As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 28, 2008
1933 Act Registration No. 33-17619
1940 Act Registration No. 811-05349
 
 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 þ
Pre-Effective Amendment No.                                           o
Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 þ
and/or
R EGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 þ
Amendment No. 199 þ
(Check appropriate box or boxes)
GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
71 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: (312) 655-4400
PETER V. BONANNO, ESQ.
Goldman, Sachs & Co.
One New York Plaza — 37 th Floor
New York, New York 10004
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Copies to:
JACK W. MURPHY, ESQ.
Dechert LLP
1775 I Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20006-2401
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering                                          
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)
o immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
þ on April 29, 2008 pursuant to paragraph (b)
o 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
o on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
o 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
o on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of rule 485.
If appropriate, check the following box:
o this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.
Title of Securities Being Registered: Class A, Class B, Class C, Class R, Class IR, Institutional and Service Shares of Goldman Sachs Real Estate Securities Fund; Class A, Class B, Class C, Institutional and Service Shares of Goldman Sachs Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund and Goldman Sachs Tollkeeper Fund; Class A, Class C, Class R, Class IR and Institutional Shares of Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy Fund; Class A, Class C, Class IR and Institutional Shares of Goldman Sachs International Real Estate Securities Fund; Class A, Class C and Institutional Shares of Goldman Sachs U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund, Goldman Sachs International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and Goldman Sachs Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund.
 
 

 


 

Prospectus
  Class A, B
and C Shares
 
  April 29, 2008

 GOLDMAN SACHS STRUCTURED TAX-ADVANTAGED EQUITY FUNDS
     
(GRAPHIC)
  n  Goldman Sachs U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund

n
 Goldman Sachs International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund

n
 Goldman Sachs Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund

n
 Goldman Sachs Structured International Tax-Managed Equity 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 A FUND IS NOT A BANK DEPOSIT AND IS NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY. AN INVESTMENT IN A FUND INVOLVES INVESTMENT RISKS, AND YOU MAY LOSE MONEY IN A FUND.
 
(GOLDMAN SACHS LOGO)


 

         

NOT FDIC-INSURED   May Lose Value   No Bank Guarantee


 

 
  General Investment
Management Approach
 
  Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (“GSAM”) serves as investment adviser to the U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund, International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund, Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund (formerly, CORE SM Tax-Managed Equity Fund) and Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund (each a “Fund,” collectively the “Funds”). GSAM is referred to in this Prospectus as the “Investment Adviser.”

   U.S. EQUITY DIVIDEND AND PREMIUM FUND   

  I. Stock Selection and Portfolio Construction
  The U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund seeks to maintain an equity portfolio that will produce a gross return similar to that of its equity benchmark, the S&P 500 Index. In addition, the Fund will write index call options against a portion of the equity portfolio. Because of the impact of call options written by the Fund, the return of the Fund is not expected to closely track the S&P 500 Index, even if the return of the portfolio securities held by the Fund resembles the return of the equity 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 regard to position sizes, industry weights, sector weights, volatility as compared to the market (i.e., Beta) and estimated tracking error.
 
  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 Fund’s expected dividend yield, provides an attractive level of cash flow.

 
1


 

  Call writing, however, entails certain risks. For more information, see “Principal Risks of the Fund” and “Appendix A—Other Portfolio Risks—Risks of Writing S&P 500 Index and Related ETF Call Options.”
 
  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.
 
 
  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.


   INTERNATIONAL EQUITY DIVIDEND AND PREMIUM FUND   

  I. Stock Selection and Portfolio Construction
  The International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund seeks to maintain an equity portfolio that will produce a gross return similar to that of its equity benchmark, the MSCI ® Europe, Australasia, Far East (“EAFE ® ”) Index. In addition, the Fund will write index call options against a portion of the equity portfolio. Because of the impact of call options written by the Fund, the return of the Fund is not expected to closely track the MSCI EAFE ® Index, even if the return of the portfolio securities held by the Fund resembles the return of the equity benchmark. In addition, the return of the Fund may trail the return of the MSCI EAFE ® 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 MSCI EAFE ® 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 MSCI EAFE ® 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 MSCI EAFE ® Index. Deviations are

 
2


 

GENERAL INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT APPROACH

  constrained with regard to position sizes, industry weights, sector weights, volatility as compared to the market (i.e., Beta) and estimated tracking error.
 
  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 MSCI EAFE ® Index, against exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) linked to the MSCI EAFE ® Index or against other national or regional stock market indices. The goal of the call writing is to generate an amount of premium that, when annualized and added to the Fund’s expected dividend yield, provides an attractive level of cash flow. Call writing, however, entails certain risks. For more information, see “Principal Risks of the Fund” and “Appendix A—Other Portfolio Risks—Risks of Writing Index and Related ETF Call Options.”
 
  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.
 
 
  Goldman Sachs International 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 the MSCI EAFE ® Index or related ETF option call writing.


 
3


 

   STRUCTURED TAX-MANAGED EQUITY FUND   

  Goldman Sachs’ Structured Tax-Managed Investment Philosophy:
  This Fund uses Goldman Sachs’ quantitative style of funds management which emphasizes the three building blocks of active management: fundamentally-based stock selection, careful portfolio construction and efficient implementation.
 
  Step 1: Stock Selection
  The Investment Adviser attempts to forecast returns on approximately 10,000 stocks globally on a daily basis using proprietary CORE SM (“Computer-Optimized, Research-Enhanced”) models developed by the Quantitative Investment Strategies (“QIS”) group. These quantitative models are based on six investment themes — Valuation, Profitability, Quality, Management, Momentum and Sentiment. The Valuation theme attempts to capture potential mispricings of securities, typically by comparing a measure of the company’s intrinsic value to its market value. Profitability assesses whether the company is earning more than its cost of capital. Quality evaluates whether the company’s earnings are coming from more persistent, cash-based sources, as opposed to accruals. Management assesses the company’s management strategy and behavior. Momentum predicts drift in stock prices caused by under-reaction to company-specific information. Finally, the Sentiment theme looks at how Wall Street analysts’ views about a company’s earnings and prospects are changing over time.
 
  Step 2: Portfolio Construction
 
  The Investment Adviser uses a proprietary risk model to help manage the expected deviation of the portfolio’s returns from those of the benchmark. The model, which attempts to identify and measure the comparative risks between equity investments as accurately as possible, by including in the risk model all of the above themes used in the return model, as well as several other factors that the Investment Adviser believes are associated with risk but not return. In this process, the Investment Adviser seeks to add value over the benchmark by overweighting stocks with attractive characteristics (as defined by the return model) and underweighting stocks with poor characteristics relative to the stocks’ benchmark weights. At the same time, the Investment Adviser seeks to manage risk by controlling active stock positions as well as exposure to other characteristics such as size and sector allocations relative to the benchmark. A computer optimizer evaluates many different security combinations (considering many possible weightings) in an effort to construct the most efficient risk/return portfolio given the Fund’s benchmark.

 
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GENERAL INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT APPROACH

  Step 3: Efficient Implementation
 
  The portfolio management team considers transaction costs at each step of the investment process. The team incorporates expected portfolio turnover when assigning weights to the variables of the multifactor model. The team also factors expected execution costs into portfolio construction and evaluates multiple trading options. The team then selects the trading strategy it believes will minimize the total transaction costs to the Fund.
 
 
  Goldman Sachs Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund is a fully invested portfolio that offers broad access to a well-defined stock universe, seeks to outperform its benchmark on an after-tax basis through consistent, disciplined stock selection, and is intended to be an effective tool for implementing a tax-managed strategy within an overall investment portfolio.


   STRUCTURED INTERNATIONAL TAX-MANAGED EQUITY FUND   

  Goldman Sachs’ Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Investment Philosophy:
  This Fund uses Goldman Sachs’ quantitative style of funds management which emphasizes the three building blocks of active management: fundamentally-based stock selection, careful portfolio construction and efficient implementation.
 
  Step 1: Stock Selection
  The Investment Adviser attempts to forecast returns on approximately 10,000 stocks globally on a daily basis using proprietary CORE SM (“Computer-Optimized, Research-Enhanced”) models developed by the Quantitative Investment Strategies (“QIS”) group. These quantitative models are based on six investment themes—Valuation, Profitability, Quality, Management, Momentum and Sentiment. The Valuation theme attempts to capture potential mispricings of securities, typically by comparing a measure of the company’s intrinsic value to its market value. Profitability assesses whether the company is earning more than its cost of capital. Quality evaluates whether the company’s earnings are coming from more persistent, cash-based sources, as opposed to accruals. Management assesses the Company’s management strategy and behavior. Momentum predicts drift in stock prices caused by under-reaction to company-specific information. Finally, the Sentiment theme looks at how Wall Street analysts’ views about a company’s earnings and prospects are changing over time.

 
5


 

  Step 2: Portfolio Construction
 
  The Investment Adviser uses a proprietary risk model to help manage the expected deviation of the portfolio’s returns from those of the benchmark. The model attempts to identify and measure the comparative risks between equity investments as accurately as possible, by including in the risk model all of the above themes used in the return model, as well as several other factors that the Investment Adviser believes are associated with risk but not return. In this process, the Investment Adviser seeks to add value over the benchmark by overweighting stocks with attractive characteristics (as defined by the return model) and underweighting stocks with poor characteristics relative to the stocks’ benchmark weights. At the same time, the Investment Adviser seeks to manage risk by controlling active stock positions as well as exposure to other characteristics such as size and sector allocations relative to the benchmark. A computer optimizer evaluates many different security combinations (considering many possible weightings) in an effort to construct the most efficient risk/return portfolio given each Fund’s benchmark.
 
  Step 3: Efficient Implementation
 
  The portfolio management team considers transaction costs at each step of the investment process. The team incorporates expected portfolio turnover when assigning weights to the variables of the multifactor model. The team also factors expected execution costs into portfolio construction and evaluates multiple trading options. The team then selects the trading strategy it believes will minimize the total transaction costs to the Fund.
 
 
  Goldman Sachs Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund is a fully invested portfolio that offers broad access to a well-defined stock universe, seeks to outperform its benchmark on an after-tax basis through consistent, disciplined stock selection, and is intended to be an effective tool for implementing a tax-managed strategy within an overall investment portfolio.


 
6


 

 
  Fund Investment Objectives
and Strategies
 
  Goldman Sachs
U.S. Equity Dividend and
Premium Fund
     
FUND FACTS

Objective:
  Income and Total Return
Benchmarks:
  S&P 500 ® Index and Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index
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
Investment Style:
  Quantitative
Symbol:
  Class A: GSPAX; Class C: GSPQX
 

   INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE   

  The Fund seeks to maximize income and total return.

   PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES   

  The Fund seeks to achieve its objective primarily through investment in large-cap U.S. equity securities and S&P 500 Index or related ETF option call writing.
 
  Equity Investments.  Under normal circumstances, with respect to at least 80% of the Fund’s net assets plus any borrowings for investment purposes (measured at time of purchase) (“Net Assets”), the Fund will invest in dividend-paying 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

 
7


 

 
  Goldman Sachs
U.S. Equity Dividend and
Premium Fund
continued

  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 uses 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.
 
  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 Fund’s portfolio is expected to be reduced by the Fund’s sale of call options. The Fund anticipates that its cash flow 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. Cash flow from dividends will generally be considered income and will be included in quarterly distributions of income. Cash flow from options premiums is considered to be capital and will be included in the Fund’s annual distribution of net capital gains. In addition, the Fund’s returns will be affected by the capital appreciation and depreciation of the securities held in its portfolio.
 
  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 Fund’s 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

 
     * 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 a Fund’s policy to invest at least 80% of its Net Assets in the particular type of investment suggested by its name.
 
8


 

FUND INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES

 

  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.
 
  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 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 premiums), a portfolio with a S&P 500 Index and related ETF call strategy could significantly underperform the same portfolio without the options.
 
  Tax-Efficient Investing. The Fund seeks to achieve returns primarily in the form of qualifying dividends paid on common stocks, 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:
  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

  The Fund’s practice of writing call options, however, will generally result in short-term and long-term capital gains or losses each year under special tax rules applicable to those transactions. The Fund will seek to offset the short-term capital gains from option writing by generating offsetting short-term capital losses in the portfolio. The tax goals of this Fund differ from those of the Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund described elsewhere in this prospectus. The U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund does not seek to defer the realization of long-term capital gains. It merely seeks to avoid or minimize any net short-term capital gains. See “Taxation-Distributions” below.
 
  Other.  The Fund’s investments in fixed income securities are limited to securities that are considered cash equivalents.

 
9


 

 
Goldman Sachs
International Equity Dividend
and Premium Fund
     
FUND FACTS

Objective:
  Total return, with an emphasis on income
Benchmark:
  MSCI EAFE ® Index (net of withholding taxes, unhedged) and Lehman Brothers Global Aggregate Bond Index
Investment Focus:
  Large-cap equity investments in companies that are organized outside the United States or whose securities are primarily traded outside the United States along with exposure to MSCI EAFE ® Index or related ETF option call writing
Investment Style:
  Quantitative, applied to non-U.S. growth and value stocks
Symbol:
  Class A: GIDAX; Class C: GIDCX
 

   INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE   

  The Fund seeks to maximize total return with an emphasis on income.

   PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES   

  The Fund seeks to achieve its objective primarily through investment in large-cap equity investments in companies that are organized outside the United States or whose securities are primarily traded outside the United States along with exposure to MSCI EAFE ® Index or related ETF option call writing.
 
  Equity Investments.  The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its Net Assets in dividend-paying equity investments in companies that are organized outside the United States or whose securities are principally traded outside 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 MSCI EAFE ® Index at the time of investment.*

*   To the extent required by SEC regulations, shareholders will be provided with sixty days notice before any change in a Fund’s policy to invest at least 80% of its Net Assets in the particular type of investment suggested by its name.
 
10


 

FUND INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES

  The Fund may allocate its assets among countries as determined by the Investment Adviser from time to time, provided the Fund’s assets are invested in at least three foreign countries. The Fund may invest in the securities of issuers in emerging countries.

  The Fund uses a variety of quantitative techniques when selecting investments. The Fund will seek to maintain risk, style, capitalization and industry characteristics similar to the MSCI EAFE ® Index.
 
  The Fund invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of common stocks of large-cap foreign issuers represented in the MSCI EAFE ® 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 MSCI EAFE ® Index, other national or regional stock market indices or related ETFs. The volatility of the Fund’s portfolio is expected to be reduced by the Fund’s sale of call options. The Fund anticipates that its cash flow will be derived from dividends on the common stock in its portfolio and premiums it receives from selling MSCI EAFE ® Index, other national or regional stock market indices or related ETF call options. Cash flow from dividends will generally be considered income and will be included in quarterly distributions of income. Cash flow from options’ premiums is considered to be capital and will be included in the Fund’s annual distribution of net capital gains. In addition, the Fund’s returns will be affected by the capital appreciation and depreciation of the securities held in its portfolio.
 
  The Fund expects that, under normal circumstances, it will sell call options on the MSCI EAFE ® Index, other national or regional stock market indices or related ETFs in an amount that is between 25% and 75% of the value of the Fund’s portfolio. As the seller of the index options 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

 
11


 

 
  Goldman Sachs
International Equity Dividend
  and Premium Fund continued

  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.
 
  During periods in which the international equity markets are generally unchanged or falling, a diversified portfolio with 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 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 premiums), a portfolio with an index and related ETF call strategy could significantly underperform the same portfolio without the options.
 
  Tax-Efficient Investing. The Fund seeks to achieve returns primarily in the form of qualifying dividends paid on common stocks, capital gains from the options and portfolio securities the Fund sells, and unrealized price appreciation. Typically the Fund will realize capital gains from the options strategy in a declining market. In a rising market the Fund does not expect to realize capital gains from the option strategy. The Fund may use different strategies in seeking tax-efficiency. These strategies include:
  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

  The Fund’s practice of writing call options, however, will generally result in short-term capital gains or losses each year under special tax rules applicable to those transactions. The Fund will seek to offset the short-term capital gains from option writing by generating offsetting short-term capital losses in the portfolio. See “Taxation-Distributions”.
 
  Other.  The Fund’s investments in fixed income securities are limited to securities that are considered to be cash equivalents.

 
12


 

FUND INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES
 
  Goldman Sachs
Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund
     
FUND FACTS

Objective:
  Long-term after-tax growth of capital
Benchmark:
  Russell 3000 Index
Investment Focus:
  A total market, broadly diversified portfolio of U.S. equity investments
Investment Style:
  Tax-managed quantitative focus
Symbol:
  Class A: GCTAX; Class B: GCTBX; Class C: GCTCX
 

   INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE   

  The Fund seeks to provide long-term after-tax growth of capital through tax-sensitive participation in a broadly diversified portfolio of U.S. equity securities.

   PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES   

  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 U.S. issuers, including foreign issuers that are traded in the United States.*
 
  The Fund uses both a variety of quantitative techniques and fundamental research when selecting investments which have the potential to maximize the Fund’s after-tax return, and minimize capital gains and income distributions. The Fund will seek to maintain risk, style, capitalization and industry characteristics similar to the Russell 3000 Index.
 
  Tax-Managed Investing.  In managing the Fund, the Investment Adviser balances investment considerations and tax considerations. The Fund seeks to achieve returns

 
     * To the extent required by SEC regulations, shareholders will be provided with sixty days notice in the manner prescribed by the SEC before any change in a Fund’s policy to invest at least 80% of its Net Assets in the particular type of investment suggested by its name.
 
13


 

 
  Goldman Sachs
Structured Tax-Managed
Equity Fund
continued

primarily in the form of price appreciation (which is not subject to current tax), and may use different strategies in seeking tax-efficiency. These strategies include:
  n   Offsetting long-term and short-term capital gains with long-term and short-term capital losses and creating loss carryforward positions
  n   Limiting portfolio turnover that may result in taxable 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

  In situations where the Fund would otherwise be required to sell portfolio securities to meet shareholder redemption requests (and possibly realizing taxable gains), the Fund may borrow money to make the necessary redemption payments. In addition, Goldman Sachs may, but would not in any instance be required to, make contemporaneous purchases of Fund shares for its own account that would provide the Fund with cash to meet its redemption payment obligations.
 
  When the Fund borrows money, the Investment Adviser intends to hedge the excess market exposure created by borrowing. There is no guarantee such hedging will be completely effective.
 
  The Fund may not achieve its investment objective of providing “after-tax” growth of capital for various reasons. Implementation of tax-managed investment strategies may not materially reduce the amount of taxable income and capital gains distributed by the Fund to shareholders.
 
  Other.  The Fund’s investments in fixed income securities are limited to securities that are considered cash equivalents.
 
  The Fund is not a suitable investment for IRAs, other tax-exempt or tax-deferred accounts or for other investors who are not sensitive to the federal income tax consequences of their investments.

 
14


 

FUND INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES
 
  Goldman Sachs
Structured International
Tax-Managed Equity Fund
     
FUND FACTS

Objective:
  Long-term after-tax growth of capital through tax-sensitive participation in a broadly diversified portfolio of international equity securities
Benchmark:
  MSCI EAFE ® Index (net of withholding taxes, unhedged)
Investment Focus:
  A total market, broadly diversified portfolio of equity investments in companies that are organized outside the United States or whose securities are principally traded outside the United States (“international equity securities”)
Investment Style:
  Tax-managed quantitative focus
Symbol:
  Class A: GATMX; Class C: GCTMX
 

   INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE   

  The Fund seeks to provide long-term after-tax growth of capital through tax-sensitive participation in a broadly diversified portfolio of international equity securities.

   PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES   

  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 international equity securities.*
 
  As discussed in “General Investment Management Approach,” the Fund’s investments are selected using a variety of quantitative techniques, derived from fundamental research including but not limited to valuation, momentum, management, sentiment, profitability and quality, in seeking to maximize the Fund’s expected return.
 
  The Fund expects to maintain risk, style, capitalization and industry characteristics similar to the MSCI EAFE ® Index.

 
     * To the extent required by SEC regulations, shareholders will be provided with sixty days notice before any change in the Fund’s policy to invest at least 80% of its Net Assets in the particular type of investment suggested by its name.
 
15


 

 
  Goldman Sachs
Structured International
Tax-Managed Equity Fund
continued

  The Fund may allocate its assets among countries as determined by the Investment Adviser from time to time, provided the Fund’s assets are invested in at least three foreign countries. The Fund may invest in the securities of issuers in emerging countries.
 
  Tax-Managed Investing.  In managing the Fund, the Investment Adviser balances investment considerations and tax considerations. The Fund seeks to achieve returns primarily in the form of price appreciation (which is not subject to current tax), and may use different strategies in seeking tax-efficiency. These strategies include:
  n   Offsetting long-term and short-term capital gains with long-term and short-term capital losses and creating loss carryforward positions
  n   Limiting portfolio turnover that may result in taxable 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

  In situations where the Fund would otherwise be required to sell portfolio securities to meet shareholder redemption requests (and possibly realizing taxable gains), the Fund may borrow money to make the necessary redemption payments. In addition, Goldman Sachs may, but would not in any instance be required to, make contemporaneous purchases of Fund shares for its own account that would provide the Fund with cash to meet its redemption payment obligations.
 
  When the Fund borrows money, the Investment Adviser intends to hedge the excess market exposure created by borrowing. There is no guarantee such hedging will be completely effective.
 
  The Fund may not achieve its investment objective of providing “after-tax” growth of capital for various reasons. Implementation of tax-managed investment strategies may not materially reduce the amount of taxable income and capital gains distributed by the Fund to shareholders.
 
  Other.  The Fund’s investments in fixed income securities are limited to securities that are considered cash equivalents.
 
  The Fund is not a suitable investment for IRAs, other tax-exempt or tax-deferred accounts or for other investors who are not sensitive to the federal income tax consequences of their investments.

 
16


 

 
Other Investment Practices
and Securities

The tables below and on the following page identify some of the investment techniques that may (but are not required to) be used by the Funds in seeking to achieve their investment objectives. The tables also highlight the differences and similarities among the Funds in their use of these techniques and other investment practices and investment securities. Numbers in this table show allowable usage only; for actual usage, consult the Funds’ annual/semi-annual reports. For more information about these and other investment practices and securities, see Appendix A. Each Fund publishes on its website (http://www.goldmansachsfunds.com) complete portfolio holdings for the 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 Funds 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. This information will be available on the website until the date on which a Fund files its next quarterly portfolio holdings report on Form N-CSR or Form N-Q with the SEC. In addition, a description of a Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of a Fund’s portfolio holdings is available in the Funds’ Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).

                 
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; Structured
      limited only by the objectives and strategies International Structured International
      of the Fund U.S. Equity Equity Tax-Managed Equity
—  Not permitted Dividend and Dividend and Equity Dividend and
Premium Fund Premium Fund Fund Premium Fund

Investment Practices            
 
Borrowings
  33 1/3   33 1/3   33 1/3   33 1/3
 
Credit, Currency, Index, Interest Rate, Total Return and Mortgage Swaps and Options on Swaps *
       
 
Cross Hedging of Currencies
       
 
Custodial Receipts and Trust Certificates
       
 
Equity Swaps *
  15   15   15   15
 
Foreign Currency Transactions **
       
 
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts
  2     2  
 
Interest Rate Caps, Floors and Collars
       
 
Investment Company Securities (including exchange-traded funds)
  10   10   10   10
 
Mortgage Dollar Rolls
       
 
Options on Foreign Currencies
       
 
Options on Securities and Securities Indices 1
       
 
Repurchase Agreements
       
 
Securities Lending
  33 1/3   33 1/3   33 1/3   33 1/3
 
Unseasoned Companies
       
 
Preferred Stock, Warrants and Stock Purchase Rights
       
 
When-Issued Securities and Forward Commitments
       

 
  *
Limited to 15% of net assets (together with other illiquid securities) for all structured securities and all swap transactions that are not deemed liquid.
**
Limited by the amount each Fund may invest in foreign securities.
   1
The Funds may sell covered call and put options and purchase call and put options.
   2
The U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund may enter into futures transactions only with respect to U.S. equity indices.
 
17


 

                                 
10  Percent of total assets (excluding securities lending
collateral) (italic type)
10 Percent of Net Assets (including borrowings for investment
purposes) (roman type) Structured
•    No specific percentage limitation on usage; International Structured International
      limited only by the objectives and strategies U.S. Equity Equity Tax-Managed Tax-Managed
      of the Fund Dividend and Dividend and Equity Equity
—  Not permitted Premium Fund Premium Fund Fund Fund

Investment Securities                        
 
American, European and Global Depositary Receipts
    3           3      
 
Bank Obligations 4
                       
 
Convertible Securities 5
                       
 
Corporate Debt Obligations 4
                       
 
Equity Investments
    80 +     80 +     80 +     80 +
Emerging Country Securities
                       
 
Fixed Income Securities
    20 6       20       20 6       20  
Foreign Securities
    7           7      
 
Real Estate Investment Trusts
                       
 
Structured Securities * 4
                       
 
Temporary Investments
    35             35        
 
U.S. Government Securities 4
                       

 
*
Limited to 15% of net assets (together with other illiquid securities) for all structured securities and swap transactions that are not deemed liquid.
3
The U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund do not invest in European Depositary Receipts.
4
Limited by the amount the Fund invests in fixed income securities.
5
Convertible securities purchased by the Funds 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.
 
18


 

 
Principal Risks of the Funds

Loss of money is a risk of investing in each Fund. An investment in a 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 Funds and may result in a loss of your investment. None of the Funds should be relied upon as a complete investment program. There can be no assurance that a Fund will achieve its investment objective.

                 
U.S.  International
Equity Equity Structured
Dividend Dividend Structured International
and and Tax-Managed Tax-Managed
•   Applicable Premium Premium Equity Equity
— Not applicable Fund Fund Fund Fund

NAV
       
Credit/Default
       
Foreign
       
Emerging Countries
       
Stock
       
Derivatives
       
Management
       
Market
       
Liquidity
       
REIT
       
Investment Style
       
Mid Cap and Small Cap
       
Tax-Managed Investment Risk
       
Option Writing
       

General Risks:
n   NAV Risk —The risk that the net asset value (“NAV”) of a Fund and the value of your investment will fluctuate.
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 a 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. A Fund will also be subject to the risk of negative foreign currency rate fluctuations. Foreign risks will normally be greatest when a Fund invests in issuers located in emerging countries.

 
19


 

n   Emerging Countries Risk —The securities markets of Asian, Central and South American, Eastern European, Middle Eastern, African and other emerging countries are less liquid, are especially subject to greater price volatility, have smaller market capitalizations, have less government regulation and are not subject to as extensive and frequent accounting, financial and other reporting requirements as the securities markets of more developed countries. Further, investment in equity securities of issuers located in certain emerging countries involves risk of loss resulting from problems in share registration and custody and substantial economic and political disruptions. These risks are not normally associated with investments in more developed countries.
n   Stock Risk —The risk that stock prices have historically risen and fallen in periodic cycles. U.S. and foreign stock markets have experienced periods of substantial price volatility in the past and may do so again in the future.
n   Derivatives Risk —The risk that loss may result from a Fund’s investments in options, futures, swaps, structured securities and other derivative instruments. These instruments may be illiquid, difficult to price and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses to a Fund.
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 a 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 a Fund may invest to a greater degree in instruments that trade in lower volumes and may make investments that may be less liquid than other investments. Also, the risk that a Fund may make investments that may become less liquid in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions. When there is no willing buyer and investments cannot be readily sold at the desired time or price, a Fund may have to accept a lower price or may not be able to sell the instruments at all. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Fund’s value or prevent the Fund from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. To meet redemption requests, a Fund may be forced to sell liquid securities, at an unfavorable time and conditions.

 

  Funds that invest in REITs and emerging country issuers may 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.
 
  Certain Goldman Sachs fund of funds portfolios (the “Fund of Funds Portfolios”) may invest a significant percentage of their assets in certain of the Funds and other

 
 
 

 
20


 

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF THE FUNDS

  funds for which GSAM or an affiliate now or in the future acts as investment adviser or underwriter. Redemptions by a Fund of Funds Portfolio of its position in a Fund may further increase liquidity risk and may impact a Fund’s NAV.
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 companies and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements because of interest rate changes, economic conditions and other factors. 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. A 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 company’s growth of earnings potential. Growth companies are often expected by investors to increase their earnings at a certain rate. When these expectations are not met, investors can punish the stocks inordinately even if earnings showed an absolute increase. 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   Mid Cap and Small Cap Risk —The securities of small capitalization and mid-capitalization companies involve greater risks than those associated with larger, more established 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. Both mid-cap and small-cap companies often have narrower markets and more limited managerial and financial resources than larger, more established companies. As a result, their performance can be more volatile and they face greater risk of business failure, which could increase the volatility of a Fund’s portfolio. Generally, the smaller the company size, the greater these risks.

Other Specific Risks:

n   Tax-Managed Investment Risk —Because the Investment Adviser balances investment considerations and tax considerations, the pre-tax performance of the Funds may be lower than the performance of similar Funds that are not tax-
 
21


 

managed. This is because the Investment Adviser may choose not to make certain investments 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 Funds to shareholders. A high percentage of each Fund’s NAV may consist of unrealized capital gains, which represent a potential future tax liability to shareholders. The Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund and the Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund are not suitable investments for IRAs, other tax-exempt or tax-deferred accounts or for other investors who are not sensitive to the federal income tax consequences of their investments.
n   Option Writing Risk —Writing (selling) call options 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 U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund write (sell) S&P 500 Index, MSCI EAFE ® Index or related ETF call options, they receive cash but limit their opportunity to profit from an increase in the market value of the S&P 500 Index, MSCI EAFE ® Index or related ETF beyond the exercise price (plus the premium received) of the option. In a rising market, the U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and the International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund could significantly underperform the market. The Funds’ option strategies may not fully protect them against declines in the value of the market. Cash received from premiums will enhance return in declining markets, but a Fund will continue to bear the risk of a decline in the value of the securities held in its portfolio. The benefit from writing a call option is limited to the amount of premium received. In a period of a sharply falling equity market, the Funds will likely also experience sharp declines in their net asset value.

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.

 
22


 

 
  Fund Performance

   HOW THE FUNDS HAVE PERFORMED   

  The bar charts and tables on the following pages provide an indication of the risks of investing in a Fund by showing: (a) changes in the performance of a Fund’s Class A Shares from year to year; and (b) how the average annual total returns of a Fund’s Class A, B and C Shares compare to those of broad-based securities market indices. The bar chart (including “Best Quarter” and “Worst Quarter” information) and table assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. A Fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.
 
  The average annual total return calculation reflects a maximum initial sales charge of 5.5% for Class A Shares, the assumed contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) for Class B Shares (5% maximum declining to 0% after six years), and the assumed CDSC for Class C Shares (1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase). The bar charts (including “Best Quarter” and “Worst Quarter” information) do not reflect the sales loads applicable to Class A Shares. If the sales loads were reflected, returns would be less. Performance reflects expense limitations in effect. If expense limitations were not in place, a Fund’s performance would have been reduced.
 
  The Goldman Sachs International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund commenced operations on January 10, 2008. No performance information regarding the Goldman Sachs International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund is included in this section because such Funds have less than one calendar year of performance.

   INFORMATION ON AFTER-TAX RETURNS   

  These definitions apply to the after-tax returns.
 
  Average Annual Total Returns Before Taxes.  These returns do not reflect taxes on distributions on a Fund’s Class A Shares nor do they show how performance can be impacted by taxes when shares are redeemed (sold) by you.
 
  Average Annual Total Returns After Taxes on Distributions.  These returns assume that taxes are paid on distributions on a Fund’s Class A Shares ( i.e. , dividends and capital gains) but do not reflect taxes that may be incurred upon redemption (sale) of the Class A Shares at the end of the performance period.

 
23


 

  Average Annual Total Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Shares.  These returns reflect taxes paid on distributions on a Fund’s Class A Shares and taxes applicable when the shares are redeemed (sold).
 
  Note on Tax Rates.  The after-tax performance figures are calculated using the historically highest individual federal marginal income tax rates at the time of the distributions and do not reflect 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. Under certain circumstances, the addition of the tax benefits from capital losses resulting from redemptions may cause the Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares to be greater than the Returns After Taxes on Distributions or even the Returns Before Taxes.

 
24


 

FUND PERFORMANCE

U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund

     
TOTAL RETURN CALENDAR YEAR (CLASS A)

Best Quarter*
Q4 ’06           +6.16%

Worst Quarter*
Q4 ’07           -4.61%
  (BAR CHART)

   AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN   

                 
For the period ended December 31, 2007 1 Year Since Inception

Class A (Inception 8/31/05)
               
Returns Before Taxes
    -2.69%       5.66%  
Returns After Taxes on Distributions**
    -3.95%       4.64%  
Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares**
    -0.03%       4.83%  
S&P 500 ® Index***
    5.49%       10.29%  
Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index****
    6.97%       4.61%  

Class C (Inception 8/31/05)
               
Returns Before Taxes
    1.17%       7.43%  
S&P 500 ® Index***
    5.49%       10.29%  
Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index****
    6.97%       4.61%  

 
  *
Please note that “Best Quarter” and “Worst Quarter” figures are applicable only to the time period covered by the bar chart.
 **
The after-tax returns are for Class A Shares only. The after-tax returns for Class C Shares will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. In addition, the after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) or individual retirement accounts.
***
The S&P 500 ® Index is the Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Stock Price Index of 500 stocks, an unmanaged index of common stock prices. The Index figures do not reflect any deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.
****
The Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index is an unmanaged index of bond prices. The Index figures do not reflect any deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.
 
25


 

Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund

     
TOTAL RETURN CALENDAR YEAR (CLASS A)


Best Quarter*
Q2 ’03           +14.71%

Worst Quarter*
Q3 ’02           -15.29%
 
(BAR CHART)
   AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN   
                         
For the period ended December 31, 2007 1 Year 5 Years Since Inception

Class A (Inception 4/3/00)
                       
Returns Before Taxes
    -6.36%       12.08%       1.38%  
Returns After Taxes on Distributions**
    -6.48%       12.01%       1.32%  
Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares**
    -3.97%       10.57%       1.17%  
Russell 3000 Index***
    5.14%       13.62%       1.99%  

Class B (Inception 4/3/00)
                       
Returns Before Taxes
    -6.68%       12.24%       1.36%  
Russell 3000 Index***
    5.14%       13.62%       1.99%  

Class C (Inception 4/3/00)
                       
Returns Before Taxes
    -2.74%       12.47%       1.34%  
Russell 3000 Index***
    5.14%       13.62%       1.99%  

 
   *
Please note that “Best Quarter” and “Worst Quarter” figures are applicable only to the time period covered by the bar chart.
**
The after-tax returns are for Class A Shares only. The after-tax returns for Class B and Class C Shares will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. In addition, the after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
***
The unmanaged Russell 3000 Index measures the performance of the 3,000 largest U.S. companies based on total market capitalization. The Index figures do not reflect any deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.
 
26


 

 
Fund Fees and Expenses (Class A, B and C Shares)

This table describes the fees and expenses that you would pay if you buy and hold Class A, Class B or Class C Shares of a Fund.

                 
U.S. Equity Dividend
and Premium Fund

Class A Class C

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment):
               
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
    5.5% 1     None  
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) 2
    None 1     1.0% 3
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on
Reinvested Dividends
    None       None  
Redemption Fees
    None       None  
Exchange Fees
    None       None  
 
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets): 4
               
Management Fees 5
    0.75%       0.75%  
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees
    0.25%       1.00%  
Other Expenses 6*
    0.26%       0.26%  

Total Fund Operating Expenses*
    1.26%       2.01%  

See pages 31 and 32 for all other footnotes.

  The “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses” shown in the table above do not reflect voluntary expense limitations currently in place with respect to the Fund. The Fund’s “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses,” after application of current expense limitations, are as set forth below. These expense limitations may be modified or terminated at any time at the option of the Investment Adviser and without shareholder approval. If this occurs, the “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses” shown below would be higher.  
                 
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 5
    0.75%       0.75%  
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees
    0.25%       1.00%  
Other Expenses 6
    0.24%       0.24%  

Total Fund Operating Expenses (after current expense limitations)
    1.24%       1.99%  

 
27


 

 
Fund Fees and Expenses continued

                 
International Equity
Dividend and Premium
Fund

Class A Class C

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment):
               
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
    5.5% 1     None  
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) 2
    None 1     1.0% 3
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on
Reinvested Dividends
    None       None  
Redemption Fees 8
    2.0%       2.0%  
Exchange Fees
    None       None  
 
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets): 4
               
Management Fees 5
    0.81%       0.81%  
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees
    0.25%       1.00%  
Other Expenses 6 *
    0.61%       0.61%  

Total Fund Operating Expenses*
    1.67%       2.42%  

See pages 31 and 32 for all other footnotes.

  The “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses” shown in the table above do not reflect voluntary expense limitations currently in place with respect to the Fund. The Fund’s “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses,” after application of current expense limitations, are as set forth below. These expense limitations may be modified or terminated at any time at the option of the Investment Adviser and without shareholder approval. If this occurs, the “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses” shown below would be higher.  
                 
International 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 5
    0.81%       0.81%  
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees
    0.25%       1.00%  
Other Expenses 6
    0.24%       0.24%  

Total Fund Operating Expenses (after current expense limitations)
    1.30%       2.05%  

 
28


 

FUND FEES AND EXPENSES

                         
Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund

Class A Class B Class C

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment):
                       
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
    5.5% 1       None       None  
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) 2
    None 1       5.0% 7       1.0% 3  
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends
    None       None       None  
Redemption Fees
    None       None       None  
Exchange Fees
    None       None       None  
 
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets): 4
                       
Management Fees 5 *
    0.70%       0.70%       0.70%  
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees
    0.25%       1.00%       1.00%  
Other Expenses 6 *
    0.28%       0.28%       0.28%  

Total Fund Operating Expenses*
    1.23%       1.98%       1.98%  

See pages 31 and 32 for all other footnotes.

  The “Management Fees,” “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses” shown in the table above do not reflect voluntary fee waivers and/or expense limitations currently in place with respect to the Fund. The Fund’s “Management Fees,” “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses,” after application of current waivers and expense limitations, are as set forth below. These fee waivers and expense limitations may be modified or terminated at any time at the option of the Investment Adviser and without shareholder approval. If this occurs, the “Management Fees,” “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses” shown below would be higher.  
                         
Structured
Tax-Managed
Equity Fund

Class A Class B Class C

Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets): 4
                       
Management Fees 5
    0.65%       0.65%       0.65%  
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees
    0.25%       1.00%       1.00%  
Other Expenses 6
    0.19%       0.19%       0.19%  

Total Fund Operating Expenses (after current waivers and expense limitations)
    1.09%       1.84%       1.84%  

 
29


 

 
Fund Fees and Expenses continued

                 
Structured International
Tax-Managed Equity
Fund

Class A Class C

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment):
               
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
    5.5% 1     None  
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) 2
    None 1     1.0% 3
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends
    None       None  
Redemption Fees 8
    2.0%       2.0%  
Exchange Fees
    None       None  
 
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets): 4
               
Management Fees 5 *
    0.85%       0.85%  
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees
    0.25%       1.00%  
Other Expenses 6 *
    0.68%       0.68%  

Total Fund Operating Expenses*
    1.78%       2.53%  

See pages 31 and 32 for all other footnotes.

  The “Management Fees,” “Other Expenses” and ‘’Total Fund Operating Expenses” shown in the table above do not reflect voluntary fee waivers and/or expense limitations currently in place with respect to the Fund. The Fund’s “Management Fees,” “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses,” after application of current waivers and expense limitations, are as set forth below. These fee waivers and expense limitations may be modified or terminated at any time at the option of the Investment Adviser and without shareholder approval. If this occurs, the “Management Fees,” “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses” shown below would be higher.  
                 
Structured International
Tax-Managed Equity
Fund

Class A Class C

Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets): 4
               
Management Fees 5
    0.81%       0.81%  
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees
    0.25%       1.00%  
Other Expenses 6
    0.20%       0.20%  

Total Fund Operating Expenses (after current waivers and expense limitations)
    1.26%       2.01%  

 
30


 

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
Except for the International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and the Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund, the Funds’ annual operating expenses are based on actual expenses incurred for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. The annual operating expenses for the International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and the Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund are based on amounts expected to be incurred for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008.
5
The Investment Adviser is entitled to management fees from the Funds at the annual rates equal to the following percentages of the average daily net assets of the Funds:

                   
Management Fee Average Daily
Fund Annual Rate Net Assets

U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium
    0.75%       First $1  billion  
      0.68%       Next $1  billion  
      0.65%       Over $2  billion  

International Equity Dividend and
    0.81%       First $1  billion  
 
Premium
    0.73%       Next $1  billion  
      0.69%       Over $2  billion  

Structured Tax-Managed Equity
    0.70%       First $1  billion  
      0.63%       Next $1  billion  
      0.60%       Over $2  billion  

Structured International Tax-Managed
    0.85%       First $1  billion  
 
Equity
    0.77%       Next $1  billion  
      0.73%       Over $2  billion  

 

Additionally, the Investment Adviser is currently voluntarily waiving a portion of its management fee equal to 0.05% and 0.04% based on the average daily net assets of the Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund and the Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund, respectively. As a result, the Investment Adviser is currently receiving a management fee from the Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund and the Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund at the annual rate of 0.65% and 0.81%, respectively.
6
“Other Expenses” include transfer agency fees and expenses equal on an annualized basis to 0.19% of the average daily net assets of each Fund’s Class A, B 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
 
31


 

 
Fund Fees and Expenses continued

 
extraordinary expenses exclusive of any custody and transfer agent fee credit reductions) to the following percentages of each Fund’s average daily net assets:
             
Other
Fund Expenses

U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium
    0.054      
International Equity Dividend and Premium
    0.054      
Structured Tax-Managed Equity
    0.004      
Structured International Tax-Managed Equity
    0.014      
 
7
A CDSC is imposed upon Class B Shares redeemed within six years of purchase at a rate of 5% in the first year, declining to 1% in the sixth year and eliminated thereafter.
8
A 2.0% redemption fee will be imposed on the redemption of shares (including by exchange) of the International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and the Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund held for 30 days or less.
 
32


 

FUND FEES AND EXPENSES

Example

The following Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in a 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, B or C Shares of a Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Class A, B or C Shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that a Fund’s 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 5 Years 10 Years

U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium
                               
Class A Shares
  $ 671     $ 928     $ 1,204     $ 1,989  
Class C Shares
                               
 
– Assuming complete redemption at end of period
  $ 304     $ 630     $ 1,083     $ 2,338  
 
– Assuming no redemption
  $ 204     $ 630     $ 1,083     $ 2,338  

International Equity Dividend and Premium
                               
Class A Shares
  $ 710     $ 1,048       N/A       N/A  
Class C Shares
                               
 
– Assuming complete redemption at end of period
  $ 345     $ 755       N/A       N/A  
 
– Assuming no redemption
  $ 245     $ 755       N/A       N/A  

Structured Tax-Managed Equity
                               
Class A Shares
  $ 668     $ 919     $ 1,188     $ 1,957  
Class B Shares
                               
 
– Assuming complete redemption at end of period
  $ 701     $ 921     $ 1,268     $ 2,113  
 
– Assuming no redemption
  $ 201     $ 621     $ 1,068     $ 2,113  
Class C Shares
                               
 
– Assuming complete redemption at end of period
  $ 301     $ 621     $ 1,068     $ 2,306  
 
– Assuming no redemption
  $ 201     $ 621     $ 1,068     $ 2,306  

Structured International Tax-Managed Equity                                
Class A Shares
  $ 721     $ 1,079       N/A       N/A  
Class C Shares
                               
 
– Assuming complete redemption at end of period
  $ 356     $ 788       N/A       N/A  
 
– Assuming no redemption
  $ 256     $ 788       N/A       N/A  

 
33


 

 
Fund Fees and Expenses continued

The hypothetical example assumes that a CDSC will not apply to redemptions of Class A Shares within the first 18 months. Class B Shares convert to Class A Shares eight years after purchase; therefore, Class A expenses are used in the hypothetical example for the Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund after year eight.

Certain institutions that sell Fund shares and/or their salespersons may receive other compensation in connection with the sale and distribution of Class A, Class B and Class C Shares for services to their customers’ accounts and/or the Funds. 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 SAI.

 
34


 

 
  Service Providers

   INVESTMENT ADVISER   

     
Investment Adviser Fund

Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (“GSAM”)
32 Old Slip
New York, New York 10005
  U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium
International Equity Dividend and Premium
Structured Tax-Managed Equity
Structured International Tax- Managed Equity

  GSAM has been registered as an investment adviser with the SEC since 1990 and is an affiliate of Goldman, Sachs & Co. (“Goldman Sachs”). As of December 31, 2007, GSAM, including its investment advisory affiliates, had assets under management of $763 billion.
 
  The Investment Adviser provides day-to-day advice regarding the Funds’ portfolio transactions. The Investment Adviser makes the investment decisions for the Funds 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 Funds, 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 Funds:
  n   Supervises all non-advisory operations of the Funds
  n   Provides personnel to perform necessary executive, administrative and clerical services to the Funds
  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 each Fund
  n   Provides office space and all necessary office equipment and services

 
35


 

   MANAGEMENT FEES   

  As compensation for its services and its assumption of certain expenses, the Investment Adviser is entitled to the following fees, computed daily and payable monthly, at the annual rates listed below (as a percentage of each respective Fund’s average daily net assets):

                           
Actual Rate
For the Fiscal
Average Daily Year Ended
Fund Contractual Rate Net Assets December 31, 2007

U.S. Equity Dividend
    0.75%       First $1  billion       0.75%  
 
and Premium
    0.68%       Next $1  billion          
      0.65%       Over $2  billion          

International Equity Dividend and Premium
    0.81%
0.73%
0.69%
    First $1  billion
Next $1  billion
Over $2  billion
    0.81%  

Structured Tax-Managed Equity
    0.70%
0.63%
0.60%
    First $1  billion
Next $1  billion
Over $2  billion
    0.65%  

Structured International Tax-Managed Equity
    0.85%
0.77%
0.73%
    First $1  billion
Next $1  billion
Over $2  billion
    0.85%  

  The Investment Adviser may voluntarily waive a portion of its management fee from time to time and may discontinue or modify any such voluntary limitations in the future at its discretion.
 
  A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees’ (the “Trustees”) approval of the Management Agreement in 2007 for the Funds is available in the Funds’ annual report dated December 31, 2007.

   FUND MANAGERS   

  Quantitative Investment Strategies Team
  n   A stable and growing team supported by an extensive internal staff
  n   More than $120 billion in equities currently under management including $60 billion in U.S. equities
  n   Proprietary research on quantitative models and tax-advantaged strategies
 
36


 

SERVICE PROVIDERS

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Quantitative Investment Strategies Team
             
Years
Primarily
Name and Title Fund Responsibility Responsible Five Year Employment History

Robert C. Jones, CFA
Co-Chief Investment Officer
Managing Director
  Portfolio Manager—
U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium
International Equity Dividend and Premium
Structured Tax-Managed Equity
Structured International Tax-Managed Equity
  Since

2005

2008

2000

2008
  Mr. Jones joined the Investment Adviser as a portfolio manager in 1989.

Mark Carhart, PhD, CFA
Co-Chief Investment Officer
Managing Director
  Senior Portfolio Manager—
Structured International Tax-Managed Equity International Equity Dividend and Premium
  Since
2008

2008
  Mr. Carhart joined the Investment Adviser in 1997 within the Quantitative Investment Strategies group. He has taken on portfolio management responsibilities for the Quantitative Equity Funds in 2008.

Don Mulvihill
Managing Director
  Senior Portfolio Manager—
U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium
International Equity Dividend and Premium
Structured Tax-Managed Equity
Structured International Tax-Managed Equity
  Since

2005

2008

2000

2008
  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.

  Robert C. Jones, CFA and Mark Carhart, PhD, CFA are Managing Directors and Co-Chief Investment Officers for the QIS team. 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. The computer optimizer constructs the portfolio based on the team’s models and design and no one person on the team has a subjective override of the computer optimizer process, except in very specific limited cases.
 
  For information about the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers’ ownership of securities in the Funds, see the SAI.

   DISTRIBUTOR AND TRANSFER AGENT   

  Goldman Sachs, 85 Broad Street, New York, New York 10004, serves as the exclusive distributor (the “Distributor”) of each Fund’s shares. Goldman Sachs, 71 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 500, Chicago, Illinois 60606, also serves as each Fund’s
 
37


 

  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 Funds. Goldman Sachs reserves the right to redeem at any time some or all of the shares acquired for its own account.

   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 a Fund or limit a Fund’s 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, financier, 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 Funds directly and indirectly invest. Thus, it is likely that the Funds 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 Funds and/or which engage in and compete for transactions in the same types of securities, currencies and instruments as the Funds. 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 Funds. The results of a Fund’s investment activities, therefore, may differ from those of Goldman Sachs, its affiliates and other accounts managed by Goldman Sachs, and it is possible that a 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 Funds may enter into transactions in which Goldman Sachs or its other clients have an adverse interest. For example, a Fund may take a long position in a security at the same time that Goldman Sachs or other accounts managed by the Investment Adviser take a short position in the same security (or vice versa). These and other transactions undertaken by Goldman Sachs, its affiliates or Goldman Sachs advised-clients may adversely impact the Funds. Transactions by one or more Goldman Sachs advised-
 
38


 

SERVICE PROVIDERS

  clients or the Investment Adviser may have the effect of diluting or otherwise disadvantaging the values, prices or investment strategies of the Funds. A Fund’s 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 service 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 affect transactions in, securities of issuers held by the Funds, and may also perform or seek to perform investment 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 Funds or who engage in transactions with or for the Funds. For more information about conflicts of interest, see the SAI.
 
  Under a securities lending program approved by the Funds’ Board of Trustees, the Funds may retain an affiliate of the Investment Adviser to serve as a securities lending agent for each Fund to the extent that the Funds engage in the securities lending program. For these services, the lending agent may receive a fee from the Funds, including a fee based on the returns earned on the Funds’ investment of the cash received as collateral for the loaned securities. The Board of Trustees periodically reviews all portfolio securities loan transactions for which the affiliated lending agent has acted as lending agent. In addition, the Funds may make brokerage and other payments to Goldman Sachs and its affiliates in connection with the Funds’ portfolio investment transactions, as permitted by applicable law.

 
39


 

 
  Dividends
 
  Each Fund pays dividends from its investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains (although the Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund attempts to minimize capital gains and income distributions 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 same Fund
  n   Shares of the same class of another Goldman Sachs Fund. Special restrictions may apply. See the SAI.

  You may indicate your election on your Account Application. Any changes may be submitted in writing to the Transfer Agent 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 applicable 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.
 
  The Funds’ investments in foreign securities may be subject to foreign withholding taxes. Under certain circumstances, the Funds may elect to pass-through these taxes to you. If this election is made, a proportionate amount of such taxes will constitute a distribution to you, which would allow you either (i) to credit such proportionate amount of foreign taxes against your U.S. federal income tax liability or (ii) to take such amount as an itemized deduction.
 
  Dividends from net investment 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

International Equity Dividend and Premium
  Quarterly   Annually

Structured Tax-Managed Equity
  Annually   Annually

Structured International Tax-Managed Equity
  Annually   Annually

  From time to time a portion of a Fund’s dividends may constitute a return of capital for tax purposes, and/or may include amounts in excess of the Fund’s net investment income for the period calculated in accordance with good accounting practice.

 
40


 

DIVIDENDS

  When you purchase shares of a Fund, part of the NAV per share may be represented by undistributed income and/or undistributed realized gains that have previously been earned by the Fund. Therefore, subsequent distributions on such shares from such income and/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.

 
41


 

  Shareholder Guide
 
 
  The following section will provide you with answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding buying and selling the Funds’ shares.

   HOW TO BUY SHARES   

  How Can I Purchase Class A, Class B And Class C Shares Of The Funds?
  You may purchase shares of the Funds through certain brokers, registered investment advisers and other financial institutions (“Authorized Dealers”).
 
  In order to make an initial investment in a Fund, you must furnish to 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 your Authorized Dealer:

  –  Your Authorized Dealer is responsible for forwarding payment promptly (within three business days) to the Fund

  The Funds will not accept checks drawn on foreign banks, third party checks, temporary checks, cash or cash equivalents; e.g., cashier’s checks, official bank checks, money orders, travelers cheques or credit card checks. In limited situations involving the transfer of retirement assets, a Fund may accept cashier’s checks or official bank checks.
 
  What Is My Minimum Investment In The Funds?
  For each of your accounts, the following minimum must be met:

                 
Initial Additional*

Regular Accounts
    $1,000       $50  

Employer Sponsored Benefit Plans
    No Minimum       No Minimum  

Uniform Gift/Transfer to Minors Accounts (UGMA/UTMA)
    $250       $50  

Individual Retirement Accounts and Coverdell ESAs
    $250       $50  

Automatic Investment Plan Accounts
    $250       $50  

  No minimum additional investment requirements are imposed with respect to investors trading through intermediaries who aggregate shares in omnibus or similar accounts (e.g., retirement plan accounts, wrap program accounts or traditional brokerage house accounts).

  The minimum investment requirement may be waived for certain mutual fund “wrap” programs at the discretion of the officers of the Goldman Sachs Trust (the
 
42


 

SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  “Trust”). No minimum amount is required for additional investments by such accounts.
 
  What Alternative Sales Arrangements Are Available?
  The Funds offer three classes of shares through this Prospectus.*

             
Class A Class B Class C

Maximum Amount You
Can Buy In The
Aggregate Across All
Goldman Sachs Funds
  No limit   $100,000**   $1,000,000**

Initial Sales Charge   Applies to purchases of
less than $1 million—
varies by size of
investment with a
maximum of 5.5%
  None   None

CDSC   1% on certain investments of $1 million or more if you sell within 18 months after the end of the month in which the purchase was made   6 year declining
CDSC with a
maximum of 5%
  1% if shares
are redeemed
within 12 months of
purchase

Conversion Feature   None   Class B Shares automatically convert to Class A Shares
on or about the fifteenth day of the last month of the quarter that is 8 years after the purchase date.
  None

 
   *
The Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund, U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund do not offer Class B Shares.
 
   **
No additional Class B Shares or Class C Shares may be purchased by an investor either in an initial purchase or in additional purchases if the current market value of all its Goldman Sachs Fund shares owned and/or purchased is equal to or exceeds $100,000 in the case of Class B Shares or $1,000,000 in the case of Class C Shares.
 
43


 

  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. In addition, Authorized Dealers and other financial intermediaries are responsible for providing to you any communication from a Fund to its shareholders, including but not limited to, prospectuses, prospectus supplements, proxy materials and notices regarding the source of dividend payments under Section 19 of the Investment Company Act (the “Act”). They may charge additional fees not described in this Prospectus to their customers for such services.
 
  If shares of a 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 a Fund and its Transfer Agent. Since the Funds will have no record of your transactions, you should contact your 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 a Fund involves special procedures and may require you to obtain historical purchase information about the shares in the account from your Authorized Dealer. If your Authorized Dealer’s relationship with Goldman Sachs is terminated, and you do not transfer your account to another Authorized Dealer, the Trust reserves the right to redeem your shares. The Trust will not be responsible for any loss in an investor’s account resulting from a redemption.
 
  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 financial intermediaries to accept such orders. In these cases:
  n   A Fund will be deemed to have received an order that is in proper form when the order is accepted by an Authorized Dealer or financial intermediary on a business day, and the order will be priced at the Fund’s NAV per share (adjusted for any applicable sales charge and redemption fee) next determined after such acceptance.
  n   Authorized Dealers and other financial intermediaries are responsible for transmitting accepted orders to the Funds within the time period agreed upon by them.

  You should contact your Authorized Dealer or financial intermediary to learn whether it is authorized to accept orders for the Trust.
 
44


 

SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  The Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates may make payments or provide services to Authorized Dealers and other financial intermediaries (“Intermediaries”) from time to time to promote the sale, distribution and/or servicing of shares of the Funds and other Goldman Sachs Funds. These payments are made out of the Investment Adviser’s, Distributor’s and/or their affiliates’ own assets, and are not an additional charge to the Funds. 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 Funds and other Goldman Sachs Funds, which may consist of payments relating to Funds 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 Funds 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 payments by the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates which are in addition to the fees paid for these services by the Funds, may also compensate Intermediaries for subaccounting, sub-transfer agency, administrative and/or shareholder processing services. These payments may exceed amounts earned on these assets by the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates for the performance of these or similar services. The amount of these additional payments is normally not expected to exceed 0.50% (annualized) of the amount sold or invested through Intermediaries. In addition, certain Intermediaries may have access to certain services from the Investment Advisor, Distributor and/or their affiliates, including research reports and economic analysis, and portfolio analysis tools. In certain cases, the Intermediary may not pay for these services. Please refer to the “Payments to Intermediaries” section of the SAI for more information about these payments and services.
 
  The payments made by the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates and the services received by an Intermediary may differ for different Intermediaries. The presence of these payments, receipt of those services 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 Funds based, at least in part, on the level of compensation paid. You should contact your Authorized Dealer or Intermediary for more information about the payments it receives and any potential conflicts of interest.

 
45


 

  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 a 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 a Fund.
  n   Close a Fund to new investors from time to time and reopen any such Fund whenever it is deemed appropriate by a Fund’s Investment Adviser.
  n   Modify or waive the minimum investment requirements.
  n   Modify the manner in which shares are offered.
  n   Modify the sales charge rates applicable to future purchases of shares.

  Generally, non-U.S. citizens and certain U.S. citizens residing outside the United States may not open an account with the Funds.
 
  The Funds may allow you to purchase shares with securities instead of cash if consistent with a Fund’s investment policies and operations and if approved by the Fund’s Investment Adviser.
 
  Notwithstanding the foregoing, 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.
 
  Customer Identification Program. Federal law requires the Funds to obtain, verify and record identifying information, which will be reviewed solely for customer identification purposes, 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 information, for each investor who opens an account directly with the Funds. Applications without the required information may not be accepted by the Funds. After accepting an application, to the extent permitted by applicable law or their customer identification program, the Funds reserve 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 Funds; or (iii) involuntarily redeem an investor’s shares and close an account in the event that the Funds are unable to verify an investor’s identity. The Funds and their agents will not be responsible for any loss in an investor’s account resulting from the

 
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  investor’s delay in providing all required information or from closing an account and redeeming an investor’s shares pursuant to the customer identification program.
 
  How Are Shares Priced?
  The price you pay when you buy shares is a Fund’s next determined NAV for a share class (as adjusted for any applicable sales charge) after the Fund receives your order in proper form. The price you receive when you sell shares is a Fund’s next determined NAV for a share class with the redemption proceeds reduced by any applicable charge (e.g., CDSCs or redemption fees) after the Fund receives your order in proper form. 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.
 
  In the event that a Fund invests a significant portion of assets in foreign equity securities, “fair value” prices are provided by an independent fair value service in accordance with the fair value procedures approved by the Trustees. 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 price for a particular security, or if the price provided does not meet the established criteria for a Fund, the Fund will price that security at the most recent closing price for that security on its principal exchange.
 
  In addition, the Investment Adviser, consistent with its procedures and applicable regulatory guidance, may (but need not) 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 a Fund’s 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 U.S. or foreign markets; market dislocations; market disruptions or market closings; equipment failures; natural or man made disasters or acts of God; armed conflicts; governmental actions or other developments; as well as the same

 
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  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 including those related to earnings, products and regulatory news; significant litigation; low trading volume; trading limits, or suspensions.
 
  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 Funds to price their 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).
 
  Please note the following with respect to the price at which your transactions are processed:

  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 other times 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   The Trust reserves the right to reprocess purchase (including dividend reinvestments), redemption and exchange transactions that were processed at a NAV that is subsequently adjusted, and to recover amounts from (or distribute amounts to) shareholders accordingly based on the official closing NAV, as adjusted.
  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.

  Consistent with industry practice, investment transactions not settling on the same day are recorded and factored into a Fund’s NAV on the business day following trade date (T+1). The use of T+1 accounting generally does not, but may, result in a NAV that differs materially from the NAV that would result if all transactions were reflected on their trade dates.
 
  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 its regularly scheduled closing time. In the event the New York Stock Exchange

 
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  does not open for business, the Trust may, but is not required to, open one or more Funds for purchase, redemption and exchange transactions if the Federal Reserve wire payment system is open. To learn whether a Fund is open for business during this situation, please call 1-800-526-7384.
 
  Foreign securities may trade in their local markets on days a Fund is closed. As a result, if a Fund holds foreign securities, its NAV may be impacted on days when investors may not purchase or redeem Fund shares.

   COMMON QUESTIONS APPLICABLE TO THE PURCHASE OF CLASS A SHARES   

  What Is The Offering Price Of Class A Shares?
  The offering price of Class A Shares of each 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 for Class A Shares of the Funds 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 **     ***  

 
   *
Dealer’s 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 after the end of the month in which such purchase was made.
***
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 Funds 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 (including health savings accounts) 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 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 month in which the purchase was made.
 
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  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 preceding chart, 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, your Authorized Dealer or other 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 Funds or other Goldman Sachs Funds held in all accounts ( e.g., retirement accounts) of the shareholder at the Authorized Dealer or other financial intermediary;
 
  (ii)  Information or records regarding shares of the Funds or other Goldman Sachs Funds held in any account of the shareholder at another Authorized Dealer or other financial intermediary; and
 
  (iii)  Information or records regarding shares of the Funds or other Goldman Sachs Funds held at any Authorized Dealer or other 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 section “How Can The Sales Charge On Class A Shares Be Reduced?—Right of Accumulation” described below, the “Amount of Purchase” in the preceding chart will be deemed to include all Class A, Class B and/or Class C Shares of the Goldman Sachs Funds that were held at the time of purchase by any of the following persons: (i) you, your spouse, your parents 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 SAI. For purposes of determining the “Amount of Purchase,” all Class A, Class B and/or Class C Shares currently held will be valued at their current market value.
 
  You should also note that if through your Authorized Dealer you provide the Transfer Agent a signed written Statement of Intention to invest (not counting reinvestments of dividends and distributions) in the aggregate within a 13-month

 
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SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  period $50,000 or more in Class A Shares of one or more Goldman Sachs Funds, 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 SAI, information about sales charge discounts is available from your Authorized Dealer or other financial intermediary and, free of charge, on the Funds’ website at http://www.goldmansachsfunds.com.
 
  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 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, B Or C Shares Be Waived Or Reduced?” below.
 
  When Are Class A Shares Not Subject To A Sales Load?
  Class A Shares of the Funds 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 employee benefit 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 a Fund;
  n   Section 401(k), profit sharing, money purchase pension, tax-sheltered annuity, defined benefit pension, or other employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) that are sponsored by one or more employers (including

 
51


 

  governmental or church employers) or employee organizations (“Employee Benefit 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   Non-qualified pension plans sponsored by employers who also sponsor qualified plans that qualify for and invest in Goldman Sachs Funds at NAV without the payment of any sales charge;
  n   Insurance company separate accounts that make the Funds available as underlying investments in certain group annuity contracts;
  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 Employee Benefit Plan of amounts invested in the Goldman Sachs Funds and reinvesting such amounts in a Goldman Sachs IRA;
  n   Shareholders who roll over distributions from any tax-qualified Employee Benefit Plan or tax-sheltered annuity to an IRA which invests in the Goldman Sachs Funds if the tax-qualified Employee Benefit 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;
  n   State sponsored 529 college savings plans; or
  n   Investors who qualify under other exemptions that are stated from time to time in the SAI.

  You must certify eligibility for any of the above exemptions on your Account Application and notify your Authorized Dealer and the Funds if you no longer are eligible for the exemption.
 
  A Fund will grant you an exemption subject to confirmation of your entitlement by your Authorized Dealer. You may be charged a fee by your Authorized Dealer.

 
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SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  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 Funds and any other Goldman Sachs Funds purchased by an existing client of Goldman Sachs Private 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 Private Wealth Management accounts or accounts of GS Ayco Holding LLC, respectively. In addition, under some circumstances, Class A, Class B and/or Class C Shares of the Funds and Class A, Class B and/or Class C Shares of any other Goldman Sachs Fund purchased by partners, directors, officers or employees of certain 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. If you do not notify your Authorized Dealer at the time of your current purchase or a future purchase that you qualify for a quantity discount, you may not receive the benefit of a reduced sales charge that might otherwise apply. Use of this option is subject to a check of appropriate records. The SAI 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 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 unless the failure to meet the investment commitment is due to the death of the investor. 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 if the Statement of Intention is not met. The SAI has more information about the Statement of Intention, which you should read carefully.

 
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   COMMON QUESTIONS APPLICABLE TO THE PURCHASE OF CLASS B SHARES*   

  What Is The Offering Price Of Class B Shares?
  You may purchase Class B Shares of the Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund at the next determined NAV without an initial sales charge. However, Class B Shares redeemed within six years of purchase will be subject to a CDSC at the rates shown in the table below based on how long you held your shares.
 
  The CDSC schedule is as follows:

         
CDSC as a
Percentage of
Dollar Amount
Year Since Purchase Subject to CDSC

First
    5%  
Second
    4%  
Third
    3%  
Fourth
    3%  
Fifth
    2%  
Sixth
    1%  
Seventh and thereafter
    None  

  Proceeds from the CDSC are payable to the Distributor and may be used in whole or in part to defray the Distributor’s expenses related to providing distribution-related services to the Funds in connection with the sale of Class B Shares, including the payment of compensation to Authorized Dealers. A commission equal to 4% of the amount invested is paid to Authorized Dealers.
 
  What Should I Know About The Automatic Conversion Of Class B Shares?
  Class B Shares of a Fund will automatically convert into Class A Shares of the same Fund on or about the fifteenth day of the last month of the quarter that is eight years after the purchase date.
 
  If you acquire Class B Shares of a Fund by exchange from Class B Shares of another Goldman Sachs Fund, your Class B Shares will convert into Class A Shares of such Fund based on the date of the initial purchase and the CDSC schedule of that purchase.

 
     *  The Structured International Tax-Managed Equity, U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund do not currently, but may in the future, offer Class B Shares.
 
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SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  If you acquire Class B Shares through reinvestment of distributions, your Class B Shares will convert into Class A Shares based on the date of the initial purchase of the shares on which the distribution was paid.
 
  The conversion of Class B Shares to Class A Shares will not occur at any time the Funds are advised that such conversions may constitute taxable events for federal tax purposes, which the Funds believe is unlikely. If conversions do not occur as a result of possible taxability, Class B Shares would continue to be subject to higher expenses than Class A Shares for an indeterminate period.

   A COMMON QUESTION APPLICABLE TO THE PURCHASE OF CLASS C SHARES   

  What Is The Offering Price Of Class C Shares?
  You may purchase Class C Shares of the Funds 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 Employee Benefit 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 Distributor’s expenses related to providing distribution-related services to the Funds 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, 
   B AND C SHARES   

  What Else Do I Need To Know About The CDSC On Class A, B 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.

 
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  n   When counting the number of months since a purchase of Class B or 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.
  n   To keep your CDSC as low as possible, each time you place a request to sell shares, the Funds 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, B Or C Shares Be Waived Or Reduced?
  The CDSC on Class A, Class B and Class C Shares that are subject to a CDSC may be waived or reduced if the redemption relates to:
  n   Mandatory retirement distributions or loans to participants or beneficiaries from Employee Benefit Plans;
  n   Hardship withdrawals by a participant or beneficiary in an Employee Benefit Plan;
  n   The separation from service by a participant or beneficiary in an Employee Benefit Plan;
  n   Excess contributions distributed from an Employee Benefit Plan;
  n   Distributions from a qualified Employee Benefit Plan invested in the Goldman Sachs Funds which are being rolled over to an IRA in the same class of a Goldman Sachs Fund;
  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 shareholder, participant or beneficiary in an Employee Benefit 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   Redemption proceeds which are to be reinvested in accounts or non-registered products over which GSAM or its advisory affiliates have investment discretion;
  n   A systematic withdrawal plan. The Funds reserve the right to limit such redemptions, on an annual basis, to 12% of the value of your Class B and C Shares and 10% of the value of your Class A Shares; or
  n   Redemptions or exchanges of Fund shares held through an employee benefit plan using the Fund as part of a qualified default investment alternative or “QDIA”.

  How Do I Decide Whether To Buy Class A, B 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. You should contact your Authorized Dealer to discuss which share class option is right for you.

 
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  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 B Shares. If you plan to hold your investment for at least six years and would prefer not to pay an initial sales charge, you might consider purchasing Class B Shares. By not paying a front-end sales charge, your entire investment in Class B Shares is available to work for you from the time you make your initial investment. However, the distribution and service fee paid by Class B Shares will cause your Class B Shares (until conversion to Class A 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. A maximum purchase limitation of $100,000 in the aggregate normally applies to Class B Shares across all Goldman Sachs Funds.
  n   Class C Shares. If you are unsure of the length of your investment or plan to hold your investment for less than six years 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. 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 (or Class B Shares after conversion to Class A Shares).

  Although Class C Shares are subject to a CDSC for only 12 months, Class C Shares do not have the automatic eight year conversion feature applicable to Class B Shares 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 across all Goldman Sachs Funds.

     Note: Authorized Dealers may receive different compensation for selling Class A, Class B or Class C Shares.

  In addition to Class A, Class B and Class C Shares, each 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 are entitled to different services. 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.

 
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   HOW TO SELL SHARES   

  How Can I Sell Class A, Class B And Class C Shares Of The Funds?
  You may arrange to take money out of your account by selling (redeeming) some or all of your shares through your Authorized Dealer. Generally, each 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 and/or redemption fee. You should contact your Authorized Dealer to discuss redemptions and redemption proceeds. A Fund may transfer redemption proceeds to an account with your Authorized Dealer. In the alternative, your Authorized Dealer may request that redemption proceeds be sent to you by check or wire (if the wire instructions are designated on the current record of the Transfer Agent). Redemptions may be requested by your Authorized Dealer in writing, by telephone or through an electronic trading platform.
 
  Generally, any redemption request that requires money to go to an account or address other than that designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent must be in writing and signed by an authorized person with a Medallion signature guarantee. The written request may be confirmed by telephone with both the requesting party and the designated bank to verify instructions.
 
  When Do I Need A Medallion Signature Guarantee To Redeem Shares?
  A Medallion signature guarantee is required if:
  n   A request is made 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 the redemption proceeds sent to a bank account that is not your bank account designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent.

  A Medallion 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 Medallion signature guarantee. Additional documentation may be required.
 
  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 owner’s 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.

 
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  In an effort to prevent unauthorized or fraudulent redemption and exchange requests by telephone, Goldman Sachs and Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. (“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   Telephone requests are recorded.
  n   Proceeds of telephone redemption requests will be sent to your address of record or authorized account designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent (unless you provide written instructions and a Medallion 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 current records of the Transfer Agent (see immediately preceding bullet point). In order to receive the redemption by check during this time period, the redemption request must be in the form of 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 without prior notice.

  Note: It may be difficult to make telephone redemptions in times of unusual economic or market conditions.
 
  How Are Redemption Proceeds Paid?
  By Wire: You may arrange for your redemption proceeds to be paid as federal funds to an account with your Authorized Dealer or to a domestic bank account, as designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent. In addition, redemption proceeds may be transmitted through an electronic trading platform to an account with your Authorized Dealer. The following general policies govern wiring redemption proceeds:
  n   Redemption proceeds will normally be wired on the next business day in federal funds, but may be paid up to three business days following receipt of a properly executed wire transfer redemption request.
  n   Although redemption proceeds will normally be paid as described above, under certain circumstances, redemption requests or payments may be postponed or suspended as permitted under Section 22(e) of the 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;

 
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  (ii) an emergency exists which makes the disposal of securities owned by a Fund or the fair determination of the value of a Fund’s net assets not reasonably practicable; or (iii) the SEC, by order, permits the suspension of the right of redemption.
  n   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.
  n   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 until the Federal Reserve Bank reopens.
  n   To change the bank designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent, you must send written instructions signed by an authorized person designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent.
  n   Neither the Trust nor Goldman Sachs, assumes any responsibility for the performance of your bank or any other financial intermediaries in the transfer process. If a problem with such performance arises, you should deal directly with your bank or any such financial 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 receipt 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 Do I Need To Know About The Redemption Fee?
  The International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund will charge a 2% redemption fee on the redemption of shares (including by exchange) held for 30 days or less. For this purpose, the Funds use a first-in first-out (“FIFO”) method so that shares held longest will be treated as being redeemed first and shares held shortest will be treated as being redeemed last. The redemption fee will be paid to the Fund from which the redemption is made, and is intended to offset the trading costs, market impact and other costs associated with short-term money movements in and out of the Fund. The redemption fee may be collected by deduction from the redemption proceeds or, if assessed after the redemption transaction, through a separate billing.
 
  The redemption fee does not apply to transactions involving the following:
  n   Redemptions of shares acquired by reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions.
  n   Redemptions of shares that are acquired or redeemed in connection with participation in a systematic withdrawal program or automatic investment plan.
  n   Redemptions of shares by other Goldman Sachs Funds (e.g., Goldman Sachs Asset Allocation Portfolios).

 
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  n   Redemptions of shares held through discretionary wrap programs or models programs that utilize a regularly scheduled automatic rebalancing of assets and have provided GSAM with certain representations regarding operating policies and standards.
  n   Redemptions of shares involving transactions other than participant initiated exchanges from retirement plans and accounts maintained under Section 401 (tax-qualified pension, profit sharing, 401(k), money purchase and stock bonus plans), 403 (qualified annuity plans and tax-sheltered annuities) and 457 (deferred compensation plans for employees of tax-exempt entities or governments) of the Code, as amended. Redemptions involving transactions other than participant initiated exchanges would include, for example: loans; required minimum distributions; rollovers; forfeiture; redemptions of shares to pay fees; plan level redemptions or exchanges; redemptions pursuant to systematic withdrawal programs; return of excess contribution amounts; hardship withdrawals; redemptions related to death, disability or qualified domestic relations order; and certain other transactions.
  n   Redemptions of shares from accounts of financial institutions in connection with hedging services provided in support of nonqualified deferred compensation plans offering the Goldman Sachs Funds.
  n   Redemptions of shares where the Fund is made available as an underlying investment in certain group annuity contracts.
  n   Redemptions of shares that are issued as part of an investment company reorganization to which a Goldman Sachs Fund is a party.
  n   Redemptions of shares representing “seed capital” investments by Goldman Sachs or its affiliates.
  n   Redemptions of shares held through an employee benefit plan using the Fund as part of a qualified default investment alternative or “QDIA”.

  The Trust reserves the right to modify or eliminate the redemption fee or waivers at any time and will give 60 days prior written notice of any material changes, unless otherwise provided by law. The redemption fee policy may be modified or amended in the future.
 
  In addition to the circumstances noted above, the Trust reserves the right to grant additional exceptions based on such factors as system limitations, operational limitations, contractual limitations and further guidance from the SEC or other regulators.
 
  If your shares are held through a financial intermediary in an omnibus or other group account, the Trust relies on the financial intermediary to assess the redemption fee on underlying shareholder accounts. The application of redemption fees and exemptions may vary and certain financial intermediaries may not apply

 
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  the exceptions listed above. If you invest through a financial intermediary, please contact your financial intermediary for more information regarding when redemption fees will be applied to the redemption of your shares.
 
  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 in the event your Authorized Dealer’s relationship with Goldman Sachs is terminated, and you do not transfer your account to another Authorized Dealer. The Trust will not be responsible for any loss in an investor’s account or tax liability resulting from the redemption.
  n   Redeem your shares if your account balance is below the required Fund minimum. The Funds 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 Funds 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   Subject to applicable law, 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.
  n   Reinvest any amounts (e.g., dividends, distributions or redemption proceeds) which you have elected to receive by check should your check be returned to a Fund as undeliverable or remain uncashed for six months. This provision may not apply to certain retirement or qualified accounts or to a closed account. Your participation in a systematic withdrawal program may be terminated if your checks remain uncashed. No interest will accrue on amounts represented by uncashed checks.
  n   Charge an additional fee in the event a redemption is made via wire transfer.

 
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  Can I Reinvest Redemption Proceeds In The Same Or Another Goldman Sachs Fund?
  You may redeem shares of a 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 have held the shares you want to redeem for at least 30 days (60 days with respect to the Goldman Sachs High Yield and High Yield Municipal Funds) and you must reinvest the share proceeds within 90 days after you redeem. You may reinvest as follows:
  n   Class A or B Shares—Class A Shares of the same Fund or another Goldman Sachs Fund
  n   Class C Shares—Class 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 Goldman Sachs 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 of another Goldman Sachs Fund 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. For Class B Shares, you may reinvest the redemption proceeds in Class A Shares at NAV but the amount of the CDSC paid upon redemption of the Class B Shares will not be credited to your account.
  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 Employee Benefit Plan. In other cases, the reinvestment privilege may be exercised once per year upon receipt of a written request.
  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 Goldman Sachs Fund To Another Goldman Sachs Fund?
  You may exchange shares of a Goldman Sachs Fund at NAV without the imposition of an initial sales charge or CDSC at the time of exchange for certain shares of another Goldman Sachs Fund. Redemption of shares (including by exchange) of the International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund that are held for 30 days or less (60 days or less with respect to the Goldman Sachs High Yield and High Yield Municipal Funds) may, however, be subject to a redemption fee as described above under “What Do I Need To Know About The Redemption Fee?” The exchange privilege

 
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  may be materially modified or withdrawn at any time upon 60 days written notice to you. You should contact your Authorized Dealer to arrange for exchanges of shares of a Fund for shares of another Goldman Sachs Fund.
 
  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 Goldman Sachs Fund you are acquiring before making an exchange.
  n   Currently, the Funds do not impose any charge for exchanges, although the Funds may impose a charge in the future.
  n   The exchanged shares may later be exchanged for shares of the same class of the original Fund at the next determined NAV without the imposition of an initial sales charge or CDSC (but subject to any applicable redemption fee) 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. 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 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, contact your Authorized Dealer.
  n   All exchanges which represent an initial investment in a Goldman Sachs Fund must satisfy the minimum initial investment requirements of that Fund. This requirement may be waived at the discretion of the Trust. Exchanges into a money market fund need not meet the traditional minimum investment requirement for that fund if the entire balance of the original Fund account is 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 unusual 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   Normally, a telephone exchange will be made only to an identically registered account.
  n   A signature guarantee may be required.
  n   Exchanges into Goldman Sachs Funds that are closed to new investors may be restricted.

 
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  n   Exchanges into a Fund from another Goldman Sachs Fund may be subject to any redemption fee imposed by the other Goldman Sachs Fund.

  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.

   SHAREHOLDER SERVICES   

Can I Arrange To Have Automatic Investments Made On A Regular Basis?
  You may be able to make systematic investments through your bank via ACH transfer or bank draft each month. The minimum dollar amount for this service is $250 for the initial investment and $50 per month for additional investments. 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 A Fund Be Invested In Other Goldman Sachs Funds?
  You may elect to cross-reinvest dividends and capital gains distributions paid by a Fund in shares of the same class of other Goldman Sachs Funds.
  n   Shares will be purchased at NAV.
  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.
  n   You cannot make cross-reinvestments into a Goldman Sachs Fund unless that Fund’s minimum initial investment requirement is met.
  n   You should obtain and read the prospectus of the Goldman Sachs Fund into which dividends are invested.

  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 a Fund for shares of the same class of other Goldman Sachs Funds.
  n   Shares will be purchased at NAV if a sales charge had been imposed on the initial purchase.
  n   Shares subject to a CDSC acquired under this program may be subject to a CDSC at the time of redemption from the Goldman Sachs 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.

 
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  n   You cannot make automatic exchanges into a Goldman Sachs Fund unless that Fund’s minimum initial investment requirement is met.
  n   You should obtain and read the prospectus of the Fund into which automatic exchanges are made.

  Can I Have Automatic Withdrawals Made On A Regular Basis?
  You may redeem from 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, Class B or Class C Shares because of the sales charges that are imposed on certain purchases of Class A Shares and because of the CDSCs that are imposed on certain redemptions of Class A, Class B or Class C Shares.
  n   Checks are normally mailed within two business days after your selected systematic withdrawal date of either the 15th or 25th of the month. ACH payments may take up to three business days to post to your account after your selected systematic withdrawal date of either the 3rd or 26th of the month.
  n   Each systematic withdrawal is a redemption and therefore may be a taxable transaction.
  n   The CDSC applicable to Class A, Class B 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 a quarterly account statement. A year-to-date statement for your account will be provided upon request made to Goldman Sachs. If your account is held in “street name” (i.e., through your Authorized Dealer), you will receive this information from your Authorized Dealer.
 
