereto (the non-interested Trustees), on
___, 2005. At that meeting the Board of Trustees reviewed the written and oral
presentations provided by the Investment Adviser in connection with the Trustees consideration of
the Management Agreement. The Trustees also reviewed, with the advice of legal counsel, their
responsibilities under applicable law. Among other things, the Trustees considered the Funds
proposed management fee rates; the Funds projected operating expense ratios; and the Investment
Advisers current and prospective fee waivers and expense reimbursements for the Fund and pricing
philosophy. The information on these matters was also compared to similar information for other
mutual funds. In addition, the Trustees considered the Funds management fee structure in
comparison to the structures used by other mutual funds; the revenues that may be received by the
Investment Adviser and its affiliates from the Fund for their investment management services and
for other, non-investment management services, and their expenses in providing such services; the
brokerage and research services received in connection with the placement of brokerage transactions
for the Fund; and the Funds projected asset levels and potential economies of scale. The Trustees
also considered the personnel and resources of the Investment Adviser, the overall nature and
quality of the Investment Advisers services and the specific provisions of the Management
Agreement. After consideration of the Investment Advisers presentations, the non-interested
Trustees discussed at greater length in executive session the fairness and reasonableness of the
Management Agreement to the Fund and its shareholders and concluded that the Management Agreement
should be approved in the interests of the Fund and its shareholders.
The Management Agreement will remain in effect until ___and will continue in
effect with respect to the Fund from year to year thereafter provided such continuance is
specifically approved at least annually by (i) the vote of a majority of the Funds outstanding
voting securities or a majority of the Trustees of the Trust, and (ii) the vote of a majority of
the non-interested Trustees of the Trust, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of
voting on such approval.
The Management Agreement will terminate automatically if assigned (as defined in the Act).
The Management Agreement is also terminable at any time without penalty by the Trustees of the
Trust or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund on 60 days written
notice to the Investment Adviser and by the Investment Adviser on 60 days written notice to the
Trust.
Pursuant to the Management Agreement the Investment Adviser is entitled to receive a fee,
computed daily and payable monthly, at the following annual rate (as a percentage of the Funds
average daily net assets): 0.80%; on the first $1 billion; 0.72% over $1 billion but less than $2
billion and 0.68% on $2 billion and over.
B-35
In addition to providing advisory services, under its Management Agreement, the Investment
Adviser also: (i) supervises all non-advisory operations of the Fund that it advises; (ii) provides
personnel to perform such executive, administrative and clerical services as are reasonably
necessary to provide effective administration of the Fund; (iii) arranges for at the Funds
expense: (a) the preparation of all required tax returns, (b) the preparation and submission of
reports to existing shareholders, (c) the periodic updating of prospectuses and statements of
additional information and (d) the preparation of reports to be filed with the SEC and other
regulatory authorities; (iv) maintains the Funds records; and (v) provides office space and all
necessary office equipment and services.
B-36
Portfolio Managers Other Accounts Managed by the Portfolio Managers
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Number of Other Accounts Managed and Total Assets by Account Type
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Number of Accounts and Total Assets for Which Advisory Fee is Performance Based
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Registered
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Registered
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Name of
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Investment
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Other Pooled
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Other
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Investment
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Other Pooled
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Other
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Portfolio Manager
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Companies
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Investment Vehicles
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Accounts
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Companies
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Investment Vehicles
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Accounts
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Number
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Number
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Number
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Number
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Number
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of
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Assets
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of
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Assets
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of
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Assets
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of
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Assets
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of
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Assets
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of
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Accounts
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Managed
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Accounts
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Managed
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Accounts
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Managed
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Accounts
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Managed
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Managed
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Accounts
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Managed
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Quantitative
Equity Team
Gary Chropuvka
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Don Mulvihill
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B-37
Conflicts of Interest
. The Investment Advisers portfolio managers are often
responsible for managing one or more of the Funds as well as other accounts, including proprietary
accounts, separate accounts and other pooled investment vehicles, such as unregistered hedge funds.
A portfolio manager may manage a separate account or other pooled investment vehicle which may
have materially higher fee arrangements than the Fund and may also have a performance-based fee.
The side-by-side management of these funds may raise potential conflicts of interest relating to
cross trading, the allocation of investment opportunities and the aggregation and allocation of
trades.
The Investment Adviser has a fiduciary responsibility to manage all client accounts in a fair
and equitable manner. It seeks to provide best execution of all securities transactions and
aggregate and then allocate securities to client accounts in a fair and timely manner. To this
end, the Investment Adviser has developed policies and procedures designed to mitigate and manage
the potential conflicts of interest that may arise from side-by-side management. In addition, the
Investment Adviser and the Fund have adopted policies limiting the circumstances under which
cross-trades may be effected between the Fund and another client account. The Investment Adviser
conducts periodic reviews of trades for consistency with these policies. For more information
about conflicts of interests that may arise in connection with the portfolio managers management
of the Funds investments and the investments of other accounts, see Potential Conflicts of
Interest Potential Conflicts Relating to the Allocation of Investment Opportunities Among the
Funds and Other Goldman Sachs Accounts and Potential Conflicts Relating to Goldman Sachs and the
Investment Advisers Proprietary Activities and Activities on Behalf of Other Accounts.
Portfolio Managers- Compensation
Quantitative Equity Team Base Salary and Performance Bonus
. The Investment Adviser
and its Quantitative Equity Teams (the QE Team) compensation packages for its portfolio managers
are comprised of a base salary and performance bonus. The performance bonus is a function of each
portfolio managers individual performance; his or her contribution to the overall performance of
QE Team strategies; and annual revenues in the investment strategy which in part is derived from
advisory fees and, for certain accounts, performance based fees.
The performance bonus for portfolio managers is significantly influenced by the following
criteria: (1) whether the Teams pre-tax performance exceeded performance benchmarks over a one,
three and five year period; (2) whether the portfolio manager managed portfolios within a defined
range around a targeted tracking error and risk budget; (3) consistency of performance across
accounts with similar profiles; and (4) communication with other portfolio managers within the
research process. In addition, the other factors that are also considered when the amount of
performance bonus is determined: (1) whether the Team performed consistently with objectives and
client commitments; (2) whether the Team achieved top tier rankings and ratings; and (3) whether
the Team managed all similarly mandated accounts in a consistent manner. Benchmarks for measuring
performance can either be broad based or narrow based indices which will vary based on client
expectations.
B-38
The QE Teams decision may also be influenced by the following: the performance of the
Investment Adviser and anticipated compensation levels among competitive firms.
The benchmark for the Fund is the S&P 500 Index and Lehman Intermediate Government Index.
Other Compensation All Teams
. In addition to base salary and performance bonus, the
Investment Adviser has a number of additional benefits/deferred compensation programs for all
portfolio managers in place including (i) a 401(k) program that enables employees to direct a
percentage of their pretax salary and bonus income into a tax-qualified retirement plan; (ii) a
profit sharing program to which Goldman Sachs & Co. makes a pretax contribution; and (iii)
investment opportunity programs in which certain professionals are eligible to participate subject
to certain net worth requirements. Portfolio managers may also receive grants of restricted stock
units and/or stock options as part of their compensation.
Certain GSAM portfolio managers may also participate in the firms Partner Compensation Plan,
which covers many of the firms senior executives. In general, under the Partner Compensation
Plan, participants receive a base salary and a bonus (which may be paid in cash or in the form of
an equity-based award) that is linked to Goldman Sachs overall financial performance.
Portfolio Managers Portfolio Managers Ownership of Securities in the Funds They Manage
The Fund was not in operation prior to the date of this Additional Statement. Consequently,
the Portfolio Managers owned no securities issued by the Fund.
Distributor and Transfer Agent
Goldman Sachs, 85 Broad Street, New York, New York 10004 serves as the exclusive distributor
of shares of the Fund pursuant to a best efforts arrangement as provided by a distribution
agreement with the Trust on behalf of the Fund. Shares of the Fund are offered and sold on a
continuous basis by Goldman Sachs, acting as agent. Pursuant to the distribution agreement, after
the Prospectuses and periodic reports have been prepared, set in type and mailed to shareholders,
Goldman Sachs will pay for the printing and distribution of copies thereof used in connection with
the offering to prospective investors. Goldman Sachs will also pay for other supplementary sales
literature and advertising costs. Goldman Sachs may enter into sales agreements with certain
investment dealers and other financial service firms (the Authorized Dealers) to solicit
subscriptions for Class A and Class C Shares of the Fund. Goldman Sachs receives a portion of the
sales charge imposed on the sale, in the case of Class A Shares or redemption in the case of Class
C Shares (and in certain cases, Class A Shares), of the Fund shares.
Goldman Sachs, 4900 Sears Tower, Chicago, IL 60606 serves as the Trusts transfer and dividend
disbursing agent. Under its transfer agency agreement with the Trust, Goldman Sachs
B-39
has undertaken with the Trust with respect to the Fund to: (i) record the issuance, transfer
and redemption of shares, (ii) provide purchase and redemption confirmations and quarterly
statements, as well as certain other statements, (iii) provide certain information to the Trusts
custodian and the relevant sub-custodian in connection with redemptions, (iv) provide dividend
crediting and certain disbursing agent services, (v) maintain shareholder accounts, (vi) provide
certain state Blue Sky and other information, (vii) provide shareholders and certain regulatory
authorities with tax related information, (viii) respond to shareholder inquiries, and (ix) render
certain other miscellaneous services. For its transfer agency services, Goldman Sachs is entitled
to receive a transfer agency fee equal, on an annualized basis, to 0.04% of average daily net
assets with respect to the Funds Institutional Shares and 0.19% of average daily net assets with
respect to the Funds Class A and Class C Shares.
The Trusts distribution and transfer agency agreement provides that Goldman Sachs may render
similar services to others so long as the services Goldman Sachs provides thereunder are not
impaired thereby. The agreement also provides that the Trust will indemnify Goldman Sachs against
certain liabilities.
Expenses
The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, is responsible for the payment of the Funds expenses. The
expenses include, without limitation, the fees payable to the Investment Adviser, service fees and
shareholder administration fees paid to Service Organizations, the fees and expenses of the Trusts
custodian and subcustodians, transfer agent fees and expenses, brokerage fees and commissions,
filing fees for the registration or qualification of the Trusts shares under federal or state
securities laws, expenses of the organization of the Funds, fees and expenses incurred by the Trust
in connection with membership in investment company organizations including, but not limited to,
the Investment Company Institute, taxes, interest, costs of liability insurance, fidelity bonds or
indemnification, any costs, expenses or losses arising out of any liability of, or claim for
damages or other relief asserted against, the Trust for violation of any law, legal, tax and
auditing fees and expenses (including the cost of legal and certain accounting services rendered by
employees of Goldman Sachs or its affiliates with respect to the Trust), expenses of preparing and
setting in type Prospectuses, Additional Statements, proxy material, reports and notices and the
printing and distributing of the same to the Trusts shareholders and regulatory authorities, any
expenses assumed by the Fund pursuant to its distribution and service plans, compensation and
expenses of its non-interested Trustees, the fees and expenses of pricing services and
extraordinary expenses, if any, incurred by the Trust. Except for fees and expenses under any
service plan, shareholder administration plan or distribution and service plan applicable to a
particular class and transfer agency fees and expenses, all Fund expenses are borne on a non-class
specific basis.
The imposition of the Investment Advisers fees, as well as other operating expenses, will
have the effect of reducing the total return to investors. From time to time, the Investment
Adviser may waive receipt of is fees and/or voluntarily assume certain expenses of the Fund, which
would have the effect of lowering the Funds overall expense ratio and increasing total return to
investors at the time such amounts are waived or assumed, as the case may be.
B-40
As of the date of this Additional Statement, the Investment Adviser voluntarily has agreed to
reduce or limit certain Other Expenses (excluding management fees, distribution and service fees,
transfer agency fees, service fees, shareholder administration fees, taxes, interest, brokerage,
and litigation, indemnification, shareholder meeting and other extraordinary expenses) for the Fund
to the extent such expenses exceed ___% of the Funds average daily net assets.
Such reductions or limits, if any, are calculated monthly on a cumulative basis during the
Funds fiscal year and may be discontinued or modified by the applicable Investment Adviser in its
discretion at any time.
Fees and expenses borne by the Fund relating to legal counsel, registering shares of the Fund,
holding meetings and communicating with shareholders may include an allocable portion of the cost
of maintaining an internal legal and compliance department. The Fund may also bear an allocable
portion of the Investment Advisers costs of performing certain accounting services not being
provided by the Funds custodian.
Custodian and Sub-Custodians
State Street Bank and Trust Company (State Street), 225 Franklin Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02110, is the custodian of the Trusts portfolio securities and cash. State Street
also maintains the Trusts accounting records. State Street may appoint domestic and foreign
sub-custodians and use depositories from time to time to hold securities and other instruments
purchased by the Trust in foreign countries and to hold cash and currencies for the Trust.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
_________, is the Funds independent registered public accounting
firm. In addition to audit services, ___prepares the Funds federal and
state tax returns, and provides assistance on certain non-audit matters.
POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Summary
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., including its affiliates and personnel (collectively for
purposes of this Summary section, Goldman Sachs), is a worldwide, full-service investment
banking, broker-dealer, asset management and financial services organization, and a major
participant in global financial markets. As a result, Goldman Sachs is engaged in many businesses
and has interests in the global fixed income, currency, commodity, equity and other markets in
addition to those related to the Fund, including as an investor, investment banker, research
provider, investment manager, investment adviser, financer, advisor, market maker,
B-41
proprietary trader, prime broker, lender and agent. Such additional businesses and interests may
give rise to potential conflicts of interest. The following is a brief summary description of
certain of these potential conflicts of interest:
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While the Investment Adviser will make decisions for the Fund in accordance with its
obligations to manage the Fund appropriately, the fees, compensation and other benefits
(including relating to business relationships of Goldman Sachs) to Goldman Sachs arising
therefrom may be greater as a result of certain portfolio, investment, service provider or
other decisions made by the Investment Adviser than they would have been had other
decisions been made which also might have been appropriate for the Fund.
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Goldman Sachs, its sales personnel and other financial service providers may have
conflicts associated with their promotion of the Fund or other dealings with the Fund that
would create incentives for them to promote the Fund.
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While the allocation of investment opportunities among Goldman Sachs, the Fund and other
funds and accounts managed by Goldman Sachs may raise potential conflicts because of
financial or other interests of Goldman Sachs or its personnel, portfolio managers will not
make allocation decisions based on such other factors.
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The Investment Adviser will give advice to and make investment decisions for the Fund as
it believes is in the fiduciary interests of the Fund. Advice given to the Fund or
investment decisions made for the Fund may differ from, and may conflict with, advice given
or investment decisions made for Goldman Sachs or other funds or accounts. Actions taken
with respect to Goldman Sachs or other funds or accounts may adversely impact the Fund, and
actions taken by the Fund may benefit Goldman Sachs or other funds or accounts.
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Goldman Sachs will be under no obligation to provide to the Fund, or effect transactions
on behalf of the Fund in accordance with, any market or other information, analysis,
technical models or research in its possession.
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To the extent permitted by the Act, the Fund may enter into transactions in which
Goldman Sachs acts as principal, or in which Goldman Sachs acts on behalf of the Fund and
the other parties to such transactions. Goldman Sachs will have potentially conflicting
interests in connection with such transactions.
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Goldman Sachs may act as broker, dealer, agent, lender or otherwise for the Fund and
will retain all commissions, fees and other compensation in connection therewith.
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Securities traded for the Fund may, but are not required to, be aggregated with trades
for other funds or accounts managed by Goldman Sachs. When transactions are aggregated but
it is not possible to receive the same price or execution on the entire volume of
securities purchased or sold, the various prices may be averaged, and the Fund will be
charged or credited with the average price. Thus, the effect of the aggregation may
operate on some occasions to the disadvantage of the Fund.
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B-42
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Products and services received by the Investment Adviser or its affiliates from brokers
in connection with brokerage services provided to the Fund and other funds or accounts
managed by Goldman Sachs may disproportionately benefit other of such funds and accounts
based on the relative amounts of brokerage services provided to the Fund and such other
funds and accounts.
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While the Investment Adviser will make proxy voting decisions as it believes appropriate
and in accordance with the Investment Advisers policies designed to help avoid conflicts
of interest, proxy voting decisions made by the Investment Adviser with respect to the
Funds portfolio securities may favor the interests of other clients or businesses of other
divisions or units of Goldman Sachs.
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Regulatory restrictions (including relating to the aggregation of positions among
different funds and accounts) and internal Goldman Sachs policies may restrict investment
activities of the Fund. Information held by Goldman Sachs could have the effect of
restricting investment activities of the Fund.
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Prospective investors should carefully review the following section of this document which more
fully describes these and other potential conflicts of interest presented by Goldman Sachs other
businesses and interests.
As a registered investment adviser under the Advisers Act, the Investment Adviser is required
to file a Form ADV with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Form ADV contains information
about assets under management, types of fee arrangements, types of investments, potential conflicts
of interest, and other relevant information regarding the Investment Adviser. A copy of Part 1 of
an Investment Advisers Form ADV is available on the SECs website (www.adviserinfo.sec.gov).
Potential Conflicts Relating to Portfolio Decisions, the Sale of Fund Shares and the Allocation
of Investment Opportunities
Goldman Sachs Other Activities May Have an Impact on the Fund
The Investment Adviser makes decisions for the Fund in accordance with its obligations as the
Investment Adviser of the Fund. However, Goldman Sachs other activities may have a negative
effect on the Fund. As a result of the various activities and interests of Goldman Sachs as
described in the first paragraph under Summary above, it is likely that the Fund will have
multiple business relationships with and will invest in, engage in transactions with, make voting
decisions with respect to, or obtain services from entities for which Goldman Sachs performs or
seeks to perform investment banking or other services. It is also likely that the Fund will
undertake transactions in securities in which Goldman Sachs makes a market or otherwise has other
direct or indirect interests. In addition, while the Investment Adviser will make decisions for
the Fund in accordance with its obligations to manage the Fund appropriately, the fees,
compensation and other benefits (including relating to business relationships of Goldman Sachs) to
Goldman Sachs arising therefrom may be greater as a result of certain portfolio, investment,
B-43
service provider or other decisions made by the Investment Adviser for the Fund than they would
have been had other decisions been made which also might have been appropriate for the Fund.
Goldman Sachs Financial and Other Interests and Relationships May Incentivize Goldman Sachs to
Promote the Sale of Fund Shares
Goldman Sachs, its sales personnel and other financial service providers, have interests in
promoting sales of the Fund. With respect to Goldman Sachs and its personnel, the remuneration and
profitability of activity relating to the Fund may be greater than the provision of other services
and sales of other products that might be provided or offered. For example, Goldman Sachs may
directly or indirectly receive a portion of the fees and commissions charged to the Fund. Such
fees and commissions may be higher than for other products or services, and the remuneration and
profitability to Goldman Sachs and such personnel resulting from transactions on behalf of the Fund
may be greater than the remuneration and profitability resulting from other products.
Goldman Sachs may also have business relationships with, and purchase, or distribute or sell,
services or products from or to, distributors, consultants and others who recommend the Fund, or
who engage in transactions with or for the Fund. For example, Goldman Sachs regularly participates
in industry and consultant sponsored conferences and may purchase educational data related or other
services from consultants or other third parties that it deems to be of value to its personnel and
its business. The products and services purchased from consultants may include, but are not
limited to, those that help Goldman Sachs understand the consultants points of view on the
investment management process. Consultants and other third parties that provide consulting or
other services to potential investors in the Fund may receive fees from Goldman Sachs or the Fund
in connection with the distribution of shares in the Fund or other Goldman Sachs products. In
addition, Goldman Sachs personnel, including employees of the Investment Adviser, may have board,
advisory, brokerage or other relationships with issuers, distributors, consultants and others that
may have investments in the Fund or that may recommend investments in the Fund or distribute the
Fund. As a result, those persons and institutions may have conflicts associated with their
promotion of the Fund or other dealings with the Fund that would create incentives for them to
promote the Fund or raise other conflicts.
Potential Conflicts Relating to the Allocation of Investment Opportunities Among the Funds
and Other Goldman Sachs Accounts
Goldman Sachs has potential conflicts in connection with the allocation of investments or
transaction decisions for the Fund, including in situations in which Goldman Sachs or its personnel
(including personnel of the Investment Adviser) have interests. For example, the Fund may be
competing for investment opportunities with current or future accounts or funds managed or advised
by Goldman Sachs (including the Investment Adviser). These accounts or funds may provide greater
fees or other compensation (such as performance based fees) to Goldman Sachs (including the
Investment Adviser) or in which Goldman Sachs (including the Investment Adviser) or its personnel
have an interest (collectively, the Client/GS Accounts).
B-44
Goldman Sachs may manage or advise Client/GS Accounts that have investment objectives that are
similar to those of the Fund and/or may seek to make investments in securities or other instruments
in which the Fund may invest. This will create potential conflicts and potential differences among
the Fund and other Client/GS Accounts, particularly where there is limited availability or limited
liquidity for those investments. The Investment Adviser has developed policies and procedures that
provide that it will allocate investment opportunities and make purchase and sale decisions among
the Fund and other Client/GS Accounts in a manner that it considers, in its sole discretion and
consistent with its fiduciary obligation to each client, to be reasonable and equitable over time.
The Investment Adviser will make allocations for the Fund and other Client/GS Accounts with
reference to numerous factors that may include, without limitation, relative sizes and expected
future sizes of applicable accounts, investment objectives and guidelines, risk tolerance,
availability of other investment opportunities, and available cash for investment. Although
allocating orders among the Fund and other Client/GS Accounts may create potential conflicts of
interest because of the interests of Goldman Sachs or its personnel or because Goldman Sachs may
receive greater fees or compensation from one of the Client/GS Accounts allocated orders, the
portfolio managers will not make allocation decisions based on such interests or greater fees or
compensation.
Allocation decisions among accounts may be more or less advantageous to any one account or
group of accounts. The Investment Adviser may determine that an investment opportunity or
particular purchases or sales are appropriate for one or more Client/GS Accounts or for themselves
or an affiliate, but not for the Fund, or is appropriate for, or available to, the Fund but in
different sizes, terms or timing than is appropriate for other Client/GS Accounts. Therefore, the
amount, timing, structuring or terms of an investment by the Fund may differ from, and performance
may be lower than, investments and performance of other Client/GS Accounts.
Other Potential Conflicts Relating to the Management of the Funds by the Investment Adviser
Potential Restrictions and Issues Relating to Information Held by Goldman Sachs
From time to time and subject to the Investment Advisers policies and procedures regarding
informational barriers, the Investment Adviser may consult with personnel in other areas of Goldman
Sachs, or with persons unaffiliated with Goldman Sachs, or may form investment policy committees
comprised of such personnel. The performance by such persons of obligations related to their
consultation with personnel of the Investment Adviser could conflict with their areas of primary
responsibility within Goldman Sachs or elsewhere. In connection with their activities with the
Investment Adviser, such persons may receive information regarding the Investment Advisers
proposed investment activities of the Fund that is not generally available to the public. There
will be no obligation on the part of such persons to make available for use by the Fund any
information or strategies known to them or developed in connection with their own client,
proprietary or other activities. In addition, Goldman Sachs will
B-45
be under no obligation to make available any research or analysis prior to its public
dissemination.
The Investment Adviser makes decisions for the Fund based on their investment programs. The
Investment Adviser from time to time may have access to certain fundamental analysis and
proprietary technical models developed by Goldman Sachs and its personnel. Goldman Sachs will not
be under any obligation, however, to effect transactions on behalf of the Fund in accordance with
such analysis and models.
In addition, Goldman Sachs has no obligation to seek information or to make available to or
share with the Fund any information, investment strategies, opportunities or ideas known to Goldman
Sachs personnel or developed or used in connection with other clients or activities. Goldman Sachs
and certain of its personnel, including the Investment Advisers personnel or other Goldman Sachs
personnel advising or otherwise providing services to the Fund, may be in possession of information
not available to all Goldman Sachs personnel, and such personnel may act on the basis of such
information in ways that have adverse effects on the Fund.
From time to time, Goldman Sachs may come into possession of material, non-public information
or other information that could limit the ability of the Fund to buy and sell investments. The
investment flexibility of the Fund may be constrained as a consequence. The Investment Adviser
generally is not permitted to obtain or use material non-public information in effecting purchases
and sales in public securities transactions for the Fund.