  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 219711, Kansas City, MO 64121. The Funds will begin sending individual copies to you within 30 days after receipt of your revocation. If your account is held through an Authorized Dealer, please contact the Authorized Dealer directly to revoke your consent.
 
  The Funds do not generally provide sub-accounting services.

 
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   DISTRIBUTION SERVICES AND FEES   

  What Are The Different Distribution And Service Fees Paid By Class A, B and C Shares?
  The Trust has adopted distribution and service plans (each a “Plan”) under which Class A, Class B 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 receives and pays the distribution and service fees on a quarterly basis.
 
  Under the Plans, Goldman Sachs is entitled to a monthly fee from each Fund for distribution services equal, on an annual basis, to 0.25%, 0.75% and 0.75%, respectively, of a Fund’s average daily net assets attributed to Class A, Class B and Class C Shares. Because these fees are paid out of a Fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time, these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of 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, Class B 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 each Fund’s average daily net assets attributed to Class B or Class C Shares. This fee is for personal and account maintenance services, and may be used to make payments to Goldman Sachs, Authorized

 
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  Dealers and their 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 Funds. 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 respective Funds. 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 longer-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 Trust’s (or Goldman Sachs’) judgment, an investor has a history of excessive trading or if an investor’s trading, in the judgment of the Trust (or Goldman Sachs), has been or may be disruptive to a 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 Dividend and Premium Fund, Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund and certain other Goldman Sachs Funds (which are offered in separate prospectuses) impose a redemption fee on redemptions made within 30 days of purchase (60 days of purchase with respect to the Goldman Sachs High Yield and High Yield Municipal

 
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  Funds) subject to certain exceptions. See “Shareholder Guide—How To Sell Shares—What Do I Need To Know About The Redemption Fee?” for more information about the redemption fee, including transactions and certain omnibus accounts to which the redemption fee does not apply. As a further deterrent to excessive trading, many foreign equity securities held by the Funds are priced by an independent pricing service using fair valuation. For more information on fair valuation, please see “Shareholder Guide—How To Buy Shares—How Are Shares Priced?”
 
  Pursuant to the policy adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust, 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 Funds in order to assess the likelihood that a 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. Consistent with the standards described above, if, in its judgment, Goldman Sachs detects excessive, short-term trading, Goldman Sachs is authorized to reject or restrict a purchase or exchange request and may further seek to close an investor’s account with a 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 financial intermediaries such as broker-dealers, investment advisers and insurance companies. In addition, Fund shares may be held in omnibus 401(k) plans, employee benefit plans and other group accounts. Omnibus accounts include multiple investors and such accounts typically provide the Funds 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 ordinarily not tracked by the Funds on a regular basis. 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, a Fund’s ability to monitor and detect market-timing by shareholders or apply any applicable redemption fee in these omnibus accounts may be limited in certain circumstances, and certain of these financial intermediaries may charge the Fund a fee for providing certain shareholder information requested as part of the Fund’s surveillance process. 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

 
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  excessive trading activities may employ a variety of techniques to avoid detection. There can be no assurance that the Funds 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. If necessary, the Trust may prohibit additional purchases of Fund shares by a financial intermediary or by certain of the financial intermediary’s customers. Financial intermediaries may also monitor their customers’ trading activities in the Funds. The criteria used by financial intermediaries to monitor for excessive trading may differ from the criteria used by the Funds. If a financial intermediary fails to cooperate in the implementation or enforcement of the Trust’s excessive trading policies, the Trust may take certain actions including terminating the relationship.
 
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  Taxation
 
  As with any investment, you should consider how your investment in the Funds will be taxed. The tax information below is provided as general information. More tax information is available in the SAI. You should consult your tax adviser about the federal, state, local or foreign tax consequences of your investment in the Funds. Except as otherwise noted, the tax information provided assumes that you are a U.S. citizen or resident.
 
  Unless your investment is through an IRA or other tax-advantaged account, you should carefully consider the possible tax consequences of Fund distributions and the sale of your Fund shares.

   DISTRIBUTIONS   

  Each Fund contemplates declaring as dividends each year all or substantially all of its taxable income. Distributions you receive from the Funds are generally subject to federal income tax, and may also be subject to state or local taxes (although the Structured Tax-Managed Equity 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, the Funds’ distributions attributable to net investment income and short-term capital gains are taxable to you as ordinary income. Any distributions of long-term capital gains are taxable as long-term capital gains, no matter how long you have owned your Fund shares.
 
  The U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium and International Equity Dividend and Premium Funds’ accrued income or loss each year from writing index call options (including unrealized gain or loss on any open positions) will, generally, under special mark-to-market 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.
 
  Under current provisions of the Code, the maximum long-term capital gain tax rate applicable to individuals, estates, and trusts is 15%. Fund distributions to noncorporate shareholders attributable to dividends received by the Funds 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. For these lower rates to apply, the non-corporate shareholder must own the relevant Fund shares for at least 61 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the Fund’s ex-dividend date. The amount of a Fund’s distributions that would otherwise qualify for this favorable tax treatment will be reduced as a result of a

 
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  Fund’s securities lending activities or by a high portfolio turnover rate or by investments in debt securities or “non-qualified” foreign corporations.
 
  A sunset provision provides that the 15% long-term capital gain rate will increase to 20% and the taxation of dividends at the long-term capital gain rate will end after 2010.
 
  Because of the U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund’s and International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund’s practice of writing S&P 500 Index, MSCI EAFE ® Index, other national or regional indices or related ETF call options, the possibility exists that an overlap between the Fund’s equity investments and the components of the indices if substantial enough, might cause a deferral of the Funds’ recognition of losses for tax purposes or a reduction in the amount of the Funds’ distributions that qualify for the favorable tax rate applicable to dividends. The Funds’ intend to manage their investments in a manner designed to avoid these adverse tax results to the extent reasonably practicable, but there is no assurance that the Funds will accomplish this objective at all times.
 
  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 a Fund’s securities lending activities or by a high portfolio turnover rate. Character and tax status of all distributions will be available to shareholders after the close of each calendar year.
 
  Each Fund may be subject to foreign withholding or other foreign taxes on income or gain from certain foreign securities. In general, the Funds may deduct these taxes in computing their taxable income. Rather than deducting these foreign taxes, the International Equity Dividend and Premium and Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Funds may make an election to treat a proportionate amount of those taxes as constituting a distribution to each shareholder, which would generally allow you either (i) to credit that proportionate amount of taxes against U.S. Federal income tax liability as a foreign tax credit or (ii) to take that amount as an itemized deduction.
 
  If you buy shares of a 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 into a dividend.”

   SALES AND EXCHANGES   

  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

 
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  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 capital gain or loss is long-term or short-term depending on whether your holding period exceeds one year, 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 shares of a Fund may be disallowed under “wash sale” rules to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced with other shares of that 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 that Fund. If disallowed, the loss will be reflected in an adjustment to the basis of the shares acquired.

   OTHER INFORMATION   

  When you open your account, you should provide your Social Security Number or tax identification number on your Account Application. By law, each 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.
 
  Non-U.S. investors are generally subject to U.S. withholding tax and may be subject to U.S. estate tax. However, withholding is generally not required on properly designated distributions to non-U.S. investors of long-term capital gains. More information about U.S. taxation of non-U.S. investors is included in the SAI.
 
  Investments in the Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund and Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund are subject to the tax risks described previously under “Principal Risks of the Funds.”

 
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  Appendix A
Additional Information on Portfolio
Risks, Securities and Techniques

   A.  General Portfolio Risks   

  The Funds 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 (such as swaps and futures contracts) 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 a 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 Funds may increase or decrease. In recent years, certain stock markets have experienced substantial price volatility.
 
  To the extent that a Fund invests in fixed income securities, that Fund will also be subject to the risks associated with its fixed income securities. These risks include interest rate risk, credit/default risk and call/extension risk. In general, interest rate risk involves the risk that when interest rates decline, the market value of fixed income securities tends to increase (although many mortgage-related securities will have less potential than other debt securities for capital appreciation during periods of declining rates). Conversely, when interest rates increase, the market value of fixed income securities tends to decline. Credit/default risk involves the risk that an issuer or guarantor could default on its obligations, and a Fund will not recover its investment. Call risk and extension risk are normally present in mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities. For example, homeowners have the option to prepay their mortgages. Therefore, the duration of a security backed by home mortgages can either shorten (call risk) or lengthen (extension risk). In general, if interest rates on new mortgage loans fall sufficiently below the interest rates on existing outstanding mortgage loans, the rate of prepayment would be expected to increase. Conversely, if mortgage loan interest rates rise above the interest rates on existing outstanding mortgage loans, the rate of prepayment would be expected to decrease. In either case, a change in the prepayment rate can result in losses to

 
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  investors. The same would be true of asset-backed securities such as securities backed by car loans.
 
  The Investment Adviser will not consider the portfolio turnover rate a limiting factor in making investment decisions for a Fund. A high rate of portfolio turnover (100% or more) involves correspondingly greater expenses which must be borne by a 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 a Fund’s portfolio securities, excluding securities having a maturity at the date of purchase of one year or less. See “Financial Highlights” in Appendix B for a statement of the Funds’ historical portfolio turnover rates.
 
  The following sections provide further information on certain types of securities and investment techniques that may be used by the Funds, including their associated risks. Additional information is provided in the SAI, which is available upon request. Among other things, the SAI 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 a Fund’s investment objective, you should consider whether that Fund remains an appropriate investment in light of your then current financial position and needs.

   B.  Other Portfolio Risks   

  Risks of Writing S&P 500 Index, MSCI EAFE ® Index and Related ETF Call Options. When the U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund write (sell) S&P 500 Index, MSCI EAFE ® Index or related ETF call options, they forego the opportunity to benefit from an increase in the value of the relevant Index or related ETF above the exercise price (plus the premium received) of the option, but they continues to bear the risk of a decline in the value of the relevant Index or related ETF. As the seller of the S&P 500 Index, MSCI EAFE ® Index or related EFT call options, the U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and the International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund 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
 
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  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 U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and the International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund can also repurchase the call option prior to the expiration date, ending their obligation. In this case, the cost of entering into closing purchase transactions will determine the gain or loss realized by the Funds.
 
  There is no assurance that a liquid market will be available at all times for the U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and the International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund to write call options or to enter into closing purchase transactions. In addition, the premiums the Funds receive 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.”
 
  Risks of Investing in Small Capitalization and Mid-Capitalization Companies and REITs. The Funds may, to the extent consistent with their respective investment policies, invest in small and mid-capitalization companies and REITs. Investments in small and mid-capitalization companies and REITs involve greater risk and portfolio price volatility than investments in larger capitalization stocks. Among the reasons for the greater price volatility of these investments are the less certain growth prospects of smaller firms and the lower degree of liquidity in the markets for such securities. Small and mid-capitalization companies and REITs may be thinly traded and may have to be sold at a discount from current market prices or in small lots over an extended period of time. In addition, these securities are subject to the risk that during certain periods the liquidity of particular issuers or industries, or all securities in particular investment categories, will shrink or disappear suddenly and without warning as a result of adverse economic or market conditions, or adverse investor perceptions whether or not accurate. Because of the lack of sufficient market liquidity, a Fund may incur losses because it will be required to effect sales at a disadvantageous time and only then at a substantial drop in price. Small and mid-capitalization companies and REITs include “unseasoned” issuers that do not have an established financial history; often have limited product lines, markets or financial resources; may depend on or use a few key personnel for management; and may be susceptible to losses and risks of bankruptcy. Small and mid-capitalization companies may be operating at a loss or have significant variations in operating results; may be engaged in a rapidly changing business with products subject to a substantial risk of obsolescence; may

 
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  require substantial additional capital to support their operations, to finance expansion or to maintain their competitive position; and may have substantial borrowings or may otherwise have a weak financial condition. In addition, these companies may face intense competition, including competition from companies with greater financial resources, more extensive development, manufacturing, marketing, and other capabilities, and a larger number of qualified managerial and technical personnel. Transaction costs for these investments are often higher than those of larger capitalization companies. Investments in small and mid-capitalization companies and REITs may be more difficult to price precisely than other types of securities because of their characteristics and lower trading volumes.
 
  Risks of Foreign Investments. The Funds may make foreign investments, although the U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund may only invest in foreign issuers that are traded in the United States. 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 a 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.
 
  Brokerage commissions, custodial services and other costs relating to investment in international securities markets generally are more expensive than in the United States. In addition, clearance and settlement procedures may be different in foreign countries and, in certain markets, such procedures have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, thus making it difficult to conduct such transactions.
 
  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

 
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  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.
 
  Concentration of a Fund’s assets in one or a few countries and currencies will subject a Fund to greater risks than if a Fund’s assets were not geographically concentrated.
 
  Investment in sovereign debt obligations by a Fund involves risks not present in debt obligations of corporate issuers. The issuer of the debt or the governmental authorities that control the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal or interest when due in accordance with the terms of such debt, and a Fund may have limited recourse to compel payment in the event of a default. Periods of economic uncertainty may result in the volatility of market prices of sovereign debt, and in turn a Fund’s NAV, to a greater extent than the volatility inherent in debt obligations of U.S. issuers.
 
  A sovereign debtor’s willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its foreign currency reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor’s policy toward international lenders, and the political constraints to which a sovereign debtor may be subject.
 
  Investments in foreign securities may take the form of sponsored and unsponsored American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) and Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”). Certain Funds may also invest in European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) or other similar instruments representing securities of foreign issuers. ADRs, GDRs and EDRs 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. EDRs are traded primarily outside the United States. Prices of ADRs are quoted in U.S. dollars. EDRs and GDRs are not necessarily quoted in the same currency as the underlying security.
 
  Risks of Emerging Countries. Certain Funds may invest in securities of issuers located in emerging countries. The risks of foreign investment are heightened when the issuer is located in an emerging country. Emerging countries are generally located in Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe and Central and South America. A Fund’s purchase and sale of portfolio securities in certain emerging countries may be

 
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  constrained by limitations relating to daily changes in the prices of listed securities, periodic trading or settlement volume and/or limitations on aggregate holdings of foreign investors. Such limitations may be computed based on the aggregate trading volume by or holdings of a Fund, the Investment Adviser, its affiliates and their respective clients and other service providers. A Fund may not be able to sell securities in circumstances where price, trading or settlement volume limitations have been reached.
 
  Foreign investment in the securities markets of certain emerging countries is restricted or controlled to varying degrees which may limit investment in such countries or increase the administrative costs of such investments. For example, certain Asian countries require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons or limit investment by foreign persons to only a specified percentage of an issuer’s outstanding securities or a specific class of securities which may have less advantageous terms (including price) than securities of the issuer available for purchase by nationals. In addition, certain countries may restrict or prohibit investment opportunities in issuers or industries deemed important to national interests. Such restrictions may affect the market price, liquidity and rights of securities that may be purchased by a Fund. The repatriation of both investment income and capital from certain emerging countries is subject to restrictions such as the need for governmental consents. In situations where a country restricts direct investment in securities (which may occur in certain Asian and other countries), a Fund may invest in such countries through other investment funds in such countries.
 
  Many emerging countries have experienced currency devaluations and substantial (and, in some cases, extremely high) rates of inflation. Other emerging countries have experienced economic recessions. These circumstances have had a negative effect on the economies and securities markets of such emerging countries. Economies in emerging countries generally are dependent heavily upon commodity prices and international trade and, accordingly, have been and may continue to be affected adversely by the economies of their trading partners, trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade.
 
  Many emerging countries are subject to a substantial degree of economic, political and social instability. Governments of some emerging countries are authoritarian in nature or have been installed or removed as a result of military coups, while governments in other emerging countries have periodically used force to suppress civil dissent. Disparities of wealth, the pace and success of democratization, and ethnic, religious and racial disaffection, among other factors, have also led to social unrest, violence and/or labor unrest in some emerging countries. Unanticipated political or social developments may result in sudden and significant investment

 
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  losses. Investing in emerging countries involves greater risk of loss due to expropriation, nationalization, confiscation of assets and property or the imposition of restrictions on foreign investments and on repatriation of capital invested. As an example, in the past, some Eastern European governments have expropriated substantial amounts of private property, and many claims of the property owners have never been fully settled. There is no assurance that similar expropriations will not recur in Eastern European or other countries.
 
  A Fund’s investment in emerging countries may also be subject to withholding or other taxes, which may be significant and may reduce the return to a Fund from an investment in issuers in such countries to the Fund.
 
  Settlement procedures in emerging countries are frequently less developed and reliable than those in the United States and may involve a Fund’s delivery of securities before receipt of payment for their sale. In addition, significant delays may occur in certain markets in registering the transfer of securities. Settlement or registration problems may make it more difficult for a Fund to value its portfolio securities and could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities, to have a portion of its assets uninvested or to incur losses due to the failure of a counterparty to pay for securities the Fund has delivered or the Fund’s inability to complete its contractual obligations because of theft or other reasons.
 
  The creditworthiness of the local securities firms used by a Fund in emerging countries may not be as sound as the creditworthiness of firms used in more developed countries. As a result, the Fund may be subject to a greater risk of loss if a securities firm defaults in the performance of its responsibilities.
 
  The small size and inexperience of the securities markets in certain emerging countries and the limited volume of trading in securities in those countries may make a Fund’s investments in such countries less liquid and more volatile than investments in countries with more developed securities markets (such as the United States, Japan and most Western European countries). A Fund’s investments in emerging countries are subject to the risk that the liquidity of a particular investment, or investments generally, in such countries will shrink or disappear suddenly and without warning as a result of adverse economic, market or political conditions or adverse investor perceptions, whether or not accurate. Because of the lack of sufficient market liquidity, a Fund may incur losses because it will be required to effect sales at a disadvantageous time and only then at a substantial drop in price. Investments in emerging countries may be more difficult to value precisely because of the characteristics discussed above and lower trading volumes.

 
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APPENDIX A

  A Fund’s use of foreign currency management techniques in emerging countries may be limited. The Investment Adviser anticipates that a significant portion of the Funds’ currency exposure in emerging countries may not be covered by these techniques.
 
  Risks of Derivative Investments. The Funds may invest in derivative instruments, including without limitation, options, futures, options on futures, swaps, interest rate caps, floors and collars, structured securities and forward contracts and other derivatives relating to foreign currency transactions. Investments in derivative instruments may be for both hedging and nonhedging purposes (that is, to seek to increase total return) although suitable derivative instruments may not always be available to the Investment Adviser for those purposes. Losses from investments in derivative instruments 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, the failure of the counterparty to perform its contractual obligations, 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 the timing or level of fluctuations in securities prices, interest rates or currency prices. Investments in derivative instruments may be harder to value, subject to greater volatility and more likely subject to changes in tax treatment than other investments. For these reasons, the Investment Adviser’s attempts to hedge portfolios risk through the use of derivative instruments may not be successful, and the Investment Adviser may choose not to hedge certain portfolio risks. Investing for nonhedging purposes is considered a speculative practice and presents even greater risk of loss.
 
  Risks of Equity Swap Transactions. Equity swaps are two party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors. In a standard “swap” transaction, the parties agree to pay or exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on a particular predetermined asset (or group of assets) which may be adjusted for transaction costs, interest payments, dividends paid on the reference asset or other factors. The gross returns to be paid or “swapped” between the parties are generally calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” for example, the increase or decrease in value of a particular dollar amount invested in the asset.
 
  Equity swaps may be structured in different ways. For example, when the Fund takes a long position, a counterparty may agree to pay the Fund the amount, if any, by which the notional amount of the equity swap would have increased in value had it been invested in a particular stock (or group of stocks), plus the dividends that would have been received on the stock. In these cases, the Fund may agree to pay to the counterparty interest on the notional amount of the equity swap plus the

 
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  amount, if any, by which that notional amount would have decreased in value had it been invested in such stock. Therefore, in this case the return to the Fund on the equity swap should be the gain or loss on the notional amount plus dividends on the stock less the interest paid by the Fund on the notional amount. In other cases, when the Fund takes a short position, a counterparty may agree to pay the Fund the amount, if any, by which the notional amount of the equity swap would have decreased in value had the Fund sold a particular stock (or group of stocks) short, less the dividend expense that the Fund would have paid on the stock, as adjusted for interest payments or other economic factors.
 
  Under an equity swap, payments may be made at the conclusion of the equity swap or periodically during its term. Sometimes, however, the Investment Adviser may be able to terminate a swap contract prior to its term, subject to any potential termination fee that is in addition to the Fund’s accrued obligations under the swap. Equity swaps will be made in the over-the-counter market and will be entered into with a counterparty that typically will be an investment banking firm, broker-dealer or bank.
 
  Equity swaps are derivatives and their value can be very volatile. To the extent that the Investment Adviser does not accurately analyze and predict future market trends, the values of assets or economic factors, the Fund may suffer a loss, which may be substantial.
 
  Risks of Illiquid Securities. Each 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:
  n   Both domestic and foreign securities that are not readily marketable
  n   Repurchase agreements and time deposits with a notice or demand period of more than seven days
  n   Certain over-the-counter options
  n   Certain structured securities and swap transactions
  n   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”).

  Investing in 144A Securities may decrease the liquidity of a Fund’s 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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APPENDIX A

  Securities purchased by a Fund, particularly debt securities and over-the-counter traded securities, that are liquid at the time of purchase may subsequently become illiquid due to events relating to the issuer of the securities, markets events, economic conditions or investor perceptions. Domestic and foreign markets are becoming more and more complex and interrelated, so that events in one sector of the market or the economy, or in one geographical region, can reverberate and have negative consequences for other market, economic or regional sectors in a manner that may not be reasonably foreseen. With respect to over-the-counter traded securities, the continued viability of any over-the-counter secondary market depends on the continued willingness of dealers and other participants to purchase the securities.
 
  If one or more securities in a Fund’s portfolio become illiquid, the Fund may exceed its 15 percent limitation in illiquid securities. In the event that changes in the portfolio or other external events cause the investments in illiquid instruments to exceed 15 percent of a Fund’s net assets, the Fund must take steps to bring the aggregate amount of illiquid instruments back within the prescribed limitations as soon as reasonably practicable. This requirement would not force a Fund to liquidate any portfolio instrument where the Fund would suffer a loss on the sale of that instrument.
 
  In cases where no clear indication of the value of a Fund’s portfolio securities is available, the portfolio securities will be valued at their fair value according to the valuation procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. These cases include, among others, situations where the secondary markets on which a security has previously been traded are no longer viable for lack of liquidity. For more information on fair valuation, please see “Shareholder Guide—How to Buy Shares—How Are Shares Priced?”
 
  Credit/Default Risks. Debt securities purchased by the Funds 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 SAI, which is available upon request.
 
  Debt securities rated BBB or higher by Standard & Poor’s Rating Group (“Standard & Poor’s”), or Baa or higher by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or having a comparable rating by another NRSRO are considered “investment grade.” Securities rated BBB or Baa are 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

 
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  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 a Fund’s 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 a Fund’s 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 a Fund and its shareholders.
 
  Certain Funds may invest in fixed-income securities rated BB or Ba or below (or comparable unrated securities) which are commonly referred to as “junk bonds.” Junk bonds are considered predominantly speculative and may be questionable as to principal and interest payments.
 
  In some cases, junk bonds may be highly speculative, have poor prospects for reaching investment grade standing and be in default. As a result, investment in such bonds will present greater speculative risks than those associated with investment in investment grade bonds. Also, to the extent that the rating assigned to a security in a Fund’s portfolio is downgraded by a rating organization, the market price and liquidity of such security may be adversely affected.
 
  Temporary Investment Risks. Each Fund may, for temporary defensive purposes, invest a certain percentage of its total assets in:
  n   U.S. government securities
  n   Commercial paper rated at least A-2 by Standard & Poor’s; P-2 by Moody’s or having a comparable rating by another NRSRO
  n   Certificates of deposit
  n   Bankers’ acceptances
  n   Repurchase agreements
  n   Non-convertible preferred stocks and non-convertible corporate bonds with a remaining maturity of less than one year
  n   Cash items

  When a Fund’s assets are invested in such instruments, the Fund may not be achieving its investment objective.
 
  Risk of Large Shareholder Redemptions. Certain funds, accounts, individuals or Goldman Sachs affiliates may from time to time own (beneficially or of record) or control a significant percentage of a Fund’s shares. Redemptions by these funds, accounts or individuals of their holdings in a Fund may impact the Fund’s liquidity

 
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  and NAV. These redemptions may also force a Fund to sell securities, which may negatively impact the Fund’s brokerage and tax costs.

   C.  Portfolio Securities and Techniques   

  This section provides further information on certain types of securities and investment techniques that may be used by the Funds, including their associated risks.
 
  The Funds may purchase other types of securities or instruments similar to those described in this section if otherwise consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and policies. Further information is provided in the SAI, which is available upon request.
 
  Convertible Securities. Each 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 a 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 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.
 
  Foreign Currency Transactions. Certain Funds may, to the extent consistent with its investment policies, purchase or sell foreign currencies on a cash basis or through forward contracts. A forward contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. A Fund may engage in foreign currency transactions for hedging purposes and to seek to protect against anticipated changes in future foreign currency exchange rates. In addition, certain Funds may enter into foreign currency transactions to seek a closer correlation between the Fund’s overall currency exposures and the currency exposures of the Fund’s performance benchmark. Certain Funds may also enter into such transactions to seek to increase total return, which is considered a speculative practice.

 
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  Some Funds may also engage in cross-hedging by using forward contracts in a currency different from that in which the hedged security is denominated or quoted. A Fund may hold foreign currency received in connection with investments in foreign securities when, in the judgment of the Investment Adviser, it would be beneficial to convert such currency into U.S. dollars at a later date ( e.g. the Investment Adviser may anticipate the foreign currency to appreciate against the U.S. dollar).
 
  Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time, causing, along with other factors, a Fund’s NAV to fluctuate (when the Fund’s NAV fluctuates, the value of your shares may go up or down). Currency exchange rates also can be affected unpredictably by the intervention of 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.
 
  The market in forward foreign currency exchange contracts, currency swaps and other privately negotiated currency instruments offers less protection against defaults by the other party to such instruments than is available for currency instruments traded on an exchange. Such contracts are subject to the risk that the counterparty to the contract will default on its obligations. Because these contracts are not guaranteed by an exchange or clearinghouse, a default on a contract would deprive a Fund of unrealized profits, transaction costs or the benefits of a currency hedge or could force the Fund to cover its purchase or sale commitments, if any, at the current market price. As an investment company registered with the SEC, each Fund must “set aside” (often referred to as “asset segregation”) liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” open positions with respect to its transactions in forward currency contracts.
 
  Structured Securities. Each Fund may invest in structured securities. Structured securities are securities whose value is determined by reference to changes in the value of specific currencies, securities, interest rates, commodities, indices or other financial indicators (the “Reference”) or the relative change in two or more References. Investments in structured securities may provide exposure to certain securities or markets in situations where regulatory or other restrictions prevent direct investments in such issuers or markets.
 
  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

 
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  market risk than many types of securities and may be more volatile, less liquid and more difficult to price accurately than less complex securities. Structured securities are also subject to the risk that the issuer of the structured securities may fail to perform its contractual obligations. Certain issuers of structured products may be deemed to be investment companies as defined in the Investment Company Act. As a result, a Fund’s investments in structured securities may be subject to the limits applicable to investments in other investment companies.
 
  Structured securities include, but are not limited to, equity linked notes. An equity linked note is a note whose performance is tied to a single stock, a stock index or a basket of stocks. Equity linked notes combine the principal protection normally associated with fixed income investments with the potential for capital appreciation normally associated with equity investments. Upon the maturity of the note, the holder generally receives a return of principal based on the capital appreciation of the linked securities. Depending on the terms of the note, equity linked notes may also have a “cap” or “floor” on the maximum principal amount to be repaid to holders, irrespective of the performance of the underlying linked securities. For example, a note may guarantee the repayment of the original principal amount invested (even if the underlying linked securities have negative performance during the note’s term), but may cap the maximum payment at maturity at a certain percentage of the issuance price or the return of the underlying linked securities. Alternatively, the note may not guarantee a full return on the original principal, but may offer a greater participation in any capital appreciation of the underlying linked securities. The terms of an equity linked note may also provide for periodic interest payments to holders at either a fixed or floating rate. The secondary market for equity linked notes may be limited, and the lack of liquidity in the secondary market may make these securities difficult to dispose of and to value. Equity linked notes will be considered equity securities for purposes of a Fund’s investment objective and policies.
 
  REITs. Each 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

 
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  risks may be heightened. A Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any expenses, including management fees, paid by a REIT in which it invests.
 
  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.
 
  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. Each 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. A Fund may also, to the extent consistent with its investment policies, purchase and sell (write) put and call options on foreign currencies.
 
  The writing and purchase of 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 anticipate 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 a Fund’s investment portfolio, the Fund may incur losses that it would not otherwise incur. The use of options can also increase a Fund’s transaction costs. Options written or purchased by the Funds 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. When writing on option, a Fund must “set aside” liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” its obligation under the option contract.
 
  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 Funds may engage in futures transactions on both U.S. and foreign exchanges (except that the U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund may only engage in futures transactions with respect to U.S. equity indices).

 
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APPENDIX A

  Each 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 interest rates, securities prices or, to the extent a Fund invests in foreign securities, currency exchange rates, or to otherwise manage its term structure, sector selections and duration in accordance with its investment objective and policies. Each Fund may also enter into closing purchase and sale transactions with respect to such contracts and options. The Trust, on behalf of each 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 Funds.
 
  Futures contracts and related options present the following risks:
  n   While a 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.
  n   Because perfect correlation between a futures position and a portfolio position that is intended to be protected is impossible to achieve, the desired protection may not be obtained and a Fund may be exposed to additional risk of loss.
  n   The loss incurred by a 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 a Fund’s 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 a Fund.
  n   Futures contracts and options on futures may be illiquid, and exchanges may limit fluctuations in futures contract prices during a single day.
  n   Foreign exchanges may not provide the same protection as U.S. exchanges.

  A Fund must “set aside” liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” open positions with respect to its transactions in futures contracts and options on futures contracts. In the case of futures contracts that do not cash settle, for example, a Fund must set aside liquid assets equal to the full notional value of the futures contracts while the positions are open. With respect to futures contracts that do cash settle, however, a Fund is permitted to set aside liquid assets in an amount equal to the Fund’s daily marked-to-market net obligations ( i.e. , the Fund’s daily net liability) under the futures contracts, if any, rather than their full notional value. Each Fund reserves the right to modify its asset segregation policies in the future to comply with any changes in the positions from time to time articulated by the SEC or its staff regarding asset segregation. By setting aside assets equal to
 
89


 

  only its net obligations under cash-settled futures contracts, a Fund will have the ability to employ leverage to a greater extent than if the Fund were required to segregate assets equal to the full notional amount of the futures contracts.
 
  Equity Swaps. Each 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.
 
  An equity swap may be used by a 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, a 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, a Fund may suffer a loss if the counterparty defaults. Because equity swaps are normally illiquid, a Fund may be unable to terminate its obligations when desired. When entering into swap contracts, the Fund must “set aside” liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” its obligation under the swap contract.
 
  When-Issued Securities and Forward Commitments. Each 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.
 
  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 a Fund will generally purchase securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis with the intention of acquiring the securities for its portfolio, a Fund may dispose of when-issued securities or forward commitments prior to settlement if the Investment Adviser deems it appropriate. When purchasing a security on a when-issued basis or entering into a forward commitment, a Fund must “set aside” liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” its obligations.

 
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APPENDIX A

  Repurchase Agreements. Repurchase agreements involve the purchase of securities subject to the seller’s agreement to repurchase them at a mutually agreed upon date and price. Each 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.
 
  If the other party or “seller” defaults, a 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 Fund’s costs associated with delay and enforcement of the repurchase agreement. In addition, in the event of bankruptcy of the seller, a Fund could suffer additional losses if a court determines that the Fund’s interest in the collateral is not enforceable.
 
  Certain Funds, 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.
 
  Lending of Portfolio Securities. Each Fund may engage in securities lending. Securities lending involves the lending of securities owned by a 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 a Fund in short-term investments, including registered and unregistered investment pools managed by the Investment Adviser, its affiliates or the Funds’ custodian and from which the Investment Adviser or its affiliates may receive fees. To the extent that cash collateral is so invested, such collateral will be subject to market depreciation or appreciation, and a 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 a 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.
 
  A Fund may lend its securities to increase its income. A 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.
 
  Short Sales Against-the-Box. Certain Funds may make short sales against-the-box. A short sale against-the-box means that at all times when a short position is open

 
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  the Fund will own an equal amount of securities sold short, or securities convertible into or exchangeable for, without payment of any further consideration, an equal amount of the securities of the same issuer as the securities sold short.
 
  Preferred Stock, Warrants and Rights. Each 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 issuer’s 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.
 
  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.
 
  Other Investment Companies. Each Fund may invest in securities of other investment companies (including exchange-traded funds such as SPDRs and iShares™, as defined below) subject to statutory limitations prescribed by the Investment Company Act. These limitations include in certain circumstances a prohibition on any Fund acquiring more than 3% of the voting shares of any other investment company, and a prohibition on investing more than 5% of a Fund’s total assets in securities of any one investment company or more than 10% of its total assets in securities of all investment companies. Many ETFs, however, have obtained exemptive relief from the SEC to permit unaffiliated funds to invest in the ETFs’ shares beyond these statutory limitations, subject to certain conditions and pursuant to a contractual arrangement between the ETFs and the investing funds. A Fund may rely on these exemptive orders to invest in unaffiliated ETFs.
 
  The use of ETFs is intended to help a Fund match the total return of the particular market segments or indices represented by those ETFs, although that may not be the result. Most ETFs are investment companies whose shares are purchased and sold on a securities exchange. An ETF represents a portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market segment or index. An investment in an ETF generally presents the same primary risks as an investment in a conventional fund (i.e., one that is not exchange-traded) that has the same investment objectives, strategies and policies. In addition, an ETF may fail to accurately track the market segment or index that underlies its investment objective. The price of an ETF can fluctuate, and a Fund could lose money investing in an ETF. Moreover, ETFs are subject to the following risks that do not apply to conventional funds: (i) the market price of the ETF’s shares may trade at a premium or a discount to their net asset value;

 
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APPENDIX A

  (ii) an active trading market for an ETF’s shares may not develop or be maintained; and (iii) there is no assurance that the requirements of the exchange necessary to maintain the listing of an ETF will continue to be met or remain unchanged.
 
  Pursuant to an exemptive order obtained from the SEC or under an exemptive rule adopted by the SEC, a Fund may invest in other investment companies and money market funds beyond the statutory limits described above. Some of those investment companies and money market funds may be funds for which the Investment Adviser or any of its affiliates serves as investment adviser, administrator or distributor.
 
  A Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees and other expenses paid by such other investment companies. Although the Funds do not expect to do so in the foreseeable future, each 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.
 
  Unseasoned Companies. Each 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.
 
  Corporate Debt Obligations. Corporate debt obligations include bonds, notes, debentures, commercial paper and other obligations of corporations to pay interest and repay principal. Each 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.).
 
  Bank Obligations. Each 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

 
93


 

  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.
 
  U.S. Government Securities. Each 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 (i) the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury; (ii) the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; (iii) the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of the issuer; or (iv) 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. U.S. Government Securities may also include Treasury inflation-protected securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation.
 
  Custodial Receipts and Trust Certificates. Each 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 a 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 a 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, a Fund will bear its proportionate share of the fees and expenses charged to the custodial account or trust. Each Fund may also invest in separately issued interests in custodial receipts and trust certificates.
 
  Borrowings. Each 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. A Fund may not make additional investments if borrowings exceed 5% of its total assets.
 
  Mortgage Dollar Rolls. The Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund may enter into mortgage dollar rolls. A mortgage dollar roll involves the sale by a Fund of securities for delivery in the current month. The Fund simultaneously contracts with the same counterparty to repurchase substantially similar (same type,

 
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APPENDIX A

  coupon and maturity) but not identical securities on a specified future date. During the roll period, the Fund loses the right to receive principal and interest paid on the securities sold. However, the Fund benefits to the extent of any difference between (a) the price received for the securities sold and (b) the lower forward price for the future purchase and/or fee income plus the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the securities sold. Unless the benefits of a mortgage dollar roll exceed the income, capital appreciation and gain or loss due to mortgage prepayments that would have been realized on the securities sold as part of the roll, the use of this technique will diminish the Fund’s performance.
 
  Successful use of mortgage dollar rolls depends upon the Investment Adviser’s ability to predict correctly interest rates and mortgage prepayments. If the Investment Adviser is incorrect in its prediction, a Fund may experience a loss. The Fund does not currently intend to enter into mortgage dollar rolls for financing and does not treat them as borrowings.
 
  Interest Rate Swaps, Mortgage Swaps, Credit Swaps, Currency Swaps, Total Return Swaps, Options on Swaps and Interest Rate Caps, Floors and Collars. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by a Fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, such as an exchange of fixed-rate payments for floating rate payments. Mortgage swaps are similar to interest rate swaps in that they represent commitments to pay and receive interest. The notional principal amount, however, is tied to a reference pool or pools of mortgages. Credit swaps involve the receipt of floating or fixed rate payments in exchange for assuming potential credit losses on an underlying security. Credit swaps give one party to a transaction (the buyer of the credit swap) the right to dispose of or acquire an asset (or group of assets or exposure to the performance of an index), or the right to receive a payment from the other party, upon the occurrence of specified credit events. Currency swaps involve the exchange of the parties’ respective rights to make or receive payments in specified currencies. Total return swaps give a Fund the right to receive the appreciation in the value of a specified security, index or other instrument in return for a fee paid to the counterparty, which will typically be an agreed upon interest rate. If the underlying asset in a total return swap declines in value over the term of the swap, the Fund may also be required to pay the dollar value of that decline to the counterparty. Certain Funds may also purchase and write (sell) options contracts on swaps, commonly referred to as swaptions. A swaption is an option to enter into a swap agreement. Like other types of options, the buyer of a swaption pays a non-refundable premium for the option and obtains the right, but not the obligation, to enter into an underlying swap on agreed-upon terms. The seller of a swaption, in exchange for the premium, becomes obligated (if the option is exercised) to enter into an underlying swap on agreed-upon terms. The purchase of an interest rate cap

 
95


 

  entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined interest rate, to receive payment of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling such interest rate cap. The purchase of an interest rate floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling the interest rate floor. An interest rate collar is the combination of a cap and a floor that preserves a certain return within a predetermined range of interest rates.
 
  Certain Funds may enter into the transactions described above for hedging purposes or to seek to increase total return. As an example, when a Fund is the buyer of a credit default swap (commonly known as buying protection), it may make periodic payments to the seller of the credit default swap to obtain protection against a credit default on a specified underlying asset (or group of assets). If a default occurs, the seller of a credit default swap may be required to pay the Fund the “notional value” of the credit default swap on a specified security (or group of securities). On the other hand, when a Fund is a seller of a credit default swap (commonly known as selling protection), in addition to the credit exposure the Fund has on the other assets held in its portfolio, the Fund is also subject to the credit exposure on the notional amount of the swap since, in the event of a credit default, the Fund may be required to pay the “notional value” of the credit default swap on a specified security (or group of securities) to the buyer of the credit default swap. A Fund will be the seller of a credit default swap only when the credit of the underlying asset is deemed by the Investment Adviser to meet the Fund’s minimum credit criteria at the time the swap is first entered into.
 
  The use of interest rate, mortgage, credit, currency and total return swaps, options on swaps, and interest rate caps, floors and collars is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If the Investment Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of market values, interest rates and currency exchange rates, or in its evaluation of the creditworthiness of swap counterparties and the issuers of the underlying assets, the investment performance of the Fund would be less favorable than it would have been if these investment techniques were not used. When entering into swap contracts or writing options, a Fund must “set aside” liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” its obligation under the swap or option contract.
 
  Inverse Floaters. The Funds may invest in inverse floating rate debt securities (“inverse floaters”). The interest rate on inverse floaters resets in the opposite direction from the market rate of interest to which an inverse floater is indexed. An inverse floater may be considered to be leveraged to the extent that its interest rate

 
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APPENDIX A

  varies by a magnitude that exceeds the magnitude of the change in the index rate of interest. The higher the degree of leverage of an inverse floater, the greater the volatility of its market value.

 
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  Appendix B
Financial Highlights
 
  The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand a Fund’s financial performance for the past five years (or less if the Fund has been in operation for less than five years). Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned or lost on an investment in a Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). The information for the fiscal period ended December 31, 2007 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, whose report, along with a Fund’s financial statements, is included in a Fund’s annual report (available upon request). The information for the U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund for the fiscal periods ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. The information for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003 for the Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund has been audited by the Fund’s prior independent registered public accounting firm.
 
  No financial highlights for the Goldman Sachs International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund is included in this section because such Funds had not yet commenced operations as of December 31, 2007.

U.S. EQUITY DIVIDEND AND PREMIUM FUND

                                                   
A Shares C Shares


For the For the For the For the For the For the
Year Ended Year Ended Period Ended Year Ended Year Ended Period Ended
December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31,






2005 2005
(commenced (commenced
2007 2006 August 31, 2005) 2007 2006 August 31, 2005)

Net asset value, beginning of period
  $ 10.97     $ 10.09     $ 10.00     $ 10.99     $ 10.09     $ 10.00  
   
Income from investment operations
                                               
Net investment income a
    0.29 c     0.34 d     0.13       0.20 c     0.26 d     0.12  
Net realized and unrealized gain
    0.05       1.11       0.07       0.06       1.10       0.06  
   
 
Total from investment operations
    0.34       1.45       0.20       0.26       1.36       0.18  
   
Distributions to shareholders
                                               
From net investment income
    (0.29 )     (0.28 )     (0.09 )     (0.22 )     (0.17 )     (0.07 )
From net realized gains
    (0.68 )     (0.28 )     (0.02 )     (0.68 )     (0.28 )     (0.02 )
From tax return of capital
          (0.01 )                 (0.01 )      
   
 
Total distributions
    (0.97 )     (0.57 )     (0.11 )     (0.90 )     (0.46 )     (0.09 )
   
Net asset value, end of period
  $ 10.34     $ 10.97     $ 10.09     $ 10.35     $ 10.99     $ 10.09  
   
Total return b
    2.99 %     14.53 % e     2.02 %     2.19 %     13.64 % e     1.82 %
Net assets at end of period (in 000s)
  $ 240,787     $ 181,756     $ 38,977     $ 16,209     $ 8,201     $ 1,031  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
    1.24 %     1.24 %     1.24 % g     1.99 %     1.99 %     1.99 % g
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
    2.57 % c     3.25 % d     3.98 % g     1.78 % c     2.48 % c     3.65 % g
Ratios assuming no expense reductions
                                               
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
    1.26 %     1.53 %     2.61 % g     2.01 %     2.28 %     3.20 % g
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
    2.55 % c     2.96 % d     2.61 % g     1.76 % c     2.19 % c     2.43 % g
Portfolio turnover rate
    53 %     63 %     21 %     53 %     63 %     21 %

See page 102 for all footnotes.

 
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APPENDIX B

STRUCTURED TAX-MANAGED EQUITY FUND

                                           
A Shares

For the Years Ended December 31,

2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Net asset value, beginning of year
  $ 11.72     $ 10.39     $ 9.56     $ 8.09     $ 6.27  
Income (loss) from investment operations
                                       
Net investment income a
    0.08       0.08       0.04       0.06       0.02  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
    (0.20 )     1.32       0.80       1.45       1.80  
   
 
Total from investment operations
    (0.12 )     1.40       0.84       1.51       1.82  
   
Distributions to shareholders
                                       
From net investment income
    (0.07 )     (0.07 )     (0.01 )     (0.04 )      
From tax return of capital
    (0.03 )                        
   
 
Total distributions
    (0.10 )     (0.07 )     (0.01 )     (0.04 )      
   
Net asset value, end of year
  $ 11.50     $ 11.72     $ 10.39       9.56     $ 8.09  
   
Total return b
    (0.92 )%     13.34 %     8.77 %     18.69 %     29.03 %
Net assets at end of year (in 000s)
  $ 241,192     $ 138,732     $ 76,268     $ 40,125     $ 35,664  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
    1.10 %     1.09 %     1.19 %     1.21 %     1.25 %
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
    0.65 %     0.77 %     0.45 %     0.64 %     0.25 %
Ratios assuming no expense reductions
                                       
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
    1.24 %     1.32 %     1.55 %     1.57 %     1.57 %
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
    0.51 %     0.54 %     0.10 %     0.28 %     (0.07 )%
Portfolio turnover rate
    73 %     90 %     92 %     102 %     73 %

See page 102 for all footnotes.

 
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B Shares

For the Years Ended December 31,

2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Net asset value, beginning of year
  $ 11.30     $ 10.04     $ 9.30     $ 7.90     $ 6.16  
   
Income (loss) from investment operations
                                       
Net investment income (loss) a
    (0.01 )     f     (0.03 )     (0.01 )     (0.03 )
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
    (0.19 )     1.26       0.77       1.41       1.77  
   
 
Total from investment operations
    (0.20 )     1.26       0.74       1.40       1.74  
   
Net asset value, end of year
  $ 11.10     $ 11.30     $ 10.04     $ 9.30     $ 7.90  
   
Total return b
    (1.77 )%     12.55 %     7.96 %     17.72 %     28.25 %
Net assets at end of year (in 000s)
  $ 20,010     $ 24,820     $ 25,218     $ 27,405     $ 26,689  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
    1.85 %     1.84 %     1.94 %     1.96 %     2.00 %
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets
    (0.11 )%     (0.01 )%     (0.33 )%     (0.12 )%     (0.50 )%
Ratios assuming no expense reductions
                                       
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
    1.99 %     2.07 %     2.29 %     2.32 %     2.32 %
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets
    (0.25 )%     (0.24 )%     (0.68 )%     (0.48 )%     (0.82 )%
Portfolio turnover rate
    73 %     90 %     92 %     102 %     73 %

See page 102 for all footnotes.

 
100


 

APPENDIX B

                                           
C Shares

For the Years Ended December 31,

2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Net asset value, beginning of year
  $ 11.27     $ 10.02     $ 9.28     $ 7.88     $ 6.15  
   
Income (loss) from investment operations
                                       
Net investment income (loss) a
    (0.01 )     f     (0.03 )     (0.01 )     (0.03 )
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
    (0.19 )     1.25       0.77       1.41       1.76  
   
 
Total from investment operations
    (0.20 )     1.25       0.74       1.40       1.73  
   
Distribution to shareholders
                                       
From net investment income
    (0.01 )                        
From tax return of capital
    f                        
   
 
Total distributions
    (0.01 )                        
   
Net asset value, end of year
  $ 11.06     $ 11.27     $ 10.02     $ 9.28     $ 7.88  
   
Total return b
    (1.75 )%     12.48 %     7.97 %     17.77 %     28.13 %
Net assets at end of year (in 000s)
  $ 30,008     $ 29,340     $ 22,687     $ 22,431     $ 22,832  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
    1.85 %     1.84 %     1.94 %     1.96 %     2.00 %
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
    (0.10 )%     0.01 %     (0.33 )%     (0.12 )%     (0.50 )%
Ratios assuming no expense reductions
                                       
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
    1.99 %     2.07 %     2.29 %     2.32 %     2.32 %
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets
    (0.24 )%     (0.22 )%     (0.68 )%     (0.48 )%     (0.82 )%
Portfolio turnover rate
    73 %     90 %     92 %     102 %     73 %

See page 102 for all footnotes.

 
101


 

       

Footnotes:
a
Calculated based on the average shares outstanding methodology.
b
Assumes investment at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, a complete redemption of the investment at the net asset value at the end of the period and no sales or redemption charges. Total return would be reduced if a sales or redemption charge were taken into account. Total returns for periods less than one full year are not annualized. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
c
Amounts include income recognized from a special dividend which equaled $0.05 per share and 0.43% of average net assets.
d
Amounts include income recognized from special dividends which equal $0.10 per share and 0.93% of average net assets.
e
Total return for the U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund reflects the impact of payments received for special dividends recorded this year. Excluding such payments, the total return would have been 13.52% and 12.74% for Class A and Class C Shares, respectively.
f
Less than $0.005 per share.
g
Annualized.

 
102


 

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  Index
         
    1 General Investment Management Approach
 
    7 Fund Investment Objectives and Strategies
    7   Goldman Sachs U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund
    10   Goldman Sachs International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund
    13   Goldman Sachs Structured
Tax-Managed Equity Fund
    15   Goldman Sachs Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund
 
    17 Other Investment Practices and Securities
 
    19 Principal Risks of the Funds
 
    23 Fund Performance
 
    27 Fund Fees and Expenses
 
    35 Service Providers
 
    40 Dividends
 
    42 Shareholder Guide
    42   How To Buy Shares
    58   How To Sell Shares
 
    71 Taxation
 
    74 Appendix A
     Additional Information on
     Portfolio Risks, Securities
     and Techniques
 
    98 Appendix B
     Financial Highlights


 

 
  Structured Tax-Advantaged Equity Funds Prospectus (Class A, B and C Shares)

   FOR MORE INFORMATION   

  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.
 
  Statement of Additional Information
  Additional information about the Funds and their policies is also available in the Funds’ SAI. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus (is legally considered part of this Prospectus).
 
  The Funds’ annual and semi-annual reports and SAI 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 and the SAI at the Funds’ website: http://www.goldmansachsfunds.com.
 
  To obtain other information and for shareholder inquiries:

     
     n  By telephone:
  1-800-526-7384
     n  By mail:
  Goldman Sachs Funds
P.O. Box 06050
Chicago, Illinois 60606-6306
     n  On the Internet:
  SEC EDGAR database – http://www.sec.gov

  You may review and obtain copies of Fund documents (including the SAI) by visiting the SEC’s public reference room in Washington, D.C. You may also obtain copies of Fund documents, after paying a duplicating fee, by writing to the SEC’s 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) 551-8090.

The Funds’ investment company registration number is 811-05349.

GSAM ® is a registered service mark of Goldman, Sachs & Co.

541700
SPECADVABC

(GOLDMAN SACHS LOGO)


 

Prospectus
  Service
Shares
 
  April 29, 2008

 GOLDMAN SACHS STRUCTURED TAX-ADVANTAGED EQUITY FUNDS
     
(GRAPHIC)
  n  Goldman Sachs Structured Tax-Managed Equity 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 A FUND IS NOT A BANK DEPOSIT AND IS NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY. AN INVESTMENT IN A FUND INVOLVES INVESTMENT RISKS, AND YOU MAY LOSE MONEY IN A FUND.
 
(GOLDMAN SACHS LOGO)


 

         

NOT FDIC-INSURED   May Lose Value   No Bank Guarantee


 

 
  General Investment
Management Approach
 
  Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (“GSAM”) serves as investment adviser to the Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund (formerly, CORE SM Tax-Managed Equity Fund) (the “Fund”). GSAM is referred to in this Prospectus as the “Investment Adviser.”

   STRUCTURED TAX-MANAGED EQUITY FUND   

  Goldman Sachs’ Structured Tax-Managed Investment Philosophy:
  This Fund uses Goldman Sachs’ quantitative style of funds management which emphasizes the three building blocks of active management: fundamentally-based stock selection, careful portfolio construction and efficient implementation.
 
  Step 1: Stock Selection
  The Investment Adviser attempts to forecast returns on approximately 10,000 stocks globally on a daily basis using proprietary CORE SM (“Computer-Optimized, Research-Enhanced”) models developed by the Quantitative Investment Strategies (“QIS”) group. These quantitative models are based on six investment themes — Valuation, Profitability, Quality, Management, Momentum and Sentiment. The Valuation theme attempts to capture potential mispricings of securities, typically by comparing a measure of the company’s intrinsic value to its market value. Profitability assesses whether the company is earning more than its cost of capital. Quality evaluates whether the company’s earnings are coming from more persistent, cash-based sources, as opposed to accruals. Management assesses the company’s management strategy and behavior. Momentum predicts drift in stock prices caused by under-reaction to company-specific information. Finally, the Sentiment theme looks at how Wall Street analysts’ views about a company’s earnings and prospects are changing over time.

 
1


 

  Step 2: Portfolio Construction
 
  The Investment Adviser uses a proprietary risk model to help manage the expected deviation of the portfolio’s returns from those of the benchmark. The model, which attempts to identify and measure the comparative risks between equity investments as accurately as possible, by including in the risk model all of the above themes used in the return model, as well as several other factors that the Investment Adviser believes are associated with risk but not return. In this process, the Investment Adviser seeks to add value over the benchmark by overweighting stocks with attractive characteristics (as defined by the return model) and underweighting stocks with poor characteristics relative to the stocks’ benchmark weights. At the same time, the Investment Adviser seeks to manage risk by controlling active stock positions as well as exposure to other characteristics such as size and sector allocations relative to the benchmark. A computer optimizer evaluates many different security combinations (considering many possible weightings) in an effort to construct the most efficient risk/return portfolio given the Fund’s benchmark.
 
  Step 3: Efficient Implementation
 
  The portfolio management team considers transaction costs at each step of the investment process. The team incorporates expected portfolio turnover when assigning weights to the variables of the multifactor model. The team also factors expected execution costs into portfolio construction and evaluates multiple trading options. The team then selects the trading strategy it believes will minimize the total transaction costs to the Fund.
 
 
  Goldman Sachs Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund is a fully invested portfolio that offers broad access to a well-defined stock universe, seeks to outperform its benchmark on an after-tax basis through consistent, disciplined stock selection, and is intended to be an effective tool for implementing a tax-managed strategy within an overall investment portfolio.

________________________________________________________________________________
 
2


 

 
  Fund Investment Objective
and Strategies
 
  Goldman Sachs
Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund
     
FUND FACTS

Objective:
  Long-term after-tax growth of capital
Benchmark:
  Russell 3000 Index
Investment Focus:
  A total market, broadly diversified portfolio of U.S. equity investments
Investment Style:
  Tax-managed quantitative focus
Symbol:
  GCTSX
 

   INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE   

  The Fund seeks to provide long-term after-tax growth of capital through tax-sensitive participation in a broadly diversified portfolio of U.S. equity securities.

   PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES   

  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 U.S. issuers, including foreign issuers that are traded in the United States.*
 
  The Fund uses both a variety of quantitative techniques and fundamental research when selecting investments which have the potential to maximize the Fund’s after-tax return, and minimize capital gains and income distributions. The Fund will seek to maintain risk, style, capitalization and industry characteristics similar to the Russell 3000 Index.

 
     * To the extent required by SEC regulations, shareholders will be provided with sixty days notice in the manner prescribed by the SEC before any change in the Fund’s policy to invest at least 80% of its Net Assets in the particular type of investment suggested by its name.
 
3


 

 
  Goldman Sachs
Structured Tax-Managed
Equity Fund
continued

  Tax-Managed Investing.  In managing the Fund, the Investment Adviser balances investment considerations and tax considerations. The Fund seeks to achieve returns

 

  primarily in the form of price appreciation (which is not subject to current tax), and may use different strategies in seeking tax-efficiency. These strategies include:
  n   Offsetting long-term and short-term capital gains with long-term and short-term capital losses and creating loss carryforward positions
  n   Limiting portfolio turnover that may result in taxable 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

  In situations where the Fund would otherwise be required to sell portfolio securities to meet shareholder redemption requests (and possibly realizing taxable gains), the Fund may borrow money to make the necessary redemption payments. In addition, Goldman Sachs may, but would not in any instance be required to, make contemporaneous purchases of Fund shares for its own account that would provide the Fund with cash to meet its redemption payment obligations.
 
  When the Fund borrows money, the Investment Adviser intends to hedge the excess market exposure created by borrowing. There is no guarantee such hedging will be completely effective.
 
  The Fund may not achieve its investment objective of providing “after-tax” growth of capital for various reasons. Implementation of tax-managed investment strategies may not materially reduce the amount of taxable income and capital gains distributed by the Fund to shareholders.
 
  Other.  The Fund’s investments in fixed income securities are limited to securities that are considered cash equivalents.
 
  The Fund is not a suitable investment for IRAs, other tax-exempt or tax-deferred accounts or for other investors who are not sensitive to the federal income tax consequences of their investments.

 
4


 

 
Other Investment Practices
and Securities

The tables below and on the following page 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 Fund’s annual/semi-annual reports. For more information about these and other investment practices and securities, see Appendix A. The Fund publishes on its website (http://www.goldmansachsfunds.com) complete portfolio holdings for the Fund as of the end of each calendar quarter subject to a fifteen 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 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 Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).

     
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; Structured
      limited only by the objective and strategies Tax-Managed
      of the Fund Equity
—  Not permitted Fund

Investment Practices
 
Borrowings
  33 1/3
 
 
 
Custodial Receipts and Trust Certificates
 
 
Equity Swaps *
  15
 
 
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts
  2
 
Interest Rate Caps, Floors and Collars
 
 
Investment Company Securities (including exchange-traded funds)
  10
 
 
 
Options on Securities and Securities Indices 1
 
 
Repurchase Agreements
 
 
Securities Lending
  33 1/3
 
 
Unseasoned Companies
 
 
Preferred Stock, Warrants and Stock Purchase Rights
 
 
When-Issued Securities and Forward Commitments
 

 
  *
Limited to 15% of net assets (together with other illiquid securities) for all structured securities and all swap transactions that are not deemed liquid.
**
Limited by the amount each Fund may invest in foreign securities.
   1
The Fund may sell covered call and put options and purchase call and put options.
   2
The Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund may enter into futures transactions only with respect to U.S. equity indices.
 
5


 

         
10  Percent of total assets (excluding securities lending collateral) (italic
type)
10 Percent of Net Assets (including borrowings for investment purposes) (roman
type)
Structured
•    No specific percentage limitation on usage; Tax-Managed
      limited only by the objective and strategies Equity
      of the Fund Fund
—  Not permitted

Investment Securities
 
American, European and Global Depositary Receipts
    3
 
Bank Obligations 4
     
 
Convertible Securities 5
     
 
Corporate Debt Obligations 4
     
 
Equity Investments
    80 +
 
Fixed Income Securities
    20 6  
Foreign Securities
    7
 
 
Real Estate Investment Trusts
     
 
Structured Securities * 4
     
 
Temporary Investments
    35  
 
U.S. Government Securities 4
     
 

 
*
Limited to 15% of net assets (together with other illiquid securities) for all structured securities and all swap transactions that are not deemed liquid.
3
The Structured Tax-Managed Equity 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.
 
6


 

 
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.

     
Structured
Tax-Managed
•   Applicable Equity
— Not applicable Fund

NAV
 
Stock
 
Derivatives
 
Management
 
Market
 
Liquidity
 
Investment Style
 
Mid Cap and Small Cap
 
Tax-Managed Investment Risk
 

General Risks:
n   NAV Risk —The risk that the net asset value (“NAV”) of the Fund and the value of your investment will fluctuate.
n   Stock Risk —The risk that stock prices have historically risen and fallen in periodic cycles. U.S. and foreign stock markets have experienced periods of substantial price volatility in the past and may do so again in the future.
n   Derivatives Risk —The risk that loss may result from the Fund’s investments in options, futures, swaps, structured securities and other derivative instruments. These instruments may be illiquid, difficult to price and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses to the Fund.
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.

 
7


 

n   Liquidity Risk —The risk that the Fund may invest to a greater degree in instruments that trade in lower volumes and may make investments that may be less liquid than other investments. Also, the risk that the Fund may make investments that may become less liquid in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions. When there is no willing buyer and investments cannot be readily sold at the desired time or price, the Fund may have to accept a lower price or may not be able to sell the instruments at all. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Fund’s value or prevent the Fund from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. To meet redemption requests, the Fund may be forced to sell liquid securities, at an unfavorable time and conditions.

  Because the Fund invests in REITs, it may 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.
 
  Certain Goldman Sachs fund of funds portfolios (the “Fund of Funds Portfolios”) may invest a significant percentage of their assets in the Fund and other funds for which GSAM or an affiliate now or in the future acts as investment adviser or underwriter. Redemptions by a Fund of Funds Portfolio of its position in the Fund may further increase liquidity risk and may impact a Fund’s NAV.
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 company’s growth of earnings potential. Growth companies are often expected by investors to increase their earnings at a certain rate. When these expectations are not met, investors can punish the stocks inordinately even if earnings showed an absolute increase. 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   Mid Cap and Small Cap Risk —The securities of small capitalization and mid-capitalization companies involve greater risks than those associated with larger, more established companies and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements. Securities of such issuers may lack sufficient market liquidity to enable the Fund to effect sales at an advantageous time or without a substantial drop in price. Both mid-cap and small-cap companies often have narrower markets and

 
8


 

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF THE FUND

more limited managerial and financial resources than larger, more established companies. As a result, their performance can be more volatile and they face greater risk of business failure, which could increase the volatility of the Fund’s portfolio. Generally, the smaller the company size, the greater these risks.

Other Specific Risks:
n   Tax-Managed 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 similar funds that are not tax-managed. This is because the Investment Adviser may choose not to make certain investments 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. A high percentage of the Fund’s NAV may consist of unrealized capital gains, which represent a potential future tax liability to shareholders. The Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund is not a suitable investment for IRAs, other tax-exempt or tax-deferred accounts or for other investors who are not sensitive to the federal income tax consequences of their investments.

More information about the Fund’s 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.

 
9


 

 
  Fund Performance

   HOW THE FUND HAS PERFORMED   

  The bar charts and tables on the following pages provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing: (a) changes in the performance of the Fund’s Service Shares from year to year; and (b) how the average annual total returns of the Fund’s Service Shares compare to those of broad-based securities market indices. The bar chart (including “Best Quarter” and “Worst Quarter” information) and table assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Performance reflects expense limitations in effect. If expense limitations were not in place, the Fund’s performance would have been reduced.

   INFORMATION ON AFTER-TAX RETURNS   

  These definitions apply to the after-tax returns.
 
  Average Annual Total Returns Before Taxes.  These returns do not reflect taxes on distributions on the Fund’s Service Shares nor do they show how performance can be impacted by taxes when shares are redeemed (sold) by you.
 
  Average Annual Total Returns After Taxes on Distributions.  These returns assume that taxes are paid on distributions on the Fund’s Service Shares ( i.e., dividends and capital gains) but do not reflect taxes that may be incurred upon redemption (sale) of the Service Shares at the end of the performance period.
 
  Average Annual Total Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Shares.  These returns reflect taxes paid on distributions on the Fund’s Service Shares and taxes applicable when the shares are redeemed (sold).
 
  Note on Tax Rates.  The after-tax performance figures are calculated using the historically highest individual federal marginal income tax rates at the time of the distributions and do not reflect 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. Under certain circumstances, the addition of the tax benefits from capital losses resulting from redemptions may cause the Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares to be greater than the Returns After Taxes on Distributions or even the Returns Before Taxes.

 
10


 

FUND PERFORMANCE

Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund

     
TOTAL RETURN CALENDAR YEAR

Best Quarter*
Q2 ’03           +14.59%

Worst Quarter*
Q3 ’02           -15.33%
  (BAR CHART)

   AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN   

                         
For the period ended December 31, 2007 1 Year 5 Years Since Inception

Service Shares (Inception 4/3/00)
                       
Returns Before Taxes
    -1.10%       13.25%       2.02%  
Returns After Taxes on Distributions**
    -1.21%       13.21%       1.98%  
Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares**
    -0.58%       11.63%       1.72%  
Russell 3000 Index***
    5.14%       13.62%       1.99%  

 
*
Please note that “Best Quarter” and “Worst Quarter” figures are applicable only to the time period covered by the bar chart.
**
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. In addition, the after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
***
The unmanaged Russell 3000 Index measures the performance of the 3,000 largest U.S. companies based on total market capitalization. The Index figures do not reflect any deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.
 
11


 

 
Fund Fees and Expenses (Service Shares)

This table describes the fees and expenses that you would pay if you buy and hold Service Shares of the Fund.

           
Structured
Tax-Managed
Equity
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 2 *
    0.70%  
Other Expenses
    0.63%  
 
Service Fees 3
    0.25 %
 
Shareholder Administration Fees
    0.25 %
 
All Other Expenses 4 *
    0.13 %

Total Fund Operating Expenses*
    1.33%  

See page 13 for all other footnotes.

  The “Management Fees,” “All Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses” shown in the table above do not reflect voluntary fee waivers and/or expense limitations currently in place with respect to the Fund. The Fund’s “Management Fees,” “All Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses,” after application of current waivers and expense limitations, are as set forth below. These waivers and expense limitations may be modified or terminated at any time at the option of the Investment Adviser and without shareholder approval. If this occurs, the “Management Fees,” “All Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses” shown below would be higher.  

           
Structured
Tax-Managed
Equity
Fund

Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets): 1
       
Management Fees 2
    0.65%  
Other Expenses
    0.54%  
 
Service Fees 3
    0.25 %
 
Shareholder Administration Fees
    0.25 %
 
All Other Expenses 4
    0.04 %

Total Fund Operating Expenses (after
current waivers and expense limitations)
    1.19%  

 
12


 

FUND FEES AND EXPENSES

1
The Fund’s annual operating expenses are based on actual expenses incurred for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.
2
The Investment Adviser is entitled to a management fee at annual rates equal to the following percentages of the average daily net assets of the Fund:

                 
Management Fee Average Daily
Fund Annual Rate Net Assets

Structured Tax-Managed Equity
    0.70%       First $1 billion  
      0.63%       Next $1 billion  
      0.60%       Over $2 billion  

 

Additionally, the Investment Adviser is currently voluntarily waiving a portion of its management fee equal to 0.05% based on the average daily net assets of the Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund. As a result, the Investment Adviser is currently receiving a management fee from the Fund at the annual rate of 0.65%.
 
3
Service Organizations (as defined in the “Shareholder Guide”) may charge other fees to their customers who are beneficial owners of Service Shares in connection with their customers’ accounts. Such fees may affect the return customers realize with respect to their investments.
4
“All Other Expenses” include transfer agency fees and expenses equal on an annualized basis to 0.04% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Service Shares, plus all other ordinary expenses not detailed above. The Investment Adviser has voluntarily agreed to reduce or limit “All Other Expenses” (excluding management fees, transfer agency fees and expenses, service fees, shareholder administration fees, taxes, interest, brokerage fees and litigation, indemnification, shareholder meeting and other extraordinary expenses, exclusive of any custody and transfer agent fee credit reductions) to the following percentages of the Fund’s average daily net assets:
             
Other
Fund Expenses

Structured Tax-Managed Equity
    0.004      
 
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 Service Shares of the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Service Shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

                                 
Fund 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years

Structured Tax-Managed Equity
  $ 135     $ 421     $ 729     $ 1,601  

Service Organizations that invest in Service Shares on behalf of their customers may charge other fees directly to their customer accounts in connection with their investments. You should contact your Service Organization for information regarding such charges. Such fees, if any, may affect the return such customers realize with respect to their investments.

Certain Service Organizations that invest in Service Shares on behalf of their customers may receive other compensation in connection with the sale and distribution of Service Shares or for services to their customers’ accounts and/or the Fund. For additional information regarding such compensation, see “What Do I Need To Know About Service Organizations?” in the Prospectus and “Payments to Intermediaries” in the SAI.

 
14


 

 
  Service Providers

   INVESTMENT ADVISER   

     
Investment Adviser Fund

Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (“GSAM”)
32 Old Slip
New York, New York 10005
  Structured Tax-Managed Equity

  GSAM has been registered as an investment adviser with the SEC since 1990 and is an affiliate of Goldman, Sachs & Co. (“Goldman Sachs”). As of December 31, 2007, GSAM, including its investment advisory affiliates, had assets under management of $763 billion.
 
  The Investment Adviser provides day-to-day advice regarding the Fund’s portfolio transactions. The Investment Adviser makes the investment decisions for the Fund and places purchase and sale orders for the Fund’s 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


 

   MANAGEMENT FEES   

  As compensation for its services and its assumption of certain expenses, the Investment Adviser is entitled to the following fees, computed daily and payable monthly, at the annual rates listed below (as a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets):

                         
Actual Rate
For the Fiscal
Average Daily Year Ended
Fund Contractual Rate Net Assets December 31, 2007

Structured Tax-Managed Equity
    0.70%
0.63%
0.60%
    First $1  billion
Next $1  billion
Over $2  billion
    0.65%  

  The Investment Adviser may voluntarily waive a portion of its management fee from time to time and may discontinue or modify any such voluntary limitations in the future at its discretion.
 
  A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees’ (the “Trustees”) approval of the Management Agreement in 2007 for the Fund is available in the Fund’s annual report dated December 31, 2007.

   FUND MANAGERS   

  Quantitative Investment Strategies Team
  n   A stable and growing team supported by an extensive internal staff
  n   More than $120 billion in equities currently under management including $60 billion in U.S. equities
  n   Proprietary research on quantitative models and tax-advantaged strategies

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Quantitative Investment Strategies Team
             
Years
Primarily
Name and Title Fund Responsibility Responsible Five Year Employment History

Robert C. Jones, CFA
Co-Chief Investment Officer
Managing Director
  Portfolio Manager—
Structured Tax-Managed Equity
  Since
2000
  Mr. Jones joined the Investment Adviser as a portfolio manager in 1989.

 
16


 

SERVICE PROVIDERS
             
Years
Primarily
Name and Title Fund Responsibility Responsible Five Year Employment History

Don Mulvihill
Managing Director
  Senior Portfolio Manager—
Structured Tax-Managed Equity
  Since
2000
  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.

  Robert C. Jones, CFA is a Managing Director and Co-Chief Investment Officer for the QIS team. Don Mulvihill is the Senior Portfolio Manager responsible for taxable portfolios, and is responsible for the Fund’s portfolio management process, including setting research priorities and client contact. The computer optimizer constructs the portfolio based on the team’s models and design and no one person on the team has a subjective override of the computer optimizer process, except in very specific limited cases.
 
  For information about the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers’ ownership of securities in the Fund, see the SAI.

   DISTRIBUTOR AND TRANSFER AGENT   

  Goldman Sachs, 85 Broad Street, New York, New York 10004, serves as the exclusive distributor (the “Distributor”) of the Fund’s shares. Goldman Sachs, 71 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 500, Chicago, Illinois 60606, also serves as the Fund’s 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.

   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 Fund’s 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,

 
17


 

  investment banker, research provider, investment manager, financier, 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 Fund’s 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 enter into transactions in which Goldman Sachs or its other clients have an adverse interest. For example, the Fund may take a long position in a security at the same time that Goldman Sachs or other accounts managed by the Investment Adviser take a short position in the same security (or vice versa). These and other 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 Fund’s 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 service 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 affect transactions in, securities of issuers held by the Fund, and may also perform or seek to perform investment 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 SAI.

 
18


 

SERVICE PROVIDERS

  Under a securities lending program approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees, the Fund may retain an affiliate of the Investment Adviser to serve as a 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 Fund’s investment of the cash received as collateral for the loaned securities. The Board of Trustees periodically reviews all portfolio securities loan transactions for which the affiliated lending agent has acted as lending agent. In addition, the Fund may make brokerage and other payments to Goldman Sachs and its affiliates in connection with the Fund’s portfolio investment transactions, as permitted by applicable law.

 
19


 

 
  Dividends
 
  The Fund pays dividends from its investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains (although the Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund attempts to minimize capital gains and income distributions 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 same Fund
  n   Shares of the same class of another Goldman Sachs Fund. Special restrictions may apply. See the SAI.

  You may indicate your election on your Account Application. Any changes may be submitted in writing to the Transfer Agent 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 applicable 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.
 
  The Fund’s investments in foreign securities may be subject to foreign withholding taxes. Under certain circumstances, the Fund may elect to pass-through these taxes to you. If this election is made, a proportionate amount of such taxes will constitute a distribution to you, which would allow you either (i) to credit such proportionate amount of foreign taxes against your U.S. federal income tax liability or (ii) to take such amount as an itemized deduction.
 
  Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net capital gains are declared and paid as follows:

         
Investment Capital Gains
Fund Income Dividends Distributions

Structured Tax-Managed Equity
  Annually   Annually

  From time to time a portion of the Fund’s dividends may constitute a return of capital for tax purposes, and/or may include amounts in excess of the Fund’s net investment income for the period calculated in accordance with good accounting practice.
 
  When you purchase shares of the Fund, part of the NAV per share may be represented by undistributed income and/or undistributed realized gains that have previously been earned by the Fund. Therefore, subsequent distributions on such shares from such income and/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.

 
20


 

 
  Shareholder Guide
 
  The following section will provide you with answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding buying and selling the Fund’s Service Shares.

   HOW TO BUY SHARES    

  How Can I Purchase Service Shares Of The Fund?
 
  Generally, Service Shares may be purchased only through institutions that have agreed to provide shareholder administration and personal and account maintenance services to their customers who are the beneficial owners of Service Shares (“Service Organizations”). No shareholder may buy Service Shares directly from the Fund. Customers of a Service Organization will normally give their purchase instructions to the Service Organization, and the Service Organization will, in turn, place purchase orders with Goldman Sachs. Service Organizations will set times by which purchase orders and payments must be received by them from their customers. Generally, Service Shares may be purchased from the Fund on any business day at their NAV next determined after receipt of an order by Goldman Sachs from a Service Organization. No sales load is charged.
 
  Service Organizations are responsible for transmitting purchase orders and payments to Goldman Sachs in a timely fashion. Service Organizations should either:
  n   Place an order through certain electronic trading platforms (e.g., National Securities Clearing Corporation);
  n   Place an order with Goldman Sachs at 1-800-621-2550 and wire federal funds on the next business day; or
  n   Send a check 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 checks drawn on foreign banks, third party checks, temporary checks, cash or cash equivalents; e.g., cashier’s checks, official bank checks, money orders, travelers cheques or credit card checks. In limited situations involving the transfer of retirement assets, a Fund may accept cashier’s checks or official bank checks.

  It is strongly recommended that payment be effected by using federal funds.
 
  It is expected that checks will be converted to federal funds within two business days after receipt.

 
21


 

  What Do I Need To Know About Service Organizations?
  Service Organizations may provide the following services in connection with their customers’ investments in Service Shares:
  n   Personal and account maintenance services
     n   Facilities to answer inquiries and respond to correspondence
     n   Acts as liaison between the Service Organization’s customers and the Goldman Sachs Trust (the “Trust”)
     n   Assists customers in completing application forms, selecting dividend and other options, and similar services
  n   Shareholder administration services
     n   Acts, directly or through an agent, as the sole shareholder of record
     n   Maintains account records for customers
     n   Processes orders to purchase, redeem and exchange shares for customers
     n   Processes payments for customers

  Some (but not all) Service Organizations are 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 financial 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 Service Organization or financial intermediary on a business day, and the order will be priced at the Fund’s NAV per share next determined after such acceptance.
  n   Service Organizations and financial 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 Service Organization directly to learn whether it is authorized to accept orders for the Trust.
 
  Pursuant to a service plan and a separate shareholder administration plan adopted by the Trust’s Board of Trustees, Service Organizations are entitled to receive payments for their services from the Trust. These payments are equal to 0.25% (annualized) for personal and account maintenance services plus an additional 0.25% (annualized) for shareholder administration services of the average daily net assets of the Service Shares of the Fund that are attributable to or held in the name of the Service Organization for its customers.
 
  The Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates may make payments or provide services to Service Organizations and other financial intermediaries (“Intermediaries”) 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 Adviser’s, Distributor’s and/or their affiliates’ own assets, and are not

 
22


 

SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  an additional charge to the Fund. The payments are in addition to the service 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’s inclusion 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 Service Shares, as well as sponsor various educational programs, sales contests and/or promotions. The payments by the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates, which are in addition to the fees paid for these services by the Fund, may also compensate Intermediaries for subaccounting, sub-transfer agency, administrative and/or shareholder processing services. These payments may exceed amounts earned on these assets by the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates for the performance of these or similar services. The amount of these additional payments is normally not expected to exceed 0.50% (annualized) of the amount sold or invested through the Intermediaries. In addition, certain Intermediaries may have access to certain services from the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates, including research reports and economic analysis, and portfolio analysis tools. In certain cases, the Intermediary may not pay for these services. Please refer to the “Payments to Intermediaries” section of the SAI for more information about these payments and services.
 
  The payments made by the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates and the services received by an Intermediary may differ for different Intermediaries. The presence of these payments, receipt of these services 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 Service Organization or Intermediary for more information about the payments it receives and any potential conflicts of interest.
 
  In addition to Service 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 are entitled to different services. Information regarding these other share classes

 
23


 

  may be obtained from your Service Organization or from Goldman Sachs by calling the number on the back cover of this Prospectus.
 
  What Is My Minimum Investment In The Fund?
  The Fund does not have any minimum purchase with respect to Service Shares. A Service Organization may, however, impose a minimum amount for initial and additional investments in Service Shares, and may establish other requirements such as a minimum account balance. A Service Organization may redeem Service Shares held by non-complying accounts, and may impose a charge for any special services.
 
  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 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 Service Shares of a 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 any such Fund whenever it is deemed appropriate by the Fund’s Investment Adviser.
  n   Modify the manner in which shares are offered.
  n   Modify the sales charge rates applicable to future purchases of shares.

  Generally, non-U.S. citizens and certain U.S. citizens residing outside the United States may not open an account with the Fund.
 
  The Fund may allow Service Organizations to purchase shares with securities instead of cash if consistent with the Fund’s investment policies and operations and if approved by the Fund’s Investment Adviser.
 
  Notwithstanding the foregoing, 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.
 
  Customer Identification Program. Federal law requires the Fund to obtain, verify and record identifying information, which will be reviewed solely for customer identification purposes, which may include the name, residential or business street address, date of birth (for an individual), Social Security Number or taxpayer

 
24


 

SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  identification number or other information, for each investor who opens an account directly with the Fund. Applications without the required information 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 investor’s shares and close an account in the event that the Fund is unable to verify an investor’s identity. The Fund and its agents will not be responsible for any loss in an investor’s account resulting from the investor’s delay in providing all required information or from closing an account and redeeming an investor’s shares pursuant to the customer identification program.
 
  How Are Shares Priced?
  The price you pay when you buy Service Shares is the Fund’s next determined NAV for a share class after the Fund receives your order in proper form. The price you receive when you sell Service Shares is the Fund’s next determined NAV for a share class, with the redemption proceeds reduced by any applicable charges after the Fund receives your order in proper form. 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s investments may be determined in good faith under procedures established by the Trustees.
 
  In the event that the Fund invests a significant portion of assets in foreign equity securities, “fair value” prices are provided by an independent fair value service in accordance with the fair value procedures approved by the Trustees. 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 price for a particular security, or if the price provided does not meet the established criteria for the Fund, the Fund will price that security at the most recent closing price for that security on its principal exchange.
 
  In addition, the Investment Adviser, consistent with its procedures and applicable regulatory guidance, may (but need not) determine to make an adjustment to the

 
25


 

  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 Fund’s 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 U.S. or foreign markets; market dislocations; market disruptions or market closings; equipment failures; natural or man made disasters or acts of God; armed conflicts; 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, including those relating to earnings, products and regulatory news; significant litigation; low trading volume; and trading limits, or suspensions.
 
  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).
 
  Please note the following with respect to the price at which your transactions are processed:
  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 other times 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   The Trust reserves the right to reprocess purchase (including dividend re-investments), redemption and exchange transactions that were processed at a NAV that is subsequently adjusted, and to recover amounts from (or distribute amounts to) shareholders accordingly based on the official closing NAV as adjusted.
  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.

 
26


 

SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  Consistent with industry practice, investment transactions not settling on the same day are recorded and factored into the Fund’s NAV on the business day following trade date (T+1). The use of T+1 accounting generally does not, but may, result in a NAV that differs materially from the NAV that would result if all transactions were reflected on their trade dates.
 
  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 its regularly scheduled closing time. In the event the New York Stock Exchange does not open for business, 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 this 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.

   HOW TO SELL SHARES   

  How Can I Sell Service Shares Of The Fund?
  Generally, Service Shares may be sold (redeemed) only through Service Organizations. Customers of a Service Organization will normally give their redemption instructions to the Service Organization, and the Service Organization will, in turn, place redemption orders with the Fund. Generally, the Fund will redeem its Service Shares upon request on any business day at the NAV next determined after receipt of such request in proper form. Redemption proceeds may be sent to shareholders by check or wire (if the wire instructions are designated on the current record of the Transfer Agent).
 