Potential Conflicts Relating to Goldman Sachs and the Investment Advisers Proprietary
Activities and Activities On Behalf of Other Accounts
The results of the investment activities of the Fund may differ significantly from the results
achieved by Goldman Sachs for its proprietary accounts and from the results achieved by Goldman
Sachs for other Client/GS Accounts. The Investment Adviser will manage the Fund and the other
Client/GS Accounts it manages in accordance with its respective investment objectives and
guidelines. However, Goldman Sachs may give advice, and take action, with respect to any current
or future Client/GS Accounts that may compete or conflict with the advice the Investment Adviser
may give to the Fund, or may involve a different timing or nature of action than with respect to
the Fund.
Transactions undertaken by Goldman Sachs or Client/GS Accounts may adversely impact the Fund.
Goldman Sachs and one or more Client/GS Accounts may buy or sell positions while the Fund is
undertaking the same or a differing, including potentially opposite, strategy, which could
disadvantage the Fund. For example, the Fund may buy a security and Goldman Sachs or Client/GS
Accounts may establish a short position in that same security. That subsequent short sale may
result in impairment of the price of the security that the Fund holds. Conversely, the Fund may
establish a short position in a security and Goldman Sachs or other Client/GS Accounts may buy that
same security. The subsequent purchase may result in an increase of the price of the underlying
position in the short sale exposure of the Fund and such increase in price would be to the Funds
detriment.
B-46
In addition, transactions in investments by one or more Client/GS Accounts or Goldman Sachs
may have the effect of diluting or otherwise disadvantaging the values, prices or investment
strategies of the Fund, particularly, but not limited to, in small capitalization, emerging market
or less liquid strategies. This may occur when portfolio decisions regarding the Fund are based on
research or other information that is also used to support portfolio decisions for other Client/GS
Accounts, which could impact the timing and manner in which the portfolio decisions for the Fund
and other Client/GS Accounts are implemented. When Goldman Sachs or a Client/GS Account implements
a portfolio decision or strategy ahead of, or contemporaneously with, similar portfolio decisions
or strategies for the Fund, market impact, liquidity constraints, or other factors could result in
the Fund receiving less favorable trading results and the costs of implementing such portfolio
decisions or strategies could be increased or the Fund could otherwise be disadvantaged. Goldman
Sachs may, in certain cases, elect to implement internal policies and procedures designed to limit
such consequences to Client/GS Accounts, which may cause the Fund to be unable to engage in certain
activities, including purchasing or disposing of securities, when it might otherwise be desirable
for it to do so.
Conflicts may also arise because portfolio decisions regarding the Fund may benefit other
Client/GS Accounts. For example, the sale of a long position or establishment of a short position
by the Fund may impair the price of the same security sold short by (and therefore benefit) Goldman
Sachs or other Client/GS Accounts, and the purchase of a security or covering of a short position
in a security by the Fund may increase the price of the same security held by (and therefore
benefit) Goldman Sachs or other Client/GS Accounts.
The directors, officers and employees of Goldman Sachs, including the Investment Adviser, may
buy and sell securities or other investments for their own accounts (including through funds
managed by Goldman Sachs, including the Investment Adviser). As a result of differing trading and
investment strategies or constraints, positions may be taken by directors, officers and employees
that are the same, different from or made at different times than positions taken for the Fund. To
reduce the possibility that the Fund will be materially adversely affected by the personal trading
described above, the Fund and Goldman Sachs, as the Funds Investment Adviser and distributor, has
established policies and procedures that restrict securities trading in the personal accounts of
investment professionals and others who normally come into possession of information regarding the
Funds portfolio transactions. The Fund and Goldman Sachs, as the Funds Investment Adviser and
distributor has adopted a code of ethics (collectively, the Codes of Ethics) in compliance with
Section 17(j) of the Act and monitoring procedures relating to certain personal securities
transactions by personnel of the Investment Adviser which the Investment Adviser deems to involve
potential conflicts involving such personnel, Client/GS Accounts managed by the Investment Adviser
and the Fund. The Codes require that personnel of the Investment Adviser comply with all
applicable federal securities laws and with the fiduciary duties and anti-fraud rules to which the
Investment Adviser is subject. The Codes of Ethics can be reviewed and copied at the SECs Public
Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may
be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-202-942-8090. The Codes of Ethics are also available on the
EDGAR Database on the SECs Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. Copies may also be obtained after
paying a
B-47
duplicating fee by writing the SECs Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-0102, or by
electronic request to publicinfo@sec.gov.
The Investment Advisers management of the Fund may benefit Goldman Sachs. For example, the
Fund may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, invest directly or indirectly in the
securities of companies in which Goldman Sachs has an equity, debt or other interest. In addition,
to the extent permitted by applicable law, the Fund may engage in investment transactions which may
result in other Client/GS Accounts being relieved of obligations or otherwise divesting of
investments or cause the Fund to have to divest certain investments. The purchase, holding and
sale of investments by the Fund may enhance the profitability of Goldman Sachs or other Client/GS
Accounts own investments in and its activities with respect to such companies.
Goldman Sachs and its clients may pursue or enforce rights with respect to an issuer in which
the Fund has invested, and those activities may have an adverse effect on the Fund. As a result,
prices, availability, liquidity and terms of the Funds investments may be negatively impacted by
the activities of Goldman Sachs or its clients, and transactions for the Fund may be impaired or
effected at prices or terms that may be less favorable than would otherwise have been the case.
Goldman Sachs may create, write, sell or issue, or act as placement agent or distributor of,
derivative instruments with respect to the Fund or with respect to which the underlying securities,
currencies or instruments may be those in which the Fund invest, or which may be otherwise based on
the performance of the Fund. The structure or other characteristics of the derivative instruments
may have an adverse effect on the Fund. For example, the derivative instruments could represent
leveraged investments in the Fund, and the leveraged characteristics of such investments could make
it more likely, due to events of default or otherwise, that there would be significant redemptions
of interests from the Fund more quickly than might otherwise be the case. Goldman Sachs, acting in
commercial capacities in connection with such derivative instruments, may in fact cause such a
redemption. This may have an adverse effect on the investment management, flexibility and
diversification strategies of the Fund and on the amount of fees, expenses and other costs incurred
directly or indirectly for the account of the Fund. Similarly, Goldman Sachs (including its
personnel or Client/GS Accounts) may invest in the Fund, may hedge its derivative positions by
buying or selling shares of the Fund, and reserves the right to redeem some or all of its
investments at any time. These investments and redemptions may be made without notice to the
shareholders.
Potential Conflicts in Connection with Investments in Goldman Sachs Money Market Funds
To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Fund may invest all or some of its short term
cash investments in any money market fund advised or managed by Goldman Sachs. In connection with
any such investments, the Fund, to the extent permitted by the Act, will pay its share of all
expenses (other than advisory and administrative fees) of a money market fund in which it invests
which may result in the Fund bearing some additional expenses.
B-48
Goldman Sachs May In-Source or Outsource
Subject to applicable law, Goldman Sachs, including the Investment Adviser, may from time to
time and without notice to investors in-source or outsource certain processes or functions in
connection with a variety of services that it provides to the Fund in its administrative or other
capacities. Such in-sourcing or outsourcing may give rise to additional conflicts of interest.
Potential Conflicts That May Arise When Goldman Sachs Acts in a Capacity Other Than Investment
Adviser to the Fund
To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Fund may enter into transactions and invest in
futures, securities, options, or other instruments in which Goldman Sachs serves as the
counterparty. The Fund may also enter into cross transactions in which Goldman Sachs acts on
behalf of the Fund and for the other party to the transaction. Goldman Sachs may have a
potentially conflicting division of responsibilities to both parties to a cross transaction. For
example, Goldman Sachs may represent both the Fund and another Client/GS Account in connection with
the purchase of a security by the Fund, and Goldman Sachs may receive compensation or other
payments from either or both parties, which could influence the decision of Goldman Sachs to cause
the Fund to purchase such security. The Fund will only consider engaging in a principal or cross
transaction with Goldman Sachs or its affiliates on behalf of a Client/GS Account to the extent
permitted by applicable law.
Goldman Sachs may act as broker, dealer, agent, lender or advisor or in other commercial
capacities for the Fund, it is anticipated that the commissions, mark-ups, mark-downs, financial
advisory fees, underwriting and placement fees, sales fees, financing and commitment fees,
brokerage fees, other fees, compensation or profits, rates, terms and conditions charged by Goldman
Sachs will be in its view commercially reasonable, although Goldman Sachs, including its sales
personnel, will have an interest in obtaining fees and other amounts that are favorable to Goldman
Sachs and such sales personnel.
Subject to applicable law, Goldman Sachs (and its personnel and other distributors) will be
entitled to retain fees and other amounts that it receives in connection with its service to the
Fund as broker, dealer, agent, lender, advisor or in other commercial capacities and no accounting
to the Fund or its shareholders will be required, and no fees or other compensation payable by the
Fund or its shareholders will be reduced by reason of receipt by Goldman Sachs of any such fees or
other amounts.
When Goldman Sachs acts as broker, dealer, agent, advisor or in other commercial capacities in
relation to the Fund, Goldman Sachs may take commercial steps in its own interests, which may have
an adverse effect on the Fund.
The Fund will be required to establish business relationships with its counterparties based on
its own credit standing. Goldman Sachs, including the Investment Adviser, will not have any
obligation to allow its credit to be used in connection with the Funds establishment of its
B-49
business relationships, nor is it expected that the Funds counterparties will rely on the
credit of Goldman Sachs in evaluating the Funds creditworthiness.
Potential Conflicts in Connection with Brokerage Transactions and Proxy Voting
Purchases and sales of securities for the Fund may be bunched or aggregated with orders for
other Client/GS Accounts. The Investment Adviser and its affiliates, however, are not required to
bunch or aggregate orders if portfolio management decisions for different accounts are made
separately, or if they determine that bunching or aggregating is not required or is inconsistent
with client direction.
Prevailing trading activity frequently may make impossible the receipt of the same price or
execution on the entire volume of securities purchased or sold. When this occurs, the various
prices may be averaged, and the Fund will be charged or credited with the average price. Thus, the
effect of the aggregation may operate on some occasions to the disadvantage of the Fund. In
addition, under certain circumstances, the Fund will not be charged the same commission or
commission equivalent rates in connection with a bunched or aggregated order.
The Investment Adviser may select brokers (including, without limitation, affiliates of the
Investment Adviser) that furnish the Investment Adviser, the Fund, other Client/GS Accounts or
their affiliates or personnel, directly or through correspondent relationships, with research or
other appropriate services which provide, in the Investment Advisers views, appropriate assistance
to the Investment Adviser in the investment decision-making process (including with respect to
futures, fixed-price offerings and over-the-counter transactions). Such research or other services
may include, to the extent permitted by law, research reports on companies, industries and
securities; economic and financial data; financial publications; proxy analysis; trade industry
seminars; computer data bases; quotation equipment and services; and research-oriented computer
hardware, software and other services and products. Research or other services obtained in this
manner may be used in servicing the Fund and other Client/GS Accounts, including in connection with
Client/GS Accounts other than those that pay commissions to the broker relating to the research or
other service arrangements. Such products and services may disproportionately benefit other
Client/GS Accounts relative to the Fund based on the amount of brokerage commissions paid by the
Fund and such other Client/GS Accounts. For example, research or other services that are paid for
through one clients commissions may not be used in managing that clients account. In addition,
other Client/GS Accounts may receive the benefit, including disproportionate benefits, of economies
of scale or price discounts in connection with products and services that may be provided to the
Fund and to such other Client/GS Accounts.
The Investment Adviser may endeavor to execute trades through brokers who, pursuant to such
arrangements, provide research or other services in order to ensure the continued receipt of
research or other services the Investment Adviser believes are useful in its investment
decision-making processes.
B-50
The Investment Adviser may from time to time choose not to engage in the above described soft
dollar arrangements to varying degrees.
The Investment Adviser has adopted policies and procedures designed to prevent conflicts of
interest from influencing proxy voting decisions that it makes on behalf of advisory clients,
including the Fund, and to help ensure that such decisions are made in accordance with the
Investment Advisers fiduciary obligations to its clients. Nevertheless, notwithstanding such
proxy voting policies and procedures, actual proxy voting decisions of the Investment Adviser may
have the effect of favoring the interests of other clients or businesses of other divisions or
units of Goldman Sachs and/or its affiliates provided that the Investment Adviser believes such
voting decisions to be in accordance with its fiduciary obligations. For a more detailed
discussion of these policies and procedures, see the section of this Additional Statement entitled
Proxy Voting.
Potential Regulatory Restrictions on Investment Adviser Activity
From time to time, the activities of the Fund may be restricted because of regulatory
requirements applicable to Goldman Sachs and/or its internal policies designed to comply with,
limit the applicability of, or otherwise relate to such requirements. A client not advised by
Goldman Sachs would not be subject to some of those considerations. There may be periods when the
Investment Adviser may not initiate or recommend certain types of transactions, or may otherwise
restrict or limit its advice in certain securities or instruments issued by or related to companies
for which Goldman Sachs is performing investment banking, market making or other services or has
proprietary positions. For example, when Goldman Sachs is engaged in an underwriting or other
distribution of securities of, or advisory services for, a company, the Fund may be prohibited from
or limited in purchasing or selling securities of that company. Similar situations could arise if
Goldman Sachs personnel serve as directors of companies the securities of which the Fund wish to
purchase or sell. However, if permitted by applicable law, the Fund may purchase securities or
instruments that are issued by such companies or are the subject of an underwriting, distribution,
or advisory assignment by Goldman Sachs, or in cases in which Goldman Sachs personnel are directors
or officers of the issuer.
The investment activities of Goldman Sachs for its proprietary accounts and for other accounts
may also limit the investment strategies and rights of the Fund. For example, in regulated
industries, in certain emerging or international markets, in corporate and regulatory ownership
definitions, and in certain futures and derivative transactions, there may be limits on the
aggregate amount of investment by affiliated investors that may not be exceeded without the grant
of a license or other regulatory or corporate consent or, if exceeded, may cause Goldman Sachs, the
Fund or other Client/GS Accounts to suffer disadvantages or business restrictions. If certain
aggregate ownership thresholds are reached or certain transactions undertaken, the ability of the
Investment Adviser on behalf of clients (including the Fund) to purchase or dispose of investments,
or exercise rights or undertake business transactions, may be restricted by regulation or otherwise
impaired. As a result, the Investment Adviser on behalf of clients (including the Fund) may limit
purchases, sell existing investments, or otherwise restrict or limit the exercise of rights
(including voting rights) when the Investment Adviser, in its sole
B-51
discretion, deem it appropriate in light of potential regulatory restrictions on ownership or other
impairments resulting from reaching investment thresholds.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
The Investment Adviser is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities for the Fund,
the selection of brokers and dealers to effect the transactions and the negotiation of brokerage
commissions, if any. Purchases and sales of securities on a securities exchange are effected
through brokers who charge a negotiated commission for their services. Increasingly, securities
traded over-the-counter also involve the payment of negotiated brokerage commissions. Orders may
be directed to any broker including, to the extent and in the manner permitted by applicable law,
Goldman Sachs.
In the over-the-counter market, most securities have historically traded on a net basis with
dealers acting as principal for their own accounts without a stated commission, although the price
of a security usually includes a profit to the dealer. In underwritten offerings, securities are
purchased at a fixed price which includes an amount of compensation to the underwriter, generally
referred to as the underwriters concession or discount. On occasion, certain money market
instruments may be purchased directly from an issuer, in which case no commissions or discounts are
paid.
In placing orders for portfolio securities of the Fund, the Investment Adviser is generally
required to give primary consideration to obtaining the most favorable execution and net price
available. This means that the Investment Adviser will seek to execute each transaction at a price
and commission, if any, which provides the most favorable total cost or proceeds reasonably
attainable in the circumstances. As permitted by Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, (Section 28(e)) the Fund may pay a broker which provides brokerage and research services to
the Fund an amount of disclosed commission in excess of the commission which another broker would
have charged for effecting that transaction. Such practice is subject to a good faith
determination that such commission is reasonable in light of the services provided and to such
policies as the Trustees may adopt from time to time. While the Investment Adviser generally seeks
reasonably competitive spreads or commissions, the Fund will not necessarily be paying the lowest
spread or commission available. Within the framework of this policy, the Investment Adviser will
consider research and investment services provided by brokers or dealers who effect or are parties
to portfolio transactions of the Fund, the Investment Adviser and its affiliates, or their other
clients. Such research and investment services are those which brokerage houses customarily
provide to institutional investors and include research reports on particular industries and
companies; economic surveys and analyses; recommendations as to specific securities; research
products including quotation equipment and computer related programs; advice concerning the value
of securities, the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling securities and the
availability of securities or the purchasers or sellers of securities; analyses and reports
concerning issuers, industries, securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy and
performance of accounts; services relating to effecting securities transactions and functions
incidental thereto (such as clearance and settlement); and
B-52
other lawful and appropriate assistance to the Investment Adviser in the performance of their
decision-making responsibilities.
Such services are used by the Investment Adviser in connection with all of its investment
activities, and some of such services obtained in connection with the execution of transactions for
the Fund may be used in managing other investment accounts. Conversely, brokers furnishing such
services may be selected for the execution of transactions of such other accounts, whose aggregate
assets may be larger than those of the Fund, and the services furnished by such brokers may be used
by the Investment Adviser in providing management services for the Trust. On occasion, a
broker-dealer might furnish an Investment Adviser with a service which has a mixed use (
i.e.
, the
service is used both for investment and brokerage activities and for other activities). Where this
occurs, the Investment Adviser will reasonably allocate the cost of the service, so that the
portion or specific component which assists in investment and brokerage activities is obtained
using portfolio commissions from the Fund or other managed accounts, and the portion or specific
component which provides other assistance (for example, administrative or non-research assistance)
is paid for by the Investment Adviser from its own funds.
On occasions when the Investment Adviser deems the purchase or sale of a security to be in the
best interest of the Fund as well as its other customers (including any other fund or other
investment company or advisory account for which the Investment Adviser acts as investment adviser
or sub-investment adviser), the Investment Adviser, to the extent permitted by applicable laws and
regulations, may aggregate the securities to be sold or purchased for the Fund with those to be
sold or purchased for such other customers in order to obtain the best net price and most favorable
execution under the circumstances. In such event, allocation of the securities so purchased or
sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by the Investment Adviser
in the manner it considers to be equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the
Fund and such other customers. In some instances, this procedure may adversely affect the price
and size of the position obtainable for the Fund.
Commission rates in the U.S. are established pursuant to negotiations with the broker based on
the quality and quantity of execution services provided by the broker in the light of generally
prevailing rates. The allocation of orders among brokers and the commission rates paid are
reviewed periodically by the Trustees.
The Fund may participate in a commission recapture program. Under the program, participating
broker-dealers will rebate a percentage of commissions earned on Fund portfolio transactions to the
Fund. The rebated commissions are expected to be treated as realized capital gains of the Fund.
Subject to the above considerations, the Investment Adviser may use Goldman Sachs as a broker
for the Fund. In order for Goldman Sachs to effect any portfolio transactions for the Fund, the
commissions, fees or other remuneration received by Goldman Sachs must be reasonable and customary.
This standard would allow Goldman Sachs to receive no more than the remuneration which would be
expected to be received by an unaffiliated broker in a commensurate arms-length transaction.
Furthermore, the Trustees, including a majority of the
B-53
Trustees who are not interested Trustees, have adopted procedures which are reasonably
designed to provide that any commissions, fees or other remuneration paid to Goldman Sachs are
consistent with the foregoing standard. Brokerage transactions with Goldman Sachs are also subject
to such fiduciary standards as may be imposed upon Goldman Sachs by applicable law.
The amount of brokerage commissions paid by the Fund may vary substantially from year to year
because of differences in shareholder purchase and redemption activity, portfolio turnover rates
and other factors.
NET ASSET VALUE
In accordance with procedures adopted by the Trustees, the net asset value per share of each
class of the Fund is calculated by determining the value of the net assets attributed to each class
of the Fund and dividing by the number of outstanding shares of that class. All securities are
valued on each Business Day as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange
(normally but not always, 4:00 p.m. New York time), or such later time as the New York Stock
Exchange or NASDAQ market may officially close. The term Business Day means any day the New York
Stock Exchange is open for trading, which is Monday through Friday except for holidays. The New
York Stock Exchange is closed on the following holidays: New Years Day, Martin Luther King, Jr.
Day, Washingtons Birthday (observed), Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day,
Thanksgiving Day and Christmas (observed).
The time at which transactions and shares are priced and the time by which orders must be
received may be changed in case of an emergency or if regular trading on the New York Stock
Exchange is stopped at a time other than 4:00 p.m. New York Time. The Trust reserves the right to
reprocess purchase, redemption and exchange transactions that were initially processed at a net
asset value other than the Funds official closing net asset value that is subsequently adjusted,
and to recover amounts from (or distribute amounts to) shareholders based on the official closing
net asset value. The Trust reserves the right to advance the time by which purchase and redemption
orders must be received for same business day credit as otherwise permitted by the SEC. In
addition, the Fund may compute its net asset value as of any time permitted pursuant to any
exemption, order or statement of the SEC or its staff.
Portfolio securities of the Fund for which accurate market quotations are available are valued
as follows: (i) securities listed on any U.S. or foreign stock exchange or on the National
Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations System (NASDAQ) will be valued at the last
sale price, or the official closing price, on the exchange or system in which they are principally
traded on the valuation date. If there is no sale on the valuation day, securities traded will be
valued at the closing bid price, or if a closing bid price is not available, at either the exchange
or system-defined close price on the exchange or system in which such securities are principally
traded. If the relevant exchange or system has not closed by the above-mentioned time for
determining the Funds net asset value, the securities will be valued at the last sale price or
official closing price, or if not available at the bid price at the time the net asset value is
determined; (ii) over-the-counter securities not quoted on NASDAQ will be valued at the last
B-54
sale price on the valuation day or, if no sale occurs, at the last bid price at the time net
asset value is determined; (iii) equity securities for which no prices are obtained under sections
(i) or (ii) including those for which a pricing service supplies no exchange quotation or a
quotation that is believed by the portfolio manager/trader to be inaccurate, will be valued at
their fair value in accordance with procedures approved by the Board of Trustees; (iv) fixed-income
securities with a remaining maturity of 60 days or more for which accurate market quotations are
readily available will normally be valued according to dealer-supplied bid quotations or bid
quotations from a recognized pricing service (
e.g.
, Interactive Data Corp., Merrill Lynch, J.J.
Kenny, Muller Data Corp., Bloomberg, EJV, Reuters or Standard & Poors); (v) fixed-income
securities for which accurate market quotations are not readily available are valued by the
Investment Adviser based on valuation models that take into account spread and daily yield changes
on government securities in the appropriate market (
i.e.
, matrix pricing); (vi) debt securities
with a remaining maturity of 60 days or less are valued by the Investment Adviser at amortized
cost, which the Trustees have determined to approximate fair value; and (vii) all other
instruments, including those for which a pricing service supplies no exchange quotation or a
quotation that is believed by the portfolio manager/trader to be inaccurate, will be valued in
accordance with the valuation procedures approved by the Board of Trustees.
The value of all assets and liabilities expressed in foreign currencies will be converted into
U.S. dollar values at current exchange rates of such currencies against U.S. dollars last quoted by
any major bank. If such quotations are not available, the rate of exchange will be determined in
good faith by or under procedures established by the Board of Trustees.
Generally, trading in securities on European, Asian and Far Eastern securities exchanges and
on over-the-counter markets in these regions is substantially completed at various times prior to
the close of business on each Business Day in New York (
i.e.
, a day on which the New York Stock
Exchange is open for trading). In addition, European, Asian or Far Eastern securities trading
generally or in a particular country or countries may not take place on all Business Days in New
York. Furthermore, trading takes place in various foreign markets on days which are not Business
Days in New York and days on which the Funds net asset values are not calculated. Such
calculation does not take place contemporaneously with the determination of the prices of the
majority of the portfolio securities used in such calculation. The Funds investments are valued
based on market quotations or, in the case of foreign securities, prices provided by an independent
fair value service (if available) that are intended to reflect more accurately the value of those
securities at the time the Funds NAV is calculated. Fair value prices are used because many
foreign markets operate at times that do not coincide with those of the major U.S. markets. Events
that could affect the values of foreign portfolio holdings may occur between the close of the
foreign market and the time of determining the NAV, and would not otherwise be reflected in the
NAV. If the independent fair value service does not provide a fair value for a particular security
or if the value does not meet the established criteria for the Fund, the most recent closing price
for such a security on its principal exchange will generally be its fair value on such date.
The proceeds received by the Fund and each other series of the Trust from the issue or sale of
its shares, and all net investment income, realized and unrealized gain and proceeds thereof,
subject only to the rights of creditors, will be specifically allocated to the Fund or
B-55
particular series and constitute the underlying assets of the Fund or series. The underlying
assets of the Fund will be segregated on the books of account, and will be charged with the
liabilities in respect of the Fund and with a share of the general liabilities of the Trust.
Expenses of the Trust with respect to the Fund and the other series of the Trust are generally
allocated in proportion to the net asset values of the Fund or respective series except where
allocations of expenses can otherwise be fairly made.
The Trust has adopted a policy to handle certain NAV-related errors occurring in the operation
of the Fund, and under certain circumstances neither the Fund nor shareholders who purchase or sell
shares during periods that errors accrue or occur may be recompensed in connection with the
resolution of the error.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
The Fund may from time to time quote or otherwise use yield and total return information in
advertisements, shareholder reports or sales literature. Average annual total return and yield are
computed pursuant to formulas specified by the SEC.
Thirty-day yield is derived by dividing net investment income earned during the period by the
product of the average daily number of Shares outstanding and entitled to receive dividends during
the period and the maximum public offering price per share on the last day of such period. The
results are compounded on a bond equivalent (semi-annual) basis and then annualized by assuming
that yield is realized each month for 12 months and is reinvested every six months. Net investment
income per share is equal to the dividends and interest earned during the period, reduced by
accrued expenses for the period. The calculation of net investment income for these purposes may
differ from the net investment income determined for accounting purposes.
Distribution rate for a specified period is calculated by annualizing distributions of net
investment income for such period and dividing this amount by the net asset value per share or
maximum public offering price on the last day of the period.
Average annual total return (before taxes) for a specified period is derived by calculating
the actual dollar amount of the investment return on a $1,000 investment made at the maximum public
offering price applicable to the relevant class at the beginning of the period, and then
calculating the annual compounded rate of return which would produce that amount, assuming a
redemption at the end of the period. This calculation assumes a complete redemption of the
investment. It also assumes that all dividends and distributions are reinvested at net asset value
on the reinvestment dates during the period.
Average annual total return (after taxes on distributions) for a specified period is derived
by calculating the actual dollar amount of the investment return on a $1,000 investment made at the
maximum public offering price applicable to the relevant class at the beginning of the period, and
then calculating the annual compounded rate of return (after federal income taxes on
B-56
distributions but not redemptions) which would produce that amount, assuming a redemption at the
end of the period. This calculation assumes a complete redemption of the investment but further
assumes that the redemption has no federal income tax consequences. This calculation also assumes
that all dividends and distributions, less the federal income taxes due on such distributions, are
reinvested at net asset value on the reinvestment dates during the period. In calculating the
impact of federal income taxes due on distributions, the federal income tax rates used correspond
to the tax character of each component of the distributions (
e.g.
, ordinary income rate for
ordinary income distributions, short-term capital gain rate for short-term capital gain
distributions and long-term capital gain rate for long-term capital gain distributions). The
highest individual marginal federal income tax rate in effect on the reinvestment date is applied
to each component of the distributions on the reinvestment date. These tax rates may vary over the
measurement period. The effect of applicable tax credits, such as the foreign tax credit, is also
taken into account in accordance with federal tax law. The calculation disregards (i) the effect
of phase-outs of certain exemptions, deductions and credits at various income levels, (ii) the
impact of the federal alternative minimum tax, and (iii) the potential tax liabilities other than
federal tax liabilities (
e.g.
, state and local taxes).
Average annual total return (after taxes on distributions and redemptions) for a specified
period is derived by calculating the actual dollar amount of the investment return on a $1,000
investment made at the maximum public offering price applicable to the relevant class at the
beginning of the period, and then calculating the annual compounded rate of return (after federal
income taxes on distributions and redemptions) which would produce that amount, assuming a
redemption at the end of the period. This calculation assumes a complete redemption of the
investment. This calculation also assumes that all dividends and distributions, less the federal
income taxes due on such distributions, are reinvested at net asset value on the reinvestment dates
during the period. In calculating the federal income taxes due on distributions, the federal
income tax rates used correspond to the tax character of each component of the distributions (
e.g.
,
ordinary income rate for ordinary income distributions, short-term capital gain rate for short-term
capital gain distributions and long-term capital gain rate for long-term capital gain
distributions). The highest individual marginal federal income tax rate in effect on the
reinvestment date is applied to each component of the distributions on the reinvestment date.
These tax rates may vary over the measurement period. The effect of applicable tax credits, such
as the foreign tax credit, is taken into account in accordance with federal tax law. The
calculation disregards the (i) effect of phase-outs of certain exemptions, deductions and credits
at various income levels, (ii) the impact of the federal alternative minimum tax, and (iii) the
potential tax liabilities other than federal tax liabilities (
e.g.
, state and local taxes). In
calculating the federal income taxes due on redemptions, capital gains taxes resulting from a
redemption are subtracted from the redemption proceeds and the tax benefits from capital losses
resulting from the redemption are added to the redemption proceeds. The highest federal individual
capital gains tax rate in effect on the redemption date is used in such calculation. The federal
income tax rates used correspond to the tax character of any gains or losses (
e.g.
, short-term or
long-term). When the return after taxes on distributions and redemption of shares is higher than
returns after taxes on distributions, it is because of realized losses. If realized losses occur
upon the sale of shares, capital loss is recorded as a tax benefit which increases returns.
B-57
Year-by-year total return and cumulative total return for a specified period are each derived
by calculating the percentage rate required to make a $1,000 investment (made at the maximum public
offering price with all distributions reinvested) at the beginning of such period equal to the
actual total value of such investment at the end of such period.
Total return calculations for Class A Shares reflect the effect of paying the maximum initial
sales charge. Investment at a lower sales charge would result in higher performance figures.
Total return calculations for Class C Shares reflect deduction of the applicable contingent
deferred sales charge (CDSC) imposed upon redemption of Class C Shares held for the applicable
period. The Fund may also from time to time advertise total return on a cumulative, average,
year-by-year or other basis for various specified periods by means of quotations, charts graphs or
schedules. In addition, the Fund may furnish total return calculations based on investments at
various sales charge levels or at net asset value. An after-tax total return for the Fund may be
calculated by taking its total return and subtracting applicable federal taxes from the portions of
the Funds total return attributable to capital gain and ordinary income distributions. This
after-tax total return may be compared to that of other mutual funds with similar investment
objectives as reported by independent sources. Any performance information which is based on the
Funds net asset value per Share would be reduced if any applicable sales charge were taken into
account. In addition to the above, the Fund may from time to time advertise its performance
relative to certain averages, performance rankings, indices, other information prepared by
recognized mutual fund statistical services and investments for which reliable performance
information is available. The Funds performance quotations does not reflect any fees charged by
an Authorized Dealer, Service Organization or other financial intermediary to its customer accounts
in connection with investments in the Funds.
The Funds performance will fluctuate, unlike bank deposits or other investments which pay a
fixed yield for a stated period of time. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future
return. Actual performance will depend on such variables as portfolio quality, the type of
portfolio instruments acquired, portfolio expenses and other factors. Performance is one basis
investors may use to analyze the Fund as compared to other funds and other investment vehicles.
However, the performance of other funds and other investment vehicles may not be comparable because
of the foregoing variables, and differences in the methods used in valuing their portfolio
instruments, computing net asset value and determining performance.
The Funds performance data will be based on historical results and will not be intended to
indicate future performance. The Funds total return, yield and distribution rate will vary based
on market conditions, portfolio expenses, portfolio investments and other factors. In addition to
the Investment Advisers decisions regarding issuer/industry/country investment selection and
allocation, other factors may affect Fund performance. These factors include, but are not limited
to, Fund operating fees and expenses, portfolio turnover, and subscription and redemption cash
flows affecting the Fund. The value of the Funds shares will fluctuate and an investors shares
may be worth more or less than their original cost upon redemption. Performance may reflect
expense limitations in effect. In their absence performance would be reduced.
B-58
Total return will be calculated separately for each class of shares in existence. Because
each class of shares is subject to different expenses, total return with respect to each class of
shares of the Fund will differ.
SHARES OF THE TRUST
The Fund is a series of Goldman Sachs Trust, a Delaware statutory trust established by an
Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997. The Trustees have authority under the
Trusts Declaration of Trust to create and classify shares of beneficial interest in separate
series, without further action by shareholders. The Trustees also have authority to classify and
reclassify any series of shares into one or more classes of shares. As of the date of this
Additional Statement, the Trustees have classified the shares of the Fund into three classes:
Institutional Shares, Class A Shares and Class C Shares. Additional series and classes may be
added in the future.
Each Institutional Share, Class A Share and Class C Share of the Fund represents a
proportionate interest in the assets belonging to the applicable class of the Fund. All expenses of
the Fund are borne at the same rate by each class of shares, except that fees under Distribution
and Service Plans are borne exclusively by Class A or Class C Shares and transfer agency fees and
expenses are borne at different rates by different share classes. The Trustees may determine in
the future that it is appropriate to allocate other expenses differently among classes of shares
and may do so to the extent consistent with the rules of the SEC and positions of the Internal
Revenue Service. Each class of shares may have different minimum investment requirements and be
entitled to different shareholder services. With limited exceptions, shares of a class may only be
exchanged for shares of the same or an equivalent class of another fund. See Shareholder Guide
in the Prospectus and Other Information Regarding Maximum Sales Charge, Purchases, Redemptions,
Exchanges and Dividends below. In addition, the fees and expenses set forth below for each class
may be subject to voluntary fee waivers or reimbursements, as discussed more fully in the Funds
Prospectuses.
Institutional Shares may be purchased at net asset value without a sales charge for accounts
in the name of an investor or institution that is not compensated by the Fund under a Plan for
services provided to the institutions customers.
Class A Shares are sold with an initial sales charge of up to 5.5%, through brokers and
dealers who are members of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (NASD) and
certain other financial service firms that have sales agreements with Goldman Sachs. Class A
Shares bear the cost of distribution and service fees at the maximum aggregate rate of up to 0.25%
of the average daily net assets of the Fund. With respect to Class A Shares, the distributor at
its discretion may use compensation for distribution services paid under the Distribution and
Services Plan for personal and account maintenance services and expenses so long as such total
compensation under the Plan does not exceed the maximum cap on service fees imposed by the NASD.
B-59
Class C Shares of the Funds are sold subject to a CDSC of up to 1.0% through brokers and
dealers who are members of the NASD and certain other financial services firms that have sales
arrangements with Goldman Sachs. Class C Shares bear the cost of distribution (Rule 12b-1) fees at
the aggregate rate of up to 0.75% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares.
Class C Shares also bear the cost of service fees at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the average
daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares.
It is possible that an institution or its affiliate may offer different classes of shares
(
i.e.
, Institutional, Class A Shares and Class C Shares) to its customers and thus receive
different compensation with respect to different classes of shares of the Fund. Dividends paid by
the Fund, if any, with respect to each class of shares will be calculated in the same manner, at
the same time on the same day and will be the same amount, except for differences caused by the
fact that the respective transfer agency and Plan fees relating to a particular class will be borne
exclusively by that class. Similarly, the net asset value per share may differ depending upon the
class of shares purchased.
Certain aspects of the shares may be altered after advance notice to shareholders if it is
deemed necessary in order to satisfy certain tax regulatory requirements.
When issued for the consideration described in the Funds Prospectuses, shares are fully paid
and non-assessable. The Trustees may, however, cause shareholders, or shareholders of a particular
series or class, to pay certain custodian, transfer agency, servicing or similar charges by setting
off the same against declared but unpaid dividends or by reducing share ownership (or by both
means). In the event of liquidation, shareholders are entitled to share pro rata in the net assets
of the applicable class of the relevant Fund available for distribution to such shareholders. All
shares are freely transferable and have no preemptive, subscription or conversion rights. The
Trustees may require Shareholders to redeem shares for any reason under terms set by the Trustees.
The Act requires that where more than one series of shares exists, each series must be
preferred over all other series in respect of assets specifically allocated to such series. In
addition, Rule 18f-2 under the Act provides that any matter required to be submitted by the
provisions of the Act or applicable state law, or otherwise, to the holders of the outstanding
voting securities of an investment company such as the Trust shall not be deemed to have been
effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of
each series affected by such matter. Rule 18f-2 further provides that a series shall be deemed to
be affected by a matter unless the interests of each series in the matter are substantially
identical or the matter does not affect any interest of such series. However, Rule 18f-2 exempts
the selection of independent public accountants, the approval of principal distribution contracts
and the election of trustees from the separate voting requirements of Rule 18f-2.
The Trust is not required to hold annual meetings of shareholders and does not intend to hold
such meetings. In the event that a meeting of shareholders is held, each share of the Trust will be
entitled, as determined by the Trustees without the vote or consent of the shareholders,
B-60
either to one vote for each share or to one vote for each dollar of net asset value represented by
such share on all matters presented to shareholders including the election of Trustees (this method
of voting being referred to as dollar based voting). However, to the extent required by the Act
or otherwise determined by the Trustees, series and classes of the Trust will vote separately from
each other. Shareholders of the Trust do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of
Trustees. Meetings of shareholders of the Trust, or any series or class thereof, may be called by
the Trustees, certain officers or upon the written request of holders of 10% or more of the shares
entitled to vote at such meetings. The Trustees will call a special meeting of shareholders for
the purpose of electing Trustees, if, at any time, less than a majority of Trustees holding office
at the time were elected by shareholders. The shareholders of the Trust will have voting rights
only with respect to the limited number of matters specified in the Declaration of Trust and such
other matters as the Trustees may determine or may be required by law.
The Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification of Trustees, officers, employees and
agents of the Trust unless the recipient is adjudicated (i) to be liable by reason of willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the
conduct of such persons office or (ii) not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief
that such persons actions were in the best interest of the Trust. The Declaration of Trust
provides that, if any shareholder or former shareholder of any series is held personally liable
solely by reason of being or having been a shareholder and not because of the shareholders acts or
omissions or for some other reason, the shareholder or former shareholder (or the shareholders
heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives or general successors) shall be held
harmless from and indemnified against all loss and expense arising from such liability. The Trust,
acting on behalf of any affected series, must, upon request by such shareholder, assume the defense
of any claim made against such shareholder for any act or obligation of the series and satisfy any
judgment thereon from the assets of the series.
The Declaration of Trust permits the termination of the Trust or of any series or class of the
Trust (i) by a majority of the affected shareholders at a meeting of shareholders of the Trust,
series or class; or (ii) by a majority of the Trustees without shareholder approval if the Trustees
determine, in their sole discretion, that such action is in the best interest of the Trust, such
series, such class or their respective shareholders. The Trustees may consider such factors as
they, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate in making such determination, including (i) the
inability of the Trust or any series or class to maintain its assets at an appropriate size; (ii)
changes in laws or regulations governing the Trust, series or class or affecting assets of the type
in which it invests; or (iii) economic developments or trends having a significant adverse impact
on the business or operations of the Trust or series.
The Declaration of Trust authorizes the Trustees without shareholder approval to cause the
Trust, or any series thereof, to merge or consolidate with any corporation, association, trust or
other organization or sell or exchange all or substantially all of the property belonging to the
Trust or any series thereof. In addition, the Trustees, without shareholder approval, may adopt a
master-feeder structure by investing all or a portion of the assets of a series of the Trust in the
securities of another open-end investment company with substantially the same investment objective,
restrictions and policies.
B-61
The Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to amend the Declaration of Trust without a
shareholder vote. However, shareholders of the Trust have the right to vote on any amendment (i)
that would adversely affect the voting rights of shareholders; (ii) that is required by law to be
approved by shareholders; (iii) that would amend the provisions of the Declaration of Trust
regarding amendments and supplements thereto; or (iv) that the Trustees determine to submit to
shareholders.
The Trustees may appoint separate Trustees with respect to one or more series or classes of
the Trusts shares (the Series Trustees). Series Trustees may, but are not required to, serve as
Trustees of the Trust or any other series or class of the Trust. To the extent provided by the
Trustees in the appointment of Series Trustees, the Series Trustees may have, to the exclusion of
any other Trustees of the Trust, all the powers and authorities of Trustees under the Declaration
of Trust with respect to such Series or Class, but may have no power or authority with respect to
any other series or class.
Shareholder and Trustee Liability
Under Delaware Law, the shareholders of the Fund are not generally subject to liability for
the debts or obligations of the Trust. Similarly, Delaware law provides that a series of the Trust
will not be liable for the debts or obligations of any other series of the Trust. However, no
similar statutory or other authority limiting statutory trust shareholder liability exists in other
states. As a result, to the extent that a Delaware statutory trust or a shareholder is subject to
the jurisdiction of courts of such other states, the courts may not apply Delaware law and may
thereby subject the Delaware statutory trust shareholders to liability. To guard against this
risk, the Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability for acts or
obligations of a series. Notice of such disclaimer will normally be given in each agreement,
obligation or instrument entered into or executed by a series of the Trust. The Declaration of
Trust provides for indemnification by the relevant series for all loss suffered by a shareholder as
a result of an obligation of the series. The Declaration of Trust also provides that a series
shall, upon request, assume the defense of any claim made against any shareholder for any act or
obligation of the series and satisfy any judgment thereon. In view of the above, the risk of
personal liability of shareholders of a Delaware statutory trust is remote.
In addition to the requirements under Delaware law, the Declaration of Trust provides that
shareholders of a series may bring a derivative action on behalf of the series only if the
following conditions are met: (a) shareholders eligible to bring such derivative action under
Delaware law who hold at least 10% of the outstanding shares of the series, or 10% of the
outstanding shares of the class to which such action relates, shall join in the request for the
Trustees to commence such action; and (b) the Trustees must be afforded a reasonable amount of time
to consider such shareholder request and to investigate the basis of such claim. The Trustees will
be entitled to retain counsel or other advisers in considering the merits of the request and may
require an undertaking by the shareholders making such request to reimburse the series for the
expense of any such advisers in the event that the Trustees determine not to bring such action.
B-62
The Declaration of Trust further provides that the Trustees will not be liable for errors of
judgment or mistakes of fact or law, but nothing in the Declaration of Trust protects a Trustee
against liability to which he or she would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance,
bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or
her office.
TAXATION
The following is a summary of the principal U.S. federal income, and certain state and local,
tax considerations regarding the purchase, ownership and disposition of shares in the Fund of the
Trust. This summary does not address special tax rules applicable to certain classes of investors,
such as tax-exempt entities, insurance companies and financial institutions. Each prospective
shareholder is urged to consult his own tax adviser with respect to the specific federal, state,
local and foreign tax consequences of investing in the Fund. The summary is based on the laws in
effect on the date of this Additional Statement, which are subject to change.
General
The following is only a summary of certain additional tax considerations generally affecting
each Fund that are not described in the Prospectuses. The discussions below and in the
Prospectuses are not intended as substitutes for careful tax planning.
The Fund is treated as a separate taxable entity. The Fund has elected to be treated and
intend to qualify for each taxable year as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of
Subtitle A, Chapter 1 of the Code.
There are certain tax requirements that all funds must follow in order to avoid federal
taxation. In their efforts to adhere to these requirements, the Fund may have to limit its
investment activities in some types of instruments. Qualification as a regulated investment
company under the Code requires, among other things, that (a) the Fund derive at least 90% of its
gross income (including tax-exempt interest) for its taxable year from dividends, interest,
payments with respect to securities loans and gains from the sale or other disposition of stocks or
securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including but not limited to gains from options,
futures, and forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock,
securities or currencies or net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded
partnership (the 90% gross income test); and (b) the Fund diversify its holdings so that, at the
close of each quarter of its taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the market value of its total
(gross) assets is comprised of cash, cash items, U.S. Government securities, securities of other
regulated investment companies and other securities limited in respect of any one issuer to an
amount not greater in value than 5% of the value of the Funds total assets and to not more than
10% of the outstanding voting securities (including equity securities of a qualified publicly
traded partnership) of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of its total (gross)
assets is invested (1) in the securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. Government securities
and
B-63
securities of other regulated investment companies), (2) in the securities of two or more issuers
controlled by the Fund and engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses or (3) in
the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships. For purposes of the 90%
gross income test, income that the Fund earns from equity interests in certain entities that are
not treated as corporations (
e.g.
, partnerships or trusts) (not including qualified publicly traded
partnerships) for U.S. tax purposes will generally have the same character for such Fund as in the
hands of such an entity; consequently, the Fund may be required to limit its equity investments in
such entities that earn fee income, rental income, or other nonqualifying income. In addition,
future Treasury regulations could provide that qualifying income under the 90% gross income test
will not include gains from foreign currency transactions that are not directly related to the
Funds principal business of investing in stock or securities or options and futures with respect
to stock or securities. Using foreign currency positions or entering into foreign currency
options, futures and forward or swap contracts for purposes other than hedging currency risk with
respect to securities in the Funds portfolio or anticipated to be acquired may not qualify as
directly-related under these tests.
If the Fund complies with the provisions discussed above, then in any taxable year in which
the Fund distributes, in compliance with the Codes timing and other requirements, at least 90% of
its investment company taxable income (which includes dividends, taxable interest, taxable
accrued original issue discount and market discount income, income from securities lending, any net
short-term capital gain in excess of net long-term capital loss, certain net realized foreign
exchange gains and any other taxable income other than net capital gain, as defined below, and is
reduced by deductible expenses), and at least 90% of the excess of its gross tax-exempt interest
income (if any) over certain disallowed deductions, the Fund (but not its shareholders) will be
relieved of federal income tax on any income of the Fund, including long-term capital gains,
distributed to shareholders. However, if the Fund retains any investment company taxable income or
net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss), it
will be subject to a tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained. If the Fund retains
any net capital gain, the Fund may designate the retained amount as undistributed capital gains in
a notice to its shareholders who, if subject to U.S. federal income tax on long-term capital gains,
(i) will be required to include in income for federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital
gain, their shares of such undistributed amount, and (ii) will be entitled to credit their
proportionate shares of the tax paid by the Fund against their U.S. federal income tax liabilities,
if any, and to claim refunds to the extent the credit exceeds such liabilities. For U.S. federal
income tax purposes, the tax basis of shares owned by a shareholder of the Fund will be increased
by the amount of undistributed net capital gain included in the shareholders gross income and
decreased by the federal income tax paid by the Fund on that amount of net capital gain. The Fund
intends to distribute for each taxable year to its shareholders all or substantially all of its
investment company taxable income, net capital gain and any net tax-exempt interest. Exchange
control or other foreign laws, regulations or practices may restrict repatriation of investment
income, capital or the proceeds of securities sales by foreign investors and may therefore make it
more difficult for the Fund to satisfy the distribution requirements described above, as well as
the excise tax distribution requirements described below. However, the Fund generally expects to
be able to obtain sufficient cash to satisfy such requirements from new investors, the sale of
securities or other sources. If for any taxable year the Fund does not
B-64
qualify as a regulated investment company, it will be taxed on all of its investment company
taxable income and net capital gain at corporate rates, and its distributions to shareholders will
be taxable as ordinary dividends to the extent of its current and accumulated earnings and profits.
In order to avoid a 4% federal excise tax, the Fund must distribute (or be deemed to have
distributed) by December 31 of each calendar year at least 98% of its taxable ordinary income for
such year, at least 98% of the excess of its capital gains over its capital losses (generally
computed on the basis of the one-year period ending on October 31 of such year), and all taxable
ordinary income and the excess of capital gains over capital losses for the previous year that were
not distributed for such year and on which the Fund paid no federal income tax. For federal income
tax purposes, dividends declared by the Fund in October, November or December to shareholders of
record on a specified date in such a month and paid during January of the following year are
taxable to such shareholders as if received on December 31 of the year declared. The Fund
anticipates that it will generally make timely distributions of income and capital gains in
compliance with these requirements so that they will generally not be required to pay the excise
tax. For federal income tax purposes, the Fund is permitted to carry forward a net capital loss in
any year to offset its own capital gains, if any, during the eight years following the year of the
loss. These amounts are available to be carried forward to offset future capital gains to the
extent permitted by the Code and applicable tax regulations.
Gains and losses on the sale, lapse, or other termination of options and futures contracts,
options thereon and certain forward contracts (except certain foreign currency options, forward
contracts and futures contracts) will generally be treated as capital gains and losses. Certain of
the futures contracts, forward contracts and options held by the Fund will be required to be
marked-to-market for federal income tax purposes, that is, treated as having been sold at their
fair market value on the last day of the Funds taxable year. These provisions may require the
Fund to recognize income or gains without a concurrent receipt of cash. Any gain or loss
recognized on actual or deemed sales of these futures contracts, forward contracts, or options will
(except for certain foreign currency options, forward contracts, and futures contracts) be treated
as 60% long-term capital gain or loss and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. As a result of
certain hedging transactions entered into by the Fund, the Fund may be required to defer the
recognition of losses on futures contracts, forward contracts, and options or underlying securities
or foreign currencies to the extent of any unrecognized gains on related positions held by the Fund
and the characterization of gains or losses as long-term or short-term may be changed. The tax
provisions described above applicable to options, futures and forward contracts may affect the
amount, timing and character of the Funds distributions to shareholders. Application of certain
requirements for qualification as a regulated investment company and/or these tax rules to certain
investment practices, such as dollar rolls, or certain derivatives such as interest rate swaps,
floors, caps and collars and currency, total return, mortgage or index swaps may be unclear in some
respects, and the Fund may therefore be required to limit its participation in such transactions.