  A Service Organization may request redemptions by electronic trading platform, in writing or by telephone (unless the Service Organization opts out of the telephone redemption privilege on the Account Application).
 
  Generally, any redemption request that requires money to go to an account or address other than that designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent must be in writing and signed by an authorized person (a Medallion signature guarantee may be required). The written request may be confirmed by telephone with both the requesting party and the designated bank to verify instructions.

 
27


 

  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 the redemption proceeds sent to a bank account that is not designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent.

  A Medallion 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 Medallion signature guarantee. Additional documentation may be required.
 
  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   Telephone requests are recorded.
  n   Proceeds of telephone redemption request will be sent to your address of record or authorized account designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent (unless you provide written instruction and a Medallion 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 current records of the Transfer Agent (see immediately preceding bullet point). In order to receive the redemption by check during this time period, a redemption request must be in the form of a written letter (a Medallion signature guarantee may be required).
  n   The telephone redemption option may be modified or terminated at any time without prior notice.

  Note: It may be difficult to make telephone redemptions in times of unusual economic or market conditions.

 
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SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  How Are Redemption Proceeds Paid?
  By Wire:  The Fund will arrange for redemption proceeds to be wired as federal funds to the domestic bank account as designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent. The following general policies govern wiring redemption proceeds:
  n   Redemption proceeds will normally be wired on the next business day in federal funds, but may be paid up to three business days following receipt of a properly executed wire transfer redemption request.
  n   Although redemption proceeds will normally be paid as described above, under certain circumstances, redemption requests or payments may be postponed or suspended as permitted under Section 22(e) of the Investment Company Act (the “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 the Fund or the fair determination of the value of the Fund’s net assets not reasonably practicable; or (iii) the SEC, by order, permits the suspension of the right of redemption.
  n   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.
  n   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 until the Federal Reserve Bank reopens.
  n   To change the bank designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent, you must send written instructions signed by an authorized person designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent.
  n   Neither the Trust nor Goldman Sachs assumes any responsibility for the performance of other financial intermediaries or your Service Organization in the transfer process. If a problem with such performance arises, you should deal directly with such financial intermediaries or Service Organization.

  By Check:  A shareholder may elect in writing to receive redemption proceeds by check. Redemption proceeds paid by check will normally be mailed to the address of record within three business days of receipt 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   Service Organizations are responsible for the timely transmittal of redemption requests by their customers to the Transfer Agent. In order to facilitate the

 
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  timely transmittal of redemption requests, Service Organizations may set times by which they must receive redemption requests. Service Organizations may also require additional documentation from you.

  The Trust reserves the right to:
  n   Redeem your shares in the event a Service Organization’s relationship with Goldman Sachs is terminated and you do not transfer your account to another Service Organization with a relationship with Goldman Sachs. The Trust will not be responsible for any loss in an investor’s account or tax liability resulting from the redemption.
  n   Subject to applicable law, 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.
  n   Reinvest any amounts (e.g., dividends, distributions or redemption proceeds) which you have elected to receive by check should your check be returned to the Fund as undeliverable or remain uncashed for six months. This provision may not apply to certain retirement or qualified accounts or to a closed account. No interest will accrue on amounts represented by uncashed checks.

  Can I Exchange My Investment From One Goldman Sachs Fund To Another Goldman Sachs Fund?
 
  A Service Organization may exchange Service Shares of a Goldman Sachs Fund at NAV for certain shares of another Goldman Sachs Fund. Redemption of shares (including by exchange) of certain Goldman Sachs Funds offered in other prospectuses, that are held for 30 days or less (60 days or less with respect to the Goldman Sachs High Yield and High Yield Municipal Funds) may, however, be subject to a redemption fee. The exchange privilege may be materially modified or withdrawn at any time upon 60 days written notice.
 
  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 Goldman Sachs Fund you are acquiring before making an exchange.
 
  n   Currently, the Fund does not impose any charge for exchanges, although the Fund may impose a charge in the future.
 
  n   Normally, a telephone exchange will be made only to an identically registered account.
 
  n   Exchanges are available only in states where exchanges may be legally made.

 
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SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  n   It may be difficult to make telephone exchanges in times of unusual economic or market conditions.
 
  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   A signature guarantee may be required.
 
  n   Exchanges into Goldman Sachs Funds that are closed to new investors may be restricted.
 
  n   Exchanges into the Fund from another Goldman Sachs Fund may be subject to any redemption fee imposed by the other Goldman Sachs Fund.

  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 Be Sent Regarding Investments In Service Shares?
  Service Organizations will receive from the Fund annual shareholder reports containing audited financial statements and semi-annual shareholder reports. Service Organizations will also be provided with a printed confirmation for each transaction in their account and a monthly account statement. Service Organizations are responsible for providing these or other reports to their customers who are the beneficial owners of Service Shares in accordance with the rules that apply to their accounts with the Service Organizations. In addition, Service Organizations and other financial intermediaries will be responsible for providing any communication from the Fund to the shareholders, including but not limited to prospectuses, prospectus supplements, proxy materials and notices regarding the sources of dividend payments under Section 19 of the Act.

   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 redemption 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

 
31


 

  administrative costs, harm Fund performance and result in dilution in the value of Fund shares held by longer-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 Trust’s (or Goldman Sachs’) judgment, an investor has a history of excessive trading or if an investor’s 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, certain Goldman Sachs Funds (which are offered in separate prospectuses) impose a redemption fee on redemptions made within 30 days of purchase (60 days of purchase with respect to the Goldman Sachs High Yield and High Yield Municipal Funds), subject to certain exceptions. As a further deterrent to excessive trading, many foreign equity securities held by the Fund are priced by an independent pricing service using fair valuation. For more information on fair valuation, please see “Shareholder Guide — How To Buy Shares — How Are Shares Priced?”
 
  Pursuant to the policy adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust, 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. Consistent with the standards described above, if, in its judgment, Goldman Sachs detects excessive, short-term trading, Goldman Sachs is authorized to reject or restrict a purchase or exchange request and may further seek to close an investor’s 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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SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  Fund shares may be held through omnibus arrangements maintained by financial intermediaries such as broker-dealers, investment advisers and insurance companies. In addition, Fund shares may be held in omnibus 401(k) plans, employee benefit 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 ordinarily not tracked by the Fund on a regular basis. A number of these financial intermediaries may not have the capability or may not be willing to apply the Fund’s market-timing policies or any applicable redemption fee. While Goldman Sachs may monitor share turnover at the omnibus account level, the Fund’s ability to monitor and detect market-timing by shareholders or apply any applicable redemption fee in these omnibus accounts may be limited in certain circumstances, and certain of these financial intermediaries may charge the Fund a fee for providing certain shareholder information requested as part of the Fund’s surveillance process. 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. If necessary, the Trust may prohibit additional purchases of Fund shares by a financial intermediary or by certain of the financial intermediary’s customers. Financial intermediaries may also monitor their customers’ trading activities in the Fund. The criteria used by financial intermediaries to monitor for excessive trading may differ from the criteria used by the Fund. If a financial intermediary fails to cooperate in the implementation or enforcement of Trust’s excessive trading policies, the Trust may take certain actions including terminating the relationship.

 
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  Taxation
 
  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 SAI. You should consult your tax adviser about the federal, state, local or foreign tax consequences of your investment in the Fund. Except as otherwise noted, the tax information provided assumes that you are a U.S. citizen or resident.
 
  Unless your investment is through an IRA or other tax-advantaged account, you should carefully consider the possible tax consequences of Fund distributions and the sale of your Fund shares.

   DISTRIBUTIONS   

  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 Structured Tax-Managed Equity 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, the Fund’s distributions attributable to net investment income and short-term capital gains are taxable to you as ordinary income. Any distributions of long-term capital gains are taxable as long-term capital gains, no matter how long you have owned your Fund shares.
 
  Under current provisions of the Code, the maximum long-term capital gain tax rate applicable to individuals, estates, and trusts is 15%. Fund distributions to non-corporate 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. For these lower rates to apply, the non-corporate shareholder must own the relevant Fund shares for at least 61 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the Fund’s ex-dividend date. The amount of the Fund’s distributions that would otherwise qualify for this favorable tax treatment will be reduced as a result of the Fund’s securities lending activities or by a high portfolio turnover rate or by investments in debt securities or “non-qualified” foreign corporations.
 
  A sunset provision provides that the 15% long-term capital gain rate will increase to 20% and the taxation of dividends at the long-term capital gain rate will end after 2010.

 
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TAXATION

  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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s securities lending activities or by a high portfolio turnover rate. Character and tax status of all distributions will be available to shareholders after the close of each calendar year.
 
  The Fund may be subject to foreign withholding or other foreign taxes on income or gain from certain foreign securities. In general, the Fund may deduct these taxes in computing its taxable income.
 
  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 into a dividend.”

   SALES AND EXCHANGES   

  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 capital gain or loss is long-term or short-term depending on whether your holding period exceeds one year, 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 shares of the Fund may be disallowed under “wash sale” rules to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced with other shares of that 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 that Fund. If disallowed, the loss will be reflected in an adjustment to the basis of the shares acquired.

   OTHER INFORMATION   

  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

 
35


 

  not provide your correct taxpayer identification number, or certify that it is correct, or if the IRS instructs the Fund to do so.
 
  Non-U.S. investors are generally subject to U.S. withholding tax and may be subject to U.S. estate tax. However, withholding is generally not required on properly designated distributions to non-U.S. investors of long-term capital gains. More information about U.S. taxation of non-U.S. investors is included in the SAI.
 
  Investments in the Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund are subject to the tax risks described previously under “Principal Risks of the Fund.”

 
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  Appendix A
Additional Information on Portfolio
Risks, Securities and Techniques

   A.  General Portfolio Risks   

  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 (such as swaps and futures contracts) 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.
 
  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/default risk and call/extension risk. In general, interest rate risk involves the risk that when interest rates decline, the market value of fixed income securities tends to increase (although many mortgage-related securities will have less potential than other debt securities for capital appreciation during periods of declining rates). Conversely, when interest rates increase, the market value of fixed income securities tends to decline. Credit/default 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 in mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities. For example, homeowners have the option to prepay their mortgages. Therefore, the duration of a security backed by home mortgages can either shorten (call risk) or lengthen (extension risk). In general, if interest rates on new mortgage loans fall sufficiently below the interest rates on existing outstanding mortgage loans, the rate of prepayment would be expected to increase. Conversely, if mortgage loan interest rates rise above the interest rates on existing outstanding mortgage loans, the rate of prepayment would be expected to decrease. In either case, a change in the prepayment rate can result

 
37


 

  in losses to investors. The same would be true of asset-backed securities such as securities backed by car loans.
 
  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 Fund’s portfolio securities, excluding securities having a maturity at the date of purchase of one year or less. See “Financial Highlights” in Appendix B for a statement of the Fund’s historical portfolio turnover rates.
 
  The following sections provide further information on certain types of securities and investment techniques that may be used by the Fund, including their associated risks. Additional information is provided in the SAI, which is available upon request. Among other things, the SAI 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 Fund’s investment objective, you should consider whether the Fund remains an appropriate investment in light of your then current financial position and needs.

   B.  Other Portfolio Risks   

  Risks of Investing in Small Capitalization and Mid-Capitalization Companies and REITs. The Fund may, to the extent consistent with its investment policies, invest in small and mid-capitalization companies and REITs. Investments in small and mid-capitalization companies and REITs involve greater risk and portfolio price volatility than investments in larger capitalization stocks. Among the reasons for the greater price volatility of these investments are the less certain growth prospects of smaller firms and the lower degree of liquidity in the markets for such securities. Small and mid-capitalization companies and REITs may be thinly traded and may have to be sold at a discount from current market prices or in small lots over an extended period of time. In addition, these securities are subject to the risk that during certain periods the liquidity of particular issuers or industries, or all securities in particular investment categories, will shrink or disappear suddenly and without warning as a result of adverse economic or market conditions, or adverse investor perceptions whether or not accurate. Because of the lack of sufficient market liquidity, the Fund may incur losses because it will be required to effect

 
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APPENDIX A

  sales at a disadvantageous time and only then at a substantial drop in price. Small and mid-capitalization companies and REITs include “unseasoned” issuers that do not have an established financial history; often have limited product lines, markets or financial resources; may depend on or use a few key personnel for management; and may be susceptible to losses and risks of bankruptcy. Small and mid-capitalization companies may be operating at a loss or have significant variations in operating results; may be engaged in a rapidly changing business with products subject to a substantial risk of obsolescence; may require substantial additional capital to support their operations, to finance expansion or to maintain their competitive position; and may have substantial borrowings or may otherwise have a weak financial condition. In addition, these companies may face intense competition, including competition from companies with greater financial resources, more extensive development, manufacturing, marketing, and other capabilities, and a larger number of qualified managerial and technical personnel. Transaction costs for these investments are often higher than those of larger capitalization companies. Investments in small and mid-capitalization companies and REITs may be more difficult to price precisely than other types of securities because of their characteristics and lower trading volumes.
 
  Risks of Foreign Investments. The Fund may only invest in foreign issuers that are traded in the United States. 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.
 
  Brokerage commissions, custodial services and other costs relating to investment in international securities markets generally are more expensive than in the United States. In addition, clearance and settlement procedures may be different in foreign countries and, in certain markets, such procedures have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, thus making it difficult to conduct such transactions.
 
  Foreign issuers are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards comparable to those applicable to U.S. issuers. There

 
39


 

  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.
 
  Concentration of the Fund’s assets in one or a few countries and currencies will subject the Fund to greater risks than if the Fund’s assets were not geographically concentrated.
 
  Investment in sovereign debt obligations by the Fund involves risks not present in debt obligations of corporate issuers. The issuer of the debt or the governmental authorities that control the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal or interest when due in accordance with the terms of such debt, and the Fund may have limited recourse to compel payment in the event of a default. Periods of economic uncertainty may result in the volatility of market prices of sovereign debt, and in turn the Fund’s NAV, to a greater extent than the volatility inherent in debt obligations of U.S. issuers.
 
  A sovereign debtor’s willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its foreign currency reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor’s policy toward international lenders, and the political constraints to which a sovereign debtor may be subject.
 
  Investments in foreign securities may take the form of sponsored and unsponsored American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) and Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”). Certain Funds may also invest in European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) or other similar instruments representing securities of foreign issuers. ADRs, GDRs and EDRs 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. EDRs are traded primarily outside the United States. Prices of ADRs are

 
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APPENDIX A

  quoted in U.S. dollars. EDRs and GDRs are not necessarily quoted in the same currency as the underlying security.
 
  Risks of Derivative Investments. The Fund may invest in derivative instruments, including without limitation, options, futures, options on futures, swaps, interest rate caps, floors and collars, structured securities and forward contracts and other derivatives relating to foreign currency transactions. Investments in derivative instruments may be for both hedging and nonhedging purposes (that is, to seek to increase total return) although suitable derivative instruments may not always be available to the Investment Adviser for those purposes. Losses from investments in derivative instruments 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, the failure of the counterparty to perform its contractual obligations, 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 the timing or level of fluctuations in securities prices, interest rates or currency prices. Investments in derivative instruments may be harder to value, subject to greater volatility and more likely subject to changes in tax treatment than other investments. For these reasons, the Investment Adviser’s attempts to hedge portfolio risk through the use of derivative instruments may not be successful, and the Investment Adviser may choose not to hedge certain portfolio risks. Investing for nonhedging purposes is considered a speculative practice and presents even greater risk of loss.
 
  Risks of Equity Swap Transactions. Equity swaps are two party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors. In a standard “swap” transaction, the parties agree to pay or exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on a particular predetermined asset (or group of assets) which may be adjusted for transaction costs, interest payments, dividends paid on the reference asset or other factors. The gross returns to be paid or “swapped” between the parties are generally calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” for example, the increase or decrease in value of a particular dollar amount invested in the asset.
 
  Equity swaps may be structured in different ways. For example, when the Fund takes a long position, a counterparty may agree to pay the Fund the amount, if any, by which the notional amount of the equity swap would have increased in value had it been invested in a particular stock (or group of stocks), plus the dividends that would have been received on the stock. In these cases, the Fund may agree to pay to the counterparty interest on the notional amount of the equity swap plus the amount, if any, by which that notional amount would have decreased in value had

 
41


 

  it been invested in such stock. Therefore, in this case the return to the Fund on the equity swap should be the gain or loss on the notional amount plus dividends on the stock less the interest paid by the Fund on the notional amount. In other cases, when the Fund takes a short position, a counterparty may agree to pay the Fund the amount, if any, by which the notional amount of the equity swap would have decreased in value had the Fund sold a particular stock (or group of stocks) short, less the dividend expense that the Fund would have paid on the stock, as adjusted for interest payments or other economic factors.
 
  Under an equity swap, payments may be made at the conclusion of the equity swap or periodically during its term. Sometimes, however, the Investment Adviser may be able to terminate a swap contract prior to its term, subject to any potential termination fee that is in addition to the Fund’s accrued obligations under the swap. Equity swaps will be made in the over-the-counter market and will be entered into with a counterparty that typically will be an investment banking firm, broker-dealer or bank.
 
  Equity swaps are derivatives and their value can be very volatile. To the extent that the Investment Adviser does not accurately analyze and predict future market trends, the values of assets or economic factors, the Fund may suffer a loss, which may be substantial.
 
  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:
  n   Both domestic and foreign securities that are not readily marketable
  n   Repurchase agreements and time deposits with a notice or demand period of more than seven days
  n   Certain over-the-counter options
  n   Certain structured securities and swap transactions
  n   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”).

  Investing in 144A Securities may decrease the liquidity of the Fund’s 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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APPENDIX A

  Securities purchased by the Fund, particularly debt securities and over-the-counter traded securities, that are liquid at the time of purchase may subsequently become illiquid due to events relating to the issuer of the securities, markets events, economic conditions or investor perceptions. Domestic and foreign markets are becoming more and more complex and interrelated, so that events in one sector of the market or the economy, or in one geographical region, can reverberate and have negative consequences for other market, economic or regional sectors in a manner that may not be reasonably foreseen. With respect to over-the-counter traded securities, the continued viability of any over-the-counter secondary market depends on the continued willingness of dealers and other participants to purchase the securities.
 
  If one or more securities in the Fund’s portfolio become illiquid, the Fund may exceed its 15 percent limitation in illiquid securities. In the event that changes in the portfolio or other external events cause the investments in illiquid instruments to exceed 15 percent of the Fund’s net assets, the Fund must take steps to bring the aggregate amount of illiquid instruments back within the prescribed limitations as soon as reasonably practicable. This requirement would not force the Fund to liquidate any portfolio instrument where the Fund would suffer a loss on the sale of that instrument.
 
  In cases where no clear indication of the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities is available, the portfolio securities will be valued at their fair value according to the valuation procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. These cases include, among others, situations where the secondary markets on which a security has previously been traded are no longer viable for lack of liquidity. For more information on fair valuation, please see “Shareholder Guide—How to Buy Shares—How Are Shares Priced?”
 
  Temporary Investment Risks. The Fund may, for temporary defensive purposes, invest a certain percentage of its total assets in:
  n   U.S. government securities
  n   Commercial paper rated at least A-2 by Standard & Poor’s; P-2 by Moody’s or having a comparable rating by another NRSRO
  n   Certificates of deposit
  n   Bankers’ acceptances
  n   Repurchase agreements
  n   Non-convertible preferred stocks and non-convertible corporate bonds with a remaining maturity of less than one year
  n   Cash items

  When the Fund’s assets are invested in such instruments, the Fund may not be achieving its investment objective.

 
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  Risk of Large Shareholder Redemptions. Certain funds, accounts, individuals or Goldman Sachs affiliates may from time to time own (beneficially or of record) or control a significant percentage of the Fund’s shares. Redemptions by these funds, accounts or individuals of their holdings in the Fund may impact the Fund’s liquidity and NAV. These redemptions may also force the Fund to sell securities, which may negatively impact the Fund’s brokerage and tax costs.

   C.  Portfolio Securities and Techniques   

  This section provides further information on certain types of securities and investment techniques that may be used by the Fund, including their associated risks.
 
  The Fund may purchase other types of securities or instruments similar to those described in this section if otherwise consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and policies. Further information is provided in the SAI, which is available upon request.
 
  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 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.
 
  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, securities, interest rates, commodities, indices or other financial indicators (the “Reference”) or the relative change in two or more References. Investments in structured securities may provide exposure to certain securities or markets in situations where regulatory or other restrictions prevent direct investments in such issuers or markets.

 
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APPENDIX A

  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. Structured securities are also subject to the risk that the issuer of the structured securities may fail to perform its contractual obligations. Certain issuers of structured products may be deemed to be investment companies as defined in the Investment Company Act. As a result, the Fund’s investments in structured securities may be subject to the limits applicable to investments in other investment companies.
 
  Structured securities include, but are not limited to, equity linked notes. An equity linked note is a note whose performance is tied to a single stock, a stock index or a basket of stocks. Equity linked notes combine the principal protection normally associated with fixed income investments with the potential for capital appreciation normally associated with equity investments. Upon the maturity of the note, the holder generally receives a return of principal based on the capital appreciation of the linked securities. Depending on the terms of the note, equity linked notes may also have a “cap” or “floor” on the maximum principal amount to be repaid to holders, irrespective of the performance of the underlying linked securities. For example, a note may guarantee the repayment of the original principal amount invested (even if the underlying linked securities have negative performance during the note’s term), but may cap the maximum payment at maturity at a certain percentage of the issuance price or the return of the underlying linked securities. Alternatively, the note may not guarantee a full return on the original principal, but may offer a greater participation in any capital appreciation of the underlying linked securities. The terms of an equity linked note may also provide for periodic interest payments to holders at either a fixed or floating rate. The secondary market for equity linked notes may be limited, and the lack of liquidity in the secondary market may make these securities difficult to dispose of and to value. Equity linked notes will be considered equity securities for purposes of the Fund’s investment objective and policies.
 
  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

 
45


 

  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.
 
  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.
 
  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.
 
  The writing and purchase of 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 anticipate 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 a Fund’s investment portfolio, the Fund may incur losses that it would not otherwise incur. The use of options can also increase the Fund’s transaction costs. Options written or purchased by the Funds 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. When writing on option, the Fund must “set aside” liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” its obligation under the option contract.
 
  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

 
46


 

APPENDIX A

  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.
 
  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 interest rates, securities prices or, to the extent the Fund invests in foreign securities, currency exchange rates, or to otherwise manage its term structure, sector selections and duration in accordance with its investment objective and policies. 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 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.
  n   Because perfect correlation between a futures position and a 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 Fund’s 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.
  n   Foreign exchanges may not provide the same protection as U.S. exchanges.

  The Fund must “set aside” liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” open positions with respect to its transactions in futures contracts and options on futures contracts. In the case of futures contracts that do not cash settle, for example, the Fund must set aside liquid assets equal to the full notional value of the futures contracts while the positions are open. With respect to futures contracts that do cash settle, however, the Fund is permitted to set aside liquid

 
47


 

  assets in an amount equal to the Fund’s daily marked-to-market net obligations ( i.e. , the Fund’s daily net liability) under the futures contracts, if any, rather than their full notional value. The Fund reserves the right to modify its asset segregation policies in the future to comply with any changes in the positions from time to time articulated by the SEC or its staff regarding asset segregation. By setting aside assets equal to only its net obligations under cash-settled futures contracts, the Fund will have the ability to employ leverage to a greater extent than if the Fund were required to segregate assets equal to the full notional amount of the futures contracts.
 
  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.
 
  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. When entering into swap contracts, the Fund must “set aside” liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” its obligation under the swap contract.
 
  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.
 
  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

 
48


 

APPENDIX A

  for its portfolio, the Fund may dispose of when-issued securities or forward commitments prior to settlement if the Investment Adviser deems it appropriate. When purchasing a security on a when-issued basis or entering into a forward commitment, a Fund must “set aside” liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” its obligations.
 
  Repurchase Agreements. Repurchase agreements involve the purchase of securities subject to the seller’s agreement to repurchase them at a mutually agreed upon date and price. Each 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.
 
  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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s interest in the collateral is not enforceable.
 
  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.
 
  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 registered and unregistered investment pools managed by the Investment Adviser, its affiliates or the Fund’s custodian and from which the Investment Adviser or its affiliates may receive fees. 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.

 
49


 

  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.
 
  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 issuer’s 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.
 
  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.
 
  Other Investment Companies. The Fund may invest in securities of other investment companies (including exchange-traded funds such as SPDRs and iShares™, as defined below) subject to statutory limitations prescribed by the Investment Company Act. These limitations include in certain circumstances a prohibition on any Fund acquiring more than 3% of the voting shares of any other investment company, and a prohibition on investing more than 5% of a Fund’s total assets in securities of any one investment company or more than 10% of its total assets in securities of all investment companies. Many ETFs, however, have obtained exemptive relief from the SEC to permit unaffiliated funds to invest in the ETFs’ shares beyond these statutory limitations, subject to certain conditions and pursuant to a contractual arrangement between the ETFs and the investing funds. The Fund may rely on these exemptive orders to invest in unaffiliated ETFs.
 
  The use of ETFs is intended to help the Fund match the total return of the particular market segments or indices represented by those ETFs, although that may not be the result. Most ETFs are investment companies whose shares are purchased and sold on a securities exchange. An ETF represents a portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market segment or index. An investment in an ETF generally presents the same primary risks as an investment in a conventional fund (i.e., one that is not exchange-traded) that has the same investment objectives, strategies and policies. In addition, an ETF may fail to accurately track the market segment or index that underlies its investment objective. The price of an ETF can fluctuate, and the Fund could lose money investing in an ETF. Moreover, ETFs are subject to the following risks that do not apply to conventional funds: (i) the

 
50


 

APPENDIX A

  market price of the ETF’s shares may trade at a premium or a discount to their net asset value; (ii) an active trading market for an ETF’s shares may not develop or be maintained; and (iii) there is no assurance that the requirements of the exchange necessary to maintain the listing of an ETF will continue to be met or remain unchanged.
 
  Pursuant to an exemptive order obtained from the SEC or under an exemptive rule adopted by the SEC, the Fund may invest in other investment companies and money market funds beyond the statutory limits described above. Some of those investment companies and money market funds may be funds for which the Investment Adviser or any of its affiliates serves as investment adviser, administrator or distributor.
 
  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.
 
  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.
 
  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.).
 
  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

 
51


 

  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.
 
  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 (i) the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury; (ii) the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; (iii) the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of the issuer; or (iv) 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. U.S. Government Securities may also include Treasury inflation-protected securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation.
 
  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.
 
  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.

 
52


 

APPENDIX A

  Interest Rate Swaps, Mortgage Swaps, Credit Swaps, Currency Swaps, Total Return Swaps, Options on Swaps and Interest Rate Caps, Floors and Collars. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, such as an exchange of fixed-rate payments for floating rate payments. Mortgage swaps are similar to interest rate swaps in that they represent commitments to pay and receive interest. The notional principal amount, however, is tied to a reference pool or pools of mortgages. Credit swaps involve the receipt of floating or fixed rate payments in exchange for assuming potential credit losses on an underlying security. Credit swaps give one party to a transaction (the buyer of the credit swap) the right to dispose of or acquire an asset (or group of assets or exposure to the performance of an index), or the right to receive a payment from the other party, upon the occurrence of specified credit events. Currency swaps involve the exchange of the parties’ respective rights to make or receive payments in specified currencies. Total return swaps give the Fund the right to receive the appreciation in the value of a specified security, index or other instrument in return for a fee paid to the counterparty, which will typically be an agreed upon interest rate. If the underlying asset in a total return swap declines in value over the term of the swap, the Fund may also be required to pay the dollar value of that decline to the counterparty. The Fund may also purchase and write (sell) options contracts on swaps, commonly referred to as swaptions. A swaption is an option to enter into a swap agreement. Like other types of options, the buyer of a swaption pays a non-refundable premium for the option and obtains the right, but not the obligation, to enter into an underlying swap on agreed-upon terms. The seller of a swaption, in exchange for the premium, becomes obligated (if the option is exercised) to enter into an underlying swap on agreed-upon terms. The purchase of an interest rate cap entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined interest rate, to receive payment of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling such interest rate cap. The purchase of an interest rate floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling the interest rate floor. An interest rate collar is the combination of a cap and a floor that preserves a certain return within a predetermined range of interest rates.
 
  The Fund may enter into the transactions described above for hedging purposes or to seek to increase total return. As an example, when the Fund is the buyer of a credit default swap (commonly known as buying protection), it may make periodic payments to the seller of the credit default swap to obtain protection against a credit default on a specified underlying asset (or group of assets). If a default occurs, the seller of a credit default swap may be required to pay the Fund the

 
53


 

  “notional value” of the credit default swap on a specified security (or group of securities). On the other hand, when the Fund is a seller of a credit default swap (commonly known as selling protection), in addition to the credit exposure the Fund has on the other assets held in its portfolio, the Fund is also subject to the credit exposure on the notional amount of the swap since, in the event of a credit default, the Fund may be required to pay the “notional value” of the credit default swap on a specified security (or group of securities) to the buyer of the credit default swap. The Fund will be the seller of a credit default swap only when the credit of the underlying asset is deemed by the Investment Adviser to meet the Fund’s minimum credit criteria at the time the swap is first entered into.
 
  The use of interest rate, mortgage, credit, currency and total return swaps, options on swaps, and interest rate caps, floors and collars is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If the Investment Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of market values, interest rates and currency exchange rates, or in its evaluation of the creditworthiness of swap counterparties and the issuers of the underlying assets, the investment performance of the Fund would be less favorable than it would have been if these investment techniques were not used. When entering into swap contracts or writing options, the Fund must “set aside” liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” its obligation under the swap or option contract.
 
  Inverse Floaters. The Fund may invest in inverse floating rate debt securities (“inverse floaters”). The interest rate on inverse floaters resets in the opposite direction from the market rate of interest to which an inverse floater is indexed. An inverse floater may be considered to be leveraged to the extent that its interest rate varies by a magnitude that exceeds the magnitude of the change in the index rate of interest. The higher the degree of leverage of an inverse floater, the greater the volatility of its market value.

 
54


 

 
  Appendix B
Financial Highlights
 
  The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand the Fund’s financial performance for the past five years (or less if the Fund has been in operation for less than five years). Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). The information for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, whose report, along with the Fund’s financial statements, is included in the Fund’s annual report (available upon request). The information for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003 has been audited by the Fund’s prior independent registered public accounting firm.

STRUCTURED TAX-MANAGED EQUITY FUND

                                           
Service Shares

For the Years Ended December 31,

2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Net asset value, beginning of year
  $ 11.70     $ 10.37     $ 9.54     $ 8.06     $ 6.24  
   
Income (loss) from investment operations
                                       
Net investment income a
    0.07       0.07       0.03       0.05       0.01  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
    (0.20 )     1.30       0.80       1.44       1.81  
   
 
Total from investment operations
    (0.13 )     1.37       0.83       1.49       1.82  
   
Distributions to shareholders
                                       
From net investment income
    (0.06 )     (0.04 )           (0.01 )      
From tax return of capital
    0.02                          
   
 
Total distributions
    (0.08 )     (0.04 )           (0.01 )      
   
Net asset value, end of year
  $ 11.49     $ 11.70     $ 10.37     $ 9.54     $ 8.06  
   
Total return b
    (1.10 )%     13.21 %     8.70 %     18.54 %     29.17 %
Net assets at end of year (in 000s)
  $ 400     $ 354     $ 411     $ 553     $ 856  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
    1.20 %     1.19 %     1.29 %     1.31 %     1.35 %
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
    0.55 %     0.63 %     0.32 %     0.50 %     0.15 %
Ratios assuming no expense reductions
                                       
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
    1.34 %     1.42 %     1.64 %     1.67 %     1.67 %
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
    0.41 %     0.40 %     (0.03 )%     0.14 %     (0.17 )%
Portfolio turnover rate
    73 %     90 %     92 %     102 %     73 %

See page 56 for all footnotes.

 
55


 

Footnotes:
a
Calculated based on the average shares outstanding methodology.
b
Assumes investment at the net asset value at the beginning of the year, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, a complete redemption of the investment at the net asset value at the end of the year and no sales or redemption charges. Total return would be reduced if a sales or redemption charge were taken into account. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

 
56


 

 
  Index
         
    1 General Investment Management Approach
 
    3 Fund Investment Objective and Strategies
    3   Goldman Sachs Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund
 
    5 Other Investment Practices and Securities
 
    7 Principal Risks of the Fund
 
    10 Fund Performance
 
    12 Fund Fees and Expenses
 
    15 Service Providers
 
    20 Dividends
 
    21 Shareholder Guide
    21   How To Buy Shares
    27   How To Sell Shares
 
    34 Taxation
 
    37 Appendix A
     Additional Information on
     Portfolio Risks, Securities
     and Techniques
 
    55 Appendix B
     Financial Highlights


 

 
  Structured Tax-Advantaged
Equity Funds
Prospectus
(Service Shares)

   FOR MORE INFORMATION   

  Annual/Semi-annual Report
 
  Additional information about the Fund’s investments is available in the Fund’s 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 Fund’s performance during the last fiscal year.
 
  Statement of Additional Information
 
  Additional information about the Fund and its policies is also available in the Fund’s SAI. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus (is legally considered part of this Prospectus).
 
  The Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports, and the SAI, 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 and the SAI at the Fund’s website: http://www.goldmansachsfunds.com.
 
  To obtain other information and for shareholder inquiries:

     
     n  By telephone:
  1-800-621-2550
     n  By mail:
  Goldman Sachs Funds
P.O. Box 06050
Chicago, IL 60606-6306
     n  On the Internet:
  SEC EDGAR database – http://www.sec.gov

  You may review and obtain copies of Fund documents (including the SAI) by visiting the SEC’s public reference room in Washington, D.C. You may also obtain copies of Fund documents, after paying a duplicating fee, by writing to the SEC’s 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) 551-8090.

The Fund’s investment company registration number is 811-05349.

GSAM ® is a registered service mark of Goldman, Sachs & Co.

 
SPECADVSVC (GOLDMAN SACHS LOGO)


 

Prospectus
  Institutional
Shares
 
  April 29, 2008

  GOLDMAN SACHS STRUCTURED TAX-ADVANTAGED EQUITY FUNDS
     
(GRAPHIC)
  n  Goldman Sachs U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund

n
 Goldman Sachs International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund

n
 Goldman Sachs Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund

n
 Goldman Sachs Structured International Tax-Managed Equity 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 A FUND IS NOT A BANK DEPOSIT AND IS NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY. AN INVESTMENT IN A FUND INVOLVES INVESTMENT RISKS, AND YOU MAY LOSE MONEY IN A FUND.
 
(GOLDMAN SACHS LOGO)  


 

         

NOT FDIC-INSURED   May Lose Value   No Bank Guarantee


 

 
  General Investment
Management Approach
 
  Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (“GSAM”) serves as investment adviser to the U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund, International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund, Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund (formerly, CORE SM Tax-Managed Equity Fund) and Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund (each a “Fund,” collectively the “Funds”). GSAM is referred to in this Prospectus as the “Investment Adviser.”

   U.S. EQUITY DIVIDEND AND PREMIUM FUND   

  I. Stock Selection and Portfolio Construction
  The U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund seeks to maintain an equity portfolio that will produce a gross return similar to that of its equity benchmark, the S&P 500 Index. In addition, the Fund will write index call options against a portion of the equity portfolio. Because of the impact of call options written by the Fund, the return of the Fund is not expected to closely track the S&P 500 Index, even if the return of the portfolio securities held by the Fund resembles the return of the equity 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 regard to position sizes, industry weights, sector weights, volatility as compared to the market (i.e., Beta) and estimated tracking error.
 
  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 Fund’s expected dividend yield, provides an attractive level of cash flow.

 
1


 

  Call writing, however, entails certain risks. For more information, see “Principal Risks of the Fund” and “Appendix A—Other Portfolio Risks—Risks of Writing S&P 500 Index and Related ETF Call Options.”
 
  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.
 
 
  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.


   INTERNATIONAL EQUITY DIVIDEND AND PREMIUM FUND   

  I. Stock Selection and Portfolio Construction
  The International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund seeks to maintain an equity portfolio that will produce a gross return similar to that of its equity benchmark, the MSCI ® Europe, Australasia, Far East (“EAFE ® ”) Index. In addition, the Fund will write index call options against a portion of the equity portfolio. Because of the impact of call options written by the Fund, the return of the Fund is not expected to closely track the MSCI EAFE ® Index, even if the return of the portfolio securities held by the Fund resembles the return of the equity benchmark. In addition, the return of the Fund may trail the return of the MSCI EAFE ® 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 MSCI EAFE ® 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 MSCI EAFE ® 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 MSCI EAFE ® Index. Deviations are

 
2


 

GENERAL INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT APPROACH

  constrained with regard to position sizes, industry weights, sector weights, volatility as compared to the market (i.e., Beta) and estimated tracking error.
 
  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 MSCI EAFE ® Index, against exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) linked to the MSCI EAFE ® Index or against other national or regional stock market indices. The goal of the call writing is to generate an amount of premium that, when annualized and added to the Fund’s expected dividend yield, provides an attractive level of cash flow. Call writing, however, entails certain risks. For more information, see “Principal Risks of the Fund” and “Appendix A—Other Portfolio Risks—Risks of Writing Index and Related ETF Call Options.”
 
  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.
 
 
  Goldman Sachs International 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 the MSCI EAFE ® Index or related ETF option call writing.


 
3


 

   STRUCTURED TAX-MANAGED EQUITY FUND   

  Goldman Sachs’ Structured Tax-Managed Investment Philosophy:
  This Fund uses Goldman Sachs’ quantitative style of funds management which emphasizes the three building blocks of active management: fundamentally-based stock selection, careful portfolio construction and efficient implementation.
 
  Step 1: Stock Selection
  The Investment Adviser attempts to forecast returns on approximately 10,000 stocks globally on a daily basis using proprietary CORE SM (“Computer-Optimized, Research-Enhanced”) models developed by the Quantitative Investment Strategies (“QIS”) group. These quantitative models are based on six investment themes — Valuation, Profitability, Quality, Management, Momentum and Sentiment. The Valuation theme attempts to capture potential mispricings of securities, typically by comparing a measure of the company’s intrinsic value to its market value. Profitability assesses whether the company is earning more than its cost of capital. Quality evaluates whether the company’s earnings are coming from more persistent, cash-based sources, as opposed to accruals. Management assesses the company’s management strategy and behavior. Momentum predicts drift in stock prices caused by under-reaction to company-specific information. Finally, the Sentiment theme looks at how Wall Street analysts’ views about a company’s earnings and prospects are changing over time.
 
  Step 2: Portfolio Construction
 
  The Investment Adviser uses a proprietary risk model to help manage the expected deviation of the portfolio’s returns from those of the benchmark. The model, which attempts to identify and measure the comparative risks between equity investments as accurately as possible, by including in the risk model all of the above themes used in the return model, as well as several other factors that the Investment Adviser believes are associated with risk but not return. In this process, the Investment Adviser seeks to add value over the benchmark by overweighting stocks with attractive characteristics (as defined by the return model) and underweighting stocks with poor characteristics relative to the stocks’ benchmark weights. At the same time, the Investment Adviser seeks to manage risk by controlling active stock positions as well as exposure to other characteristics such as size and sector allocations relative to the benchmark. A computer optimizer evaluates many different security combinations (considering many possible weightings) in an effort to construct the most efficient risk/return portfolio given the Fund’s benchmark.

 
4


 

GENERAL INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT APPROACH

  Step 3: Efficient Implementation
 
  The portfolio management team considers transaction costs at each step of the investment process. The team incorporates expected portfolio turnover when assigning weights to the variables of the multifactor model. The team also factors expected execution costs into portfolio construction and evaluates multiple trading options. The team then selects the trading strategy it believes will minimize the total transaction costs to the Fund.
 
 
  Goldman Sachs Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund is a fully invested portfolio that offers broad access to a well-defined stock universe, seeks to outperform its benchmark on an after-tax basis through consistent, disciplined stock selection, and is intended to be an effective tool for implementing a tax-managed strategy within an overall investment portfolio.


   STRUCTURED INTERNATIONAL TAX-MANAGED EQUITY FUND   

  Goldman Sachs’ Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Investment Philosophy:
  This Fund uses Goldman Sachs’ quantitative style of funds management which emphasizes the three building blocks of active management: fundamentally-based stock selection, careful portfolio construction and efficient implementation.
 
  Step 1: Stock Selection
  The Investment Adviser attempts to forecast returns on approximately 10,000 stocks globally on a daily basis using proprietary CORE SM (“Computer-Optimized, Research-Enhanced”) models developed by the Quantitative Investment Strategies (“QIS”) group. These quantitative models are based on six investment themes— Valuation, Profitability, Quality, Management, Momentum and Sentiment. The Valuation theme attempts to capture potential mispricings of securities, typically by comparing a measure of the company’s intrinsic value to its market value. Profitability assesses whether the company is earning more than its cost of capital. Quality evaluates whether the company’s earnings are coming from more persistent, cash-based sources, as opposed to accruals. Management assesses the Company’s management strategy and behavior. Momentum predicts drift in stock prices caused by under-reaction to company-specific information. Finally, the Sentiment theme looks at how Wall Street analysts’ views about a company’s earnings and prospects are changing over time.

 
5


 

  Step 2: Portfolio Construction
 
  The Investment Adviser uses a proprietary risk model to help manage the expected deviation of the portfolio’s returns from those of the benchmark. The model attempts to identify and measure the comparative risks between equity investments as accurately as possible, by including in the risk model all of the above themes used in the return model, as well as several other factors that the Investment Adviser believes are associated with risk but not return. In this process, the Investment Adviser seeks to add value over the benchmark by overweighting stocks with attractive characteristics (as defined by the return model) and underweighting stocks with poor characteristics relative to the stocks’ benchmark weights. At the same time, the Investment Adviser seeks to manage risk by controlling active stock positions as well as exposure to other characteristics such as size and sector allocations relative to the benchmark. A computer optimizer evaluates many different security combinations (considering many possible weightings) in an effort to construct the most efficient risk/return portfolio given each Fund’s benchmark.
 
  Step 3: Efficient Implementation
 
  The portfolio management team considers transaction costs at each step of the investment process. The team incorporates expected portfolio turnover when assigning weights to the variables of the multifactor model. The team also factors expected execution costs into portfolio construction and evaluates multiple trading options. The team then selects the trading strategy it believes will minimize the total transaction costs to the Fund.
 
 
  Goldman Sachs Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund is a fully invested portfolio that offers broad access to a well-defined stock universe, seeks to outperform its benchmark on an after-tax basis through consistent, disciplined stock selection, and is intended to be an effective tool for implementing a tax-managed strategy within an overall investment portfolio.


 
6


 

 
  Fund Investment Objectives
and Strategies
 
  Goldman Sachs
U.S. Equity Dividend and
Premium Fund
     
FUND FACTS

Objective:
  Income and Total Return
Benchmarks:
  S&P 500 ® Index and Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index
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
Investment Style:
  Quantitative
Symbol:
  GSPKX
 

   INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE   

  The Fund seeks to maximize income and total return.

   PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES   

  The Fund seeks to achieve its objective primarily through investment in large-cap U.S. equity securities and S&P 500 Index or related ETF option call writing.
 
  Equity Investments.  Under normal circumstances, with respect to at least 80% of the Fund’s net assets plus any borrowings for investment purposes (measured at time of purchase) (“Net Assets”), the Fund will invest in dividend-paying 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

 
7


 

 
  Goldman Sachs
U.S. Equity Dividend and
Premium Fund
continued

  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 uses 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.
 
  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 Fund’s portfolio is expected to be reduced by the Fund’s sale of call options. The Fund anticipates that its cash flow 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. Cash flow from dividends will generally be considered income and will be included in quarterly distributions of income. Cash flow from options premiums is considered to be capital and will be included in the Fund’s annual distribution of net capital gains. In addition, the Fund’s returns will be affected by the capital appreciation and depreciation of the securities held in its portfolio.
 
  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 Fund’s 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

 
     * 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 a Fund’s policy to invest at least 80% of its Net Assets in the particular type of investment suggested by its name.
 
8


 

FUND INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES

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.
 
  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 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 premiums), a portfolio with a S&P 500 Index and related ETF call strategy could significantly underperform the same portfolio without the options.
 
  Tax-Efficient Investing. The Fund seeks to achieve returns primarily in the form of qualifying dividends paid on common stocks, 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:
  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

  The Fund’s practice of writing call options, however, will generally result in short-term and long-term capital gains or losses each year under special tax rules applicable to those transactions. The Fund will seek to offset the short-term capital gains from option writing by generating offsetting short-term capital losses in the portfolio. The tax goals of this Fund differ from those of the Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund described elsewhere in this prospectus. The U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund does not seek to defer the realization of long-term capital gains. It merely seeks to avoid or minimize any net short-term capital gains. See “Taxation-Distributions” below.
 
  Other.  The Fund’s investments in fixed income securities are limited to securities that are considered cash equivalents.

 
9


 

 
  Goldman Sachs
International Equity Dividend
  and Premium Fund
     
FUND FACTS

Objective:
  Total return, with an emphasis on income
Benchmark:
  MSCI EAFE ® Index (net of withholding taxes, unhedged) and Lehman Brothers Global Aggregate Bond Index
Investment Focus:
  Large-cap equity investments in companies that are organized outside the United States or whose securities are primarily traded outside the United States along with exposure to MSCI EAFE ® Index or related ETF option call writing
Investment Style:
  Quantitative, applied to non-U.S. growth and value stocks
Symbol:
  GIDHX
 

   INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE   

  The Fund seeks to maximize total return with an emphasis on income.

   PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES   

  The Fund seeks to achieve its objective primarily through investment in large-cap equity investments in companies that are organized outside the United States or whose securities are primarily traded outside the United States along with exposure to MSCI EAFE ® Index or related ETF option call writing.
 
  Equity Investments.  The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its Net Assets in dividend-paying equity investments in companies that are organized outside the United States or whose securities are principally traded outside 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 MSCI EAFE ® Index at the time of investment.*
 
  The Fund may allocate its assets among countries as determined by the Investment Adviser from time to time, provided the Fund’s assets are invested in at least three

*   To the extent required by SEC regulations, shareholders will be provided with sixty days notice before any change in a Fund’s policy to invest at least 80% of its Net Assets in the particular type of investment suggested by its name.
 
10


 

FUND INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES

foreign countries. The Fund may invest in the securities of issuers in emerging countries.

  The Fund uses a variety of quantitative techniques when selecting investments. The Fund will seek to maintain risk, style, capitalization and industry characteristics similar to the MSCI EAFE ® Index.
 
  The Fund invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of common stocks of large-cap foreign issuers represented in the MSCI EAFE ® 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 MSCI EAFE ® Index, other national or regional stock market indices or related ETFs. The volatility of the Fund’s portfolio is expected to be reduced by the Fund’s sale of call options. The Fund anticipates that its cash flow will be derived from dividends on the common stock in its portfolio and premiums it receives from selling MSCI EAFE ® Index, other national or regional stock market indices or related ETF call options. Cash flow from dividends will generally be considered income and will be included in quarterly distributions of income. Cash flow from options’ premiums is considered to be capital and will be included in the Fund’s annual distribution of net capital gains. In addition, the Fund’s returns will be affected by the capital appreciation and depreciation of the securities held in its portfolio.
 
  The Fund expects that, under normal circumstances, it will sell call options on the MSCI EAFE ® Index, other national or regional stock market indices or related ETFs in an amount that is between 25% and 75% of the value of the Fund’s portfolio. As the seller of the index options 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

 
11


 

 
  Goldman Sachs
International Equity Dividend
  and Premium Fund continued

  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.
 
  During periods in which the international equity markets are generally unchanged or falling, a diversified portfolio with 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 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 premiums), a portfolio with an index and related ETF call strategy could significantly underperform the same portfolio without the options.
 
  Tax-Efficient Investing. The Fund seeks to achieve returns primarily in the form of qualifying dividends paid on common stocks, capital gains from the options and portfolio securities the Fund sells, and unrealized price appreciation. Typically the Fund will realize capital gains from the options strategy in a declining market. In a rising market the Fund does not expect to realize capital gains from the option strategy. The Fund may use different strategies in seeking tax-efficiency. These strategies include:
  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

  The Fund’s practice of writing call options, however, will generally result in short-term capital gains or losses each year under special tax rules applicable to those transactions. The Fund will seek to offset the short-term capital gains from option writing by generating offsetting short-term capital losses in the portfolio. See “Taxation-Distributions”.
 
  Other.  The Fund’s investments in fixed income securities are limited to securities that are considered to be cash equivalents.

 
12


 

FUND INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES
 
  Goldman Sachs
Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund
     
FUND FACTS

Objective:
  Long-term after-tax growth of capital
Benchmark:
  Russell 3000 Index
Investment Focus:
  A total market, broadly diversified portfolio of U.S. equity investments
Investment Style:
  Tax-managed quantitative focus
Symbol:
  GCTIX
 

   INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE   

  The Fund seeks to provide long-term after-tax growth of capital through tax-sensitive participation in a broadly diversified portfolio of U.S. equity securities.

   PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES   

  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 U.S. issuers, including foreign issuers that are traded in the United States.*
 
  The Fund uses both a variety of quantitative techniques and fundamental research when selecting investments which have the potential to maximize the Fund’s after-tax return, and minimize capital gains and income distributions. The Fund will seek to maintain risk, style, capitalization and industry characteristics similar to the Russell 3000 Index.
 
  Tax-Managed Investing.  In managing the Fund, the Investment Adviser balances investment considerations and tax considerations. The Fund seeks to achieve returns

 
 
 

 
     * To the extent required by SEC regulations, shareholders will be provided with sixty days notice in the manner prescribed by the SEC before any change in a Fund’s policy to invest at least 80% of its Net Assets in the particular type of investment suggested by its name.
 
13


 

 
  Goldman Sachs
Structured Tax-Managed
Equity Fund
continued

primarily in the form of price appreciation (which is not subject to current tax), and may use different strategies in seeking tax-efficiency. These strategies include:
  n   Offsetting long-term and short-term capital gains with long-term and short-term capital losses and creating loss carryforward positions
  n   Limiting portfolio turnover that may result in taxable 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

  In situations where the Fund would otherwise be required to sell portfolio securities to meet shareholder redemption requests (and possibly realizing taxable gains), the Fund may borrow money to make the necessary redemption payments. In addition, Goldman Sachs may, but would not in any instance be required to, make contemporaneous purchases of Fund shares for its own account that would provide the Fund with cash to meet its redemption payment obligations.
 
  When the Fund borrows money, the Investment Adviser intends to hedge the excess market exposure created by borrowing. There is no guarantee such hedging will be completely effective.
 
  The Fund may not achieve its investment objective of providing “after-tax” growth of capital for various reasons. Implementation of tax-managed investment strategies may not materially reduce the amount of taxable income and capital gains distributed by the Fund to shareholders.
 
  Other.  The Fund’s investments in fixed income securities are limited to securities that are considered cash equivalents.
 
  The Fund is not a suitable investment for IRAs, other tax-exempt or tax-deferred accounts or for other investors who are not sensitive to the federal income tax consequences of their investments.

 
14


 

FUND INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES
 
  Goldman Sachs
Structured International
Tax-Managed Equity Fund
     
FUND FACTS

Objective:
  Long-term after-tax growth of capital through tax-sensitive participation in a broadly diversified portfolio of international equity securities
Benchmark:
  MSCI EAFE ® Index (net of withholding taxes, unhedged)
Investment Focus:
  A total market, broadly diversified portfolio of equity investments in companies that are organized outside the United States or whose securities are principally traded outside the United States (“international equity securities”)
Investment Style:
  Tax-managed quantitative focus
Symbol:
  GHTMX
 

   INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE   

  The Fund seeks to provide long-term after-tax growth of capital through tax-sensitive participation in a broadly diversified portfolio of international equity securities.

   PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES   

  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 international equity securities.*
 
  As discussed in “General Investment Management Approach,” the Fund’s investments are selected using a variety of quantitative techniques, derived from fundamental research including but not limited to valuation, momentum, management, sentiment, profitability and quality, in seeking to maximize the Fund’s expected return.
 
  The Fund expects to maintain risk, style, capitalization and industry characteristics similar to the MSCI EAFE ® Index.

 
     * To the extent required by SEC regulations, shareholders will be provided with sixty days notice before any change in the Fund’s policy to invest at least 80% of its Net Assets in the particular type of investment suggested by its name.
 
15


 

 
  Goldman Sachs
Structured International
Tax-Managed Equity Fund
continued

  The Fund may allocate its assets among countries as determined by the Investment Adviser from time to time, provided the Fund’s assets are invested in at least three foreign countries. The Fund may invest in the securities of issuers in emerging countries.
 
  Tax-Managed Investing.  In managing the Fund, the Investment Adviser balances investment considerations and tax considerations. The Fund seeks to achieve returns primarily in the form of price appreciation (which is not subject to current tax), and may use different strategies in seeking tax-efficiency. These strategies include:
  n   Offsetting long-term and short-term capital gains with long-term and short-term capital losses and creating loss carryforward positions
  n   Limiting portfolio turnover that may result in taxable 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

  In situations where the Fund would otherwise be required to sell portfolio securities to meet shareholder redemption requests (and possibly realizing taxable gains), the Fund may borrow money to make the necessary redemption payments. In addition, Goldman Sachs may, but would not in any instance be required to, make contemporaneous purchases of Fund shares for its own account that would provide the Fund with cash to meet its redemption payment obligations.
 
  When the Fund borrows money, the Investment Adviser intends to hedge the excess market exposure created by borrowing. There is no guarantee such hedging will be completely effective.
 
  The Fund may not achieve its investment objective of providing “after-tax” growth of capital for various reasons. Implementation of tax-managed investment strategies may not materially reduce the amount of taxable income and capital gains distributed by the Fund to shareholders.
 
  Other.  The Fund’s investments in fixed income securities are limited to securities that are considered cash equivalents.
 
  The Fund is not a suitable investment for IRAs, other tax-exempt or tax-deferred accounts or for other investors who are not sensitive to the federal income tax consequences of their investments.

 
16


 

 
Other Investment Practices
and Securities

The tables below and on the following page identify some of the investment techniques that may (but are not required to) be used by the Funds in seeking to achieve their investment objectives. The tables also highlight the differences and similarities among the Funds in their use of these techniques and other investment practices and investment securities. Numbers in this table show allowable usage only; for actual usage, consult the Funds’ annual/semi-annual reports. For more information about these and other investment practices and securities, see Appendix A. Each Fund publishes on its website (http://www.goldmansachsfunds.com) complete portfolio holdings for the 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 Funds 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. This information will be available on the website until the date on which a Fund files its next quarterly portfolio holdings report on Form N-CSR or Form N-Q with the SEC. In addition, a description of a Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of a Fund’s portfolio holdings is available in the Funds’ Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).

                 
10  Percent of total assets (including securities lending collateral) (italic type)
10 Percent of net assets (excluding borrowings for investment purposes) (roman type)
Structured
•     No specific percentage limitation on usage; International Structured International
      limited only by the objectives and strategies U.S. Equity Equity Tax-Managed Equity
      of the Fund Dividend and Dividend and Equity Dividend and
—  Not permitted Premium Fund Premium Fund Fund Premium Fund

Investment Practices            
 
Borrowings
  33 1/3   33 1/3   33 1/3   33 1/3
 
Credit, Currency, Index, Interest Rate, Total Return and Mortgage Swaps and Options on Swaps *
       
 
Cross Hedging of Currencies
       
 
Custodial Receipts and Trust Certificates
       
 
Equity Swaps *
  15   15   15   15
 
Foreign Currency Transactions **
       
 
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts
  2     2  
 
Interest Rate Caps, Floors and Collars
       
 
Investment Company Securities (including exchange-traded funds)
  10   10   10   10
 
Mortgage Dollar Rolls
       
 
Options on Foreign Currencies
       
 
Options on Securities and Securities Indices 1
       
 
Repurchase Agreements
       
 
Securities Lending
  33 1/3   33 1/3   33 1/3   33 1/3
 
Unseasoned Companies
       
 
Preferred Stock, Warrants and Stock Purchase Rights
       
 
When-Issued Securities and Forward Commitments
       

 
  *
Limited to 15% of net assets (together with other illiquid securities) for all structured securities and all swap transactions that are not deemed liquid.
**
Limited by the amount each Fund may invest in foreign securities.
   1
The Funds may sell covered call and put options and purchase call and put options.
   2
The U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund may enter into futures transactions only with respect to U.S. equity indices.
 
17


 

                                 
10  Percent of total assets (excluding securities lending collateral) (italic type)
10 Percent of Net Assets (including borrowings for investment purposes) (roman type)
Structured
•    No specific percentage limitation on usage; International Structured International
      limited only by the objectives and strategies U.S. Equity Equity Tax-Managed Tax-Managed
      of the Fund Dividend and Dividend and Equity Equity
—  Not permitted Premium Fund Premium Fund Fund Fund

Investment Securities                        
 
American, European and Global Depositary Receipts
    3           3      
 
Bank Obligations 4
                       
 
Convertible Securities 5
                       
 
Corporate Debt Obligations 4
                       
 
Equity Investments
    80 +     80 +     80 +     80 +
Emerging Country Securities
                       
 
Fixed Income Securities
    20 6       20       20 6       20  
Foreign Securities
    7             7        
 
Real Estate Investment Trusts
                       
 
Structured Securities * 4
                       
 
Temporary Investments
    35             35        
 
U.S. Government Securities 4
                       

 
*
Limited to 15% of net assets (together with other illiquid securities) for all structured securities and swap transactions that are not deemed liquid.
3
The U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund do not invest in European Depositary Receipts.
4
Limited by the amount the Fund invests in fixed income securities.
5
Convertible securities purchased by the Funds 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.
 
18


 

 
Principal Risks of the Funds

Loss of money is a risk of investing in each Fund. An investment in a 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 Funds and may result in a loss of your investment. None of the Funds should be relied upon as a complete investment program. There can be no assurance that a Fund will achieve its investment objective.

                 
U.S.  International
Equity Equity Structured
Dividend Dividend Structured International
and and Tax-Managed Tax-Managed
•   Applicable Premium Premium Equity Equity
— Not applicable Fund Fund Fund Fund

NAV
       
Credit/Default
       
Foreign
       
Emerging Countries
       
Stock
       
Derivatives
       
Management
       
Market
       
Liquidity
       
REIT
       
Investment Style
       
Mid Cap and Small Cap
       
Tax-Managed Investment Risk
       
Option Writing
       

General Risks:
n   NAV Risk —The risk that the net asset value (“NAV”) of a Fund and the value of your investment will fluctuate.
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 a 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. A Fund will also be subject to the risk of negative foreign currency rate fluctuations. Foreign risks will normally be greatest when a Fund invests in issuers located in emerging countries.

 
19


 

n   Emerging Countries Risk —The securities markets of Asian, Central and South American, Eastern European, Middle Eastern, African and other emerging countries are less liquid, are especially subject to greater price volatility, have smaller market capitalizations, have less government regulation and are not subject to as extensive and frequent accounting, financial and other reporting requirements as the securities markets of more developed countries. Further, investment in equity securities of issuers located in certain emerging countries involves risk of loss resulting from problems in share registration and custody and substantial economic and political disruptions. These risks are not normally associated with investments in more developed countries.
n   Stock Risk —The risk that stock prices have historically risen and fallen in periodic cycles. U.S. and foreign stock markets have experienced periods of substantial price volatility in the past and may do so again in the future.
n   Derivatives Risk —The risk that loss may result from a Fund’s investments in options, futures, swaps, structured securities and other derivative instruments. These instruments may be illiquid, difficult to price and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses to a Fund.
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 a 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 a Fund may invest to a greater degree in instruments that trade in lower volumes and may make investments that may be less liquid than other investments. Also, the risk that a Fund may make investments that may become less liquid in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions. When there is no willing buyer and investments cannot be readily sold at the desired time or price, a Fund may have to accept a lower price or may not be able to sell the instruments at all. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Fund’s value or prevent the Fund from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. To meet redemption requests, a Fund may be forced to sell liquid securities, at an unfavorable time and conditions.

Funds that invest in REITs and emerging country issuers may 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.

Certain Goldman Sachs fund of funds portfolios (the “Fund of Funds Portfolios”) may invest a significant percentage of their assets in certain of the Funds and other

 
20


 

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF THE FUNDS

funds for which GSAM or an affiliate now or in the future acts as investment adviser or underwriter. Redemptions by a Fund of Funds Portfolio of its position in a Fund may further increase liquidity risk and may impact a Fund’s NAV.

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 companies and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements because of interest rate changes, economic conditions and other factors. 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. A 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 company’s growth of earnings potential. Growth companies are often expected by investors to increase their earnings at a certain rate. When these expectations are not met, investors can punish the stocks inordinately even if earnings showed an absolute increase. 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   Mid Cap and Small Cap Risk —The securities of small capitalization and mid-capitalization companies involve greater risks than those associated with larger, more established 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. Both mid-cap and small-cap companies often have narrower markets and more limited managerial and financial resources than larger, more established companies. As a result, their performance can be more volatile and they face greater risk of business failure, which could increase the volatility of a Fund’s portfolio. Generally, the smaller the company size, the greater these risks.

Other Specific Risks:

n   Tax-Managed Investment Risk —Because the Investment Adviser balances investment considerations and tax considerations, the pre-tax performance of the Funds may be lower than the performance of similar Funds that are not tax-
 
21


 

managed. This is because the Investment Adviser may choose not to make certain investments 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 Funds to shareholders. A high percentage of each Fund’s NAV may consist of unrealized capital gains, which represent a potential future tax liability to shareholders. The Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund and the Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund are not suitable investments for IRAs, other tax-exempt or tax-deferred accounts or for other investors who are not sensitive to the federal income tax consequences of their investments.
n   Option Writing Risk —Writing (selling) call options 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 U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund write (sell) S&P 500 Index, MSCI EAFE ® Index or related ETF call options, they receive cash but limit their opportunity to profit from an increase in the market value of the S&P 500 Index, MSCI EAFE ® Index or related ETF beyond the exercise price (plus the premium received) of the option. In a rising market, the U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and the International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund could significantly underperform the market. The Funds’ option strategies may not fully protect them against declines in the value of the market. Cash received from premiums will enhance return in declining markets, but a Fund will continue to bear the risk of a decline in the value of the securities held in its portfolio. The benefit from writing a call option is limited to the amount of premium received. In a period of a sharply falling equity market, the Funds will likely also experience sharp declines in their net asset value.

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.

 
22


 

 
  Fund Performance

   HOW THE FUNDS HAVE PERFORMED   

  The bar charts and tables on the following pages provide an indication of the risks of investing in a Fund by showing: (a) changes in the performance of a Fund’s Institutional Shares from year to year; and (b) how the average annual total returns of a Fund’s Institutional Shares compare to those of broad-based securities market indices. The bar chart (including “Best Quarter” and “Worst Quarter” information) and table assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. A Fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Performance reflects expense limitations in effect. If expense limitations were not in place, a Fund’s performance would have been reduced.
 
  The Goldman Sachs International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund commenced operations on January 10, 2008. No performance information regarding the Goldman Sachs International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund is included in this section because such Funds have less than one calendar year of performance.

   INFORMATION ON AFTER-TAX RETURNS   

  These definitions apply to the after-tax returns.
 
  Average Annual Total Returns Before Taxes.  These returns do not reflect taxes on distributions on a Fund’s Institutional Shares nor do they show how performance can be impacted by taxes when shares are redeemed (sold) by you.
 
  Average Annual Total Returns After Taxes on Distributions.  These returns assume that taxes are paid on distributions on a Fund’s Institutional Shares ( i.e. , dividends and capital gains) but do not reflect taxes that may be incurred upon redemption (sale) of the Institutional Shares at the end of the performance period.
 
  Average Annual Total Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Shares.  These returns reflect taxes paid on distributions on a Fund’s Institutional Shares and taxes applicable when the shares are redeemed (sold).
 
  Note on Tax Rates.  The after-tax performance figures are calculated using the historically highest individual federal marginal income tax rates at the time of the distributions and do not reflect 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. Under certain circumstances, the addition of the tax benefits from capital losses resulting from redemptions may cause the Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares to be greater than the Returns After Taxes on Distributions or even the Returns Before Taxes.

 
23


 

U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund

     
TOTAL RETURN CALENDAR YEAR

Best Quarter*
Q4 ’06           6.22%

Worst Quarter*
Q4 ’07   -4.52%
  LOGO

   AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN   

                 
For the period ended December 31, 2007 1 Year Since Inception

Institutional Shares (Inception 8/31/05)
               
Returns Before Taxes
    3.39%       8.68 %
Returns After Taxes on Distributions**
    1.99%       7.57 %
Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares**
    4.10%       7.40 %
S&P 500 ® Index***
    5.49%       10.29 %
Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index****
    6.97%       4.61 %

 
     *
Please note that “Best Quarter” and “Worst Quarter” figures are applicable only to the time period covered by the bar chart.
   **
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. In addition, the after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
   ***
The S&P 500 ® Index is the Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Stock Price Index of 500 stocks, an unmanaged index of common stock prices. The Index figures do not reflect any deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.
   ****
The Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index is an unmanaged index of bond prices. The Index figures do not reflect any deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.
 
24


 

FUND PERFORMANCE

Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund

     
TOTAL RETURN CALENDAR YEAR


Best Quarter*
Q2 ’03  +14.71%

Worst Quarter*
Q3 ’02  -15.18%
 
LOGO
   AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN   
                         
For the period ended December 31, 2007 1 Year 5 Years Since Inception

Institutional Shares (Inception 4/3/00)
                       
Returns Before Taxes
    -0.65%       13.78%       2.52 %
Returns After Taxes on Distributions**
    -0.83%       13.67%       2.43 %
Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares**
    -0.18%       12.10%       2.15 %
Russell 3000 Index***
    5.14%       13.62%       1.99 %

 
       *
Please note that “Best Quarter” and “Worst Quarter” figures are applicable only to the time period covered by the bar chart.
     **
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. In addition, the after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
   ***
The unmanaged Russell 3000 Index measures the performance of the 3,000 largest U.S. companies based on total market capitalization. The Index figures do not reflect any deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.
 
25


 

 
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 a Fund.

                                 
International Structured
U.S. Equity Equity Structured International
Dividend and Dividend and Tax-Managed Tax-Managed
Premium Premium Equity Equity
Fund Fund Fund Fund

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment):
                               
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
    None       None       None       None  
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends
    None       None       None       None  
Redemption Fees
    None       2.00% 1     None       2.00% 1
Exchange Fees
    None       None       None       None  
 
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets): 2
                               
 
Management Fees 3
    0.75%       0.81%       0.70%*       0.85%*  
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees
    None       None       None       None  
Other Expenses 4 *
    0.11%       0.46%       0.13%       0.53%  

Total Fund Operating Expenses*
    0.86%       1.27%       0.83%       1.38%  

See pages 27 for all other footnotes.

  The “Management Fees,” “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses” shown in the table above do not reflect voluntary fee waivers and/or expense limitations currently in place with respect to the Funds. The Funds’ “Management Fees,” “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses,” after any waivers and expense limitations, are as set forth below. These fee waivers and expense limitations application of current may be modified or terminated at any time at the option of the Investment Adviser and without shareholder approval. If this occurs, the “Management Fees,” “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses” shown below would be higher.  
                                 
International Structured
U.S. Equity Equity Structured International
Dividend and Dividend and Tax-Managed Tax-Managed
Premium Premium Equity Equity
Fund Fund Fund Fund

Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets): 2
                               
Management Fees 3
    0.75%       0.81%       0.65%       0.81%  
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees
    None       None       None       None  
Other Expenses 4
    0.09%       0.09%       0.04%       0.05%  

Total Fund Operating Expenses (after current                        
waivers and expense limitations)
    0.84%       0.90%       0.69%       0.86%  

 
26


 

FUND FEES AND EXPENSES

1
A 2% redemption fee will be imposed on the redemption of shares (including by exchange) of the International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and the Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund held for 30 calendar days or less.
2
Except for the International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and the Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund, the Funds’ annual operating expenses are based on actual expenses incurred for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. The annual operating expenses for the International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and the Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund are based on amount expected to be incurred for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008.
3
The Investment Adviser is entitled to management fees from the Funds at the annual rates equal to the following percentages of the average daily net assets of the Funds:

                     
Management Fee Average Daily
Fund Annual Rate Net Assets

U.S. Equity Dividend
    0.75%     First $ 1 billion      
and Premium
    0.68%     Next $ 1 billion      
      0.65%     Over $ 2 billion      

   
International Equity
    0.81%     First $ 1 billion      
Dividend and
    0.77%     Next $ 1 billion      
Premium
    0.73%     Over $ 2 billion      

   
Structured Tax-Managed
    0.70%     First $ 1 billion      
Equity
    0.63%     Next $ 1 billion      
      0.60%     Over $ 2 billion      

   
Structured International
    0.85%     First $ 1 billion      
Tax-Managed Equity
    0.77%     Next $ 1 billion      
      0.73%     Over $ 2 billion      

   

Additionally, the Investment Adviser is currently voluntarily waiving a portion of its management fee equal to 0.05% and 0.04% based on the average daily net assets of the Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund and the Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund, respectively. As a result, the Investment Adviser is currently receiving a management fee from the Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund and the Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund at the annual rate of 0.65% and 0.81%, respectively.
4
“Other Expenses” include transfer agency fees and expenses equal on an annualized basis to 0.04% of the average daily net assets of each Fund’s 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 meetings and other extraordinary expenses, exclusive of any custody and transfer agent fee credit reductions) to the following percentages of each Fund’s average daily net assets:
             
Other
Fund Expenses

U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium
    0.054      
International Equity Dividend and Premium
    0.054      
Structured Tax-Managed Equity
    0.004      
Structured International Tax-Managed Equity
    0.014      
 
27


 

Fund Fees and Expenses continued

Example

The following Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in a 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 a Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Institutional Shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that a Fund’s 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 5 Years 10 Years

U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium
  $ 88     $ 274     $ 477     $ 1,061  

International Equity Dividend and Premium
  $ 129     $ 403       N/A       N/A  

Structured Tax-Managed Equity
  $ 85     $ 265     $ 460     $ 1,025  

Structured International Tax-Managed Equity
  $ 140     $ 437       N/A       N/A  


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 on behalf of their customers may receive other compensation in connection with the sale and distribution of Institutional Shares or for services to their customers’ accounts and/or the Funds. For additional information regarding such compensation, see “Shareholder Guide” in the Prospectus and “Payments to Intermediaries” in the SAI.

 
28


 

 
  Service Providers

   INVESTMENT ADVISER   

     
Investment Adviser Fund

Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (“GSAM”)
32 Old Slip
New York, New York 10005
  U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium
International Equity Dividend and Premium
Structured Tax-Managed Equity
Structured International Tax- Managed Equity

  GSAM has been registered as an investment adviser with the SEC since 1990 and is an affiliate of Goldman, Sachs & Co. (“Goldman Sachs”). As of December 31, 2007, GSAM, including its investment advisory affiliates, had assets under management of $763 billion.
 
  The Investment Adviser provides day-to-day advice regarding the Funds’ portfolio transactions. The Investment Adviser makes the investment decisions for the Funds 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 Funds, 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 Funds:
  n   Supervises all non-advisory operations of the Funds
  n   Provides personnel to perform necessary executive, administrative and clerical services to the Funds
  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 each Fund
  n   Provides office space and all necessary office equipment and services

 
29


 

   MANAGEMENT FEES   

  As compensation for its services and its assumption of certain expenses, the Investment Adviser is entitled to the following fees, computed daily and payable monthly, at the annual rates listed below (as a percentage of each respective Fund’s average daily net assets):

                           
Actual Rate
For the Fiscal
Average Daily Year Ended
Fund Contractual Rate Net Assets December 31, 2007

U.S. Equity Dividend
    0.75%       First $1  billion       0.75%  
 
and Premium
    0.68%       Next $1  billion          
      0.65%       Over $2  billion          

International Equity Dividend and Premium
    0.81%
0.73%
0.69%
    First $1  billion
Next $1  billion
Over $2  billion
    0.81%  

Structured Tax-Managed Equity
    0.70%
0.63%
0.60%
    First $1  billion
Next $1  billion
Over $2  billion
    0.65%  

Structured International Tax-Managed Equity
    0.85%
0.77%
0.73%
    First $1  billion
Next $1  billion
Over $2  billion
    0.85%  

  The Investment Adviser may voluntarily waive a portion of its management fee from time to time and may discontinue or modify any such voluntary limitations in the future at its discretion.
 
  A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees’ (the “Trustees”) approval of the Management Agreement in 2007 for the Funds is available in the Funds’ annual report dated December 31, 2007.

   FUND MANAGERS   

  Quantitative Investment Strategies Team
  n   A stable and growing team supported by an extensive internal staff
  n   More than $120 billion in equities currently under management including $60 billion in U.S. equities
  n   Proprietary research on quantitative models and tax-advantaged strategies
 
30


 

SERVICE PROVIDERS

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Quantitative Investment Strategies Team
             
Years
Primarily
Name and Title Fund Responsibility Responsible Five Year Employment History

Robert C. Jones, CFA
Co-Chief Investment Officer
Managing Director
  Portfolio Manager—
U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium
International Equity Dividend and Premium
Structured Tax-Managed Equity
Structured International Tax-Managed Equity
  Since

2005

2008

2000

2008
  Mr. Jones joined the Investment Adviser as a portfolio manager in 1989.

Mark Carhart, PhD, CFA
Co-Chief Investment Officer
Managing Director
  Senior Portfolio Manager—
Structured International Tax-Managed Equity International Equity Dividend and Premium
  Since
2008

2008
  Mr. Carhart joined the Investment Adviser in 1997 within the Quantitative Investment Strategies group. He has taken on portfolio management responsibilities for the Quantitative Equity Funds in 2008.

Don Mulvihill
Managing Director
  Senior Portfolio Manager—
U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium
International Equity Dividend and Premium
Structured Tax-Managed Equity
Structured International Tax-Managed Equity
  Since

2005

2008

2000

2008
  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.

  Robert C. Jones, CFA and Mark Carhart, PhD, CFA are Managing Directors and Co-Chief Investment Officers for the QIS team. 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. The computer optimizer constructs the portfolio based on the team’s models and design and no one person on the team has a subjective override of the computer optimizer process, except in very specific limited cases.
 
  For information about the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers’ ownership of securities in the Funds, see the SAI.

   DISTRIBUTOR AND TRANSFER AGENT   

  Goldman Sachs, 85 Broad Street, New York, New York 10004, serves as the exclusive distributor (the “Distributor”) of each Fund’s shares. Goldman Sachs, 71 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 500, Chicago, Illinois 60606, also serves as each Fund’s
 
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  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 Funds. Goldman Sachs reserves the right to redeem at any time some or all of the shares acquired for its own account.

   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 a Fund or limit a Fund’s 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, financier, 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 Funds directly and indirectly invest. Thus, it is likely that the Funds 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 Funds and/or which engage in and compete for transactions in the same types of securities, currencies and instruments as the Funds. 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 Funds. The results of a Fund’s investment activities, therefore, may differ from those of Goldman Sachs, its affiliates and other accounts managed by Goldman Sachs, and it is possible that a 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 Funds may enter into transactions in which Goldman Sachs or its other clients have an adverse interest. For example, a Fund may take a long position in a security at the same time that Goldman Sachs or other accounts managed by the Investment Adviser take a short position in the same security (or vice versa). These and other transactions undertaken by Goldman Sachs, its affiliates or Goldman Sachs advised-clients may adversely impact the Funds. Transactions by one or more Goldman Sachs advised-
 
32


 

SERVICE PROVIDERS

  clients or the Investment Adviser may have the effect of diluting or otherwise disadvantaging the values, prices or investment strategies of the Funds. A Fund’s 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 service 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 affect transactions in, securities of issuers held by the Funds, and may also perform or seek to perform investment 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 Funds or who engage in transactions with or for the Funds. For more information about conflicts of interest, see the SAI.
 
  Under a securities lending program approved by the Funds’ Board of Trustees, the Funds may retain an affiliate of the Investment Adviser to serve as a securities lending agent for each Fund to the extent that the Funds engage in the securities lending program. For these services, the lending agent may receive a fee from the Funds, including a fee based on the returns earned on the Funds’ investment of the cash received as collateral for the loaned securities. The Board of Trustees periodically reviews all portfolio securities loan transactions for which the affiliated lending agent has acted as lending agent. In addition, the Funds may make brokerage and other payments to Goldman Sachs and its affiliates in connection with the Funds’ portfolio investment transactions, as permitted by applicable law.

 
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  Dividends
 
  Each Fund pays dividends from its investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains (although the Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund attempts to minimize capital gains and income distributions 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 same Fund
  n   Shares of the same class of another Goldman Sachs Fund. Special restrictions may apply. See the SAI.

  You may indicate your election on your Account Application. Any changes may be submitted in writing to the Transfer Agent 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 applicable 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.
 
  The Funds’ investments in foreign securities may be subject to foreign withholding taxes. Under certain circumstances, the Funds may elect to pass-through these taxes to you. If this election is made, a proportionate amount of such taxes will constitute a distribution to you, which would allow you either (i) to credit such proportionate amount of foreign taxes against your U.S. federal income tax liability or (ii) to take such amount as an itemized deduction.
 
  Dividends from net investment 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

International Equity Dividend and Premium
  Quarterly   Annually

Structured Tax-Managed Equity
  Annually   Annually

Structured International Tax-Managed Equity
  Annually   Annually

  From time to time a portion of a Fund’s dividends may constitute a return of capital for tax purposes, and/or may include amounts in excess of the Fund’s net investment income for the period calculated in accordance with good accounting practice.

 
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DIVIDENDS

  When you purchase shares of a Fund, part of the NAV per share may be represented by undistributed income and/or undistributed realized gains that have previously been earned by the Fund. Therefore, subsequent distributions on such shares from such income and/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.

 
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  Shareholder Guide

  The following section will provide you with answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding buying and selling the Funds’ Institutional Shares.

   HOW TO BUY SHARES   

  How Can I Purchase Institutional Shares Of The Funds?
  You may purchase Institutional Shares on any business day at their NAV next determined after receipt of an order. No sales load is charged. In order to make an initial investment in a Fund, you must furnish to the Fund or your financial institution an Account Application. You should either:
  n   Contact your financial institution, who may place an order through certain electronic trading platforms (e.g., National Securities Clearing Corporation) or contact the Goldman Sachs Trust (the “Trust”) to place an order;
  n   Place an order with Goldman Sachs at 1-800-621-2550 and wire federal funds on the next business day; or
  n   Send a check payable to Goldman Sachs Funds— (Name of Fund and Class of Shares), P.O. Box 06050, Chicago, IL 60606-6306. The Funds will not accept checks drawn on foreign banks, third party checks, temporary checks, cash or cash equivalents; e.g., cashier’s checks, official bank checks, money orders, travelers cheques or credit card checks. In limited situations involving the transfer of retirement assets, a Fund may accept cashier’s checks or official bank checks.

  It is strongly recommended that payment be effected by wiring federal funds.
 
  It is expected that checks will be converted to federal funds within two business days after receipt.
 
  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   A Fund will be deemed to have received an order in proper form when the order is accepted by the authorized institution or other financial intermediary on a business day, and the order will be priced at the Fund’s NAV per share (less
 
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SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  any applicable redemption fee in the case of redemption orders) next determined after such acceptance.
  n   Authorized institutions and other financial 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 financial intermediary to learn whether it is authorized to accept orders for the Trust. These institutions or other financial intermediaries (“Intermediaries”) may receive payments from the Funds 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 Funds.
 
  The Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates may make payments or provide services to authorized dealers and other Intermediaries to promote the sale, distribution and/ or servicing of shares of the Funds and other Goldman Sachs Funds. These payments are made out of the Investment Adviser’s, Distributor’s and/ or their affiliates’ own assets, and are not an additional charge to the Funds. Such payments are intended to compensate Intermediaries for, among other things: marketing shares of the Funds and other Goldman Sachs Funds, which may consist of payments relating to Funds 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 Funds 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 Institutional Shares, as well as sponsor various educational programs, sales contests and/ or promotions. The payments by the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/ or their affiliates, which are in addition to the fees paid for these services by the Funds, may also compensate Intermediaries for subaccounting, sub-transfer agency, administrative and/ or shareholder processing services. These payments may exceed amounts earned on these assets by the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates for the performance of these or similar services. The amount of these additional payments is normally not expected to exceed 0.50% (annualized) of the amount sold or invested through the Intermediaries. In addition, certain Intermediaries may have access to certain services from the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates, including research reports and economic analysis, and portfolio analysis tools. In certain cases, the Intermediary may not pay for these services. Please refer to the “Payments to Intermediaries” section of the SAI for more information about these payments and services.