Certain tax elections may be available to the Fund to mitigate some of the unfavorable consequences
described in this paragraph.
Section 988 of the Code contains special tax rules applicable to certain foreign currency
transactions and instruments that may affect the amount, timing and character of income, gain or
B-65
loss recognized by the Fund. Under these rules, foreign exchange gain or loss realized with
respect to foreign currencies and certain futures and options thereon, foreign currency-denominated
debt instruments, foreign currency forward contracts, and foreign currency-denominated payables and
receivables will generally be treated as ordinary income or loss, although in some cases elections
may be available that would alter this treatment. If a net foreign exchange loss treated as
ordinary loss under Section 988 of the Code were to exceed the Funds investment company taxable
income (computed without regard to such loss) for a taxable year, the resulting loss would not be
deductible by the Fund or its shareholders in future years. Net loss, if any, from certain
foregoing currency transactions or instruments could exceed net investment income otherwise
calculated for accounting purposes with the result being either no dividends being paid or a
portion of the Funds dividends being treated as a return of capital for tax purposes, nontaxable
to the extent of a shareholders tax basis in his shares and, once such basis is exhausted,
generally giving rise to capital gains.
The Funds investment in zero coupon securities, deferred interest securities, certain
structured securities or other securities bearing original issue discount or, if the Fund elects to
include market discount in income currently, market discount, as well as any marked-to-market
gain from certain options, futures or forward contracts, as described above, will generally cause
it to realize income or gain prior to the receipt of cash payments with respect to these securities
or contracts. In order to obtain cash to enable it to distribute this income or gain, maintain its
qualification as a regulated investment company and avoid federal income or excise taxes, the Fund
may be required to liquidate portfolio securities that it might otherwise have continued to hold.
The Fund anticipates that it will be subject to foreign taxes on its income (possibly
including, in some cases, capital gains) from foreign securities. Tax conventions between certain
countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes in some cases.
If the Fund acquires stock (including, under proposed regulations, an option to acquire stock
such as is inherent in a convertible bond) in certain foreign corporations that receive at least
75% of their annual gross income from passive sources (such as interest, dividends, rents,
royalties or capital gain) or hold at least 50% of their assets in investments producing such
passive income (passive foreign investment companies), the Fund could be subject to federal
income tax and additional interest charges on excess distributions received from such companies
or gain from the sale of stock in such companies, even if all income or gain actually received by
the Fund is timely distributed to its shareholders. The Fund would not be able to pass through to
its shareholders any credit or deduction for such a tax. In some cases, elections may be available
that would ameliorate these adverse tax consequences, but such elections would require the Fund to
include each year certain amounts as income or gain (subject to the distribution requirements
described above) without a concurrent receipt of cash. The Fund may limit and/or manage its
holdings in passive foreign investment companies to minimize its tax liability or maximize its
return from these investments.
Investments in lower-rated securities may present special tax issues for the Fund to the
extent actual or anticipated defaults may be more likely with respect to such securities. Tax
rules
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are not entirely clear about issues such as when the Fund may cease to accrue interest, original
issue discount, or market discount; when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts
or worthless securities; how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated
between principal and income; and whether exchanges of debt obligations in a workout context are
taxable. These and other issues will be addressed by the Fund, if it invests in such securities,
in order to seek to eliminate or minimize any adverse tax consequences.
Taxable U.S. Shareholders Distributions
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, distributions by the Fund, whether reinvested in
additional shares or paid in cash, generally will be taxable to shareholders who are subject to
tax. Shareholders receiving a distribution in the form of newly issued shares will be treated for
U.S. federal income tax purposes as receiving a distribution in an amount equal to the amount of
cash they would have received had they elected to receive cash and will have a cost basis in each
share received equal to such amount divided by the number of shares received.
Distributions from investment company taxable income for the year will generally be taxable as
ordinary income. However, distributions to noncorporate shareholders attributable to dividends
received by the Fund from U.S. and certain foreign corporations will generally be taxed at the
long-term capital gain rate (described below), as long as certain other requirements are met. For
these lower rates to apply, the noncorporate shareholders must have owned their Fund shares for at
least 61 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the Funds ex-dividend date. The
amount of the Funds distributions that qualify for these lower rates may be reduced as a result of
the Funds securities lending activities, a high portfolio turnover rate, or investments in debt
securities, real estate investment trusts or non-qualified foreign corporations. Distributions
designated as derived from the Funds dividend income, if any, that would be eligible for the
dividends received deduction if the Fund were not a regulated investment company may be eligible,
for the dividends received deduction for corporate shareholders. The dividends-received deduction,
if available, is reduced to the extent the shares with respect to which the dividends are received
are treated as debt-financed under federal income tax law and is eliminated if the shares are
deemed to have been held for less than a minimum period, generally 46 days. The dividends-received
deduction may also be reduced as a result of the Funds securities lending activities. The entire
dividend, including the deducted amount, is considered in determining the excess, if any, of a
corporate shareholders adjusted current earnings over its alternative minimum taxable income,
which may increase its liability for the federal alternative minimum tax, and the dividend may, if
it is treated as an extraordinary dividend under the Code, reduce such shareholders tax basis in
its shares of the Fund. Capital gain dividends (
i.e.
, dividends from net capital gain) if
designated as such in a written notice to shareholders mailed not later than 60 days after the
Funds taxable year closes, will be taxed to shareholders as long-term capital gain regardless of
how long shares have been held by shareholders, but are not eligible for the dividends received
deduction for corporations. In general, the maximum long-term capital gains rate is 15%.
Distributions, if any, that are in excess of the Funds current and accumulated earnings and
profits will first reduce a shareholders tax basis in his shares and, after such basis is reduced
to zero, will generally constitute capital gains to a shareholder who holds his shares as capital
assets.
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Different tax treatment, including penalties on certain excess contributions and deferrals,
certain pre-retirement and post-retirement distributions, and certain prohibited transactions is
accorded to accounts maintained as qualified retirement plans. Shareholders should consult their
tax advisers for more information.
Taxable U.S. Shareholders Sale of Shares
When a shareholders shares are sold, redeemed or otherwise disposed of in a transaction that
is treated as a sale for tax purposes, the shareholder will generally recognize gain or loss equal
to the difference between the shareholders adjusted tax basis in the shares and the cash, or fair
market value of any property, received. (To aid in computing its tax basis, a shareholder should
generally retain its account statement for the period that it held shares). If the shareholder
holds the shares as a capital asset at the time of sale, the character of the gain or loss should
be capital, and treated as long-term if the shareholders holding period is more than one year, and
short-term otherwise. In general, the maximum long-term capital gain rate is 15%. Shareholders
should consult their own tax advisers with reference to their particular circumstances to determine
whether a redemption (including an exchange) or other disposition of Fund shares is properly
treated as a sale for tax purposes, as is assumed in this discussion. If a shareholder receives a
capital gain dividend with respect to shares and such shares have a tax holding period of six
months or less at the time of a sale or redemption of such shares, then any loss the shareholder
realizes on the sale or redemption will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of
such capital gain dividend. All or a portion of any sales load paid upon the purchase of shares of
the Fund will not be taken into account in determining gain or loss on the redemption or exchange
of such shares within 90 days after their purchase to the extent the redemption proceeds are
reinvested, or the exchange is effected, without payment of an additional sales load pursuant to
the reinvestment or exchange privilege. The load not taken into account will be added to the tax
basis of the newly-acquired shares. Additionally, any loss realized on a sale or redemption of
shares of the Fund may be disallowed under wash sale rules to the extent the shares disposed of
are replaced with other shares of the same Fund within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before
and ending 30 days after the shares are disposed of, such as pursuant to a dividend reinvestment in
shares of the Fund. If disallowed, the loss will be reflected in an adjustment to the basis of the
shares acquired.
Backup Withholding
The Fund may be required to withhold, as backup withholding, 28% from dividends (including
capital gain dividends) and share redemption and exchange proceeds paid to individuals and other
non-exempt shareholders who fail to furnish the Fund with a correct taxpayer identification number
(TIN) certified under penalties of perjury, or if the Internal Revenue Service or a broker
notifies the Fund that the payee is subject to backup withholding as a result of failing to
properly report interest or dividend income to the Internal Revenue Service or that the TIN
furnished by the payee to the Fund is incorrect, or if (when required to do so) the payee fails to
certify under penalties of perjury that it is not subject to backup withholding. The Fund may
refuse to accept an application that does not contain any required TIN or certification
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that the TIN provided is correct. If the backup withholding provisions are applicable, any such
dividends and proceeds, whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares, will be reduced by
the amounts required to be withheld. Any amounts withheld may be credited against a shareholders
U.S. federal income tax liability. If a shareholder does not have a TIN, it should apply for one
immediately by contacting its local office of the Social Security Administration or the Internal
Revenue Service (IRS). Backup withholding could apply to payments relating a shareholders account
while it is waiting receipt of a TIN. Special rules apply for certain entities. For example, for
an account established under a Uniform Gifts or Transfer to Minors Act, the TIN of the minor should
be furnished.
Sunset of Tax Provisions
Some of the tax provisions described above are subject to sunset provisions. Specifically, a
sunset provision provides that the 15% long-term capital gain rate and the taxation of dividends at
the long-term capital gain rate will revert back to a prior version of these provisions in the Code
for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2008.
Non-U.S. Shareholders
The discussion above relates solely to U.S. federal income tax law as it applies to U.S.
persons subject to tax under such law. For distributions attributable to the Funds taxable year
beginning before January 1, 2005 or after December 31, 2007, shareholders who, as to the United
States, are not U.S. persons, (
i.e.
, are nonresident aliens, foreign corporations, fiduciaries of
foreign trusts or estates, foreign partnerships or other non-U.S. investors) generally will be
subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at the rate of 30% on distributions treated as ordinary
income unless the tax is reduced or eliminated pursuant to a tax treaty or the dividends are
effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the shareholder. Under recent changes to
the Code, for distributions attributable to the Funds taxable year beginning after December 31,
2004 and before January 1, 2008, non-U.S. shareholders generally will not be subject to withholding
tax on distributions attributable to portfolio interest or short-term capital gains unless (1)
the distributions are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the shareholders, or
(2) with respect to short-term capital gains, the shareholders is a nonresident alien individual
who is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and certain other
conditions are met. If the distributions are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business
of a shareholder, the distributions will be subject to tax on a net income basis at the graduated
rates applicable to U.S. individuals or domestic corporations.
Distributions of net capital gain, including amounts retained by the Fund which are designated
as undistributed capital gains, to a non-U.S. shareholder will not be subject to U.S. federal
income or withholding tax unless the distributions are effectively connected with the shareholders
trade or business in the United States or, in the case of a shareholder who is a nonresident alien
individual, the shareholder is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable
year and certain other conditions are met.
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Any capital gain realized by a non-U.S. shareholder upon a sale or redemption of shares of the
Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax unless the gain is effectively
connected with the shareholders trade or business in the U.S., or in the case of a shareholder who
is a nonresident alien individual, the shareholder is present in the U.S. for 183 days or more
during the taxable year and certain other conditions are met.
Non-U.S. persons who fail to furnish the Fund with the proper IRS Form W-8 (
i.e.
, W-8 BEN, W-8
ECI, W-8 IMY or W-8 EXP) or an acceptable substitute may be subject to backup withholding of 28% on
dividends (including on capital gains dividends) and the proceeds of redemptions and exchanges.
Also, non-U.S. shareholders may be subject to estate tax. Each shareholder who is not a U.S.
person should consult his or her tax adviser regarding the U.S. and non-U.S. tax consequences of
ownership of shares of and receipt of distributions from the Fund.
State and Local
The Fund may be subject to state or local taxes in jurisdictions in which the Fund may be
deemed to be doing business. In addition, in those states or localities which have income tax
laws, the treatment of the Fund and its shareholders under such laws may differ from their
treatment under federal income tax laws, and investment in the Fund may have tax consequences for
shareholders different from those of a direct investment in the Funds portfolio securities.
Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers concerning these matters.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
A copy of the Funds annual reports (when available) may be obtained upon request and without
charge by writing Goldman, Sachs & Co., P.O. Box 06050, Chicago, Illinois 60606 or by calling
Goldman, Sachs & Co., at the telephone number on the back cover of the Funds Prospectuses. The
annual report for the fiscal period ending December 31, 2005 will become available to shareholders
in February, 2006.
PROXY VOTING
The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has delegated the voting of portfolio securities to the
Investment Adviser. The Investment Adviser has adopted policies and procedures (the Policy) for
the voting of proxies on behalf of client accounts for which the Investment Adviser has voting
discretion, including the Fund. Under the Policy, the Investment Advisers guiding principles in
performing proxy voting are to make decisions that: (i) favor proposals that tend to maximize a
companys shareholder value; and (ii) are not influenced by conflicts of interest. These
principles reflect the Investment Advisers belief that sound corporate governance will create a
framework within which a company can be managed in the interests of its shareholders.
The principles and positions reflected in the Policy are designed to guide the Investment
Adviser in voting proxies, and not necessarily in making investment decisions. Senior
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management of the Investment Adviser will periodically review the Policy to ensure that it
continues to be consistent with the Investment Advisers guiding principles.
Public Equity Investments
.
To implement these guiding principles for investments in publicly-traded equities, the
Investment Adviser follows proxy voting guidelines (the Guidelines) developed by Institutional
Shareholder Services (ISS), except in certain circumstances, which are generally described below.
The Guidelines embody the positions and factors the Investment Adviser generally considers
important in casting proxy votes. They address a wide variety of individual topics, including,
among others, shareholder voting rights, anti-takeover defenses, board structures, the election of
directors, executive and director compensation, reorganizations, mergers, and various shareholder
proposals. Attached as Appendix B is a summary of the Guidelines.
ISS has been retained to review proxy proposals and make voting recommendations in accordance
with the Guidelines. While it is the Investment Advisers policy generally to follow the
Guidelines and recommendations from ISS, the Investment Advisers portfolio management teams
(Portfolio Management Teams) retain the authority on any particular proxy vote to vote
differently from the Guidelines or a related ISS recommendation, in keeping with their different
investment philosophies and processes. Such decisions, however, remain subject to a review and
approval process, including a determination that the decision is not influenced by any conflict of
interest. In forming their views on particular matters, the Portfolio Management Teams are also
permitted to consider applicable regional rules and practices, including codes of conduct and other
guides, regarding proxy voting, in addition to the Guidelines and recommendations from ISS.
In addition to assisting the Investment Adviser in developing substantive proxy voting
positions, ISS also updates and revises the Guidelines on a periodic basis, and the revisions are
reviewed by the Investment Adviser to determine whether they are consistent with the Investment
Advisers guiding principles. ISS also assists the Investment Adviser in the proxy voting process
by providing operational, recordkeeping and reporting services.
The Investment Adviser is responsible for reviewing its relationship with ISS and for
evaluating the quality and effectiveness of the various services provided by ISS. The Investment
Adviser may hire other service providers to replace or supplement ISS with respect to any of the
services the Investment Adviser currently receives from ISS.
The Investment Adviser has implemented procedures that are intended to prevent conflicts of
interest from influencing proxy voting decisions. These procedures include the Investment
Advisers use of ISS as an independent third party, a review and approval process for individual
decisions that do not follow ISSs recommendations, and the establishment of information barriers
between the Investment Adviser and other businesses within The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
B-71
Fixed Income and Private Investments
.
Voting decisions with respect to fixed income securities and the securities of privately held
issuers generally will be made by the Funds managers based on their assessment of the particular
transactions or other matters at issue.
Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the
most recent twelve-month period ended June 30, 2006 will become available on or through the Funds
website at http://www.gs.com/funds and on the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov in August 2006.
PAYMENTS TO INTERMEDIARIES
The Investment Adviser, distributor and/or their affiliates may make payments to Authorized
Dealers, Service Organizations and other financial intermediaries (Intermediaries) from time to
time to promote the sale, distribution and/or servicing of shares of the Fund. These payments
(Additional Payments) are made out of the Investment Advisers, distributors and/or their
affiliates own assets, and are not an additional charge to the Fund or its shareholders. The
Additional Payments are in addition to the distribution and service fees paid by the Fund described
in the Funds Prospectuses and this Additional Statement, and are also in addition to the sales
commissions payable to Intermediaries as set forth in the Prospectuses.
These Additional Payments are intended to compensate Intermediaries for, among other things:
marketing shares of the Fund, which may consist of payments relating to Fund included on preferred
or recommended fund lists or in certain sales programs from time to time sponsored by the
Intermediaries; access to the Intermediaries registered representatives or salespersons, including
at conferences and other meetings; assistance in training and education of personnel; finders or
referral fees for directing investors to the Fund; marketing support fees for providing
assistance in promoting the sale of Fund shares (which may include promotions in communications
with the Intermediaries customers, registered representatives and salespersons); and/or other
specified services intended to assist in the distribution and marketing of the Fund. In addition,
the Investment Adviser, distributor and/or their affiliates may make Additional Payments (including
through sub-transfer agency and networking agreements) for subaccounting, administrative and/or
shareholder processing services that are in addition to the transfer agent, shareholder
administration, servicing and processing fees paid by the Fund. The Additional Payments made by
the Investment Adviser, distributor and their affiliates may be a fixed dollar amount; may be based
on the number of customer accounts maintained by an Intermediary; may be based on a percentage of
the value of shares sold to, or held by, customers of the Intermediary involved; or may be
calculated on another basis. Furthermore, the Investment Adviser, distributor and/or their
affiliates may, to the extent permitted by applicable regulations, contribute to various non-cash
and cash incentive arrangements to promote the sale of shares, as well as sponsor various
educational programs, sales contests and/or promotions. The Investment Adviser, distributor and
their affiliates may also pay for the travel expenses, meals, lodging and entertainment of
Intermediaries and their salespersons and guests in
B-72
connection with educational, sales and promotional programs subject to applicable NASD regulations.
The amount of these Additional Payments is normally not expected to exceed 0.50% (annualized) of
the amount sold or invested through the Intermediaries.
The Additional Payments made by the Investment Adviser, distributor and/or their affiliates
may be different for different Intermediaries. The presence of these Additional Payments and the
basis on which an Intermediary compensates its registered representatives or salespersons may
create an incentive for a particular Intermediary, registered representative or salesperson to
highlight, feature or recommend the Fund based, at least in part, on the level of compensation
paid. Shareholders should contact their Authorized Dealer or Intermediary for more information
about the payments they receive and any potential conflicts of interest.
OTHER INFORMATION
Selective Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings
The Board of Trustees of the Trust and the Investment Adviser have adopted a policy on
selective disclosure of portfolio holdings in accordance with regulations that seek to ensure that
disclosure of information about portfolio securities is in the best interest of Fund shareholders
and to address the conflicts between the interests of Fund shareholders and its service providers.
The policy provides that neither the Fund nor its Investment Adviser, distributor or any agent, or
any employee thereof (Fund Representative) will disclose the Funds portfolio holdings
information to any person other than in accordance with the policy. For purposes of the policy,
portfolio holdings information means the Funds actual portfolio holdings, as well as nonpublic
information about its trading strategies or pending transactions. Under the policy, neither the
Fund nor any Fund Representative may solicit or accept any compensation or other consideration in
connection with the disclosure of portfolio holdings information. The Fund Representative may
provide portfolio holdings information to third parties if such information has been included in
the Funds public filings with the SEC or is disclosed on the Funds publicly accessible website.
Information posted on the Funds website may be separately provided to any person commencing the
day after it is first published on the Funds website.
Portfolio holdings information that is not filed with the SEC or posted on the publicly
available website may be provided to third parties only if the third party recipients are required
to keep all portfolio holdings information confidential and are prohibited from trading on the
information they receive. Disclosure to such third parties must be approved in advance by the
Investment Advisers legal or compliance department. Disclosure to providers of auditing, custody,
proxy voting and other similar services for the Fund, as well as rating and ranking organizations,
will generally be permitted; however, information may be disclosed to other third parties
(including, without limitation, individuals, institutional investors, and intermediaries that sell
shares of the Fund,) only upon approval by the Funds Chief Compliance Officer, who must first
determine that the Fund has a legitimate business purpose for doing so and check with the Fund
transfer agent to ascertain whether the third party has been identified as an excessive trader. In
general, each recipient of non-public portfolio holdings information must sign a
B-73
confidentiality and non-trading agreement, although this requirement will not apply when the
recipient is otherwise subject to a duty of confidentiality. In accordance with the policy, the
identity of those recipients who receive non-public portfolio holdings information on an ongoing
basis is as follows: the Investment Adviser and its affiliates, the Funds independent registered
public accounting firm, the Funds custodian, the Funds legal counsel- Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP,
the Funds financial printer Bowne, the Funds proxy voting service- ISS and Elkins/McSherry LLC.
These entities are obligated to keep such information confidential. Third party providers of
custodial or accounting services to the Fund may release non-public portfolio holdings information
of the Fund only with the permission of Fund Representatives. From time to time portfolio holdings
information may be provided to broker-dealers solely in connection with the Fund seeking portfolio
securities trading suggestions. In providing this information reasonable precautions, including
limitations on the scope of the portfolio holdings information disclosed, are taken to avoid any
potential misuse of the disclosed information. All marketing materials prepared by the Trusts
principal underwriter are reviewed by Goldman Sachs Compliance department for consistency with the
Trusts portfolio holdings disclosure policy.
The equity funds currently intend to publish on the Trusts website (http://www.gs.com/funds)
complete portfolio holdings for each equity fund as of the end of each calendar quarter subject to
a fifteen calendar day lag between the date of the information and the date on which the
information is disclosed. In addition, the equity funds intend to publish on their website
month-end top ten holdings subject to a ten calendar day lag between the date of the information
and the date on which the information is disclosed. The non-money market fixed income funds
currently intend to publish complete portfolio holdings on their website as of the end of each
fiscal quarter, subject to a thirty calendar day lag, and to post selected holdings information
monthly on a ten calendar day lag. The Financial Square Prime Obligations Fund, Financial Square
Money Market Fund, Institutional Liquid Assets Prime Obligations Portfolio and Institutional Liquid
Assets Money Market Portfolio publish their holdings as of the end of each month subject to a
thirty calendar day lag between the date of the information and the date on which the information
is disclosed. The other Financial Square and Institutional Liquid Assets money market funds
publish their holdings as of the end of each calendar quarter subject to a thirty calendar day lag
between the date of the information and the date on which the information is disclosed. A fund may
publish on the website complete portfolio holdings information more frequently if it has a
legitimate business purpose for doing so.
Under the policy, Fund Representatives will initially supply the Board of the Trustees with a
list of third parties who receive portfolio holdings information pursuant to any ongoing
arrangement. In addition, the Board is to receive information, on a quarterly basis, regarding any
other disclosures of non-public portfolio holdings information that were permitted during the
preceding quarter. In addition, the Board of Trustees is to approve at its meetings a list of Fund
Representatives who are authorized to disclose portfolio holdings information under the policy. As
of the date of this Additional Statement, only certain officers of the Trust as well as certain
senior members of the compliance and legal groups of the Investment Adviser have been approved by
the Board of Trustees to authorize disclosure of portfolio holdings information.
B-74
Miscellaneous
The Fund will redeem shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net asset
value of the Fund during any 90-day period for any one shareholder. Each Fund, however, reserved
the right to pay redemptions exceeding $250,000 or 1% of the net asset value of the Fund at the
time of redemption by a distribution in kind of securities (instead of cash) from such Fund. The
securities distributed in kind would be readily marketable and would be valued for this purpose
using the same method employed in calculating the Funds net asset value per share. See Net Asset
Value. If a shareholder receives redemption proceeds in kind, the shareholder should expect to
incur transaction costs upon the disposition of the securities received in the redemption.
The right of a shareholder to redeem shares and the date of payment by the Fund may be
suspended for more than seven days for any period during which the New York Stock Exchange is
closed, other than the customary weekends or holidays, or when trading on such Exchange is
restricted as determined by the SEC; or during any emergency, as determined by the SEC, as a result
of which it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to dispose of securities owned by it or
fairly to determine the value of its net assets; or for such other period as the SEC may by order
permit for the protection of shareholders of the Fund. (The Trust may also suspend or postpone the
recordation of the transfer of shares upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing conditions.)
As stated in the Prospectuses, the Trust may authorize Service Organizations, Authorized
Dealers and other institutions that provide recordkeeping, reporting and processing services to
their customers to accept on the Trusts behalf purchase, redemption and exchange orders placed by
or on behalf of their customers and, if approved by the Trust, to designate other intermediaries to
accept such orders. These institutions may receive payments from the Trust or Goldman Sachs for
their services. Certain Service Organizations, Authorized Dealers or institutions may enter into
sub-transfer agency agreements with the Trust or Goldman Sachs with respect to their services.
In the interest of economy and convenience, the Trust does not issue certificates representing
the Funds shares. Instead, the transfer agent maintains a record of each shareholders ownership.
Each shareholder receives confirmation of purchase and redemption orders from the transfer agent.
Fund shares and any dividends and distributions paid by the Fund are reflected in account
statements from the transfer agent.
The Prospectuses and this Additional Statement do not contain all the information included in
the Registration Statement filed with the SEC under the 1933 Act with respect to the securities
offered by the Prospectuses. Certain portions of the Registration Statement have been omitted from
the Prospectuses and this Additional Statement pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC.
The Registration Statement including the exhibits filed therewith may be examined at the office of
the SEC in Washington, D.C.
Statements contained in the Prospectuses or in this Additional Statement as to the contents of
any contract or other document referred to are not necessarily complete, and, in each
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instance, reference is made to the copy of such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to
the Registration Statement of which the Prospectuses and this Additional Statement form a part,
each such statement being qualified in all respects by such reference.
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLANS
(Class A Shares and Class C Shares Only)
Distribution and Service Plans
. As described in the Prospectus, the Trust has adopted, on
behalf of Class A and Class C Shares of the Fund, distribution and service plans (each a Plan).
See Shareholder Guide Distribution Services and Fees in the Prospectus. The distribution fees
payable under the Plans are subject to Rule 12b-1 under the Act, and finance distribution and other
services that are provided to investors in the Fund and enable the Fund to offer investors the
choice of investing in either Class A or Class C Shares when investing in the Fund. In addition,
distribution fees payable under the Plans may be used to assist the Fund in reaching and
maintaining asset levels that are efficient for the Funds operations and investments.
The Plan for the Fund was approved by a majority vote of the Trustees of the Trust, including
a majority of the non-interested Trustees of the Trust who have no direct or indirect financial
interest in the Plan, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of approving the Plan on
___, 2005.
The compensation for distribution services payable under a Plan to Goldman Sachs may not
exceed 0.25% and 0.75%, per annum of the Funds average daily net assets attributable to Class A
and Class C Shares respectively, of the Fund. Under the Plan for Class C Shares, Goldman Sachs is
also entitled to receive a separate fee for personal and account maintenance services equal on an
annual basis to 0.25% of the Funds average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares. With
respect to Class A Shares, the distributor at its discretion may use compensation for distribution
services paid under the Plan for personal and account maintenance services and expenses so long as
such total compensation under the Plan does not exceed the maximum cap on service fees imposed by
the NASD.
Each Plan is a compensation plan which provides for the payment of a specified fee without
regard to the expenses actually incurred by Goldman Sachs. If such fee exceeds Goldman Sachs
expenses, Goldman Sachs may realize a profit from these arrangements. The distribution fees
received by Goldman Sachs under the Plans and CDSC on Class A and Class C Shares may be sold by
Goldman Sachs as distributor to entities which provide financing for payments to Authorized Dealers
in respect of sales of Class A and Class C Shares. To the extent such fees are not paid to such
dealers, Goldman Sachs may retain such fees as compensation for its services and expenses of
distributing the Funds Class A and Class C Shares.
Under each Plan, Goldman Sachs, as distributor of the Funds Class A and Class C Shares, will
provide to the Trustees of the Trust for their review, and the Trustees of the Trust will review at
least quarterly, a written report of the services provided and amounts expended by
B-76
Goldman Sachs under the Plans and the purposes for which such services were performed and
expenditures were made.
The Plans will remain in effect until June 30, 2006 and from year to year thereafter, provided
that such continuance is approved annually by a majority vote of the Trustees of the Trust,
including a majority of the non-interested Trustees of the Trust who have no direct or indirect
financial interest in the Plans. The Plans may not be amended to increase materially the amount of
distribution compensation without approval of a majority of the outstanding Class A or Class C
Shares of the Fund and affected share class, but may be amended without shareholder approval to
increase materially the amount of non-distribution compensation. All material amendments of a Plan
must also be approved by the Trustees of the Trust in the manner described above. A Plan may be
terminated at any time as to the Fund without payment of any penalty by a vote of a majority of the
non-interested Trustees of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the Class A or Class C Shares,
respectively, of the Fund and affected share class. If a Plan was terminated by the Trustees of the
Trust and no successor plan was adopted, the Fund would cease to make payments to Goldman Sachs
under the Plan and Goldman Sachs would be unable to recover the amount of any of its unreimbursed
expenditures. So long as a Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination of non-interested
Trustees of the Trust will be committed to the discretion of the non-interested Trustees of the
Trust. The Trustees of the Trust have determined that in their judgment there is a reasonable
likelihood that the Plans will benefit the Fund and its Class A and Class C Shareholders.
OTHER INFORMATION REGARDING MAXIMUM SALES CHARGE, PURCHASES, REDEMPTIONS, EXCHANGES AND DIVIDENDS
(Class A Shares and Class C Shares Only)
The following information supplements the information in the Prospectus under the captions
Shareholder Guide and Dividends. Please see the Prospectus for more complete information.
Maximum Sales Charges
Class A Shares of the Fund are sold with a maximum sales charge of 5.5%. Using the initial
net asset value per share, the maximum offering price of the Funds Class A shares would be as
follows:
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|
Net Asset Value
|
|
Maximum Sales Charge
|
|
|
Offering Price to Public
|
|
$10.00
|
|
5.5%
|
|
|
$10.58
|
|
The actual sales charge that is paid by an investor on the purchase of Class A Shares may
differ slightly from the sales charge listed above or in the Funds Prospectus due to rounding in
the calculations. For example, the sales load disclosed above and in the Funds Prospectuses is
B-77
only shown to one decimal place (
i.e.
, 5.5%). The actual sales charge that is paid by an investor
will be rounded to two decimal places. As a result of such rounding in the calculations, the
actual sales load paid by an investor may be somewhat greater (
e.g.
, 5.53%) or somewhat lesser
(
e.g.
, 5.48%) than that listed above or in the Prospectuses. Contact your financial advisor for
further information.
Other Purchase Information
The sales load waivers on the Funds shares are due to the nature of the investors involved
and/or the reduced sales effort that is needed to obtain such investments.
If shares of the Fund are held in a street name account with an Authorized Dealer, all
recordkeeping, transaction processing and payments of distributions relating to the beneficial
owners account will be performed by the Authorized Dealer, and not by the Fund and its transfer
agent. Since the Fund will have no record of the beneficial owners transactions, a beneficial
owner should contact the Authorized Dealer to purchase, redeem or exchange shares, to make changes
in or give instructions concerning the account or to obtain information about the account. The
transfer of shares in a street name account to an account with another dealer or to an account
directly with the Fund involves special procedures and will require the beneficial owner to obtain
historical purchase information about the shares in the account from the Authorized Dealer.
Right of Accumulation (Class A)
A Class A shareholder qualifies for cumulative quantity discounts if the current purchase
price of the new investment plus the shareholders current holdings of existing Class A and/or
Class C Shares (acquired by purchase or exchange) of the Fund and Class A, Class B and/or Class C
Shares of any other Goldman Sachs Fund total the requisite amount for receiving a discount. For
example, if a shareholder owns shares with a current market value of $65,000 and purchases
additional Class A Shares of any Goldman Sachs Fund with a purchase price of $45,000, the sales
charge for the $45,000 purchase would be 3.75% (the rate applicable to a single purchase of
$100,000 but less than $250,000). Class A Shares purchased without the imposition of a sales
charge may not be aggregated with Class A, Class B and/or Class C Shares purchased subject to a
sales charge. Class A and/or Class C Shares of the Fund and Class A, Class B and/or Class C Shares
of any other Goldman Sachs Fund purchased (i) by an individual, his spouse and his children, and
(ii) by a trustee, guardian or other fiduciary of a single trust estate or a single fiduciary
account, will be combined for the purpose of determining whether a purchase will qualify for such
right of accumulation and, if qualifying, the applicable sales charge level. For purposes of
applying the right of accumulation, shares of the Fund and any other Goldman Sachs Fund purchased
by an existing client of Goldman Sachs Wealth Management or GS Ayco Holding LLC will be combined
with Class A, Class B and/or Class C Shares and other assets held by all other Goldman Sachs Wealth
Management accounts or accounts of GS Ayco Holding LLC, respectively. In addition, Class A and/or
Class C Shares of the Fund and Class A, Class B and/or Class C Shares of any other Goldman Sachs
Fund purchased by partners, directors, officers or employees of the same business organization,
groups
B-78
of individuals represented by and investing on the recommendation of the same accounting firm,
certain affinity groups or other similar organizations (collectively, eligible persons) may be
combined for the purpose of determining whether a purchase will qualify for the right of
accumulation and, if qualifying, the applicable sales charge level. This right of accumulation is
subject to the following conditions: (i) the business organizations, groups or firms agreement
to cooperate in the offering of the Funds shares to eligible persons; and (ii) notification to the
Fund at the time of purchase that the investor is eligible for this right of accumulation. In
addition, in connection with SIMPLE IRA accounts, cumulative quantity discounts are available on a
per plan basis if (i) your employee has been assigned a cumulative discount number by Goldman
Sachs; and (ii) your account, alone or in combination with the accounts of other plan participants
also invested in Class A, Class B and/or Class C Shares of the Goldman Sachs Funds, totals the
requisite aggregate amount as described in the Prospectus.
Statement of Intention (Class A)
If a shareholder anticipates purchasing at least $50,000 of Class A Shares of the Fund alone
or in combination with Class A Shares of any other Goldman Sachs Fund within a 13-month period, the
shareholder may purchase shares of the Fund at a reduced sales charge by submitting a Statement of
Intention (the Statement). Shares purchased pursuant to a Statement will be eligible for the
same sales charge discount that would have been available if all of the purchases had been made at
the same time. The shareholder or his Authorized Dealer must inform Goldman Sachs that the
Statement is in effect each time shares are purchased. There is no obligation to purchase the full
amount of shares indicated in the Statement. A shareholder may include the value of all Class A
Shares on which a sales charge has previously been paid as an accumulation credit toward the
completion of the Statement, but a price readjustment will be made only on Class A Shares purchased
within ninety (90) days before submitting the Statement. The Statement authorizes the transfer
agent to hold in escrow a sufficient number of shares which can be redeemed to make up any
difference in the sales charge on the amount actually invested. For purposes of satisfying the
amount specified on the Statement, the gross amount of each investment, exclusive of any
appreciation on shares previously purchased, will be taken into account.
The provisions applicable to the Statement, and the terms of the related escrow agreement, are
set forth in Appendix C to this Additional Statement.
Cross-Reinvestment of Dividends and Distributions
Shareholders may receive dividends and distributions in additional shares of the same class of
the Fund or they may elect to receive them in cash or shares of the same class of other Goldman
Sachs Funds or ILA Service Shares of the Prime Obligations Portfolio or the Tax-Exempt Diversified
Portfolio, if they hold Class A Shares of the Fund, or ILA Class B or Class C Shares of the Prime
Obligations Portfolio, if they hold Class C Shares of the Fund (the ILA Portfolios).
B-79
A Fund shareholder should obtain and read the prospectus relating to any other Goldman Sachs
Fund or ILA Portfolio and its shares and consider its investment objective, policies and applicable
fees before electing cross-reinvestment into that Fund. The election to cross-reinvest dividends
and capital gain distributions will not affect the tax treatment of such dividends and
distributions, which will be treated as received by the shareholder and then used to purchase
shares of the acquired fund. Such reinvestment of dividends and distributions in shares of other
Goldman Sachs Funds or ILA Portfolios is available only in states where such reinvestment may
legally be made.
Automatic Exchange Program
A Fund shareholder may elect to exchange automatically a specified dollar amount of shares of
the Fund for shares of the same class or an equivalent class of another Goldman Sachs Fund into an
identical account or an account registered in a different name or with a different address, social
security or other taxpayer identification number, provided that the account in the acquired fund
has been established, appropriate signatures have been obtained and the minimum initial investment
requirement has been satisfied. A Fund shareholder should obtain and read the prospectus relating
to any other Goldman Sachs Fund and its shares and consider its investment objective, policies and
applicable fees and expenses before electing an automatic exchange into that Goldman Sachs Fund.
Class C Exchanges
As stated in the Prospectuses, Goldman Sachs normally begins paying the annual 0.75%
distribution fee on Class C Shares to Authorized Dealers after the shares have been held for one
year. When an Authorized Dealer enters into an appropriate agreement with Goldman Sachs and stops
receiving this payment on Class C Shares that have been beneficially owned by the Authorized
Dealers customers for at least ten years, those Class C Shares may be exchanged for Class A Shares
(which bear a lower distribution fee) of the same Fund at their relative net asset value without a
sales charge in recognition of the reduced payment to the Authorized Dealer.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan
A systematic withdrawal plan (the Systematic Withdrawal Plan) is available to shareholders
of the Fund whose shares are worth at least $5,000. The Systematic Withdrawal Plan provides for
monthly payments to the participating shareholder of any amount not less than $50.
Dividends and capital gain distributions on shares held under the Systematic Withdrawal Plan
are reinvested in additional full and fractional shares of the Fund at net asset value. The
transfer agent acts as agent for the shareholder in redeeming sufficient full and fractional shares
to provide the amount of the systematic withdrawal payment. The Systematic Withdrawal Plan may be
terminated at any time. Goldman Sachs reserves the right to initiate a fee of up to $5 per
withdrawal, upon thirty (30) days written notice to the shareholder. Withdrawal payments should
not be considered to be dividends, yield or income. If periodic withdrawals continuously
B-80
exceed new purchases and reinvested dividends and capital gains distributions, the shareholders
original investment will be correspondingly reduced and ultimately exhausted. The maintenance of a
withdrawal plan concurrently with purchases of additional Class A or Class C Shares would be
disadvantageous because of the sales charge imposed on purchases of Class A Shares or the
imposition of a CDSC on redemptions of Class A or Class C Shares. The CDSC applicable to Class A
or Class C Shares redeemed under a systematic withdrawal plan may be waived. See Shareholder
Guide in the Prospectuses. In addition, each withdrawal constitutes a redemption of shares, and
any gain or loss realized must be reported for federal and state income tax purposes. A
shareholder should consult his or her own tax adviser with regard to the tax consequences of
participating in the Systematic Withdrawal Plan. For further information or to request a
Systematic Withdrawal Plan, please write or call the transfer agent.
B-81
APPENDIX A
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS
Short-Term Credit Ratings
A Standard & Poors short-term issue credit rating is a current opinion of the
creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation having an original
maturity of no more than 365 days. The following summarizes the rating categories used by Standard
& Poors for short-term issues:
A-1 Obligations are rated in the highest category and indicate that the obligors capacity
to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain
obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligors capacity to
meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.
A-2 Obligations are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the
obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.
A-3 Obligations exhibit adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic
conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor
to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
B Obligations are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. The obligor
currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation; however, it faces
major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligors inadequate capacity to meet its
financial commitment on the obligation.
C Obligations are currently vulnerable to nonpayment and are dependent upon favorable
business, financial and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation.
D Obligations are in payment default. The D rating category is used when payments on an
obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless
Standard & Poors believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The D
rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action
if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.
Local Currency and Foreign Currency Risks Country risk considerations are a standard part of
Standard & Poors analysis for credit ratings on any issuer or issue. Currency of repayment is a
key factor in this analysis. An obligors capacity to repay Foreign Currency obligations may be
lower than its capacity to repay obligations in its local currency due to the sovereign
governments own relatively lower capacity to repay external versus domestic debt. These sovereign
risk considerations are incorporated in the debt ratings assigned to specific issues. Foreign
Currency issuer ratings are also
1-A
distinguished from local currency issuer ratings to identify those instances where sovereign risks
make them different for the same issuer.
Moodys short-term ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to honor short-term
financial obligations. Ratings may be assigned to issuers, short-term programs or individual
short-term debt instruments. These obligations generally have an original maturity not exceeding
thirteen months, unless explicitly noted. The following summarizes the rating categories used by
Moodys for short-term obligations:
P-1 Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay
short-term debt obligations.
P-2 Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay
short-term debt obligations.
P-3 Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay
short-term debt obligations.
NP Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the
Prime rating categories.
Fitch Ratings, Inc. (Fitch) short-term ratings apply to time horizons of less than 12 months
for most obligations, or up to three years for U.S. public finance securities, and thus place
greater emphasis on the liquidity necessary to meet financial commitments in a timely manner. The
following summarizes the rating categories used by Fitch for short-term obligations:
F1 Securities possess the highest credit quality. This designation indicates the
strongest capacity for timely payment of financial commitments and may have an added + to denote
any exceptionally strong credit feature.
F2 Securities possess good credit quality. This designation indicates a satisfactory
capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, but the margin of safety is not as great as
in the case of the higher ratings.
F3 Securities possess fair credit quality. This designation indicates that the capacity
for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate; however, near-term adverse changes could
result in a reduction to non-investment grade.
B Securities possess speculative credit quality. This designation indicates minimal
capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus vulnerability to near-term adverse
changes in financial and economic conditions.
C Securities possess high default risk. Default is a real possibility. This designation
indicates a capacity for meeting financial commitments which is solely reliant upon a sustained,
favorable business and economic environment.
D Securities are in actual or imminent payment default.
2-A
NR This designation indicates that Fitch does not publicly rate the issuer or issue in
question.
The following summarizes the ratings used by Dominion Bond Rating Service Limited (DBRS) for
commercial paper and short-term debt:
R-1 (high) Short-term debt rated R-1 (high) is of the highest credit quality, and
indicates an entity possessing an unquestioned ability to repay current liabilities as they fall
due. Entities rated in this category normally maintain strong liquidity positions, conservative
debt levels and profitability that is both stable and above average. Companies achieving an R-1
(high) rating are normally leaders in structurally sound industry segments with proven track
records, sustainable positive future results and no substantial qualifying negative factors. Given
the extremely tough definition which DBRS has established for the R-1 (high) category, few
entities are strong enough to achieve this rating.
R-1 (middle) Short-term debt rated R-1 (middle) is of superior credit quality and, in
most cases, ratings in this category differ from R-1 (high) credits by only a small degree. Given
the extremely tough definition which DBRS has established for the R-1 (high) category, entities
rated R-1 (middle) are also considered strong credits which typically exemplify above average
strength in key areas of consideration for timely repayment of short-term liabilities.
R-1 (low) Short-term debt rated R-1 (low) is of satisfactory credit quality. The overall
strength and outlook for key liquidity, debt and profitability ratios are not normally as favorable
as with higher rating categories, but these considerations are still respectable. Any qualifying
negative factors which exist are considered manageable, and the entity is normally of sufficient
size to have some influence in its industry.
R-2 (high) Short-term debt rated R-2 (high) is considered to be at the upper end of
adequate credit quality. The ability to repay obligations as they mature remains acceptable,
although the overall strength and outlook for key liquidity, debt, and profitability ratios are not
as strong as credits rated in the R-1 (low) category. Relative to the latter category, other
shortcomings often include areas such as stability, financial flexibility, and the relative size
and market position of the entity within its industry.
R-2 (middle) Short-term debt rated R-2 (middle) is considered to be of adequate credit
quality. Relative to the R-2 (high) category, entities rated R-2 (middle) typically have some
combination of higher volatility, weaker debt or liquidity positions, lower future cash flow
capabilities, or hold a weaker industry position. Ratings in this category would also be more
vulnerable to adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.
R-2 (low) Short-term debt rated R-2 (low) is considered to be of only just adequate
credit quality, one step up from being speculative. While not yet defined as speculative, the R-2
(low) category signifies that although, repayment is still expected, the certainty of repayment
could be impacted by a variety of possible adverse developments, many of which would be outside of
the issuers control. Entities in this area often have limited access to capital markets and may
also have limitations in securing alternative sources of liquidity, particularly during periods of
weak economic conditions.
3-A
R-3 (high), R-3 (middle), R-3 (low) Short-term debt rated R-3 is speculative, and
within the three subset grades, the capacity for timely payment ranges from mildly speculative to
doubtful. R-3 credits tend to have weak liquidity and debt ratios, and the future trend of these
ratios is also unclear. Due to its speculative nature, companies with R-3 ratings would normally
have very limited access to alternative sources of liquidity. Earnings and cash flow would
typically be very unstable, and the level of overall profitability of the entity is also likely to
be low. The industry environment may be weak, and strong negative qualifying factors are also
likely to be present.
D Short-term debt rated D implies the issuer has either not met a scheduled payment or
the issuer has made it clear that it will be missing such a payment in the near future. In some
cases, DBRS may not assign a D rating under a bankruptcy announcement scenario, as allowances for
grace periods may exist in the underlying legal documentation. Once assigned, the D rating will
continue as long as the missed payment continues to be in arrears, and until such time as the
rating is suspended, discontinued, or reinstated by DBRS.
Long-Term Credit Ratings
The following summarizes the ratings used by Standard & Poors for long-term issues:
AAA An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poors. The
obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.
AA An obligation rated AA differs from the highest rated obligations only to a small
degree. The obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.
A An obligation rated A is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes
in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the
obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.
BBB An obligation rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse
economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the
obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
Obligations rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and C are regarded as having significant
speculative characteristics. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest.
While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be
outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.
BB An obligation rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative
issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial
or economic conditions which could lead to the obligors inadequate capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation.
B An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated BB,
but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
Adverse business, financial or economic conditions will likely impair the obligors capacity or
willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
4-A
CCC An obligation rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon
favorable business, financial and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions,
the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
CC An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.
C A subordinated debt or preferred stock obligation rated C is currently highly
vulnerable to nonpayment. The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy
petition has been filed or similar action taken, but payments on this obligation are being
continued. A C rating will also be assigned to a preferred stock issue in arrears on dividends
or sinking fund payments, but that is currently paying.
D An obligation rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used when
payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not
expired, unless Standard & Poors believes that such payment will be made during such grace period.
The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a
similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.
Plus (+) or minus (-) The ratings from AA through CCC may be modified by the addition of
a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
N.R. This indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient
information on which to base a rating or that Standard & Poors does not rate a particular
obligation as a matter of policy
Local Currency and Foreign Currency Risks Country risk considerations are a standard part of
Standard & Poors analysis for credit ratings on any issuer or issue. Currency of repayment is a
key factor in this analysis. An obligors capacity to repay Foreign Currency obligations may be
lower than its capacity to repay obligations in its local currency due to the sovereign
governments own relatively lower capacity to repay external versus domestic debt. These sovereign
risk considerations are incorporated in the debt ratings assigned to specific issues. Foreign
Currency issuer ratings are also distinguished from local currency issuer ratings to identify those
instances where sovereign risks make them different for the same issuer.
The following summarizes the ratings used by Moodys for long-term debt:
Aaa Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, with minimal credit
risk.
Aa Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low
credit risk.
A Obligations rated A are considered upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit
risk.
Baa Obligations rated Baa are subject to moderate credit risk. They are considered
medium-grade and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.
5-A
Ba Obligations rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements and are subject to
substantial credit risk.
B Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.
Caa Obligations rated Caa are judged to be of poor standing and are subject to very high
credit risk.
Ca Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default,
with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.
C Obligations rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and are typically in default,
with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.
Note: Moodys applies numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 in each generic rating classification
from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of
its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3
indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.
The following summarizes long-term ratings used by Fitch:
AAA Securities considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit quality. AAA
ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk and are assigned only in case of
exceptionally strong capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly
unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.
AA Securities considered to be investment grade and of very high credit quality. AA
ratings denote a very low expectation of credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for
timely payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to
foreseeable events.
A Securities considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality. A ratings
denote a low expectation of credit risk. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments
is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in
circumstances or in economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.
BBB Securities considered to be investment grade and of good credit quality. BBB
ratings denote that there is currently a low expectation of credit risk. The capacity for timely
payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse changes in circumstances and
in economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. This is the lowest
investment-grade category.
BB Securities considered to be speculative. BB ratings indicate that there is a
possibility of credit risk developing, particularly as the result of adverse economic change over
time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments
to be met. Securities rated in this category are not investment grade.
6-A
B Securities considered to be highly speculative. B ratings indicate that significant
credit risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are
currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is contingent upon a sustained,
favorable business and economic environment.