 
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  The payments made by the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates and the services received by an Intermediary may differ for different Intermediaries. The presence of these payments, receipt of these services 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 Funds based, at least in part, on the level of compensation paid. You should contact your Authorized Institution or Intermediary for more information about the payments it receives and any potential conflicts of interest.
 
  In addition to Institutional Shares, each 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 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.

 
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SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  What Is My Minimum Investment In The Funds?

     
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 a 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  Corporations with less than $100 million in assets or in outstanding publicly traded securities    

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; any Trustee or officer of the Trust; brokerage or advisory clients of Goldman Sachs Private Wealth Management and accounts for which The Goldman Sachs Trust Company of Delaware acts in fiduciary capacity ( i.e. , as agent or trustee); certain mutual fund “wrap” programs at the discretion of the Trust’s officers; and for
 
39


 

  other investors at the discretion of the Trust’s officers. No minimum amount is required for additional investments.
 
  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 Institutional Shares of a 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 a Fund.
  n   Close a Fund to new investors from time to time and reopen any such Fund whenever it is deemed appropriate by a Fund’s Investment Adviser.
  n   Modify or waive the minimum investment requirements.
  n   Modify the manner in which shares are offered.
  n   Modify the sales charge rates applicable to future purchases of shares.

  Generally, non-U.S. citizens and certain U.S. citizens residing outside the United States may not open an account with the Funds.
 
  The Funds may allow you to purchase shares with securities instead of cash if consistent with a Fund’s investment policies and operations and if approved by the Fund’s Investment Adviser.
 
  Notwithstanding the foregoing, 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.
 
  Customer Identification Program. Federal law requires the Funds to obtain, verify and record identifying information, which will be reviewed solely for customer identification purposes, 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 information, for each investor who opens an account directly with the Funds. Applications without the required information may not be accepted by the Funds. After accepting an application, to the extent permitted by applicable law or their customer identification program, the Funds reserve 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 Funds; or (iii) involuntarily redeem an

 
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SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  investor’s shares and close an account in the event that the Funds are unable to verify an investor’s identity. The Funds and their agents will not be responsible for any loss in an investor’s account resulting from the investor’s delay in providing all required information or from closing an account and redeeming an investor’s shares pursuant to the customer identification program.
 
  How Are Shares Priced?
  The price you pay when you buy Institutional Shares is a Fund’s next determined NAV for a share class after the Fund receives your order in proper form. The price you receive when you sell Institutional Shares is a Fund’s next determined NAV for a share class with the redemption proceeds reduced by any applicable charge (e.g., redemption fees) after the Fund receives your order in proper form. The Funds calculate 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.
 
  In the event that a Fund invests a significant portion of assets in foreign equity securities, “fair value” prices are provided by an independent fair value service in accordance with the fair value procedures approved by the Trustees. 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 price for a particular security, or if the price provided does not meet the established criteria for a Fund, the Fund will price that security at the most recent closing price for that security on its principal exchange.
 
  In addition, the Investment Adviser, consistent with its procedures and applicable regulatory guidance, may (but need not) 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 a Fund’s 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

 
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  fluctuations in U.S. or foreign markets; market dislocations; market disruptions or market closings; equipment failures; natural or man made disasters or acts of God; armed conflicts; 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, including those relating to earnings, products and regulatory news; significant litigation; low trading volume; and trading limits, or suspensions.
 
  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 Funds to price their 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).
 
  Please note the following with respect to the price at which your transactions are processed:
  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 other times 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   The Trust reserves the right to reprocess purchase (including dividend reinvestments), redemption and exchange transactions that were processed at a NAV that is subsequently adjusted, and to recover amounts from (or distribute amounts to) shareholders accordingly based on the official closing NAV as adjusted.
  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.

  Consistent with industry practice, investment transactions not settling on the same day are recorded and factored into a Fund’s NAV on the business day following trade date (T+1). The use of T+1 accounting generally does not, but may, result in a NAV that differs materially from the NAV that would result if all transactions were reflected on their trade dates.
 
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SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  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 its regularly scheduled closing time. In the event the New York Stock Exchange does not open for business, the Trust may, but is not required to, open one or more Funds for purchase, redemption and exchange transactions if the Federal Reserve wire payment system is open. To learn whether a Fund is open for business during this situation, please call 1-800-621-2550.
 
  Foreign securities may trade in their local markets on days a Fund is closed. As a result, if a Fund holds foreign securities, its NAV may be impacted on days when investors may not purchase or redeem Fund shares.

   HOW TO SELL SHARES   

  How Can I Sell Institutional Shares Of The Funds?
  You may arrange to take money out of your account by selling (redeeming) some or all of your shares. Generally, each Fund will redeem its Institutional Shares upon request on any business day at the NAV next determined after receipt of such request in proper form, subject to any applicable redemption fee. You may request that redemption proceeds be sent to you by check or wire (if the wire instructions are designated in the records of the Transfer Agent). Redemptions may be requested in writing, by electronic trading platform, or by telephone (unless the institution opts out of the telephone redemption privilege on the Account Application).
 
  Generally, any redemption request that requires money to go to an account or address other than that designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent must be in writing and signed by an authorized person (a Medallion signature guarantee may be required). The written request may be confirmed by telephone with both the requesting party and the designated bank to verify instructions.
 
  Certain institutions and financial intermediaries are authorized to accept redemption requests on behalf of the Funds 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 the redemption proceeds sent to a bank account that is not designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent.

 
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  A Medallion 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 Medallion signature guarantee. Additional documentation may be required.
 
  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   Telephone requests are recorded.
  n   Proceeds of telephone redemption requests will be sent to your address of record or authorized account designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent (unless you provide written instructions and a Medallion 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 current records of the Transfer Agent (see immediately preceding bullet point). In order to receive the redemption by check during this time period, a redemption request must be in the form of a written letter (a Medallion signature guarantee may be required).
  n   The telephone redemption option may be modified or terminated at any time without prior notice.

  Note: It may be difficult to make telephone redemptions in times of unusual 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 domestic bank account as designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent. The following general policies govern wiring redemption proceeds:
  n   Redemption proceeds will normally be wired on the next business day in federal funds, but may be paid up to three business days following receipt of a properly executed wire transfer redemption request.
  n   Although redemption proceeds will normally be paid as described above, under certain circumstances, redemption requests or payments may be postponed or suspended as permitted under Section 22(e) of the Investment Company Act (the “Act”). Generally, under that section, redemption requests or payments may be

 
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SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  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 a Fund’s net assets not reasonably practicable; or (iii) the SEC, by order, permits the suspension of the right of redemption.
  n   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.
  n   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 until the Federal Reserve Bank reopens.
  n   To change the bank designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent, you must send written instructions, signed by an authorized person designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent.
  n   Neither the Trust nor Goldman Sachs assumes any responsibility for the performance of your bank or any other financial 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 receipt 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 Do I Need To Know About The Redemption Fee?
  The International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund will charge a 2% redemption fee on the redemption of shares (including by exchange) held for 30 days or less. For this purpose, the Funds use a first-in first-out (“FIFO”) method so that shares held longest will be treated as being redeemed first and shares held shortest will be treated as being redeemed last. The redemption fee will be paid to the Fund from which the redemption is made, and is intended to offset the trading costs, market impact and other costs associated with short-term money movements in and out of the Fund. The redemption fee may be collected by deduction from the redemption proceeds or, if assessed after the redemption transaction, through a separate billing.
 
  The redemption fee does not apply to transactions involving the following:
  n   Redemptions of shares acquired by reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions.
  n   Redemptions of shares that are acquired or redeemed in connection with participation in a systematic withdrawal program or automatic investment plan.

 
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  n   Redemptions of shares by other Goldman Sachs Funds (e.g., Goldman Sachs Asset Allocation Portfolios).
  n   Redemptions of shares held through discretionary wrap programs or models programs that utilize a regularly scheduled automatic rebalancing of assets and that have provided GSAM with certain representations regarding operating policies and standards.
  n   Redemptions of shares involving transactions other than participant initiated exchanges from retirement plans and accounts maintained under Section 401 (tax-qualified pension, profit sharing, 401(k), money purchase and stock bonus plans), 403 (qualified annuity plans and tax-sheltered annuities) and 457 (deferred compensation plans for employees of tax-exempt entities or governments) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Redemptions involving transactions other than participant initiated exchanges would include, for example: loans; required minimum distributions; rollovers; forfeiture; redemptions of shares to pay fees; plan level redemptions or exchanges; redemptions pursuant to systematic withdrawal programs; return of excess contribution amounts; hardship withdrawals; redemptions related to death, disability or qualified domestic relations order; and certain other transactions.
  n   Redemptions of shares from accounts of financial institutions in connection with hedging services provided in support of nonqualified deferred compensation plans offering the Goldman Sachs Funds.
  n   Redemptions of shares where the Fund is made available as an underlying investment in certain group annuity contracts.
  n   Redemptions of shares that are issued as part of an investment company reorganization to which a Goldman Sachs Fund is a party.
  n   Redemptions of shares representing “seed capital” investments by Goldman Sachs or its affiliates.
  n   Redemptions of shares held through an employee benefit plan using the Fund as part of a qualified default investment alternative or “QDIA.”

  The Trust reserves the right to modify or eliminate the redemption fee or waivers at any time and will give 60 days prior written notice of any material changes, unless otherwise provided by law. The redemption fee policy may be modified or amended in the future.
 
  In addition to the circumstances noted above, the Trust reserves the right to grant additional exceptions based on such factors as system limitations, operational limitations, contractual limitations and further guidance from the SEC or other regulators.
 
  If your shares are held through a financial intermediary in an omnibus or other group account, the Trust relies on the financial intermediary to assess the

 
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SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  redemption fee on underlying shareholder accounts. The application of redemption fees and exemptions may vary and certain financial intermediaries may not apply the exceptions listed above. If you invest through a financial intermediary, please contact your financial intermediary for more information regarding when redemption fees will be applied to the redemption of your shares.
 
  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 in the event an institution’s relationship with Goldman Sachs is terminated and you do not transfer your account to another institution with a relationship with Goldman Sachs. The Trust will not be responsible for any loss in an investor’s account or tax liability resulting from the redemption.
  n   Redeem your shares if your account balance is below the required Fund minimum. The Funds 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 Funds will give you 60 days prior written notice to allow you to purchase sufficient additional shares of the Funds in order to avoid such redemption.
  n   Subject to applicable law, 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.
  n   Reinvest any amounts (e.g., dividends, distributions or redemption proceeds) which you have elected to receive by check should your check be returned to a Fund as undeliverable or remain uncashed for six months. This provision may not apply to certain retirement or qualified accounts or to a closed account. No interest will accrue on amounts represented by uncashed checks.

 
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  Can I Exchange My Investment From One Goldman Sachs Fund To Another Goldman Sachs Fund?
  You may exchange Institutional Shares of a Fund at NAV for certain shares of another Goldman Sachs Fund. Redemption of shares (including by exchange) of the International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund that are held for 30 days or less (60 days or less with respect to the Goldman Sachs High Yield and High Yield Municipal Funds) may, however, be subject to a redemption fee as described above under “What Do I Need To Know About The Redemption Fee?” The exchange privilege may be materially modified or withdrawn at any time upon 60 days written notice.
 
  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 Goldman Sachs Fund you are acquiring before making an exchange.
  n   Currently, the Funds do not impose any charge for exchanges, although the Funds may impose a charge in the future.
  n   Normally, a telephone exchange 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 unusual economic or market conditions.
  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   A signature guarantee may be required.
  n   Exchanges into Goldman Sachs Funds that are closed to new investors may be restricted.
  n   Exchanges into a Fund from another Goldman Sachs Fund may be subject to any redemption fee imposed by the other Goldman Sachs Fund.

  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 be provided with a printed confirmation of each transaction in your account and a monthly account statement. If your account is held in a “street name” you may receive your statements and confirmations on a different schedule.

 
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SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  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 your financial intermediary or Goldman Sachs Funds by phone at 1-800-621-2550 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.
 
  In addition, institutions and other financial intermediaries will be responsible for providing any communications from a Fund to its shareholders, including but not limited to prospectuses, prospectus supplements, proxy materials and notices regarding the sources of dividend payments under Section 19 of the Act.

   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 redemption 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 respective Funds. 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 longer-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 Trust’s (or Goldman Sachs’) judgment, an investor has a history of excessive trading or if an investor’s trading, in the judgment of the Trust (or Goldman Sachs), has been or may be disruptive to a 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.
 
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  To deter excessive shareholder trading, the International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund, Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund and certain other Goldman Sachs Funds (which are offered in separate prospectuses) impose a redemption fee on redemptions made within 30 days of purchase (60 days of purchase with respect to the Goldman Sachs High Yield and High Yield Municipal Funds) subject to certain exceptions. See “Shareholder Guide — How To Sell Shares — What Do I Need To Know About The Redemption Fee?” for more information about the redemption fee, including transactions and certain omnibus accounts to which the redemption fee does not apply. As a further deterrent to excessive trading, many foreign equity securities held by the Funds are priced by an independent pricing service using fair valuation. For more information on fair valuation, please see “Shareholder Guide — How To Buy Shares — How Are Shares Priced?”
 
  Pursuant to the policy adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust, 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 Funds in order to assess the likelihood that a 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. Consistent with the standards described above, if, in its judgment, Goldman Sachs detects excessive, short-term trading, Goldman Sachs is authorized to reject or restrict a purchase or exchange request and may further seek to close an investor’s account with a 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 financial intermediaries such as broker-dealers, investment advisers and insurance companies. In addition, Fund shares may be held in omnibus 401(k) plans, employee benefit plans and other group accounts. Omnibus accounts include multiple investors and such accounts typically provide the Funds 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 ordinarily not tracked by the Funds on a regular basis. 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, a Fund’s ability to monitor and detect market-timing by shareholders or apply any applicable redemption fee in these omnibus accounts may be limited in certain circumstances, and certain of these

 
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SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  financial intermediaries may charge the Fund a fee for providing certain shareholder information requested as part of the Fund’s surveillance process. 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 Funds 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. If necessary, the Trust may prohibit additional purchases of Fund shares by a financial intermediary or by certain of the financial intermediary’s customers. Financial intermediaries may also monitor their customers’ trading activities in the Funds. The criteria used by financial intermediaries to monitor for excessive trading may differ from the criteria used by the Funds. If a financial intermediary fails to cooperate in the implementation or enforcement of the Trust’s excessive trading policies, the Trust may take certain actions including terminating the relationship.
 
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  Taxation
 
  As with any investment, you should consider how your investment in the Funds will be taxed. The tax information below is provided as general information. More tax information is available in the SAI. You should consult your tax adviser about the federal, state, local or foreign tax consequences of your investment in the Funds. Except as otherwise noted, the tax information provided assumes that you are a U.S. citizen or resident.
 
  Unless your investment is through an IRA or other tax-advantaged account, you should carefully consider the possible tax consequences of Fund distributions and the sale of your Fund shares.

   DISTRIBUTIONS   

  Each Fund contemplates declaring as dividends each year all or substantially all of its taxable income. Distributions you receive from the Funds are generally subject to federal income tax, and may also be subject to state or local taxes (although the Structured Tax-Managed Equity 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, the Funds’ distributions attributable to net investment income and short-term capital gains are taxable to you as ordinary income. Any distributions of long-term capital gains are taxable as long-term capital gains, no matter how long you have owned your Fund shares.
 
  The U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium and International Equity Dividend and Premium Funds’ accrued income or loss each year from writing index call options (including unrealized gain or loss on any open positions) will, generally, under special mark-to-market 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.
 
  Under current provisions of the Code, the maximum long-term capital gain tax rate applicable to individuals, estates, and trusts is 15%. Fund distributions to noncorporate shareholders attributable to dividends received by the Funds 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. For these lower rates to apply, the non-corporate shareholder must own the relevant Fund shares for at least 61 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the Fund’s ex-dividend date. The amount of a Fund’s distributions that would otherwise qualify for this favorable tax treatment will be reduced as a result of a

 
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TAXATION

  Fund’s securities lending activities or by a high portfolio turnover rate or by investments in debt securities or “non-qualified” foreign corporations.
 
  A sunset provision provides that the 15% long-term capital gain rate will increase to 20% and the taxation of dividends at the long-term capital gain rate will end after 2010.
 
  Because of the U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund’s and International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund’s practice of writing S&P 500 Index, MSCI EAFE ® Index, other national or regional indices or related ETF call options, the possibility exists that an overlap between the Fund’s equity investments and the components of the indices if substantial enough, might cause a deferral of the Funds’ recognition of losses for tax purposes or a reduction in the amount of the Funds’ distributions that qualify for the favorable tax rate applicable to dividends. The Funds’ intend to manage their investments in a manner designed to avoid these adverse tax results to the extent reasonably practicable, but there is no assurance that the Funds will accomplish this objective at all times.
 
  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 a Fund’s securities lending activities or by a high portfolio turnover rate. Character and tax status of all distributions will be available to shareholders after the close of each calendar year.
 
  Each Fund may be subject to foreign withholding or other foreign taxes on income or gain from certain foreign securities. In general, the Funds may deduct these taxes in computing their taxable income. Rather than deducting these foreign taxes, the International Equity Dividend and Premium and Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Funds may make an election to treat a proportionate amount of those taxes as constituting a distribution to each shareholder, which would generally allow you either (i) to credit that proportionate amount of taxes against U.S. Federal income tax liability as a foreign tax credit or (ii) to take that amount as an itemized deduction.
 
  If you buy shares of a 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 into a dividend.”

   SALES AND EXCHANGES   

  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

 
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  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 capital gain or loss is long-term or short-term depending on whether your holding period exceeds one year, 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 shares of a Fund may be disallowed under “wash sale” rules to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced with other shares of that 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 that Fund. If disallowed, the loss will be reflected in an adjustment to the basis of the shares acquired.

   OTHER INFORMATION   

  When you open your account, you should provide your Social Security Number or tax identification number on your Account Application. By law, each 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.
 
  Non-U.S. investors are generally subject to U.S. withholding tax and may be subject to U.S. estate tax. However, withholding is generally not required on properly designated distributions to non-U.S. investors of long-term capital gains. More information about U.S. taxation of non-U.S. investors is included in the SAI.
 
  Investments in the Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund and Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund are subject to the tax risks described previously under “Principal Risks of the Funds.”

 
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  Appendix A
Additional Information on Portfolio
Risks, Securities and Techniques

   A.  General Portfolio Risks   

  The Funds 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 (such as swaps and futures contracts) 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 a 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 Funds may increase or decrease. In recent years, certain stock markets have experienced substantial price volatility.
 
  To the extent that a Fund invests in fixed income securities, that Fund will also be subject to the risks associated with its fixed income securities. These risks include interest rate risk, credit/default risk and call/extension risk. In general, interest rate risk involves the risk that when interest rates decline, the market value of fixed income securities tends to increase (although many mortgage-related securities will have less potential than other debt securities for capital appreciation during periods of declining rates). Conversely, when interest rates increase, the market value of fixed income securities tends to decline. Credit/default risk involves the risk that an issuer or guarantor could default on its obligations, and a Fund will not recover its investment. Call risk and extension risk are normally present in mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities. For example, homeowners have the option to prepay their mortgages. Therefore, the duration of a security backed by home mortgages can either shorten (call risk) or lengthen (extension risk). In general, if interest rates on new mortgage loans fall sufficiently below the interest rates on existing outstanding mortgage loans, the rate of prepayment would be expected to increase. Conversely, if mortgage loan interest rates rise above the interest rates on existing outstanding mortgage loans, the rate of prepayment would be expected to decrease. In either case, a change in the prepayment rate can result in losses to

 
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  investors. The same would be true of asset-backed securities such as securities backed by car loans.
 
  The Investment Adviser will not consider the portfolio turnover rate a limiting factor in making investment decisions for a Fund. A high rate of portfolio turnover (100% or more) involves correspondingly greater expenses which must be borne by a 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 a Fund’s portfolio securities, excluding securities having a maturity at the date of purchase of one year or less. See “Financial Highlights” in Appendix B for a statement of the Funds’ historical portfolio turnover rates.
 
  The following sections provide further information on certain types of securities and investment techniques that may be used by the Funds, including their associated risks. Additional information is provided in the SAI, which is available upon request. Among other things, the SAI 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 a Fund’s investment objective, you should consider whether that Fund remains an appropriate investment in light of your then current financial position and needs.

   B.  Other Portfolio Risks   

  Risks of Writing S&P 500 Index, MSCI EAFE ® Index and Related ETF Call Options. When the U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund write (sell) S&P 500 Index, MSCI EAFE ® Index or related ETF call options, they forego the opportunity to benefit from an increase in the value of the relevant Index or related ETF above the exercise price (plus the premium received) of the option, but they continues to bear the risk of a decline in the value of the relevant Index or related ETF. As the seller of the S&P 500 Index, MSCI EAFE ® Index or related EFT call options, the U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and the International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund 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
 
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APPENDIX A

  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 U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and the International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund can also repurchase the call option prior to the expiration date, ending their obligation. In this case, the cost of entering into closing purchase transactions will determine the gain or loss realized by the Funds.
 
  There is no assurance that a liquid market will be available at all times for the U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and the International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund to write call options or to enter into closing purchase transactions. In addition, the premiums the Funds receive 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.”
 
  Risks of Investing in Small Capitalization and Mid-Capitalization Companies and REITs. The Funds may, to the extent consistent with their respective investment policies, invest in small and mid-capitalization companies and REITs. Investments in small and mid-capitalization companies and REITs involve greater risk and portfolio price volatility than investments in larger capitalization stocks. Among the reasons for the greater price volatility of these investments are the less certain growth prospects of smaller firms and the lower degree of liquidity in the markets for such securities. Small and mid-capitalization companies and REITs may be thinly traded and may have to be sold at a discount from current market prices or in small lots over an extended period of time. In addition, these securities are subject to the risk that during certain periods the liquidity of particular issuers or industries, or all securities in particular investment categories, will shrink or disappear suddenly and without warning as a result of adverse economic or market conditions, or adverse investor perceptions whether or not accurate. Because of the lack of sufficient market liquidity, a Fund may incur losses because it will be required to effect sales at a disadvantageous time and only then at a substantial drop in price. Small and mid-capitalization companies and REITs include “unseasoned” issuers that do not have an established financial history; often have limited product lines, markets or financial resources; may depend on or use a few key personnel for management; and may be susceptible to losses and risks of bankruptcy. Small and mid-capitalization companies may be operating at a loss or have significant variations in operating results; may be engaged in a rapidly changing business with products subject to a substantial risk of obsolescence; may

 
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  require substantial additional capital to support their operations, to finance expansion or to maintain their competitive position; and may have substantial borrowings or may otherwise have a weak financial condition. In addition, these companies may face intense competition, including competition from companies with greater financial resources, more extensive development, manufacturing, marketing, and other capabilities, and a larger number of qualified managerial and technical personnel. Transaction costs for these investments are often higher than those of larger capitalization companies. Investments in small and mid-capitalization companies and REITs may be more difficult to price precisely than other types of securities because of their characteristics and lower trading volumes.
 
  Risks of Foreign Investments. The Funds may make foreign investments, although the U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund may only invest in foreign issuers that are traded in the United States. 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 a 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.
 
  Brokerage commissions, custodial services and other costs relating to investment in international securities markets generally are more expensive than in the United States. In addition, clearance and settlement procedures may be different in foreign countries and, in certain markets, such procedures have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, thus making it difficult to conduct such transactions.
 
  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

 
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APPENDIX A

  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.
 
  Concentration of a Fund’s assets in one or a few countries and currencies will subject a Fund to greater risks than if a Fund’s assets were not geographically concentrated.
 
  Investment in sovereign debt obligations by a Fund involves risks not present in debt obligations of corporate issuers. The issuer of the debt or the governmental authorities that control the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal or interest when due in accordance with the terms of such debt, and a Fund may have limited recourse to compel payment in the event of a default. Periods of economic uncertainty may result in the volatility of market prices of sovereign debt, and in turn a Fund’s NAV, to a greater extent than the volatility inherent in debt obligations of U.S. issuers.
 
  A sovereign debtor’s willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its foreign currency reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor’s policy toward international lenders, and the political constraints to which a sovereign debtor may be subject.
 
  Investments in foreign securities may take the form of sponsored and unsponsored American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) and Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”). Certain Funds may also invest in European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) or other similar instruments representing securities of foreign issuers. ADRs, GDRs and EDRs 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. EDRs are traded primarily outside the United States. Prices of ADRs are quoted in U.S. dollars. EDRs and GDRs are not necessarily quoted in the same currency as the underlying security.
 
  Risks of Emerging Countries. Certain Funds may invest in securities of issuers located in emerging countries. The risks of foreign investment are heightened when the issuer is located in an emerging country. Emerging countries are generally located in Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe and Central and South America. A Fund’s purchase and sale of portfolio securities in certain emerging countries may be

 
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  constrained by limitations relating to daily changes in the prices of listed securities, periodic trading or settlement volume and/or limitations on aggregate holdings of foreign investors. Such limitations may be computed based on the aggregate trading volume by or holdings of a Fund, the Investment Adviser, its affiliates and their respective clients and other service providers. A Fund may not be able to sell securities in circumstances where price, trading or settlement volume limitations have been reached.
 
  Foreign investment in the securities markets of certain emerging countries is restricted or controlled to varying degrees which may limit investment in such countries or increase the administrative costs of such investments. For example, certain Asian countries require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons or limit investment by foreign persons to only a specified percentage of an issuer’s outstanding securities or a specific class of securities which may have less advantageous terms (including price) than securities of the issuer available for purchase by nationals. In addition, certain countries may restrict or prohibit investment opportunities in issuers or industries deemed important to national interests. Such restrictions may affect the market price, liquidity and rights of securities that may be purchased by a Fund. The repatriation of both investment income and capital from certain emerging countries is subject to restrictions such as the need for governmental consents. In situations where a country restricts direct investment in securities (which may occur in certain Asian and other countries), a Fund may invest in such countries through other investment funds in such countries.
 
  Many emerging countries have experienced currency devaluations and substantial (and, in some cases, extremely high) rates of inflation. Other emerging countries have experienced economic recessions. These circumstances have had a negative effect on the economies and securities markets of such emerging countries. Economies in emerging countries generally are dependent heavily upon commodity prices and international trade and, accordingly, have been and may continue to be affected adversely by the economies of their trading partners, trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade.
 
  Many emerging countries are subject to a substantial degree of economic, political and social instability. Governments of some emerging countries are authoritarian in nature or have been installed or removed as a result of military coups, while governments in other emerging countries have periodically used force to suppress civil dissent. Disparities of wealth, the pace and success of democratization, and ethnic, religious and racial disaffection, among other factors, have also led to social unrest, violence and/or labor unrest in some emerging countries. Unanticipated political or social developments may result in sudden and significant investment

 
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APPENDIX A

  losses. Investing in emerging countries involves greater risk of loss due to expropriation, nationalization, confiscation of assets and property or the imposition of restrictions on foreign investments and on repatriation of capital invested. As an example, in the past, some Eastern European governments have expropriated substantial amounts of private property, and many claims of the property owners have never been fully settled. There is no assurance that similar expropriations will not recur in Eastern European or other countries.
 
  A Fund’s investment in emerging countries may also be subject to withholding or other taxes, which may be significant and may reduce the return to a Fund from an investment in issuers in such countries to the Fund.
 
  Settlement procedures in emerging countries are frequently less developed and reliable than those in the United States and may involve a Fund’s delivery of securities before receipt of payment for their sale. In addition, significant delays may occur in certain markets in registering the transfer of securities. Settlement or registration problems may make it more difficult for a Fund to value its portfolio securities and could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities, to have a portion of its assets uninvested or to incur losses due to the failure of a counterparty to pay for securities the Fund has delivered or the Fund’s inability to complete its contractual obligations because of theft or other reasons.
 
  The creditworthiness of the local securities firms used by a Fund in emerging countries may not be as sound as the creditworthiness of firms used in more developed countries. As a result, the Fund may be subject to a greater risk of loss if a securities firm defaults in the performance of its responsibilities.
 
  The small size and inexperience of the securities markets in certain emerging countries and the limited volume of trading in securities in those countries may make a Fund’s investments in such countries less liquid and more volatile than investments in countries with more developed securities markets (such as the United States, Japan and most Western European countries). A Fund’s investments in emerging countries are subject to the risk that the liquidity of a particular investment, or investments generally, in such countries will shrink or disappear suddenly and without warning as a result of adverse economic, market or political conditions or adverse investor perceptions, whether or not accurate. Because of the lack of sufficient market liquidity, a Fund may incur losses because it will be required to effect sales at a disadvantageous time and only then at a substantial drop in price. Investments in emerging countries may be more difficult to value precisely because of the characteristics discussed above and lower trading volumes.

 
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  A Fund’s use of foreign currency management techniques in emerging countries may be limited. The Investment Adviser anticipates that a significant portion of the Funds’ currency exposure in emerging countries may not be covered by these techniques.
 
  Risks of Derivative Investments. The Funds may invest in derivative instruments, including without limitation, options, futures, options on futures, swaps, interest rate caps, floors and collars, structured securities and forward contracts and other derivatives relating to foreign currency transactions. Investments in derivative instruments may be for both hedging and nonhedging purposes (that is, to seek to increase total return) although suitable derivative instruments may not always be available to the Investment Adviser for those purposes. Losses from investments in derivative instruments 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, the failure of the counterparty to perform its contractual obligations, 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 the timing or level of fluctuations in securities prices, interest rates or currency prices. Investments in derivative instruments may be harder to value, subject to greater volatility and more likely subject to changes in tax treatment than other investments. For these reasons, the Investment Adviser’s attempts to hedge portfolios risk through the use of derivative instruments may not be successful, and the Investment Adviser may choose not to hedge certain portfolio risks. Investing for nonhedging purposes is considered a speculative practice and presents even greater risk of loss.
 
  Risks of Equity Swap Transactions. Equity swaps are two party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors. In a standard “swap” transaction, the parties agree to pay or exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on a particular predetermined asset (or group of assets) which may be adjusted for transaction costs, interest payments, dividends paid on the reference asset or other factors. The gross returns to be paid or “swapped” between the parties are generally calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” for example, the increase or decrease in value of a particular dollar amount invested in the asset.
 
  Equity swaps may be structured in different ways. For example, when the Fund takes a long position, a counterparty may agree to pay the Fund the amount, if any, by which the notional amount of the equity swap would have increased in value had it been invested in a particular stock (or group of stocks), plus the dividends that would have been received on the stock. In these cases, the Fund may agree to pay to the counterparty interest on the notional amount of the equity swap plus the

 
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  amount, if any, by which that notional amount would have decreased in value had it been invested in such stock. Therefore, in this case the return to the Fund on the equity swap should be the gain or loss on the notional amount plus dividends on the stock less the interest paid by the Fund on the notional amount. In other cases, when the Fund takes a short position, a counterparty may agree to pay the Fund the amount, if any, by which the notional amount of the equity swap would have decreased in value had the Fund sold a particular stock (or group of stocks) short, less the dividend expense that the Fund would have paid on the stock, as adjusted for interest payments or other economic factors.
 
  Under an equity swap, payments may be made at the conclusion of the equity swap or periodically during its term. Sometimes, however, the Investment Adviser may be able to terminate a swap contract prior to its term, subject to any potential termination fee that is in addition to the Fund’s accrued obligations under the swap. Equity swaps will be made in the over-the-counter market and will be entered into with a counterparty that typically will be an investment banking firm, broker-dealer or bank.
 
  Equity swaps are derivatives and their value can be very volatile. To the extent that the Investment Adviser does not accurately analyze and predict future market trends, the values of assets or economic factors, the Fund may suffer a loss, which may be substantial.
 
  Risks of Illiquid Securities. Each 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:
  n   Both domestic and foreign securities that are not readily marketable
  n   Repurchase agreements and time deposits with a notice or demand period of more than seven days
  n   Certain over-the-counter options
  n   Certain structured securities and swap transactions
  n   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”).

  Investing in 144A Securities may decrease the liquidity of a Fund’s 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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  Securities purchased by a Fund, particularly debt securities and over-the-counter traded securities, that are liquid at the time of purchase may subsequently become illiquid due to events relating to the issuer of the securities, markets events, economic conditions or investor perceptions. Domestic and foreign markets are becoming more and more complex and interrelated, so that events in one sector of the market or the economy, or in one geographical region, can reverberate and have negative consequences for other market, economic or regional sectors in a manner that may not be reasonably foreseen. With respect to over-the-counter traded securities, the continued viability of any over-the-counter secondary market depends on the continued willingness of dealers and other participants to purchase the securities.
 
  If one or more securities in a Fund’s portfolio become illiquid, the Fund may exceed its 15 percent limitation in illiquid securities. In the event that changes in the portfolio or other external events cause the investments in illiquid instruments to exceed 15 percent of a Fund’s net assets, the Fund must take steps to bring the aggregate amount of illiquid instruments back within the prescribed limitations as soon as reasonably practicable. This requirement would not force a Fund to liquidate any portfolio instrument where the Fund would suffer a loss on the sale of that instrument.
 
  In cases where no clear indication of the value of a Fund’s portfolio securities is available, the portfolio securities will be valued at their fair value according to the valuation procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. These cases include, among others, situations where the secondary markets on which a security has previously been traded are no longer viable for lack of liquidity. For more information on fair valuation, please see “Shareholder Guide—How to Buy Shares—How Are Shares Priced?”
 
  Credit/Default Risks. Debt securities purchased by the Funds 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 SAI, which is available upon request.
 
  Debt securities rated BBB or higher by Standard & Poor’s Rating Group (“Standard & Poor’s”), or Baa or higher by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or having a comparable rating by another NRSRO are considered “investment grade.” Securities rated BBB or Baa are 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

 
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  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 a Fund’s 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 a Fund’s 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 a Fund and its shareholders.
 
  Certain Funds may invest in fixed-income securities rated BB or Ba or below (or comparable unrated securities) which are commonly referred to as “junk bonds.” Junk bonds are considered predominantly speculative and may be questionable as to principal and interest payments.
 
  In some cases, junk bonds may be highly speculative, have poor prospects for reaching investment grade standing and be in default. As a result, investment in such bonds will present greater speculative risks than those associated with investment in investment grade bonds. Also, to the extent that the rating assigned to a security in a Fund’s portfolio is downgraded by a rating organization, the market price and liquidity of such security may be adversely affected.
 
  Temporary Investment Risks. Each Fund may, for temporary defensive purposes, invest a certain percentage of its total assets in:
  n   U.S. government securities
  n   Commercial paper rated at least A-2 by Standard & Poor’s; P-2 by Moody’s or having a comparable rating by another NRSRO
  n   Certificates of deposit
  n   Bankers’ acceptances
  n   Repurchase agreements
  n   Non-convertible preferred stocks and non-convertible corporate bonds with a remaining maturity of less than one year
  n   Cash items

  When a Fund’s assets are invested in such instruments, the Fund may not be achieving its investment objective.
 
  Risk of Large Shareholder Redemptions. Certain funds, accounts, individuals or Goldman Sachs affiliates may from time to time own (beneficially or of record) or control a significant percentage of a Fund’s shares. Redemptions by these funds, accounts or individuals of their holdings in a Fund may impact the Fund’s liquidity and NAV. These redemptions may also force a Fund to sell securities, which may negatively impact the Fund’s brokerage and tax costs.

 
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   C.  Portfolio Securities and Techniques   

  This section provides further information on certain types of securities and investment techniques that may be used by the Funds, including their associated risks.
 
  The Funds may purchase other types of securities or instruments similar to those described in this section if otherwise consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and policies. Further information is provided in the SAI, which is available upon request.
 
  Convertible Securities. Each 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 a 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 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.
 
  Foreign Currency Transactions. Certain Funds may, to the extent consistent with its investment policies, purchase or sell foreign currencies on a cash basis or through forward contracts. A forward contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. A Fund may engage in foreign currency transactions for hedging purposes and to seek to protect against anticipated changes in future foreign currency exchange rates. In addition, certain Funds may enter into foreign currency transactions to seek a closer correlation between the Fund’s overall currency exposures and the currency exposures of the Fund’s performance benchmark. Certain Funds may also enter into such transactions to seek to increase total return, which is considered a speculative practice.
 
  Some Funds may also engage in cross-hedging by using forward contracts in a currency different from that in which the hedged security is denominated or quoted. A Fund may hold foreign currency received in connection with investments

 
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  in foreign securities when, in the judgment of the Investment Adviser, it would be beneficial to convert such currency into U.S. dollars at a later date ( e.g. the Investment Adviser may anticipate the foreign currency to appreciate against the U.S. dollar).
 
  Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time, causing, along with other factors, a Fund’s NAV to fluctuate (when the Fund’s NAV fluctuates, the value of your shares may go up or down). Currency exchange rates also can be affected unpredictably by the intervention of 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.
 
  The market in forward foreign currency exchange contracts, currency swaps and other privately negotiated currency instruments offers less protection against defaults by the other party to such instruments than is available for currency instruments traded on an exchange. Such contracts are subject to the risk that the counterparty to the contract will default on its obligations. Because these contracts are not guaranteed by an exchange or clearinghouse, a default on a contract would deprive a Fund of unrealized profits, transaction costs or the benefits of a currency hedge or could force the Fund to cover its purchase or sale commitments, if any, at the current market price. As an investment company registered with the SEC, each Fund must “set aside” (often referred to as “asset segregation”) liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” open positions with respect to its transactions in forward currency contracts.
 
  Structured Securities. Each Fund may invest in structured securities. Structured securities are securities whose value is determined by reference to changes in the value of specific currencies, securities, interest rates, commodities, indices or other financial indicators (the “Reference”) or the relative change in two or more References. Investments in structured securities may provide exposure to certain securities or markets in situations where regulatory or other restrictions prevent direct investments in such issuers or markets.
 
  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. Structured securities are also subject to the risk that the issuer of the structured securities may fail to

 
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  perform its contractual obligations. Certain issuers of structured products may be deemed to be investment companies as defined in the Investment Company Act. As a result, a Fund’s investments in structured securities may be subject to the limits applicable to investments in other investment companies.
 
  Structured securities include, but are not limited to, equity linked notes. An equity linked note is a note whose performance is tied to a single stock, a stock index or a basket of stocks. Equity linked notes combine the principal protection normally associated with fixed income investments with the potential for capital appreciation normally associated with equity investments. Upon the maturity of the note, the holder generally receives a return of principal based on the capital appreciation of the linked securities. Depending on the terms of the note, equity linked notes may also have a “cap” or “floor” on the maximum principal amount to be repaid to holders, irrespective of the performance of the underlying linked securities. For example, a note may guarantee the repayment of the original principal amount invested (even if the underlying linked securities have negative performance during the note’s term), but may cap the maximum payment at maturity at a certain percentage of the issuance price or the return of the underlying linked securities. Alternatively, the note may not guarantee a full return on the original principal, but may offer a greater participation in any capital appreciation of the underlying linked securities. The terms of an equity linked note may also provide for periodic interest payments to holders at either a fixed or floating rate. The secondary market for equity linked notes may be limited, and the lack of liquidity in the secondary market may make these securities difficult to dispose of and to value. Equity linked notes will be considered equity securities for purposes of a Fund’s investment objective and policies.
 
  REITs. Each 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. A 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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APPENDIX A

  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.
 
  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. Each 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. A Fund may also, to the extent consistent with its investment policies, purchase and sell (write) put and call options on foreign currencies.
 
  The writing and purchase of 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 anticipate 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 a Fund’s investment portfolio, the Fund may incur losses that it would not otherwise incur. The use of options can also increase a Fund’s transaction costs. Options written or purchased by the Funds 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. When writing on option, a Fund must “set aside” liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” its obligation under the option contract.
 
  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 Funds may engage in futures transactions on both U.S. and foreign exchanges (except that the U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund may only engage in futures transactions with respect to U.S. equity indices).
 
  Each 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

 
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  against changes in interest rates, securities prices or, to the extent a Fund invests in foreign securities, currency exchange rates, or to otherwise manage its term structure, sector selections and duration in accordance with its investment objective and policies. Each Fund may also enter into closing purchase and sale transactions with respect to such contracts and options. The Trust, on behalf of each 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 Funds.
 
  Futures contracts and related options present the following risks:
  n   While a 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.
  n   Because perfect correlation between a futures position and a portfolio position that is intended to be protected is impossible to achieve, the desired protection may not be obtained and a Fund may be exposed to additional risk of loss.
  n   The loss incurred by a 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 a Fund’s 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 a Fund.
  n   Futures contracts and options on futures may be illiquid, and exchanges may limit fluctuations in futures contract prices during a single day.
  n   Foreign exchanges may not provide the same protection as U.S. exchanges.

  A Fund must “set aside” liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” open positions with respect to its transactions in futures contracts and options on futures contracts. In the case of futures contracts that do not cash settle, for example, a Fund must set aside liquid assets equal to the full notional value of the futures contracts while the positions are open. With respect to futures contracts that do cash settle, however, a Fund is permitted to set aside liquid assets in an amount equal to the Fund’s daily marked-to-market net obligations ( i.e. , the Fund’s daily net liability) under the futures contracts, if any, rather than their full notional value. Each Fund reserves the right to modify its asset segregation policies in the future to comply with any changes in the positions from time to time articulated by the SEC or its staff regarding asset segregation. By setting aside assets equal to only its net obligations under cash-settled futures contracts, a Fund will have the
 
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  ability to employ leverage to a greater extent than if the Fund were required to segregate assets equal to the full notional amount of the futures contracts.
 
  Equity Swaps. Each 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.
 
  An equity swap may be used by a 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, a 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, a Fund may suffer a loss if the counterparty defaults. Because equity swaps are normally illiquid, a Fund may be unable to terminate its obligations when desired. When entering into swap contracts, the Fund must “set aside” liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” its obligation under the swap contract.
 
  When-Issued Securities and Forward Commitments. Each 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.
 
  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 a Fund will generally purchase securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis with the intention of acquiring the securities for its portfolio, a Fund may dispose of when-issued securities or forward commitments prior to settlement if the Investment Adviser deems it appropriate. When purchasing a security on a when-issued basis or entering into a forward commitment, a Fund must “set aside” liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” its obligations.

 
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  Repurchase Agreements. Repurchase agreements involve the purchase of securities subject to the seller’s agreement to repurchase them at a mutually agreed upon date and price. Each 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.
 
  If the other party or “seller” defaults, a 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 Fund’s costs associated with delay and enforcement of the repurchase agreement. In addition, in the event of bankruptcy of the seller, a Fund could suffer additional losses if a court determines that the Fund’s interest in the collateral is not enforceable.
 
  Certain Funds, 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.
 
  Lending of Portfolio Securities. Each Fund may engage in securities lending. Securities lending involves the lending of securities owned by a 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 a Fund in short-term investments, including registered and unregistered investment pools managed by the Investment Adviser, its affiliates or the Funds’ custodian and from which the Investment Adviser or its affiliates may receive fees. To the extent that cash collateral is so invested, such collateral will be subject to market depreciation or appreciation, and a 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 a 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.
 
  A Fund may lend its securities to increase its income. A 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.
 
  Short Sales Against-the-Box. Certain Funds may make short sales against-the-box. A short sale against-the-box means that at all times when a short position is open

 
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  the Fund will own an equal amount of securities sold short, or securities convertible into or exchangeable for, without payment of any further consideration, an equal amount of the securities of the same issuer as the securities sold short.
 
  Preferred Stock, Warrants and Rights. Each 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 issuer’s 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.
 
  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.
 
  Other Investment Companies. Each Fund may invest in securities of other investment companies (including exchange-traded funds such as SPDRs and iShares™, as defined below) subject to statutory limitations prescribed by the Investment Company Act. These limitations include in certain circumstances a prohibition on any Fund acquiring more than 3% of the voting shares of any other investment company, and a prohibition on investing more than 5% of a Fund’s total assets in securities of any one investment company or more than 10% of its total assets in securities of all investment companies. Many ETFs, however, have obtained exemptive relief from the SEC to permit unaffiliated funds to invest in the ETFs’ shares beyond these statutory limitations, subject to certain conditions and pursuant to a contractual arrangement between the ETFs and the investing funds. A Fund may rely on these exemptive orders to invest in unaffiliated ETFs.
 
  The use of ETFs is intended to help a Fund match the total return of the particular market segments or indices represented by those ETFs, although that may not be the result. Most ETFs are investment companies whose shares are purchased and sold on a securities exchange. An ETF represents a portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market segment or index. An investment in an ETF generally presents the same primary risks as an investment in a conventional fund (i.e., one that is not exchange-traded) that has the same investment objectives, strategies and policies. In addition, an ETF may fail to accurately track the market segment or index that underlies its investment objective. The price of an ETF can fluctuate, and a Fund could lose money investing in an ETF. Moreover, ETFs are subject to the following risks that do not apply to conventional funds: (i) the market price of the ETF’s shares may trade at a premium or a discount to their net asset value;

 
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  (ii) an active trading market for an ETF’s shares may not develop or be maintained; and (iii) there is no assurance that the requirements of the exchange necessary to maintain the listing of an ETF will continue to be met or remain unchanged.
 
  Pursuant to an exemptive order obtained from the SEC or under an exemptive rule adopted by the SEC, a Fund may invest in other investment companies and money market funds beyond the statutory limits described above. Some of those investment companies and money market funds may be funds for which the Investment Adviser or any of its affiliates serves as investment adviser, administrator or distributor.
 
  A Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees and other expenses paid by such other investment companies. Although the Funds do not expect to do so in the foreseeable future, each 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.
 
  Unseasoned Companies. Each 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.
 
  Corporate Debt Obligations. Corporate debt obligations include bonds, notes, debentures, commercial paper and other obligations of corporations to pay interest and repay principal. Each 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.).
 
  Bank Obligations. Each 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

 
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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.
 
  U.S. Government Securities. Each 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 (i) the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury; (ii) the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; (iii) the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of the issuer; or (iv) 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. U.S. Government Securities may also include Treasury inflation-protected securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation.
 
  Custodial Receipts and Trust Certificates. Each 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 a 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 a 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, a Fund will bear its proportionate share of the fees and expenses charged to the custodial account or trust. Each Fund may also invest in separately issued interests in custodial receipts and trust certificates.
 
  Borrowings. Each 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. A Fund may not make additional investments if borrowings exceed 5% of its total assets.
 
  Mortgage Dollar Rolls. The Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund may enter into mortgage dollar rolls. A mortgage dollar roll involves the sale by a Fund of securities for delivery in the current month. The Fund simultaneously contracts with the same counterparty to repurchase substantially similar (same type,

 
75


 

  coupon and maturity) but not identical securities on a specified future date. During the roll period, the Fund loses the right to receive principal and interest paid on the securities sold. However, the Fund benefits to the extent of any difference between (a) the price received for the securities sold and (b) the lower forward price for the future purchase and/or fee income plus the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the securities sold. Unless the benefits of a mortgage dollar roll exceed the income, capital appreciation and gain or loss due to mortgage prepayments that would have been realized on the securities sold as part of the roll, the use of this technique will diminish the Fund’s performance.
 
  Successful use of mortgage dollar rolls depends upon the Investment Adviser’s ability to predict correctly interest rates and mortgage prepayments. If the Investment Adviser is incorrect in its prediction, a Fund may experience a loss. The Fund does not currently intend to enter into mortgage dollar rolls for financing and does not treat them as borrowings.
 
  Interest Rate Swaps, Mortgage Swaps, Credit Swaps, Currency Swaps, Total Return Swaps, Options on Swaps and Interest Rate Caps, Floors and Collars. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by a Fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, such as an exchange of fixed-rate payments for floating rate payments. Mortgage swaps are similar to interest rate swaps in that they represent commitments to pay and receive interest. The notional principal amount, however, is tied to a reference pool or pools of mortgages. Credit swaps involve the receipt of floating or fixed rate payments in exchange for assuming potential credit losses on an underlying security. Credit swaps give one party to a transaction (the buyer of the credit swap) the right to dispose of or acquire an asset (or group of assets or exposure to the performance of an index), or the right to receive a payment from the other party, upon the occurrence of specified credit events. Currency swaps involve the exchange of the parties’ respective rights to make or receive payments in specified currencies. Total return swaps give a Fund the right to receive the appreciation in the value of a specified security, index or other instrument in return for a fee paid to the counterparty, which will typically be an agreed upon interest rate. If the underlying asset in a total return swap declines in value over the term of the swap, the Fund may also be required to pay the dollar value of that decline to the counterparty. Certain Funds may also purchase and write (sell) options contracts on swaps, commonly referred to as swaptions. A swaption is an option to enter into a swap agreement. Like other types of options, the buyer of a swaption pays a non-refundable premium for the option and obtains the right, but not the obligation, to enter into an underlying swap on agreed-upon terms. The seller of a swaption, in exchange for the premium, becomes obligated (if the option is exercised) to enter into an underlying swap on agreed-upon terms. The purchase of an interest rate cap

 
76


 

APPENDIX A

  entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined interest rate, to receive payment of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling such interest rate cap. The purchase of an interest rate floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling the interest rate floor. An interest rate collar is the combination of a cap and a floor that preserves a certain return within a predetermined range of interest rates.
 
  Certain Funds may enter into the transactions described above for hedging purposes or to seek to increase total return. As an example, when a Fund is the buyer of a credit default swap (commonly known as buying protection), it may make periodic payments to the seller of the credit default swap to obtain protection against a credit default on a specified underlying asset (or group of assets). If a default occurs, the seller of a credit default swap may be required to pay the Fund the “notional value” of the credit default swap on a specified security (or group of securities). On the other hand, when a Fund is a seller of a credit default swap (commonly known as selling protection), in addition to the credit exposure the Fund has on the other assets held in its portfolio, the Fund is also subject to the credit exposure on the notional amount of the swap since, in the event of a credit default, the Fund may be required to pay the “notional value” of the credit default swap on a specified security (or group of securities) to the buyer of the credit default swap. A Fund will be the seller of a credit default swap only when the credit of the underlying asset is deemed by the Investment Adviser to meet the Fund’s minimum credit criteria at the time the swap is first entered into.
 
  The use of interest rate, mortgage, credit, currency and total return swaps, options on swaps, and interest rate caps, floors and collars is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If the Investment Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of market values, interest rates and currency exchange rates, or in its evaluation of the creditworthiness of swap counterparties and the issuers of the underlying assets, the investment performance of the Fund would be less favorable than it would have been if these investment techniques were not used. When entering into swap contracts or writing options, a Fund must “set aside” liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” its obligation under the swap or option contract.
 
  Inverse Floaters. The Funds may invest in inverse floating rate debt securities (“inverse floaters”). The interest rate on inverse floaters resets in the opposite direction from the market rate of interest to which an inverse floater is indexed. An inverse floater may be considered to be leveraged to the extent that its interest rate

 
77


 

  varies by a magnitude that exceeds the magnitude of the change in the index rate of interest. The higher the degree of leverage of an inverse floater, the greater the volatility of its market value.

 
78


 

 
  Appendix B
Financial Highlights
 
  The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand a Fund’s financial performance for the past five years (or less if the Fund has been in operation for less than five years). Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned or lost on an investment in a Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). The information for the fiscal period ended December 31, 2007 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, whose report along with the Funds’ financial statements, is included in the Funds’ annual report (available upon request). The information for the U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund for the fiscal periods ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. The information for the Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003 has been audited by the Fund’s prior independent registered public accounting firm.
 
  No financial highlights regarding the Goldman Sachs International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund is included in this section because such Funds had not yet commenced operations as of December 31, 2007.

U.S. EQUITY DIVIDEND AND PREMIUM FUND

                           
Institutional Shares

For the Year Ended For the Period Ended
December 31, December 31,


2005
2007 2006 (commenced August 31, 2005)

Net asset value, beginning of period
  $ 10.97     $ 10.10     $ 10.00  
     
     
     
 
Income from investment operations
                       
Net investment income a
    0.33 c     0.40 d     0.13  
Net realized and unrealized gain
    0.06       1.09       0.09  
     
     
     
 
 
Total from investment operations
    0.39       1.49       0.22  
     
     
     
 
Distributions to shareholders
                       
From net investment income
    (0.34 )     (0.33 )     (0.10 )
     
     
     
 
From net realized gains
    (0.68 )     (0.28 )     (0.02 )
From tax return of capital
          (0.01 )      
     
     
     
 
Total distributions
    (1.02 )     (0.62 )     (0.12 )
     
     
     
 
Net asset value, end of period
  $ 10.34     $ 10.97     $ 10.10  
Total return b
    3.39 %     14.99 % e     2.19 %
Net assets at end of period (in 000s)
  $ 82,388     $ 49,601     $ 3,781  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
    0.84 %     0.84 %     0.82 % f
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
    2.90 % c     3.80 % d     3.76 % f
Ratios assuming no expense reductions
                       
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
    0.86       1.13 %     3.25 % f
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
    2.88 c     3.51 % d     1.33 % f
Portfolio turnover rate
    53 %     63 %     21 %

See page 81 for all footnotes.

 
79


 

STRUCTURED TAX-MANAGED EQUITY FUND

                                           
Institutional Shares

For the Years Ended December 31,

2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Net asset value, beginning of year
  $ 11.91     $ 10.56     $ 9.70     $ 8.21     $ 6.33  
   
Income (loss) from investment operations
                                       
Net investment income a
    0.13       0.14       0.09       0.10       0.05  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
    (0.21 )     1.31       0.81       1.47       1.83  
   
 
Total from investment operations
    (0.08 )     1.45       0.90       1.57       1.88  
   
Distributions to shareholders
                                       
From net investment income
    (0.10 )     (0.10 )     (0.04 )     (0.08 )      
From tax return of capital
    (0.04 )                        
   
 
Total distributions
    (0.14 )     (0.10 )     (0.04 )     (0.08 )      
   
Net asset value, end of year
  $ 11.69     $ 11.91     $ 10.56     $ 9.70     $ 8.21  
   
Total return b
    (0.65 )%     13.76 %     9.25 %     19.10 %     29.70 %
Net assets at end of year (in 000s)
  $ 63,913     $ 61,338     $ 17,843     $ 4,177     $ 2,814  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
    0.70 %     0.69 %     0.79 %     0.81 %     0.85 %
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
    1.05 %     1.21 %     0.89 %     1.16 %     0.65 %
Ratios assuming no expense reductions
                                       
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
    0.84 %     0.92 %     1.15 %     1.17 %     1.17 %
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
    0.91 %     0.98 %     0.52 %     0.80 %     0.33 %
Portfolio turnover rate
    73 %     90 %     92 %     102 %     73 %

See page 81 for all footnotes.

 
80


 

APPENDIX B

Footnotes:
a
Calculated based on the average shares outstanding methodology.
b
Assumes investment at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, a complete redemption of the investment at the net asset value at the end of the period and no sales or redemption charges. Total return would be reduced if a sales or redemption charge were taken into account. Total returns for periods less than one full year are not annualized. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
c
Amounts include income recognized from a special dividend which equaled $0.05 per share and 0.43% of average net assets.
d
Amounts include income recognized from special dividends which equal $0.10 per share and 0.93% of average net assets.
e
Total return for the U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund reflects the impact of payments received for special dividends recorded this year. Excluding such payments, the total return would have been 13.98%.
f
Annualized.

 
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  Index
         
    1 General Investment Management Approach
 
    7 Fund Investment Objectives and Strategies
    7   Goldman Sachs U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund
    10   Goldman Sachs International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund
    12   Goldman Sachs Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund
    15   Goldman Sachs Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund
 
    17 Other Investment Practices and Securities
 
    19 Principal Risks of the Funds
 
    23 Fund Performance
 
    26 Fund Fees and Expenses
 
    29 Service Providers
 
    34 Dividends
 
    36 Shareholder Guide
    36   How To Buy Shares
    43   How To Sell Shares
 
    52 Taxation
 
    55 Appendix A
     Additional Information on
     Portfolio Risks, Securities
     and Techniques
 
    79 Appendix B
     Financial Highlights


 

 
  Structured Tax-Advantaged Equity Funds Prospectus (Institutional Shares)

   FOR MORE INFORMATION   

  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.
 
  Statement of Additional Information
 
  Additional information about the Funds and their policies is also available in the Funds’ SAI. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus (is legally considered part of this Prospectus).
 
  The Funds’ annual and semi-annual reports, and the SAI, 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 and the SAI at the Funds’ website: http://www.goldmansachsfunds.com.
 
  To obtain other information and for shareholder inquiries:

     
     n  By telephone:
  1-800-621-2550
     n  By mail:
  Goldman Sachs Funds
P.O. Box 06050
Chicago, IL 60606
     n  On the Internet:
  SEC EDGAR database – http://www.sec.gov

  You may review and obtain copies of Fund documents (including the SAI) by visiting the SEC’s public reference room in Washington, D.C. You may also obtain copies of Fund documents, after paying a duplicating fee, by writing to the SEC’s 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) 551-8090.

The Funds’ investment company registration number is 811-05349.

GSAM ® is a registered service mark of Goldman, Sachs & Co.

 
SPECADVINS (GOLDMAN SACHS LOGO)


 

Prospectus
  Class A, B
and C Shares
 
  April 29, 2008

 GOLDMAN SACHS SELECT SATELLITE FUNDS
     
(GRAPHIC)
  n  Goldman Sachs Real Estate Securities Fund

n
 Goldman Sachs International Real Estate Securities Fund

n
 Goldman Sachs Tollkeeper Fund SM

n
 Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy 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 A FUND IS NOT A BANK DEPOSIT AND IS NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY. AN INVESTMENT IN A FUND INVOLVES INVESTMENT RISKS, AND YOU MAY LOSE MONEY IN A FUND.
 
(GOLDMAN SACHS LOGO)


 

         

NOT FDIC-INSURED   May Lose Value   No Bank Guarantee


 

 
  General Investment
Management Approach
 
  Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (“GSAM”) serves as investment adviser to the Real Estate Securities, International Real Estate Securities, Tollkeeper and Commodity Strategy Funds (each, a “Fund,” and, collectively, the “Funds”). GSAM is referred to in this Prospectus as the “Investment Adviser.”

   REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND AND INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE 
   SECURITIES FUND   

  Goldman Sachs’ Real Estate Securities Investment Philosophy:
  When choosing portfolio securities for the Real Estate Securities Fund and the International Real Estate Securities Fund, the Investment Adviser:
  n   Selects stocks based on quality and location of assets, experienced management and a sustainable competitive advantage.
  n   Seeks to buy securities at a discount to the intrinsic value of the business (assets and management).
  n   Seeks a team approach to decision making.

  Over time, real estate securities have offered investors important diversification and competitive total returns versus the broad equity and fixed income markets.

  References in this Prospectus to a Fund’s benchmark or benchmarks are for informational purposes only, and unless otherwise noted are not an indication of how a particular Fund is managed.
 
1


 

   TOLLKEEPER FUND   

  THIS FUND INVESTS IN “TOLLKEEPER” COMPANIES (AS DESCRIBED ON PAGES 9 AND 10), AND ITS NET ASSET VALUE (NAV) MAY FLUCTUATE SUBSTANTIALLY OVER TIME. BECAUSE THE FUND CONCENTRATES ITS INVESTMENTS IN TOLLKEEPER COMPANIES, THE FUND’S PERFORMANCE MAY BE SUBSTANTIALLY DIFFERENT FROM THE RETURNS OF THE BROADER STOCK MARKET. PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT AN INDICATION OF FUTURE RETURNS AND, DEPENDING ON THE TIMING OF YOUR INVESTMENT, YOU MAY LOSE MONEY EVEN IF THE FUND’S PAST RETURNS HAVE OUTPERFORMED THE FUND’S BENCHMARK DURING SPECIFIED PERIODS OF TIME. THE FUND’S PARTICIPATION IN THE INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING (IPO) MARKET DURING ITS INITIAL START-UP PHASE MAY HAVE HAD A MAGNIFIED IMPACT ON THE FUND’S PERFORMANCE BECAUSE OF ITS RELATIVELY SMALL ASSET BASE AT THAT TIME. IT IS PROBABLE THAT THE EFFECT OF IPO INVESTMENTS ON THE FUND’S FUTURE PERFORMANCE WILL NOT BE AS SIGNIFICANT.  

  Goldman Sachs’ Growth Investment Philosophy:
  1. Invest as if buying the company/business, not simply trading its stock:
  n   Understand the business, management, products and competition.
  n   Perform intensive, hands-on fundamental research.
  n   Seek businesses with strategic competitive advantages.
  n   Over the long-term, expect each company’s stock price ultimately to track the growth in the value of the business.

  2.  Buy high-quality growth businesses that possess strong business franchises, favorable long-term prospects and excellent management.
 
  3.  Purchase superior long-term growth companies at a favorable price—seek to purchase at a fair valuation, giving the investor the potential to fully capture returns from above-average growth rates.

  Growth companies have earnings expectations that exceed those of the stock market as a whole.


 
2


 

GENERAL INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT APPROACH

   COMMODITY STRATEGY FUND   

  Goldman Sachs’ Commodities Investing Philosophy:
  Commodity markets can provide portfolio diversification due to their low historical correlations with traditional asset classes such as large cap equities and investment grade fixed income securities. The Commodity Strategy Fund seeks to provide this diversification primarily through investments in commodity index-linked securities and other securities that provide general exposure to the performance of this asset class. The Fund also invests in fixed income and other debt securities, taking an active investment approach as described in greater detail below.
 
 
  The Investment Adviser applies a team approach that emphasizes risk management and capitalizes on Goldman Sachs’ extensive research capabilities.


 
3


 

 
  Fund Investment Objectives
and Strategies
 
Goldman Sachs
Real Estate Securities Fund
     
FUND FACTS

Objective:
  Total return comprised of long-term growth of capital and
dividend income
Benchmark:
  Wilshire Real Estate Securities Index
Investment Focus:
  REITs and real estate operating companies
Investment Style:
  Growth at a reasonable price
Symbol:
  Class A: GREAX; Class B: GREBX; Class C: GRECX
 

   INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE   

  The Fund seeks total return comprised of long-term growth of capital and dividend income.

   PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES   

  Equity Investments.  The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, substantially all and at least 80% of its net assets plus any borrowings for investment purposes (measured at time of purchase) (“Net Assets”) in a portfolio of equity investments in issuers the are primarily engaged in or related to the real estate industry.* The Fund expects that a substantial portion of its assets will be invested in REITs, real estate industry companies and other real estate related investments.
 
  A “real estate industry company” is a company that derives at least 50% of its gross revenues or net profits from the ownership, development, construction,

 
   * 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 a Fund’s policy to invest at least 80% of its Net Assets in the particular type of investment suggested by its name.
 
4


 

FUND INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES

financing, management or sale of commercial, industrial or residential real estate or interests therein. Real estate companies may include real estate investment trusts (REITs), REIT-like structures, or real estate operating companies whose businesses and services are related to the real estate industry.

  The Fund’s investment strategy is based on the premise that property market fundamentals are the primary determinant of growth, underlying the success of companies in the real estate industry. The Investment Adviser focuses on companies that can achieve sustainable growth in cash flow and dividend paying capability. The Investment Adviser attempts to purchase securities so that its underlying portfolio will be diversified geographically and by property type. Although the Fund will invest primarily in publicly traded U.S. securities, it may invest up to 15% of its total assets in foreign securities, including securities of issuers in emerging countries and securities quoted in foreign currencies.
 
  Investing in real estate securities involves certain unique risks. Investments in real estate industry companies may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the issuer or by overbuilding, changes in zoning laws, environmental concerns and limits on rents. In addition, real estate industry companies that hold mortgages may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. Real estate companies are dependent upon management skill, may not be diversified, and are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, default by borrowers and self-liquidation. REIT issuers are also subject to the possibilities of failing to qualify for tax free pass-through of income and failing to maintain their exemptions from investment company registration. Real estate companies whose underlying properties are concentrated in a particular industry or geographic region are also subject to risks affecting such industries and regions.
 
  The Fund’s investments, especially investments in real estate industry companies that hold its mortgages, may be subject to interest rate risks. When interest rates decline, the value of a REIT’s investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a REIT’s investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to decline. In contrast, as interest rates on adjustable rate mortgage loans are reset periodically, yields on a REIT’s investment in such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates, causing the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed rate obligations.

 
5


 

 
  Goldman Sachs
Real Estate Securities Fund
continued

  The REIT investments of the Real Estate Securities Fund often do not provide complete tax information to the Fund until after the calendar year-end. Consequently, because of the delay, it may be necessary for the Fund to request permission to extend the deadline for issuance of Forms 1099-DIV beyond January 31.
 
  Other.  The Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in fixed-income investments, such as government, corporate debt and bank obligations, that offer the potential to further the Fund’s investment objective.
 
  The Fund is “non-diversified” under the Act, and may invest more of its assets in fewer issuers than “diversified” mutual funds. Therefore, the Fund may be more susceptible to adverse developments affecting any single issuer held in its portfolio, and may be more susceptible to greater losses because of these developments.

 
6


 

FUND INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES
 
  Goldman Sachs
International Real Estate
Securities Fund
     
FUND FACTS

Objective:
  Total return comprised of long-term growth of capital and
dividend income
Benchmark:
  FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Global ex US Real Estate Index
Investment Focus:
  Real estate operating companies organized outside the United States or whose securities are principally traded outside the United States
Investment Style:
  Growth at a reasonable price
Symbol:
  Class A: GIRAX; Class C: GIRCX
 

   INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE   

  The Fund seeks total return comprised of long-term growth of capital and dividend income.

   PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES   

  The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by primarily investing in issuers that are real estate investment trusts (REITs) or real estate operating companies organized outside the United States or whose securities are principally traded outside the United States.
 
  Equity Investments.  The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, substantially all and at least 80% of its net assets plus any borrowings for investment purposes (measured at time of purchase) (“Net Assets”) in a portfolio of equity investments in issuers that are primarily engaged in or related to the real estate industry (“real estate industry companies”) outside the United States*. The Fund expects that a substantial portion of its assets will be invested in REITs, real estate industry companies and other real estate related investments.
 
  A “real estate industry company” is a company that derives at least 50% of its gross revenues or net profits from the ownership, development, construction,

 

 
     * To the extent required by SEC regulations, shareholders will be provided with sixty days notice in the manner prescribed by the SEC before any change in the Fund’s policy to invest at least 80% of its Net Assets in the particular type of investment suggested by its name.
 
7


 

 
  Goldman Sachs
International Real Estate
Securities Fund
continued

financing, management or sale of commercial, industrial or residential real estate or interests therein. Real estate companies may include real estate investment trusts (REITs), REIT-like structures, or real estate operating companies whose businesses and services are related to the real estate industry.

  The Fund’s investment strategy is based on the premise that property market fundamentals are the primary determinant of growth, underlying the success of companies in the real estate industry. The Investment Adviser focuses on companies that can achieve sustainable growth in cash flow and dividend paying capability. The Investment Adviser attempts to purchase securities so that its underlying portfolio will be diversified geographically and by property type. The Fund will invest primarily in publicly traded securities outside the United States.
 
  Investing in real estate securities involves certain unique risks. Investments in real estate industry companies may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the issuer or by overbuilding, changes in zoning laws, environmental concerns and limits on rents. In addition, real estate industry companies that hold mortgages may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. Real estate companies are dependent upon management skill, may not be diversified, and are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, default by borrowers and self-liquidation. REIT issuers are also subject to the possibilities of failing to qualify for tax free pass-through of income and failing to maintain their exemptions from investment company registration. Real estate companies whose underlying properties are concentrated in a particular industry or geographic region are also subject to risks affecting such industries and regions.
 
  The Fund’s investments, especially investments in real estate industry companies that hold its mortgages, may be subject to interest rate risks. When interest rates decline, the value of investments in fixed rate obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of investments in fixed rate obligations can be expected to decline. In contrast, as interest rates on adjustable rate mortgage loans are reset periodically, yields on a real estate company’s investment in such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates, causing the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed rate obligations.
 
  The REIT investments of the Fund often do not provide complete tax information to the Fund until after the calendar year-end. Consequently, because of the delay, it

 
8


 

FUND INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES

  may be necessary for the Fund to request permission to extend the deadline for issuance of Forms 1099-DIV beyond January 31.
 
  The Fund expects to invest a substantial portion of its assets in the securities of issuers located in Japan, the United Kingdom, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Canada and France. From time to time, the Fund’s investments in a particular country may exceed 25% of its investment portfolio.
 
  Other.  The Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in REITs or real estate companies organized or principally traded in the United States and fixed-income investments, such as government debt, corporate debt and bank obligations, that offer the potential to further the Fund’s investment objective.
 
  The Fund is “non-diversified” under the Act, and may invest more of its assets in fewer issuers than “diversified” mutual funds. Therefore, the Fund may be more susceptible to adverse developments affecting any single issuer held in its portfolio, and may be more susceptible to greater losses because of these developments.

 
9


 

 
  Goldman Sachs
Tollkeeper Fund
     
FUND FACTS

Objective:
  Long-term growth of capital
Investment Focus:
  U.S. equity investments that offer long-term capital appreciation with a primary focus on technology, media and service companies
Investment Style:
  Growth
Symbol:
  Class A: GITAX; Class B: GITBX; Class C: GITCX
 

   INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE   

  The Fund seeks long-term growth of capital.

   PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES   

  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 “Tollkeeper” companies (as described below). The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in equity investments of companies that the Investment Adviser believes are well positioned to benefit from the proliferation of technology. Although the Fund invests primarily in publicly traded U.S. securities, it may invest up to 25% of its total assets in foreign securities, including securities of issuers in emerging markets or countries (“emerging countries”) and securities quoted in foreign currencies.
 
  The Fund intends to invest a substantial portion of its assets in companies the Investment Adviser describes as Tollkeepers. In general, the Investment Adviser defines a Tollkeeper company as a high-quality technology, media or service company that adopts or uses technology to improve its cost structure, revenue

 
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FUND INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES

  opportunities or competitive advantage. The Investment Adviser seeks to identify Tollkeeper companies that exhibit many of the following characteristics:
  n   Strong brand name
  n   Dominant market share
  n   Recurring revenue streams
  n   Free cash flow generation
  n   Long product life cycle
  n   Enduring competitive advantage
  n   Excellent management

  To the Investment Adviser, Tollkeeper connotes a promising growth business. Like a toll collector for a highway or bridge, Tollkeeper companies may grow revenue by increasing “traffic,” or customers and sales, and raising “tolls,” or prices, and margins. The Investment Adviser believes that the characteristics of many Tollkeeper companies, including dominant market share, strong brand name and recurring revenue or the ability to generate free cash flow, should enable them to consistently grow their business. The Investment Adviser does not define companies that are capital intensive, low margin businesses as Tollkeepers (although the Investment Adviser may invest in such companies as part of the Fund’s 20% basket of securities which are not or may not be Tollkeepers).
 
  The Internet is an example of a technology that the Investment Adviser believes will drive growth for many Tollkeeper businesses. The Internet has had, and is expected to continue to have, a significant impact on the global economy, as it changes the way many companies operate. Benefits of the Internet for businesses may include global scalability, acquisition of new clients, new revenue sources and increased efficiencies. Tollkeeper companies adopting Internet technologies to improve their business model include technology, media and service companies.
 
  Because of its focus on technology, media and service companies, the Fund’s investment performance will be closely tied to many factors which affect technology, media and service companies. These factors include intense competition, consumer preferences, problems with product compatibility and government regulation. Tollkeeper securities may experience significant price movements caused by disproportionate investor optimism or pessimism with little or no basis in fundamental economic conditions. The Fund may also invest in a relatively few number of issuers. As a result, the Fund’s NAV is more likely to have greater fluctuations than that of a fund which is more diversified or invests in other industries.

 
11


 

 
Goldman Sachs
Commodity Strategy Fund
     
FUND FACTS

Objective:
  Long-term total return
Benchmark:
  S&P GSCI Commodity Index (“GSCI”)
Investment Focus:
  Fixed income securities, other debt securities and commodity-linked securities.
Symbol:
  Class A: GSCAX
Class C: GSCCX
 

   INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE   

  The Fund seeks long-term total return.*

   PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES   

  In pursuing its objective, the Fund seeks to maintain substantial economic exposure to the performance of the commodities markets. The Fund invests in a portfolio of commodity index-linked securities (including leveraged and unleveraged structured notes), other commodity-linked securities and derivative instruments that provide exposure to the performance of the commodities markets, and in other fixed income and debt instruments. The Fund’s portfolio is designed to provide exposure that corresponds to the investment return of assets that trade in the commodity markets without direct investment in physical commodities. It is expected that certain of the Fund’s investments will produce leveraged exposure to the commodities markets. Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 25% of its assets in commodity-linked structured notes.
 
  Commodity Investments.  The Fund seeks to provide exposure to the commodity markets and returns that correspond to the performance of the GSCI by investing
 
  in commodity-linked investments. The GSCI, formerly named the Goldman Sachs Commodity Index, is a composite index of commodity sector returns, representing an unleveraged, long-only investment in commodity futures that is diversified across the spectrum of commodities. Individual components qualify for inclusion in the

 
The Fund’s investment objective is not a fundamental policy and may be changed by the Fund’s Board of Trustees without shareholder approval.
 
12


 

FUND INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES

GSCI on the basis of liquidity and are weighted by their respective world production quantities. In pursuing its objective, the Fund attempts to provide exposure to the returns of real assets that trade in the commodity markets without direct investment in physical commodities. Real assets include oil, gas, industrial and precious metals, livestock, and agricultural or meat products, or other items that have tangible properties. Commodity-linked investments may be more volatile and less liquid than the underlying instruments and their value may be affected by the performance of commodities as well as weather, tax, and other regulatory or political developments, overall market movements and other factors affecting the value of particular industries or commodities, such as disease, embargoes, acts of war or terrorism.

  The Fund invests in commodity-linked derivative instruments such as commodity-linked structured notes. The Fund invests in commodity-linked notes that pay a return linked to the performance of a commodities index or basket of futures contracts with respect to all of the commodities in an index. In some cases, the return will be based on some multiple of the performance of the index. This embedded leverage will magnify the positive and negative return the Fund earns from these notes as compared to the index. The principal and/or interest payments of commodity-linked derivatives are tied to the value of a real asset or commodity index. Structured notes may be structured by the issuer and the purchaser of the note. The notes are derivative debt instruments with principal payments generally linked to the value of commodities, commodity futures contracts or the performance of commodity indices and interest and coupon payments pegged to a market-based interest rate, such as LIBOR or a bank’s prime rate. The value of these notes will rise or fall in response to changes in the underlying commodity or related index or investment. These notes expose the Fund economically to movements in commodity prices. The Fund will pursue its objective without directly investing in commodities. The Fund seeks to provide exposure to various commodities and commodities sectors. Commodity-linked derivative instruments include commodity index-linked securities and other derivative instruments that provide exposure to the investment returns of the commodities markets.
 
  Fixed Income Investments.  The Fund invests in investment grade fixed-income securities. Investment grade securities are securities that are rated at the time of purchase at least BBB- by Standard & Poor’s Rating Group (“Standard & Poor’s”) or at least Baa3 by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), have a comparable rating by another nationally recognized statistical rating organization

 
13


 

 
  Goldman Sachs
Commodity Strategy Fund
continued

  (“NRSRO”) or, if unrated, are determined by the Investment Adviser to be of comparable quality. The Fund may invest in corporate securities, U.S. Government Securities, Mortgage-Backed Securities, asset-backed securities, and fixed-income securities issued by or on behalf of states, territories and possessions of the United States (including the District of Columbia) and the political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities thereof (“Municipal Securities”). The average duration will vary. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its net assets in foreign securities. In addition, the Fund may invest up to 10% of its assets in non-investment grade fixed-income securities. The structured securities and commodity-linked derivative securities may also be considered fixed income investments because they typically pay a predetermined rate of return until the security matures.
 
  Non-investment grade fixed-income securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”) tend to offer higher yields than higher rated securities with similar maturities. Non-investment grade fixed-income securities are, however, considered speculative and generally involve greater price volatility and greater risk of loss of principal and interest than higher rated securities. The Fund may purchase the securities of issuers that are in default.
 
  Other.  The Fund will also invest in options, futures, options on futures and swaps. The Fund will primarily allocate its assets between fixed income and other debt securities and commodity-linked instruments. In pursuing its investment objective, the Fund uses the GSCI as its performance benchmark and will attempt to produce returns that correspond to the performance of the GSCI, but the Fund will not attempt to replicate the index. The Fund may, therefore, invest in securities that are not included in the GSCI.
 
  The Fund will not invest 25% or more of its total assets in instruments issued by companies in any one industry. The Fund’s portfolio will reflect greater than 25% exposure to the group of industries represented in the GSCI, however. If, in the future, industries are added to or removed from representation in the GSCI, the group of industries in which the Fund’s exposure is concentrated will likewise change.
 
  As of April 11, 2008, the GSCI included 24 commodities in five broad sectors: energy, industrial metals, precious metals, agricultural products, and livestock products. Current information on the composition of the index can be found at: www2.goldmansachs.com/gsci.

 
14


 

FUND INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES

  THE FUND IS “NON-DIVERSIFIED” UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 (“INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT”), AND MAY INVEST MORE OF ITS ASSETS IN FEWER ISSUERS THAN “DIVERSIFIED” MUTUAL FUNDS. THEREFORE, THE FUND MAY BE MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO ADVERSE DEVELOPMENTS AFFECTING ANY SINGLE ISSUER HELD IN ITS PORTFOLIO, AND MAY BE MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO GREATER LOSSES BECAUSE OF THESE DEVELOPMENTS.

 
15


 

 
Other Investment Practices
and Securities

The tables below and on the following page identify some of the investment techniques that may (but are not required to) be used by the Funds in seeking to achieve their investment objectives. The tables also highlight the differences and similarities among the Funds in their use of these techniques and other investment practices and investment securities. Numbers in this table show allowable usage only; for actual usage, consult the Funds’ annual/semi-annual report. For more information about these and other investment practices and securities, see Appendix A. Each Fund publishes on its website (http://www.goldmansachsfunds.com) complete portfolio holdings for the Fund as of the end of each calendar quarter subject to a fifteen day lag between the date of the information and the date on which the information is disclosed. In addition, the Funds publish on their website month-end top ten holdings subject to a ten 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 a Fund files its next quarterly portfolio holdings report on Form N-CSR or Form N-Q with the SEC. In addition, a description of a Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of a Fund’s portfolio holdings is available in the Funds’ Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).

                 
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; International
      limited only by the strategies Real Estate Real Estate Commodity
      of the Fund Securities Securities Tollkeeper Strategy
—  Not permitted Fund Fund Fund Fund

Investment Practices            
 
Borrowings
  33 1/3   33 1/3   33 1/3   33 1/3
 
Credit, Currency, Index, Interest Rate, Total Return and Mortgage Swaps and Options on Swaps *
  15   15     15
 
Cross Hedging of Currencies
       
 
Custodial Receipts and Trust Certificates
       
 
Equity Swaps *
  15   15   15   15
 
Foreign Currency Transactions **
       
 
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts
       
 
Interest Rate Caps, Floors and Collars
       
 
Investment Company Securities (including exchange-traded funds)
  10   10   10   10
 
Mortgage Dollar Rolls
       
 
Options on Foreign Currencies 1
       
 
Options on Securities and Securities Indices 2
       
 
Preferred Stock, Warrants and Stock Purchase Rights
       
 
Repurchase Agreements
       
 
Securities Lending
  33 1/3   33 1/3   33 1/3   33 1/3
 
Short Sales Against the Box
  25   25    
 
Unseasoned Companies
       
 
When-Issued Securities and Forward Commitments
       

 
  *
Limited to 15% of net assets (together with other illiquid securities) for all structured securities and all swap transactions that are not deemed liquid.
**
Limited by the amount each Fund may invest in foreign securities.
   1
The Tollkeeper, Real Estate Securities and International Real Estate Securities Funds may purchase and sell call and put options.
   2
The Funds may sell covered call and put options and purchase call and put options.
 