CCC, CC and C Securities have high default risk. Default is a real possibility, and
capacity for meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon sustained, favorable business or
economic developments. A CC rating indicates that default of some kind appears probable. C
ratings signal imminent default.
DDD, DD and D Securities are in default. The ratings of obligations in these
categories are based on their prospects for achieving partial or full recovery in a reorganization
or liquidation of the obligor. While expected recovery values are highly speculative and cannot be
estimated with any precision, the following serve as general guidelines. DDD obligations have
the highest potential for recovery, around 90%-100% of outstanding amounts and accrued interest.
DD indicates potential recoveries in the range of 50%-90% and D the lowest recovery potential,
i.e., below 50%.
Entities rated in this category have defaulted on some or all of their obligations. Entities
rated DDD have the highest prospect for resumption of performance or continued operation with or
without a formal reorganization process. Entities rated DD and D are generally undergoing a
formal reorganization or liquidation process; those rated DD are likely to satisfy a higher
portion of their outstanding obligations, while entities rated D have a poor prospect of repaying
all obligations.
Plus (+) or minus (-) may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major
rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the AAA category or to categories below CCC.
NR indicates that Fitch does not publicly rate the issuer or issue in question.
The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for long-term debt:
AAA Long-term debt rated AAA is of the highest credit quality, with exceptionally
strong protection for the timely repayment of principal and interest. Earnings are considered
stable, the structure of the industry in which the entity operates is strong, and the outlook for
future profitability is favorable. There are few qualifying factors present which would detract
from the performance of the entity. The strength of liquidity and coverage ratios is unquestioned
and the entity has established a creditable track record of superior performance. Given the
extremely high standard which DBRS has set for this category, few entities are able to achieve a
AAA rating.
AA Long-term debt rated AA is of superior credit quality, and protection of interest and
principal is considered high. In many cases, it differs from long-term debt rated AAA only to a
small degree. Given the extremely restrictive definition DBRS has for the AAA category, entities
rated AA are also considered to be strong credits which typically exemplify above-average
strength in key areas of consideration and are unlikely to be significantly affected by reasonably
foreseeable events.
A Long-term debt rated A is of satisfactory credit quality. Protection of interest and
principal is still substantial, but the degree of strength is less than with AA rated entities.
While A
7-A
is a respectable rating, entities in this category are considered to be more susceptible to adverse
economic conditions and have greater cyclical tendencies than higher-rated securities.
BBB Long-term debt rated BBB is of adequate credit quality
.
Protection of interest and
principal is considered acceptable, but the entity is fairly susceptible to adverse changes in
financial and economic conditions, or there may be other adverse conditions present which reduce
the strength of the entity and its rated securities.
BB
Long-term debt rated BB is defined to be speculative and non investment-grade, where
the degree of protection afforded interest and principal is uncertain, particularly during periods
of economic recession. Entities in the BB range typically have limited access to capital markets
and additional liquidity support. In many cases, deficiencies in critical mass, diversification
and competitive strength are additional negative considerations.
B Long-term debt rated B is highly speculative and there is a reasonably high level of
uncertainty as to the ability of the entity to pay interest and principal on a continuing basis in
the future, especially in periods of economic recession or industry adversity.
CCC, CC and C Long-term debt rated in any of these categories is very highly speculative
and is in danger of default of interest and principal. The degree of adverse elements present is
more severe than long-term debt rated B. Long-term debt rated below B often has
characteristics which, if not remedied, may lead to default. In practice, there is little
difference between these categories, with CC and C normally used for lower ranking debt of
companies for which the senior debt is rated in the CCC to B range.
D
Long-term debt rated D implies the issuer has either not met a scheduled payment of
interest or principal or that the issuer has made it clear that it will miss such a payment in the
near future. In some cases, DBRS may not assign a D rating under a bankruptcy announcement
scenario, as allowances for grace periods may exist in the underlying legal documentation. Once
assigned, the D rating will continue as long as the missed payment continues to be in arrears,
and until such time as the rating is suspended, discontinued or reinstated by DBRS.
(high, low) Each rating category is denoted by the subcategories high and low. The
absence of either a high or low designation indicates the rating is in the middle of the
category. The AAA and D categories do not utilize high, middle, and low as differential
grades.
Notes to Short-Term and Long-Term Credit Ratings
Standard & Poors
CreditWatch:
CreditWatch highlights the potential direction of a short- or long-term rating.
It focuses on identifiable events and short-term trends that cause ratings to be placed under
special surveillance by Standard & Poors analytical staff. These may include mergers,
recapitalizations, voter referendums, regulatory action or anticipated operating developments.
Ratings appear on CreditWatch when such an event or a deviation from an expected trend occurs and
additional information is necessary to evaluate the current rating. A listing, however, does not
mean a rating change is inevitable, and whenever possible, a range of alternative ratings will be
shown. CreditWatch is not intended to include all ratings under review, and rating changes may
occur without the ratings having
8-A
first appeared on CreditWatch. The positive designation means that a rating may be raised;
negative means a rating may be lowered; and developing means that a rating may be raised,
lowered or affirmed.
Rating Outlook
: A Standard & Poors rating outlook assesses the potential direction of a
long-term credit rating over the intermediate term (typically six months to two years). In
determining a rating outlook, consideration is given to any changes in the economic and/or
fundamental business conditions. An outlook is not necessarily a precursor of a rating change or
future CreditWatch action.
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Positive means that a rating may be raised.
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Negative means that a rating may be lowered.
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Stable means that a rating is not likely to change.
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Developing means a rating may be raised or lowered.
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Moodys
Watchlist
: Moodys uses the Watchlist to indicate that a rating is under review for possible
change in the short-term. A rating can be placed on review for possible upgrade (UPG), on review
for possible downgrade (DNG) or more rarely with direction uncertain (UNC). A credit is
removed from the Watchlist when the rating is upgraded, downgraded or confirmed.
Rating Outlooks:
A Moodys rating outlook is an opinion regarding the likely direction of a
rating over the medium term. Where assigned, rating outlooks fall into the following four
categories: Positive (POS), Negative (NEG), Stable (STA) and Developing (DEV contingent
upon an event). In the few instances where an issuer has multiple outlooks of differing
directions, an (m) modifier (indicating multiple, differing outlooks) will be displayed, and
Moodys written research will describe any differences and provide the rationale for these
differences. A RUR (Rating(s) Under Review) designation indicates that the issuer has one or
more ratings under review for possible change, and thus overrides the outlook designation. When an
outlook has not been assigned to an eligible entity, NOO (No Outlook) may be displayed.
Fitch
Withdrawn:
A rating is withdrawn when Fitch deems the amount of information available to be
inadequate for rating purposes, or when an obligation matures, is called, or refinanced.
Rating Watch:
Ratings are placed on Rating Watch to notify investors that there is a
reasonable probability of a rating change and the likely direction of such change. These are
designated as Positive, indicating a potential upgrade, Negative, for a potential downgrade, or
Evolving, if ratings may be raised, lowered or maintained. Rating Watch is typically resolved
over a relatively short period.
Rating Outlook:
A Rating Outlook indicates the direction a rating is likely to move over a
one-to two-year period. Outlooks may be positive, stable or negative. A positive or
negative Rating Outlook does not imply a rating change is inevitable. Similarly, ratings for
which outlooks are stable could be upgraded or downgraded before an outlook moves to positive
or negative if
9-A
circumstances warrant such an action. Occasionally, Fitch may be unable to identify the
fundamental trend. In these cases, the Rating Outlook may be described as evolving.
DBRS
Rating Trends:
Each DBRS rating category is appended with one of three rating trends
Positive, Stable, or Negative. The rating trend helps to give the investor an understanding
of DBRSs opinion regarding the outlook for the rating in question. However, the investor must not
assume that a positive or negative trend necessarily indicates that a rating change is imminent.
Rating Actions:
In addition to confirming or changing ratings, other DBRS rating actions
include:
(1) Suspended Ratings.
Rating opinions are forward looking. While a rating will consider the
historical performance of an issuer, a rating is an assessment of the issuers future ability and
willingness to meet outstanding obligations. As such, for a complete credit quality assessment,
DBRS normally requires the cooperation of the issuer so that management strategies and projections
may be evaluated and qualified.
Since the availability of such information is critical to the rating assessment, any
reluctance in managements willingness to supply such information (either perceived or actual) may
cause a rating to be changed or even suspended. The eventual action will depend upon DBRSs
assessment of the degree of accuracy of a rating, possibly without the cooperation of management.
Suspended ratings indicate that an issuer still has outstanding debt, but DBRS no longer provides a
current rating opinion on the credit quality of that outstanding debt.
(2) Discontinued Ratings.
When an entity retires all, or virtually all, of its outstanding
debt within a particular category and has no plans to re-issue in the near future (e.g. commercial
paper, long-term debt or preferred shares), DBRS may discontinue its rating. Other less common
circumstances where DBRS may also discontinue ratings include situations where the rated debt is no
longer in the public market, where a defeasance structure removes the credit risk of the issuer as
a consideration or where the debt comes to be held by a few large institutions that do not require
ongoing DBRS ratings.
(3) Ratings Under Review.
In practice, DBRS maintains continuous surveillance of the
entities it rates and therefore all ratings are always under review. Accordingly, when a
significant event occurs that directly impacts the credit quality of a particular entity or group
of entities, DBRS will attempt to provide an immediate rating opinion. However, if there is high
uncertainty regarding the outcome of the event, and DBRS is unable to provide an objective,
forward-looking opinion in a timely fashion, then the rating(s) of the issuer(s) will be placed
Under Review since they may no longer be appropriate and can no longer be relied upon.
Ratings which are Under Review are qualified with one of the following three provisional
statements: negative implications, positive implications, or developing implications. These
qualifications indicate DBRSs preliminary evaluation of the impact on the credit quality of the
security/issuer. Although the three provisional statements may provide some guidance to
subscribers, situations and potential rating implications may vary widely and DBRSs final rating
conclusion may depart from its preliminary assessment. For each of these three provisional
statements, further due
10-A
diligence has to be completed in order to determine the applicable rating. In this respect, and
while the previous rating may no longer be appropriate and can no longer be relied upon to gauge
credit quality, the three provisional statements are an attempt to provide initial guidance as to
possible rating outcomes after the due diligence process has been completed and DBRS has finalized
its view.
Municipal Note Ratings
A Standard & Poors U.S. municipal note rating reflects the liquidity factors and market
access risks unique to notes due in three years or less. Notes maturing beyond three years will
most likely receive a long-term debt rating. The following summarizes the ratings used by Standard
& Poors for municipal notes:
SP-1 The issuers of these municipal notes exhibit a strong capacity to pay principal and
interest. Those issues determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service are given
a plus (+) designation.
SP-2 The issuers of these municipal notes exhibit a satisfactory capacity to pay principal
and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of
the notes.
SP-3 The issuers of these municipal notes exhibit speculative capacity to pay principal
and interest.
Moodys uses three rating categories for short-term municipal obligations that are considered
investment grade. These ratings are designated as Municipal Investment Grade (MIG) and are
divided into three levels MIG-1 through MIG-3. In addition, those short-term obligations
that are of speculative quality are designated SG, or speculative grade. MIG ratings expire at
the maturity of the obligation. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moodys for these
short-term obligations:
MIG-1 This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded
by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support or demonstrated broad-based access to
the market for refinancing.
MIG-2 This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample,
although not as large as in the preceding group.
MIG-3 This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow
protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.
SG This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this
category may lack sufficient margins of protection.
In the case of variable rate demand obligations (VRDOs), a two-component rating is assigned;
a long- or short-term debt rating and a demand obligation rating. The first element represents
Moodys evaluation of the degree of risk associated with scheduled principal and interest payments.
The second element represents Moodys evaluation of the degree of risk associated with the
11-A
ability to receive purchase price upon demand (demand feature), using a variation of the MIG
rating scale, the Variable Municipal Investment Grade or VMIG rating.
When either the long- or short-term aspect of a VRDO is not rated, that piece is designated
NR, e.g., Aaa/NR or NR/VMIG-1.
VMIG rating expirations are a function of each issues specific structural or credit features.
VMIG-1 This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded
by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal
protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
VMIG-2 This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the
strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections
that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
VMIG-3 This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is
afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural
and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
SG This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in
this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade
short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the
timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
Fitch uses the same ratings for municipal securities as described above for other short-term
credit ratings.
About Credit Ratings
A Standard & Poors issue credit rating is a current opinion of the creditworthiness of an obligor
with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a
specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper
programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers or other forms
of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation
is denominated. The issue credit rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold a
financial obligation inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for a
particular investor. Credit ratings may be changed, suspended or withdrawn as a result of changes
in, or unavailability of, information or based on other circumstances.
Moodys credit ratings must be construed solely as statements of opinion and not as statements of
fact or recommendations to purchase, sell or hold any securities.
Fitch credit ratings are an opinion on the ability of an entity or a securities issue to meet
financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, or repayment of principal, on a
timely basis. Fitch credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of
getting their money back in accordance with the terms on which they invested. Fitch credit ratings
are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold any security. Ratings do not comment on the adequacy
of market price, the suitability
12-A
of any security for a particular investor, or the tax-exempt nature or taxability of any payments
of any security. The ratings are based on information from issuers, other obligors, underwriters,
their experts and other sources Fitch believes to be reliable. Fitch does not audit or verify the
truth or accuracy of such information. Ratings may be changed or withdrawn as a result of changes
in, or the unavailability of, information or for other reasons.
DBRS credit ratings are not buy, hold or sell recommendations, but rather the result of qualitative
and quantitative analysis focusing solely on the credit quality of the issuer and its underlying
obligations.
13-A
APPENDIX B
ISS PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES SUMMARY
The following is a summary of certain of the ISS Proxy Voting Guidelines, which form the
substantive basis of the Investment Advisers Policy on Proxy Voting (Policy) with respect to
public equity investments. Unlike the abbreviated nature of this summary, the actual ISS Proxy
Voting Guidelines address additional voting matters and provide more discussion regarding the
factors that may determine ISSs position on a matter. The Investment Adviser may diverge from the
ISS guidelines and a related ISS recommendation on any particular proxy vote or in connection with
any individual investment decision.
1. Auditors
Vote FOR proposals to ratify auditors, unless any of the following apply:
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An auditor has a financial interest in or association with the company, and is therefore
not independent,
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Fees for non-audit services are excessive, or
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There is reason to believe that the independent auditor has rendered an opinion which is
neither accurate nor indicative of the companys financial position.
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2. Board of Directors
a. Voting on Director Nominees in Uncontested Elections
Votes on director nominees should be made on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, examining, among other factors,
the following factors: composition of the board and key board committees, attendance at board
meetings, corporate governance provisions and takeover activity, long-term company performance
relative to a market index, and whether the chairman is also serving as a CEO.
b. Classification/Declassification of the Board
Vote AGAINST proposals to classify the board.
Vote FOR proposals to repeal classified boards and to elect all directors annually.
c. Independent Chairman (Separate Chairman/CEO)
Generally vote FOR shareholder proposals requiring the position of chairman to be filled by an
independent director unless there are compelling reasons to recommend against the proposal.
1-B
d. Majority of Independent Directors/Establishment of Committees
Vote FOR shareholder proposals asking that a majority or more of directors be independent unless
the board composition already meets the proposed threshold by ISSs definition of independence.
Vote FOR shareholder proposals asking that board audit, compensation, and/or nominating committees
be composed exclusively of independent directors if they currently do not meet that standard.
3. Shareholder Rights
a. Shareholder Ability to Act by Written Consent
Vote AGAINST proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholder ability to take action by written
consent.
Vote FOR proposals to allow or make easier shareholder action by written consent.
b. Shareholder Ability to Call Special Meetings
Vote AGAINST proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholder ability to call special meetings.
Vote FOR proposals that remove restrictions on the right of shareholders to act independently of
management.
c. Supermajority Vote Requirements
Vote AGAINST proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote.
Vote FOR proposals to lower supermajority vote requirements.
d. Cumulative Voting
Vote AGAINST proposals to eliminate cumulative voting.
Vote proposals to restore or permit cumulative voting on a CASE-BY-CASE basis relative to the
companys other governance provisions.
e. Confidential Voting
Vote FOR shareholder proposals requesting that corporations adopt confidential voting, use
independent vote tabulators and use independent inspectors of election, as long as the proposal
includes a provision for proxy contests as follows: In the case of a contested election, management
should be permitted to request that the dissident group honor its confidential voting policy. If
the dissidents agree, the policy remains in place. If the dissidents will not agree, the
confidential voting policy is waived.
2-B
Vote FOR management proposals to adopt confidential voting.
4. Proxy Contests
a. Voting for Director Nominees in Contested Elections
Votes in a contested election of directors must be evaluated on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, considering
the factors that include, among others, the long-term financial performance, managements track
record, qualifications of director nominees (both slates), and an evaluation of what each side is
offering shareholders.
b. Reimbursing Proxy Solicitation Expenses
Vote CASE-BY-CASE. Where ISS recommends in favor of the dissidents, ISS also recommends voting for
reimbursing proxy solicitation expenses.
5. Poison Pills
Vote FOR shareholder proposals that ask a company to submit its poison pill to shareholder vote or
redeem it.
6. Mergers and Acquisitions
Vote CASE-BY-CASE on mergers and acquisitions based on such features, among others, as the fairness
opinion, pricing, prospects of the combined company, and the negotiating process.
7. Reincorporation Proposals
Proposals to change a companys state of incorporation should be evaluated on a CASE-BY-CASE basis,
giving consideration to both financial and corporate governance concerns, including the reasons for
reincorporating, a comparison of the governance provisions, and a comparison of the jurisdictional
laws. Vote FOR reincorporation when the economic factors outweigh any neutral or negative
governance changes.
8. Capital Structure
a. Common Stock Authorization
Votes on proposals to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance are
determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis using a model developed by ISS.
Vote AGAINST proposals at companies with dual-class capital structures to increase the number of
authorized shares of the class of stock that has superior voting rights.
Vote FOR proposals to approve increases beyond the allowable increase when a companys shares are
in danger of being de-listed or if a companys ability to continue to operate as a going concern is
uncertain.
3-B
b. Dual-class Stock
Vote AGAINST proposals to
create a new class of common stock with superior voting rights.
Vote FOR proposals to create a new class of non-voting or sub-voting common stock if:
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It is intended for financing purposes with minimal or no dilution to current shareholders
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It is not designed to preserve the voting power of an insider or significant shareholder
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9. Executive and Director Compensation
Votes with respect to equity based compensation plans should be determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
The ISS methodology for reviewing compensation plans primarily focuses on the transfer of
shareholder wealth (the dollar cost of pay plans to shareholders instead of simply focusing on
voting power dilution). Using the expanded compensation data disclosed under the Securities and
Exchange Commissions rules, ISS will value every award type. ISS will include in its analyses an
estimated dollar cost for the proposed plan and all continuing plans. This cost, dilution to
shareholders equity, will also be expressed as a percentage figure for the transfer of shareholder
wealth, and will be considered along with dilution to voting power. Once ISS determines the
estimated cost of the plan, ISS compares it to a company-specific dilution cap.
Vote AGAINST equity plans that explicitly permit repricing of underwater stock options without
shareholder approval.
a. Management Proposals Seeking Approval to Reprice Options
Votes on management proposals seeking approval to reprice options are evaluated on a CASE-BY-CASE
basis giving consideration to the following:
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Historic trading patterns
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Rationale for the repricing
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Value-for-value exchange
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Option vesting
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Term of the option
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Exercise price
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Participation
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4-B
b. Employee Stock Purchase Plans
Votes on employee stock purchase plans should be determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
Vote FOR employee stock purchase plans where all of the following apply:
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Purchase price is at least 85 percent of fair market value;
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Offering period is 27 months or less; and
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Potential voting power dilution is ten percent or less.
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Vote AGAINST employee stock purchase plans where any of the opposite conditions obtain.
c. Shareholder Proposals on Compensation
Generally, vote FOR shareholder proposals seeking additional disclosure of executive and director
pay information and shareholder proposals to put option repricings to a shareholder vote. Vote
AGAINST shareholder proposals seeking to set absolute levels on compensation or otherwise dictate
the amount or form of compensation.
Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis for all other shareholder proposals regarding executive and director
pay, taking into account company performance, pay level versus peers, pay level versus industry,
and long-term corporate outlook.
10. Social and Environmental Issues
These issues cover a wide range of topics, including consumer and public safety, environment and
energy, general corporate issues, labor standards and human rights, military business, and
workplace diversity.
Generally, ISS votes CASE-BY-CASE on such proposals. However, there are certain specific topics
where ISS generally votes FOR the proposal (
e.g.
, proposals seeking a report on a companys animal
welfare standards) or AGAINST the proposal (
e.g.
, reports on foreign military sales or offsets).
5-B
APPENDIX C
BUSINESS PRINCIPLES OF GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
Goldman Sachs is noted for its Business Principles, which guide all of the firms activities and
serve as the basis for its distinguished reputation among investors worldwide.
Our clients interests always come first.
Our experience shows that if we serve our clients
well, our own success will follow.
Our assets are our people, capital and reputation.
If any of these is ever diminished, the
last is the most difficult to restore. We are dedicated to complying fully with the letter and
spirit of the laws, rules and ethical principles that govern us. Our continued success depends
upon unswerving adherence to this standard.
We take great pride in the professional quality of our work.
We have an uncompromising
determination to achieve excellence in everything we undertake. Though we may be involved in a
wide variety and heavy volume of activity, we would, if it came to a choice, rather be best than
biggest.
We stress creativity and imagination in everything we do.
While recognizing that the old way
may still be the best way, we constantly strive to find a better solution to a clients problems.
We pride ourselves on having pioneered many of the practices and techniques that have become
standard in the industry.
We make an unusual effort to identify and recruit the very best person for every job.
Although our activities are measured in billions of dollars, we select our people one by one. In a
service business, we know that without the best people, we cannot be the best firm.
We offer our people the opportunity to move ahead more rapidly than is possible at most other
places.
We have yet to find limits to the responsibility that our best people are able to assume.
Advancement depends solely on ability, performance and contribution to the Firms success, without
regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any
other impermissible criterion or circumstance.
We stress teamwork in everything we do.
While individual creativity is always encouraged, we
have found that team effort often produces the best results. We have no room for those who put
their personal interests ahead of the interests of the Firm and its clients.
The dedication of our people to the Firm and the intense effort they give their jobs are
greater than one finds in most other organizations.
We think that this is an important part of our
success.
Our profits are a key to our success.
They replenish our capital and attract and keep our
best people. It is our practice to share our profits generously with all who helped create them.
Profitability is crucial to our future.
1-C
We consider our size an asset that we try hard to preserve.
We want to be big enough to
undertake the largest project that any of our clients could contemplate, yet small enough to
maintain the loyalty, the intimacy and the esprit de corps that we all treasure and that contribute
greatly to our success.
We constantly strive to anticipate the rapidly changing needs of our clients and to develop
new services to meet those needs.
We know that the world of finance will not stand still and that
complacency can lead to extinction.
We regularly receive confidential information as part of our normal client relationships.
To
breach a confidence or to use confidential information improperly or carelessly would be
unthinkable.
Our business is highly competitive, and we aggressively seek to expand our client
relationships.
However, we must always be fair to competitors and must never denigrate other
firms.
Integrity and honesty are the heart of our business.
We expect our people to maintain high
ethical standards in everything they do, both in their work for the firm and in their personal
lives.