16


 

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; International
      limited only by the objectives and strategies Real Estate Real Estate Commodity
      of the Fund Securities Securities Tollkeeper Strategy
—  Not permitted Fund Fund Fund Fund

Investment Securities            
 
American, European and Global Depositary Receipts
       
 
Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities 3
       
 
Bank Obligations 3
       
Commodity-linked Derivative Instruments
       
 
Convertible Securities 4
       
 
Corporate Debt Obligations 3
       
 
Equity Investments
  80+   80+   80+  
Emerging Country Securities
  15 5     25 5   25 5
 
Fixed Income Securities
  20   20   20  
Foreign Securities
  15 5     25 5   25 5
 
Municipal Securities 3
       
Non-Investment Grade Fixed Income Securities
  20 6   20 6   20 6   10 6
 
Real Estate Investment Trusts
       
 
Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities 3
       
 
Structured Securities (which may include equity linked notes) * 3
       
 
Temporary Investments
       
 
U.S. Government Securities 3
       
 
Yield Curve Options and Inverse Floating Rate Securities
       

 
*
Limited to 15% of net assets (together with other illiquid securities) for all structured securities and all swap transactions that are not deemed liquid.
3
Limited by the amount the Fund invests in fixed-income securities.
4
Convertible securities purchased by the Funds use the same rating criteria for convertible and non-convertible debt securities.
5
The Tollkeeper, Commodity Strategy and Real Estate Securities Funds may invest in the aggregate up to 25%, 25% and 15%, respectively, of their total assets in foreign securities, including emerging country securities.
6
May be BB or lower by Standard & Poor’s Rating Group (“Standard & Poor’s”) or Ba or lower by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or have a comparable rating by another nationally-recognized statistical rating organization at the time of investment.
 
17


 

 
Principal Risks of the Funds

Loss of money is a risk of investing in each Fund. An investment in a 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 the principal risks that apply to the Funds and may result in a loss of your investment. None of the Funds should be relied upon as a complete investment program. There can be no assurance that a Fund will achieve its investment objective.

                 
International
Real Estate Real Estate Commodity
•   Applicable Securities Securities Tollkeeper Strategy
— Not applicable Fund Fund Fund Fund

Credit/Default
       
Foreign
       
Emerging Countries
       
Industry Concentration
       
Stock
       
Derivatives
       
Interest Rate
       
IPO
       
Management
       
Market
       
Liquidity
       
Non-Diversification
       
REIT
       
Mid Cap and Small Cap
       
Investment Style
       
NAV
       
Non-Investment Grade Fixed Income Securities
       
U.S. Government Securities Risk
       
Internet
       
Commodity Sector
       
Real Estate Industry
       
Absence of Regulation
       
Call Risk
       
Extension Risk
       
Counterparty
       
Leverage
       

 
18


 

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF THE FUNDS

General Risks:
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 a 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. A Fund will also be subject to the risk of negative foreign currency rate fluctuations. Foreign risks will normally be greatest when a Fund invests in issuers located in emerging countries.
n   Emerging Countries Risk —The securities markets of Central and South American, African, Asian and Eastern European and other emerging countries are less liquid, are especially subject to greater price volatility, have smaller market capitalizations, have less government regulation and are not subject to as extensive and frequent accounting, financial and other reporting requirements as the securities markets of more developed countries. Further, investment in equity securities of issuers located in certain emerging countries involves risk of loss resulting from problems in share registration and custody and substantial economic and political disruptions. These risks are not normally associated with investments in more developed countries.
n   Industry Concentration Risk —The risk that a Fund concentrates its investments in specific industry sectors that have historically experienced substantial price volatility. A Fund is subject to greater risk of loss as a result of adverse economic, business or other developments than if its investments were diversified across different industry sectors. Securities of issuers held by a Fund may lack sufficient market liquidity to enable a Fund to sell the securities at an advantageous time or without a substantial drop in price.
n   Stock Risk —The risk that stock prices have historically risen and fallen in periodic cycles. U.S. and foreign stock markets have experienced periods of substantial price volatility in the past and may do so again in the future.
n   Derivatives Risk —The risk that loss may result from a Fund’s investments in options, futures, swaps, structured securities and other derivative instruments. These instruments may be illiquid, difficult to price and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses to a Fund.
n   Interest Rate Risk —The risk that when interest rates increase, fixed income securities held by a 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   IPO Risk —The risk that the market value of IPO shares will fluctuate considerably due to factors such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, the small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the

 
19


 

issuer. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. IPO shares are subject to market risk and liquidity risk. When a Fund’s asset base is small, a significant portion of the Fund’s performance could be attributable to investments in IPOs, because such investments would have a magnified impact on the Fund. As the Fund’s assets grow, the effect of the Fund’s investments in IPOs on the Fund’s performance probably will decline, which could reduce the Fund’s performance.
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 a 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 a Fund may invest to a greater degree in instruments that trade in lower volumes and may make investments that may be less liquid than other investments. Also, the risk that a Fund may make investments that may become less liquid in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions. When there is no willing buyer and investments cannot be readily sold at the desired time or price, a Fund may have to accept a lower price or may not be able to sell the instrument at all. An inability to see a portfolio position can adversely affect a Fund’s value or prevent a Fund from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. To meet redemption requests, a Fund may be forced to sell liquid securities, at an unfavorable time and conditions.

Funds that invest in non-investment grade fixed income securities, small and mid-capitalization stocks, REITs and emerging country issuers are especially subject to the risk that during certain periods, the liquidity of particular issuers or industries, or all securities within a particular investment category, 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.

Certain Goldman Sachs fund of funds portfolios (the “Fund of Funds Portfolios”) may invest a significant percentage of their assets in the Funds and other funds for which GSAM now or in the future acts as investment adviser or underwriter. Redemptions by a Fund of Funds Portfolio of its position in a Fund may further increase liquidity risk and may impact a Fund’s NAV.

n   Non-Diversification Risk —The Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund are non-diversified, meaning that each Fund is permitted to invest more of its assets in fewer issuers than “diversified” mutual funds. Thus, each Fund may be more susceptible to adverse developments affecting any single issuer held in its portfolio, and may be more susceptible to greater losses because of these developments.
 
20


 

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF THE FUNDS

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 companies and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements because of interest rate changes, economic conditions and other factors. 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   Mid Cap and Small Cap Risk —The securities of small capitalization and mid-capitalization companies involve greater risks than those associated with larger, more established 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. Both mid-cap and small-cap companies often have narrower markets and more limited managerial and financial resources than larger, more established companies. As a result, their performance can be more volatile and they face greater risk of business failure, which could increase the volatility of a Fund’s portfolio. Generally, the smaller the company size, the greater these risks.
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. A 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 company’s growth of earnings potential. Growth companies are often expected by investors to increase their earnings at a certain rate. When these expectations are not met, investors can punish the stocks inordinately even if earnings showed an absolute increase. Also, because 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   NAV Risk —The risk that the net asset value (“NAV”) of a Fund and the value of your investment will fluctuate.
n   Non-Investment Grade Fixed Income Securities —The Funds may invest in non-investment grade fixed income securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”) that are considered speculative. Non-investment grade fixed income securities and unrated securities of comparable credit quality are subject to the increased risk of an issuer’s inability to meet principal and interest payment obligations. These

 
21


 

securities may be subject to greater price volatility due to such factors as specific corporate or municipal developments, interest rate sensitivity, negative perceptions of the junk bond markets generally and less secondary market liquidity.
n   U.S. Government Securities Risk —The risk that the U.S. government will not provide financial support to U.S. government agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises if it is not obligated to do so by law. Although many types of U.S. Government Securities may be purchased by the Funds, such as those issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) and Federal Home Loan Banks may be chartered or sponsored by Acts of Congress, their securities are neither issued nor guaranteed by the United States Treasury and, therefore, are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some U.S. Government Securities held by the Fund may greatly exceed their current resources, including their legal right to support from the U.S. Treasury. It is possible that these issuers will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future.

Other Specific Risks:
n   Internet Risk —The risk that the stock prices of Internet and Internet-related companies and therefore the value of the Tollkeeper Fund will experience significant price movements as a result of intense market volatility, worldwide competition, consumer preferences, product compatibility, product obsolescence, government regulation, excessive investor optimism or pessimism, or other factors. The Tollkeeper Fund may also invest in a relatively few number of issuers. Thus, the Fund may be more susceptible to adverse developments affecting any single issuer held in its portfolio and may be more susceptible to greater losses because of these developments.
 
n   Commodity Sector Risk —Exposure to the commodities markets may subject the Commodity Strategy Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of commodity-linked derivative instruments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates, or sectors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments. The prices of energy, industrial metals, precious metals, agriculture and livestock sector commodities may fluctuate widely due to factors such as changes in value, supply and demand and governmental regulatory policies. The energy sector can be significantly affected by changes in the prices and supplies of oil and other energy fuels, energy conservation, the success of exploration projects, and tax and other government regulations, policies of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and relationships among OPEC members and between OPEC and oil-importing nations. The metals sector can be affected by sharp price volatility over short

 
22


 

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF THE FUNDS

periods caused by global economic, financial and political factors, resource availability, government regulation, economic cycles, changes in inflation or expectations about inflation in various countries, interest rates, currency fluctuations, metal sales by governments, central banks or international agencies, investment speculation and fluctuations in industrial and commercial supply and demand. The commodity-linked securities in which the Commodity Strategy Fund invests may be issued by companies in the financial services sector, including the banking, brokerage and insurance sectors. As a result, events affecting issues in the financial services sector may cause the Fund’s share value to fluctuate.
n   Real Estate Industry Risk —The Real Estate Securities and International Real Estate Securities Funds are subject to certain risks associated with real estate in general. These risks include, among others: possible declines in the value of real estate; risks related to general and local economic conditions; possible lack of availability of mortgage financing, variations in rental income, neighborhood values or the appeal of property to tenants; interest rates; overbuilding; extended vacancies of properties; increases in competition, property taxes and operating expenses; and changes in zoning laws. The real estate industry is particularly sensitive to economic downturns. The values of securities of companies in the real estate industry may go through cycles of relative under-performance and out-performance in comparison to equity securities markets in general.
n   Absence of Regulation —The Commodity Strategy Fund engages in OTC transactions. In general, there is less governmental regulation and supervision of transactions in the OTC markets (in which option contracts and certain options on swaps are generally traded) than of transactions entered into on organized exchanges.
n   Call Risk —The risk that an issuer will exercise its right to pay principal on an obligation held by the Commodity Strategy Fund (such as a mortgage-backed security) earlier than expected. This may happen when there is a decline in interest rates. Under these circumstances, the Fund may be unable to recoup all of its initial investment and will also suffer from having to reinvest in lower yielding securities.
n   Extension Risk —The risk that an issuer will exercise its right to pay principal on an obligation held by the Commodity Strategy Fund (such as a mortgage-backed security) later than expected. This may happen when there is a rise in interest rates. Under these circumstances, the value of the obligation will decrease, and the Fund will also suffer from the inability to invest in higher yielding securities.
n   Counterparty Risk —Many of the protections afforded to participants on some organized exchanges, such as the performance guarantee of an exchange clearing house, might not be available in connection with OTC transactions. Therefore, in those instances in which the Commodity Strategy Fund enters into OTC transactions, the Fund will be subject to the risk that its direct counterparty will not perform its obligations under the transactions and that the Fund will sustain losses.
n   Leverage Risk —Leverage creates exposure to gains in a greater amount than the dollar amount made in an investment by enhancing return or value without

 
23


 

increasing the investment amount. Borrowing and the use of derivatives result in leverage. Leverage can magnify the effects of changes in the value of the Commodity Strategy Fund and make it more volatile. Relatively small market movements may result in large changes in the value of a leveraged investment. The Commodity Strategy Fund will segregate or earmark liquid assets or otherwise cover transactions that may give rise to such risk, to the extent required by applicable law. The use of leverage may cause the Commodity Strategy Fund to liquidate portfolio positions to satisfy its obligations or to meet segregation requirements when it may not be advantageous to do so.

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.

 
24


 

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF THE FUNDS

 
  Fund Performance

   HOW THE FUNDS HAVE PERFORMED   

  The bar charts and tables on the following pages provide an indication of the risks of investing in a Fund by showing: (a) changes in the performance of a Fund’s Class A Shares from year to year; and (b) how the average annual total returns of a Fund’s Class A, B and C Shares compare to those of broad-based securities market indices. The bar chart (including “Best Quarter” and “Worst Quarter” information) and table assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. A Fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.
 
  The average annual total return calculation reflects a maximum initial sales charge of 5.5% for Class A Shares, the assumed contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) for Class B Shares (5% maximum declining to 0% after six years), and the assumed CDSC for Class C Shares (1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase). The bar charts (including “Best Quarter” and “Worst Quarter” information) do not reflect the sales loads applicable to Class A Shares. If the sales loads were reflected, returns would be less. Performance reflects expense limitations in effect. If expense limitations were not in place, a Fund’s performance would have been reduced.
 
  The Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy Fund commenced operations on March 30, 2007. No performance information regarding the Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy Fund is included in this section because such Fund has less than one calendar year of performance.

   INFORMATION ON AFTER-TAX RETURNS   

  These definitions apply to the after-tax returns.
 
  Average Annual Total Returns Before Taxes.  These returns do not reflect taxes on distributions on a Fund’s Class A Shares nor do they show how performance can be impacted by taxes when shares are redeemed (sold) by you.
 
  Average Annual Total Returns After Taxes on Distributions.  These returns assume that taxes are paid on distributions on a Fund’s Class A Shares ( i.e. , dividends and capital gains) but do not reflect taxes that may be incurred upon redemption (sale) of the Class A Shares at the end of the performance period.

 
25


 

  Average Annual Total Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Shares.  These returns reflect taxes paid on distributions on a Fund’s Class A Shares and taxes applicable when the shares are redeemed (sold).
 
  Note on Tax Rates.  The after-tax performance figures are calculated using the historically highest individual federal marginal income tax rates at the time of the distributions and do not reflect 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. Under certain circumstances, the addition of the tax benefits from capital losses resulting from redemptions may cause the Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares to be greater than the Returns After Taxes on Distributions or even the Returns Before Taxes.

 
26


 

FUND PERFORMANCE

Real Estate Securities Fund

     
TOTAL RETURN CALENDAR YEAR (CLASS A)

Best Quarter*
Q4 ’04           +17.53%

Worst Quarter*
Q4 ’07           -11.97%
  (BAR CHART)

   AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN   

                         
For the period ended December 31, 2007 1 Year 5 Years Since Inception

Class A (Inception 7/27/98)
                       
Returns Before Taxes
    -20.58%       17.61%       12.41%  
Returns After Taxes on Distributions**
    -22.93%       15.37%       10.34%  
Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares**
    -10.63%       14.83%       10.01%  
Wilshire Real Estate Securities Index***
    -17.78%       18.66%       12.45%  

Class B (Inception 7/27/98)
                       
Returns Before Taxes
    -20.76%       17.74%       12.26%  
Wilshire Real Estate Securities Index***
    -17.78%       18.66%       12.45%  

Class C (Inception 7/27/98)
                       
Returns Before Taxes
    -17.41%       18.06%       12.28%  
Wilshire Real Estate Securities Index***
    -17.78%       18.66%       12.45%  

 
  *
Please note that “Best Quarter” and “Worst Quarter” figures are applicable only to the time period covered by the bar chart.
 **
The after-tax returns are for Class A Shares only. The after-tax returns for Class B and Class C Shares will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. In addition, the after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) or individual retirement accounts.
***
The Wilshire Real Estate Securities Index is an unmanaged index of publicly traded REITs and real estate operating companies. The Index figures do not reflect any deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.
 
27


 

International Real Estate Securities Fund

     
TOTAL RETURN CALENDAR YEAR (CLASS A)

Best Quarter*
Q1 ’07           +8.41%

Worst Quarter*
Q4 ’07           -9.46%
  (BAR CHART)

   AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN   

                 
For the period ended December 31, 2007 1 Year Since Inception

Class A (Inception 7/31/06)
               
Returns Before Taxes
    -7.93%       8.00%  
Returns After Taxes on Distributions**
    -10.11%       6.03%  
Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares**
    -4.92%       5.80%  
FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Global Ex US Real Estate Index***
    -0.88%       16.16%  

Class C (Inception 7/31/06)
               
Returns Before Taxes
    -4.19%       11.57%  
FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Global Ex US Real Estate Index***
    -0.88%       16.16%  

 
  *
Please note that “Best Quarter” and “Worst Quarter” figures are applicable only to the time period covered by the bar chart.
 **
The after-tax returns are for Class A Shares only. The after-tax returns for Class B and Class C Shares will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. In addition, the after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) or individual retirement accounts.
***
An investor cannot invest directly in an index.
 
28


 

FUND PERFORMANCE

Tollkeeper Fund SM

     
TOTAL RETURN CALENDAR YEAR (CLASS A)

Best Quarter*
Q4 ’01           +24.76%

Worst Quarter*
Q3 ’01           -37.84%
  (BAR CHART)

   AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN   

                         
For the period ended December 31, 2007 1 Year 5 Years Since Inception

Class A (Inception 10/1/99)
                       
Returns Before Taxes
    20.38%       17.78%       1.22%  
Returns After Taxes on Distributions**
    20.38%       17.78%       1.15%  
Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares**
    13.24%       15.74%       1.01%  
NASDAQ Composite Index***
    9.81%       14.70%       -0.42%  

Class B (Inception 10/1/99)
                       
Returns Before Taxes
    21.55%       18.03%       1.14%  
NASDAQ Composite Index***
    9.81%       14.70%       -0.42%  

Class C (Inception 10/1/99)
                       
Returns Before Taxes
    25.43%       18.27%       1.13%  
NASDAQ Composite Index***
    9.81%       14.70%       -0.42%  

 
     *
Please note that “Best Quarter” and “Worst Quarter” figures are applicable only to the time period covered by the bar chart.
   **
The after-tax returns are for Class A Shares only. The after-tax returns for Class B and Class C Shares will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. In addition, the after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) or individual retirement accounts.
***
The NASDAQ Composite Index is a broad-based capitalization-weighted index of all NASDAQ National Market and Small-Cap stocks. The Index figures do not reflect any deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.

From October 1, 1999 to August 1, 2004, under normal circumstances, the Fund invested at least 80% of its Net Assets in equity investments in “Internet Tollkeeper” companies, which are companies in the media, telecommunications, technology and Internet sectors which provide or permit Internet companies or Internet users access to content, services or infrastructure. Beginning August 1, 2004, the Fund has invested at least 80% of its Net Assets in equity investments in “Tollkeeper” companies which are companies in the technology, media, or service sectors that adopt or use technology to improve their cost structure, revenue opportunities or competitive advantage.
 
29


 

 
Fund Fees and Expenses (Class A, B and C Shares)

This table describes the fees and expenses that you would pay if you buy and hold Class A, Class B or Class C Shares of a Fund.
                         
Real Estate Securities Fund

Class A Class B Class C

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment):
                       
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
    5.5% 1     None       None  
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) 2
    None 1     5.0% 7     1.0% 3
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends
    None       None       None  
Redemption Fees
    None       None       None  
Exchange Fees
    None       None       None  
 
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets): 4
                       
Management Fees 5
    1.00%       1.00%       1.00%  
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees
    0.25%       1.00%       1.00%  
Other Expenses 6 *
    0.23%       0.23%       0.23%  

Total Fund Operating Expenses*
    1.48%       2.23%       2.23%  

See pages 34-35 for all other footnotes.

  The “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses” shown in the table above do not reflect voluntary expense limitations currently in place with respect to the Fund. The Fund’s “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses,” after application of current expense limitations, are as set forth below. These expense limitations may be modified or terminated at any time at the option of the Investment Adviser and without shareholder approval. If this occurs, the “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses” shown below would be higher.  
                         
Real Estate Securities Fund

Class A Class B Class C

Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets): 4
                       
Management Fees 5
    1.00%       1.00%       1.00%  
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees
    0.25%       1.00%       1.00%  
Other Expenses 6
    0.19%       0.19%       0.19%  

Total Fund Operating Expenses (after current expense limitations)
    1.44%       2.19%       2.19%  

 
30


 

FUND FEES AND EXPENSES
                 
International Real Estate
Securities Fund

Class A Class C

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment):
               
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
    5.5% 1     None  
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) 2
    None 1     1.0% 3
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends
    None       None  
Redemption Fees 8
    2.0%       2.0%  
Exchange Fees
    None       None  
 
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets): 4
               
Management Fees 5 *
    1.05%       1.05%  
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees
    0.25%       1.00%  
Other Expenses 6 *
    0.27%       0.27%  

Total Fund Operating Expenses*
    1.57%       2.32%  

See pages 34-35 for all other footnotes.

  The “Management Fees,” “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses” shown in the table above do not reflect voluntary fee waivers and/or expense limitations currently in place with respect to the Fund. The Fund’s “Management Fees,” “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses,” after application of current waivers and expense limitations, are as set forth below. These fee waivers and expense limitations may be modified or terminated at any time at the option of the Investment Adviser and without shareholder approval. If this occurs, the “Management Fees,” “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses” shown below would be higher.  
                 
International Real Estate
Securities Fund

Class A Class C

Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets): 4
               
Management Fees 5
    1.03%       1.03%  
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees
    0.25%       1.00%  
Other Expenses 6
    0.25%       0.25%  

Total Fund Operating Expenses (after current waivers and expense limitations)
    1.53%       2.28%  

 
31


 

 
Fund Fees and Expenses continued

                         
Tollkeeper Fund

Class A Class B Class C

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment):
                       
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
    5.5% 1     None       None  
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) 2
    None 1     5.0% 7     1.0% 3
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends
    None       None       None  
Redemption Fees
    None       None       None  
Exchange Fees
    None       None       None  
 
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets): 4
                       
Management Fees 5
    1.00%       1.00%       1.00%  
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees
    0.25%       1.00%       1.00%  
Other Expenses 6 *
    0.33%       0.33%       0.33%  

Total Fund Operating Expenses*
    1.58%       2.33%       2.33%  

See pages 34-35 for all other footnotes.

  The “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses” shown in the table above do not reflect voluntary expense limitations currently in place with respect to the Fund. The Fund’s “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses,” after application of current expense limitations, are as set forth below. These expense limitations may be modified or terminated at any time at the option of the Investment Adviser and without shareholder approval. If this occurs, the “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses” shown below would be higher.  
                         
Tollkeeper Fund

Class A Class B Class C

Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets): 4
                       
Management Fees 5
    1.00%       1.00%       1.00%  
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees
    0.25%       1.00%       1.00%  
Other Expenses 6
    0.25%       0.25%       0.25%  

Total Fund Operating Expenses (after current expense limitations)
    1.50%       2.25%       2.25%  

 
32


 

FUND FEES AND EXPENSES
                 
Commodity Strategy
Fund

Class A Class C

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment):
               
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
    4.5% 1     None  
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) 2
    None 1     1.0% 3
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends
    None       None  
Redemption Fees 8
    2.0%       2.0%  
Exchange Fees
    None       None  
 
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets): 4
               
Management Fees 5
    0.50%       0.50%  
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees
    0.25%       1.00%  
Other Expenses 6 *
    0.33%       0.33%  

Total Fund Operating Expenses*
    1.08%       1.83%  

See pages 34-35 for all other footnotes.

  The “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses” shown in the table above do not reflect voluntary expense limitations currently in place with respect to the Fund. The Fund’s “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses,” after application of current expense limitations, are as set forth below. These expense limitations may be modified or terminated at any time at the option of the Investment Adviser and without shareholder approval. If this occurs, the “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses” shown below would be higher.  
                 
Commodity Strategy
Fund

Class A Class C

Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets): 4
               
Management Fees 5
    0.50%       0.50%  
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees
    0.25%       1.00%  
Other Expenses 6
    0.17%       0.17%  

Total Fund Operating Expenses (after current expense limitations)
    0.92%       1.67%  

 
33


 

 
Fund Fees and Expenses continued

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
Except for the Tollkeeper Fund, the Funds’ annual operating expenses are based on actual expenses incurred for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. The annual operating expenses for the Tollkeeper Fund are based on amounts expected to be incurred for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008.
5
The Investment Adviser is entitled to management fees at the annual rates equal to the following percentages of the average daily net assets of the Funds:

                 
Management Fee Average Daily
Fund Annual Rate Net Assets

Real Estate Securities
    1.00%       First $1  billion  
      0.90%       Next $1  billion  
      0.86%       Over $2  billion  

International Real Estate Securities
    1.05%       First $2  billion  
      0.95%       Over $2  billion  

Tollkeeper
    1.00%       First $1  billion  
      0.90%       Next $1  billion  
      0.86%       Over $2  billion  

Commodity Strategy
    0.50%       First $2  billion  
      0.45%       Over $2 billion  

 

Additionally, the Investment Adviser is currently voluntarily waiving a portion of its management fee equal to 0.02% based on the average daily net assets of the International Real Estate Securities Fund. As a result, the Investment Adviser is currently receiving a management fee from the the International Real Estate Securities Fund at the annual rate of 1.03%.
6
“Other Expenses” include transfer agency fees and expenses equal on an annualized basis to 0.19% of average daily net assets of the Tollkeeper and the Real Estate Securities Funds Class A, Class B and Class C Shares and the International Real Estate Securities Fund’s Class A and Class C Shares, and 0.13% of average daily net assets of the Commodity Fund’s, Class A and Class 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
 
34


 

FUND FEES AND EXPENSES
 
meeting and other extraordinary expenses exclusive of any custody and transfer agent fee credit reductions) to the following percentages of each Fund’s average daily net assets:
             
Other
Fund Expenses

Real Estate Securities
    0.004%      
International Real Estate Securities
    0.064%      
Tollkeeper
    0.064%      
Commodity Strategy
    0.044%      
 
7
A CDSC is imposed upon Class B Shares redeemed within six years of purchase at a rate of 5% in the first year, declining to 1% in the sixth year and eliminated thereafter.
8
A 2.0% redemption fee will be imposed on the redemption of shares (including by exchange) of the International Real Estate Securities Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund held for 30 days or less.
 
35


 

Fund Fees and Expenses continued

Example

The following Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in a 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, B or C Shares of a Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Class A, B or C Shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that a Fund’s 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 5 Years 10 Years

Real Estate Securities                                
Class A Shares
  $ 692     $ 992     $ 1,313     $ 2,221  
Class B Shares
                               
 
– Assuming complete redemption at end of period
  $ 726     $ 997     $ 1,395     $ 2,376  
 
– Assuming no redemption
  $ 226     $ 697     $ 1,195     $ 2,376  
Class C Shares
                               
 
– Assuming complete redemption at end of period
  $ 326     $ 697     $ 1,195     $ 2,565  
 
– Assuming no redemption
  $ 226     $ 697     $ 1,195     $ 2,565  

International Real Estate Securities                                
Class A Shares
  $ 701     $ 1,018     $ 1,358     $ 2,315  
Class C Shares
                               
 
– Assuming complete redemption at end of period
  $ 335     $ 724     $ 1,240     $ 2,656  
 
– Assuming no redemption
  $ 235     $ 724     $ 1,240     $ 2,656  

Tollkeeper
                               
Class A Shares
  $ 702     $ 1,021     $ 1,363     $ 2,325  
Class B Shares
                               
 
– Assuming complete redemption at end of period
  $ 736     $ 1,027     $ 1,445     $ 2,479  
 
– Assuming no redemption
  $ 236     $ 727     $ 1,245     $ 2,479  
Class C Shares
                               
 
– Assuming complete redemption at end of period
  $ 336     $ 727     $ 1,245     $ 2,666  
 
– Assuming no redemption
  $ 236     $ 727     $ 1,245     $ 2,666  

Commodity Strategy
                               
Class A Shares
  $ 555     $ 778     $ 1,019     $ 1,708  
Class C Shares
                               
 
– Assuming complete redemption at end of period
  $ 286     $ 576     $ 990     $ 2,148  
 
– Assuming no redemption
  $ 186     $ 576     $ 990     $ 2,148  

 
36


 

FUND FEES AND EXPENSES

The hypothetical example assumes that a CDSC will not apply to redemptions of Class A Shares within the first 18 months. Class B Shares convert to Class A Shares eight years after purchase; therefore, Class A expenses are used in the hypothetical example for the Real Estate Securities Fund and the Tollkeeper Fund after year eight.

Certain institutions that sell Fund shares and/or their salespersons may receive other compensation in connection with the sale and distribution of Class A, Class B and Class C Shares for services to their customers’ accounts and/or the Funds. 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 SAI.

 
37


 

 
  Service Providers

   INVESTMENT ADVISER   

     
Investment Adviser Fund

Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (“GSAM”)
32 Old Slip
New York, New York 10005
  Real Estate Securities
International Real Estate Securities
Tollkeeper
Commodity Strategy

  GSAM has been registered as an investment adviser with the SEC since 1990 and is an affiliate of Goldman, Sachs & Co. (“Goldman Sachs”). As of December 31, 2007, GSAM, including its investment advisory affiliates, had assets under management of $763 billion.
 
  The Investment Adviser provides day-to-day advice regarding the Funds’ portfolio transactions. The Investment Adviser makes the investment decisions for the Funds 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 Funds, 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 Funds:
  n   Supervises all non-advisory operations of the Funds
  n   Provides personnel to perform necessary executive, administrative and clerical services to the Funds
  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 each Fund
  n   Provides office space and all necessary office equipment and services

 
38


 

SERVICE PROVIDERS

   MANAGEMENT FEES   

  As compensation for its services and its assumption of certain expenses, the Investment Adviser is entitled to the following fees, computed daily and payable monthly, at the annual rates listed below (as a percentage of each respective Fund’s average daily net assets):

                           
Actual Rate
For the Fiscal
Average Daily Year Ended
Fund Contractual Rate Net Assets December 31, 2007

Real Estate Securities
    1.00%       First $1  billion       1.00%  
        0.90%       Next $1  billion          
      0.86%       Over $2  billion          

International Real Estate
    1.05%       First $2  billion       1.03%  
 
Securities
    0.95%       Over $2  billion          

Tollkeeper
    1.00%       First $1  billion       1.00%  
      0.90%       Next $1  billion          
      0.86%       Over $2  billion          

Commodity Strategy
    0.50%       First $2  billion       0.50%  
      0.45%       Over $2  billion          

  The Investment Adviser may voluntarily waive a portion of its management fee from time to time and may discontinue or modify any such voluntary limitations in the future at its discretion.
 
  A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees’ approval of the Management Agreement for the Funds in 2007 is available in the Funds’ annual report dated December 31, 2007.

   FUND MANAGERS   

  Real Estate Securities Team
  The Real Estate Securities portfolio management team includes individuals with backgrounds in:
  n   Fundamental real estate acquisition, development and operations
  n   Real estate capital markets
  n   Mergers and acquisitions
  n   Asset management

 
39


 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Real Estate Securities Team
             
Years
Primarily
Name and Title Fund Responsibility Responsible Five Year Employment History

Mark Howard-Johnson, CFA
Managing Director
  Senior Portfolio Manager—
Real Estate Securities
International Real Estate Securities
  Since
1998
2006
  Mr. Howard-Johnson joined the Investment Adviser as a portfolio manager in 1998. His previous experience includes 15 years in the real estate finance business.

David Kruth, CFA
Vice President
  Senior Portfolio Manager—
Real Estate Securities
International Real Estate Securities
  Since 2005
2006
  Mr. Kruth joined the Investment Adviser as a portfolio manager in 2005. His previous experience includes approximately 18 years in the real estate investment field, most recently managing real estate securities funds at Citigroup (June 2004- May 2005) and AllianceBernstein (June 1998- June 2004).

Timothy Michael Hannon*
Head of Real Estate
at GSJBWere
  Senior Portfolio Manager—
International Real Estate Securities
  Since 2006   Mr. Hannon joined Goldman Sachs JBWere as a portfolio manager in 1998. His previous experience includes 8 years in the real estate investment field and in the securities investment field.

 
*
Goldman Sachs JBWere is a partially owned subsidiary of Goldman Sachs that makes Mr. Hannon’s services available to GSAM, L.P. to participate as a member of the Real Estate Securities Team.

  Mark Howard-Johnson is the head of the Real Estate Securities Team. He and David Kruth are responsible for the day-to-day investment decisions and final buy/sell decisions of the Real Estate Securities Fund and Mr. Howard-Johnson, Mr. Kruth and Mr. Hannon are responsible for the day-to-day investment decisions and final buy/sell decisions of the International Real Estate Securities Fund. However, all investment decisions involve discussion with personnel from the Investment Adviser’s real estate securities group. Each of the Senior Portfolio Managers is responsible for liaising with research analysts around the world, promoting his or her securities selection ideas to the other members of the team and thereafter debating their inclusion in the portfolios.
 
  Growth Investment Team
  n   For 27 years the team has applied a consistent investment discipline through diverse and complete market cycles
  n   $28.5 billion in equities currently under management
  n   A deep and experienced portfolio management and research team comprised of industry experts that provide in-depth research within each sector

 
40


 

SERVICE PROVIDERS

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Growth Investment Team
             
Years
Primarily
Name and Title Fund Responsibility Responsible Five Year Employment History

Steven M. Barry
Managing Director
Chief Investment Officer
  Senior Portfolio Manager—
Tollkeeper
  Since
1999
  Mr. Barry joined the Investment Adviser as a portfolio manager in 1999. From 1988 to 1999, he was a portfolio manager at Alliance Capital Management.

Gregory H. Ekizian, CFA
Managing Director
Chief Investment
Officer
  Senior Portfolio Manager—
Tollkeeper
  Since
1999
  Mr. Ekizian joined the Investment Adviser as a portfolio manager in 1997 when Goldman Sachs Asset Management acquired Liberty Investment Management. He was a senior portfolio manager at Liberty prior to the acquisition. He joined Liberty’s predecessor firm Eagle Asset Management in 1990.

David G. Shell, CFA
Managing Director
Chief Investment
Officer
  Senior Portfolio Manager—
Tollkeeper
  Since
1999
  Mr. Shell joined the Investment Adviser as a portfolio manager in 1997 when Goldman Sachs Asset Management acquired Liberty Investment Management. He was a senior portfolio manager at Liberty prior to the acquisition. He joined Liberty’s predecessor firm Eagle Asset Management in 1987.

  Steve Barry, Dave Shell and Greg Ekizian are Chief Investment Officers (“CIOs”) of the Growth team. All 18 members of the team discuss their research analysis and recommendations with the whole team at investment strategy meetings. The entire team discusses and debates whether the business being presented meets the Growth team’s definition of a high-quality growth business and the attractiveness of the current valuation. The team reaches a consensus on whether a business is worthy of a position in the portfolio. The CIOs are accountable for all portfolio construction decisions and determine the appropriate weight for each investment.
 
  For information about the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers ownership of securities in the Funds, see the SAI.
 
  Commodity Strategy Team
  The Commodity Strategy portfolio management team includes individuals with backgrounds in commodities and fixed income investment management. With respect to the actively managed fixed income portion of the portfolio:

  n   The investment process revolves around four groups: the Investment Strategy Group, the Top-down Strategy Teams, the Bottom-up Strategy Teams and the Portfolio Teams.
 
41


 

  n   These teams strive to maximize risk-adjusted returns by de-emphasizing interest rate anticipation and focusing on security selection and sector allocation.
  n   The team manages approximately $184 billion in municipal and taxable fixed income assets for retail, institutional and high net worth clients.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Commodity Strategy Team
             
Years
Primarily
Name and Title Fund Responsibility Responsible Five Year Employment History

Jonathan Beinner
Managing Director and Co-Head U.S. and Global Fixed Income Teams
  Senior Portfolio Manager—
Commodity Strategy
  Since
2007
  Mr. Beinner joined the Investment Adviser in 1990 and became a portfolio manager in 1992. He became Co-Head of the U.S. and Global Fixed Income Teams in 2002.

Tom Kenny
Managing Director and Co-Head U.S. and Global Fixed Income Teams
  Senior Portfolio Manager—
Commodity Strategy
  Since
2007
  Mr. Kenny joined the Investment Adviser in 1999 as a senior portfolio manager. Previously, he spent 13 years at Franklin Templeton where he was a portfolio manager of high yield municipal and municipal funds, Director of Municipal Research and Director of the Municipal Bond Department. He became Co-Head of the U.S. and Global Fixed Income Teams in 2002.

James B. Clark
Managing Director, Co-Head U.S. Fixed Income Team
  Senior Portfolio Manager—
Commodity Strategy
  Since
2007
  Mr. Clark joined the Investment Adviser in 1994 as a portfolio manager after working as an investment manager in the mortgage-backed securities group at Travelers Insurance Company.

Stephen Lucas
Managing Director
  Portfolio Manager—
Commodity Strategy
  Since
2007
  Mr. Lucas is head of commodities management for the Global Fixed Income Team. He joined GSAM in 2001. Previously, he worked in Firmwide Risk at Goldman, Sachs & Co. Before that, he was a proprietary trader at Chase Manhattan. He has 11 years of industry experience.

Michael Johnson
Vice President
  Portfolio Manager—
Commodity Strategy
  Since
2007
  Mr. Johnson is a member of the commodities management team. Before joining GSAM in 2002, he was employed with Conning & Company as an Associate in the Equity Research Group for one year. Prior to that, Mr. Johnson was a Senior Financial Analyst with the Reinsurance Division at CIGNA Corporation.

  Jonathan Beinner serves as the Chief Investment Officer for the Global and U.S. Fixed Income Portfolio Management Team. Alongside Tom Kenny, he Co-Heads the Global and U.S. Fixed Income Team and is responsible for high-level
 
42


 

SERVICE PROVIDERS

  decisions pertaining to portfolios across multiple strategies. The Fixed Income Portfolio Management Team is organized into a series of specialist teams which focus on generating and implementing investment ideas within their area of expertise. Both top-down and bottom-up decisions are made by these small strategy teams, rather than by one portfolio manager or committee. Ultimate accountability for the portfolio resides with the lead portfolio managers, who set the long-term risk budget and oversee the portfolio construction process.
 
  The SAI provides information about the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers’ ownership of securities in the Funds.

   DISTRIBUTOR AND TRANSFER AGENT   

  Goldman Sachs, 85 Broad Street, New York, New York 10004, serves as the exclusive distributor (the “Distributor”) of each Fund’s shares. Goldman Sachs, 71 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 500, Chicago, Illinois 60606, also serves as each Fund’s 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 Funds. Goldman Sachs reserves the right to redeem at any time some or all of the shares acquired for its own account.

   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 a Fund or limit a Fund’s 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, financier, 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 Funds directly and indirectly invest. Thus, it is likely that the Funds 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

 
43


 

  the Funds and/or which engage in and compete for transactions in the same types of securities, currencies and instruments as the Funds. 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 Funds. The results of a Fund’s investment activities, therefore, may differ from those of Goldman Sachs, its affiliates and other accounts managed by Goldman Sachs, and it is possible that a 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 Funds may enter into transactions in which Goldman Sachs or its other clients have an adverse interest. For example, a Fund may take a long position in a security at the same time that Goldman Sachs or other accounts managed by the Investment Adviser take a short position in the same security (or vice versa). These and other transactions undertaken by Goldman Sachs, its affiliates or Goldman Sachs advised-clients may adversely impact the Funds. 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 Funds. A Fund’s 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 service 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 affect transactions in, securities of issuers held by the Funds, and may also perform or seek to perform investment 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 Funds or who engage in transactions with or for the Funds. For more information about conflicts of interest, see the SAI.
 
  Under a securities lending program approved by the Funds’ Board of Trustees, the Funds may retain an affiliate of the Investment Adviser to serve as a securities lending agent for each Fund to the extent that the Funds engage in the securities lending program. For these services, the lending agent may receive a fee from the Funds, including a fee based on the returns earned on the Funds’ investment of the cash received as collateral for the loaned securities. The Board of Trustees periodically reviews all portfolio securities loan transactions for which the affiliated lending agent has acted as lending agent. In addition, the Funds may make brokerage and other payments to Goldman Sachs and its affiliates in connection with the Funds’ portfolio investment transactions in accordance with applicable law.

 
44


 

 
  Dividends
 
  Each Fund pays dividends from its investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains. You may choose to have dividends and distributions paid in:
  n   Cash
  n   Additional shares of the same class of the same Fund
  n   Shares of the same class of another Goldman Sachs Fund. Special restrictions may apply. See the SAI.

  You may indicate your election on your Account Application. Any changes may be submitted in writing to the Transfer Agent 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 applicable 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 income and distributions from net capital gains are declared and paid as follows:

         
Investment Capital Gains
Fund Income Dividends Distributions

Real Estate Securities
  Quarterly   Annually

International Real Estate Securities
  Semi-annually   Annually

Tollkeeper
  Annually   Annually

Commodity Strategy
  Quarterly   Annually

  From time to time a portion of a Fund’s dividends may constitute a return of capital for tax purposes, and/or may include amounts in excess of the Fund’s net investment income for the period calculated in accordance with good accounting practice.
 
  When you purchase shares of a Fund, part of the NAV per share may be represented by undistributed income and/or undistributed realized gains that have previously been earned by the Fund. Therefore, subsequent distributions on such shares from such income and/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.

 
45


 

  Shareholder Guide
 
 
  The following section will provide you with answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding buying and selling the Funds’ shares.

   HOW TO BUY SHARES   

  How Can I Purchase Class A, Class B And Class C Shares Of The Funds?
  You may purchase shares of the Funds through certain brokers, registered investment advisers and other financial institutions (“Authorized Dealers”).
 
  In order to make an initial investment in a Fund, you must furnish to 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 your Authorized Dealer:

  –  Your Authorized Dealer is responsible for forwarding payment promptly (within three business days) to the Fund

  The Funds will not accept checks drawn on foreign banks, third party checks, temporary checks, cash or cash equivalents; e.g., cashier’s checks, official bank checks, money orders, travelers cheques or credit card checks. In limited situations involving the transfer of retirement assets, a Fund may accept cashier’s checks or official bank checks.
 
  What Is My Minimum Investment In The Funds?
  For each of your accounts, the following minimum must be met:

                 
Initial Additional*

Regular Accounts
    $1,000       $50  

Employer Sponsored Benefit Plans
    No Minimum       No Minimum  

Uniform Gift/Transfer to Minors Accounts (UGMA/UTMA)
    $250       $50  

Individual Retirement Accounts and Coverdell ESAs
    $250       $50  

Automatic Investment Plan Accounts
    $250       $50  

  No minimum additional investment requirements are imposed with respect to investors trading through intermediaries who aggregate shares in omnibus or similar accounts (e.g., retirement plan accounts, wrap program accounts or traditional brokerage house accounts).

  The minimum investment requirement may be waived for certain mutual fund “wrap” programs at the discretion of the officers of the Goldman Sachs Trust (the
 
46


 

SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  “Trust”). No minimum amount is required for additional investments by such accounts.
 
  What Alternative Sales Arrangements Are Available?
  The Funds offer three classes of shares through this Prospectus.*

             
Class A Class B Class C

Maximum Amount You
Can Buy In The
Aggregate Across All
Goldman Sachs Funds
  No limit   $100,000**   $1,000,000**

Initial Sales Charge   Applies to purchases of
less than $1 million—
varies by size of
investment with a
maximum of 5.5%
  None   None

CDSC   1% on certain investments of $1 million or more if you sell within 18 months after the end of the month in which the purchase was made   6 year declining
CDSC with a
maximum of 5%
  1% if shares
are redeemed
within 12 months of
purchase

Conversion Feature   None   Class B Shares automatically convert to Class A Shares
on or about the fifteenth day of the last month of the quarter that is 8 years after the purchase date.
  None

 
   *
The Commodity Strategy Fund and International Real Estate Securities Fund do not offer Class B Shares.
 
   **
No additional Class B Shares or Class C Shares may be purchased by an investor either in an initial purchase or in additional purchases if the current market value of all its Goldman Sachs Fund shares owned and/or purchased is equal to or exceeds $100,000 in the case of Class B Shares or $1,000,000 in the case of Class C Shares.
 
47


 

  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. In addition, Authorized Dealers and other financial intermediaries are responsible for providing to you any communication from a Fund to its shareholders, including but not limited to, prospectuses, prospectus supplements, proxy materials and notices regarding the source of dividend payments under Section 19 of the Investment Company Act (the “Act”). They may charge additional fees not described in this Prospectus to their customers for such services.
 
  If shares of a 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 a Fund and its Transfer Agent. Since the Funds will have no record of your transactions, you should contact your 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 a Fund involves special procedures and may require you to obtain historical purchase information about the shares in the account from your Authorized Dealer. If your Authorized Dealer’s relationship with Goldman Sachs is terminated, and you do not transfer your account to another Authorized Dealer, the Trust reserves the right to redeem your shares. The Trust will not be responsible for any loss in an investor’s account resulting from a redemption.
 
  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 financial intermediaries to accept such orders. In these cases:
  n   A Fund will be deemed to have received an order that is in proper form when the order is accepted by an Authorized Dealer or financial intermediary on a business day, and the order will be priced at the Fund’s NAV per share (adjusted for any applicable sales charge and redemption fee) next determined after such acceptance.
  n   Authorized Dealers and other financial intermediaries are responsible for transmitting accepted orders to the Funds within the time period agreed upon by them.

  You should contact your Authorized Dealer or financial intermediary to learn whether it is authorized to accept orders for the Trust.
 
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SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  The Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates may make payments or provide services to Authorized Dealers and other financial intermediaries (“Intermediaries”) from time to time to promote the sale, distribution and/or servicing of shares of the Funds and other Goldman Sachs Funds. These payments are made out of the Investment Adviser’s, Distributor’s and/or their affiliates’ own assets, and are not an additional charge to the Funds. 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 Funds and other Goldman Sachs Funds, which may consist of payments relating to Funds 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 Funds 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 payments by the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates which are in addition to the fees paid for these services by the Funds, may also compensate Intermediaries for subaccounting, sub-transfer agency, administrative and/or shareholder processing services. These payments may exceed amounts earned on these assets by the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates for the performance of these or similar services. The amount of these additional payments is normally not expected to exceed 0.50% (annualized) of the amount sold or invested through Intermediaries. In addition, certain Intermediaries may have access to certain services from the Investment Advisor, Distributor and/or their affiliates, including research reports and economic analysis, and portfolio analysis tools. In certain cases, the Intermediary may not pay for these services. Please refer to the “Payments to Intermediaries” section of the SAI for more information about these payments and services.
 
  The payments made by the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates and the services received by an Intermediary may differ for different Intermediaries. The presence of these payments, receipt of those services 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 Funds based, at least in part, on the level of compensation paid. You should contact your Authorized Dealer or Intermediary for more information about the payments it receives and any potential conflicts of interest.

 
49


 

  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 a 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 a Fund.
  n   Close a Fund to new investors from time to time and reopen any such Fund whenever it is deemed appropriate by a Fund’s Investment Adviser.
  n   Modify or waive the minimum investment requirements.
  n   Modify the manner in which shares are offered.
  n   Modify the sales charge rates applicable to future purchases of shares.

  Generally, non-U.S. citizens and certain U.S. citizens residing outside the United States may not open an account with the Funds.
 
  The Funds may allow you to purchase shares with securities instead of cash if consistent with a Fund’s investment policies and operations and if approved by the Fund’s Investment Adviser.
 
  Notwithstanding the foregoing, 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.
 
  Customer Identification Program. Federal law requires the Funds to obtain, verify and record identifying information, which will be reviewed solely for customer identification purposes, 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 information, for each investor who opens an account directly with the Funds. Applications without the required information may not be accepted by the Funds. After accepting an application, to the extent permitted by applicable law or their customer identification program, the Funds reserve 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 Funds; or (iii) involuntarily redeem an investor’s shares and close an account in the event that the Funds are unable to verify an investor’s identity. The Funds and their agents will not be responsible for any loss in an investor’s account resulting from the

 
50


 

SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  investor’s delay in providing all required information or from closing an account and redeeming an investor’s shares pursuant to the customer identification program.
 
  How Are Shares Priced?
  The price you pay when you buy shares is a Fund’s next determined NAV for a share class (as adjusted for any applicable sales charge) after the Fund receives your order in proper form. The price you receive when you sell shares is a Fund’s next determined NAV for a share class with the redemption proceeds reduced by any applicable charge (e.g., CDSCs or redemption fees) after the Fund receives your order in proper form. 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.
 
  In the event that a Fund invests a significant portion of assets in foreign equity securities, “fair value” prices are provided by an independent fair value service in accordance with the fair value procedures approved by the Trustees. 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 price for a particular security, or if the price provided does not meet the established criteria for a Fund, the Fund will price that security at the most recent closing price for that security on its principal exchange.
 
  In addition, the Investment Adviser, consistent with its procedures and applicable regulatory guidance, may (but need not) 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 a Fund’s 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 U.S. or foreign markets; market dislocations; market disruptions or market closings; equipment failures; natural or man made disasters or acts of God; armed conflicts; governmental actions or other developments; as well as the same

 
51


 

  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 including those related to earnings, products and regulatory news; significant litigation; low trading volume; trading limits, or suspensions.
 
  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 Funds to price their 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).
 
  Please note the following with respect to the price at which your transactions are processed:

  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 other times 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   The Trust reserves the right to reprocess purchase (including dividend reinvestments), redemption and exchange transactions that were processed at a NAV that is subsequently adjusted, and to recover amounts from (or distribute amounts to) shareholders accordingly based on the official closing NAV, as adjusted.
  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.

  Consistent with industry practice, investment transactions not settling on the same day are recorded and factored into a Fund’s NAV on the business day following trade date (T+1). The use of T+1 accounting generally does not, but may, result in a NAV that differs materially from the NAV that would result if all transactions were reflected on their trade dates.
 
  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 its regularly scheduled closing time. In the event the New York Stock Exchange

 
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SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  does not open for business, the Trust may, but is not required to, open one or more Funds for purchase, redemption and exchange transactions if the Federal Reserve wire payment system is open. To learn whether a Fund is open for business during this situation, please call 1-800-526-7384.
 
  Foreign securities may trade in their local markets on days a Fund is closed. As a result, if a Fund holds foreign securities, its NAV may be impacted on days when investors may not purchase or redeem Fund shares.

   COMMON QUESTIONS APPLICABLE TO THE PURCHASE OF CLASS A SHARES   

  What Is The Offering Price Of Class A Shares?
  The offering price of Class A Shares of each 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 for Class A Shares of the Funds 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 **     ***  

 
   *
Dealer’s 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 after the end of the month in which such purchase was made.
***
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 Funds 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 (including health savings accounts) 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 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 month in which the purchase was made.
 
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  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 preceding chart, 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, your Authorized Dealer or other 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 Funds or other Goldman Sachs Funds held in all accounts ( e.g., retirement accounts) of the shareholder at the Authorized Dealer or other financial intermediary;
 
  (ii)  Information or records regarding shares of the Funds or other Goldman Sachs Funds held in any account of the shareholder at another Authorized Dealer or other financial intermediary; and
 
  (iii)  Information or records regarding shares of the Funds or other Goldman Sachs Funds held at any Authorized Dealer or other 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 section “How Can The Sales Charge On Class A Shares Be Reduced?— Right of Accumulation” described below, the “Amount of Purchase” in the preceding chart will be deemed to include all Class A, Class B and/or Class C Shares of the Goldman Sachs Funds that were held at the time of purchase by any of the following persons: (i) you, your spouse, your parents 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 SAI. For purposes of determining the “Amount of Purchase,” all Class A, Class B and/or Class C Shares currently held will be valued at their current market value.
 
  You should also note that if through your Authorized Dealer you provide the Transfer Agent a signed written Statement of Intention to invest (not counting reinvestments of dividends and distributions) in the aggregate within a 13-month

 
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  period $50,000 or more in Class A Shares of one or more Goldman Sachs Funds, 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 SAI, information about sales charge discounts is available from your Authorized Dealer or other financial intermediary and, free of charge, on the Funds’ website at http://www.goldmansachsfunds.com.
 
  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 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, B Or C Shares Be Waived Or Reduced?” below.
 
  When Are Class A Shares Not Subject To A Sales Load?
  Class A Shares of the Funds 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 employee benefit 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 a Fund;
  n   Section 401(k), profit sharing, money purchase pension, tax-sheltered annuity, defined benefit pension, or other employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) that are sponsored by one or more employers (including

 
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  governmental or church employers) or employee organizations (“Employee Benefit 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   Non-qualified pension plans sponsored by employers who also sponsor qualified plans that qualify for and invest in Goldman Sachs Funds at NAV without the payment of any sales charge;
  n   Insurance company separate accounts that make the Funds available as underlying investments in certain group annuity contracts;
  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 Employee Benefit Plan of amounts invested in the Goldman Sachs Funds and reinvesting such amounts in a Goldman Sachs IRA;
  n   Shareholders who roll over distributions from any tax-qualified Employee Benefit Plan or tax-sheltered annuity to an IRA which invests in the Goldman Sachs Funds if the tax-qualified Employee Benefit 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;
  n   State sponsored 529 college savings plans; or
  n   Investors who qualify under other exemptions that are stated from time to time in the SAI.

  You must certify eligibility for any of the above exemptions on your Account Application and notify your Authorized Dealer and the Funds if you no longer are eligible for the exemption.
 
  A Fund will grant you an exemption subject to confirmation of your entitlement by your Authorized Dealer. You may be charged a fee by your Authorized Dealer.

 
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  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 Funds and any other Goldman Sachs Funds purchased by an existing client of Goldman Sachs Private 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 Private Wealth Management accounts or accounts of GS Ayco Holding LLC, respectively. In addition, under some circumstances, Class A, Class B and/or Class C Shares of the Funds and Class A, Class B and/or Class C Shares of any other Goldman Sachs Fund purchased by partners, directors, officers or employees of certain 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. If you do not notify your Authorized Dealer at the time of your current purchase or a future purchase that you qualify for a quantity discount, you may not receive the benefit of a reduced sales charge that might otherwise apply. Use of this option is subject to a check of appropriate records. The SAI 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 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 unless the failure to meet the investment commitment is due to the death of the investor. 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 if the Statement of Intention is not met. The SAI has more information about the Statement of Intention, which you should read carefully.

 
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   COMMON QUESTIONS APPLICABLE TO THE PURCHASE OF CLASS B SHARES*   

  What Is The Offering Price Of Class B Shares?
  You may purchase Class B Shares of the Funds (other than the Commodity Strategy Fund and International Real Estate Securities Fund) at the next determined NAV without an initial sales charge. However, Class B Shares redeemed within six years of purchase will be subject to a CDSC at the rates shown in the table below based on how long you held your shares.
 
  The CDSC schedule is as follows:

         
CDSC as a
Percentage of
Dollar Amount
Year Since Purchase Subject to CDSC

First
    5%  
Second
    4%  
Third
    3%  
Fourth
    3%  
Fifth
    2%  
Sixth
    1%  
Seventh and thereafter
    None  

  Proceeds from the CDSC are payable to the Distributor and may be used in whole or in part to defray the Distributor’s expenses related to providing distribution-related services to the Funds in connection with the sale of Class B Shares, including the payment of compensation to Authorized Dealers. A commission equal to 4% of the amount invested is paid to Authorized Dealers.
 
  What Should I Know About The Automatic Conversion Of Class B Shares?
  Class B Shares of a Fund will automatically convert into Class A Shares of the same Fund on or about the fifteenth day of the last month of the quarter that is eight years after the purchase date.
 
  If you acquire Class B Shares of a Fund by exchange from Class B Shares of another Goldman Sachs Fund, your Class B Shares will convert into Class A Shares of such Fund based on the date of the initial purchase and the CDSC schedule of that purchase.

 
     *  The Commodity Strategy Fund and International Real Estate Securities Fund do not currently, but may in the future, offer Class B Shares.
 
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  If you acquire Class B Shares through reinvestment of distributions, your Class B Shares will convert into Class A Shares based on the date of the initial purchase of the shares on which the distribution was paid.
 
  The conversion of Class B Shares to Class A Shares will not occur at any time the Funds are advised that such conversions may constitute taxable events for federal tax purposes, which the Funds believe is unlikely. If conversions do not occur as a result of possible taxability, Class B Shares would continue to be subject to higher expenses than Class A Shares for an indeterminate period.

   A COMMON QUESTION APPLICABLE TO THE PURCHASE OF CLASS C SHARES   

  What Is The Offering Price Of Class C Shares?
  You may purchase Class C Shares of the Funds 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 Employee Benefit 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 Distributor’s expenses related to providing distribution-related services to the Funds 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, 
   B AND C SHARES   

  What Else Do I Need To Know About The CDSC On Class A, B 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.

 
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  n   When counting the number of months since a purchase of Class B or 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.
  n   To keep your CDSC as low as possible, each time you place a request to sell shares, the Funds 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, B Or C Shares Be Waived Or Reduced?
  The CDSC on Class A, Class B and Class C Shares that are subject to a CDSC may be waived or reduced if the redemption relates to:
  n   Mandatory retirement distributions or loans to participants or beneficiaries from Employee Benefit Plans;
  n   Hardship withdrawals by a participant or beneficiary in an Employee Benefit Plan;
  n   The separation from service by a participant or beneficiary in an Employee Benefit Plan;
  n   Excess contributions distributed from an Employee Benefit Plan;
  n   Distributions from a qualified Employee Benefit Plan invested in the Goldman Sachs Funds which are being rolled over to an IRA in the same class of a Goldman Sachs Fund;
  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 shareholder, participant or beneficiary in an Employee Benefit 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   Redemption proceeds which are to be reinvested in accounts or non-registered products over which GSAM or its advisory affiliates have investment discretion;
  n   A systematic withdrawal plan. The Funds reserve the right to limit such redemptions, on an annual basis, to 12% of the value of your Class B and C Shares and 10% of the value of your Class A Shares; or
  n   Redemptions or exchanges of Fund shares held through an employee benefit plan using the Fund as part of a qualified default investment alternative or “QDIA”.

  How Do I Decide Whether To Buy Class A, B 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. You should contact your Authorized Dealer to discuss which share class option is right for you.

 
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SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  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 B Shares. If you plan to hold your investment for at least six years and would prefer not to pay an initial sales charge, you might consider purchasing Class B Shares. By not paying a front-end sales charge, your entire investment in Class B Shares is available to work for you from the time you make your initial investment. However, the distribution and service fee paid by Class B Shares will cause your Class B Shares (until conversion to Class A 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. A maximum purchase limitation of $100,000 in the aggregate normally applies to Class B Shares across all Goldman Sachs Funds.
  n   Class C Shares. If you are unsure of the length of your investment or plan to hold your investment for less than six years 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. 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 (or Class B Shares after conversion to Class A Shares).

  Although Class C Shares are subject to a CDSC for only 12 months, Class C Shares do not have the automatic eight year conversion feature applicable to Class B Shares 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 across all Goldman Sachs Funds.

     Note: Authorized Dealers may receive different compensation for selling Class A, Class B or Class C Shares.

  In addition to Class A, Class B and Class C Shares, each 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 are entitled to different services. 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.

 
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   HOW TO SELL SHARES   

  How Can I Sell Class A, Class B And Class C Shares Of The Funds?
  You may arrange to take money out of your account by selling (redeeming) some or all of your shares through your Authorized Dealer. Generally, each 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 and/or redemption fee. You should contact your Authorized Dealer to discuss redemptions and redemption proceeds. A Fund may transfer redemption proceeds to an account with your Authorized Dealer. In the alternative, your Authorized Dealer may request that redemption proceeds be sent to you by check or wire (if the wire instructions are designated on the current record of the Transfer Agent). Redemptions may be requested by your Authorized Dealer in writing, by telephone or through an electronic trading platform.
 
  Generally, any redemption request that requires money to go to an account or address other than that designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent must be in writing and signed by an authorized person with a Medallion signature guarantee. The written request may be confirmed by telephone with both the requesting party and the designated bank to verify instructions.
 
  When Do I Need A Medallion Signature Guarantee To Redeem Shares?
  A Medallion signature guarantee is required if:
  n   A request is made 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 the redemption proceeds sent to a bank account that is not your bank account designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent.

  A Medallion 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 Medallion signature guarantee. Additional documentation may be required.
 
  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 owner’s 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.

 
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SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  In an effort to prevent unauthorized or fraudulent redemption and exchange requests by telephone, Goldman Sachs and Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. (“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   Telephone requests are recorded.
  n   Proceeds of telephone redemption requests will be sent to your address of record or authorized account designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent (unless you provide written instructions and a Medallion 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 current records of the Transfer Agent (see immediately preceding bullet point). In order to receive the redemption by check during this time period, the redemption request must be in the form of 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 without prior notice.

  Note: It may be difficult to make telephone redemptions in times of unusual economic or market conditions.
 
  How Are Redemption Proceeds Paid?
  By Wire: You may arrange for your redemption proceeds to be paid as federal funds to an account with your Authorized Dealer or to a domestic bank account, as designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent. In addition, redemption proceeds may be transmitted through an electronic trading platform to an account with your Authorized Dealer. The following general policies govern wiring redemption proceeds:
  n   Redemption proceeds will normally be wired on the next business day in federal funds, but may be paid up to three business days following receipt of a properly executed wire transfer redemption request.
  n   Although redemption proceeds will normally be paid as described above, under certain circumstances, redemption requests or payments may be postponed or suspended as permitted under Section 22(e) of the 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;

 
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  (ii) an emergency exists which makes the disposal of securities owned by a Fund or the fair determination of the value of a Fund’s net assets not reasonably practicable; or (iii) the SEC, by order, permits the suspension of the right of redemption.
  n   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.
  n   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 until the Federal Reserve Bank reopens.
  n   To change the bank designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent, you must send written instructions signed by an authorized person designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent.
  n   Neither the Trust nor Goldman Sachs, assumes any responsibility for the performance of your bank or any other financial intermediaries in the transfer process. If a problem with such performance arises, you should deal directly with your bank or any such financial 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 receipt 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 Do I Need To Know About The Redemption Fee?
  The International Real Estate Securities Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund will charge a 2% redemption fee on the redemption of shares (including by exchange) held for 30 days or less. For this purpose, the Funds use a first-in first-out (“FIFO”) method so that shares held longest will be treated as being redeemed first and shares held shortest will be treated as being redeemed last. The redemption fee will be paid to the Fund from which the redemption is made, and is intended to offset the trading costs, market impact and other costs associated with short-term money movements in and out of the Fund. The redemption fee may be collected by deduction from the redemption proceeds or, if assessed after the redemption transaction, through a separate billing.
 
  The redemption fee does not apply to transactions involving the following:
  n   Redemptions of shares acquired by reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions.
  n   Redemptions of shares that are acquired or redeemed in connection with participation in a systematic withdrawal program or automatic investment plan.
  n   Redemptions of shares by other Goldman Sachs Funds (e.g., Goldman Sachs Asset Allocation Portfolios).

 
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  n   Redemptions of shares held through discretionary wrap programs or models programs that utilize a regularly scheduled automatic rebalancing of assets and have provided GSAM with certain representations regarding operating policies and standards.
  n   Redemptions of shares involving transactions other than participant initiated exchanges from retirement plans and accounts maintained under Section 401 (tax-qualified pension, profit sharing, 401(k), money purchase and stock bonus plans), 403 (qualified annuity plans and tax-sheltered annuities) and 457 (deferred compensation plans for employees of tax-exempt entities or governments) of the Code, as amended. Redemptions involving transactions other than participant initiated exchanges would include, for example: loans; required minimum distributions; rollovers; forfeiture; redemptions of shares to pay fees; plan level redemptions or exchanges; redemptions pursuant to systematic withdrawal programs; return of excess contribution amounts; hardship withdrawals; redemptions related to death, disability or qualified domestic relations order; and certain other transactions.
  n   Redemptions of shares from accounts of financial institutions in connection with hedging services provided in support of nonqualified deferred compensation plans offering the Goldman Sachs Funds.
  n   Redemptions of shares where the Fund is made available as an underlying investment in certain group annuity contracts.
  n   Redemptions of shares that are issued as part of an investment company reorganization to which a Goldman Sachs Fund is a party.
  n   Redemptions of shares representing “seed capital” investments by Goldman Sachs or its affiliates.
  n   Redemptions of shares held through an employee benefit plan using the Fund as part of a qualified default investment alternative or “QDIA”.

  The Trust reserves the right to modify or eliminate the redemption fee or waivers at any time and will give 60 days prior written notice of any material changes, unless otherwise provided by law. The redemption fee policy may be modified or amended in the future.
 
  In addition to the circumstances noted above, the Trust reserves the right to grant additional exceptions based on such factors as system limitations, operational limitations, contractual limitations and further guidance from the SEC or other regulators.
 
  If your shares are held through a financial intermediary in an omnibus or other group account, the Trust relies on the financial intermediary to assess the redemption fee on underlying shareholder accounts. The application of redemption fees and exemptions may vary and certain financial intermediaries may not apply

 
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  the exceptions listed above. If you invest through a financial intermediary, please contact your financial intermediary for more information regarding when redemption fees will be applied to the redemption of your shares.
 
  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 in the event your Authorized Dealer’s relationship with Goldman Sachs is terminated, and you do not transfer your account to another Authorized Dealer. The Trust will not be responsible for any loss in an investor’s account or tax liability resulting from the redemption.
  n   Redeem your shares if your account balance is below the required Fund minimum. The Funds 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 Funds 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   Subject to applicable law, 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.
  n   Reinvest any amounts (e.g., dividends, distributions or redemption proceeds) which you have elected to receive by check should your check be returned to a Fund as undeliverable or remain uncashed for six months. This provision may not apply to certain retirement or qualified accounts or to a closed account. Your participation in a systematic withdrawal program may be terminated if your checks remain uncashed. No interest will accrue on amounts represented by uncashed checks.
  n   Charge an additional fee in the event a redemption is made via wire transfer.

 
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  Can I Reinvest Redemption Proceeds In The Same Or Another Goldman Sachs Fund?
  You may redeem shares of a 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 have held the shares you want to redeem for at least 30 days (60 days with respect to the Goldman Sachs High Yield and High Yield Municipal Funds) and you must reinvest the share proceeds within 90 days after you redeem. You may reinvest as follows:
  n   Class A or B Shares—Class A Shares of the same Fund or another Goldman Sachs Fund
  n   Class C Shares—Class 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 Goldman Sachs 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 of another Goldman Sachs Fund 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. For Class B Shares, you may reinvest the redemption proceeds in Class A Shares at NAV but the amount of the CDSC paid upon redemption of the Class B Shares will not be credited to your account.
  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 Employee Benefit Plan. In other cases, the reinvestment privilege may be exercised once per year upon receipt of a written request.
  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 Goldman Sachs Fund To Another Goldman Sachs Fund?
  You may exchange shares of a Goldman Sachs Fund at NAV without the imposition of an initial sales charge or CDSC at the time of exchange for certain shares of another Goldman Sachs Fund. Redemption of shares (including by exchange) of the International Real Estate Securities Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund that are held for 30 days or less (60 days or less with respect to the Goldman Sachs High Yield and High Yield Municipal Funds) may, however, be subject to a redemption fee as described above under “What Do I Need To Know About The Redemption Fee?” The exchange privilege may be materially modified or

 
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  withdrawn at any time upon 60 days written notice to you. You should contact your Authorized Dealer to arrange for exchanges of shares of a Fund for shares of another Goldman Sachs Fund.
 
  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 Goldman Sachs Fund you are acquiring before making an exchange.
  n   Currently, the Funds do not impose any charge for exchanges, although the Funds may impose a charge in the future.
  n   The exchanged shares may later be exchanged for shares of the same class of the original Fund at the next determined NAV without the imposition of an initial sales charge or CDSC (but subject to any applicable redemption fee) 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. 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 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, contact your Authorized Dealer.
  n   All exchanges which represent an initial investment in a Goldman Sachs Fund must satisfy the minimum initial investment requirements of that Fund. This requirement may be waived at the discretion of the Trust. Exchanges into a money market fund need not meet the traditional minimum investment requirement for that fund if the entire balance of the original Fund account is 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 unusual 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   Normally, a telephone exchange will be made only to an identically registered account.
  n   A signature guarantee may be required.
  n   Exchanges into Goldman Sachs Funds that are closed to new investors may be restricted.

 
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  n   Exchanges into a Fund from another Goldman Sachs Fund may be subject to any redemption fee imposed by the other Goldman Sachs Fund.

  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.

   SHAREHOLDER SERVICES   

Can I Arrange To Have Automatic Investments Made On A Regular Basis?
  You may be able to make systematic investments through your bank via ACH transfer or bank draft each month. The minimum dollar amount for this service is $250 for the initial investment and $50 per month for additional investments. 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 A Fund Be Invested In Other Goldman Sachs Funds?
  You may elect to cross-reinvest dividends and capital gains distributions paid by a Fund in shares of the same class of other Goldman Sachs Funds.
  n   Shares will be purchased at NAV.
  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.
  n   You cannot make cross-reinvestments into a Goldman Sachs Fund unless that Fund’s minimum initial investment requirement is met.
  n   You should obtain and read the prospectus of the Goldman Sachs Fund into which dividends are invested.

  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 a Fund for shares of the same class of other Goldman Sachs Funds.
  n   Shares will be purchased at NAV if a sales charge had been imposed on the initial purchase.
  n   Shares subject to a CDSC acquired under this program may be subject to a CDSC at the time of redemption from the Goldman Sachs 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.

 
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  n   You cannot make automatic exchanges into a Goldman Sachs Fund unless that Fund’s minimum initial investment requirement is met.
  n   You should obtain and read the prospectus of the Fund into which automatic exchanges are made.

  Can I Have Automatic Withdrawals Made On A Regular Basis?
  You may redeem from 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, Class B or Class C Shares because of the sales charges that are imposed on certain purchases of Class A Shares and because of the CDSCs that are imposed on certain redemptions of Class A, Class B or Class C Shares.
  n   Checks are normally mailed within two business days after your selected systematic withdrawal date of either the 15th or 25th of the month. ACH payments may take up to three business days to post to your account after your selected systematic withdrawal date of either the 3rd or 26th of the month.
  n   Each systematic withdrawal is a redemption and therefore may be a taxable transaction.
  n   The CDSC applicable to Class A, Class B 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 a quarterly account statement. A year-to-date statement for your account will be provided upon request made to Goldman Sachs. If your account is held in “street name”, (i.e., through your Authorized Dealer) you will receive this information from your Authorized Dealer.
 
  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 219711, Kansas City, MO 64121. The Funds will begin sending individual copies to you within 30 days after receipt of your revocation. If your account is held through an Authorized Dealer, please contact the Authorized Dealer directly to revoke your consent.
 
  The Funds do not generally provide sub-accounting services.

 
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   DISTRIBUTION SERVICES AND FEES   

  What Are The Different Distribution And Service Fees Paid By Class A, B and C Shares?
  The Trust has adopted distribution and service plans (each a “Plan”) under which Class A, Class B 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 receives and pays the distribution and service fees on a quarterly basis.
 
  Under the Plans, Goldman Sachs is entitled to a monthly fee from each Fund for distribution services equal, on an annual basis, to 0.25%, 0.75% and 0.75%, respectively, of a Fund’s average daily net assets attributed to Class A, Class B and Class C Shares. Because these fees are paid out of a Fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time, these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of 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, Class B 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 each Fund’s average daily net assets attributed to Class B or Class C Shares. This fee is for personal and account maintenance services, and may be used to make payments to Goldman Sachs, Authorized

 
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  Dealers and their 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 Funds. 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 respective Funds. 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 longer-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 Trust’s (or Goldman Sachs’) judgment, an investor has a history of excessive trading or if an investor’s trading, in the judgment of the Trust (or Goldman Sachs), has been or may be disruptive to a 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 Real Estate Securities Fund, Commodity Strategy Fund and certain other Goldman Sachs Funds (which are offered in separate prospectuses) impose a redemption fee on redemptions made within 30 days of purchase (60 days of purchase with respect to the Goldman Sachs High Yield and High Yield Municipal Funds) subject to certain exceptions.

 
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  See “Shareholder Guide— How To Sell Shares— What Do I Need To Know About The Redemption Fee?” for more information about the redemption fee, including transactions and certain omnibus accounts to which the redemption fee does not apply. As a further deterrent to excessive trading, many foreign equity securities held by the Funds are priced by an independent pricing service using fair valuation. For more information on fair valuation, please see “Shareholder Guide—How To Buy Shares—How Are Shares Priced?”
 
  Pursuant to the policy adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust, 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 Funds in order to assess the likelihood that a 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. Consistent with the standards described above, if, in its judgment, Goldman Sachs detects excessive, short-term trading, Goldman Sachs is authorized to reject or restrict a purchase or exchange request and may further seek to close an investor’s account with a 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 financial intermediaries such as broker-dealers, investment advisers and insurance companies. In addition, Fund shares may be held in omnibus 401(k) plans, employee benefit plans and other group accounts. Omnibus accounts include multiple investors and such accounts typically provide the Funds 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 ordinarily not tracked by the Funds on a regular basis. 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, a Fund’s ability to monitor and detect market-timing by shareholders or apply any applicable redemption fee in these omnibus accounts may be limited in certain circumstances, and certain of these financial intermediaries may charge the Fund a fee for providing certain shareholder information requested as part of the Fund’s surveillance process. 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.

 
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  There can be no assurance that the Funds 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. If necessary, the Trust may prohibit additional purchases of Fund shares by a financial intermediary or by certain of the financial intermediary’s customers. Financial intermediaries may also monitor their customers’ trading activities in the Funds. The criteria used by financial intermediaries to monitor for excessive trading may differ from the criteria used by the Funds. If a financial intermediary fails to cooperate in the implementation or enforcement of the Trust’s excessive trading policies, the Trust may take certain actions including terminating the relationship.
 
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  Taxation
 
  As with any investment, you should consider how your investment in the Funds will be taxed. The tax information below is provided as general information. More tax information is available in the SAI. You should consult your tax adviser about the federal, state, local or foreign tax consequences of your investment in the Funds. Except as otherwise noted, the tax information provided assumes that you are a U.S. citizen or resident.
 
  Unless your investment is through an IRA or other tax-advantaged account, you should consider the possible tax consequences of Fund distributions and the sale of your Fund shares.

   DISTRIBUTIONS   

  Each Fund contemplates declaring as dividends each year all or substantially all of its taxable income. Distributions you receive from the Funds are generally subject to federal income tax, and may also be subject to state or local taxes. This is true whether you reinvest your distributions in additional Fund shares or receive them in cash. For federal tax purposes, the Funds’ distributions attributable to net investment income and short-term capital gains are taxable to you as ordinary income. Any long-term capital gain distributions are taxable as long-term capital gains, no matter how long you have owned your Fund shares.
 
  Under current provisions of the Code, the maximum long-term capital gain tax rate applicable to individuals, estates, and trusts is 15%. Fund distributions to noncorporate shareholders attributable to dividends received by the Funds 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. For these lower rates to apply, the non-corporate shareholder must own the relevant Fund shares for at least 61 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the Fund’s ex-dividend date. The amount of a Fund’s distributions that would otherwise qualify for this favorable tax treatment will be reduced as a result of a Fund’s securities lending activities or by a high portfolio turnover rate.
 
  A sunset provision provides that the 15% long-term capital gain rate will increase to 20% and the taxation of dividends at the long-term capital gain rate will end after 2010.
 
  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’ (other than the Real Estate Securities and International Real Estate Securities Funds)

 
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  dividends paid to corporate shareholders may be eligible for the corporate dividends-received deduction. This percentage may, however, be reduced as a result of a Fund’s securities lending activities or by a high portfolio turnover rate. Character and tax status of all distributions will be available to shareholders after the close of each calendar year. The REIT investments of the Real Estate Securities Fund and the International Real Estate Securities Fund often do not provide complete tax information to the Fund until after the calendar year. Consequently, because of the delay, it may be necessary for the Fund to request permission to extend the deadline for issuance of Forms 1099-DIV beyond January 31.
 
  Each Fund may be subject to foreign withholding or other foreign taxes on income or gain from certain foreign securities. In general, the Funds may deduct these taxes in computing their taxable income. Rather than deducting these foreign taxes, the International Real Estate Securities Fund may make an election to treat a proportionate amount of those taxes as constituting a distribution to each shareholder, which would allow you either (i) to credit that proportionate amount of taxes against U.S. Federal income tax liability as a foreign tax credit or (ii) to take that amount as an itemized deduction.
 
  If you buy shares of a 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 into a dividend.”

   SALES AND EXCHANGES   

  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 capital 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 shares of a Fund may be disallowed under “wash sale” rules to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced with other shares of that 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 that Fund. If disallowed, the loss will be reflected in an adjustment to the basis of the shares acquired.

 
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TAXATION

   OTHER INFORMATION   

  When you open your account, you should provide your Social Security Number or tax identification number on your Account Application. By law, each 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.
 
  Non-U.S. investors are generally subject to U.S. withholding tax and may be subject to U.S. estate tax. However, withholding is generally not required on properly designated distributions to non U.S. investors of long-term capital gains.

 
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  Appendix A
Additional Information on Portfolio
Risks, Securities and Techniques

   A.  General Portfolio Risks   

  The Funds 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 (such as swaps and futures contracts) 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 a 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 Funds may increase or decrease. In recent years, certain stock markets have experienced substantial price volatility.
 
  To the extent that a Fund invests in fixed income securities, that Fund will also be subject to the risks associated with its fixed income securities. These risks include interest rate risk, credit/default risk and call/extension risk. In general, interest rate risk involves the risk that when interest rates decline, the market value of fixed income securities tends to increase (although many mortgage-related securities will have less potential than other debt securities for capital appreciation during periods of declining rates). Conversely, when interest rates increase, the market value of fixed income securities tends to decline. Credit/default risk involves the risk that an issuer or guarantor could default on its obligations, and a Fund will not recover its investment. Call risk and extension risk are normally present in mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities. For example, homeowners have the option to prepay their mortgages. Therefore, the duration of a security backed by home mortgages can either shorten (call risk) or lengthen (extension risk). In general, if interest rates on new mortgage loans fall sufficiently below the interest rates on existing outstanding mortgage loans, the rate of prepayment would be expected to increase. Conversely, if mortgage loan interest rates rise above the interest rates on existing outstanding mortgage loans, the rate of prepayment would be expected to decrease. In either case, a change in the prepayment rate can result in losses to

 
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APPENDIX A

  investors. The same would be true of asset-backed securities such as securities backed by car loans.
 
  The Investment Adviser will not consider the portfolio turnover rate a limiting factor in making investment decisions for a Fund. A high rate of portfolio turnover (100% or more) involves correspondingly greater expenses which must be borne by a 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 a Fund’s portfolio securities, excluding securities having a maturity at the date of purchase of one year or less. See “Financial Highlights” in Appendix B for a statement of the Funds’ historical portfolio turnover rates.
 
  The following sections provide further information on certain types of securities and investment techniques that may be used by the Funds, including their associated risks. Additional information is provided in the SAI, which is available upon request. Among other things, the SAI 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 a Fund’s investment objective, you should consider whether that Fund remains an appropriate investment in light of your then current financial position and needs.

   B.  Other Portfolio Risks   

  Risks of Investing in Internet and Internet-Related Companies. The Tollkeeper Fund may invest in Internet and Internet-related companies. Internet and Internet-related companies are generally subject to a rate of change in technology which is higher than other industries and often requires extensive and sustained investment in research and development. As a result, Internet and Internet-related companies are exposed to the risk of rapid product obsolescence. Changes in governmental policies, such as telephone and cable regulations and anti-trust enforcement, and the need for regulatory approvals may have an adverse effect on the products, services and securities of Internet and Internet-related companies. Internet and Internet-related companies may also produce or use products or services that prove commercially unsuccessful. In addition, intense worldwide competitive pressures and changing demand, evolving industry standards, challenges in achieving product capability, loss of patent protection or proprietary rights, reduction or interruption in the supply of key components, changes in strategic alliances, frequent mergers or acquisitions or other factors can have a significant effect on the financial conditions of companies in these industries. Competitive pressures in the Internet and Internet-related industries
 
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  may affect negatively the financial condition of Internet and Internet-related companies. Internet and Internet-related companies are also subject to the risk of service disruptions and the risk of losses arising out of litigation related to these disruptions. In certain instances, Internet and Internet-related securities may experience significant price movements caused by disproportionate investor optimism or pessimism with little or no basis in fundamental economic conditions. As a result of these and other reasons, investments in the Internet and Internet-related industry can experience sudden and rapid appreciation and depreciation.
 