2-C
GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.S HISTORY OF EXCELLENCE
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1869
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Marcus Goldman opens Goldman Sachs for business
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1890
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Dow Jones Industrial Average first published
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1896
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Goldman, Sachs & Co. joins New York Stock Exchange
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1906
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Goldman, Sachs & Co. takes Sears Roebuck & Co. public (at 97 years, the firms
longest-standing client relationship)
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Dow Jones Industrial Average tops 100
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1925
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Goldman, Sachs & Co. finances Warner Brothers, producer of the first talking film
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1956
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Goldman, Sachs & Co. co-manages Fords public offering, the largest to date
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1970
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Goldman, Sachs & Co. opens London office
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1972
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Dow Jones Industrial Average breaks 1000
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1986
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Goldman, Sachs & Co. takes Microsoft public
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1988
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Goldman Sachs Asset Management is formally established
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1991
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Goldman, Sachs & Co. provides advisory services for the largest privatization in the region
of the sale of Telefonos de Mexico
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1995
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Goldman Sachs Asset Management introduces Global Tactical Asset Allocation Program
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Dow Jones Industrial Average breaks 5000
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1996
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Goldman, Sachs & Co. takes Deutsche Telekom public
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Dow Jones Industrial Average breaks 6000
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1997
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Goldman Sachs Asset Management increases assets under management by 100% over 1996
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Dow Jones Industrial Average breaks 7000
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3-C
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1998
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Goldman Sachs Asset Management reaches $195.5 billion in assets under management
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Dow Jones Industrial Average breaks 9000
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1999
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Goldman Sachs becomes a public company
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Goldman Sachs Asset Management launches the Goldman Sachs Internet Tollkeeper Fund;
becomes the years second most successful new fund launch
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2000
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Goldman Sachs CORE
SM
Tax-Managed Equity Fund launches
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Goldman Sachs Asset Management has total assets under management of $298.5 billion
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2001
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Goldman Sachs Asset Management reaches $100 billion in money market assets
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Goldman Sachs Asset Management has total assets under management of $306 billion
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Goldman Sachs acquires Spear, Leeds and Kellogg
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2002
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Advises and services the wealth management needs of 45% of the Forbes 400*
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2003
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Goldman Sachs acquires The Ayco Company, L.P., one of the oldest and largest financial
planning firms in the United States
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Goldman Sachs combines its Australian operations with Australian securities firm
JBWere, one of the most respected and oldest (having been founded in 1840) financial
institutions in the region, to form Goldman Sachs JBWere
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*
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Source: Forbes.com September 2002
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4-C
Appendix D
Statement of Intention
(applicable only to Class A Shares)
If a shareholder anticipates purchasing $50,000 or more of Class A Shares of the Fund alone or
in combination with Class A Shares of another Goldman Sachs Fund within a 13-month period, the
shareholder may obtain shares of the Fund at the same reduced sales charge as though the total
quantity were invested in one lump sum by checking and filing the Statement of Intention in the
Account Application. Income dividends and capital gain distributions taken in additional shares
will not apply toward the completion of the Statement of Intention.
To ensure that the reduced price will be received on future purchases, the investor must
inform Goldman Sachs that the Statement of Intention is in effect each time shares are purchased.
Subject to the conditions mentioned below, each purchase will be made at the public offering price
applicable to a single transaction of the dollar amount specified on the Account Application. The
investor makes no commitment to purchase additional shares, but if the investors purchases within
13 months plus the value of shares credited toward completion do not total the sum specified, the
investor will pay the increased amount of the sales charge prescribed in the Escrow Agreement.
Escrow Agreement
Out of the initial purchase (or subsequent purchases if necessary), 5% of the dollar amount
specified on the Account Application will be held in escrow by the transfer agent in the form of
shares registered in the investors name. All income dividends and capital gains distributions on
escrowed shares will be paid to the investor or to his or her order. When the minimum investment
so specified is completed (either prior to or by the end of the 13th month), the investor will be
notified and the escrowed shares will be released.
If the intended investment is not completed, the investor will be asked to remit to Goldman
Sachs any difference between the sales charge on the amount specified and on the amount actually
attained. If the investor does not within 20 days after written request by Goldman Sachs pay such
difference in the sales charge, the transfer agent will redeem, pursuant to the authority given by
the investor in the Account Application, an appropriate number of the escrowed shares in order to
realize such difference. Shares remaining after any such redemption will be released by the
transfer agent.
1-D
PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 23.
Exhibits
The following exhibits relating to Goldman Sachs Trust are incorporated herein by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 26 to Goldman Sachs Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A
(Accession No. 000950130-95-002856); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to such Registration
Statement (Accession No. 0000950130-96-004931); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to such
Registration Statement (Accession No. 0000950130-97-000573); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 to
such Registration Statement (Accession No. 0000950130-97-000805); to Post-Effective Amendment No.
32 to such Registration Statement (Accession No. 0000950130-97-0001846); to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 40 to such Registration Statement (Accession No. 0000950130-97-004495); to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 to such Registration Statement (Accession No 0000950130-98-000676);
to Post-Effective Amendment No. 43 to such Registration Statement (Accession No.
0000950130-98-000965); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 to such Registration Statement (Accession
No. 0000950130-98-002160); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to such Registration Statement
(Accession No. 0000950130-98-003563); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 47 to such Registration
Statement (Accession No. 0000950130-98-004845); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 48 to such
Registration Statement (Accession No. 0000950109-98-005275); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 50 to
such Registration Statement (Accession No. 0000950130-98-006081); to Post-Effective Amendment No.
51 to such Registration Statement (Accession No. 0000950130-99-000178); to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 52 to such Registration Statement (Accession No. 0000950130-99-000742); to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 53 to such Registration Statement (Accession No. 0000950130-99-001069); to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 54 to such Registration Statement (Accession No.
0000950130-99-002212); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 55 to such Registration Statement (Accession
No. 0000950109-99-002544); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to such Registration Statement
(Accession No. 0000950130-99-005294); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 57 to such Registration
Statement (Accession No. 0000950109-99-003474); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 58 to such
Registration Statement (Accession No. 0000950109-99-004208); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 59 to
such Registration Statement (Accession No. 0000950130-99-006810); to Post-Effective Amendment No.
60 to such Registration Statement (Accession No. 0000950109-99-004538) (no exhibits filed as part
of this Amendment); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to such Registration Statement (Accession
No. 0000950130-00-000099) (no exhibits filed as part of this Amendment); to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 62 to such Registration Statement (Accession No. 0000950109-00-000585); to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 to such Registration Statement (Accession No.
0000950109-00-001365); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 to such Registration Statement (Accession
No. 0000950130-00-002072); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 to such Registration Statement
(Accession No. 0000950130-00-002509); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 66 to such Registration
Statement (Accession No. 0000950130-00-003033); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to such
Registration Statement (Accession No. 0000950130-00-003405); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 68 to
such Registration Statement (Accession No. 0000950109-00-500123); to Post-Effective Amendment No.
69 to such Registration Statement (Accession No. 0000950109-00-500156); to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 70 to such Registration Statement (Accession No. 0000950109-01-000419); to
Post-Effective
Amendment No. 71 to such Registration Statement (Accession No.
0000950109-01-500094); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 72 to such Registration Statement (Accession
No. 0000950109-01-500540); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 73 to such Registration Statement
(Accession No. 0000950123-01-509514); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to such Registration
Statement (Accession No. 0000950123-02-002026); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 75 to such
Registration Statement (Accession No. 0000950123-02-003780); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 76 to
such Registration Statement (Accession No. 0000950123-02-006143); to Post-Effective Amendment No.
77 to such Registration Statement (Accession No. 0000950123-02-006151); to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 78 to such Registration Statement (Accession No. 0000950123-02-007177); to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 79 to such Registration Statement (Accession No. 0000950123-02-011711); to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to such Registration Statement (Accession No.
0000950123-02-011988); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 81 to such Registration Statement (Accession
No. 0000950123-03-001754); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 82 to such Registration Statement
(Accession No. 0000950123-03-004262); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 83 to such Registration
Statement (Accession No. 0000950123-03-007054); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 84 to such
Registration Statement (Accession No. 0000950123-03-009618); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 to
such Registration Statement (Accession No. 0000950123-03-013727); to Post-Effective Amendment No.
86 to such Registration Statement (Accession No. 0000950123-04-002212); to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 87 to such Registration Statement (Accession No. 0000950123-04-003073); to the Registrants
Registration Statement on Form N-14 relating to the Registrants acquisition of the Golden Oak®
Family of Funds (Acquisition) (Accession No. 0000950123-04-008643); to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 88 to the Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (Accession No. 0000950123-04-004668)
and to Post-Effective Amendment No. 93 to the Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A
(Accession No. 0000950123-04-015178).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)(1).
|
|
Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28,
1997. (Accession No. 0000950130-97-000573).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)(2).
|
|
Amendment No. 1 dated April 24, 1997 to Agreement and
Declaration of Trust January 28, 1997. (Accession No.
0000950130-97-004495).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)(3).
|
|
Amendment No. 2 dated July 21, 1997 to Agreement and
Declaration of Trust as amended, dated January 28,
1997. (Accession No. 0000950130-97-004495).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)(4).
|
|
Amendment No. 3 dated October 21, 1997 to the
Agreement and Declaration of Trust as amended, dated
January 28, 1997. (Accession No.
0000950130-98-000676).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)(5).
|
|
Amendment No. 4 dated January 28, 1998 to the
Agreement and Declaration of Trust as amended, dated
January 28, 1997. (Accession No.
0000950130-98-000676).
|
- 2 -
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)(6).
|
|
Amendment No. 5 dated April 23, 1998 to Agreement and
Declaration of Trust as amended, dated January 28,
1997. (Accession No. 0000950130-98-004845).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)(7).
|
|
Amendment No. 6 dated July 22, 1998 to Agreement and
Declaration of Trust as amended, dated January 28,
1997. (Accession No. 0000950130-98-004845).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)(8).
|
|
Amendment No. 7 dated November 3, 1998 to Agreement
and Declaration of Trust as amended, dated January
28, 1997. (Accession No. 0000950130-98-006081).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)(9).
|
|
Amendment No. 8 dated January 22, 1999 to Agreement
and Declaration of Trust as amended, dated January
28, 1997. (Accession No. 0000950130-99-000742).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)(10).
|
|
Amendment No. 9 dated April 28, 1999 to Agreement and
Declaration of Trust as amended, dated January 28,
1997. (Accession No. 0000950109-99-002544).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)(11).
|
|
Amendment No. 10 dated July 27, 1999 to Agreement and
Declaration of Trust as amended, dated January 28,
1997. (Accession No. 0000950130-99-005294).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)(12).
|
|
Amendment No. 11 dated July 27, 1999 to Agreement and
Declaration of Trust as amended, dated January 28,
1997. (Accession No. 0000950130-99-005294).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)(13).
|
|
Amendment No. 12 dated October 26, 1999 to Agreement
and Declaration of Trust as amended, dated January
28, 1997. (Accession No. 0000950130-99-004208).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)(14).
|
|
Amendment No. 13 dated February 3, 2000 to Agreement
and Declaration of Trust as amended, dated January
28, 1997. (Accession No. 0000950109-00-000585).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)(15).
|
|
Amendment No. 14 dated April 26, 2000 to Agreement
and Declaration of Trust as amended, dated January
28, 1997. (Accession No. 0000950130-00-002509).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)(16).
|
|
Amendment No. 15 dated August 1, 2000 to Agreement
and Declaration of Trust, as amended, dated January
28, 1997. (Accession No. 0000950109-00-500123).
|
- 3 -
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)(17).
|
|
Amendment No. 16 dated January 30, 2001 to Agreement
and Declaration of Trust, dated January 28, 1997.
(Accession No. 0000950109-01-500540).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)(18).
|
|
Amendment No. 17 dated April 25, 2001 to Agreement
and Declaration of Trust, dated January 28, 1997.
(Accession No. 0000950123-01-509514).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)(19).
|
|
Amendment No. 18 dated July 1, 2002 to Agreement and
Declaration of Trust, dated January 28, 1997.
(Accession No. 0000950123-02-011711).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)(20).
|
|
Amendment No. 19 dated August 1, 2002 to Agreement
and Declaration of Trust, dated January 28, 1997.
(Accession No. 0000950123-02-011711).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)(21).
|
|
Amendment No. 20 dated August 1, 2002 to Agreement
and Declaration of Trust, dated January 28, 1997.
(Accession No. 0000950123-02-011711).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)(22).
|
|
Amendment No. 21 dated January 29, 2003 to the
Agreement and Declaration of Trust, dated January 28,
1997. (Accession No. 0000950123-03-001754).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)(23).
|
|
Amendment No. 22 dated July 31, 2003 to the Agreement
and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997.
(Accession No. 0000950123-03-013727).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)(24).
|
|
Amendment No. 23 dated October 30, 2003 to the
Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28,
1997. (Accession No. 0000950123-03-013727).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)(25).
|
|
Amendment No. 24 dated May 6, 2004 to the Agreement
and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997.
(Accession No. 0000950123-04-008643).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)(26).
|
|
Amendment No. 25 dated April 21, 2004 to the
Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28,
1997. (Accession No. 0000950123-04-015178).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)(27).
|
|
Amendment No. 26 dated November 4, 2004 to the
Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28,
1997. (Accession No. 0000950123-04-015178).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(b)(1).
|
|
Amended and Restated By-laws of the Delaware business
trust dated January 28, 1997. (Accession No.
0000950130-97-000573).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(b)(2).
|
|
Amended and Restated By-laws of the Delaware business
trust dated January 28, 1997 as amended and restated
July 27, 1999. (Accession No. 0000950130-99-005294).
|
- 4 -
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(b)(3).
|
|
Amended and Restated By-laws of the Delaware business
trust dated January 28, 1997 as amended and restated
October 30, 2002. (Accession No.
0000950123-02-011711).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(b)(4).
|
|
Amendment to Amended and Restated By-laws of the
Delaware business trust dated January 28, 1997 as
amended and restated October 30, 2002. (Accession No.
0000950123-04-015178).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(c).
|
|
Article II, Section 10, Article IV, Section 3,
Article V, Article VI, Article VII, Article IX,
Section 8 and Section 9 of the Registrants Agreement
and Declaration of Trust incorporated herein by
reference as Exhibit (a)(1) and Article III of the
Registrants Amended and Restated By-Laws
incorporated by reference as Exhibit (b)(3).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(1).
|
|
Management Agreement dated April 30, 1997 between
Registrant, on behalf of Goldman Sachs Short Duration
Government Fund, and Goldman Sachs Funds Management,
L.P. (Accession No. 0000950130-98-000676).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(2).
|
|
Management Agreement dated April 30, 1997 between
Registrant, on behalf of Goldman Sachs Adjustable
Rate Government Fund, and Goldman Sachs Funds
Management, L.P. (Accession No.
0000950130-98-000676).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(3).
|
|
Management Agreement dated April 30, 1997 between
Registrant, on behalf of Goldman Sachs Short Duration
Tax-Free Fund, and Goldman Sachs Asset Management.
(Accession No. 0000950130-98-000676).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(4).
|
|
Management Agreement dated April 30, 1997 between
Registrant, on behalf of Goldman Sachs Core Fixed
Income Fund, and Goldman Sachs Asset Management.
(Accession No. 0000950130-98-000676).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(5).
|
|
Management Agreement dated April 30, 1997 between the
Registrant, on behalf of Goldman Sachs -
Institutional Liquid Assets, and Goldman Sachs Asset
Management. (Accession No. 0000950130-98-000676).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(6).
|
|
Management Agreement dated April 30, 1997 between
Registrant, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Goldman
Sachs Fund Management L.P. and Goldman, Sachs Asset
Management International. (Accession No.
0000950109-98-005275).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(7).
|
|
Management Agreement dated January 1, 1998 on behalf
of the Goldman Sachs Asset Allocation Portfolios and
Goldman Sachs Asset Management. (Accession No.
0000950130-98-000676).
|
- 5 -
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(8).
|
|
Amended Annex A to Management Agreement dated January
1, 1998 on behalf of the Goldman Sachs Asset
Allocation Portfolios and Goldman Sachs Asset
Management (Conservative Strategy Portfolio)
(Accession No. 0000950130-99-000742).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(9).
|
|
Amended Annex A dated April 28, 1999 to Management
Agreement dated April 30, 1997. (Accession No.
0000950109-99-002544).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(10).
|
|
Amended Annex A dated July 27, 1999 to Management
Agreement dated April 30, 1997. (Accession No.
0000950130-99-005294).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(11).
|
|
Amended Annex A dated October 26, 1999 to Management
Agreement dated April 30, 1997. (Accession No.
0000950130-99-004208).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(12).
|
|
Amended Annex A dated February 3, 2000 to Management
Agreement dated April 30, 1997. (Accession No.
0000950109-00-001365).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(13).
|
|
Amended Annex A dated April 26, 2000 to Management
Agreement dated April 30, 1997 (Accession No.
0000950130-00-002509).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(14).
|
|
Amended Annex A dated January 30, 2001 to Management
Agreement dated April 30, 1997. (Accession No.
0000950109-01-500094).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(15).
|
|
Amended Annex A dated April 25, 2001 to Management
Agreement, dated April 30, 1997. (Accession No.
0000950123-01-509514).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(16).
|
|
Amended Annex A dated August 1, 2002 to Management
Agreement, dated April 30, 1997. (Accession No.
0000950123-02-011711).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(17).
|
|
Assumption Agreement dated April 26, 2003 between
Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Goldman Sachs Asset
Management, L.P. (With respect to the Goldman Sachs
Short-Duration Tax-Free Fund). (Accession No.
0000950123-03-007054).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(18).
|
|
Assumption Agreement dated April 26, 2003 between
Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Goldman Sachs Asset
Management, L.P. (With respect to the Goldman Sachs
Money Market Funds). (Accession No.
0000950123-03-007054).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(19).
|
|
Assumption Agreement dated April 26, 2003 between
Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Goldman Sachs Asset
Management, L.P. (With respect to the Goldman Sachs
Fixed Income, Equity, Specialty and Money Market
Funds). (Accession No. 0000950123-03-007054).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(20).
|
|
Assumption Agreement dated April 26, 2003 between
Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Goldman Sachs Asset
Management, L.P. (With respect to the
|
- 6 -
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goldman Sachs
Core Fixed Income Fund). (Accession No.
0000950123-03-007054).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(21).
|
|
Assumption Agreement dated April 26, 2003 between
Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Goldman Sachs Asset
Management, L.P. (With respect to the Goldman Sachs
Asset Allocation Funds). (Accession No.
0000950123-03-007054).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(22).
|
|
Amended Annex A dated July 31, 2003 to the Management
Agreement dated April 30, 1997. (Accession No.
0000950123-03-009618).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(23).
|
|
Amended Annex A dated October 30, 2003 to the
Management Agreement dated April 30, 1997. (Accession
No. 0000950123-03-013727).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(e)(1).
|
|
Distribution Agreement dated April 30, 1997, as
amended October 30, 2003. (Accession No.
0000950123-03-013727).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(f).
|
|
Not applicable.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(1).
|
|
Custodian Agreement dated July 15, 1991, between
Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company.
(Accession No. 0000950130-95-002856).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(2).
|
|
Custodian Agreement dated December 27, 1978 between
Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company,
on behalf of Goldman Sachs Institutional Liquid
Assets, filed as Exhibit 8(a). (Accession No.
0000950130-98-000965).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(3).
|
|
Letter Agreement dated December 27, 1978 between
Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company,
on behalf of Goldman Sachs Institutional Liquid
Assets, pertaining to the fees payable by Registrant
pursuant to the Custodian Agreement, filed as Exhibit
8(b). (Accession No. 0000950130-98-000965).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(4).
|
|
Amendment dated May 28, 1981
to the Custodian Agreement referred to above as Exhibit (g)(2).
(Accession No. 0000950130-98-000965).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(5).
|
|
Fee schedule relating to the Custodian Agreement
between Registrant on behalf of the Goldman Sachs
Asset Allocation Portfolios and State Street Bank and
Trust Company. (Accession No. 0000950130-97-004495).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(6).
|
|
Letter Agreement dated June 14, 1984 between
Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company,
on behalf of Goldman Sachs Institutional Liquid
Assets, pertaining to a change in wire charges under
the Custodian
|
- 7 -
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Agreement, filed as Exhibit 8(d).
(Accession No. 0000950130-98-000965).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(7).
|
|
Letter Agreement dated March 29, 1983 between
Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company,
on behalf of Goldman Sachs Institutional Liquid
Assets, pertaining to the latters designation of
Bank of America, N.T. and S.A. as its subcustodian
and certain other matters, filed as Exhibit 8(f).
(Accession No. 0000950130-98-000965).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(8).
|
|
Letter Agreement dated March 21, 1985 between
Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company,
on behalf of Goldman Sachs Institutional Liquid
Assets, pertaining to the creation of a joint
repurchase agreement account, filed as Exhibit 8(g).
(Accession No. 0000950130-98-000965).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(9).
|
|
Letter Agreement dated November 7, 1985, with
attachments, between Registrant and State Street Bank
and Trust Company, on behalf of Goldman Sachs -
Institutional Liquid Assets, authorizing State Street
Bank and Trust Company to permit redemption of units
by check, filed as Exhibit 8(h). (Accession No.
0000950130-98-000965).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(10).
|
|
Money Transfer Services Agreement dated November 14,
1985, including attachment, between Registrant and
State Street Bank and Trust Company, on behalf of
Goldman Sachs Institutional Liquid Assets,
pertaining to transfers of funds on deposit with
State Street Bank and Trust Company, filed as Exhibit
8(i). (Accession No. 0000950130-98-000965).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(11).
|
|
Letter Agreement dated November 27, 1985 between
Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company,
on behalf of Goldman Sachs Institutional Liquid
Assets, amending the Custodian Agreement. (Accession
No. 0000950130-98-000965).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(12).
|
|
Letter Agreement dated July 22, 1986 between
Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company,
on behalf of Goldman Sachs Institutional Liquid
Assets, pertaining to a change in wire charges.
(Accession No. 0000950130-98-000965).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(13).
|
|
Letter Agreement dated June 20, 1987 between
Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company,
on behalf of Goldman Sachs Institutional Liquid
Assets, amending the Custodian Agreement. (Accession
No. 0000950130-98-000965).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(14).
|
|
Letter Agreement between Registrant and State Street
Bank and Trust Company, on behalf of Goldman Sachs -
Institutional Liquid Assets, pertaining to the
latters designation of Security Pacific National
Bank as
|
- 8 -
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
its subcustodian and certain other matters.
(Accession No. 0000950130-98-000965).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(15).
|
|
Amendment dated July 19, 1988 to the Custodian
Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank
and Trust Company, on behalf of Goldman Sachs -
Institutional Liquid Assets. (Accession No.
0000950130-98-000965).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(16).
|
|
Amendment dated December 19, 1988 to the Custodian
Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank
and Trust Company, on behalf of Goldman Sachs -
Institutional Liquid Assets. (Accession No.
0000950130-98-000965).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(17).
|
|
Custodian Agreement dated April 6, 1990 between
Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company on
behalf of Goldman Sachs Capital Growth Fund.
(Accession No. 0000950130-98-006081).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(18).
|
|
Sub-Custodian Agreement dated March 29, 1983 between
State Street Bank and Trust Company and Bank of
America, National Trust and Savings Association on
behalf of Goldman Sachs Institutional Liquid Assets.
(Accession No. 0000950130-98-006081).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(19).
|
|
Fee schedule dated January 8, 1999 relating to
Custodian Agreement dated April 6, 1990 between
Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company
(Conservative Strategy Portfolio). (Accession No.
0000950130-99-000742).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(20).
|
|
Fee schedule dated April 12, 1999 relating to
Custodian Agreement dated April 6, 1990 between
Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company
(Strategic Growth and Growth Opportunities
Portfolios). (Accession No. 0000950109-99-002544).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(21).
|
|
Fee schedule dated July 19, 1999 relating to
Custodian Agreement dated April 6, 1990 between
Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company
(Internet Tollkeeper Fund). (Accession No.
0000950130-99-005294).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(22).
|
|
Fee schedule dated October 1, 1999 relating to the
Custodian Agreement dated April 6, 1990 between
Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company
(Large Cap Value Fund). (Accession No.
0000950130-99-006810).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(23).
|
|
Fee schedule dated January 12, 2000 relating to
Custodian Agreement dated April 6, 1990 between
Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company
(CORE Tax-Managed Equity Fund). (Accession No.
0000950109-00-000585).
|
- 9 -
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(24).
|
|
Fee schedule dated January 6, 2000 relating to
Custodian Agreement dated July 15, 1991 between
Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company
(High Yield Municipal Fund). (Accession No.
0000950109-00-000585).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(25).
|
|
Fee schedule dated April 14, 2000 relating to
Custodian Agreement dated April 6, 1990 between
Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company
(Research Select Fund). (Accession No.
0000950130-00-002509).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(26).
|
|
Fee schedule dated April 14, 2000 relating to
Custodian Agreement dated July 15, 1991 between
Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company
(Enhanced Income Fund). (Accession No.
0000950130-00-002509).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(27).
|
|
Additional Portfolio Agreement dated September 27,
1999 between Registrant and State Street Bank and
Trust Company. (Accession No. 0000950109-00-000585).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(28).
|
|
Letter Agreement dated September 27, 1999 between
Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company
relating to Custodian Agreement dated December 27,
1978. (Accession No. 0000950109-00-000585).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(29).
|
|
Letter Agreement dated September 27, 1999 between
Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company
relating to Custodian Agreement dated April 6, 1990.
(Accession No. 0000950109-00-000585).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(30).
|
|
Letter Agreement dated September 27, 1999 between
Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company
relating to Custodian Agreement dated July 15, 1991.
(Accession No. 0000950109-00-000585).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(31).
|
|
Letter Agreement dated January 29, 2001 relating to
Custodian Agreement dated July 15, 1991 between
Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company
(Global Consumer Growth Fund, Global Financial
Services Fund, Global Health Sciences Fund, Global
Infrastructure and Resources Fund and Global
Technology Fund). (Accession No.