  Risks of Initial Public Offerings. The Tollkeeper, Real Estate Securities and International Real Estate Securities Funds may invest in IPOs. An IPO is a company’s first offering of stock to the public. IPO risk is the risk that the market value of IPO shares will fluctuate considerably due to factors such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, the small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the issuer. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. IPO shares are subject to market risk and liquidity risk. When a Fund’s asset base is small, a significant portion of the Fund’s performance could be attributable to investments in IPOs, because such investments would have a magnified impact on the Fund. As the Fund’s assets grow, the effect of the Fund’s investments in IPOs on the Fund’s performance probably will decline, which could reduce the Fund’s performance. Because of the price volatility of IPO shares, a Fund may choose to hold IPO shares for a very short period of time. This may increase the turnover of the Fund’s portfolio and may lead to increased expenses to the Fund, such as commissions and transaction costs. By selling IPO shares, the Fund may realize taxable gains it will subsequently distribute to shareholders. In addition, the market for IPO shares can be speculative and/or inactive for extended periods of time. There is no assurance that a Fund will be able to obtain allocable portions of IPO shares. The limited number of shares available for trading in some IPOs may make it more difficult for a Fund to buy or sell significant amounts of shares without an unfavorable impact on prevailing prices. Investors in IPO shares can be affected by substantial dilution in the value of their shares, by sales of additional shares and by concentration of control in existing management and principal shareholders.
 
  Risks of Investing in Small Capitalization and Mid-Capitalization Companies and REITs. The Funds may, to the extent consistent with their respective investment policies, invest in small and mid-capitalization companies and REITs. Investments in small and mid-capitalization companies and REITs involve greater risk and portfolio price volatility than investments in larger capitalization stocks. Among the reasons for the greater price volatility of these investments are the less certain growth prospects of smaller firms and the lower degree of liquidity in the markets for such securities. Small and mid-capitalization companies and REITs may be

 
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APPENDIX A

  thinly traded and may have to be sold at a discount from current market prices or in small lots over an extended period of time. In addition, these securities are subject to the risk that during certain periods the liquidity of particular issuers or industries, or all securities in particular investment categories, will shrink or disappear suddenly and without warning as a result of adverse economic or market conditions, or adverse investor perceptions whether or not accurate. Because of the lack of sufficient market liquidity, a Fund may incur losses because it will be required to effect sales at a disadvantageous time and only then at a substantial drop in price. Small and mid-capitalization companies and REITs include “unseasoned” issuers that do not have an established financial history; often have limited product lines, markets or financial resources; may depend on or use a few key personnel for management; and may be susceptible to losses and risks of bankruptcy. Small and mid-capitalization companies may be operating at a loss or have significant variations in operating results; may be engaged in a rapidly changing business with products subject to a substantial risk of obsolescence; may require substantial additional capital to support their operations, to finance expansion or to maintain their competitive position; and may have substantial borrowings or may otherwise have a weak financial condition. In addition, these companies may face intense competition, including competition from companies with greater financial resources, more extensive development, manufacturing, marketing, and other capabilities, and a larger number of qualified managerial and technical personnel. Transaction costs for these investments are often higher than those of larger capitalization companies. Investments in small and mid-capitalization companies and REITs may be more difficult to price precisely than other types of securities because of their characteristics and lower trading volumes.
 
  Risks of Foreign Investments. The Funds may make foreign investments. 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 a 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.
 
  Brokerage commissions, custodial services and other costs relating to investment in international securities markets generally are more expensive than in the United States.

 
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  In addition, clearance and settlement procedures may be different in foreign countries and, in certain markets, such procedures have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, thus making it difficult to conduct such transactions.
 
  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.
 
  Concentration of a Fund’s assets in one or a few countries and currencies will subject a Fund to greater risks than if a Fund’s assets were not geographically concentrated.
 
  Investment in sovereign debt obligations by a Fund involves risks not present in debt obligations of corporate issuers. The issuer of the debt or the governmental authorities that control the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal or interest when due in accordance with the terms of such debt, and a Fund may have limited recourse to compel payment in the event of a default. Periods of economic uncertainty may result in the volatility of market prices of sovereign debt, and in turn a Fund’s NAV, to a greater extent than the volatility inherent in debt obligations of U.S. issuers.
 
  A sovereign debtor’s willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its foreign currency reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor’s policy toward international lenders, and the political constraints to which a sovereign debtor may be subject.
 
  Investments in foreign securities may take the form of sponsored and unsponsored American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) and Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”). Certain Funds may also invest in European Depositary Receipts

 
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  (“EDRs”) or other similar instruments representing securities of foreign issuers. ADRs, GDRs and EDRs 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. EDRs are traded primarily outside the United States. Prices of ADRs are quoted in U.S. dollars. EDRs and GDRs are not necessarily quoted in the same currency as the underlying security.
 
  Risks of Emerging Countries. Certain Funds may invest in securities of issuers located in emerging countries. The risks of foreign investment are heightened when the issuer is located in an emerging country. Emerging countries are generally located in the Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe and Central and South America. A Fund’s purchase and sale of portfolio securities in certain emerging countries may be constrained by limitations relating to daily changes in the prices of listed securities, periodic trading or settlement volume and/or limitations on aggregate holdings of foreign investors. Such limitations may be computed based on the aggregate trading volume by or holdings of a Fund, the Investment Adviser, its affiliates and their respective clients and other service providers. A Fund may not be able to sell securities in circumstances where price, trading or settlement volume limitations have been reached.
 
  Foreign investment in the securities markets of certain emerging countries is restricted or controlled to varying degrees which may limit investment in such countries or increase the administrative costs of such investments. For example, certain Asian countries require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons or limit investment by foreign persons to only a specified percentage of an issuer’s outstanding securities or a specific class of securities which may have less advantageous terms (including price) than securities of the issuer available for purchase by nationals. In addition, certain countries may restrict or prohibit investment opportunities in issuers or industries deemed important to national interests. Such restrictions may affect the market price, liquidity and rights of securities that may be purchased by a Fund. The repatriation of both investment income and capital from certain emerging countries is subject to restrictions such as the need for governmental consents. In situations where a country restricts direct investment in securities (which may occur in certain Asian and other countries), a Fund may invest in such countries through other investment funds in such countries.
 
  Many emerging countries have experienced currency devaluations and substantial (and, in some cases, extremely high) rates of inflation. Other emerging countries have experienced economic recessions. These circumstances have had a negative effect on the economies and securities markets of such emerging countries. Economies in emerging countries generally are dependent heavily upon commodity prices and

 
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  international trade and, accordingly, have been and may continue to be affected adversely by the economies of their trading partners, trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade.
 
  Many emerging countries are subject to a substantial degree of economic, political and social instability. Governments of some emerging countries are authoritarian in nature or have been installed or removed as a result of military coups, while governments in other emerging countries have periodically used force to suppress civil dissent. Disparities of wealth, the pace and success of democratization, and ethnic, religious and racial disaffection, among other factors, have also led to social unrest, violence and/or labor unrest in some emerging countries. Unanticipated political or social developments may result in sudden and significant investment losses. Investing in emerging countries involves greater risk of loss due to expropriation, nationalization, confiscation of assets and property or the imposition of restrictions on foreign investments and on repatriation of capital invested. As an example, in the past, some Eastern European governments have expropriated substantial amounts of private property, and many claims of the property owners have never been fully settled. There is no assurance that similar expropriations will not recur in Eastern European or other countries.
 
  A Fund’s investment in emerging countries may also be subject to withholding or other taxes, which may be significant and may reduce the return to a Fund from an investment in issuers in such countries to the Fund.
 
  Settlement procedures in emerging countries are frequently less developed and reliable than those in the United States and may involve a Fund’s delivery of securities before receipt of payment for their sale. In addition, significant delays may occur in certain markets in registering the transfer of securities. Settlement or registration problems may make it more difficult for a Fund to value its portfolio securities and could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities, to have a portion of its assets uninvested or to incur losses due to the failure of a counterparty to pay for securities the Fund has delivered or the Fund’s inability to complete its contractual obligations because of theft or other reasons.
 
  The creditworthiness of the local securities firms used by a Fund in emerging countries may not be as sound as the creditworthiness of firms used in more developed countries. As a result, the Fund may be subject to a greater risk of loss if a securities firm defaults in the performance of its responsibilities.
 
  The small size and inexperience of the securities markets in certain emerging countries and the limited volume of trading in securities in those countries may make a Fund’s investments in such countries less liquid and more volatile than

 
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  investments in countries with more developed securities markets (such as the United States, Japan and most Western European countries). A Fund’s investments in emerging countries are subject to the risk that the liquidity of a particular investment, or investments generally, in such countries will shrink or disappear suddenly and without warning as a result of adverse economic, market or political conditions or adverse investor perceptions, whether or not accurate. Because of the lack of sufficient market liquidity, a Fund may incur losses because it will be required to effect sales at a disadvantageous time and only then at a substantial drop in price. Investments in emerging countries may be more difficult to value precisely because of the characteristics discussed above and lower trading volumes.
 
  A Fund’s use of foreign currency management techniques in emerging countries may be limited. The Investment Adviser anticipates that a significant portion of the Funds’ currency exposure in emerging countries may not be covered by these techniques.
 
  Risks of Derivative Investments. The Funds may invest in derivative instruments including without limitation, options, futures, swaps, interest rate caps, floors, collars and swaps, structured securities and forward contracts and other derivatives relating to foreign currency transactions. Investments in derivative instruments may be both for hedging and nonhedging purposes (that is, to seek to increase total return), although suitable derivative instruments may not always be available to the Investment Adviser for these purposes. Losses from investments in derivative instruments 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, the failure of the counterparty to perform its contractual obligations, 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 the timing or level of fluctuations in securities prices, interest rates or currency prices. Investments in derivative instruments may be harder to value, subject to greater volatility and more likely subject to changes in tax treatment than other investments. For these reasons, the Investment Adviser’s attempts to hedge portfolio risks through the use of derivative instruments may not be successful, and the Investment Adviser may choose not to hedge certain portfolio risks. Investing for nonhedging purposes is considered a speculative practice and presents even greater risk of loss.
 
  Risk of Equity Swap Transactions. Equity swaps are two party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors. In a standard “swap” transaction, the parties agree to pay or exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on a particular predetermined asset (or group of assets) which may be adjusted for transaction costs, interest payments, dividends paid on the

 
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  reference asset or other factors. The gross returns to be paid or “swapped” between the parties are generally calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” for example, the increase or decrease in value of a particular dollar amount invested in the asset.
 
  Equity swaps may be structured in different ways. For example, when the Fund takes a long position, a counterparty may agree to pay the Fund the amount, if any, by which the notional amount of the equity swap would have increased in value had it been invested in a particular stock (or group of stocks), plus the dividends that would have been received on the stock. In these cases, the Fund may agree to pay to the counterparty interest on the notional amount of the equity swap plus the amount, if any, by which that notional amount would have decreased in value had it been invested in such stock. Therefore, in this case the return to the Fund on the equity swap should be the gain or loss on the notional amount plus dividends on the stock less the interest paid by the Fund on the notional amount. In other cases, when the Fund takes a short position, a counterparty may agree to pay the Fund the amount, if any, by which the notional amount of the equity swap would have decreased in value had the Fund sold a particular stock (or group of stocks) short, less the dividend expense that the Fund would have paid on the stock, as adjusted for interest payments or other economic factors.
 
  Under an equity swap, payments may be made at the conclusion of the equity swap or periodically during its term. Sometimes, however, the Investment Adviser may be able to terminate a swap contract prior to its term, subject to any potential termination fee that is in addition to the Fund’s accrued obligations under the swap. Equity swaps will be made in the over-the-counter market and will be entered into with a counterparty that typically will be an investment banking firm, broker-dealer or bank.
 
  Equity swaps are derivatives and their value can be very volatile. To the extent that the Investment Adviser does not accurately analyze and predict future market trends, the values of assets or economic factors, the Fund may suffer a loss, which may be substantial.
 
  Risks of Illiquid Securities. Each 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:
  n   Both domestic and foreign securities that are not readily marketable
  n   Certain stripped mortgage-backed securities
  n   Repurchase agreements and time deposits with a notice or demand period of more than seven days
  n   Certain over-the-counter options
  n   Certain structured securities and swap transactions

 
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  n   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”).

  Investing in 144A Securities may decrease the liquidity of a Fund’s 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.
 
  Securities purchased by the Funds, particularly debt securities and over-the-counter traded securities, that are liquid at the time of purchase may subsequently become illiquid due to events relating to the issuer of the securities, markets events, economic conditions or investor perceptions. Domestic and foreign markets are becoming more and more complex and interrelated, so that events in one sector of the market or the economy, or in one geographical region, can reverberate and have negative consequences for other market, economic or regional sectors in a manner that may not be reasonably foreseen. With respect to over-the-counter traded securities, the continued viability of any over-the-counter secondary market depends on the continued willingness of dealers and other participants to purchase the securities.
 
  If one or more instruments in a Fund’s portfolio become illiquid, the Fund may exceed its 15 percent limitation in illiquid instruments. In the event that changes in the portfolio or other external events cause the investments in illiquid instruments to exceed 15 percent of a Fund’s net assets, the Fund must take steps to bring the aggregate amount of illiquid instruments back within the prescribed limitations as soon as reasonably practicable. This requirement would not force a Fund to liquidate any portfolio instrument where the Fund would suffer a loss on the sale of that instrument.
 
  In cases where no clear indication of the value of the Fund’s portfolio instruments is available, the portfolio instruments will be valued at their fair value according to the valuation procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. These cases include, among others, situations where the secondary markets on which a security has previously been traded are no longer viable for lack of liquidity. For more information on fair valuation, please see “Shareholder Guide— How to Buy Shares— How Are Shares Priced?”.
 
  Credit/Default Risks. Debt securities purchased by the Funds may include securities (including zero coupon bonds) issued by the U.S. government (and its agencies, instrumentalities and sponsored enterprises), foreign government,

 
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  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 SAI.
 
  Debt securities rated BBB or higher by Standard & Poor’s Rating Group (“Standard & Poor’s”), or Baa or higher by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or having a comparable rating by another NRSRO are considered “investment grade.” Securities rated BBB or Baa are 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 a Fund’s 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 a Fund’s 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 a Fund and its shareholders.
 
  Certain Funds may invest in fixed income securities rated BB or Ba or below (or comparable unrated securities) which are commonly referred to as “junk bonds.” Junk bonds are considered predominantly speculative and may be questionable as to principal and interest payments.
 
  In some cases, junk bonds may be highly speculative, have poor prospects for reaching investment grade standing and be in default. As a result, investment in such bonds will present greater speculative risks than those associated with investment in investment grade bonds. Also, to the extent that the rating assigned to a security in a Fund’s portfolio is downgraded by a rating organization, the market price and liquidity of such security may be adversely affected.
 
  Temporary Investment Risks. Each Fund may, for temporary defensive purposes, invest a certain percentage of its total assets in:
  n   U.S. government securities
  n   Commercial paper rated at least A-2 by Standard & Poor’s; P-2 by Moody’s or having a comparable rating by another NRSRO
  n   Certificates of deposit
  n   Bankers’ acceptances

 
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APPENDIX A

  n   Repurchase agreements
  n   Non-convertible preferred stocks and non-convertible corporate bonds with a remaining maturity of less than one year
  n   Cash items

  When a Fund’s assets are invested in such instruments, the Fund may not be achieving its investment objective.
 
  Risk of Large Shareholder Redemptions. Certain funds, accounts, individuals or Goldman Sachs affiliates may from time to time own (beneficially or of record) or control a significant percentage of a Fund’s shares. Redemptions by these funds, accounts or individuals of their holdings in a Fund may impact the Fund’s liquidity and NAV. These redemptions may also force a Fund to sell securities, which may negatively impact the Fund’s brokerage and tax costs.

   C.  Portfolio Securities and Techniques   

  This section provides further information on certain types of securities and investment techniques that may be used by the Funds, including their associated risks.
 
  The Funds may purchase other types of securities or instruments similar to those described in this section if otherwise consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and policies. Further information is provided in the SAI, which is available upon request.
 
  Convertible Securities. Each 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 a 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 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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  Foreign Currency Transactions. Certain Funds may, to the extent consistent with its investment policies, purchase or sell foreign currencies on a cash basis or through forward contracts. A forward contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. A Fund may engage in foreign currency transactions for hedging purposes and to seek to protect against anticipated changes in future foreign currency exchange rates. In addition, certain Funds may enter into foreign currency transactions to seek a closer correlation between the Fund’s overall currency exposures and the currency exposures of the Fund’s performance benchmark. Certain Funds may also enter into such transactions to seek to increase total return, which is considered a speculative practice.
 
  Some Funds may also engage in cross-hedging by using forward contracts in a currency different from that in which the hedged security is denominated or quoted. A Fund may hold foreign currency received in connection with investments in foreign securities when, in the judgment of the Investment Adviser, it would be beneficial to convert such currency into U.S. dollars at a later date ( e.g. the Investment Adviser may anticipate the foreign currency to appreciate against the U.S. dollar).
 
  Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time, causing, along with other factors, a Fund’s NAV to fluctuate (when the Fund’s NAV fluctuates, the value of your shares may go up or down). Currency exchange rates also can be affected unpredictably by the intervention of 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.
 
  The market in forward foreign currency exchange contracts, currency swaps and other privately negotiated currency instruments offers less protection against defaults by the other party to such instruments than is available for currency instruments traded on an exchange. Such contracts are subject to the risk that the counterparty to the contract will default on its obligations. Since these contracts are not guaranteed by an exchange or clearinghouse, a default on a contract would deprive a Fund of unrealized profits, transaction costs or the benefits of a currency hedge or could force the Fund to cover its purchase or sale commitments, if any, at the current market price.
 
  As an investment company registered with the SEC, the Fund must “set aside” (often referred to as “asset segregation”) liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” open positions with respect to its transactions in forward currency contracts.
 
  Duration. The Commodity Strategy Fund’s duration approximates its price sensitivity to changes in interest rates. For example, suppose that interest rates in

 
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  one day fall by one percent which, in turn, causes yields on every bond in the market to fall by the same amount. In this example, the price of a bond with a duration of three years may be expected to rise approximately three percent and the price of a bond with a five year duration may be expected to rise approximately five percent. The converse is also true. Suppose interest rates in one day rise by one percent which, in turn, causes yields on every bond in the market to rise by the same amount. In this second example, the price of a bond with a duration of three years may be expected to fall approximately three percent and the price of a bond with a five year duration may be expected to fall approximately five percent. The longer the duration of a bond, the more sensitive the bond’s price is to changes in interest rates. Maturity measures the time until final payment is due; it takes no account of the pattern of a security’s cash flows over time. In calculating maturity, a Fund may determine the maturity of a variable or floating rate obligation according to its interest rate reset date, or the date principal can be recovered on demand, rather than the date of ultimate maturity. Similarly, to the extent that a fixed income obligation has a call, refunding, or redemption provision, the date on which the instrument is expected to be called, refunded or redeemed may be considered to be its maturity date. There is no guarantee that the expected call, refund or redemption will occur, and the Fund’s average maturity may lengthen beyond the Investment Adviser’s expectations should the expected call, refund or redemption not occur. In computing portfolio duration, the Fund will estimate the duration of obligations that are subject to prepayment or redemption by the issuer, taking into account the influence of interest rates on prepayments and coupon flows. This method of computing duration is known as “option-adjusted” duration. The Investment Adviser may use futures contracts, options on futures contracts and swaps to manage the Fund’s target duration in accordance with its benchmark. The Fund will not be limited as to its maximum weighted average portfolio maturity or the maximum stated maturity with respect to individual securities unless otherwise noted.
 
  The Investment Adviser uses derivative instruments, among other things, to manage the durations of the Commodity Strategy Fund’s investment portfolio. These derivative instruments include financial futures contracts and swap transactions, as well as other types of derivatives, and can be used to shorten and lengthen the duration of the Fund. The Fund’s investments in derivative instruments, including financial futures contracts and swaps, can be significant. These transactions can result in sizeable realized and unrealized capital gains and losses relative to the gains and losses from the Fund’s investments in bonds and other securities. Short-term and long-term realized capital gains distributions paid by the Fund are taxable to its shareholders.

 
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  Interest rates, fixed income securities prices, the prices of futures and other derivatives, and currency exchange rates can be volatile, and a variance in the degree of volatility or in the direction of the market from the Investment Adviser’s expectations may produce significant losses in the Commodity Strategy Fund’s investments in derivatives. In addition, a perfect correlation between a derivatives position and a fixed income security position is generally impossible to achieve. As a result, the Investment Adviser’s use of derivatives may not be effective in fulfilling the Investment Adviser’s investment strategies and may contribute to losses that would not have been incurred otherwise.
 
  Financial futures contracts used by the Commodity Strategy Fund include interest rate futures contracts including, among others, Eurodollar futures contracts. Eurodollar futures contracts are U.S. dollar-denominated futures contracts that are based on the implied forward London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) of a three-month deposit. Further information is included in this Prospectus regarding futures contracts, swaps and other derivative instruments used by the Fund, including information on the risks presented by these instruments and other purposes for which they may be used by the Fund.
 
  Credit Ratings. The Commodity Strategy Fund also has credit rating requirements for the securities it buys. The Fund will deem a security to have met its minimum credit rating requirement if the security has the required rating at the time of purchase from at least one NRSRO even though it has been rated below the minimum rating by one or more other NRSROs. Unrated securities may be purchased by the Fund if they are determined by the Investment Adviser to be of comparable quality. A security satisfies the Fund’s 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 Fund’s minimum rating requirement at the time of purchase and is subsequently downgraded below such rating, the Fund will not be required to dispose of such security. This is so even if the downgrade causes the average credit quality of the Fund to be lower than that stated in the Prospectus. Furthermore, during this period, the Investment Adviser will only buy securities at or above the Fund’s average rating requirement. If a downgrade occurs, the Investment Adviser will consider what action, including the sale of such security, is in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders.
 
  The Commodity Strategy Fund may invest in credit default swaps, which are derivative investments. When the Fund sells a credit default swap (commonly known as selling protection), the Fund may be required to pay the “notional value” of the credit default swap on a specified security (or group of securities) if the security defaults. The Fund will be the seller of a credit default swap only

 
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  when the credit of the security is deemed by the Investment Adviser to meet the Fund’s minimum credit criteria at the time the swap is first entered into.
 
  Commodity-Linked Securities. The Commodity Strategy Fund may seek to provide exposure to the investment returns of real assets that trade in the commodity markets through investments in commodity-linked derivative securities, which are designed to provide this exposure without direct investment in physical commodities or commodities futures contracts. Real assets are assets such as oil, gas, industrial and precious metals, livestock, and agricultural or meat products, or other items that have tangible properties, as compared to stocks or bonds, which are financial instruments. In choosing investments, the Investment Adviser seeks to provide exposure to various commodities and commodity sectors. The value of commodity-linked derivative securities may be affected by a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, overall market movements and other factors affecting the value of particular industries or commodities, such as weather, disease, embargoes, acts of war or terrorism, or political and regulatory developments.
 
  The prices of commodity-linked derivative securities may move in different directions than investments in traditional equity and debt securities when the value of those traditional securities is declining due to adverse economic conditions. As an example, during periods of rising inflation, debt securities have historically tended to decline in value due to the general increase in prevailing interest rates. Conversely, during those same periods of rising inflation, the prices of certain commodities, such as oil and metals, have historically tended to increase. Of course, there cannot be any guarantee that these investments will perform in that manner in the future, and at certain times the price movements of commodity-linked instruments have been parallel to those of debt and equity securities. Commodities have historically tended to increase and decrease in value during different parts of the business cycle than financial assets. Nevertheless, at various times, commodities prices may move in tandem with the prices of financial assets and thus may not provide overall portfolio diversification benefits. Under favorable economic conditions, the Commodity Strategy Fund’s investments may be expected to underperform an investment in traditional securities. Over the long term, the returns on the Fund’s investments are expected to exhibit low or negative correlation with stocks and bonds.
 
  The Investment Advisor generally intends to invest in commodity-linked investments whose returns are linked to the GSCI. However, the Commodity Strategy Fund is not an index fund and the Investment Adviser may make allocations that differ from the weightings in the GSCI.
 
  Structured Securities. Each Fund may invest in structured securities. Structured securities are securities whose value is determined by reference to changes in the value of specific currencies, securities, interest rates, commodities, indices or other

 
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  financial indicators (the “Reference”) or the relative change in two or more References. Investments in structured securities may provide exposure to certain securities or markets in situations where regulatory or other restrictions prevent direct investments in such issuers or markets.
 
  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. Structured securities are also subject to the risk that the issuer of the structured securities may fail to perform its contractual obligations. Certain issuers of structured products may be deemed to be investment companies as defined in the Investment Company Act. As a result, a Fund’s investments in structured securities may be subject to the limits applicable to investments in other investment companies.
 
  Structured securities include, but are not limited to, equity linked notes. Any equity linked note is a note whose performance is tied to a single stock, a stock index or a basket of stocks. Equity linked notes combine the principal protection normally associated with fixed income investments with the potential for capital appreciation normally associated with equity investments. Upon the maturity of the note, the holder generally receives a return of principal based on the capital appreciation of the linked securities. Depending on the terms of the note, equity linked notes may also have a “cap” or “floor” on the maximum principal amount to be repaid to holders, irrespective of the performance of the underlying linked securities. For example, a note may guarantee the repayment of the original principal amount invested (even if the underlying linked securities have negative performance during the note’s term), but may cap the maximum payment at maturity at a certain percentage of the issuance price or the return of the underlying linked securities. Alternatively, the note may not guarantee a full return on the original principal, but may offer a greater participation in any capital appreciation of the underlying linked securities. The terms of an equity linked note may also provide for periodic interest payments to holders at either a fixed or floating rate. The secondary market for equity linked notes may be limited, and the lack of liquidity in the secondary market may make these securities difficult to dispose of and to value. Equity linked notes will be considered equity securities for purposes of the Fund’s investment objective and policies.

 
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APPENDIX A

  Structured securities also include, but are not limited to, credit linked notes. Credit linked notes are securities with embedded credit default swaps. An investor holding a credit linked note generally receives a fixed or floating coupon and the note’s par value upon maturity, unless the referred credit defaults or declares bankruptcy, in which case the investor receives the amount recovered. In effect, investors holding credit linked notes receive a higher yield in exchange for assuming the risk of a specified credit event.
 
  Structured securities also include, but are not limited to, inverse floating rate debt securities (“inverse floaters”). The interest rate on inverse floaters resets in the opposite direction from the market rate of interest to which the inverse floater is indexed. An inverse floater may be considered to be leveraged to the extent that its interest rate varies by a magnitude that exceeds the magnitude of the change in the index rate of interest. The higher the degree of leverage of an inverse floater, the greater the volatility of its market value.
 
  REITs. Each 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. A Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any expenses, including management fees, paid by a REIT in which it invests.
 
  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.
 
  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. Each 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. A 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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  The writing and purchase of 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 anticipate 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 a Fund’s investment portfolio, the Fund may incur losses that it would not otherwise incur. The use of options can also increase a Fund’s transaction costs. Options written or purchased by the Funds 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. When writing an option, a Fund must “set aside” liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” its obligation under the option contract.
 
  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 Funds may engage in futures transactions on both U.S. and foreign exchanges.
 
  Each 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 interest rates, securities prices or, to the extent a Fund invests in foreign securities, currency exchange rates, or to otherwise manage its term structure, sector selections and duration in accordance with its investment objective and policies. Each Fund may also enter into closing purchase and sale transactions with respect to such contracts and options. The Trust, on behalf of each 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 Funds.
 
  Futures contracts and related options present the following risks:
  n   While a Fund may benefit from the use of futures and options on futures, unanticipated changes in interest rates, securities prices or currency exchange

 
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APPENDIX A

  rates may result in poorer overall performance than if the Fund had not entered into any futures contracts or options transactions.
  n   Because perfect correlation between a futures position and a portfolio position that is intended to be protected is impossible to achieve, the desired protection may not be obtained and a Fund may be exposed to additional risk of loss.
  n   The loss incurred by a 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 a Fund’s 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 a Fund.
  n   Futures contracts and options on futures may be illiquid, and exchanges may limit fluctuations in futures contract prices during a single day.
  n   Foreign exchanges may not provide the same protection as U.S. exchanges.

  A Fund must “set aside” liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” open positions with respect to its transactions in futures contracts and options on futures contracts. In the case of futures contracts that do not cash settle, for example, a Fund must set aside liquid assets equal to the full notional value of the futures contracts while the positions are open. With respect to futures contracts that do cash settle, however, a Fund is permitted to set aside liquid assets in an amount equal to the Fund’s daily marked-to-market net obligations ( i.e. , the Fund’s daily net liability) under the futures contracts, if any, rather than their full notional value. Each Fund reserves the right to modify its asset segregation policies in the future to comply with any changes in the positions from time to time articulated by the SEC or its staff regarding asset segregation. By setting aside assets equal to only its net obligations under cash-settled futures contracts, a Fund will have the ability to employ leverage to a greater extent than if the Fund were required to segregate assets equal to the full notional amount of the futures contracts.
 
  Equity Swaps. Each 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.
 
  An equity swap may be used by a 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, a

 
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  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, a Fund may suffer a loss if the counterparty defaults. Because equity swaps are normally illiquid, a Fund may be unable to terminate its obligations when desired. When entering into swap contracts, a Fund must “set aside” liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” its obligation under the swap contract.
 
  When-Issued Securities and Forward Commitments. Each 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.
 
  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 a Fund will generally purchase securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis with the intention of acquiring the securities for its portfolio, a Fund may dispose of when-issued securities or forward commitments prior to settlement if the Investment Adviser deems it appropriate. When purchasing a security on a when-issued basis or entering into a forward commitment, the Fund must “set aside” liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” its obligations.
 
  Repurchase Agreements. Repurchase agreements involve the purchase of securities subject to the seller’s agreement to repurchase them at a mutually agreed upon date and price. Each 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.
 
  If the other party or “seller” defaults, a 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 Fund’s costs associated with delay and enforcement of the repurchase agreement. In addition, in the event of bankruptcy of the seller, a Fund could suffer additional losses if a court determines that the Fund’s interest in the collateral is not enforceable.
 
  Certain Funds, together with other registered investment companies having advisory agreements with the Investment Adviser or any of its affiliates, may transfer

 
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APPENDIX A

  uninvested cash balances into a single joint account, the daily aggregate balance of which will be invested in one or more repurchase agreements.
 
  Lending of Portfolio Securities. Each Fund may engage in securities lending. Securities lending involves the lending of securities owned by a 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 a Fund in short-term investments, including registered and unregistered investment pools managed by the Investment Adviser, its affiliates or the Funds’ custodian and from which the Investment Adviser or its affiliates may receive fees. To the extent that cash collateral is so invested, such collateral will be subject to market depreciation or appreciation, and a 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 a 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.
 
  A Fund may lend its securities to increase its income. A 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.
 
  Short Sales Against-the-Box. Certain Funds may make short sales against-the-box. A short sale against-the-box means that at all times when a short position is open the Fund will own an equal amount of securities sold short, or securities convertible into or exchangeable for, without payment of any further consideration, an equal amount of the securities of the same issuer as the securities sold short.
 
  Preferred Stock, Warrants and Rights. Each 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 issuer’s 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.
 
  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

 
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  holders of warrants and rights have no voting rights, receive no dividends and have no rights with respect to the assets of the issuer.
 
  Other Investment Companies. Each Fund may invest in securities of other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds (ETFs) such as iShares SM , subject to statutory limitations prescribed by the Investment Company Act. These limitations include in certain circumstances a prohibition on any Fund acquiring more than 3% of the voting shares of any other investment company, and a prohibition on investing more than 5% of a Fund’s total assets in securities of any one investment company or more than 10% of its total assets in securities of all investment companies. Many ETFs, however, have obtained exemptive relief from the SEC to permit unaffiliated funds to invest in the ETFs’ shares beyond these statutory limitations, subject to certain conditions and pursuant to a contractual arrangement between the ETFs and the investing funds. A Fund may rely on these exemptive orders to invest in unaffiliated ETFs.
 
  The use of ETFs is intended to help a Fund match the total return of the particular market segments or indices represented by those ETFs, although that may not be the result. Most ETFs are investment companies whose shares are purchased and sold on a securities exchange. An ETF represents a portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market segment or index. An investment in an ETF generally presents the same primary risks as an investment in a conventional fund (i.e., one that is not exchange-traded) that has the same investment objectives, strategies and policies. In addition, an ETF may fail to accurately track the market segment or index that underlies its investment objective. The price of an ETF can fluctuate, and a Fund could lose money investing in an ETF. Moreover, ETFs are subject to the following risks that do not apply to conventional funds: (i) the market price of the ETF’s shares may trade at a premium or a discount to their NAV; (ii) an active trading market for an ETF’s shares may not develop or be maintained; and (iii) there is no assurance that the requirements of the exchange necessary to maintain the listing of an ETF will continue to be met or remain unchanged.
 
  Pursuant to an exemptive order obtained from the SEC or under an exemptive rule adopted by the SEC, a Fund may invest in other investment companies and money market funds beyond the statutory limits described above. Some of those investment companies and money market funds may be funds for which the Investment Adviser or any of its affiliates serves as investment adviser, administrator or distributor.
 
  A Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees and other expenses paid by such other investment companies. Although the Funds do not expect to do so in the foreseeable future, each Fund is authorized to invest substantially all of its assets in a single open-end investment company or series

 
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  thereof that has substantially the same investment objective, policies and fundamental restrictions as the Fund.
 
  Unseasoned Companies. Each 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.
 
  Corporate Debt Obligations. Corporate debt obligations include bonds, notes, debentures, commercial paper and other obligations of corporations to pay interest and repay principal. Each 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.).
 
  Bank Obligations. Each 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 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.
 
  U.S. Government Securities. Each 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 (i) the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury; (ii) the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; (iii) the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of the issuer; or (iv) 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. U.S. Government

 
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  Securities may also include Treasury inflation-protected securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation.
 
  Custodial Receipts and Trust Certificates. Each 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 a 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 a 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, a Fund will bear its proportionate share of the fees and expenses charged to the custodial account or trust. Each Fund may also invest in separately issued interests in custodial receipts and trust certificates.
 
  Floating and Variable Rate Obligations. The Commodity Strategy Fund may purchase floating and variable rate obligations. The value of these obligations is generally more stable than that of a fixed rate obligation in response to changes in interest rate levels. The issuers of financial intermediaries providing demand features may support their ability to purchase the obligations by obtaining credit with liquidity supports. These may include lines of credit, which are conditional commitments to lend, and letters of credit, which will ordinarily be irrevocable both of which may be issued by domestic banks or foreign banks. The Fund may purchase variable or floating rate obligations from the issuers or may purchase certificates of participation, a type of floating or variable rate obligation, which are interests in a pool of debt obligations held by a bank or other financial institutions.
 
  Zero Coupon, Deferred Interest, Pay-In-Kind and Capital Appreciation Bonds. The Commodity Strategy Fund may invest in zero coupon bonds, deferred interest, pay-in-kind and capital appreciation bonds. These bonds are issued at a discount from their face value because interest payments are typically postponed until maturity. Pay-in-kind securities are securities that have interest payable by the delivery of additional securities. The market prices of these securities generally are more volatile than the market prices of interest-bearing securities and are likely to respond to a greater degree to changes in interest rates than interest-bearing securities having similar maturities and credit quality.
 
  Municipal Securities. The Commodity Strategy Fund may invest in securities and instruments issued by state and local government issuers. Municipal securities in

 
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APPENDIX A

  which the Fund may invest consist of bonds, notes, commercial paper and other instruments (including participating interests in such securities) issued by or on behalf of states, territories and possessions of the United States (including the District of Columbia) and their political subdivisions, agencies or instrumentalities. Such securities may pay fixed, variable or floating rates of interest. Municipal securities are often issued to obtain funds for various public purposes, including the construction of a wide range of public facilities such as bridges, highways, housing, hospitals, mass transportation, schools, streets and water and sewer works. Other public purposes for which municipal securities may be issued include refunding outstanding obligations, obtaining funds for general operating expenses, and obtaining funds to lend to other public institutions and facilities. Municipal securities in which the Fund may invest include private activity bonds, municipal leases, certificates of participation, pre-funded municipal securities and auction rate securities. Dividends paid by the Fund based on investments in municipal securities will be taxable.
 
  Mortgage-Backed Securities. Certain Funds may invest in mortgage-backed securities. Mortgage-backed securities represent direct or indirect participations in, or are collateralized by and payable from, mortgage loans secured by real property. Mortgage-backed securities can be backed by either fixed rate mortgage loans or adjustable rate mortgage loans, and may be issued by either a governmental or non-governmental entity. Privately issued mortgage-backed securities are normally structured with one or more types of “credit enhancement.” However, these mortgage-backed securities typically do not have the same credit standing as U.S. government guaranteed mortgage-backed securities.
 
  Mortgage-backed securities may include multiple class securities, including collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) and Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit (“REMIC”) pass-through or participation certificates. A REMIC is a CMO that qualifies for special tax treatment and invests in certain mortgages principally secured by interests in real property and other permitted investments. CMOs provide an investor with a specified interest in the cash flow from a pool of underlying mortgages or of other mortgage-backed securities. CMOs are issued in multiple classes each with a specified fixed or floating interest rate and a final scheduled distribution rate. In many cases, payments of principal are applied to the CMO classes in the order of their respective stated maturities, so that no principal payments will be made on a CMO class until all other classes having an earlier stated maturity date are paid in full.
 
  Sometimes, however, CMO classes are “parallel pay,” i.e. , payments of principal are made to two or more classes concurrently. In some cases, CMOs may have the characteristics of a stripped mortgage-backed security whose price can be highly

 
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  volatile. CMOs may exhibit more or less price volatility and interest rate risk than other types of mortgage-related obligations, and under certain interest rate and payment scenarios, a Fund may fail to recoup fully its investment in certain of these securities regardless of their credit quality.
 
  Mortgaged-backed securities also include stripped mortgage-backed securities (“SMBS”), which are derivative multiple class mortgage-backed securities. SMBS are usually structured with two different classes: one that receives substantially all of the interest payments and the other that receives substantially all of the principal payments from a pool of mortgage loans. The market value of SMBS consisting entirely of principal payments generally is unusually volatile in response to changes in interest rates. The yields on SMBS that receive all or most of the interest from mortgage loans are generally higher than prevailing market yields on other mortgage-backed securities because their cash flow patterns are more volatile and there is a greater risk that the initial investment will not be fully recouped.
 
  Asset-Backed Securities. Certain Funds may invest in asset-backed securities. Asset-backed securities are securities whose principal and interest payments are collateralized by pools of assets such as auto loans, credit card receivables, leases, installment contracts and personal property. Asset-backed securities are often subject to more rapid repayment than their stated maturity date would indicate as a result of the pass-through of prepayments of principal on the underlying loans. During periods of declining interest rates, prepayment of loans underlying asset-backed securities can be expected to accelerate. Accordingly, a Fund’s ability to maintain positions in such securities will be affected by reductions in the principal amount of such securities resulting from prepayments, and its ability to reinvest the returns of principal at comparable yields is subject to generally prevailing interest rates at that time. Asset-backed securities present credit risks that are not presented by mortgage-backed securities. This is because asset-backed securities generally do not have the benefit of a security interest in collateral that is comparable to mortgage assets. If the issuer of an asset-backed security defaults on its payment obligations, there is the possibility that, in some cases, a Fund will be unable to possess and sell the underlying collateral and that a Fund’s recoveries on repossessed collateral may not be available to support payments on the securities. In the event of a default, a Fund may suffer a loss if it cannot sell collateral quickly and receive the amount it is owed. Asset-backed securities may also be subject to increased volatility and may become illiquid and more difficult to value even when there is no default or threat of default due to market conditions impacting asset-backed securities more generally.
 
  Non-Investment Grade Fixed-Income Securities. Non-investment grade fixed income securities and unrated securities of comparable credit quality (commonly

 
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APPENDIX A

  known as “junk bonds”) are considered speculative. In some cases, these obligations may be highly speculative and have poor prospects for reaching investment grade standing. Non-investment grade fixed income securities are subject to the increased risk of an issuer’s inability to meet principal and interest obligations. These securities, also referred to as high yield securities, may be subject to greater price volatility due to such factors as specific corporate or municipal developments, interest rate sensitivity, negative perceptions of the junk bond markets generally and less secondary market liquidity.
 
  Non-investment grade fixed income securities are often issued in connection with a corporate reorganization or restructuring or as part of a merger, acquisition, takeover or similar event. They are also issued by less established companies seeking to expand. Such issuers are often highly leveraged and generally less able than more established or less leveraged entities to make scheduled payments of principal and interest in the event of adverse developments or business conditions. Non-investment grade securities are also issued by governmental bodies that may have difficulty in making all scheduled interest and principal payments. The market value of non-investment grade fixed income securities tends to reflect individual corporate or municipal developments to a greater extent than that of higher rated securities which react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of interest rates. As a result, a Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective may depend to a greater extent on the Investment Adviser’s judgment concerning the creditworthiness of issuers than funds which invest in higher-rated securities. Issuers of non-investment grade fixed income securities may not be able to make use of more traditional methods of financing and their ability to service debt obligations may be affected more adversely than issuers of higher-rated securities by economic downturns, specific corporate or financial developments or the issuer’s inability to meet specific projected business forecasts. Negative publicity about the junk bond market and investor perceptions regarding lower rated securities, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may depress the prices for such securities.
 
  A holder’s risk of loss from default is significantly greater for non-investment grade fixed income securities than is the case for holders of other debt securities because such non-investment grade securities are generally unsecured and are often subordinated to the rights of other creditors of the issuers of such securities. Investment by a Fund in defaulted securities poses additional risk of loss should nonpayment of principal and interest continue in respect of such securities. Even if such securities are held to maturity, recovery by a Fund of its initial investment and any anticipated income or appreciation is uncertain.
 
  The secondary market for non-investment grade fixed income securities is concentrated in relatively few market makers and is dominated by institutional

 
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  investors, including mutual funds, insurance companies and other financial institutions. Accordingly, the secondary market for such securities is not as liquid as, and is more volatile than, the secondary market for higher-rated securities. In addition, market trading volume for high yield fixed income securities is generally lower and the secondary market for such securities could shrink or disappear suddenly and without warning as a result of adverse market or economic conditions, independent of any specific adverse changes in the condition of a particular issuer. The lack of sufficient market liquidity may cause a Fund to incur losses because it will be required to effect sales at a disadvantageous time and then only at a substantial drop in price. These factors may have an adverse effect on the market price and a Fund’s ability to dispose of particular portfolio investments. A less liquid secondary market also may make it more difficult for a Fund to obtain precise valuations of the high yield securities in its portfolio.
 
  Credit ratings issued by credit rating agencies are designed to evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments of rated securities. They do not, however, evaluate the market value risk of non-investment grade securities and, therefore, may not fully reflect the true risks of an investment. In addition, credit rating agencies may or may not make timely changes in a rating to reflect changes in the economy or in the conditions of the issuer that affect the market value of the security. Consequently, credit ratings are used only as a preliminary indicator of investment quality.
 
  Borrowings. Each 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. A Fund may not make additional investments if borrowings exceed 5% of its total assets.
 
  Mortgage Dollar Rolls. The Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund may enter into mortgage dollar rolls. A mortgage dollar roll involves the sale by a Fund of securities for delivery in the current month. The Fund simultaneously contracts with the same counterparty to repurchase substantially similar (same type, coupon and maturity) but not identical securities on a specified future date. During the roll period, the Fund loses the right to receive principal and interest paid on the securities sold. However, the Fund benefits to the extent of any difference between (a) the price received for the securities sold and (b) the lower forward price for the future purchase and/or fee income plus the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the securities sold. Unless the benefits of a mortgage dollar roll exceed the income, capital appreciation and gain or loss due to mortgage prepayments that would have been realized on the securities sold as part of the roll, the use of this technique will diminish the Fund’s performance.

 
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APPENDIX A

  Successful use of mortgage dollar rolls depends upon the Investment Adviser’s ability to predict correctly interest rates and mortgage prepayments. If the Investment Adviser is incorrect in its prediction, a Fund may experience a loss. The Funds do not currently intend to enter into mortgage dollar rolls for financing and do not treat them as borrowings.
 
  Yield Curve Options. The Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund may enter into options on the yield “spread” or differential between two securities. Such transactions are referred to as “yield curve” options. In contrast to other types of options, a yield curve option is based on the difference between the yields of designated securities, rather than the prices of the individual securities, and is settled through cash payments. Accordingly, a yield curve option is profitable to the holder if this differential widens (in the case of a call) or narrows (in the case of a put), regardless of whether the yields of the underlying securities increase or decrease.
 
  The trading of yield curve options is subject to all of the risks associated with the trading of other types of options. In addition, such options present a risk of loss even if the yield on an underlying security remains constant, or if the spread moves in a direction or to an extent which was not anticipated.
 
  Interest Rate Swaps, Mortgage Swaps, Credit Swaps, Currency Swaps, Total Return Swaps, Options on Swaps and Interest Rate Caps, Floors and Collars. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by a Fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, such as an exchange of fixed-rate payments for floating rate payments. Mortgage swaps are similar to interest rate swaps in that they represent commitments to pay and receive interest. The notional principal amount, however, is tied to a reference pool or pools of mortgages. Credit swaps involve the receipt of floating or fixed rate payments in exchange for assuming potential credit losses on an underlying security. Credit swaps give one party to a transaction (the buyer of the credit swap) the right to dispose of or acquire an asset (or group of assets), or the right to receive a payment from the other party, upon the occurrence of specified credit events. Currency swaps involve the exchange of the parties’ respective rights to make or receive payments in specified currencies. Total return swaps give a Fund the right to receive the appreciation in the value of a specified security, index or other instrument in return for a fee paid to the counterparty, which will typically be an agreed upon interest rate. If the underlying asset in a total return swap declines in value over the term of the swap, the Fund may also be required to pay the dollar value of that decline to the counterparty. Certain Funds may also purchase and write (sell) options contracts on swaps, commonly referred to as swaptions. A swaption is an option to enter into a swap agreement. Like other types of options,

 
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  the buyer of a swaption pays a non-refundable premium for the option and obtains the right, but not the obligation, to enter into an underlying swap on agreed-upon terms. The seller of a swaption, in exchange for the premium, becomes obligated (if the option is exercised) to enter into an underlying swap on agreed-upon terms. The purchase of an interest rate cap entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined interest rate, to receive payment of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling such interest rate cap. The purchase of an interest rate floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling the interest rate floor. An interest rate collar is the combination of a cap and a floor that preserves a certain return within a predetermined range of interest rates.
 
  Certain Funds may enter into the transactions described above for hedging purposes or to seek to increase total return. As an example, when a Fund is the buyer of a credit default swap (commonly known as buying protection), it may make periodic payments to the seller of the credit default swap to obtain protection against a credit default on a specified underlying asset (or group of assets). If a default occurs, the seller of a credit default swap may be required to pay the Fund the “notional value” of the credit default swap on a specified security (or group of securities). On the other hand, when a Fund is a seller of a credit default swap (commonly known as selling protection), in addition to the credit exposure the Fund has on the other assets held in its portfolio, the Fund is also subject to the credit exposure on the notional amount of the swap since, in the event of a credit default, the Fund may be required to pay the “notional value” of the credit default swap on a specified security (or group of securities) to the buyer of the credit default swap. A Fund will be the seller of a credit default swap only when the credit of the underlying asset is deemed by the Investment Adviser to meet the Fund’s minimum credit criteria at the time the swap is first entered into.
 
  The use of interest rate, mortgage, credit, currency and total return swaps, options on swaps, and interest rate caps, floors and collars is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If the Investment Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of market values, interest rates and currency exchange rates, or in its evaluation of the creditworthiness of swap counterparties and the issuers of the underlying assets, the investment performance of the Fund would be less favorable than it would have been if these investment techniques were not used.
 
  Inverse Floaters. The Funds may invest in inverse floating rate debt securities (“inverse floaters”). The interest rate on inverse floaters resets in the opposite direction from the market rate of interest to which an inverse floater is indexed. An

 
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APPENDIX A

  inverse floater may be considered to be leveraged to the extent that its interest rate varies by a magnitude that exceeds the magnitude of the change in the index rate of interest. The higher the degree of leverage of an inverse floater, the greater the volatility of its market value.
 
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  Appendix B
Financial Highlights
 
  The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand a Fund’s financial performance for the past five years (or less if the Fund has been in operation for less than five years). Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned or lost on an investment in a Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). The information for the fiscal period ended December 31, 2007 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, whose report, along with the Funds’ financial statements, is included in the Funds’ annual report (available upon request). The information for the International Real Estate Securities Fund for the fiscal period ended December 31, 2006 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. The information for the Tollkeeper and Real Estate Securities Funds for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003 has been audited by the Funds’ prior independent registered public accounting firm.

REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND

                                           
A Shares

For the Years Ended December 31,

2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Net asset value, beginning of year
  $ 22.40     $ 18.04     $ 17.29     $ 13.98     $ 10.53  
   
Income (loss) from investment operations
                                       
Net investment income a
    0.16       0.22       0.25       0.29       0.41  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
    (3.61 )     5.94       1.93       4.39       3.63  
   
 
Total from investment operations
    (3.45 )     6.16       2.18       4.68       4.04  
   
Distributions to shareholders
                                       
From net investment income
    (0.31 )     (0.33 )     (0.34 )     (0.34 )     (0.43 )
From net realized gains
    (3.14 )     (1.47 )     (1.09 )     (1.03 )     (0.16 )
   
 
Total distributions
    (3.45 )     (1.80 )     (1.43 )     (1.37 )     (0.59 )
   
Net asset value, end of year
  $ 15.50     $ 22.40     $ 18.04     $ 17.29     $ 13.98  
   
Total return b
    (15.97 )%     34.31 %     12.83 %     34.28 %     39.25 %
Net assets at end of year (in 000s)
  $ 317,274     $ 442,983     $ 301,360     $ 277,873     $ 189,164  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
    1.45 %     1.44 %     1.44 %     1.44 %     1.44 %
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
    0.71 %     1.05 %     1.42 %     1.92 %     3.37 %
Ratios assuming no expense reductions
                                       
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
    1.49 %     1.50 %     1.53 %     1.62 %     1.81 %
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
    0.67 %     0.99 %     1.33 %     1.74 %     3.00 %
Portfolio turnover rate
    42 %     30 %     19 %     30 %     17 %

See page 119 for all footnotes.

 
110


 

APPENDIX B

                                           
B Shares

For the Years Ended December 31,

2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Net asset value, beginning of year
  $ 22.44     $ 18.10     $ 17.34     $ 14.04     $ 10.57  
   
Income (loss) from investment operations
                                       
Net investment income (loss) a
    (0.04 )     0.05       0.10       0.17       0.31  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
    (3.58 )     5.97       1.96       4.40       3.66  
   
 
Total from investment operations
    (3.62 )     6.02       2.06       4.57       3.97  
   
Distributions to shareholders
                                       
From net investment income
    (0.17 )     (0.21 )     (0.21 )     (0.24 )     (0.34 )
From net realized gains
    (3.14 )     (1.47 )     (1.09 )     (1.03 )     (0.16 )
   
 
Total distributions
    (3.31 )     (1.68 )     (1.30 )     (1.27 )     (0.50 )
   
Net asset value, end of year
  $ 15.51     $ 22.44     $ 18.10     $ 17.34     $ 14.04  
   
Total return b
    (16.59 )%     33.33 %     12.03 %     33.24 %     38.27 %
Net assets at end of year (in 000s)
  $ 12,074     $ 23,799     $ 21,597     $ 24,452     $ 19,728  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
    2.20 %     2.19 %     2.19 %     2.19 %     2.19 %
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
    (0.20 )%     0.24 %     0.58 %     1.12 %     2.58 %
Ratios assuming no expense reductions
                                       
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
    2.24 %     2.25 %     2.28 %     2.28 %     2.31 %
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
    (0.24 )%     0.18 %     0.50 %     1.03 %     2.46 %
Portfolio turnover rate
    42 %     30 %     19 %     30 %     17 %

See page 119 for all footnotes.

 
111


 

                                           
C Shares

For the Years Ended December 31,

2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Net asset value, beginning of year
  $ 22.24     $ 17.96     $ 17.22     $ 13.95     $ 10.51  
   
Income (loss) from investment operations
                                       
Net investment income (loss) a
    (0.02 )     0.06       0.12       0.17       0.31  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
    (3.56 )     5.90       1.93       4.38       3.63  
   
 
Total from investment operations
    (3.58 )     5.96       2.05       4.55       3.94  
   
Distributions to shareholders
                                       
From net investment income
    (0.18 )     (0.21 )     (0.22 )     (0.25 )     (0.34 )
From net realized gains
    (3.14 )     (1.47 )     (1.09 )     (1.03 )     (0.16 )
   
 
Total distributions
    (3.32 )     (1.68 )     (1.31 )     (1.28 )     (0.50 )
   
Net asset value, end of year
  $ 15.34     $ 22.24     $ 17.96     $ 17.22     $ 13.95  
   
Total return b
    (16.58 )%     33.29 %     12.03 %     33.26       38.24 %
Net assets at end of year (in 000s)
  $ 16,065     $ 25,948     $ 20,020     $ 18,410     $ 13,732  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
    2.20 %     2.19 %     2.19 %     2.19 %     2.19 %
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
    (0.12 )%     0.27 %     0.65 %     1.13 %     2.62 %
Ratios assuming no expense reductions
                                       
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
    2.24 %     2.25 %     2.28 %     2.28 %     2.31 %
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
    (0.16 )%     0.21 %     0.56 %     1.04 %     2.50 %
Portfolio turnover rate
    42 %     30 %     19 %     30 %     17 %

See page 119 for all footnotes.

 
112


 

APPENDIX B

INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND

                                   
A Shares C Shares


For the For the
Period Ended Period Ended
For the December 31, For the December 31,
Year Ended 2006 Year Ended 2006
December 31, (commenced December 31, (commenced
2007 July 31, 2006) 2007 July 31, 2006)

Net asset value, beginning of period
  $ 12.01     $ 10.00     $ 11.98     $ 10.00  
Income from investment operations
                               
Net investment income a
    0.16       0.07       0.07       0.06  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
    (0.44 )     2.04       (0.43 )     2.01  
   
 
Total from investment operations
    (0.28 )     2.11       (0.36 )     2.07  
   
Distributions to shareholders
                               
From net investment income
    (0.84 )     (0.10 )     (0.78 )     (0.09 )
From net realized gains
    (0.04 )           (0.04 )      
   
 
Total distributions
    (0.88 )     (0.10 )     (0.83 )     (0.09 )
   
Net asset value, end of period
  $ 10.85     $ 12.01     $ 10.80     $ 11.98  
   
Total return b
    (2.56 )%     21.14 %     (3.22 )%     20.73 %
Net assets at end of period (in 000s)
  $ 599,660     $ 283,571     $ 16,999     $ 833  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
    1.54 %     1.53 % i     2.29 %     2.28 % i
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
    1.24 %     1.55 % i     0.56 %     1.19 % i
Ratios assuming no expense reductions
                               
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
    1.58 %     1.76 % i     2.33 %     2.51 % i
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
    1.20 %     1.32 % i     0.52 %     0.96 % i
Portfolio turnover rate
    86 %     13 %     86 %     13 %

See page 119 for all footnotes.

 
113


 

TOLLKEEPER FUND

                                           
A Shares

For the Years Ended December 31,

2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Net asset value, beginning of year
  $ 9.04     $ 8.02     $ 7.87     $ 6.99     $ 4.80  
   
Income (loss) from investment operations
                                       
Net investment loss a
    (0.10 ) c,d     (0.10 )     (0.08 )     (0.04 )     (0.08 )
Net realized and unrealized gain
    2.58 e     1.12 f     0.23       0.92       2.27  
   
 
Total from investment operations
    2.48       1.02       0.15       0.88       2.19  
   
Net asset value, end of year
  $ 11.52     $ 9.04     $ 8.02     $ 7.87     $ 6.99  
   
Total return b
    27.43 % g     12.72 % h     1.91 %     12.59 %     45.63 %
Net assets at end of year (in 000s)
  $ 194,604     $ 108,340     $ 125,718     $ 158,079     $ 180,819  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
    1.56 % c     1.49 %     1.50 %     1.50 %     1.50 %
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets
    (0.99 )% c,d     (1.14 )%     (1.10 )%     (0.55 )%     (1.30 )%
Ratios assuming no expense reductions
                                       
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
    1.64 % c     1.59 %     1.56 %     1.56 %     1.55 %
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets
    (1.07 )% c,d     (1.24 )%     (1.16 )%     (0.61 )%     (1.35 )%
Portfolio turnover rate
    70 %     35 %     48 %     37 %     27 %

See page 119 for all footnotes.

 
114


 

APPENDIX B

                                           
B Shares

For the Years Ended December 31,

2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Net asset value, beginning of year
  $ 8.55     $ 7.65     $ 7.56     $ 6.77     $ 4.68  
   
Income (loss) from investment operations
                                       
Net investment loss a
    (0.16 ) c,d     (0.15 )     (0.13 )     (0.09 )     (0.12 )
Net realized and unrealized gain
    2.43 e     1.05 f     0.22       0.88       2.21  
   
 
Total from investment operations
    2.27       0.90       0.09       0.79       2.09  
   
Net asset value, end of year
  $ 10.82     $ 8.55     $ 7.65     $ 7.56     $ 6.77  
   
Total return b
    26.55 % g     11.76 % h     1.19 %     11.67 %     44.66 %
Net assets at end of year (in 000s)
  $ 78,493     $ 93,722     $ 120,415     $ 163,502     $ 189,420  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
    2.31 % c     2.24 %     2.25 %     2.25 %     2.25 %
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets
    (1.73 )% c,d     (1.89 )%     (1.85 )%     (1.31 )%     (2.04 )%
Ratios assuming no expense reductions
                                       
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
    2.39 % c     2.34 %     2.31 %     2.31 %     2.30 %
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets
    (1.81 )% c,d     (1.99 )%     (1.91 )%     (1.37 )%     (2.09 )%
Portfolio turnover rate
    70 %     35 %     48 %     37 %     27 %

See page 119 for all footnotes.

 
115


 

                                           
C Shares

For the Years Ended December 31,

2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Net asset value, beginning of year
  $ 8.55     $ 7.64     $ 7.55     $ 6.76     $ 4.67  
   
Income (loss) from investment operations
                                       
Net investment loss a
    (0.17 ) c,d     (0.15 )     (0.13 )     (0.09 )     (0.12 )
Net realized and unrealized gain
    2.43 e     1.06 f     0.22       0.88       2.21  
   
 
Total from investment operations
    2.26       0.91       0.09       0.79       2.09  
   
Net asset value, end of year
  $ 10.81     $ 8.55     $ 7.64     $ 7.55     $ 6.76  
   
Total return b
    26.43 % g     11.91 % h     1.19 %     11.69 %     44.75 %
Net assets at end of year (in 000s)
  $ 61,641     $ 51,346     $ 60,638     $ 79,210     $ 92,752  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
    2.31 % c     2.24 %     2.25 %     2.25 %     2.25 %
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets
    (1.74 )% c,d     (1.89 )%     (1.85 )%     (1.31 )%     (2.04 )%
Ratios assuming no expense reductions
                                       
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
    2.39 % c     2.34 %     2.31 %     2.31 %     2.30 %
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets
    (1.82 )% c,d     (1.99 )%     (1.91 )%     (1.37 )%     (2.09 )%
Portfolio turnover rate
    70 %     35 %     48 %     37 %     27 %

See page 119 for all footnotes.

 
116


 

APPENDIX B

COMMODITY STRATEGY FUND

           
A Shares

For the
Period Ended
December 31,
2007
(commenced
March 30,
2007)

Net asset value, beginning of period
  $ 10.00  
     
 
Income from investment operations
       
Net investment income a
    0.19  
Net realized and unrealized gain
    2.22  
     
 
 
Total from investment operations
    2.41  
     
 
Distributions to shareholders
       
From net investment income
    (0.19 )
     
 
Net asset value, end of period
  $ 12.22  
     
 
Total return b
    24.27 %
Net assets at end of period (in 000s)
  $ 86,648  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
    0.93 % i
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
    2.36 % i
Ratios assuming no expense reductions
       
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
    1.09 % i
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
    2.20 % i
Portfolio turnover rate
    83 %

See page 119 for all footnotes.

 
117


 

           
C Shares

For the
Period Ended
December 31,
2007
(commenced
March 30,
2007)

Net asset value, beginning of period
  $ 10.00  
     
 
Income from investment operations
       
Net investment income a
    0.13  
Net realized and unrealized gain
    2.22  
     
 
 
Total from investment operations
    2.35  
     
 
Distributions to Shareholders
       
From net investment income
    (0.15 )
     
 
Net asset value, end of period
  $ 12.20  
     
 
Total return b
    23.66 %
Net assets at end of period (in 000s)
  $ 684  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
    1.68 % i
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
    1.48 % i
Ratios assuming no expense reductions
       
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
    1.84 % i
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
    1.32 % i
Portfolio turnover rate
    83 %

See page 119 for all footnotes.

 
118


 

       

Footnotes:
a
Calculated based on the average shares outstanding methodology.
b
Assumes investment at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, a complete redemption of the investment at the net asset value at the end of the period and no sales or redemption charges. Total return would be reduced if a sales or redemption charge were taken into account. Total returns for periods less than one full year are not annualized. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
c
Includes non-recurring expense for a special shareholder proxy meeting which amounted to approximately $0.01 per share and approximately 0.05% of average net assets.
d
Reflects income recognized from special dividends which amounted to $0.01 per share and 0.12% of average net assets.
e
Reflects an increase of $0.07 per share and 0.67% of average net assets due to payments received for class action settlements received during the year.
f
Reflects an increase of $0.04 per share and 0.47% of average net assets due to payments received for class action settlements received during the year.
g
Total return reflects the impact of payments received for class action settlements received during the year. Excluding such payments, the total return would have been 27.82%.
h
Total return reflects the impact of payments received for class action settlements received during the year. Excluding such payments, the total return would have been 12.64%.
i
Annualized.

 
119


 

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  Index
         
    1 General Investment Management Approach
 
    4 Fund Investment Objectives and Strategies
    4   Goldman Sachs Real Estate Securities Fund
    7   Goldman Sachs International Real Estate Securities Fund
    10   Goldman Sachs Tollkeeper Fund
    12   Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy Fund
 
    16 Other Investment Practices and Securities
 
    18 Principal Risks of the Funds
 
    25 Fund Performance
 
    30 Fund Fees and Expenses
 
    38 Service Providers
 
    45 Dividends
 
    46 Shareholder Guide
    46   How To Buy Shares
    62   How To Sell Shares
 
    75 Taxation
 
    78 Appendix A
     Additional Information on
     Portfolio Risks, Securities
     and Techniques
 
    110 Appendix B
     Financial Highlights


 

 
  Select Satellite Funds
Prospectus
(Class A, B and C Shares)

   FOR MORE INFORMATION   

  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.
 
  Statement of Additional Information
  Additional information about the Funds and their policies is also available in the Funds’ SAI. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus (is legally considered part of this Prospectus).
 
  The Funds’ annual and semi-annual reports and SAI 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 and the SAI at the Funds’ website: http://www.goldmansachsfunds.com.
 
  To obtain other information and for shareholder inquiries:

     
     n  By telephone:
  1-800-526-7384
     n  By mail:
  Goldman Sachs Funds
P.O. Box 06050
Chicago, Illinois 60606-6306
     n  On the Internet:
  SEC EDGAR database – http://www.sec.gov

  You may review and obtain copies of Fund documents (including the SAI) by visiting the SEC’s public reference room in Washington, D.C. You may also obtain copies of Fund documents, after paying a duplicating fee, by writing to the SEC’s 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) 551-8090.

The Funds’ investment company registration number is 811-05349.

Goldman Sachs Tollkeeper Fund SM is a
service mark of Goldman, Sachs & Co.

GSAM ® is a registered service mark of Goldman, Sachs & Co.

541698

SPECSELABC
(GOLDMAN SACHS LOGO)


 

Prospectus
  Class R
and IR Shares
 
  April 29, 2008

 GOLDMAN SACHS SELECT SATELLITE FUNDS
     
(GRAPHIC)
  n  Goldman Sachs Real Estate Securities Fund

n
 Goldman Sachs International Real Estate Securities Fund

n
 Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy 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 A FUND IS NOT A BANK DEPOSIT AND IS NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY. AN INVESTMENT IN A FUND INVOLVES INVESTMENT RISKS, AND YOU MAY LOSE MONEY IN A FUND.
 
(GOLDMAN SACHS LOGO)


 

         

NOT FDIC-INSURED   May Lose Value   No Bank Guarantee


 

 
  General Investment
Management Approach
 
  Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (“GSAM”) serves as investment adviser to the Real Estate Securities, International Real Estate Securities, and Commodity Strategy Funds (each, a “Fund,” and, collectively, the “Funds”). GSAM is referred to in this Prospectus as the “Investment Adviser.”

   REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND AND INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE 
   SECURITIES FUND   

  Goldman Sachs’ Real Estate Securities Investment Philosophy:
  When choosing portfolio securities for the Real Estate Securities Fund and the International Real Estate Securities Fund, the Investment Adviser:
  n   Selects stocks based on quality and location of assets, experienced management and a sustainable competitive advantage.
  n   Seeks to buy securities at a discount to the intrinsic value of the business (assets and management).
  n   Seeks a team approach to decision making.

  Over time, real estate securities have offered investors important diversification and competitive total returns versus the broad equity and fixed income markets.

  References in this Prospectus to a Fund’s benchmark or benchmarks are for informational purposes only, and unless otherwise noted are not an indication of how a particular Fund is managed.
 
1


 

   COMMODITY STRATEGY FUND   

  Goldman Sachs’ Commodities Investing Philosophy:
  Commodity markets can provide portfolio diversification due to their low historical correlations with traditional asset classes such as large cap equities and investment grade fixed income securities. The Commodity Strategy Fund seeks to provide this diversification primarily through investments in commodity index-linked securities and other securities that provide general exposure to the performance of this asset class. The Fund also invests in fixed income and other debt securities, taking an active investment approach as described in greater detail below.
 
 
  The Investment Adviser applies a team approach that emphasizes risk management and capitalizes on Goldman Sachs’ extensive research capabilities.


 
2


 

 
  Fund Investment Objectives
and Strategies
 
Goldman Sachs
Real Estate Securities Fund
     
FUND FACTS

Objective:
  Total return comprised of long-term growth of capital and
dividend income
Benchmark:
  Wilshire Real Estate Securities Index
Investment Focus:
  REITs and real estate operating companies
Investment Style:
  Growth at a reasonable price
Symbol:
  Class R: GRERX; Class IR: GRETX
 

   INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE   

  The Fund seeks total return comprised of long-term growth of capital and dividend income.

   PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES   

  Equity Investments.  The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, substantially all and at least 80% of its net assets plus any borrowings for investment purposes (measured at time of purchase) (“Net Assets”) in a portfolio of equity investments in issuers the are primarily engaged in or related to the real estate industry.* The Fund expects that a substantial portion of its assets will be invested in REITs, real estate industry companies and other real estate related investments.
 
  A “real estate industry company” is a company that derives at least 50% of its gross revenues or net profits from the ownership, development, construction,

 
   * 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 a Fund’s policy to invest at least 80% of its Net Assets in the particular type of investment suggested by its name.
 
3


 

 
  Goldman Sachs
Real Estate Securities Fund
continued

financing, management or sale of commercial, industrial or residential real estate or interests therein. Real estate companies may include real estate investment trusts (REITs), REIT-like structures, or real estate operating companies whose businesses and services are related to the real estate industry.

  The Fund’s investment strategy is based on the premise that property market fundamentals are the primary determinant of growth, underlying the success of companies in the real estate industry. The Investment Adviser focuses on companies that can achieve sustainable growth in cash flow and dividend paying capability. The Investment Adviser attempts to purchase securities so that its underlying portfolio will be diversified geographically and by property type. Although the Fund will invest primarily in publicly traded U.S. securities, it may invest up to 15% of its total assets in foreign securities, including securities of issuers in emerging countries and securities quoted in foreign currencies.
 
  Investing in real estate securities involves certain unique risks. Investments in real estate industry companies may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the issuer or by overbuilding, changes in zoning laws, environmental concerns and limits on rents. In addition, real estate industry companies that hold mortgages may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. Real estate companies are dependent upon management skill, may not be diversified, and are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, default by borrowers and self-liquidation. REIT issuers are also subject to the possibilities of failing to qualify for tax free pass-through of income and failing to maintain their exemptions from investment company registration. Real estate companies whose underlying properties are concentrated in a particular industry or geographic region are also subject to risks affecting such industries and regions.
 
  The Fund’s investments, especially investments in real estate industry companies that hold its mortgages, may be subject to interest rate risks. When interest rates decline, the value of a REIT’s investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a REIT’s investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to decline. In contrast, as interest rates on adjustable rate mortgage loans are reset periodically, yields on a REIT’s investment in such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates, causing the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed rate obligations.

 
4


 

FUND INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES

  The REIT investments of the Real Estate Securities Fund often do not provide complete tax information to the Fund until after the calendar year-end. Consequently, because of the delay, it may be necessary for the Fund to request permission to extend the deadline for issuance of Forms 1099-DIV beyond January 31.
 
  Other.  The Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in fixed-income investments, such as government, corporate debt and bank obligations, that offer the potential to further the Fund’s investment objective.
 
  The Fund is “non-diversified” under the Act, and may invest more of its assets in fewer issuers than “diversified” mutual funds. Therefore, the Fund may be more susceptible to adverse developments affecting any single issuer held in its portfolio, and may be more susceptible to greater losses because of these developments.

 
5


 

 
  Goldman Sachs
International Real Estate
Securities Fund
     
FUND FACTS

Objective:
  Total return comprised of long-term growth of capital and
dividend income
Benchmark:
  FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Global ex US Real Estate Index
Investment Focus:
  Real estate operating companies organized outside the United States or whose securities are principally traded outside the United States
Investment Style:
  Growth at a reasonable price
Symbol:
  Class IR: GIRTX
 

   INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE   

  The Fund seeks total return comprised of long-term growth of capital and dividend income.

   PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES   

  The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by primarily investing in issuers that are real estate investment trusts (REITs) or real estate operating companies organized outside the United States or whose securities are principally traded outside the United States.
 
  Equity Investments.  The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, substantially all and at least 80% of its net assets plus any borrowings for investment purposes (measured at time of purchase) (“Net Assets”) in a portfolio of equity investments in issuers that are primarily engaged in or related to the real estate industry (“real estate industry companies”) outside the United States*. The Fund expects that a substantial portion of its assets will be invested in REITs, real estate industry companies and other real estate related investments.
 
  A “real estate industry company” is a company that derives at least 50% of its gross revenues or net profits from the ownership, development, construction,

 

 
     * To the extent required by SEC regulations, shareholders will be provided with sixty days notice in the manner prescribed by the SEC before any change in the Fund’s policy to invest at least 80% of its Net Assets in the particular type of investment suggested by its name.
 
6


 

FUND INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES

financing, management or sale of commercial, industrial or residential real estate or interests therein. Real estate companies may include real estate investment trusts (REITs), REIT-like structures, or real estate operating companies whose businesses and services are related to the real estate industry.

  The Fund’s investment strategy is based on the premise that property market fundamentals are the primary determinant of growth, underlying the success of companies in the real estate industry. The Investment Adviser focuses on companies that can achieve sustainable growth in cash flow and dividend paying capability. The Investment Adviser attempts to purchase securities so that its underlying portfolio will be diversified geographically and by property type. The Fund will invest primarily in publicly traded securities outside the United States.
 
  Investing in real estate securities involves certain unique risks. Investments in real estate industry companies may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the issuer or by overbuilding, changes in zoning laws, environmental concerns and limits on rents. In addition, real estate industry companies that hold mortgages may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. Real estate companies are dependent upon management skill, may not be diversified, and are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, default by borrowers and self-liquidation. REIT issuers are also subject to the possibilities of failing to qualify for tax free pass-through of income and failing to maintain their exemptions from investment company registration. Real estate companies whose underlying properties are concentrated in a particular industry or geographic region are also subject to risks affecting such industries and regions.
 
  The Fund’s investments, especially investments in real estate industry companies that hold its mortgages, may be subject to interest rate risks. When interest rates decline, the value of investments in fixed rate obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of investments in fixed rate obligations can be expected to decline. In contrast, as interest rates on adjustable rate mortgage loans are reset periodically, yields on a real estate company’s investment in such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates, causing the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed rate obligations.
 
  The REIT investments of the Fund often do not provide complete tax information to the Fund until after the calendar year-end. Consequently, because of the delay, it may be necessary for the Fund to request permission to extend the deadline for issuance of Forms 1099-DIV beyond January 31.

 
7


 

 
  Goldman Sachs
International Real Estate
Securities Fund
continued

  The Fund expects to invest a substantial portion of its assets in the securities of issuers located in Japan, the United Kingdom, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Canada and France. From time to time, the Fund’s investments in a particular country may exceed 25% of its investment portfolio.
 
  Other.  The Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in REITs or real estate companies organized or principally traded in the United States and fixed-income investments, such as government debt, corporate debt and bank obligations, that offer the potential to further the Fund’s investment objective.
 
  The Fund is “non-diversified” under the Act, and may invest more of its assets in fewer issuers than “diversified” mutual funds. Therefore, the Fund may be more susceptible to adverse developments affecting any single issuer held in its portfolio, and may be more susceptible to greater losses because of these developments.

 
8


 

 
Goldman Sachs
Commodity Strategy Fund
     
FUND FACTS

Objective:
  Long-term total return
Benchmark:
  S&P GSCI Commodity Index (“GSCI”)
Investment Focus:
  Fixed income securities, other debt securities and commodity-linked securities.
Symbol:
  Class R: GCCRX; Class IR: GCCTX
 

   INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE   

  The Fund seeks long-term total return.*

   PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES   

  In pursuing its objective, the Fund seeks to maintain substantial economic exposure to the performance of the commodities markets. The Fund invests in a portfolio of commodity index-linked securities (including leveraged and unleveraged structured notes), other commodity-linked securities and derivative instruments that provide exposure to the performance of the commodities markets, and in other fixed income and debt instruments. The Fund’s portfolio is designed to provide exposure that corresponds to the investment return of assets that trade in the commodity markets without direct investment in physical commodities. It is expected that certain of the Fund’s investments will produce leveraged exposure to the commodities markets. Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 25% of its assets in commodity-linked structured notes.
 
  Commodity Investments.  The Fund seeks to provide exposure to the commodity markets and returns that correspond to the performance of the GSCI by investing
 
  in commodity-linked investments. The GSCI, formerly named the Goldman Sachs Commodity Index, is a composite index of commodity sector returns, representing an unleveraged, long-only investment in commodity futures that is diversified across the spectrum of commodities. Individual components qualify for inclusion in the

 
The Fund’s investment objective is not a fundamental policy and may be changed by the Fund’s Board of Trustees without shareholder approval.
 
9


 

 
  Goldman Sachs
Commodity Strategy Fund
continued

GSCI on the basis of liquidity and are weighted by their respective world production quantities. In pursuing its objective, the Fund attempts to provide exposure to the returns of real assets that trade in the commodity markets without direct investment in physical commodities. Real assets include oil, gas, industrial and precious metals, livestock, and agricultural or meat products, or other items that have tangible properties. Commodity-linked investments may be more volatile and less liquid than the underlying instruments and their value may be affected by the performance of commodities as well as weather, tax, and other regulatory or political developments, overall market movements and other factors affecting the value of particular industries or commodities, such as disease, embargoes, acts of war or terrorism.

  The Fund invests in commodity-linked derivative instruments such as commodity-linked structured notes. The Fund invests in commodity-linked notes that pay a return linked to the performance of a commodities index or basket of futures contracts with respect to all of the commodities in an index. In some cases, the return will be based on some multiple of the performance of the index. This embedded leverage will magnify the positive and negative return the Fund earns from these notes as compared to the index. The principal and/or interest payments of commodity-linked derivatives are tied to the value of a real asset or commodity index. Structured notes may be structured by the issuer and the purchaser of the note. The notes are derivative debt instruments with principal payments generally linked to the value of commodities, commodity futures contracts or the performance of commodity indices and interest and coupon payments pegged to a market-based interest rate, such as LIBOR or a bank’s prime rate. The value of these notes will rise or fall in response to changes in the underlying commodity or related index or investment. These notes expose the Fund economically to movements in commodity prices. The Fund will pursue its objective without directly investing in commodities. The Fund seeks to provide exposure to various commodities and commodities sectors. Commodity-linked derivative instruments include commodity index-linked securities and other derivative instruments that provide exposure to the investment returns of the commodities markets.
 
  Fixed Income Investments.  The Fund invests in investment grade fixed-income securities. Investment grade securities are securities that are rated at the time of purchase at least BBB- by Standard & Poor’s Rating Group (“Standard & Poor’s”) or at least Baa3 by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), have a comparable rating by another nationally recognized statistical rating organization

 
10


 

FUND INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES

  (“NRSRO”) or, if unrated, are determined by the Investment Adviser to be of comparable quality. The Fund may invest in corporate securities, U.S. Government Securities, Mortgage-Backed Securities, asset-backed securities, and fixed-income securities issued by or on behalf of states, territories and possessions of the United States (including the District of Columbia) and the political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities thereof (“Municipal Securities”). The average duration will vary. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its net assets in foreign securities. In addition, the Fund may invest up to 10% of its assets in non-investment grade fixed-income securities. The structured securities and commodity-linked derivative securities may also be considered fixed income investments because they typically pay a predetermined rate of return until the security matures.
 
  Non-investment grade fixed-income securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”) tend to offer higher yields than higher rated securities with similar maturities. Non-investment grade fixed-income securities are, however, considered speculative and generally involve greater price volatility and greater risk of loss of principal and interest than higher rated securities. The Fund may purchase the securities of issuers that are in default.
 
  Other.  The Fund will also invest in options, futures, options on futures and swaps. The Fund will primarily allocate its assets between fixed income and other debt securities and commodity-linked instruments. In pursuing its investment objective, the Fund uses the GSCI as its performance benchmark and will attempt to produce returns that correspond to the performance of the GSCI, but the Fund will not attempt to replicate the index. The Fund may, therefore, invest in securities that are not included in the GSCI.
 
  The Fund will not invest 25% or more of its total assets in instruments issued by companies in any one industry. The Fund’s portfolio will reflect greater than 25% exposure to the group of industries represented in the GSCI, however. If, in the future, industries are added to or removed from representation in the GSCI, the group of industries in which the Fund’s exposure is concentrated will likewise change.
 
  As of April 11, 2008, the GSCI included 24 commodities in five broad sectors: energy, industrial metals, precious metals, agricultural products, and livestock products. Current information on the composition of the index can be found at: www2.goldmansachs.com/gsci.

 
11


 

 
  Goldman Sachs
Commodity Strategy Fund
continued

  THE FUND IS “NON-DIVERSIFIED” UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 (“INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT”), AND MAY INVEST MORE OF ITS ASSETS IN FEWER ISSUERS THAN “DIVERSIFIED” MUTUAL FUNDS. THEREFORE, THE FUND MAY BE MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO ADVERSE DEVELOPMENTS AFFECTING ANY SINGLE ISSUER HELD IN ITS PORTFOLIO, AND MAY BE MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO GREATER LOSSES BECAUSE OF THESE DEVELOPMENTS.

 
12


 

 
Other Investment Practices
and Securities

The tables below and on the following page identify some of the investment techniques that may (but are not required to) be used by the Funds in seeking to achieve their investment objectives. The tables also highlight the differences and similarities among the Funds in their use of these techniques and other investment practices and investment securities. Numbers in this table show allowable usage only; for actual usage, consult the Funds’ annual/semi-annual report. For more information about these and other investment practices and securities, see Appendix A. Each Fund publishes on its website (http://www.goldmansachsfunds.com) complete portfolio holdings for the Fund as of the end of each calendar quarter subject to a fifteen day lag between the date of the information and the date on which the information is disclosed. In addition, the Funds publish on their website month-end top ten holdings subject to a ten 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 a Fund files its next quarterly portfolio holdings report on Form N-CSR or Form N-Q with the SEC. In addition, a description of a Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of a Fund’s portfolio holdings is available in the Funds’ Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).

             
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; International
      limited only by the strategies Real Estate Real Estate Commodity
      of the Fund Securities Securities Strategy
—  Not permitted Fund Fund Fund

Investment Practices        
 
Borrowings
  33 1/3   33 1/3   33 1/3
 
Credit, Currency, Index, Interest Rate, Total Return and Mortgage Swaps and Options on Swaps *
  15   15   15
 
Cross Hedging of Currencies
     
 
Custodial Receipts and Trust Certificates
     
 
Equity Swaps *
  15   15   15
 
Foreign Currency Transactions **
     
 
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts
     
 
Interest Rate Caps, Floors and Collars
     
 
Investment Company Securities (including exchange-traded funds)
  10   10   10
 
Mortgage Dollar Rolls
     
 
Options on Foreign Currencies 1
     
 
Options on Securities and Securities Indices 2
     
 
Preferred Stock, Warrants and Stock Purchase Rights
     
 
Repurchase Agreements
     
 
Securities Lending
  33 1/3   33 1/3   33 1/3
 
Short Sales Against the Box
  25   25  
 
Unseasoned Companies
     
 
When-Issued Securities and Forward Commitments
     

 
  *
Limited to 15% of net assets (together with other illiquid securities) for all structured securities and all swap transactions that are not deemed liquid.
**
Limited by the amount each Fund may invest in foreign securities.
   1
The Real Estate Securities and International Real Estate Securities Funds may purchase and sell call and put options.
   2
The Funds may sell covered call and put options and purchase call and put options.
 
13


 

             
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; International
      limited only by the objectives and strategies Real Estate Real Estate Commodity
      of the Fund Securities Securities Strategy
—  Not permitted Fund Fund Fund

Investment Securities        
 
American, European and Global Depositary Receipts
     
 
Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities 3
     
 
Bank Obligations 3
     
Commodity-linked Derivative Instruments
     
 
Convertible Securities 4
     
 
Corporate Debt Obligations 3
     
 
Equity Investments
  80+   80+  
Emerging Country Securities
  15 5     25 5
 
Fixed Income Securities
  20   20  
Foreign Securities
  15 5     25 5
 
Municipal Securities 3
     
Non-Investment Grade Fixed Income Securities
  20 6   20 6   10 6
 
Real Estate Investment Trusts
     
 
Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities 3
     
 
Structured Securities (which may include equity linked notes) * 3
     
 
Temporary Investments
     
 
U.S. Government Securities 3
     
 
Yield Curve Options and Inverse Floating Rate Securities
     

 
*
Limited to 15% of net assets (together with other illiquid securities) for all structured securities and all swap transactions that are not deemed liquid.
3
Limited by the amount the Fund invests in fixed-income securities.
4
Convertible securities purchased by the Funds use the same rating criteria for convertible and non-convertible debt securities.
5
The Commodity Strategy and Real Estate Securities Funds may invest in the aggregate up to 25% and 15%, respectively, of their total assets in foreign securities, including emerging country securities.
6
May be BB or lower by Standard & Poor’s Rating Group (“Standard & Poor’s”) or Ba or lower by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or have a comparable rating by another nationally-recognized statistical rating organization at the time of investment.
 
14


 

 
Principal Risks of the Funds

Loss of money is a risk of investing in each Fund. An investment in a 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 the principal risks that apply to the Funds and may result in a loss of your investment. None of the Funds should be relied upon as a complete investment program. There can be no assurance that a Fund will achieve its investment objective.

             
International
Real Estate Real Estate Commodity
•   Applicable Securities Securities Strategy
— Not applicable Fund Fund Fund

Credit/Default
     
Foreign
     
Emerging Countries
     
Industry Concentration
     
Stock
     
Derivatives
     
Interest Rate
     
IPO
     
Management
     
Market
     
Liquidity
     
Non-Diversification
     
REIT
     
Mid Cap and Small Cap
     
Investment Style
     
NAV
     
Non-Investment Grade Fixed Income Securities
     
U.S. Government Securities Risk
     
Commodity Sector
     
Real Estate Industry
     
Absence of Regulation
     
Call Risk
     
Extension Risk
     
Counterparty
     
Leverage
     

 
15


 

General Risks:
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 a 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. A Fund will also be subject to the risk of negative foreign currency rate fluctuations. Foreign risks will normally be greatest when a Fund invests in issuers located in emerging countries.
n   Emerging Countries Risk —The securities markets of Central and South American, African, Asian and Eastern European and other emerging countries are less liquid, are especially subject to greater price volatility, have smaller market capitalizations, have less government regulation and are not subject to as extensive and frequent accounting, financial and other reporting requirements as the securities markets of more developed countries. Further, investment in equity securities of issuers located in certain emerging countries involves risk of loss resulting from problems in share registration and custody and substantial economic and political disruptions. These risks are not normally associated with investments in more developed countries.
n   Industry Concentration Risk —The risk that a Fund concentrates its investments in specific industry sectors that have historically experienced substantial price volatility. A Fund is subject to greater risk of loss as a result of adverse economic, business or other developments than if its investments were diversified across different industry sectors. Securities of issuers held by a Fund may lack sufficient market liquidity to enable a Fund to sell the securities at an advantageous time or without a substantial drop in price.
n   Stock Risk —The risk that stock prices have historically risen and fallen in periodic cycles. U.S. and foreign stock markets have experienced periods of substantial price volatility in the past and may do so again in the future.
n   Derivatives Risk —The risk that loss may result from a Fund’s investments in options, futures, swaps, structured securities and other derivative instruments. These instruments may be illiquid, difficult to price and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses to a Fund.
n   Interest Rate Risk —The risk that when interest rates increase, fixed income securities held by a 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   IPO Risk —The risk that the market value of IPO shares will fluctuate considerably due to factors such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, the small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the issuer. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. IPO shares

 
16


 

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF THE FUNDS

are subject to market risk and liquidity risk. When a Fund’s asset base is small, a significant portion of the Fund’s performance could be attributable to investments in IPOs, because such investments would have a magnified impact on the Fund. As the Fund’s assets grow, the effect of the Fund’s investments in IPOs on the Fund’s performance probably will decline, which could reduce the Fund’s performance.
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 a 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 a Fund may invest to a greater degree in instruments that trade in lower volumes and may make investments that may be less liquid than other investments. Also, the risk that a Fund may make investments that may become less liquid in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions. When there is no willing buyer and investments cannot be readily sold at the desired time or price, a Fund may have to accept a lower price or may not be able to sell the instrument at all. An inability to see a portfolio position can adversely affect a Fund’s value or prevent a Fund from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. To meet redemption requests, a Fund may be forced to sell liquid securities, at an unfavorable time and conditions.

Funds that invest in non-investment grade fixed income securities, small and mid-capitalization stocks, REITs and emerging country issuers are especially subject to the risk that during certain periods, the liquidity of particular issuers or industries, or all securities within a particular investment category, 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.

Certain Goldman Sachs fund of funds portfolios (the “Fund of Funds Portfolios”) may invest a significant percentage of their assets in the Funds and other funds for which GSAM now or in the future acts as investment adviser or underwriter. Redemptions by a Fund of Funds Portfolio of its position in a Fund may further increase liquidity risk and may impact a Fund’s NAV.

n   Non-Diversification Risk —The Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund are non-diversified, meaning that each Fund is permitted to invest more of its assets in fewer issuers than “diversified” mutual funds. Thus, each Fund may be more susceptible to adverse developments affecting any single issuer held in its portfolio, and may be more susceptible to greater losses because of these developments.
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
 
17


 

REITs involve greater risks than those associated with larger, more established companies and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements because of interest rate changes, economic conditions and other factors. 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   Mid Cap and Small Cap Risk —The securities of small capitalization and mid-capitalization companies involve greater risks than those associated with larger, more established 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. Both mid-cap and small-cap companies often have narrower markets and more limited managerial and financial resources than larger, more established companies. As a result, their performance can be more volatile and they face greater risk of business failure, which could increase the volatility of a Fund’s portfolio. Generally, the smaller the company size, the greater these risks.
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. A 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 company’s growth of earnings potential. Growth companies are often expected by investors to increase their earnings at a certain rate. When these expectations are not met, investors can punish the stocks inordinately even if earnings showed an absolute increase. Also, because 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   NAV Risk —The risk that the net asset value (“NAV”) of a Fund and the value of your investment will fluctuate.
n   Non-Investment Grade Fixed Income Securities —The Funds may invest in non-investment grade fixed income securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”) that are considered speculative. Non-investment grade fixed income securities and unrated securities of comparable credit quality are subject to the increased risk of an issuer’s inability to meet principal and interest payment obligations. These securities may be subject to greater price volatility due to such factors as specific corporate or municipal developments, interest rate sensitivity, negative perceptions of the junk bond markets generally and less secondary market liquidity.

n   U.S. Government Securities Risk —The risk that the U.S. government will not provide financial support to U.S. government agencies, instrumentalities or
 
18


 

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF THE FUNDS

sponsored enterprises if it is not obligated to do so by law. Although many types of U.S. Government Securities may be purchased by the Funds, such as those issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) and Federal Home Loan Banks may be chartered or sponsored by Acts of Congress, their securities are neither issued nor guaranteed by the United States Treasury and, therefore, are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some U.S. Government Securities held by the Fund may greatly exceed their current resources, including their legal right to support from the U.S. Treasury. It is possible that these issuers will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future.

Other Specific Risks:
n   Commodity Sector Risk —Exposure to the commodities markets may subject the Commodity Strategy Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of commodity-linked derivative instruments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates, or sectors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments. The prices of energy, industrial metals, precious metals, agriculture and livestock sector commodities may fluctuate widely due to factors such as changes in value, supply and demand and governmental regulatory policies. The energy sector can be significantly affected by changes in the prices and supplies of oil and other energy fuels, energy conservation, the success of exploration projects, and tax and other government regulations, policies of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and relationships among OPEC members and between OPEC and oil-importing nations. The metals sector can be affected by sharp price volatility over short periods caused by global economic, financial and political factors, resource availability, government regulation, economic cycles, changes in inflation or expectations about inflation in various countries, interest rates, currency fluctuations, metal sales by governments, central banks or international agencies, investment speculation and fluctuations in industrial and commercial supply and demand. The commodity-linked securities in which the Commodity Strategy Fund invests may be issued by companies in the financial services sector, including the banking, brokerage and insurance sectors. As a result, events affecting issues in the financial services sector may cause the Fund’s share value to fluctuate.
n   Real Estate Industry Risk —The Real Estate Securities and International Real Estate Securities Funds are subject to certain risks associated with real estate in general. These risks include, among others: possible declines in the value of real estate; risks related to general and local economic conditions; possible lack of availability of mortgage financing, variations in rental income, neighborhood values or the appeal of property to tenants; interest rates; overbuilding; extended vacancies

 
19


 

of properties; increases in competition, property taxes and operating expenses; and changes in zoning laws. The real estate industry is particularly sensitive to economic downturns. The values of securities of companies in the real estate industry may go through cycles of relative under-performance and out-performance in comparison to equity securities markets in general.
n   Absence of Regulation —The Commodity Strategy Fund engages in OTC transactions. In general, there is less governmental regulation and supervision of transactions in the OTC markets (in which option contracts and certain options on swaps are generally traded) than of transactions entered into on organized exchanges.
n   Call Risk —The risk that an issuer will exercise its right to pay principal on an obligation held by the Commodity Strategy Fund (such as a mortgage-backed security) earlier than expected. This may happen when there is a decline in interest rates. Under these circumstances, the Fund may be unable to recoup all of its initial investment and will also suffer from having to reinvest in lower yielding securities.
n   Extension Risk —The risk that an issuer will exercise its right to pay principal on an obligation held by the Commodity Strategy Fund (such as a mortgage-backed security) later than expected. This may happen when there is a rise in interest rates. Under these circumstances, the value of the obligation will decrease, and the Fund will also suffer from the inability to invest in higher yielding securities.
n   Counterparty Risk —Many of the protections afforded to participants on some organized exchanges, such as the performance guarantee of an exchange clearing house, might not be available in connection with OTC transactions. Therefore, in those instances in which the Commodity Strategy Fund enters into OTC transactions, the Fund will be subject to the risk that its direct counterparty will not perform its obligations under the transactions and that the Fund will sustain losses.
n   Leverage Risk —Leverage creates exposure to gains in a greater amount than the dollar amount made in an investment by enhancing return or value without increasing the investment amount. Borrowing and the use of derivatives result in leverage. Leverage can magnify the effects of changes in the value of the Commodity Strategy Fund and make it more volatile. Relatively small market movements may result in large changes in the value of a leveraged investment. The Commodity Strategy Fund will segregate or earmark liquid assets or otherwise cover transactions that may give rise to such risk, to the extent required by applicable law. The use of leverage may cause the Commodity Strategy Fund to liquidate portfolio positions to satisfy its obligations or to meet segregation requirements when it may not be advantageous to do so.

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.

 
20


 

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF THE FUNDS

 
  Fund Performance

   HOW THE FUNDS HAVE PERFORMED   

  The bar chart and table on the following page provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Real Estate Securities Fund and International Real Estate Securities Fund by showing: (a) changes in the performance of the Fund’s Class A Shares from year to year; and (b) how the average annual total returns of the Fund’s Class A Shares compare to those of broad-based securities market indices. The bar chart (including “Best Quarter” and “Worst Quarter” information) and table assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.
 
  The bar chart (including “Best Quarter” and “Worst Quarter” information) does not reflect the sales loads applicable to Class A Shares. If the sales loads were reflected, returns would be less. Performance reflects expense limitations in effect. If expense limitations were not in place, the Fund’s performance would have been reduced.
 
  The Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy Fund commenced operations on March 30, 2007. No performance information regarding the Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy Fund is included in this section because the Fund has less than one calendar year of performance.

 
21


 

Real Estate Securities Fund

     
TOTAL RETURN CALENDAR YEAR (CLASS A)*

Best Quarter**
Q4 ’04           +17.53%

Worst Quarter**
Q4 ’07           -11.97%
  (BAR CHART)

   AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN*   

                         
For the period ended December 31, 2007 1 Year 5 Years Since Inception

Class A (Inception 7/27/98)
    -20.58       17.61       12.41  
Wilshire Real Estate Securities Index***
    -17.78       18.66       12.45  

     
*   Because Class R and Class IR Shares have not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus, the figures shown above provide performance for Class A Shares of the Fund. Class A Shares are not offered in this Prospectus. Class R and Class IR Shares would have substantially similar annual returns as the Class A Shares because the classes are invested in the same portfolio of securities. Annual returns would differ only to the extent Class R, Class IR and Class A Shares have different expenses.
**   Please note that “Best Quarter” and “Worst Quarter” figures are applicable only to the time period covered by the bar chart.
***   The Wilshire Real Estate Securities Index is an unmanaged index of publicly traded REITs and real estate operating companies. The Index figures do not reflect any deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.
 
22


 

FUND PERFORMANCE

International Real Estate Securities Fund

     
TOTAL RETURN CALENDAR YEAR (CLASS A)

Best Quarter*
Q1 ’07          +8.41%     
Worst Quarter*
Q4 ’07          -9.46%
  (BAR CHART)

   AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN   

                 
For the period ended December 31, 2007 1 Year Since Inception

Class A (Inception 7/31/06)
    -7.93%       8.00%  
FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Global Ex US Real Estate Index***
    -0.88%       16.16%  

 
  *
Please note that “Best Quarter” and “Worst Quarter” figures are applicable only to the time period covered by the bar chart.
 **
The after-tax returns are for Class A Shares only. The after-tax returns for Class B and Class C Shares will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. In addition, the after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) or individual retirement accounts.
***
An investor cannot invest directly in an index.
 
23


 

 
Fund Fees and Expenses (Class R and IR Shares)

This table describes the fees and expenses that you would pay if you buy and hold Class R or Class IR Shares of a Fund.

                 
Real Estate
Securities Fund

Class R Class IR

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment):
               
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
    None       None  
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)
    None       None  
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends
    None       None  
Redemption Fees
    None       None  
Exchange Fees
    None       None  
 
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets): 1
               
Management Fees 2
    1.00%       1.00%  
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees
    0.50%       None  
Other Expenses 3 *
    0.23%       0.23%  

Total Fund Operating Expenses*
    1.73%       1.23%  

See page 27 for all other footnotes.

  The “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses” shown in the table above do not reflect voluntary expense limitations currently in place with respect to the Fund. The Fund’s “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses,” after application of current expense limitations, are as set forth below. These expense limitations may be modified or terminated at any time at the option of the Investment Adviser and without shareholder approval. If this occurs, the “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses” shown below would be higher.  
                 
Real Estate
Securities Fund

Class R Class IR

Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets): 1
               
Management Fees 2
    1.00%       1.00%  
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees
    0.50%       None  
Other Expenses 3
    0.19%       0.19%  

Total Fund Operating Expenses (after current expense limitations)
    1.69%       1.19%  

 
24


 

FUND FEES AND EXPENSES
         
International
Real Estate
Securities Fund

Class IR

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment):
       
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
    None  
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)
    None  
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends
    None  
Redemption Fees 4
    2.0%  
Exchange Fees
    None  
 
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets): 1
       
Management Fees 2 *
    1.05%  
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees
    None  
Other Expenses 3 *
    0.27%  

Total Fund Operating Expenses*
    1.32%  

See page 27 for all other footnotes.

  The “Management Fees,” “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses” shown in the table above do not reflect voluntary fee waivers and/or expense limitations currently in place with respect to the Fund. The Fund’s “Management Fees,” “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses,” after application of current waivers and expense limitations, are as set forth below. These fee waivers and expense limitations may be modified or terminated at any time at the option of the Investment Adviser and without shareholder approval. If this occurs, the “Management Fees,” “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses” shown below would be higher.  
         
International
Real Estate
Securities Fund

Class IR

Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets): 1
       
Management Fees 2
    1.03%  
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees
    None  
Other Expenses 3
    0.25%  

Total Fund Operating Expenses (after current waivers and expense limitations)
    1.28%  

 
25


 

 
Fund Fees and Expenses continued

                 
Commodity
Strategy Fund

Class R Class IR

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment):
               
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
    None       None  
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)
    None       None  
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends
    None       None  
Redemption Fees 4
    2.0%       2.0%  
Exchange Fees
    None       None  
 
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets): 1
               
Management Fees 2
    0.50%       0.50%  
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees
    0.50%       None  
Other Expenses 3 *
    0.33%       0.33%  

Total Fund Operating Expenses*
    1.33%       0.83%  

See page 27 for all other footnotes.

  The “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses” shown in the table above do not reflect voluntary expense limitations currently in place with respect to the Fund. The Fund’s “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses,” after application of current expense limitations, are as set forth below. These expense limitations may be modified or terminated at any time at the option of the Investment Adviser and without shareholder approval. If this occurs, the “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses” shown below would be higher.  
                 
Commodity
Strategy Fund

Class R Class IR

Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets): 1
               
Management Fees 2
    0.50%       0.50%  
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees
    0.50%       None  
Other Expenses 3
    0.17%       0.17%  

Total Fund Operating Expenses (after current expense limitations)
    1.17%       0.67%  

 
26


 

FUND FEES AND EXPENSES

1
The annual operating expenses are based on actual expenses incurred for the fiscal period ended December 31, 2007.
2
The Investment Adviser is entitled to management fees from the Funds at the annual rates equal to the following percentages of the average daily net assets of the Funds:

                 
Management Fee Average Daily
Fund Annual Rate Net Assets

Real Estate Securities
    1.00%       First $1  billion  
      0.90%       Next $1  billion  
      0.86%       Over $2  billion  

International Real Estate Securities
    1.05%       First $2  billion  
      0.95%       Over $2  billion  

Commodity Strategy
    0.50%       First $2  billion  
      0.45%       Over $2  billion  

 

Additionally, the Investment Adviser has voluntarily agreed to waive a portion of its management fee equal to 0.02% based on the average daily net assets of the International Real Estate Securities Fund. As a result, the Investment Adviser is currently receiving a management fee from the International Real Estate Securities Fund at the annual rate of 1.03%.
3
“Other Expenses” include transfer agency fees and expenses equal on an annualized basis to 0.19% of the average daily net assets of the Real Estate Securities Fund’s Class R and Class IR Shares and International Real Estate Securities Fund’s Class IR Shares, and a 0.13% of the average daily net assets of the Commodity Strategy Fund’s Class R and IR 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 exclusive of any custody and transfer agent fee credit reductions) to the following percentages of each Fund’s average daily net assets:
             
Other
Fund Expenses

Real Estate Securities
    0.004%      
International Real Estate Securities
    0.064%      
Commodity Strategy
    0.044%      
 
4
A 2.0% redemption fee will be imposed on the redemption of shares (including by exchange) of the International Real Estate Securities Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund held for 30 days or less.
 
27


 

Fund Fees and Expenses continued

Example

The following Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in a 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 R or IR Shares of a Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Class R or IR Shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that a Fund’s 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 5 Years 10 Years

Real Estate Securities
                               
Class R Shares
  $ 176     $ 545     $ 939     $ 2,041  
Class IR Shares
  $ 125     $ 390     $ 676     $ 1,489  

International Real Estate Securities                                
Class IR Shares
  $ 134     $ 418     $ 723     $ 1,590  

Commodity Strategy                                
Class R Shares
  $ 135     $ 421     $ 729     $ 1,601  
Class IR Shares
  $ 85     $ 265     $ 460     $ 1,025  

Certain institutions that sell Fund shares and/or their salespersons may receive other compensation in connection with the sale and distribution of Class R and Class IR Shares for services to their customers’ accounts and/or the Funds. For additional information regarding such compensation, see “What Should I Know About Purchasing Shares Through An Authorized Dealer?” in the Prospectus and “Payments to Intermediaries” in the SAI.

 
28


 

 
  Service Providers

   INVESTMENT ADVISER   

     
Investment Adviser Fund

Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (“GSAM”)
32 Old Slip
New York, New York 10005
  Real Estate Securities
International Real Estate Securities
Commodity Strategy

  GSAM has been registered as an investment adviser with the SEC since 1990 and is an affiliate of Goldman, Sachs & Co. (“Goldman Sachs”). As of December 31, 2007, GSAM, including its investment advisory affiliates, had assets under management of $763 billion.
 
  The Investment Adviser provides day-to-day advice regarding the Funds’ portfolio transactions. The Investment Adviser makes the investment decisions for the Funds 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 Funds, 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 Funds:
  n   Supervises all non-advisory operations of the Funds
  n   Provides personnel to perform necessary executive, administrative and clerical services to the Funds
  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 each Fund
  n   Provides office space and all necessary office equipment and services

 
29


 

   MANAGEMENT FEES   

  As compensation for its services and its assumption of certain expenses, the Investment Adviser is entitled to the following fees, computed daily and payable monthly, at the annual rates listed below (as a percentage of each respective Fund’s average daily net assets):

                           
Actual Rate
For the Fiscal
Average Daily Year Ended
Fund Contractual Rate Net Assets December 31, 2007

Real Estate Securities
    1.00%       First $1  billion       1.00%  
        0.90%       Next $1  billion          
      0.86%       Over $2  billion          

International Real Estate
    1.05%       First $2  billion       1.03%  
 
Securities
    0.95%       Over $2  billion          

Commodity Strategy
    0.50%       First $2  billion       0.50%  
      0.45%       Over $2  billion          

  The Investment Adviser may voluntarily waive a portion of its management fee from time to time and may discontinue or modify any such voluntary limitations in the future at its discretion.
 
  A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees’ approval of the Management Agreement for the Funds in 2007 is available in the Funds’ annual report dated December 31, 2007.

   FUND MANAGERS   

  Real Estate Securities Team
  The Real Estate Securities portfolio management team includes individuals with backgrounds in:
  n   Fundamental real estate acquisition, development and operations
  n   Real estate capital markets
  n   Mergers and acquisitions
  n   Asset management

 
30


 

SERVICE PROVIDERS

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Real Estate Securities Team
             
Years
Primarily
Name and Title Fund Responsibility Responsible Five Year Employment History

Mark Howard-Johnson, CFA
Managing Director
  Senior Portfolio Manager—
Real Estate Securities
International Real Estate Securities
  Since
1998
2006
  Mr. Howard-Johnson joined the Investment Adviser as a portfolio manager in 1998. His previous experience includes 15 years in the real estate finance business.

David Kruth, CFA
Vice President
  Senior Portfolio Manager—
Real Estate Securities
International Real Estate Securities
  Since 2005
2006
  Mr. Kruth joined the Investment Adviser as a portfolio manager in 2005. His previous experience includes approximately 18 years in the real estate investment field, most recently managing real estate securities funds at Citigroup (June 2004- May 2005) and AllianceBernstein (June 1998- June 2004).

Timothy Michael Hannon*
Head of Real Estate
at GSJBWere
  Senior Portfolio Manager—
International Real Estate Securities
  Since 2006   Mr. Hannon joined Goldman Sachs JBWere as a portfolio manager in 1998. His previous experience includes 8 years in the real estate investment field and in the securities investment field.

 
*
Goldman Sachs JBWere is a partially owned subsidiary of Goldman Sachs that makes Mr. Hannon’s services available to GSAM, L.P. to participate as a member of the Real Estate Securities Team.

  Mark Howard-Johnson is the head of the Real Estate Securities Team. He and David Kruth are responsible for the day-to-day investment decisions and final buy/sell decisions of the Real Estate Securities Fund and Mr. Howard-Johnson, Mr. Kruth and Mr. Hannon are responsible for the day-to-day investment decisions and final buy/sell decisions of the International Real Estate Securities Fund. However, all investment decisions involve discussion with personnel from the Investment Adviser’s real estate securities group. Each of the Senior Portfolio Managers is responsible for liaising with research analysts around the world, promoting his or her securities selection ideas to the other members of the team and thereafter debating their inclusion in the portfolios.
 
31


 

  Commodity Strategy Team
  The Commodity Strategy portfolio management team includes individuals with backgrounds in commodities and fixed income investment management. With respect to the actively managed fixed income portion of the portfolio:
  n   The investment process revolves around four groups: the Investment Strategy Group, the Top-down Strategy Teams, the Bottom-up Strategy Teams and the Portfolio Teams.
  n   These teams strive to maximize risk-adjusted returns by de-emphasizing interest rate anticipation and focusing on security selection and sector allocation.
  n   The team manages approximately $184 billion in municipal and taxable fixed income assets for retail, institutional and high net worth clients.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Commodity Strategy Team
             
Years
Primarily
Name and Title Fund Responsibility Responsible Five Year Employment History

Jonathan Beinner
Managing Director and Co-Head U.S. and Global Fixed Income Teams
  Senior Portfolio Manager—
Commodity Strategy
  Since
2007
  Mr. Beinner joined the Investment Adviser in 1990 and became a portfolio manager in 1992. He became Co-Head of the U.S. and Global Fixed Income Teams in 2002.

Tom Kenny
Managing Director and Co-Head U.S. and Global Fixed Income Teams
  Senior Portfolio Manager—
Commodity Strategy
  Since
2007
  Mr. Kenny joined the Investment Adviser in 1999 as a senior portfolio manager. Previously, he spent 13 years at Franklin Templeton where he was a portfolio manager of high yield municipal and municipal funds, Director of Municipal Research and Director of the Municipal Bond Department. He became Co-Head of the U.S. and Global Fixed Income Teams in 2002.

James B. Clark
Managing Director, Co-Head U.S. Fixed Income Team
  Senior Portfolio Manager—
Commodity Strategy
  Since
2007
  Mr. Clark joined the Investment Adviser in 1994 as a portfolio manager after working as an investment manager in the mortgage-backed securities group at Travelers Insurance Company.

Stephen Lucas
Managing Director
  Portfolio Manager—
Commodity Strategy
  Since
2007
  Mr. Lucas is head of commodities management for the Global Fixed Income Team. He joined GSAM in 2001. Previously, he worked in Firmwide Risk at Goldman, Sachs & Co. Before that, he was a proprietary trader at Chase Manhattan. He has 11 years of industry experience.

 
32


 

SERVICE PROVIDERS
             
Years
Primarily
Name and Title Fund Responsibility Responsible Five Year Employment History

Michael Johnson
Vice President
  Portfolio Manager—
Commodity Strategy
  Since
2007
  Mr. Johnson is a member of the commodities management team. Before joining GSAM in 2002, he was employed with Conning & Company as an Associate in the Equity Research Group for one year. Prior to that, Mr. Johnson was a Senior Financial Analyst with the Reinsurance Division at CIGNA Corporation.

  Jonathan Beinner serves as the Chief Investment Officer for the Global and U.S. Fixed Income Portfolio Management Team. Alongside Tom Kenny, he Co-Heads the Global and U.S. Fixed Income Team and is responsible for high-level decisions pertaining to portfolios across multiple strategies. The Fixed Income Portfolio Management Team is organized into a series of specialist teams which focus on generating and implementing investment ideas within their area of expertise. Both top-down and bottom-up decisions are made by these small strategy teams, rather than by one portfolio manager or committee. Ultimate accountability for the portfolio resides with the lead portfolio managers, who set the long-term risk budget and oversee the portfolio construction process.
 
  The SAI provides information about the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers’ ownership of securities in the Funds.

   DISTRIBUTOR AND TRANSFER AGENT   

  Goldman Sachs, 85 Broad Street, New York, New York 10004, serves as the exclusive distributor (the “Distributor”) of each Fund’s shares. Goldman Sachs, 71 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 500, Chicago, Illinois 60606, also serves as each Fund’s 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 Funds. Goldman Sachs reserves the right to redeem at any time some or all of the shares acquired for its own account.

   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 a Fund or limit a

 
33


 

  Fund’s 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, financier, 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 Funds directly and indirectly invest. Thus, it is likely that the Funds 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 Funds and/or which engage in and compete for transactions in the same types of securities, currencies and instruments as the Funds. 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 Funds. The results of a Fund’s investment activities, therefore, may differ from those of Goldman Sachs, its affiliates and other accounts managed by Goldman Sachs, and it is possible that a 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 Funds may enter into transactions in which Goldman Sachs or its other clients have an adverse interest. For example, a Fund may take a long position in a security at the same time that Goldman Sachs or other accounts managed by the Investment Adviser take a short position in the same security (or vice versa). These and other transactions undertaken by Goldman Sachs, its affiliates or Goldman Sachs advised-clients may adversely impact the Funds. 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 Funds. A Fund’s 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 service 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 affect transactions in, securities of issuers held by the Funds, and may also perform or seek to perform investment 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
 
34


 

SERVICE PROVIDERS

  the Funds or who engage in transactions with or for the Funds. For more information about conflicts of interest, see the SAI.
 
  Under a securities lending program approved by the Funds’ Board of Trustees, the Funds may retain an affiliate of the Investment Adviser to serve as a securities lending agent for each Fund to the extent that the Funds engage in the securities lending program. For these services, the lending agent may receive a fee from the Funds, including a fee based on the returns earned on the Funds’ investment of the cash received as collateral for the loaned securities. The Board of Trustees periodically reviews all portfolio securities loan transactions for which the affiliated lending agent has acted as lending agent. In addition, the Funds may make brokerage and other payments to Goldman Sachs and its affiliates in connection with the Funds’ portfolio investment transactions in accordance with applicable law.

 
35


 

 
  Dividends
 
  Each Fund pays dividends from its investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains. You may choose to have dividends and distributions paid in:
  n   Cash
  n   Additional shares of the same class of the same Fund
  n   Shares of the same class of another Goldman Sachs Fund. Special restrictions may apply. See the SAI.

  You may indicate your election on your Account Application. Any changes may be submitted in writing to the Transfer Agent 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 applicable 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 income and distributions from net capital gains are declared and paid as follows:

         
Investment Capital Gains
Fund Income Dividends Distributions

Real Estate Securities
  Quarterly   Annually

International Real Estate Securities
  Semi-annually   Annually

Commodity Strategy
  Quarterly   Annually

  From time to time a portion of a Fund’s dividends may constitute a return of capital for tax purposes, and/or may include amounts in excess of the Fund’s net investment income for the period calculated in accordance with good accounting practice.
 
  When you purchase shares of a Fund, part of the NAV per share may be represented by undistributed income and/or undistributed realized gains that have previously been earned by the Fund. Therefore, subsequent distributions on such shares from such income and/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.

 
36


 

  Shareholder Guide
 
 
  The following section will provide you with answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding buying and selling the Funds’ Class R and Class IR Shares. This Prospectus discusses Class R and Class IR Shares for all of the Funds, except the International Real Estate Securities Fund that offers only Class IR Shares.

   WHO CAN BUY CLASS R AND CLASS IR SHARES   

  Class R and Class IR Shares are not sold directly to the public. Instead, Class R and Class IR Shares generally are available only to 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans, defined benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans (the “Retirement Plans”). Class R and Class IR Shares are also generally available only to Retirement Plans where plan level or omnibus accounts are held on the books of the Funds. Class R and Class IR Shares are not available to traditional and Roth Individual Retirement Accounts (“IRAs”), SEPs, SARSEPs, SIMPLE IRAs and individual 403(b) plans.

   HOW TO BUY, EXCHANGE AND SELL CLASS R AND CLASS IR SHARES   

  Retirement Plans generally may open an account and purchase Class R and Class IR Shares through certain brokers, banks, registered investment advisers, financial planners and Retirement Plan administrators (“Authorized Dealers”). Either Class R or Class IR Shares may not be available through certain Authorized Dealers. Additional Shares may be purchased through a Retirement Plan’s administrator or recordkeeper.
 
  Information For Plan Participants
  Retirement Plans’ participants generally must contact their plan service provider to purchase, redeem or exchange shares. The administrator of a Retirement Plan or employee benefits office can provide participants with detailed information on how to participate in the Plan, how to elect a Fund as an investment option, elect different investment options, alter the amounts contributed to the Plan, or change allocations among investment options. For additional information regarding purchases by plan participants, see “What Should I Know About Purchasing Shares Through An Authorized Dealer?” in the Prospectus.

 
37


 

  What Should I Know About Purchasing Shares Through An Authorized Dealer?
  Authorized Dealers and other financial intermediaries may provide varying arrangements for their clients to purchase and redeem Fund shares. In addition, Authorized Dealers and other financial intermediaries are responsible for providing to you any communication from a Fund to its shareholders, including but not limited to, prospectuses, prospectus supplements, proxy materials and notices regarding the source of dividend payments under Section 19 of the Investment Company Act (the “Act”). They may charge additional fees not described in this Prospectus to their customers for such services.
 
  As the Class R and Class IR Shares of the Funds are held through an omnibus 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 a Fund and its Transfer Agent. Since the Funds 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 an omnibus account to an account with another dealer involves special procedures and may require you to obtain historical purchase information about the shares in the account from the Authorized Dealer. If your Authorized Dealer’s relationship with Goldman Sachs is terminated, and you do not transfer your account to another Authorized Dealer, the Trust reserves the right to redeem your shares. The Trust will not be responsible for any loss in an investor’s account resulting from a redemption.
 
  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 financial intermediaries to accept such orders. In these cases:
  n   A Fund will be deemed to have received an order that is in proper form when the order is accepted by an Authorized Dealer or other financial intermediary on a business day, and the order will be priced at the Fund’s NAV per share (less any applicable redemption fee in the case of redemption orders) next determined after such acceptance.
  n   Authorized Dealers and other financial intermediaries are responsible for transmitting accepted orders to the Funds within the time period agreed upon by them.

  The Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates may make payments or provide services to Authorized Dealers and other financial intermediaries (“Intermediaries”) to promote the sale, distribution and/or servicing of shares of
 
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  the Funds and other Goldman Sachs Funds. These payments are made out of the Investment Adviser’s, Distributor’s and/or their affiliates’ own assets, and are not an additional charge to the Funds. 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 Funds and other Goldman Sachs Funds, which may consist of payments relating to Funds 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 Funds 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 payments by the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates, which are in addition to the fees paid for these services by the Funds, may also compensate Intermediaries for subaccounting, sub-transfer agency, administrative and/or shareholder processing services. These payments may exceed amounts earned on these assets by the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates for the performance of these or similar services. The amount of these additional payments is normally not expected to exceed 0.50% (annualized) of the amount sold or invested through the Intermediaries. In addition, certain Intermediaries may have access to certain services from the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates, including research reports and economic analysis, and portfolio analysis tools. In certain cases, the Intermediary may not pay for these services. Please refer to the “Payments to Intermediaries” section of the SAI for more information about these payments and services.
 
  The payments made by the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates and the services required by an Intermediary may differ for different Intermediaries. The presence of these payments, receipt of these services 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 Funds based, at least in part, on the level of compensation paid. You should contact your Authorized Dealer or Intermediary for more information about the payments it receives and any potential conflicts of interest.

 
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   WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT CLASS R AND CLASS IR SHARE 
   PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS?   

  The Trust reserves the right to:
  n   Require an Authorized Dealer to 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 a 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 a Fund.
  n   Close a Fund to new investors from time to time and reopen any such Fund whenever it is deemed appropriate by a Fund’s Investment Adviser.
  n   Provide for, modify or waive the minimum investment requirements.
  n   Modify the manner in which shares are offered.
  n   Modify the sales charge rates applicable to future purchases of shares.

  Notwithstanding the foregoing, 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.
 
  Customer Identification Program Federal law requires the Funds to obtain, verify and record identifying information, which will be reviewed solely for customer identification purposes, 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 information, for each investor who opens an account directly with the Funds. Applications without the required information may not be accepted by the Funds. After accepting an application, to the extent permitted by applicable law or their customer identification program, the Funds reserve 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 Funds; or (iii) involuntarily redeem an investor’s shares and close an account in the event that the Funds are unable to verify an investor’s identity. The Funds and their agents will not be responsible for any loss in an investor’s account resulting from the investor’s delay in providing all required information or from closing an account and redeeming an investor’s shares pursuant to the customer identification program.

 
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SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  How Are Shares Priced?
  The price you pay when you buy Class R or Class IR Shares is a Fund’s next determined NAV for a share class after the Fund receives your order in proper form. The price you receive when you sell Class R or Class IR Shares is a Fund’s next determined NAV for a share class, with the redemption proceeds reduced by any applicable charges after the Fund receives your order in proper form. 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.
 
  In the event that a Fund invests a significant portion of assets in foreign equity securities, “fair value” prices are provided by an independent fair value service in accordance with the fair value procedures approved by the Trustees. 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 price for a particular security, or if the price provided does not meet the established criteria for a Fund, the Fund will price that security at the most recent closing price for that security on its principal exchange.
 
  In addition, the Investment Adviser, consistent with its procedures and applicable regulatory guidance, may (but need not) 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 a Fund’s 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 U.S. or foreign markets; market dislocations; market disruptions or market closings; equipment failures; natural or man made disasters or acts of God; armed conflicts; 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

 
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  as reorganizations, mergers and buy-outs; corporate announcements, including those relating to earnings, products and regulatory news; significant litigation; low trading volume; and trading limits, or suspensions.
 
  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 Funds to price their 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).
 
  Please note the following with respect to the price at which your transactions are processed:
  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 other times 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   The Trust reserves the right to reprocess purchase (including dividend reinvestments), redemption and exchange transactions that were processed at a NAV that is subsequently adjusted, and to recover amounts from (or distribute amounts to) shareholders accordingly based on the official closing NAV, as adjusted.
  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.

  Consistent with industry practice, investment transactions not settling on the same day are recorded and factored into a Fund’s NAV on the business day following trade date (T+1). The use of T+1 accounting generally does not, but may, result in a NAV that differs materially from the NAV that would result if all transactions were reflected on their trade dates.
 
  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 its regularly scheduled closing time. In the event the New York Stock Exchange does not open for business, the Trust may, but is not required to, open one or more Funds for purchase, redemption and exchange transactions if the Federal

 
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SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  Reserve wire payment system is open. To learn whether a Fund is open for business during this situation, please call 1-800-526-7384.
 
  Foreign securities may trade in their local markets on days a Fund is closed. As a result, if a Fund holds foreign securities, its NAV may be impacted on days when investors may not purchase or redeem Fund shares.
 
  How Do I Decide Whether To Buy Class R, IR or other Class 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.
 
  Note: Authorized Dealers may receive different compensation for selling different Class Shares.
 
  In addition to Class R and Class IR Shares, each 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 are entitled to different services. 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 Should I 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   Authorized Dealers 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 in the event your Authorized Dealer’s relationship with Goldman Sachs is terminated, and you do not transfer your account to another Authorized Dealer, or in the event that a Fund is no longer an option in your Retirement Plan. The Trust will not be responsible for any loss in an investor’s account or tax liability resulting from the redemption.
  n   Subject to applicable law, redeem shares in your retirement account 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.

 
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  What Do I Need To Know About The Redemption Fee?
  The International Real Estate Securities Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund will charge a 2% redemption fee on the redemption of shares (including by exchange) held for 30 days or less. For this purpose, the Funds use a first-in first-out (“FIFO”) method so that shares held longest will be treated as being redeemed first and shares held shortest will be treated as being redeemed last. The redemption fee will be paid to the Fund from which the redemption is made, and is intended to offset the trading costs, market impact and other costs associated with short-term money movements in and out of the Fund. The redemption fee may be collected by deduction from the redemption proceeds or, if assessed after the redemption transaction, through a separate billing.
 
  The redemption fee does not apply to transactions involving the following:
  n   Redemptions of shares acquired by reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions.
  n   Redemptions of shares that are acquired or redeemed in connection with participation in a systematic withdrawal program or automatic investment plan.
  n   Redemptions of shares by other Goldman Sachs Funds ( e.g. , Goldman Sachs Asset Allocation Portfolios).
  n   Redemptions of shares held through discretionary wrap programs or models programs that utilize a regularly scheduled automatic rebalancing of assets and have provided GSAM with certain representations regarding operating policies and standards.
  n   Redemptions of shares involving transactions other than participant initiated exchanges from retirement plans and accounts maintained under Section 401 (tax-qualified pension, profit sharing, 401(k), money purchase and stock bonus plans), 403 (qualified annuity plans and tax-sheltered annuities) and 457 (deferred compensation plans for employees of tax-exempt entities or governments) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Redemptions involving transactions other than participant initiated exchanges would include, for example: loans; required minimum distributions; rollovers; forfeiture; redemptions of shares to pay fees; plan level redemptions or exchanges; redemptions pursuant to systematic withdrawal programs; return of excess contribution amounts; hardship withdrawals; redemptions related to death, disability or qualified domestic relations order; and certain other transactions.
  n   Redemptions of shares from accounts of financial institutions in connection with hedging services provided in support of nonqualified deferred compensation plans offering the Goldman Sachs Funds.
  n   Redemptions of shares where the Fund is made available as an underlying investment in certain group annuity contracts.

 
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SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  n   Redemption of shares that are issued as part of an investment company reorganization to which a Goldman Sachs Fund is a party.
  n   Redemptions of shares representing “seed capital” investments by Goldman Sachs or its affiliates.
  n   Redemptions of shares held through an employee benefit plan using the Fund as part of a qualified default investment alternative or “QDIA.”

  The Trust reserves the right to modify or eliminate the redemption fee or waivers at any time and will give 60 days prior written notice of any material changes, unless otherwise provided by law. The redemption fee policy may be modified or amended in the future.
 
  In addition to the circumstances noted above, the Trust reserves the right to grant additional exceptions based on such factors as system limitations, operational limitations, contractual limitations and further guidance from the SEC or other regulators.
 
  Because Class R and Class IR Shares are held through omnibus arrangements monitored by Authorized Dealers and other financial intermediaries, the Trust relies on the financial intermediary to assess the redemption fee on underlying shareholder accounts. The application of redemption fees and exemptions may vary and certain financial intermediaries may not apply the exceptions listed above. If you invest through a financial intermediary, please contact your financial intermediary for more information regarding when redemption fees will be applied to the redemption of your shares.

   WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT EXCHANGING SHARES?   

  You may exchange Class R and IR Class Shares of a Goldman Sachs Fund at NAV for certain shares of another Goldman Sachs Fund. Redemptions of shares (including by exchange) of the International Real Estate Securities Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund that are held for 30 days or less (60 days or less with respect to the Goldman Sachs High Yield and High Yield Municipal Funds) may, however, be subject to a redemption fee as described above under “What Do I Need To Know About The Redemption Fee?” The exchange privilege may be materially modified or withdrawn at any time upon 60 days written notice to you.
 
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  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 Goldman Sachs Fund you are acquiring before making an exchange. You should be aware that not all Goldman Sachs Funds may offer Class R and Class IR Shares.
  n   Currently, the Funds do not impose any charge for exchanges, although the Funds may impose a charge in the future.
  n   The exchanged shares may later be exchanged for shares of the same class of the original Fund at the next determined NAV.
  n   Eligible investors may exchange certain classes of shares for another class of shares of the same Fund. For further information, contact your Authorized Dealer.
  n   Exchanges are available only in states where exchanges may be legally made.
  n   Exchanges into Goldman Sachs Funds that are closed to new investors may be restricted.
  n   Exchanges into a Fund from another Goldman Sachs Fund may be subject to any redemption fee imposed by the other Goldman Sachs Fund.
  n   Exchanges within Retirement Plan accounts will not result in capital gains or loss for federal or state income tax purposes. You should consult your tax adviser concerning the tax consequences of an exchange.

   SHAREHOLDER SERVICES   

  What Types Of Reports Will I Be Sent Regarding My Investment?
  The types of Reports you will be receiving depends on the related arrangements in effect with respect to your Retirement Plan.

   DISTRIBUTION SERVICES AND FEES   

  What Are The Different Distribution And Service Fees Paid By Class R Shares?
  The Trust has adopted a distribution and service plan (the “Plan”) under which Class R Shares bear distribution and service fees paid to Goldman Sachs and Authorized Dealers. These financial intermediaries seek distribution and/or servicing fee revenues to, among other things, offset the cost of servicing small and medium sized plan investors and providing information about the Funds. If the fees received by Goldman Sachs pursuant to the Plan 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.

 
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SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  Under the Plan, Goldman Sachs is entitled to a monthly fee from each Fund for distribution services equal, on an annual basis, to 0.50% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributed to Class R 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 R Shares.

  Goldman Sachs normally begins accruing the annual 0.50% distribution fee for the Class R Shares as an ongoing commission to Authorized Dealers immediately. Goldman Sachs generally pays the distribution fee on a quarterly basis.

   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 respective Funds. 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 longer-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 Trust’s (or Goldman Sachs’) judgment, an investor has a history of excessive trading or if an investor’s trading, in the judgment of the Trust (or Goldman Sachs), has been or may be disruptive to a Fund. In making this
 
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  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 Real Estate Securities Fund, the Commodity Strategy Fund and certain other Goldman Sachs Funds (which are offered in separate prospectuses) impose a redemption fee on redemptions made within 30 days of purchase (60 days of purchase with respect to the Goldman Sachs High Yield Fund and High Yield Municipal Fund) subject to certain exceptions. See “Shareholder Guide — What Do I Need To Know About The Redemption Fee?” for more information about the redemption fee, including transactions and certain omnibus accounts to which the redemption fee does not apply. As a further deterrent to excessive trading, many foreign equity securities held by the Funds are priced by an independent pricing service using fair valuation. For more information on fair valuation, please see “Shareholder Guide—What Else Should I Know About Class R And Class IR Share Purchases And Redemptions?
 
  Pursuant to the policy adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust, 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 Funds in order to assess the likelihood that a 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. Consistent with the standards described above, if, in its judgment, Goldman Sachs detects excessive, short-term trading, Goldman Sachs is authorized to reject or restrict a purchase or exchange request and may further seek to close an investor’s account with a 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.
 
  Class R and Class IR Shares of the Funds are held through omnibus arrangements maintained by Authorized Dealers and other financial intermediaries. Omnibus accounts include multiple investors and such accounts typically provide the Funds 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 ordinarily not tracked by the Funds on a regular basis. A number of

 
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SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  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, a Fund’s ability to monitor and detect market-timing by shareholders or apply any applicable redemption fee in these omnibus accounts may be limited in certain circumstances, and certain of these financial intermediaries may charge the Fund a fee for providing certain shareholder information requested as part of the Fund’s surveillance process. 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 Funds 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. If necessary, the Trust may prohibit additional purchases of Fund shares by a financial intermediary or by certain of the financial intermediary’s customers. Financial intermediaries may also monitor their customers’ trading activities in the Funds. The criteria used by financial intermediaries to monitor for excessive trading may differ from the criteria used by the Funds. If a financial intermediary fails to cooperate in the implementation or enforcement of the Trust’s excessive trading policies, the Trust may take certain actions including terminating the relationship.
 
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  Taxation
 
  As with any investment, you should consider how your investment in the Funds will be taxed. The tax information below is provided as general information. More tax information is available in the SAI. You should consult your tax adviser about the federal, state, local or foreign tax consequences of your investment in the Funds.

   DISTRIBUTIONS, SALES AND EXCHANGES   

  Each of the Funds will distribute all or substantially all of its net investment income and net capital gains to its shareholders each year. It is not expected that the Funds will be taxed on amounts they distribute.
 
  Retirement Plans will receive an annual statement summarizing their dividend and capital gains distributions.
 
  Because investors invest through tax-deferred accounts, such as a Retirement Plan, they generally will not have to pay tax on dividends until they are distributed from the account. These accounts are subject to complex tax rules, and each Retirement Plan and plan participant should consult their tax advisers about investment through a tax-deferred account.
 
  Exchanges within Retirement Plans accounts will not result in capital gains or loss for federal or state income tax purposes.
 
  As with all mutual funds, a Fund may be required to withhold U.S. federal income tax at the current rate of 28% of all taxable distributions payable to an investor that fails to provide the Fund with the correct taxpayer identification number or to make required certifications, or if the investor has been notified by the IRS that it is subject to backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax; rather, it is a way in which the IRS ensures it will collect taxes otherwise due. Any amounts withheld may be credited against the investor’s U.S. federal income tax liability.

 
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  Appendix A
Additional Information on Portfolio
Risks, Securities and Techniques

   A.  General Portfolio Risks   

  The Funds 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 (such as swaps and futures contracts) 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 a 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 Funds may increase or decrease. In recent years, certain stock markets have experienced substantial price volatility.
 
  To the extent that a Fund invests in fixed income securities, that Fund will also be subject to the risks associated with its fixed income securities. These risks include interest rate risk, credit/default risk and call/extension risk. In general, interest rate risk involves the risk that when interest rates decline, the market value of fixed income securities tends to increase (although many mortgage-related securities will have less potential than other debt securities for capital appreciation during periods of declining rates). Conversely, when interest rates increase, the market value of fixed income securities tends to decline. Credit/default risk involves the risk that an issuer or guarantor could default on its obligations, and a Fund will not recover its investment. Call risk and extension risk are normally present in mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities. For example, homeowners have the option to prepay their mortgages. Therefore, the duration of a security backed by home mortgages can either shorten (call risk) or lengthen (extension risk). In general, if interest rates on new mortgage loans fall sufficiently below the interest rates on existing outstanding mortgage loans, the rate of prepayment would be expected to increase. Conversely, if mortgage loan interest rates rise above the interest rates on existing outstanding mortgage loans, the rate of prepayment would be expected to decrease. In either case, a change in the prepayment rate can result in losses to

 
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  investors. The same would be true of asset-backed securities such as securities backed by car loans.
 
  The Investment Adviser will not consider the portfolio turnover rate a limiting factor in making investment decisions for a Fund. A high rate of portfolio turnover (100% or more) involves correspondingly greater expenses which must be borne by a 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 a Fund’s portfolio securities, excluding securities having a maturity at the date of purchase of one year or less. See “Financial Highlights” in Appendix B for a statement of the Funds’ historical portfolio turnover rates.
 
  The following sections provide further information on certain types of securities and investment techniques that may be used by the Funds, including their associated risks. Additional information is provided in the SAI, which is available upon request. Among other things, the SAI 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 a Fund’s investment objective, you should consider whether that Fund remains an appropriate investment in light of your then current financial position and needs.

   B.  Other Portfolio Risks   

  Risks of Initial Public Offerings. Real Estate Securities and International Real Estate Securities Funds may invest in IPOs. An IPO is a company’s first offering of stock to the public. IPO risk is the risk that the market value of IPO shares will fluctuate considerably due to factors such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, the small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the issuer. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. IPO shares are subject to market risk and liquidity risk. When a Fund’s asset base is small, a significant portion of the Fund’s performance could be attributable to investments in IPOs, because such investments would have a magnified impact on the Fund. As the Fund’s assets grow, the effect of the Fund’s investments in IPOs on the Fund’s performance probably will decline, which could reduce the Fund’s performance. Because of the price volatility of IPO shares, a Fund may choose to hold IPO shares for a very short period of time. This may increase the turnover of the Fund’s portfolio and may lead to increased expenses to the Fund, such as commissions and transaction costs. By selling IPO shares, the Fund may realize taxable gains it will subsequently distribute to shareholders. In
 
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APPENDIX A

  addition, the market for IPO shares can be speculative and/or inactive for extended periods of time. There is no assurance that a Fund will be able to obtain allocable portions of IPO shares. The limited number of shares available for trading in some IPOs may make it more difficult for a Fund to buy or sell significant amounts of shares without an unfavorable impact on prevailing prices. Investors in IPO shares can be affected by substantial dilution in the value of their shares, by sales of additional shares and by concentration of control in existing management and principal shareholders.
 
  Risks of Investing in Small Capitalization and Mid-Capitalization Companies and REITs. The Funds may, to the extent consistent with their respective investment policies, invest in small and mid-capitalization companies and REITs. Investments in small and mid-capitalization companies and REITs involve greater risk and portfolio price volatility than investments in larger capitalization stocks. Among the reasons for the greater price volatility of these investments are the less certain growth prospects of smaller firms and the lower degree of liquidity in the markets for such securities. Small and mid-capitalization companies and REITs may be thinly traded and may have to be sold at a discount from current market prices or in small lots over an extended period of time. In addition, these securities are subject to the risk that during certain periods the liquidity of particular issuers or industries, or all securities in particular investment categories, will shrink or disappear suddenly and without warning as a result of adverse economic or market conditions, or adverse investor perceptions whether or not accurate. Because of the lack of sufficient market liquidity, a Fund may incur losses because it will be required to effect sales at a disadvantageous time and only then at a substantial drop in price. Small and mid-capitalization companies and REITs include “unseasoned” issuers that do not have an established financial history; often have limited product lines, markets or financial resources; may depend on or use a few key personnel for management; and may be susceptible to losses and risks of bankruptcy. Small and mid-capitalization companies may be operating at a loss or have significant variations in operating results; may be engaged in a rapidly changing business with products subject to a substantial risk of obsolescence; may require substantial additional capital to support their operations, to finance expansion or to maintain their competitive position; and may have substantial borrowings or may otherwise have a weak financial condition. In addition, these companies may face intense competition, including competition from companies with greater financial resources, more extensive development, manufacturing, marketing, and other capabilities, and a larger number of qualified managerial and technical personnel. Transaction costs for these investments are often higher than those of larger capitalization companies. Investments in small and mid-capitaliza-

 
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  tion companies and REITs may be more difficult to price precisely than other types of securities because of their characteristics and lower trading volumes.
 
  Risks of Foreign Investments. The Funds may make foreign investments. 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 a 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.
 
  Brokerage commissions, custodial services and other costs relating to investment in international securities markets generally are more expensive than in the United States. In addition, clearance and settlement procedures may be different in foreign countries and, in certain markets, such procedures have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, thus making it difficult to conduct such transactions.
 
  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.
 
  Concentration of a Fund’s assets in one or a few countries and currencies will subject a Fund to greater risks than if a Fund’s assets were not geographically concentrated.

 
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APPENDIX A

  Investment in sovereign debt obligations by a Fund involves risks not present in debt obligations of corporate issuers. The issuer of the debt or the governmental authorities that control the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal or interest when due in accordance with the terms of such debt, and a Fund may have limited recourse to compel payment in the event of a default. Periods of economic uncertainty may result in the volatility of market prices of sovereign debt, and in turn a Fund’s NAV, to a greater extent than the volatility inherent in debt obligations of U.S. issuers.
 
  A sovereign debtor’s willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its foreign currency reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor’s policy toward international lenders, and the political constraints to which a sovereign debtor may be subject.
 
  Investments in foreign securities may take the form of sponsored and unsponsored American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) and Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”). Certain Funds may also invest in European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) or other similar instruments representing securities of foreign issuers. ADRs, GDRs and EDRs 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. EDRs are traded primarily outside the United States. Prices of ADRs are quoted in U.S. dollars. EDRs and GDRs are not necessarily quoted in the same currency as the underlying security.
 
  Risks of Emerging Countries. The International Real Estate Securities Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund may invest in securities of issuers located in emerging countries. The risks of foreign investment are heightened when the issuer is located in an emerging country. Emerging countries are generally located in the Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe and Central and South America. A Fund’s purchase and sale of portfolio securities in certain emerging countries may be constrained by limitations relating to daily changes in the prices of listed securities, periodic trading or settlement volume and/or limitations on aggregate holdings of foreign investors. Such limitations may be computed based on the aggregate trading volume by or holdings of a Fund, the Investment Adviser, its affiliates and their respective clients and other service providers. A Fund may not be able to sell securities in circumstances where price, trading or settlement volume limitations have been reached.
 
  Foreign investment in the securities markets of certain emerging countries is restricted or controlled to varying degrees which may limit investment in such

 
55


 

  countries or increase the administrative costs of such investments. For example, certain Asian countries require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons or limit investment by foreign persons to only a specified percentage of an issuer’s outstanding securities or a specific class of securities which may have less advantageous terms (including price) than securities of the issuer available for purchase by nationals. In addition, certain countries may restrict or prohibit investment opportunities in issuers or industries deemed important to national interests. Such restrictions may affect the market price, liquidity and rights of securities that may be purchased by a Fund. The repatriation of both investment income and capital from certain emerging countries is subject to restrictions such as the need for governmental consents. In situations where a country restricts direct investment in securities (which may occur in certain Asian and other countries), a Fund may invest in such countries through other investment funds in such countries.
 
  Many emerging countries have experienced currency devaluations and substantial (and, in some cases, extremely high) rates of inflation. Other emerging countries have experienced economic recessions. These circumstances have had a negative effect on the economies and securities markets of such emerging countries. Economies in emerging countries generally are dependent heavily upon commodity prices and international trade and, accordingly, have been and may continue to be affected adversely by the economies of their trading partners, trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade.
 
  Many emerging countries are subject to a substantial degree of economic, political and social instability. Governments of some emerging countries are authoritarian in nature or have been installed or removed as a result of military coups, while governments in other emerging countries have periodically used force to suppress civil dissent. Disparities of wealth, the pace and success of democratization, and ethnic, religious and racial disaffection, among other factors, have also led to social unrest, violence and/or labor unrest in some emerging countries. Unanticipated political or social developments may result in sudden and significant investment losses. Investing in emerging countries involves greater risk of loss due to expropriation, nationalization, confiscation of assets and property or the imposition of restrictions on foreign investments and on repatriation of capital invested. As an example, in the past, some Eastern European governments have expropriated substantial amounts of private property, and many claims of the property owners have never been fully settled. There is no assurance that similar expropriations will not recur in Eastern European or other countries.

 
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APPENDIX A

  A Fund’s investment in emerging countries may also be subject to withholding or other taxes, which may be significant and may reduce the return to a Fund from an investment in issuers in such countries to the Fund.
 
  Settlement procedures in emerging countries are frequently less developed and reliable than those in the United States and may involve a Fund’s delivery of securities before receipt of payment for their sale. In addition, significant delays may occur in certain markets in registering the transfer of securities. Settlement or registration problems may make it more difficult for a Fund to value its portfolio securities and could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities, to have a portion of its assets uninvested or to incur losses due to the failure of a counterparty to pay for securities the Fund has delivered or the Fund’s inability to complete its contractual obligations because of theft or other reasons.
 
  The creditworthiness of the local securities firms used by a Fund in emerging countries may not be as sound as the creditworthiness of firms used in more developed countries. As a result, the Fund may be subject to a greater risk of loss if a securities firm defaults in the performance of its responsibilities.
 
  The small size and inexperience of the securities markets in certain emerging countries and the limited volume of trading in securities in those countries may make a Fund’s investments in such countries less liquid and more volatile than investments in countries with more developed securities markets (such as the United States, Japan and most Western European countries). A Fund’s investments in emerging countries are subject to the risk that the liquidity of a particular investment, or investments generally, in such countries will shrink or disappear suddenly and without warning as a result of adverse economic, market or political conditions or adverse investor perceptions, whether or not accurate. Because of the lack of sufficient market liquidity, a Fund may incur losses because it will be required to effect sales at a disadvantageous time and only then at a substantial drop in price. Investments in emerging countries may be more difficult to value precisely because of the characteristics discussed above and lower trading volumes.
 
  A Fund’s use of foreign currency management techniques in emerging countries may be limited. The Investment Adviser anticipates that a significant portion of the Funds’ currency exposure in emerging countries may not be covered by these techniques.
 
  Risks of Derivative Investments. The International Real Estate Securities Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund may invest in derivative instruments including without limitation, options, futures, swaps, interest rate caps, floors, collars and swaps, structured securities and forward contracts and other derivatives relating to foreign currency transactions. Investments in derivative instruments may be both for hedging and nonhedging purposes (that is, to seek to increase total return),

 
57


 

  although suitable derivative instruments may not always be available to the Investment Adviser for these purposes. Losses from investments in derivative instruments 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, the failure of the counterparty to perform its contractual obligations, 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 the timing or level of fluctuations in securities prices, interest rates or currency prices. Investments in derivative instruments may be harder to value, subject to greater volatility and more likely subject to changes in tax treatment than other investments. For these reasons, the Investment Adviser’s attempts to hedge portfolio risks through the use of derivative instruments may not be successful, and the Investment Adviser may choose not to hedge certain portfolio risks. Investing for nonhedging purposes is considered a speculative practice and presents even greater risk of loss.
 
  Risk of Equity Swap Transactions. Equity swaps are two party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors. In a standard “swap” transaction, the parties agree to pay or exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on a particular predetermined asset (or group of assets) which may be adjusted for transaction costs, interest payments, dividends paid on the reference asset or other factors. The gross returns to be paid or “swapped” between the parties are generally calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” for example, the increase or decrease in value of a particular dollar amount invested in the asset.
 
  Equity swaps may be structured in different ways. For example, when the Fund takes a long position, a counterparty may agree to pay the Fund the amount, if any, by which the notional amount of the equity swap would have increased in value had it been invested in a particular stock (or group of stocks), plus the dividends that would have been received on the stock. In these cases, the Fund may agree to pay to the counterparty interest on the notional amount of the equity swap plus the amount, if any, by which that notional amount would have decreased in value had it been invested in such stock. Therefore, in this case the return to the Fund on the equity swap should be the gain or loss on the notional amount plus dividends on the stock less the interest paid by the Fund on the notional amount. In other cases, when the Fund takes a short position, a counterparty may agree to pay the Fund the amount, if any, by which the notional amount of the equity swap would have decreased in value had the Fund sold a particular stock (or group of stocks) short, less the dividend expense that the Fund would have paid on the stock, as adjusted for interest payments or other economic factors.

 
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APPENDIX A

  Under an equity swap, payments may be made at the conclusion of the equity swap or periodically during its term. Sometimes, however, the Investment Adviser may be able to terminate a swap contract prior to its term, subject to any potential termination fee that is in addition to the Fund’s accrued obligations under the swap. Equity swaps will be made in the over-the-counter market and will be entered into with a counterparty that typically will be an investment banking firm, broker-dealer or bank.
 
  Equity swaps are derivatives and their value can be very volatile. To the extent that the Investment Adviser does not accurately analyze and predict future market trends, the values of assets or economic factors, the Fund may suffer a loss, which may be substantial.
 
  Risks of Illiquid Securities. Each 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:
  n   Both domestic and foreign securities that are not readily marketable
  n   Certain stripped mortgage-backed securities
  n   Repurchase agreements and time deposits with a notice or demand period of more than seven days
  n   Certain over-the-counter options
  n   Certain structured securities and swap transactions
  n   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”).

  Investing in 144A Securities may decrease the liquidity of a Fund’s 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.
 
  Securities purchased by the Funds, particularly debt securities and over-the-counter traded securities, that are liquid at the time of purchase may subsequently become illiquid due to events relating to the issuer of the securities, markets events, economic conditions or investor perceptions. Domestic and foreign markets are becoming more and more complex and interrelated, so that events in one sector of the market or the economy, or in one geographical region, can reverberate and have negative consequences for other market, economic or regional sectors in a manner that may not be reasonably foreseen. With respect to over-the-counter traded

 
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  securities, the continued viability of any over-the-counter secondary market depends on the continued willingness of dealers and other participants to purchase the securities.
 
  If one or more instruments in a Fund’s portfolio become illiquid, the Fund may exceed its 15 percent limitation in illiquid instruments. In the event that changes in the portfolio or other external events cause the investments in illiquid instruments to exceed 15 percent of a Fund’s net assets, the Fund must take steps to bring the aggregate amount of illiquid instruments back within the prescribed limitations as soon as reasonably practicable. This requirement would not force a Fund to liquidate any portfolio instrument where the Fund would suffer a loss on the sale of that instrument.
 
  In cases where no clear indication of the value of the Fund’s portfolio instruments is available, the portfolio instruments will be valued at their fair value according to the valuation procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. These cases include, among others, situations where the secondary markets on which a security has previously been traded are no longer viable for lack of liquidity. For more information on fair valuation, please see “Shareholder Guide— How to Buy Shares— How Are Shares Priced?”.
 
  Credit/Default Risks. Debt securities purchased by the Funds 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 SAI.
 
  Debt securities rated BBB or higher by Standard & Poor’s Rating Group (“Standard & Poor’s”), or Baa or higher by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or having a comparable rating by another NRSRO are considered “investment grade.” Securities rated BBB or Baa are 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 a Fund’s 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 a Fund’s minimum rating requirement at the time of purchase and is subsequently downgraded below that rating, the Fund

 
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APPENDIX A

  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 a Fund and its shareholders.
 
  The Funds may invest in fixed income securities rated BB or Ba or below (or comparable unrated securities) which are commonly referred to as “junk bonds.” Junk bonds are considered predominantly speculative and may be questionable as to principal and interest payments.
 
  In some cases, junk bonds may be highly speculative, have poor prospects for reaching investment grade standing and be in default. As a result, investment in such bonds will present greater speculative risks than those associated with investment in investment grade bonds. Also, to the extent that the rating assigned to a security in a Fund’s portfolio is downgraded by a rating organization, the market price and liquidity of such security may be adversely affected.
 
  Temporary Investment Risks. The Funds may, for temporary defensive purposes, invest a certain percentage of its total assets in:
  n   U.S. government securities
  n   Commercial paper rated at least A-2 by Standard & Poor’s; P-2 by Moody’s or having a comparable rating by another NRSRO
  n   Certificates of deposit
  n   Bankers’ acceptances
  n   Repurchase agreements
  n   Non-convertible preferred stocks and non-convertible corporate bonds with a remaining maturity of less than one year
  n   Cash items

  When a Fund’s assets are invested in such instruments, the Fund may not be achieving its investment objective.
 
  Risk of Large Shareholder Redemptions. Certain funds, accounts, individuals or Goldman Sachs affiliates may from time to time own (beneficially or of record) or control a significant percentage of a Fund’s shares. Redemptions by these funds, accounts or individuals of their holdings in a Fund may impact the Fund’s liquidity and NAV. These redemptions may also force a Fund to sell securities, which may negatively impact the Fund’s brokerage and tax costs.

 
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   C.  Portfolio Securities and Techniques   

  This section provides further information on certain types of securities and investment techniques that may be used by the Funds, including their associated risks.
 
  The Funds may purchase other types of securities or instruments similar to those described in this section if otherwise consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and policies. Further information is provided in the SAI, which is available upon request.
 
  Convertible Securities. The Funds 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 a 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 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.
 
  Foreign Currency Transactions. The Funds may, to the extent consistent with its investment policies, purchase or sell foreign currencies on a cash basis or through forward contracts. A forward contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. A Fund may engage in foreign currency transactions for hedging purposes and to seek to protect against anticipated changes in future foreign currency exchange rates. In addition, certain Funds may enter into foreign currency transactions to seek a closer correlation between the Fund’s overall currency exposures and the currency exposures of the Fund’s performance benchmark. Certain Funds may also enter into such transactions to seek to increase total return, which is considered a speculative practice.
 
  Some Funds may also engage in cross-hedging by using forward contracts in a currency different from that in which the hedged security is denominated or quoted. A Fund may hold foreign currency received in connection with investments

 
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APPENDIX A

  in foreign securities when, in the judgment of the Investment Adviser, it would be beneficial to convert such currency into U.S. dollars at a later date ( e.g. the Investment Adviser may anticipate the foreign currency to appreciate against the U.S. dollar).
 
  Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time, causing, along with other factors, a Fund’s NAV to fluctuate (when the Fund’s NAV fluctuates, the value of your shares may go up or down). Currency exchange rates also can be affected unpredictably by the intervention of 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.
 
  The market in forward foreign currency exchange contracts, currency swaps and other privately negotiated currency instruments offers less protection against defaults by the other party to such instruments than is available for currency instruments traded on an exchange. Such contracts are subject to the risk that the counterparty to the contract will default on its obligations. Since these contracts are not guaranteed by an exchange or clearinghouse, a default on a contract would deprive a Fund of unrealized profits, transaction costs or the benefits of a currency hedge or could force the Fund to cover its purchase or sale commitments, if any, at the current market price.
 
  As an investment company registered with the SEC, the Fund must “set aside” (often referred to as “asset segregation”) liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” open positions with respect to its transactions in forward currency contracts.
 
  Duration. The Commodity Strategy Fund’s duration approximates its price sensitivity to changes in interest rates. For example, suppose that interest rates in one day fall by one percent which, in turn, causes yields on every bond in the market to fall by the same amount. In this example, the price of a bond with a duration of three years may be expected to rise approximately three percent and the price of a bond with a five year duration may be expected to rise approximately five percent. The converse is also true. Suppose interest rates in one day rise by one percent which, in turn, causes yields on every bond in the market to rise by the same amount. In this second example, the price of a bond with a duration of three years may be expected to fall approximately three percent and the price of a bond with a five year duration may be expected to fall approximately five percent. The longer the duration of a bond, the more sensitive the bond’s price is to changes in interest rates. Maturity measures the time until final payment is due; it takes no account of the pattern of a security’s cash flows over time. In calculating maturity, a Fund may determine the maturity of a variable or floating rate obligation according to its interest rate reset date, or the date principal can be recovered on demand, rather than the date of ultimate maturity. Similarly, to the

 
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  extent that a fixed income obligation has a call, refunding, or redemption provision, the date on which the instrument is expected to be called, refunded or redeemed may be considered to be its maturity date. There is no guarantee that the expected call, refund or redemption will occur, and the Fund’s average maturity may lengthen beyond the Investment Adviser’s expectations should the expected call, refund or redemption not occur. In computing portfolio duration, the Fund will estimate the duration of obligations that are subject to prepayment or redemption by the issuer, taking into account the influence of interest rates on prepayments and coupon flows. This method of computing duration is known as “option-adjusted” duration. The Investment Adviser may use futures contracts, options on futures contracts and swaps to manage the Fund’s target duration in accordance with its benchmark. The Fund will not be limited as to its maximum weighted average portfolio maturity or the maximum stated maturity with respect to individual securities unless otherwise noted.
 
  The Investment Adviser uses derivative instruments, among other things, to manage the durations of the Commodity Strategy Fund’s investment portfolio. These derivative instruments include financial futures contracts and swap transactions, as well as other types of derivatives, and can be used to shorten and lengthen the duration of the Fund. The Fund’s investments in derivative instruments, including financial futures contracts and swaps, can be significant. These transactions can result in sizeable realized and unrealized capital gains and losses relative to the gains and losses from the Fund’s investments in bonds and other securities. Short-term and long-term realized capital gains distributions paid by the Fund are taxable to its shareholders.
 
  Interest rates, fixed income securities prices, the prices of futures and other derivatives, and currency exchange rates can be volatile, and a variance in the degree of volatility or in the direction of the market from the Investment Adviser’s expectations may produce significant losses in the Commodity Strategy Fund’s investments in derivatives. In addition, a perfect correlation between a derivatives position and a fixed income security position is generally impossible to achieve. As a result, the Investment Adviser’s use of derivatives may not be effective in fulfilling the Investment Adviser’s investment strategies and may contribute to losses that would not have been incurred otherwise.
 
  Financial futures contracts used by the Commodity Strategy Fund include interest rate futures contracts including, among others, Eurodollar futures contracts. Eurodollar futures contracts are U.S. dollar-denominated futures contracts that are based on the implied forward London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) of a three-month deposit. Further information is included in this Prospectus regarding futures contracts, swaps and other derivative instruments used by the Fund, including

 
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APPENDIX A

  information on the risks presented by these instruments and other purposes for which they may be used by the Fund.
 
  Credit Ratings. The Commodity Strategy Fund also has credit rating requirements for the securities it buys. The Fund will deem a security to have met its minimum credit rating requirement if the security has the required rating at the time of purchase from at least one NRSRO even though it has been rated below the minimum rating by one or more other NRSROs. Unrated securities may be purchased by the Fund if they are determined by the Investment Adviser to be of comparable quality. A security satisfies the Fund’s 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 Fund’s minimum rating requirement at the time of purchase and is subsequently downgraded below such rating, the Fund will not be required to dispose of such security. This is so even if the downgrade causes the average credit quality of the Fund to be lower than that stated in the Prospectus. Furthermore, during this period, the Investment Adviser will only buy securities at or above the Fund’s average rating requirement. If a downgrade occurs, the Investment Adviser will consider what action, including the sale of such security, is in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders.
 
  The Commodity Strategy Fund may invest in credit default swaps, which are derivative investments. When the Fund sells a credit default swap (commonly known as selling protection), the Fund may be required to pay the “notional value” of the credit default swap on a specified security (or group of securities) if the security defaults. The Fund will be the seller of a credit default swap only when the credit of the security is deemed by the Investment Adviser to meet the Fund’s minimum credit criteria at the time the swap is first entered into.
 
  Commodity-Linked Securities. The Commodity Strategy Fund may seek to provide exposure to the investment returns of real assets that trade in the commodity markets through investments in commodity-linked derivative securities, which are designed to provide this exposure without direct investment in physical commodities or commodities futures contracts. Real assets are assets such as oil, gas, industrial and precious metals, livestock, and agricultural or meat products, or other items that have tangible properties, as compared to stocks or bonds, which are financial instruments. In choosing investments, the Investment Adviser seeks to provide exposure to various commodities and commodity sectors. The value of commodity-linked derivative securities may be affected by a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, overall market movements and other factors affecting the value of particular industries or commodities, such as weather, disease, embargoes, acts of war or terrorism, or political and regulatory developments.

 
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  The prices of commodity-linked derivative securities may move in different directions than investments in traditional equity and debt securities when the value of those traditional securities is declining due to adverse economic conditions. As an example, during periods of rising inflation, debt securities have historically tended to decline in value due to the general increase in prevailing interest rates. Conversely, during those same periods of rising inflation, the prices of certain commodities, such as oil and metals, have historically tended to increase. Of course, there cannot be any guarantee that these investments will perform in that manner in the future, and at certain times the price movements of commodity-linked instruments have been parallel to those of debt and equity securities. Commodities have historically tended to increase and decrease in value during different parts of the business cycle than financial assets. Nevertheless, at various times, commodities prices may move in tandem with the prices of financial assets and thus may not provide overall portfolio diversification benefits. Under favorable economic conditions, the Commodity Strategy Fund’s investments may be expected to underperform an investment in traditional securities. Over the long term, the returns on the Fund’s investments are expected to exhibit low or negative correlation with stocks and bonds.
 
  The Investment Advisor generally intends to invest in commodity-linked investments whose returns are linked to the GSCI. However, the Commodity Strategy Fund is not an index fund and the Investment Adviser may make allocations that differ from the weightings in the GSCI.
 
  Structured Securities. The Funds may invest in structured securities. Structured securities are securities whose value is determined by reference to changes in the value of specific currencies, securities, interest rates, commodities, indices or other financial indicators (the “Reference”) or the relative change in two or more References. Investments in structured securities may provide exposure to certain securities or markets in situations where regulatory or other restrictions prevent direct investments in such issuers or markets.
 
  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. Structured securities are also subject to the risk that the issuer of the structured securities may fail to perform its contractual obligations. Certain issuers of structured products may be

 
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APPENDIX A

  deemed to be investment companies as defined in the Investment Company Act. As a result, a Fund’s investments in structured securities may be subject to the limits applicable to investments in other investment companies.
 
  Structured securities include, but are not limited to, equity linked notes. Any equity linked note is a note whose performance is tied to a single stock, a stock index or a basket of stocks. Equity linked notes combine the principal protection normally associated with fixed income investments with the potential for capital appreciation normally associated with equity investments. Upon the maturity of the note, the holder generally receives a return of principal based on the capital appreciation of the linked securities. Depending on the terms of the note, equity linked notes may also have a “cap” or “floor” on the maximum principal amount to be repaid to holders, irrespective of the performance of the underlying linked securities. For example, a note may guarantee the repayment of the original principal amount invested (even if the underlying linked securities have negative performance during the note’s term), but may cap the maximum payment at maturity at a certain percentage of the issuance price or the return of the underlying linked securities. Alternatively, the note may not guarantee a full return on the original principal, but may offer a greater participation in any capital appreciation of the underlying linked securities. The terms of an equity linked note may also provide for periodic interest payments to holders at either a fixed or floating rate. The secondary market for equity linked notes may be limited, and the lack of liquidity in the secondary market may make these securities difficult to dispose of and to value. Equity linked notes will be considered equity securities for purposes of the Fund’s investment objective and policies.
 
  Structured securities also include, but are not limited to, credit linked notes. Credit linked notes are securities with embedded credit default swaps. An investor holding a credit linked note generally receives a fixed or floating coupon and the note’s par value upon maturity, unless the referred credit defaults or declares bankruptcy, in which case the investor receives the amount recovered. In effect, investors holding credit linked notes receive a higher yield in exchange for assuming the risk of a specified credit event.
 
  Structured securities also include, but are not limited to, inverse floating rate debt securities (“inverse floaters”). The interest rate on inverse floaters resets in the opposite direction from the market rate of interest to which the inverse floater is indexed. An inverse floater may be considered to be leveraged to the extent that its interest rate varies by a magnitude that exceeds the magnitude of the change in the index rate of interest. The higher the degree of leverage of an inverse floater, the greater the volatility of its market value.

 
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  REITs. The Funds 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. A Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any expenses, including management fees, paid by a REIT in which it invests.
 
  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.
 
  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. Each 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. A Fund may also, to the extent consistent with its investment policies, purchase and sell (write) put and call options on foreign currencies.
 
  The writing and purchase of 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 anticipate 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 a Fund’s investment portfolio, the Fund may incur losses that it would not otherwise incur. The use of options can also increase a Fund’s transaction costs. Options written or purchased by the Funds 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. When writing an option, a Fund must “set aside” liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” its obligation under the option contract.

 
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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 Funds may engage in futures transactions on both U.S. and foreign exchanges.
 
  The Funds 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 interest rates, securities prices or, to the extent a Fund invests in foreign securities, currency exchange rates, or to otherwise manage its term structure, sector selections and duration in accordance with its investment objective and policies. Each Fund may also enter into closing purchase and sale transactions with respect to such contracts and options. The Trust, on behalf of each 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 Funds.
 
  Futures contracts and related options present the following risks:
  n   While a 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.
  n   Because perfect correlation between a futures position and a portfolio position that is intended to be protected is impossible to achieve, the desired protection may not be obtained and a Fund may be exposed to additional risk of loss.
  n   The loss incurred by a 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 a Fund’s 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 a Fund.

 
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  n   Futures contracts and options on futures may be illiquid, and exchanges may limit fluctuations in futures contract prices during a single day.
  n   Foreign exchanges may not provide the same protection as U.S. exchanges.

  A Fund must “set aside” liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” open positions with respect to its transactions in futures contracts and options on futures contracts. In the case of futures contracts that do not cash settle, for example, a Fund must set aside liquid assets equal to the full notional value of the futures contracts while the positions are open. With respect to futures contracts that do cash settle, however, a Fund is permitted to set aside liquid assets in an amount equal to the Fund’s daily marked-to-market net obligations ( i.e. , the Fund’s daily net liability) under the futures contracts, if any, rather than their full notional value. Each Fund reserves the right to modify its asset segregation policies in the future to comply with any changes in the positions from time to time articulated by the SEC or its staff regarding asset segregation. By setting aside assets equal to only its net obligations under cash-settled futures contracts, a Fund will have the ability to employ leverage to a greater extent than if the Fund were required to segregate assets equal to the full notional amount of the futures contracts.
 