0000950109-01-500540).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(32).
|
|
Amendment dated July 2, 2001 to the Custodian
Agreement dated December 27, 1978 between Registrant
and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Accession
No. 0000950123-01-509514).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(33).
|
|
Amendment dated July 2, 2001 to the Custodian
Contract dated April 6, 1990 between Registrant and
State Street Bank and Trust Company
|
- 10 -
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Accession No. 0000950123-01-509514).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(34).
|
|
Amendment dated July 2, 2001 to the Custodian
Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and
State Street Bank and Trust Company (Accession No.
0000950123-01-509514).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(35).
|
|
Form of amendment to the Custodian Agreement dated
December 27, 1978 between Registrant and State Street
Bank and Trust Company (Accession No.
0000950123-01-509514).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(36).
|
|
Amendment to the Custodian Agreement dated April 6,
1990 between Registrant and State Street Bank and
Trust Company (Accession No. 0000950123-02-003780).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(37).
|
|
Amendment to the Custodian Agreement dated July 15,
1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and
Trust Company (Accession No. 0000950123-02-003780).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(38).
|
|
Letter Amendment dated May 15, 2002 to the Custodian
Agreement dated April 6, 1990 between Registrant and
State Street Bank and Trust Company. (Accession No.
0000950123-02-011711).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(1).
|
|
Wiring Agreement dated June 20, 1987 among Goldman,
Sachs & Co., State Street Bank and Trust Company and
The Northern Trust Company. (Accession No.
0000950130-98-000965).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(2).
|
|
Letter Agreement dated June 20, 1987 regarding use of
checking account between Registrant and The Northern
Trust Company. (Accession No. 0000950130-98-000965).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(3).
|
|
Transfer Agency Agreement dated July 15, 1991 between
Registrant and Goldman, Sachs & Co. (Accession No.
0000950130-95-002856).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(4).
|
|
Transfer Agency Agreement dated May 1, 1988 between
Goldman Sachs Institutional Liquid Assets and
Goldman, Sachs & Co. (Accession No.
0000950130-98-006081).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(5).
|
|
Transfer Agency Agreement dated April 30, 1997
between Registrant and Goldman, Sachs & Co. on behalf
of the Financial Square Funds. (Accession No.
0000950130-98-006081).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(6).
|
|
Transfer Agency Agreement dated April 6, 1990 between
GS-Capital Growth Fund, Inc. and Goldman Sachs & Co.
(Accession No. 0000950130-98-006081).
|
- 11 -
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(7).
|
|
Form of Retail Service Agreement on behalf of Goldman
Sachs Trust relating to Class A Shares of Goldman
Sachs Asset Allocation Portfolios, Goldman Sachs
Fixed Income Funds, Goldman Sachs Domestic Equity
Funds and Goldman Sachs International Equity Funds.
(Accession No. 0000950130-98-006081).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(8).
|
|
Form of Supplemental Service Agreement on behalf of
Goldman Sachs Trust relating to the Administrative
Class, Service Class and Cash Management Class of
Goldman Sachs Institutional Liquid Assets
Portfolios. (Accession No. 0000950130-98-006081).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(9).
|
|
Form of Supplemental Service Agreement on behalf of
Goldman Sachs Trust relating to the FST Shares, FST
Preferred Shares, FST Administration Shares and FST
Service Shares of Goldman Sachs Financial Square
Funds. (Accession No. 0000950130-98-006081).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(10).
|
|
Fee schedule relating to Transfer Agency Agreement
between Registrant and Goldman, Sachs & Co. on behalf
of all Funds other than ILA and FST money market
funds. (Accession No. 0000950109-01-500540).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(11).
|
|
Fee schedule relating to Transfer Agency Agreement
between Registrant and Goldman, Sachs & Co. on behalf
of the ILA portfolios. (Accession No.
0000950109-01-500540).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(12).
|
|
Form of Service Agreement on behalf of Goldman Sachs
Trust relating to the Select Class, the Preferred
Class, the Administration Class, the Service Class
and the Cash Management Class, as applicable, of
Goldman Sachs Financial Square Funds, Goldman Sachs
Institutional Liquid Assets Portfolios, Goldman Sachs
Fixed Income Funds, Goldman Sachs Domestic Equity
Funds, Goldman Sachs International Equity Funds and
Goldman Sachs Asset Allocation Portfolios. (Accession
No. 0000950109-01-500540).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(13).
|
|
Form of fee schedule relating to Transfer Agency
Agreement between Registrant and Goldman, Sachs & Co.
on behalf of the Cash Portfolio (Accession No.
0000950123-01-509514).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(14).
|
|
Form of Account Service Agreement on behalf of
Goldman Sachs Trust relating to Institutional Shares
of Goldman Sachs U.S. Mortgages Fund and Investment
Grade Credit Fund. (Accession No.
0000950123-03-013727).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(15).
|
|
Form of Account Service Agreement on behalf of
Goldman Sachs Trust relating to Class A Shares of
Goldman Sachs U.S. Mortgages Fund and Investment
Grade Credit Fund. (Accession No.
0000950123-03-013727).
|
- 12 -
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(16).
|
|
Goldman Sachs Institutional Liquid Assets
Administration Class Administration Plan amended and
restated as of February 4, 2004. (Accession No.
0000950123-04-002212).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(18).
|
|
Goldman Sachs FST Select Class Select Plan amended
and restated as of February 4, 2004. (Accession No.
0000950123-04-002212).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(19).
|
|
Goldman Sachs FST Administration Class Administration
Plan amended and restated as of February 4, 2004.
(Accession No. 0000950123-04-002212).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(20).
|
|
Goldman Sachs FST Preferred Class Preferred
Administration Plan amended and restated as of
February 4, 2004. (Accession No.
0000950123-04-002212).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(21).
|
|
Goldman Sachs Administration Class Administration
Plan amended and restated as of February 4, 2004.
(Accession No. 0000950123-04-002212).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(22).
|
|
Goldman Sachs Institutional Liquid Assets Service
Class Service Plan and Shareholder Administration
Plan amended and restated as of February 4, 2004.
(Accession No. 0000950123-04-002212).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(23).
|
|
Goldman Sachs Service Class Service Plan and
Shareholder Administration Plan amended and restated
as of February 4, 2004. (Accession No.
0000950123-04-002212).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(24).
|
|
Goldman Sachs Cash Portfolio Administration Class
Administration Plan amended and restated as of
February 4, 2004. (Accession No.
0000950123-04-002212).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(25).
|
|
Goldman Sachs Cash Portfolio Preferred Class
Preferred Administration Plan amended and restated as
of February 4, 2004. (Accession No.
0000950123-04-002212).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(26).
|
|
Goldman Sachs FST Capital Administration Class
Capital Administration Plan amended and restated as
of February 4, 2004. (Accession No.
0000950123-04-002212).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(27).
|
|
Goldman Sachs Account Service Plan for Institutional
Shares amended and restated as of February 4, 2004
(U.S. Mortgages Fund and Investment Grade Credit
Fund). (Accession No. 0000950123-04-002212).
|
- 13 -
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(28).
|
|
Goldman Sachs Account Service Plan for Class A Shares
amended and restated as of February 4, 2004 (U.S.
Mortgages Fund and Investment Grade Credit Fund).
(Accession No. 0000950123-04-002212).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(29).
|
|
Goldman Sachs FST Service Class Service Plan and
Shareholder Administration Plan amended and restated
as of February 4, 2004. (Accession No.
0000950123-04-002212).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(1).
|
|
Opinion of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP. (With respect
to the Asset Allocation Portfolios). (Accession No.
0000950130-97-004495).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(2).
|
|
Opinion of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell.
(Accession No. 0000950130-97-001846).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(3).
|
|
Opinion of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP. (With respect
to Japanese Equity and International Small Cap).
(Accession No. 0000950130-98-003563).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(4).
|
|
Opinion of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP. (With respect
to Cash Management Shares). (Accession No.
0000950130-98-003563).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(5).
|
|
Opinion of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP. (With respect
to the European Equity Fund). (Accession No.
0000950130-98-006081).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(6).
|
|
Opinion of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP. (With respect
to the CORE Large Cap Value Fund). (Accession No.
0000950130-98-006081).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(7).
|
|
Opinion of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (With respect
to the Conservative Strategy Portfolio). (Accession
No. 0000950130-99-001069).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(8).
|
|
Opinion of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (With respect
to the Strategic Growth and Growth Opportunities
Portfolios). (Accession No. 0000950109-99-002544).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(9).
|
|
Opinion of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (With respect
to the Internet Tollkeeper Fund). (Accession No.
0000950109-99-004208).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(10).
|
|
Opinion of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (With respect
to the Large Cap Value Fund). (Accession No.
0000950130-99-006810).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(11).
|
|
Opinion of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (With respect
to FST Select Shares). (Accession No.
0000950109-00-000585).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(12).
|
|
Opinion of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (With respect
to the High Yield Municipal Fund). (Accession No.
0000950109-00-001365).
|
- 14 -
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(13).
|
|
Opinion of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (With respect
to the CORE Tax-Managed Equity Fund). (Accession No.
0000950109-00-001365).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(14).
|
|
Opinion of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (With respect
to the Research Select Fund). (Accession No.
0000950109-00-500123).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(15).
|
|
Opinion of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (With respect
to the Enhanced Income Fund). (Accession No.
0000950109-00-500123).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(16).
|
|
Opinion of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (With respect
to Cash Management Shares of certain ILA Portfolios).
(Accession No. 0000950109-00-500123).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(17).
|
|
Opinion of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (With respect
to Global Consumer Growth Fund, Global Financial
Services Fund, Global Health Sciences Fund, Global
Infrastructure and Resources Fund and Global
Technology Fund). (Accession No.
0000950109-01-500540).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(18).
|
|
Opinion of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (With respect
to all outstanding Funds and share classes)
(Accession No. 0000950123-01-509514).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(19).
|
|
Opinion of Drinker, Biddle & Reath LLP (With respect
to Financial Square Funds). (Accession No.
0000950123-02-011711).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(20).
|
|
Opinion of Drinker, Biddle & Reath LLP (With respect
to the Concentrated Growth Fund). (Accession No.
0000950123-02-011711).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(21).
|
|
Opinion of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (with respect
to the Emerging Markets Debt Fund). (Accession No.
0000950123-03-013727).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(22).
|
|
Opinion of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (with respect
to the U.S. Mortgages Fund and Investment Grade
Credit Fund). (Accession No. 0000950123-03-013727).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(j).
|
|
None.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(k).
|
|
Not applicable.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(l).
|
|
Not applicable.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(m)(1).
|
|
Class A Distribution and Service Plan amended and
restated as of May 5, 2004. (Accession No.
0000950123-04-015178).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(m)(2).
|
|
Class B Distribution and Service Plan amended and
restated as of February 4, 2004. (Accession No.
0000950123-04-002212).
|
- 15 -
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(m)(3).
|
|
Class C Distribution and Service Plan amended and
restated as of February 4, 2004. (Accession No.
0000950123-04-002212).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(m)(4).
|
|
Cash Management Shares Plan of Distribution pursuant
to Rule 12b-1 amended and restated as of February 4,
2004. (Accession No. 0000950123-04-002212).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(n)(1).
|
|
Revised plan dated October 30, 2003 entered into
by Registrant pursuant to Rule 18f-3. (Accession No.
0000950123-03-013727).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(p)(1).
|
|
Code of Ethics Goldman Sachs Trust and Goldman
Sachs Variable Insurance Trust dated April 23, 1997,
as amended November 4, 2004 (Accession No.
0000950123-04-015178).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(p)(2).
|
|
Code of Ethics Goldman, Sachs & Co., Goldman Sachs
Asset Management L.P. and Goldman Sachs Asset
Management International, effective January 23, 1991,
as revised November 4, 2004 (Accession No.
0000950123-04-015178).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(q)(1).
|
|
Powers of Attorney of Messrs. Bakhru, Shuch, Strubel,
Perlowski, Surloff, Mmes. McPherson, Mucker and
Taylor. (Accession No. 0000950130-97-000805).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(q)(2).
|
|
Powers of Attorney dated October 21, 1997 on behalf
of James A. Fitzpatrick. (Accession No.
0000950130-98-000676).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(q)(3).
|
|
Power of Attorney dated November 15, 2000 on behalf
of Patrick T. Harker (Accession No.
0000950109-00-500123).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(q)(4).
|
|
Powers of Attorney dated August 2, 2001 on behalf of
Wilma J. Smelcer and Kaysie P. Uniacke (Accession No.
0000950123-01-509514).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(q)(5).
|
|
Power of Attorney dated October 30, 2002 on behalf of
James McNamara (Accession No. 0000950123-02-01198).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(q)(6).
|
|
Power of Attorney dated October 30, 2003 on behalf of
John P. Coblentz, Jr. (Accession No.
0000950123-03-013727).
|
- 16 -
The following exhibits relating to Goldman Sachs Trust are filed
herewith electronically pursuant to EDGAR rules:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)(28).
|
|
Amendment No. 27 dated February 10, 2005 to the
Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28,
1997.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(b)(5).
|
|
Amendment No. 1 dated November 4, 2004 to Amended and
Restated By- Laws of the Delaware business trust
dated January 28, 1997 as amended and restated
October 30, 2002.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(24).
|
|
Fee Reduction Commitment dated January 1, 2005 among
Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P., Goldman Sachs
Asset Management International and Goldman Sachs
Trust relating to the Capital Growth, CORE Large Cap
Growth, CORE U.S. Equity and International Growth
Opportunities Funds.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(25).
|
|
Fee Reduction Commitment dated February 25, 2005
among Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P., Goldman
Sachs Asset Management International and Goldman
Sachs Trust relating to the Government Income and
Global Income and Funds.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(26).
|
|
Fee Reduction Commitment dated April 29, 2005 between
Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. and Goldman
Sachs Trust relating to the CORE Tax-Managed Equity
Fund.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
d)(27).
|
|
Fee Reduction Commitment dated April 29, 2005 between
Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. and Goldman
Sachs Trust relating to the Aggressive Growth
Strategy, Balanced Strategy, Growth and Income
Strategy and Growth Strategy Portfolios.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(17).
|
|
Goldman Sachs Cash Management
Shares Service Plan amended and restated as of February 4, 2004.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(j).
|
|
Consent of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP.
|
|
Item 24.
Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with Registrant.
Not Applicable.
Item 25.
Indemnification
Article IV of the Declaration of Trust of Goldman Sachs Trust, a Delaware statutory trust, provides
for indemnification of the Trustees, officers and agents of the Trust, subject to certain
limitations. The Declaration of Trust is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(1).
The Management Agreement with each of the Funds (other than the ILA Portfolios) provides that the
applicable Investment Adviser will not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of
- 17 -
law or for any loss suffered by a Fund, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith
or gross negligence on the part of the Investment Adviser or from reckless disregard by the
Investment Adviser of its obligations or duties under the Management Agreement. Section 7 of the
Management Agreement with respect to the ILA Portfolios provides that the ILA Portfolios will
indemnify the Adviser against certain liabilities; provided, however, that such indemnification
does not apply to any loss by reason of its willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence or
the Advisers reckless disregard of its obligation under the Management Agreement. The Management
Agreements are incorporated by reference to Exhibits (d)(1) through (d)(7).
Section 9 of the Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and Goldman Sachs dated April 30,
1997, as amended October 30, 2003 and Section 7 of the Transfer Agency Agreements between the
Registrant and Goldman, Sachs & Co. dated July 15, 1991, May 1, 1988, April 30, 1997 and April 6,
1990 each provide that the Registrant will indemnify Goldman, Sachs & Co. against certain
liabilities. A copy of the Distribution Agreement is included herewith as Exhibit (e)(1). The
Transfer Agency Agreements are incorporated by reference as Exhibits (h)(3), (h)(4), (h)(5) and
(h)(6), respectively, to the Registrants Registration Statement.
Mutual fund and Trustees and officers liability policies purchased jointly by the Registrant, Trust
for Credit Unions, Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust and The Commerce Funds insure such
persons and their respective trustees, partners, officers and employees, subject to the policies
coverage limits and exclusions and varying deductibles, against loss resulting from claims by
reason of any act, error, omission, misstatement, misleading statement, neglect or breach of duty.
- 18 -
Item 26.
Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser
.
Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (GSAM LP) and Goldman Sachs Asset Management International
(GSAMI) are wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. and serve as investment
advisers to the Registrant. Set forth below are the names, businesses and business addresses of
certain managing directors of GSAM LP and GSAMI who are engaged in any other business, profession,
vocation or employment of a substantial nature.
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Name and Position with
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Name and Address of Other
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Connection with
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the Investment Advisers
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Company
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Other Company
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Henry M. Paulson, Jr.
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The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
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Chairman, Chief
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Managing Director-
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85 Broad Street
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Executive Officer and
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GSAM LP
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New York, New York 10004
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Director
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Goldman, Sachs & Co.
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Managing Director
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85 Broad Street
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New York, New York 10004
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Robert J. Hurst
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The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
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Vice Chairman and
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Managing Director-
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85 Broad Street
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Director
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GSAM LP
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New York, New York 10004
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Goldman, Sachs & Co.
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Managing Director
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85 Broad Street
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New York, New York 10004
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Lloyd C. Blankfein
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The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
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President, Chief
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Managing Director-
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85 Broad Street
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Operating Officer and
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GSAM LP
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New York, New York 10004
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Director
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Goldman, Sachs & Co.
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Managing Director
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85 Broad Street
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New York, New York 10004
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- 19 -
Item 27.
Principal Underwriters
.
(a) Goldman, Sachs & Co. or an affiliate or a division thereof currently serves as distributor of
the units of Trust for Credit Unions, for shares of Goldman Sachs Trust and for shares of Goldman
Sachs Variable Insurance Trust. Goldman, Sachs & Co., or a division thereof currently serves as
administrator and distributor of the units or shares of The Commerce Funds.
(b) Set forth below is certain information pertaining to the Managing Directors of Goldman, Sachs
& Co., the Registrants principal underwriter, who are members of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.s
Management Committee. None of the members of the management committee holds a position or office
with the Registrant.
GOLDMAN SACHS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
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Name and Principal
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Business Address
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Position with Goldman, Sachs & Co.
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Lloyd C. Blankfein (1)
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Managing Director
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Alan M. Cohen (5)
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Managing Director
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Gary D. Cohn (1)
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Managing Director
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Christopher A. Cole (1)
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Managing Director
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Mario Draghi (3)
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Managing Director
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J. Michael Evans (5)
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Managing Director
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Edward C. Forst (1)
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Managing Director
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Richard A. Friedman (1)
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Managing Director
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Richard J. Gnodde (8)
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Managing Director
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Suzanne M. Nora Johnson (5)
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Managing Director
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Robert S. Kaplan (1)
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Managing Director
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Scott B. Kapnick (3)
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Managing Director
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Kevin W. Kennedy (1)
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Managing Director
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Peter S. Kraus (5)
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Managing Director
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Masanori Mochida (6)
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Managing Director
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Thomas K. Montag (5)
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Managing Director
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Gregory K. Palm (1)
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General Counsel and Managing Director
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Henry M. Paulson, Jr. (1)
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Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
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John F.W. Rogers (1)
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Managing Director
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Eric S. Schwartz (5)
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Managing Director
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Michael S. Sherwood (7)
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Managing Director
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David M. Solomon (5)
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Managing Director
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Esta Stecher (5)
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General Counsel and Managing Director
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David A. Viniar (4)
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Managing Director
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John S. Weinberg (1)
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Managing Director
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Peter A. Weinberg (3)
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Managing Director
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Jon Winkelried (3)
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Managing Director
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- 20 -
(1)
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85 Broad Street, New York, NY 10004
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(2)
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32 Old Slip, New York, NY 10005
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(3)
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Peterborough Court, 133 Fleet Street, London EC4A 2BB, England
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(4)
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10 Hanover Square, New York, NY 10005
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(5)
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One New York Plaza, New York, NY 10004
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(6)
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12-32, Akasaka I-chome, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 107-6006, Japan
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(7)
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River Court, 120 Fleet Street, London EC4A 2QQ, England
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(8)
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Cheung Kong Center, 68
th
Floor, 2 Queens Road Central, Hong Kong, China
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(c) Not Applicable.
Item 28.
Location of Accounts and Records
.
The Declaration of Trust, By-laws and minute books of the Registrant and certain investment adviser
records are in the physical possession of GSAM LP, 32 Old Slip, New York, New York 10005. All
other accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained under Section 31(a) of the
Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Rules promulgated thereunder are in the physical possession
of State Street Bank and Trust Company, P.O. Box 1713, Boston, Massachusetts 02105 except for
certain transfer agency records which are maintained by Goldman, Sachs & Co., 4900 Sears Tower,
Chicago, Illinois 60606.
Item 29.
Management Services
Not applicable.
Item 30.
Undertakings
Not applicable.
- 21 -
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940,
the Registrant has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 to its Registration Statement
to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City and State of New York
on the 17th day of June, 2005.
GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST
(A Delaware statutory trust)
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By:
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/s/ Howard B. Surloff
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Howard B. Surloff
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Secretary
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-Effective Amendment to said
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the
date indicated.
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Name
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Title
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Date
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1
Kaysie P. Uniacke
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President (Chief Executive Officer)
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June 17, 2005
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Kaysie P. Uniacke
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and Trustee
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1
John M. Perlowski
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Treasurer (Principal Accounting Officer
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June 17, 2005
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John M. Perlowski
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and Principal Financial Officer)
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1
Mary Patterson McPherson
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Trustee
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June 17, 2005
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Mary Patterson McPherson
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1
Ashok N. Bakhru
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Chairman and Trustee
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June 17, 2005
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Ashok N. Bakhru
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1
Alan A. Shuch
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Trustee
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June 17, 2005
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Alan A. Shuch
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1
Wilma J. Smelcer
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Trustee
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June 17, 2005
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Wilma J. Smelcer
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1
Richard P. Strubel
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Trustee
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June 17, 2005
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Richard P. Strubel
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1
Patrick T. Harker
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Trustee
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June 17, 2005
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Patrick T. Harker
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Name
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Title
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Date
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1
John P. Coblentz, Jr.
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Trustee
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June 17, 2005
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John P. Coblentz, Jr.
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By:
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/s/ Howard B. Surloff
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Howard B. Surloff
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Secretary
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1.
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Pursuant to a power of attorney previously filed.
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Exhibit Index
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(a)(28).
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Amendment No. 27 dated February 10, 2005 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust
dated January 28, 1997.
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(b)(5).
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Amendment No. 1 dated November 4, 2004 to Amended and Restated By- Laws of the
Delaware business trust dated January 28, 1997 as amended and restated October 30, 2002.
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(d)(24).
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Fee Reduction Commitment dated January 1, 2005 among Goldman Sachs Asset
Management, L.P., Goldman Sachs Asset Management International and Goldman Sachs Trust
relating to the Capital Growth, CORE Large Cap Growth, CORE U.S. Equity and
International Growth Opportunities Funds.
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(d)(25).
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Fee Reduction Commitment dated February 25, 2005 among Goldman Sachs Asset
Management, L.P., Goldman Sachs Asset Management International and Goldman Sachs Trust
relating to the Government Income and Global Income and Funds.
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(d)(26).
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Fee Reduction Commitment dated April 29, 2005 between Goldman Sachs Asset
Management, L.P. and Goldman Sachs Trust relating to the CORE Tax-Managed Equity Fund.
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(d)(27).
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Fee Reduction Commitment dated April 29, 2005 between Goldman Sachs Asset
Management, L.P. and Goldman Sachs Trust relating to the Aggressive Growth Strategy,
Balanced Strategy, Growth and Income Strategy and Growth Strategy Portfolios.
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(h)(17).
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Goldman Sachs Cash Management
Shares Service Plan amended and restated as of February 4, 2004.
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(j).
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Consent of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP.
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CERTIFICATE
The undersigned Secretary for Goldman Sachs Trust (the Trust) hereby certifies that the
Board of Trustees of the Trust duly adopted the following resolution at a meeting of the Board held
on May 5, 2004.
RESOLVED
, that the Trustees and Officers of the Trusts who may be required to execute any
amendments to the Trusts Registration Statement be, and each hereby is, authorized to execute a
power of attorney appointing Peter Bonanno, James A. Fitzpatrick, Christopher Keller, James
McNamara, John W. Perlowski, and Howard B. Surloff jointly and severally, their attorneys-in-fact,
each with power of substitution, for said Trustees and Officers in any and all capacities to sign
the Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940
of the Trusts and any and all amendments to such Registration Statement, and to file the same, with
exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, the Trustees and Officers hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said
attorneys-in-fact, or his or her substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.
Dated: June 17, 2005
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/s/ Howard B. Surloff
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Howard B. Surloff,
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Secretary
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