  Equity Swaps. The Funds 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.
 
  An equity swap may be used by a 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, a 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, a Fund may suffer a loss if the counterparty defaults. Because equity swaps are normally illiquid, a Fund may be unable to terminate its obligations when desired. When entering into swap contracts, a Fund must “set aside” liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” its obligation under the swap contract.
 
  When-Issued Securities and Forward Commitments. The Funds 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

 
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  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.
 
  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 a Fund will generally purchase securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis with the intention of acquiring the securities for its portfolio, a Fund may dispose of when-issued securities or forward commitments prior to settlement if the Investment Adviser deems it appropriate. When purchasing a security on a when-issued basis or entering into a forward commitment, the Fund must “set aside” liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” its obligations.
 
  Repurchase Agreements. Repurchase agreements involve the purchase of securities subject to the seller’s agreement to repurchase them at a mutually agreed upon date and price. Each 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.
 
  If the other party or “seller” defaults, a 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 Fund’s costs associated with delay and enforcement of the repurchase agreement. In addition, in the event of bankruptcy of the seller, a Fund could suffer additional losses if a court determines that the Fund’s interest in the collateral is not enforceable.
 
  Certain Funds, 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.
 
  Lending of Portfolio Securities. The Funds may engage in securities lending. Securities lending involves the lending of securities owned by a 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 a Fund in short-term investments, including registered and unregistered investment pools managed by the Investment Adviser, its affiliates or the Funds’ custodian and from which the Investment Adviser or its affiliates may receive fees.

 
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  To the extent that cash collateral is so invested, such collateral will be subject to market depreciation or appreciation, and a 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 a 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.
 
  A Fund may lend its securities to increase its income. A 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.
 
  Short Sales Against-the-Box. The Funds may make short sales against-the-box. A short sale against-the-box means that at all times when a short position is open the Fund will own an equal amount of securities sold short, or securities convertible into or exchangeable for, without payment of any further consideration, an equal amount of the securities of the same issuer as the securities sold short.
 
  Preferred Stock, Warrants and Rights. The Funds may invest in preferred stock, warrants and rights. Preferred stocks are securities that represent an ownership interest providing the holder with claims on the issuer’s 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.
 
  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.
 
  Other Investment Companies. The Funds may invest in securities of other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds (ETFs) such as iShares SM , subject to statutory limitations prescribed by the Investment Company Act. These limitations include in certain circumstances a prohibition on any Fund acquiring more than 3% of the voting shares of any other investment company, and a prohibition on investing more than 5% of a Fund’s total assets in securities of any one investment company or more than 10% of its total assets in securities of all investment companies. Many ETFs, however, have obtained exemptive relief from the SEC to permit unaffiliated funds to invest in the ETFs’ shares beyond these statutory

 
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  limitations, subject to certain conditions and pursuant to a contractual arrangement between the ETFs and the investing funds. A Fund may rely on these exemptive orders to invest in unaffiliated ETFs.
 
  The use of ETFs is intended to help a Fund match the total return of the particular market segments or indices represented by those ETFs, although that may not be the result. Most ETFs are investment companies whose shares are purchased and sold on a securities exchange. An ETF represents a portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market segment or index. An investment in an ETF generally presents the same primary risks as an investment in a conventional fund (i.e., one that is not exchange-traded) that has the same investment objectives, strategies and policies. In addition, an ETF may fail to accurately track the market segment or index that underlies its investment objective. The price of an ETF can fluctuate, and a Fund could lose money investing in an ETF. Moreover, ETFs are subject to the following risks that do not apply to conventional funds: (i) the market price of the ETF’s shares may trade at a premium or a discount to their NAV; (ii) an active trading market for an ETF’s shares may not develop or be maintained; and (iii) there is no assurance that the requirements of the exchange necessary to maintain the listing of an ETF will continue to be met or remain unchanged.
 
  Pursuant to an exemptive order obtained from the SEC or under an exemptive rule adopted by the SEC, a Fund may invest in other investment companies and money market funds beyond the statutory limits described above. Some of those investment companies and money market funds may be funds for which the Investment Adviser or any of its affiliates serves as investment adviser, administrator or distributor.
 
  A Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees and other expenses paid by such other investment companies. Although the Funds do not expect to do so in the foreseeable future, each 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.
 
  Unseasoned Companies. The Funds 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.
 
  Corporate Debt Obligations. Corporate debt obligations include bonds, notes, debentures, commercial paper and other obligations of corporations to pay interest

 
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  and repay principal. Each 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.).
 
  Bank Obligations. The Funds 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 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.
 
  U.S. Government Securities. The Funds 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 (i) the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury; (ii) the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; (iii) the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of the issuer; or (iv) 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. U.S. Government Securities may also include Treasury inflation-protected securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation.
 
  Custodial Receipts and Trust Certificates. The Funds 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 a 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

 
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  issuer of the securities held by the custodian or trustee. If for tax purposes a 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, a Fund will bear its proportionate share of the fees and expenses charged to the custodial account or trust. Each Fund may also invest in separately issued interests in custodial receipts and trust certificates.
 
  Floating and Variable Rate Obligations. The Commodity Strategy Fund may purchase floating and variable rate obligations. The value of these obligations is generally more stable than that of a fixed rate obligation in response to changes in interest rate levels. The issuers of financial intermediaries providing demand features may support their ability to purchase the obligations by obtaining credit with liquidity supports. These may include lines of credit, which are conditional commitments to lend, and letters of credit, which will ordinarily be irrevocable both of which may be issued by domestic banks or foreign banks. The Fund may purchase variable or floating rate obligations from the issuers or may purchase certificates of participation, a type of floating or variable rate obligation, which are interests in a pool of debt obligations held by a bank or other financial institutions.
 
  Zero Coupon, Deferred Interest, Pay-In-Kind and Capital Appreciation Bonds. The Commodity Strategy Fund may invest in zero coupon bonds, deferred interest, pay-in-kind and capital appreciation bonds. These bonds are issued at a discount from their face value because interest payments are typically postponed until maturity. Pay-in-kind securities are securities that have interest payable by the delivery of additional securities. The market prices of these securities generally are more volatile than the market prices of interest-bearing securities and are likely to respond to a greater degree to changes in interest rates than interest-bearing securities having similar maturities and credit quality.
 
  Municipal Securities. The Commodity Strategy Fund may invest in securities and instruments issued by state and local government issuers. Municipal securities in which the Fund may invest consist of bonds, notes, commercial paper and other instruments (including participating interests in such securities) issued by or on behalf of states, territories and possessions of the United States (including the District of Columbia) and their political subdivisions, agencies or instrumentalities. Such securities may pay fixed, variable or floating rates of interest. Municipal securities are often issued to obtain funds for various public purposes, including the construction of a wide range of public facilities such as bridges, highways, housing, hospitals, mass transportation, schools, streets and water and sewer works. Other public purposes for which municipal securities may be issued include refunding outstanding obligations, obtaining funds for general operating expenses, and obtaining funds to lend to other public institutions and facilities. Municipal

 
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  securities in which the Fund may invest include private activity bonds, municipal leases, certificates of participation, pre-funded municipal securities and auction rate securities. Dividends paid by the Fund based on investments in municipal securities will be taxable.
 
  Mortgage-Backed Securities. The Funds may invest in mortgage-backed securities. Mortgage-backed securities represent direct or indirect participations in, or are collateralized by and payable from, mortgage loans secured by real property. Mortgage-backed securities can be backed by either fixed rate mortgage loans or adjustable rate mortgage loans, and may be issued by either a governmental or non-governmental entity. Privately issued mortgage-backed securities are normally structured with one or more types of “credit enhancement.” However, these mortgage-backed securities typically do not have the same credit standing as U.S. government guaranteed mortgage-backed securities.
 
  Mortgage-backed securities may include multiple class securities, including collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) and Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit (“REMIC”) pass-through or participation certificates. A REMIC is a CMO that qualifies for special tax treatment and invests in certain mortgages principally secured by interests in real property and other permitted investments. CMOs provide an investor with a specified interest in the cash flow from a pool of underlying mortgages or of other mortgage-backed securities. CMOs are issued in multiple classes each with a specified fixed or floating interest rate and a final scheduled distribution rate. In many cases, payments of principal are applied to the CMO classes in the order of their respective stated maturities, so that no principal payments will be made on a CMO class until all other classes having an earlier stated maturity date are paid in full.
 
  Sometimes, however, CMO classes are “parallel pay,” i.e. , payments of principal are made to two or more classes concurrently. In some cases, CMOs may have the characteristics of a stripped mortgage-backed security whose price can be highly volatile. CMOs may exhibit more or less price volatility and interest rate risk than other types of mortgage-related obligations, and under certain interest rate and payment scenarios, a Fund may fail to recoup fully its investment in certain of these securities regardless of their credit quality.
 
  Mortgaged-backed securities also include stripped mortgage-backed securities (“SMBS”), which are derivative multiple class mortgage-backed securities. SMBS are usually structured with two different classes: one that receives substantially all of the interest payments and the other that receives substantially all of the principal payments from a pool of mortgage loans. The market value of SMBS consisting entirely of principal payments generally is unusually volatile in response to changes in interest rates. The yields on SMBS that receive all or most of the interest from

 
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  mortgage loans are generally higher than prevailing market yields on other mortgage-backed securities because their cash flow patterns are more volatile and there is a greater risk that the initial investment will not be fully recouped.
 
  Asset-Backed Securities. The Funds may invest in asset-backed securities. Asset-backed securities are securities whose principal and interest payments are collateralized by pools of assets such as auto loans, credit card receivables, leases, installment contracts and personal property. Asset-backed securities are often subject to more rapid repayment than their stated maturity date would indicate as a result of the pass-through of prepayments of principal on the underlying loans. During periods of declining interest rates, prepayment of loans underlying asset-backed securities can be expected to accelerate. Accordingly, a Fund’s ability to maintain positions in such securities will be affected by reductions in the principal amount of such securities resulting from prepayments, and its ability to reinvest the returns of principal at comparable yields is subject to generally prevailing interest rates at that time. Asset-backed securities present credit risks that are not presented by mortgage-backed securities. This is because asset-backed securities generally do not have the benefit of a security interest in collateral that is comparable to mortgage assets. If the issuer of an asset-backed security defaults on its payment obligations, there is the possibility that, in some cases, a Fund will be unable to possess and sell the underlying collateral and that a Fund’s recoveries on repossessed collateral may not be available to support payments on the securities. In the event of a default, a Fund may suffer a loss if it cannot sell collateral quickly and receive the amount it is owed. Asset-backed securities may also be subject to increased volatility and may become illiquid and more difficult to value even when there is no default or threat of default due to market conditions impacting asset-backed securities more generally.
 
  Non-Investment Grade Fixed-Income Securities. Non-investment grade fixed income securities and unrated securities of comparable credit quality (commonly known as “junk bonds”) are considered speculative. In some cases, these obligations may be highly speculative and have poor prospects for reaching investment grade standing. Non-investment grade fixed income securities are subject to the increased risk of an issuer’s inability to meet principal and interest obligations. These securities, also referred to as high yield securities, may be subject to greater price volatility due to such factors as specific corporate or municipal developments, interest rate sensitivity, negative perceptions of the junk bond markets generally and less secondary market liquidity.
 
  Non-investment grade fixed income securities are often issued in connection with a corporate reorganization or restructuring or as part of a merger, acquisition, takeover or similar event. They are also issued by less established companies

 
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  seeking to expand. Such issuers are often highly leveraged and generally less able than more established or less leveraged entities to make scheduled payments of principal and interest in the event of adverse developments or business conditions. Non-investment grade securities are also issued by governmental bodies that may have difficulty in making all scheduled interest and principal payments. The market value of non-investment grade fixed income securities tends to reflect individual corporate or municipal developments to a greater extent than that of higher rated securities which react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of interest rates. As a result, a Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective may depend to a greater extent on the Investment Adviser’s judgment concerning the creditworthiness of issuers than funds which invest in higher-rated securities. Issuers of non-investment grade fixed income securities may not be able to make use of more traditional methods of financing and their ability to service debt obligations may be affected more adversely than issuers of higher-rated securities by economic downturns, specific corporate or financial developments or the issuer’s inability to meet specific projected business forecasts. Negative publicity about the junk bond market and investor perceptions regarding lower rated securities, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may depress the prices for such securities.
 
  A holder’s risk of loss from default is significantly greater for non-investment grade fixed income securities than is the case for holders of other debt securities because such non-investment grade securities are generally unsecured and are often subordinated to the rights of other creditors of the issuers of such securities. Investment by a Fund in defaulted securities poses additional risk of loss should nonpayment of principal and interest continue in respect of such securities. Even if such securities are held to maturity, recovery by a Fund of its initial investment and any anticipated income or appreciation is uncertain.
 
  The secondary market for non-investment grade fixed income securities is concentrated in relatively few market makers and is dominated by institutional investors, including mutual funds, insurance companies and other financial institutions. Accordingly, the secondary market for such securities is not as liquid as, and is more volatile than, the secondary market for higher-rated securities. In addition, market trading volume for high yield fixed income securities is generally lower and the secondary market for such securities could shrink or disappear suddenly and without warning as a result of adverse market or economic conditions, independent of any specific adverse changes in the condition of a particular issuer. The lack of sufficient market liquidity may cause a Fund to incur losses because it will be required to effect sales at a disadvantageous time and then only at a substantial drop in price. These factors may have an adverse effect on the market price and a Fund’s ability to dispose of particular portfolio investments. A

 
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  less liquid secondary market also may make it more difficult for a Fund to obtain precise valuations of the high yield securities in its portfolio.
 
  Credit ratings issued by credit rating agencies are designed to evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments of rated securities. They do not, however, evaluate the market value risk of non-investment grade securities and, therefore, may not fully reflect the true risks of an investment. In addition, credit rating agencies may or may not make timely changes in a rating to reflect changes in the economy or in the conditions of the issuer that affect the market value of the security. Consequently, credit ratings are used only as a preliminary indicator of investment quality.
 
  Borrowings. The Funds can borrow money from banks and other financial institutions in amounts not exceeding one-third of its total assets for temporary or emergency purposes. A Fund may not make additional investments if borrowings exceed 5% of its total assets.
 
  Mortgage Dollar Rolls. The Funds may enter into mortgage dollar rolls. A mortgage dollar roll involves the sale by a Fund of securities for delivery in the current month. The Fund simultaneously contracts with the same counterparty to repurchase substantially similar (same type, coupon and maturity) but not identical securities on a specified future date. During the roll period, the Fund loses the right to receive principal and interest paid on the securities sold. However, the Fund benefits to the extent of any difference between (a) the price received for the securities sold and (b) the lower forward price for the future purchase and/or fee income plus the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the securities sold. Unless the benefits of a mortgage dollar roll exceed the income, capital appreciation and gain or loss due to mortgage prepayments that would have been realized on the securities sold as part of the roll, the use of this technique will diminish the Fund’s performance.
 
  Successful use of mortgage dollar rolls depends upon the Investment Adviser’s ability to predict correctly interest rates and mortgage prepayments. If the Investment Adviser is incorrect in its prediction, a Fund may experience a loss. The Funds do not currently intend to enter into mortgage dollar rolls for financing and do not treat them as borrowings.
 
  Yield Curve Options. The Funds may enter into options on the yield “spread” or differential between two securities. Such transactions are referred to as “yield curve” options. In contrast to other types of options, a yield curve option is based on the difference between the yields of designated securities, rather than the prices of the individual securities, and is settled through cash payments. Accordingly, a yield curve option is profitable to the holder if this differential widens (in the case

 
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  of a call) or narrows (in the case of a put), regardless of whether the yields of the underlying securities increase or decrease.
 
  The trading of yield curve options is subject to all of the risks associated with the trading of other types of options. In addition, such options present a risk of loss even if the yield on an underlying security remains constant, or if the spread moves in a direction or to an extent which was not anticipated.
 
  Interest Rate Swaps, Mortgage Swaps, Credit Swaps, Currency Swaps, Total Return Swaps, Options on Swaps and Interest Rate Caps, Floors and Collars. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by a Fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, such as an exchange of fixed-rate payments for floating rate payments. Mortgage swaps are similar to interest rate swaps in that they represent commitments to pay and receive interest. The notional principal amount, however, is tied to a reference pool or pools of mortgages. Credit swaps involve the receipt of floating or fixed rate payments in exchange for assuming potential credit losses on an underlying security. Credit swaps give one party to a transaction (the buyer of the credit swap) the right to dispose of or acquire an asset (or group of assets), or the right to receive a payment from the other party, upon the occurrence of specified credit events. Currency swaps involve the exchange of the parties’ respective rights to make or receive payments in specified currencies. Total return swaps give a Fund the right to receive the appreciation in the value of a specified security, index or other instrument in return for a fee paid to the counterparty, which will typically be an agreed upon interest rate. If the underlying asset in a total return swap declines in value over the term of the swap, the Fund may also be required to pay the dollar value of that decline to the counterparty. Certain Funds may also purchase and write (sell) options contracts on swaps, commonly referred to as swaptions. A swaption is an option to enter into a swap agreement. Like other types of options, the buyer of a swaption pays a non-refundable premium for the option and obtains the right, but not the obligation, to enter into an underlying swap on agreed-upon terms. The seller of a swaption, in exchange for the premium, becomes obligated (if the option is exercised) to enter into an underlying swap on agreed-upon terms. The purchase of an interest rate cap entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined interest rate, to receive payment of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling such interest rate cap. The purchase of an interest rate floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling the interest rate floor. An interest rate collar is the combination of a cap and a floor that preserves a certain return within a predetermined range of interest rates.

 
80


 

APPENDIX A

  The Funds may enter into the transactions described above for hedging purposes or to seek to increase total return. As an example, when a Fund is the buyer of a credit default swap (commonly known as buying protection), it may make periodic payments to the seller of the credit default swap to obtain protection against a credit default on a specified underlying asset (or group of assets). If a default occurs, the seller of a credit default swap may be required to pay the Fund the “notional value” of the credit default swap on a specified security (or group of securities). On the other hand, when a Fund is a seller of a credit default swap (commonly known as selling protection), in addition to the credit exposure the Fund has on the other assets held in its portfolio, the Fund is also subject to the credit exposure on the notional amount of the swap since, in the event of a credit default, the Fund may be required to pay the “notional value” of the credit default swap on a specified security (or group of securities) to the buyer of the credit default swap. A Fund will be the seller of a credit default swap only when the credit of the underlying asset is deemed by the Investment Adviser to meet the Fund’s minimum credit criteria at the time the swap is first entered into.
 
  The use of interest rate, mortgage, credit, currency and total return swaps, options on swaps, and interest rate caps, floors and collars is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If the Investment Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of market values, interest rates and currency exchange rates, or in its evaluation of the creditworthiness of swap counterparties and the issuers of the underlying assets, the investment performance of the Fund would be less favorable than it would have been if these investment techniques were not used.
 
  Inverse Floaters. The Funds may invest in inverse floating rate debt securities (“inverse floaters”). The interest rate on inverse floaters resets in the opposite direction from the market rate of interest to which an inverse floater is indexed. An inverse floater may be considered to be leveraged to the extent that its interest rate varies by a magnitude that exceeds the magnitude of the change in the index rate of interest. The higher the degree of leverage of an inverse floater, the greater the volatility of its market value.

 
81


 

 
  Appendix B
Financial Highlights
 
  The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand a Fund’s financial performance since the inception of Class R and Class IR Shares. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned or lost on an investment in a Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). The information for the Funds has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, whose report, along with a Fund’s financial statements, is included in a Fund’s annual report (available upon request).

GOLDMAN SACHS SELECT SATELLITE FUND

           
Real Estate Securities—
Class R Shares

Period Ended
December 31, 2007
(commenced
November 30, 2007)

Net asset value, beginning of period
  $ 19.47  
     
 
Loss from investment operations
       
Net investment loss a
    (0.11 )
Net realized and unrealized loss
    (0.72 )
     
 
 
Total from investment operations
    (0.83 )
     
 
Distributions to shareholders
       
From net realized gains
    (3.14 )
     
 
Net asset value, end of period
  $ 15.50  
     
 
Total return b
    (4.69 )%
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)
  $ 10  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
    1.69 % c
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets
    (0.52 )% d
Ratios assuming no expense reductions
       
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
    1.73 % c
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets
    (0.56 )% d
Portfolio turnover rate
    42 %

See page 82 for all footnotes.

 
82


 

APPENDIX B

           
Real Estate Securities—
Class IR Shares

Period Ended
December 31, 2007
(commenced
November 30, 2007)

Net asset value, beginning of period
  $ 19.47  
     
 
Loss from investment operations
       
Net investment loss a
    (0.11 )
Net realized and unrealized loss
    (0.72 )
     
 
 
Total from investment operations
    (0.83 )
     
 
Distributions to shareholders
       
From net realized gains
    (3.14 )
     
 
Net asset value, end of period
  $ 15.50  
     
 
Total return b
    (4.69 )%
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)
  $ 10  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
    1.19 % c
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets
    (0.48 )% d
Ratios assuming no expense reductions
       
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
    1.23 % c
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets
    (0.52 )% d
Portfolio turnover rate
    42 %

See page 82 for all footnotes.

 
83


 

           
International
Real Estate Securities—
Class IR Shares

Period Ended
December 31, 2007
(commenced
November 30, 2007)

Net asset value, beginning of period
  $ 12.40  
     
 
Income (loss) from investment operations
       
Net investment income a
    0.03  
Net realized and unrealized loss
    (0.77 )
     
 
 
Total from investment operations
    (0.74 )
     
 
Distributions to shareholders
       
From net investment income
    (0.81 )
From net realized gains
    (0.04 )
     
 
 
Total distributions
    (0.85 )
     
 
Net asset value, end of period
  $ 10.81  
     
 
Total return b
    (6.20 )%
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)
  $ 9  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
    1.29 % c
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets
    (0.23 )% d
Ratios assuming no expense reductions
       
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
    1.33 % c
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets
    (0.19 )% d
Portfolio turnover rate
    86 %

See page 82 for all footnotes.

 
84


 

APPENDIX B

           
Commodity Strategy—
Class R Shares

Period Ended
December 31, 2007
(commenced
November 30, 2007)

Net asset value, beginning of period
  $ 11.62  
     
 
Income from investment operations
       
Net investment income a
    0.02  
Net realized and unrealized gain
    0.64  
     
 
 
Total from investment operations
    0.66  
     
 
Distributions to shareholders
       
From net investment income
    (0.07 )
     
 
Net asset value, end of period
  $ 12.21  
     
 
Total return b
    5.67 %
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)
  $ 11  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
    1.17 % c
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
    2.08 % d
Ratios assuming no expense reductions
       
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
    1.33 % c
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
    1.92 % d
Portfolio turnover rate
    83 %

See page 82 for all footnotes.

 
85


 

           
Commodity Strategy—
Class IR Shares

Period Ended
December 31, 2007
(commenced
November 30, 2007)

Net asset value, beginning of period
  $ 11.62  
     
 
Income from investment operations
       
Net investment income a
    0.03  
Net realized and unrealized gain
    0.63  
     
 
 
Total from investment operations
    0.66  
     
 
Distributions to shareholders
       
From net investment income
    (0.07 )
     
 
Net asset value, end of period
  $ 12.21  
     
 
Total return b
    5.71 %
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)
  $ 11  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
    0.67 % c
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
    2.56 % d
Ratios assuming no expense reductions
       
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
    0.83 % c
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
    2.40 % d
Portfolio turnover rate
    83 %

See page 82 for all footnotes.

 
86


 

APPENDIX B

Footnotes:

a
Calculated based on the average shares outstanding methodology.
b
Assumes investment at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, a complete redemption of the investment at the net asset value at the end of the period and no sales or redemption charges. Total return would be reduced if a sales or redemption charge were taken into account. Total returns for periods less than one full year are not annualized. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
c
Annualized.
d
The ratio is not annualized as the Fund’s income for the year ended December 31, 2007 did not correlate to the income earned during the class’ period of operation due to timing of income recognition.
 
87


 

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  Index
         
    1 General Investment Management Approach
 
    3 Fund Investment Objectives and Strategies
    3   Goldman Sachs Real Estate Securities Fund
    6   Goldman Sachs International Real Estate Securities Fund
    9   Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy Fund
 
    13 Other Investment Practices and Securities
 
    15 Principal Risks of the Funds
 
    21 Fund Performance
 
    24 Fund Fees and Expenses
 
    29 Service Providers
 
    36 Dividends
 
    37 Shareholder Guide
 
    50 Taxation
 
    51 Appendix A
     Additional Information on
     Portfolio Risks, Securities
     and Techniques
 
    77 Appendix B
     Financial Highlights


 

 
  Select Satellite Funds
Prospectus
(Class R and IR Shares)

   FOR MORE INFORMATION   

  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.
 
  Statement of Additional Information
  Additional information about the Funds and their policies is also available in the Funds’ SAI. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus (is legally considered part of this Prospectus).
 
  The Funds’ annual and semi-annual report, and SAI 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 and the SAI at the Funds’ website: http://www.goldmansachsfunds.com.
 
  To obtain other information and for shareholder inquiries:

     
     n  By telephone:
  1-800-526-7384
     n  By mail:
  Goldman Sachs Funds
P.O. Box 06050
Chicago, Illinois 60606
     n  On the Internet:
  SEC EDGAR database – http://www.sec.gov

  You may review and obtain copies of Fund documents (including the SAI) by visiting the SEC’s public reference room in Washington, D.C. You may also obtain copies of Fund documents, after paying a duplicating fee, by writing to the SEC’s 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) 551-8090.

The Funds’ investment company registration number is 811-05349.

GSAM ® is a registered service mark of Goldman, Sachs & Co.

541699

SPECSELRIR
(GOLDMAN SACHS LOGO)


 

Prospectus
  Service
Shares
 
  April 29, 2008

 GOLDMAN SACHS SELECT SATELLITE FUNDS
     
(GRAPHIC)
  n  Goldman Sachs Real Estate Securities Fund

n
 Goldman Sachs Tollkeeper Fund SM

 
  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 A FUND IS NOT A BANK DEPOSIT AND IS NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY. AN INVESTMENT IN A FUND INVOLVES INVESTMENT RISKS, AND YOU MAY LOSE MONEY IN A FUND.
 
(GOLDMAN SACHS LOGO)


 

         

NOT FDIC-INSURED   May Lose Value   No Bank Guarantee


 

 
  General Investment
Management Approach
 
  Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (“GSAM”) serves as investment adviser to the Real Estate Securities and Tollkeeper Funds (each, a “Fund,” and, collectively, the “Funds”). GSAM is referred to in this Prospectus as the “Investment Adviser.”

   REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND   

  Goldman Sachs’ Real Estate Securities Investment Philosophy:
  When choosing portfolio securities for the Real Estate Securities Fund, the Investment Adviser:
  n   Selects stocks based on quality and location of assets, experienced management and a sustainable competitive advantage.
  n   Seeks to buy securities at a discount to the intrinsic value of the business (assets and management).
  n   Seeks a team approach to decision making.

  Over time, real estate securities have offered investors important diversification and competitive total returns versus the broad equity and fixed income markets.

  References in this Prospectus to a Fund’s benchmark or benchmarks are for informational purposes only, and unless otherwise noted are not an indication of how a particular Fund is managed.
 
1


 

   TOLLKEEPER FUND   

  THIS FUND INVESTS IN “TOLLKEEPER” COMPANIES (AS DESCRIBED ON PAGES 9 AND 10), AND ITS NET ASSET VALUE (NAV) MAY FLUCTUATE SUBSTANTIALLY OVER TIME. BECAUSE THE FUND CONCENTRATES ITS INVESTMENTS IN TOLLKEEPER COMPANIES, THE FUND’S PERFORMANCE MAY BE SUBSTANTIALLY DIFFERENT FROM THE RETURNS OF THE BROADER STOCK MARKET. PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT AN INDICATION OF FUTURE RETURNS AND, DEPENDING ON THE TIMING OF YOUR INVESTMENT, YOU MAY LOSE MONEY EVEN IF THE FUND’S PAST RETURNS HAVE OUTPERFORMED THE FUND’S BENCHMARK DURING SPECIFIED PERIODS OF TIME. THE FUND’S PARTICIPATION IN THE INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING (IPO) MARKET DURING ITS INITIAL START-UP PHASE MAY HAVE HAD A MAGNIFIED IMPACT ON THE FUND’S PERFORMANCE BECAUSE OF ITS RELATIVELY SMALL ASSET BASE AT THAT TIME. IT IS PROBABLE THAT THE EFFECT OF IPO INVESTMENTS ON THE FUND’S FUTURE PERFORMANCE WILL NOT BE AS SIGNIFICANT.  

  Goldman Sachs’ Growth Investment Philosophy:
  1. Invest as if buying the company/business, not simply trading its stock:
  n   Understand the business, management, products and competition.
  n   Perform intensive, hands-on fundamental research.
  n   Seek businesses with strategic competitive advantages.
  n   Over the long-term, expect each company’s stock price ultimately to track the growth in the value of the business.

  2.  Buy high-quality growth businesses that possess strong business franchises, favorable long-term prospects and excellent management.
 
  3.  Purchase superior long-term growth companies at a favorable price—seek to purchase at a fair valuation, giving the investor the potential to fully capture returns from above-average growth rates.

  Growth companies have earnings expectations that exceed those of the stock market as a whole.


 
2


 

 
  Fund Investment Objectives
and Strategies
 
  Goldman Sachs
Real Estate Securities Fund
     
FUND FACTS

Objective:
  Total return comprised of long-term growth of capital and
dividend income
Benchmark:
  Wilshire Real Estate Securities Index
Investment Focus:
  REITs and real estate operating companies
Investment Style:
  Growth at a reasonable price
Symbol:
  GRESX
 

   INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE   

  The Fund seeks total return comprised of long-term growth of capital and dividend income.

   PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES   

  Equity Investments.  The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, substantially all and at least 80% of its net assets plus any borrowings for investment purposes (measured at time of purchase) (“Net Assets”) in a portfolio of equity investments in issuers the are primarily engaged in or related to the real estate industry.* The Fund expects that a substantial portion of its assets will be invested in REITs, real estate industry companies and other real estate related investments.
 
  A “real estate industry company” is a company that derives at least 50% of its gross revenues or net profits from the ownership, development, construction,

 
   * 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 a Fund’s policy to invest at least 80% of its Net Assets in the particular type of investment suggested by its name.
 
3


 

 
  Goldman Sachs
Real Estate Securities Fund
continued

  financing, management or sale of commercial, industrial or residential real estate or interests therein. Real estate companies may include real estate investment trusts (REITs), REIT-like structures, or real estate operating companies whose businesses and services are related to the real estate industry.
 
  The Fund’s investment strategy is based on the premise that property market fundamentals are the primary determinant of growth, underlying the success of companies in the real estate industry. The Investment Adviser focuses on companies that can achieve sustainable growth in cash flow and dividend paying capability. The Investment Adviser attempts to purchase securities so that its underlying portfolio will be diversified geographically and by property type. Although the Fund will invest primarily in publicly traded U.S. securities, it may invest up to 15% of its total assets in foreign securities, including securities of issuers in emerging countries and securities quoted in foreign currencies.
 
  Investing in real estate securities involves certain unique risks. Investments in real estate industry companies may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the issuer or by overbuilding, changes in zoning laws, environmental concerns and limits on rents. In addition, real estate industry companies that hold mortgages may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. Real estate companies are dependent upon management skill, may not be diversified, and are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, default by borrowers and self-liquidation. REIT issuers are also subject to the possibilities of failing to qualify for tax free pass-through of income and failing to maintain their exemptions from investment company registration. Real estate companies whose underlying properties are concentrated in a particular industry or geographic region are also subject to risks affecting such industries and regions.
 
  The Fund’s investments, especially investments in real estate industry companies that hold its mortgages, may be subject to interest rate risks. When interest rates decline, the value of a REIT’s investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a REIT’s investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to decline. In contrast, as interest rates on adjustable rate mortgage loans are reset periodically, yields on a REIT’s investment in such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates, causing the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed rate obligations.

 
4


 

FUND INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES

  The REIT investments of the Real Estate Securities Fund often do not provide complete tax information to the Fund until after the calendar year-end. Consequently, because of the delay, it may be necessary for the Fund to request permission to extend the deadline for issuance of Forms 1099-DIV beyond January 31.
 
  Other.  The Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in fixed income investments, such as government, corporate debt and bank obligations, that offer the potential to further the Fund’s investment objective.
 
  The Fund is “non-diversified” under the Act, and may invest more of its assets in fewer issuers than “diversified” mutual funds. Therefore, the Fund may be more susceptible to adverse developments affecting any single issuer held in its portfolio, and may be more susceptible to greater losses because of these developments.

 
5


 

 
  Goldman Sachs
Tollkeeper Fund
     
FUND FACTS

Objective:
  Long-term growth of capital
Investment Focus:
  U.S. equity investments that offer long-term capital appreciation with a primary focus on technology, media and service companies
Investment Style:
  Growth
Symbol:
  GITSX
 

   INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE   

  The Fund seeks long-term growth of capital.

   PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES   

  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 “Tollkeeper” companies (as described below). The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in equity investments of companies that the Investment Adviser believes are well positioned to benefit from the proliferation of technology. Although the Fund invests primarily in publicly traded U.S. securities, it may invest up to 25% of its total assets in foreign securities, including securities of issuers in emerging markets or countries (“emerging countries”) and securities quoted in foreign currencies.
 
  The Fund intends to invest a substantial portion of its assets in companies the Investment Adviser describes as Tollkeepers. In general, the Investment Adviser defines a Tollkeeper company as a high-quality technology, media or service company that adopts or uses technology to improve its cost structure, revenue

 
6


 

FUND INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES

  opportunities or competitive advantage. The Investment Adviser seeks to identify Tollkeeper companies that exhibit many of the following characteristics:
  n   Strong brand name
  n   Dominant market share
  n   Recurring revenue streams
  n   Free cash flow generation
  n   Long product life cycle
  n   Enduring competitive advantage
  n   Excellent management

  To the Investment Adviser, Tollkeeper connotes a promising growth business. Like a toll collector for a highway or bridge, Tollkeeper companies may grow revenue by increasing “traffic,” or customers and sales, and raising “tolls,” or prices, and margins. The Investment Adviser believes that the characteristics of many Tollkeeper companies, including dominant market share, strong brand name and recurring revenue or the ability to generate free cash flow, should enable them to consistently grow their business. The Investment Adviser does not define companies that are capital intensive, low margin businesses as Tollkeepers (although the Investment Adviser may invest in such companies as part of the Fund’s 20% basket of securities which are not or may not be Tollkeepers).
 
  The Internet is an example of a technology that the Investment Adviser believes will drive growth for many Tollkeeper businesses. The Internet has had, and is expected to continue to have, a significant impact on the global economy, as it changes the way many companies operate. Benefits of the Internet for businesses may include global scalability, acquisition of new clients, new revenue sources and increased efficiencies. Tollkeeper companies adopting Internet technologies to improve their business model include technology, media and service companies.
 
  Because of its focus on technology, media and service companies, the Fund’s investment performance will be closely tied to many factors which affect technology, media and service companies. These factors include intense competition, consumer preferences, problems with product compatibility and government regulation. Tollkeeper securities may experience significant price movements caused by disproportionate investor optimism or pessimism with little or no basis in fundamental economic conditions. The Fund may also invest in a relatively few number of issuers. As a result, the Fund’s NAV is more likely to have greater fluctuations than that of a fund which is more diversified or invests in other industries.

 
7


 

 
Other Investment Practices
and Securities

The tables below and on the following page identify some of the investment techniques that may (but are not required to) be used by the Funds in seeking to achieve their investment objectives. The tables also highlight the differences and similarities among the Funds in their use of these techniques and other investment practices and investment securities. Numbers in this table show allowable usage only; for actual usage, consult the Funds’ annual/semi-annual report. For more information about these and other investment practices and securities, see Appendix A. Each Fund publishes on its website (http://www.goldmansachsfunds.com) complete portfolio holdings for the Fund as of the end of each calendar quarter subject to a fifteen day lag between the date of the information and the date on which the information is disclosed. In addition, the Funds publish on their website month-end top ten holdings subject to a ten 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 a Fund files its next quarterly portfolio holdings report on Form N-CSR or Form N-Q with the SEC. In addition, a description of a Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of a Fund’s portfolio holdings is available in the Funds’ Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).

         
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;
      limited only by the strategies Real Estate
      of the Fund Securities Tollkeeper
—  Not permitted Fund Fund

Investment Practices    
 
Borrowings
  33 1/3   33 1/3
 
Credit, Currency, Index, Interest Rate, Total Return and Mortgage Swaps and Options on Swaps *
  15  
 
Cross Hedging of Currencies
   
 
Custodial Receipts and Trust Certificates
   
 
Equity Swaps *
  15   15
 
Foreign Currency Transactions **
   
 
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts
   
 
Interest Rate Caps, Floors and Collars
   
 
Investment Company Securities (including exchange-traded funds)
  10   10
 
Mortgage Dollar Rolls
   
 
Options on Foreign Currencies 1
   
 
Options on Securities and Securities Indices 2
   
 
Preferred Stock, Warrants and Stock Purchase Rights
   
 
Repurchase Agreements
   
 
Securities Lending
  33 1/3   33 1/3
 
Short Sales Against the Box
  25  
 
Unseasoned Companies
   
 
When-Issued Securities and Forward Commitments
   

 
  *
Limited to 15% of net assets (together with other illiquid securities) for all structured securities and all swap transactions that are not deemed liquid.
**
Limited by the amount each Fund may invest in foreign securities.
   1
The Tollkeeper and Real Estate Securities Funds may purchase and sell call and put options.
   2
The Funds may sell covered call and put options and purchase call and put options.
 
8


 

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 Real Estate
      of the Fund Securities Tollkeeper
—  Not permitted Fund Fund

Investment Securities    
 
American, European and Global Depositary Receipts
   
 
Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities 3
   
 
Bank Obligations 3
   
 
Convertible Securities 4
   
 
Corporate Debt Obligations 3
   
 
Equity Investments
  80+   80+
Emerging Country Securities
  15 5   25 5
 
Fixed Income Securities
  20   20
Foreign Securities
  15 5   25 5
 
Non-Investment Grade Fixed Income Securities
  20 6   20 6
 
Real Estate Investment Trusts
   
 
Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities 3
   
 
Structured Securities (which may include equity linked notes) * 3
   
 
Temporary Investments
   
 
U.S. Government Securities 3
   
 
Yield Curve Options and Inverse Floating Rate Securities
   

 
*
Limited to 15% of net assets (together with other illiquid securities) for all structured securities and all swap transactions that are not deemed liquid.
3
Limited by the amount the Fund invests in fixed income securities.
4
Convertible securities purchased by the Funds use the same rating criteria for convertible and non-convertible debt securities.
5
The Tollkeeper and Real Estate Securities Funds may invest in the aggregate up to 25% and 15%, respectively, of their total assets in foreign securities, including emerging country securities.
6
May be BB or lower by Standard & Poor’s Rating Group (“Standard & Poor’s”) or Ba or lower by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or have a comparable rating by another nationally-recognized statistical rating organization at the time of investment.
 
9


 

 
Principal Risks of the Funds

Loss of money is a risk of investing in each Fund. An investment in a 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 the principal risks that apply to the Funds and may result in a loss of your investment. None of the Funds should be relied upon as a complete investment program. There can be no assurance that a Fund will achieve its investment objective.

         
Real Estate
•   Applicable Securities Tollkeeper
— Not applicable Fund Fund

Foreign
   
Emerging Countries
   
Industry Concentration
   
Stock
   
Interest Rate
   
IPO
   
Management
   
Market
   
Liquidity
   
Non-Diversification
   
REIT
   
Mid Cap and Small Cap
   
Investment Style
   
NAV
   
Non-Investment Grade Fixed Income Securities
   
U.S. Government Securities Risk
   
Internet
   
Real Estate Industry
   

General Risks:
n   Foreign Risk —The risk that when a 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. A Fund will also be subject to the risk of negative foreign currency rate fluctuations. Foreign risks will normally be greatest when a Fund invests in issuers located in emerging countries.
n   Emerging Countries Risk —The securities markets of Central and South American, African, Asian and Eastern European and other emerging countries are less liquid, are especially subject to greater price volatility, have smaller market capitalizations,

 
10


 

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF THE FUNDS

have less government regulation and are not subject to as extensive and frequent accounting, financial and other reporting requirements as the securities markets of more developed countries. Further, investment in equity securities of issuers located in certain emerging countries involves risk of loss resulting from problems in share registration and custody and substantial economic and political disruptions. These risks are not normally associated with investments in more developed countries.
n   Industry Concentration Risk —The risk that a Fund concentrates its investments in specific industry sectors that have historically experienced substantial price volatility. A Fund is subject to greater risk of loss as a result of adverse economic, business or other developments than if its investments were diversified across different industry sectors. Securities of issuers held by a Fund may lack sufficient market liquidity to enable a Fund to sell the securities at an advantageous time or without a substantial drop in price.
n   Stock Risk —The risk that stock prices have historically risen and fallen in periodic cycles. U.S. and foreign stock markets have experienced periods of substantial price volatility in the past and may do so again in the future.
n   Interest Rate Risk —The risk that when interest rates increase, fixed income securities held by a 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   IPO Risk —The risk that the market value of IPO shares will fluctuate considerably due to factors such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, the small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the issuer. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. IPO shares are subject to market risk and liquidity risk. When a Fund’s asset base is small, a significant portion of the Fund’s performance could be attributable to investments in IPOs, because such investments would have a magnified impact on the Fund. As the Fund’s assets grow, the effect of the Fund’s investments in IPOs on the Fund’s performance probably will decline, which could reduce the Fund’s performance.
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 a 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 a Fund may invest to a greater degree in instruments that trade in lower volumes and may make investments that may be less liquid than other investments. Also, the risk that a Fund may make investments that may become less liquid in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions. When there is no willing buyer and investments cannot be readily sold at the desired time or price, a Fund may have to accept a lower price or may not be

 
11


 

able to sell the instrument at all. An inability to see a portfolio position can adversely affect a Fund’s value or prevent a Fund from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. To meet redemption requests, a Fund may be forced to sell liquid securities, at an unfavorable time and conditions.

Funds that invest in non-investment grade fixed income securities, small and mid-capitalization stocks, REITs and emerging country issuers are especially subject to the risk that during certain periods, the liquidity of particular issuers or industries, or all securities within a particular investment category, 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.

Certain Goldman Sachs fund of funds portfolios (the “Fund of Funds Portfolios”) may invest a significant percentage of their assets in the Funds and other funds for which GSAM now or in the future acts as investment adviser or underwriter. Redemptions by a Fund of Funds Portfolio of its position in a Fund may further increase liquidity risk and may impact a Fund’s NAV.

n   Non-Diversification Risk —The Real Estate Securities Fund is non-diversified, meaning that the Fund is permitted to invest more of its assets in fewer issuers than “diversified” mutual funds. Thus, the Fund may be more susceptible to adverse developments affecting any single issuer held in its portfolio, and may be more susceptible to greater losses because of these developments.
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 companies and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements because of interest rate changes, economic conditions and other factors. 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   Mid Cap and Small Cap Risk —The securities of small capitalization and mid-capitalization companies involve greater risks than those associated with larger, more established 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. Both mid-cap and small-cap companies often have narrower markets and more limited managerial and financial resources than larger, more established companies. As a result, their performance can be more volatile and they face greater risk of business failure, which could increase the volatility of a Fund’s portfolio. Generally, the smaller the company size, the greater these risks.
 
12


 

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF THE FUNDS

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. A 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 company’s growth of earnings potential. Growth companies are often expected by investors to increase their earnings at a certain rate. When these expectations are not met, investors can punish the stocks inordinately even if earnings showed an absolute increase. Also, because 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   NAV Risk —The risk that the net asset value (“NAV”) of a Fund and the value of your investment will fluctuate.
n   Non-Investment Grade Fixed Income Securities —The Funds may invest in non-investment grade fixed income securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”) that are considered speculative. Non-investment grade fixed income securities and unrated securities of comparable credit quality are subject to the increased risk of an issuer’s inability to meet principal and interest payment obligations. These securities may be subject to greater price volatility due to such factors as specific corporate or municipal developments, interest rate sensitivity, negative perceptions of the junk bond markets generally and less secondary market liquidity.
n   U.S. Government Securities Risk —The risk that the U.S. government will not provide financial support to U.S. government agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises if it is not obligated to do so by law. Although many types of U.S. Government Securities may be purchased by the Funds, such as those issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) and Federal Home Loan Banks may be chartered or sponsored by Acts of Congress, their securities are neither issued nor guaranteed by the United States Treasury and, therefore, are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some U.S. Government Securities held by the Fund may greatly exceed their current resources, including their legal right to support from the U.S. Treasury. It is possible that these issuers will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future.

Other Specific Risks:
n   Internet Risk —The risk that the stock prices of Internet and Internet-related companies and therefore the value of the Tollkeeper Fund will experience

 
13


 

significant price movements as a result of intense market volatility, worldwide competition, consumer preferences, product compatibility, product obsolescence, government regulation, excessive investor optimism or pessimism, or other factors. The Tollkeeper Fund may also invest in a relatively few number of issuers. Thus, the Fund may be more susceptible to adverse developments affecting any single issuer held in its portfolio and may be more susceptible to greater losses because of these developments.
n   Real Estate Industry Risk —The Real Estate Securities and International Real Estate Securities Funds are subject to certain risks associated with real estate in general. These risks include, among others: possible declines in the value of real estate; risks related to general and local economic conditions; possible lack of availability of mortgage financing, variations in rental income, neighborhood values or the appeal of property to tenants; interest rates; overbuilding; extended vacancies of properties; increases in competition, property taxes and operating expenses; and changes in zoning laws. The real estate industry is particularly sensitive to economic downturns. The values of securities of companies in the real estate industry may go through cycles of relative under-performance and out-performance in comparison to equity securities markets in general.

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.

 
14


 

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF THE FUNDS

 
  Fund Performance

   HOW THE FUNDS HAVE PERFORMED   

  The bar charts and tables on the following pages provide an indication of the risks of investing in a Fund by showing: (a) changes in the performance of a Fund’s Service Shares from year to year; and (b) how the average annual total returns of a Fund’s Service Shares compare to those of broad-based securities market indices. The bar chart (including “Best Quarter” and “Worst Quarter” information) and table assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. A Fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Performance reflects expense limitations in effect. If expense limitations were not in place, a Fund’s performance would have been reduced.

   INFORMATION ON AFTER-TAX RETURNS   

  These definitions apply to the after-tax returns.
 
  Average Annual Total Returns Before Taxes.  These returns do not reflect taxes on distributions on a Fund’s Service Shares nor do they show how performance can be impacted by taxes when shares are redeemed (sold) by you.
 
  Average Annual Total Returns After Taxes on Distributions.  These returns assume that taxes are paid on distributions on a Fund’s Service Shares ( i.e., dividends and capital gains) but do not reflect taxes that may be incurred upon redemption (sale) of the Service Shares at the end of the performance period.
 
  Average Annual Total Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Shares.  These returns reflect taxes paid on distributions on a Fund’s Service Shares and taxes applicable when the shares are redeemed (sold).
 
  Note on Tax Rates.  The after-tax performance figures are calculated using the historically highest individual federal marginal income tax rates at the time of the distributions and do not reflect 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. Under certain circumstances, the addition of the tax benefits from capital losses resulting from redemptions may cause the Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares to be greater than the Returns After Taxes on Distributions or even the Returns Before Taxes.

 
15


 

Real Estate Securities Fund

     
TOTAL RETURN CALENDAR YEAR

Best Quarter*
Q4 ’04           +17.49%

Worst Quarter*
Q4 ’07  –11.96%
  (BAR CHART)

   AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN   

                         
For the period ended December 31, 2007 1 Year 5 Years Since Inception

Service Shares (Inception 7/27/98)
                       
Returns Before Taxes
    -16.07       18.84       13.02  
Returns After Taxes on Distributions**
    -18.51       16.63       10.98  
Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares**
    -7.56       15.97       10.61  
Wilshire Real Estate Securities Index***
    -17.78       18.66       12.45  

 
     *
Please note that “Best Quarter” and “Worst Quarter” figures are applicable only to the time period covered by the bar chart.
   **
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. In addition, the after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
 ***
The Wilshire Real Estate Securities Index is an unmanaged index of publicly traded REITs and real estate operating companies. The Index figures do not reflect any deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.
 
16


 

FUND PERFORMANCE

Tollkeeper Fund SM

     
TOTAL RETURN CALENDAR YEAR

Best Quarter*
Q4 ’01           +24.64%

Worst Quarter*
Q3 ’01           -37.82%
  (BAR CHART)

   AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN   

                         
For the period ended December 31, 2007 1 Year 5 Years Since Inception

Service Shares (Inception 10/1/99)
                       
Returns Before Taxes
    27.36       19.08       1.84  
Returns After Taxes on Distributions**
    27.36       19.08       1.77  
Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares**
    17.79       16.92       1.54  
NASDAQ Composite Index***
    9.81       14.70       -0.42  

     *
Please note that “Best Quarter” and “Worst Quarter” figures are applicable only to the time period covered by the bar chart.
  **
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. In addition, the after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
 ***
The NASDAQ Composite Index is a broad-based composite-weighted index of all NASDAQ National Market and Small-Cap stocks. The Index figures do not reflect any deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.
 
  
From October 1, 1999 to August 1, 2004, under normal circumstances, the Fund invested at least 80% of its Net Assets in equity investments in “Internet Tollkeeper” companies, which are companies in the media, telecommunications, technology and Internet sectors which provide or permit Internet companies or Internet users access to content, services or infrastructure. Beginning August 1, 2004, the Fund has invested at least 80% of its Net Assets in equity investments in “Tollkeeper” companies which are companies in the technology, media, or service sectors that adopt or use technology to improve their cost structure, revenue opportunities or competitive advantage.
 
17


 

 
Fund Fees and Expenses (Service Shares)

This table describes the fees and expenses that you would pay if you buy and hold Service Shares of a Fund.

                   
Real Estate
Securities Tollkeeper
Fund Fund

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment):
               
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
    None       None  
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends
    None       None  
Redemption Fees
    None       None  
Exchange Fees
    None       None  
 
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets): 1
               
Management Fees 2
    1.00%       1.00%  
Other Expenses
    0.58%       0.68%  
 
Service Fees 3
    0.25 %     0.25 %
 
Shareholder Administration Fees
    0.25 %     0.25 %
 
All Other Expenses 4 *
    0.08 %     0.18 %

Total Fund Operating Expenses*
    1.58%       1.68%  

See page 19 for all other footnotes.

  The “All Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses” shown in the table above do not reflect voluntary expense limitations currently in place with respect to the Fund. The Fund’s “All Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses,” after application of current expense limitations, are as set forth below. These expense limitations may be modified or terminated at any time at the option of the Investment Adviser and without shareholder approval. If this occurs, the “All Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses” shown below would be higher.  
                   
Real Estate
Securities Tollkeeper
Fund Fund

Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets): 1
               
Management Fees 2
    1.00%       1.00%  
Other Expenses
    0.54%       0.60%  
 
Service Fees 3
    0.25 %     0.25 %
 
Shareholder Administration Fees
    0.25 %     0.25 %
 
All Other Expenses 4
    0.04 %     0.10 %

Total Fund Operating Expenses (after
current expense limitations)
    1.54%       1.60%  

 
18


 

FUND FEES AND EXPENSES

1
Except for the Tollkeeper Fund, the Funds’ annual operating expenses are based on actual expenses incurred for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. The annual operating expenses for the Tollkeeper Fund are based on amounts expected to be incurred for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008.
2
The Investment Adviser is entitled to management fees at the annual rates equal to the following percentages of the average daily net assets of the Funds:

                 
Management Fee Average Daily
Fund Annual Rate Net Assets

Real Estate Securities
    1.00%     First $ 1 billion  
      0.90%     Next $ 1 billion  
      0.86%     Over $ 2 billion  

Tollkeeper
    1.00%     First $ 1 billion  
      0.90%     Next $ 1 billion  
      0.86%     Over $ 2 billion  

 
3
Service Organizations (as defined in the “Shareholder Guide”) may charge other fees to their customers who are beneficial owners of Service Shares in connection with their customers’ accounts. Such fees may affect the return customers realize with respect to their investments.
4
“All Other Expenses” include transfer agency fees and expenses equal on an annualized basis to 0.04% of the average daily net assets of each Fund’s Service Shares, plus all other ordinary expenses not detailed above. The Investment Adviser has voluntarily agreed to reduce or limit “All Other Expenses” (excluding management fees, transfer agency fees and expenses, service fees, shareholder administration fees, taxes, interest, brokerage fees and litigation, indemnification, shareholder meeting and other extraordinary expenses exclusive of any custody and transfer agent fee credit reductions) to the following percentages of each Fund’s average daily net assets:
             
Other
Fund Expenses

Real Estate Securities
    0.004%      
Tollkeeper
    0.064%      
 
19


 

Fund Fees and Expenses continued

Example

The following Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in a Fund (without the expense limitations) with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in Service Shares of a Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Service Shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that a Fund’s 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 5 Years 10 Years

Real Estate Securities
  $ 161     $ 499     $ 860     $ 1,878  

Tollkeeper
  $ 171     $ 530     $ 913     $ 1,987  

Service Organizations that invest in Service Shares on behalf of their customers may charge other fees directly to their customer accounts in connection with their investments. You should contact your Service Organization for information regarding such charges. Such fees, if any, may affect the return such customers realize with respect to their investments.

Certain Service Organizations that invest in Service Shares on behalf of their customers may receive other compensation in connection with the sale and distribution of Service Shares or for services to their customers’ accounts and/or the Funds. For additional information regarding such compensation, see “What Do I Need To Know About Service Organizations?” in the Prospectus and “Payments to Intermediaries” in the SAI.

 
20


 

 
  Service Providers

   INVESTMENT ADVISER   

     
Investment Adviser Fund

Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (“GSAM”)
32 Old Slip
New York, New York 10005
  Real Estate Securities
Tollkeeper

  GSAM has been registered as an investment adviser with the SEC since 1990 and is an affiliate of Goldman, Sachs & Co. (“Goldman Sachs”). As of December 31, 2007, GSAM, including its investment advisory affiliates, had assets under management of $763 billion.
 
  The Investment Adviser provides day-to-day advice regarding the Funds’ portfolio transactions. The Investment Adviser makes the investment decisions for the Funds 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 Funds, 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 Funds:
  n   Supervises all non-advisory operations of the Funds
  n   Provides personnel to perform necessary executive, administrative and clerical services to the Funds
  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 each Fund
  n   Provides office space and all necessary office equipment and services

 
21


 

   MANAGEMENT FEES   

  As compensation for its services and its assumption of certain expenses, the Investment Adviser is entitled to the following fees, computed daily and payable monthly, at the annual rates listed below (as a percentage of each respective Fund’s average daily net assets):

                         
Actual Rate
For the Fiscal
Average Daily Year Ended
Fund Contractual Rate Net Assets December 31, 2007

Real Estate Securities
    1.00%       First $1  billion       1.00%  
      0.90%       Next $1  billion          
      0.86%       Over $2  billion          

Tollkeeper
    1.00%       First $1  billion       1.00%  
      0.90%       Next $1  billion          
      0.86%       Over $2  billion          

  The Investment Adviser may voluntarily waive a portion of its management fee from time to time and may discontinue or modify any such voluntary limitations in the future at its discretion.
 
  A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees’ approval of the Management Agreement for the Funds in 2007 is available in the Funds’ annual report dated December 31, 2007.

   FUND MANAGERS   

  Real Estate Securities Team
  The Real Estate Securities portfolio management team includes individuals with backgrounds in:
  n   Fundamental real estate acquisition, development and operations
  n   Real estate capital markets
  n   Mergers and acquisitions
  n   Asset management

 
22


 

SERVICE PROVIDERS

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Real Estate Securities Team
             
Years
Primarily
Name and Title Fund Responsibility Responsible Five Year Employment History

Mark Howard-Johnson, CFA
Managing Director
  Senior Portfolio Manager—
Real Estate Securities
  Since
1998
  Mr. Howard-Johnson joined the Investment Adviser as a portfolio manager in 1998. His previous experience includes 15 years in the real estate finance business.

David Kruth, CFA
Vice President
  Senior Portfolio Manager—
Real Estate Securities
  Since 2005   Mr. Kruth joined the Investment Adviser as a portfolio manager in 2005. His previous experience includes approximately 18 years in the real estate investment field, most recently managing real estate securities funds at Citigroup (June 2004- May 2005) and AllianceBernstein (June 1998- June 2004).

  Mark Howard-Johnson is the head of the Real Estate Securities Team. He and David Kruth are responsible for the day-to-day investment decisions and final buy/sell decisions of the Real Estate Securities Fund. However, all investment decisions involve discussion with personnel from the Investment Adviser’s real estate securities group. Each of the Senior Portfolio Managers is responsible for liaising with research analysts around the world, promoting his or her securities selection ideas to the other members of the team and thereafter debating their inclusion in the portfolios.
 
  Growth Investment Team
  n   For 27 years the team has applied a consistent investment discipline through diverse and complete market cycles
  n   $28.5 billion in equities currently under management
  n   A deep and experienced portfolio management and research team comprised of industry experts that provide in-depth research within each sector

 
23


 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Growth Investment Team
             
Years
Primarily
Name and Title Fund Responsibility Responsible Five Year Employment History

Steven M. Barry
Managing Director
Chief Investment Officer
  Senior Portfolio Manager—
Tollkeeper
  Since
1999
  Mr. Barry joined the Investment Adviser as a portfolio manager in 1999. From 1988 to 1999, he was a portfolio manager at Alliance Capital Management.

Gregory H. Ekizian, CFA
Managing Director
Chief Investment
Officer
  Senior Portfolio Manager—
Tollkeeper
  Since
1999
  Mr. Ekizian joined the Investment Adviser as a portfolio manager in 1997 when Goldman Sachs Asset Management acquired Liberty Investment Management. He was a senior portfolio manager at Liberty prior to the acquisition. He joined Liberty’s predecessor firm Eagle Asset Management in 1990.

David G. Shell, CFA
Managing Director
Chief Investment
Officer
  Senior Portfolio Manager—
Tollkeeper
  Since
1999
  Mr. Shell joined the Investment Adviser as a portfolio manager in 1997 when Goldman Sachs Asset Management acquired Liberty Investment Management. He was a senior portfolio manager at Liberty prior to the acquisition. He joined Liberty’s predecessor firm Eagle Asset Management in 1987.

  Steve Barry, Dave Shell and Greg Ekizian are Chief Investment Officers (“CIOs”) of the Growth team. All 18 members of the team discuss their research analysis and recommendations with the whole team at investment strategy meetings. The entire team discusses and debates whether the business being presented meets the Growth team’s definition of a high-quality growth business and the attractiveness of the current valuation. The team reaches a consensus on whether a business is worthy of a position in the portfolio. The CIOs are accountable for all portfolio construction decisions and determine the appropriate weight for each investment.
 
  For information about the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers ownership of securities in the Funds, see the SAI.

   DISTRIBUTOR AND TRANSFER AGENT   

  Goldman Sachs, 85 Broad Street, New York, New York 10004, serves as the exclusive distributor (the “Distributor”) of each Fund’s shares. Goldman Sachs, 71 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 500, Chicago, Illinois 60606, also serves as each Fund’s
 
24


 

SERVICE PROVIDERS

  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 Funds. Goldman Sachs reserves the right to redeem at any time some or all of the shares acquired for its own account.

   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 a Fund or limit a Fund’s 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, financier, 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 Funds directly and indirectly invest. Thus, it is likely that the Funds 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 Funds and/or which engage in and compete for transactions in the same types of securities, currencies and instruments as the Funds. 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 Funds. The results of a Fund’s investment activities, therefore, may differ from those of Goldman Sachs, its affiliates and other accounts managed by Goldman Sachs, and it is possible that a 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 Funds may enter into transactions in which Goldman Sachs or its other clients have an adverse interest. For example, a Fund may take a long position in a security at the same time that Goldman Sachs or other accounts managed by the Investment Adviser take a short position in the same security (or vice versa). These and other transactions undertaken by Goldman Sachs, its affiliates or Goldman Sachs advised-clients may adversely impact the Funds. Transactions by one or more Goldman Sachs
 
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  advised-clients or the Investment Adviser may have the effect of diluting or otherwise disadvantaging the values, prices or investment strategies of the Funds. A Fund’s 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 service 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 affect transactions in, securities of issuers held by the Funds, and may also perform or seek to perform investment 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 Funds or who engage in transactions with or for the Funds. For more information about conflicts of interest, see the SAI.
 
  Under a securities lending program approved by the Funds’ Board of Trustees, the Funds may retain an affiliate of the Investment Adviser to serve as a securities lending agent for each Fund to the extent that the Funds engage in the securities lending program. For these services, the lending agent may receive a fee from the Funds, including a fee based on the returns earned on the Funds’ investment of the cash received as collateral for the loaned securities. The Board of Trustees periodically reviews all portfolio securities loan transactions for which the affiliated lending agent has acted as lending agent. In addition, the Funds may make brokerage and other payments to Goldman Sachs and its affiliates in connection with the Funds’ portfolio investment transactions in accordance with applicable law.

 
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  Dividends
 
  Each Fund pays dividends from its investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains. You may choose to have dividends and distributions paid in:
  n   Cash
  n   Additional shares of the same class of the same Fund
  n   Shares of the same class of another Goldman Sachs Fund. Special restrictions may apply. See the SAI.

  You may indicate your election on your Account Application. Any changes may be submitted in writing to the Transfer Agent 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 applicable 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 income and distributions from net capital gains are declared and paid as follows:

         
Investment Capital Gains
Fund Income Dividends Distributions

Real Estate Securities
  Quarterly   Annually

Tollkeeper
  Annually   Annually

  From time to time a portion of a Fund’s dividends may constitute a return of capital for tax purposes, and/or may include amounts in excess of the Fund’s net investment income for the period calculated in accordance with good accounting practice.
 
  When you purchase shares of a Fund, part of the NAV per share may be represented by undistributed income and/or undistributed realized gains that have previously been earned by the Fund. Therefore, subsequent distributions on such shares from such income and/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.

 
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  Shareholder Guide
 
  The following section will provide you with answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding buying and selling the Funds’ Service Shares.

   HOW TO BUY SHARES    

  How Can I Purchase Service Shares Of The Funds?
 
  Generally, Service Shares may be purchased only through institutions that have agreed to provide shareholder administration and personal and account maintenance services to their customers who are the beneficial owners of Service Shares (“Service Organizations”). No shareholder may buy Service Shares directly from the Funds. Customers of a Service Organization will normally give their purchase instructions to the Service Organization, and the Service Organization will, in turn, place purchase orders with Goldman Sachs. Service Organizations will set times by which purchase orders and payments must be received by them from their customers. Generally, Service Shares may be purchased from the Funds on any business day at their NAV next determined after receipt of an order by Goldman Sachs from a Service Organization. No sales load is charged.
 
  Service Organizations are responsible for transmitting purchase orders and payments to Goldman Sachs in a timely fashion. Service Organizations should either:
  n   Place an order through certain electronic trading platforms (e.g., National Securities Clearing Corporation);
  n   Place an order with Goldman Sachs at 1-800-621-2550 and wire federal funds on the next business day; or
  n   Send a check payable to Goldman Sachs Funds—(Name of Fund and Class of Shares), P.O. Box 06050, Chicago, IL 60606-6306. The Funds will not accept checks drawn on foreign banks, third party checks, temporary checks, cash or cash equivalents; e.g., cashier’s checks, official bank checks, money orders, travelers cheques or credit card checks. In limited situations involving the transfer of retirement assets, a Fund may accept cashier’s checks or official bank checks.

  It is strongly recommended that payment be effected by using federal funds.
 
  It is expected that checks will be converted to federal funds within two business days after receipt.

 
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  What Do I Need To Know About Service Organizations?
  Service Organizations may provide the following services in connection with their customers’ investments in Service Shares:

  n   Personal and account maintenance services
     n   Facilities to answer inquiries and respond to correspondence
     n   Acts as liaison between the Service Organization’s customers and the Goldman Sachs Trust (the “Trust”)
     n   Assists customers in completing application forms, selecting dividend and other options, and similar services
  n   Shareholder administration services
     n   Acts, directly or through an agent, as the sole shareholder of record
     n   Maintains account records for customers
     n   Processes orders to purchase, redeem and exchange shares for customers
     n   Processes payments for customers

  Some (but not all) Service Organizations are 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 financial intermediaries to accept such orders, if approved by the Trust. In these cases:
  n   A Fund will be deemed to have received an order in proper form when the order is accepted by the authorized Service Organization or financial intermediary on a business day, and the order will be priced at the Fund’s NAV per share next determined after such acceptance.
  n   Service Organizations and financial 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 Service Organization directly to learn whether it is authorized to accept orders for the Trust.
 
  Pursuant to a service plan and a separate shareholder administration plan adopted by the Trust’s Board of Trustees, Service Organizations are entitled to receive payments for their services from the Trust. These payments are equal to 0.25% (annualized) for personal and account maintenance services plus an additional 0.25% (annualized) for shareholder administration services of the average daily net assets of the Service Shares of the Funds that are attributable to or held in the name of the Service Organization for its customers.
 
  The Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates may make payments or provide services to Service Organizations and other financial intermediaries (“Intermediaries”) to promote the sale, distribution and/or servicing of shares of the Funds and other Goldman Sachs Funds. These payments are made out of the

 
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  Investment Adviser’s, Distributor’s and/or their affiliates’ own assets, and are not an additional charge to the Funds. The payments are in addition to the service fees described in this Prospectus. Such payments are intended to compensate Intermediaries for, among other things: marketing shares of the Funds and other Goldman Sachs Funds, which may consist of payments relating to Funds 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 Funds 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 Service Shares, as well as sponsor various educational programs, sales contests and/or promotions. The payments by the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates, which are in addition to the fees paid for these services by the Funds, may also compensate Intermediaries for subaccounting, sub-transfer agency, administrative and/or shareholder processing services. These payments may exceed amounts earned on these assets by the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates for the performance of these or similar services. The amount of these additional payments is normally not expected to exceed 0.50% (annualized) of the amount sold or invested through the Intermediaries. In addition, certain Intermediaries may have access to certain services from the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates, including research reports and economic analysis, and portfolio analysis tools. In certain cases, the Intermediary may not pay for these services. Please refer to the “Payments to Intermediaries” section of the SAI for more information about these payments and services.
 
  The payments made by the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates and the services received by an Intermediary may differ for different Intermediaries. The presence of these payments, receipt of these services 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 Funds based, at least in part, on the level of compensation paid. You should contact your Service Organization or Intermediary for more information about the payments it receives and any potential conflicts of interest.
 
  In addition to Service Shares, each 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 are entitled to different services. Information regarding these other share classes

 
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  may be obtained from your Service Organization or from Goldman Sachs by calling the number on the back cover of this Prospectus.
 
  What Is My Minimum Investment In The Funds?
  The Funds do not have any minimum purchase with respect to Service Shares. A Service Organization may, however, impose a minimum amount for initial and additional investments in Service Shares, and may establish other requirements such as a minimum account balance. A Service Organization may redeem Service Shares held by non-complying accounts, and may impose a charge for any special services.
 
  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 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 Service Shares of a 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 a Fund.
  n   Close a Fund to new investors from time to time and reopen any such Fund whenever it is deemed appropriate by a Fund’s Investment Adviser.
  n   Modify the manner in which shares are offered.
  n   Modify the sales charge rates applicable to future purchases of shares.

  Generally, non-U.S. citizens and certain U.S. citizens residing outside the United States may not open an account with the Funds.
 
  The Funds may allow Service Organizations to purchase shares with securities instead of cash if consistent with a Fund’s investment policies and operations and if approved by the Fund’s Investment Adviser.
 
  Notwithstanding the foregoing, 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.
 
  Customer Identification Program. Federal law requires the Funds to obtain, verify and record identifying information, which will be reviewed solely for customer identification purposes, which may include the name, residential or business street address, date of birth (for an individual), Social Security Number or

 
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  taxpayer identification number or other information, for each investor who opens an account directly with the Funds. Applications without the required information may not be accepted by the Funds. After accepting an application, to the extent permitted by applicable law or their customer identification program, the Funds reserve 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 Funds; or (iii) involuntarily redeem an investor’s shares and close an account in the event that the Funds are unable to verify an investor’s identity. The Funds and their agents will not be responsible for any loss in an investor’s account resulting from the investor’s delay in providing all required information or from closing an account and redeeming an investor’s shares pursuant to the customer identification program.
 
  How Are Shares Priced?
  The price you pay when you buy Service Shares is a Fund’s next determined NAV for a share class after the Fund receives your order in proper form. The price you receive when you sell Service Shares is a Fund’s next determined NAV for a share class, with the redemption proceeds reduced by any applicable charges after the Fund receives your order in proper form. The Funds calculate 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.
 
  In the event that a Fund invests a significant portion of assets in foreign equity securities, “fair value” prices are provided by an independent fair value service in accordance with the fair value procedures approved by the Trustees. 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 price for a particular security, or if the price provided does not meet the established criteria for a Fund, the Fund will price that security at the most recent closing price for that security on its principal exchange.
 
  In addition, the Investment Adviser, consistent with its procedures and applicable regulatory guidance, may (but need not) determine to make an adjustment to the

 
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  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 a Fund’s 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 U.S. or foreign markets; market dislocations; market disruptions or market closings; equipment failures; natural or man made disasters or acts of God; armed conflicts; 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, including those relating to earnings, products and regulatory news; significant litigation; low trading volume; and trading limits, or suspensions.
 
  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 Funds to price their 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).
 
  Please note the following with respect to the price at which your transactions are processed:
  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 other times 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   The Trust reserves the right to reprocess purchase (including dividend re-investments), redemption and exchange transactions that were processed at a NAV that is subsequently adjusted, and to recover amounts from (or distribute amounts to) shareholders accordingly based on the official closing NAV as adjusted.
  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.

 
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  Consistent with industry practice, investment transactions not settling on the same day are recorded and factored into a Fund’s NAV on the business day following trade date (T+1). The use of T+1 accounting generally does not, but may, result in a NAV that differs materially from the NAV that would result if all transactions were reflected on their trade dates.
 
  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 its regularly scheduled closing time. In the event the New York Stock Exchange does not open for business, the Trust may, but is not required to, open one or more Funds for purchase, redemption and exchange transactions if the Federal Reserve wire payment system is open. To learn whether a Fund is open for business during this situation, please call 1-800-621-2550.
 
  Foreign securities may trade in their local markets on days a Fund is closed. As a result, if a Fund holds foreign securities, its NAV may be impacted on days when investors may not purchase or redeem Fund shares.

   HOW TO SELL SHARES   

  How Can I Sell Service Shares Of The Funds?
  Generally, Service Shares may be sold (redeemed) only through Service Organizations. Customers of a Service Organization will normally give their redemption instructions to the Service Organization, and the Service Organization will, in turn, place redemption orders with the Funds. Generally, each Fund will redeem its Service Shares upon request on any business day at the NAV next determined after receipt of such request in proper form. Redemption proceeds may be sent to shareholders by check or wire (if the wire instructions are designated on the current record of the Transfer Agent).
 
  A Service Organization may request redemptions by electronic trading platform, in writing or by telephone (unless the Service Organization opts out of the telephone redemption privilege on the Account Application).
 
  Generally, any redemption request that requires money to go to an account or address other than that designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent must be in writing and signed by an authorized person (a Medallion signature guarantee may be required). The written request may be confirmed by telephone with both the requesting party and the designated bank to verify instructions.

 
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  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 the redemption proceeds sent to a bank account that is not designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent.

  A Medallion 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 Medallion signature guarantee. Additional documentation may be required.
 
  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   Telephone requests are recorded.
  n   Proceeds of telephone redemption request will be sent to your address of record or authorized account designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent (unless you provide written instruction and a Medallion 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 current records of the Transfer Agent (see immediately preceding bullet point). In order to receive the redemption by check during this time period, a redemption request must be in the form of a written letter (a Medallion signature guarantee may be required).
  n   The telephone redemption option may be modified or terminated at any time without prior notice.

  Note: It may be difficult to make telephone redemptions in times of unusual economic or market conditions.
 
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  How Are Redemption Proceeds Paid?
  By Wire:  The Funds will arrange for redemption proceeds to be wired as federal funds to the domestic bank account as designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent. The following general policies govern wiring redemption proceeds:
  n   Redemption proceeds will normally be wired on the next business day in federal funds, but may be paid up to three business days following receipt of a properly executed wire transfer redemption request.
  n   Although redemption proceeds will normally be paid as described above, under certain circumstances, redemption requests or payments may be postponed or suspended as permitted under Section 22(e) of the Investment Company Act (the “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 a Fund’s net assets not reasonably practicable; or (iii) the SEC, by order, permits the suspension of the right of redemption.
  n   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.
  n   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 until the Federal Reserve Bank reopens.
  n   To change the bank designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent, you must send written instructions signed by an authorized person designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent.
  n   Neither the Trust nor Goldman Sachs assumes any responsibility for the performance of other financial intermediaries or your Service Organization in the transfer process. If a problem with such performance arises, you should deal directly with such financial intermediaries or Service Organization.

  By Check:  A shareholder may elect in writing to receive redemption proceeds by check. Redemption proceeds paid by check will normally be mailed to the address of record within three business days of receipt 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   Service Organizations are responsible for the timely transmittal of redemption requests by their customers to the Transfer Agent. In order to facilitate the

 
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  timely transmittal of redemption requests, Service Organizations may set times by which they must receive redemption requests. Service Organizations may also require additional documentation from you.

  The Trust reserves the right to:
  n   Redeem your shares in the event a Service Organization’s relationship with Goldman Sachs is terminated and you do not transfer your account to another Service Organization with a relationship with Goldman Sachs. The Trust will not be responsible for any loss in an investor’s account or tax liability resulting from the redemption.
  n   Subject to applicable law, 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.
  n   Reinvest any amounts (e.g., dividends, distributions or redemption proceeds) which you have elected to receive by check should your check be returned to a Fund as undeliverable or remain uncashed for six months. This provision may not apply to certain retirement or qualified accounts or to a closed account. No interest will accrue on amounts represented by uncashed checks.

  Can I Exchange My Investment From One Goldman Sachs Fund To Another Goldman Sachs Fund?
 
  A Service Organization may exchange Service Shares of a Goldman Sachs Fund at NAV for certain shares of another Goldman Sachs Fund. Redemption of shares (including by exchange) of certain Goldman Sachs Funds offered in other prospectuses, that are held for 30 days or less (60 days or less with respect to the Goldman Sachs High Yield and High Yield Municipal Funds) may, however, be subject to a redemption fee. The exchange privilege may be materially modified or withdrawn at any time upon 60 days written notice.
 
  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 Goldman Sachs Fund you are acquiring before making an exchange.
  n   Currently, the Funds do not impose any charge for exchanges, although the Funds may impose a charge in the future.
  n   Normally, a telephone exchange 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 unusual economic or market conditions.

 
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  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   A signature guarantee may be required.
  n   Exchanges into Goldman Sachs Funds that are closed to new investors may be restricted.
  n   Exchanges into a Fund from another Goldman Sachs Fund may be subject to any redemption fee imposed by the other Goldman Sachs Fund.

  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 Be Sent Regarding Investments In Service Shares?
  Service Organizations will receive from the Funds annual shareholder reports containing audited financial statements and semi-annual shareholder reports. Service Organizations will also be provided with a printed confirmation for each transaction in their account and a monthly account statement. Service Organizations are responsible for providing these or other reports to their customers who are the beneficial owners of Service Shares in accordance with the rules that apply to their accounts with the Service Organizations. In addition, Service Organizations and other financial intermediaries will be responsible for providing any communication from a Fund to the shareholders, including but not limited to prospectuses, prospectus supplements, proxy materials and notices regarding the sources of dividend payments under Section 19 of the Act.

   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 redemption 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 respective Funds. 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 longer-term shareholders. The Trust and Goldman Sachs reserve the right to reject or restrict purchase or exchange requests
 
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  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 Trust’s (or Goldman Sachs’) judgment, an investor has a history of excessive trading or if an investor’s trading, in the judgment of the Trust (or Goldman Sachs), has been or may be disruptive to a 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, certain Goldman Sachs Funds (which are offered in separate prospectuses) impose a redemption fee on redemptions made within 30 days of purchase (60 days of purchase with respect to the Goldman Sachs High Yield and High Yield Municipal Funds), subject to certain exceptions. As a further deterrent to excessive trading, many foreign equity securities held by the Funds are priced by an independent pricing service using fair valuation. For more information on fair valuation, please see “Shareholder Guide — How To Buy Shares — How Are Shares Priced?”
 
  Pursuant to the policy adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust, 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 Funds in order to assess the likelihood that a 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. Consistent with the standards described above, if, in its judgment, Goldman Sachs detects excessive, short-term trading, Goldman Sachs is authorized to reject or restrict a purchase or exchange request and may further seek to close an investor’s account with a 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 financial intermediaries such as broker-dealers, investment advisers and insurance companies. In addition, Fund shares may be held in omnibus 401(k) plans, employee benefit plans and other group accounts. Omnibus accounts include multiple investors and

 
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  such accounts typically provide the Funds 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 ordinarily not tracked by the Funds on a regular basis. 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, a Fund’s ability to monitor and detect market-timing by shareholders or apply any applicable redemption fee in these omnibus accounts may be limited in certain circumstances, and certain of these financial intermediaries may charge the Fund a fee for providing certain shareholder information requested as part of the Fund’s surveillance process. 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 Funds 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. If necessary, the Trust may prohibit additional purchases of Fund shares by a financial intermediary or by certain of the financial intermediary’s customers. Financial intermediaries may also monitor their customers’ trading activities in the Funds. The criteria used by financial intermediaries to monitor for excessive trading may differ from the criteria used by the Funds. If a financial intermediary fails to cooperate in the implementation or enforcement of Trust’s excessive trading policies, the Trust may take certain actions including terminating the relationship.
 
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  Taxation
 
  As with any investment, you should consider how your investment in the Funds will be taxed. The tax information below is provided as general information. More tax information is available in the SAI. You should consult your tax adviser about the federal, state, local or foreign tax consequences of your investment in the Funds. Except as otherwise noted, the tax information provided assumes that you are a U.S. citizen or resident.
 
  Unless your investment is through an IRA or other tax-advantaged account, you should consider the possible tax consequences of Fund distributions and the sale of your Fund shares.

   DISTRIBUTIONS   

  Each Fund contemplates declaring as dividends each year all or substantially all of its taxable income. Distributions you receive from the Funds are generally subject to federal income tax, and may also be subject to state or local taxes. This is true whether you reinvest your distributions in additional Fund shares or receive them in cash. For federal tax purposes, the Funds’ distributions attributable to net investment income and short-term capital gains are taxable to you as ordinary income. Any long-term capital gain distributions are taxable as long-term capital gains, no matter how long you have owned your Fund shares.
 
  Under current provisions of the Code, the maximum long-term capital gain tax rate applicable to individuals, estates, and trusts is 15%. Fund distributions to noncorporate shareholders attributable to dividends received by the Funds 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. For these lower rates to apply, the non-corporate shareholder must own the relevant Fund shares for at least 61 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the Fund’s ex-dividend date. The amount of a Fund’s distributions that would otherwise qualify for this favorable tax treatment will be reduced as a result of a Fund’s securities lending activities or by a high portfolio turnover rate.
 
  A sunset provision provides that the 15% long-term capital gain rate will increase to 20% and the taxation of dividends at the long-term capital gain rate will end after 2010.
 
  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’ (other than the Real Estate Securities Fund) dividends paid to corporate shareholders may

 
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  be eligible for the corporate dividends-received deduction. This percentage may, however, be reduced as a result of a Fund’s securities lending activities or by a high portfolio turnover rate. Character and tax status of all distributions will be available to shareholders after the close of each calendar year. The REIT investments of the Real Estate Securities Fund often do not provide complete tax information to the Fund until after the calendar year. Consequently, because of the delay, it may be necessary for the Fund to request permission to extend the deadline for issuance of Forms 1099-DIV beyond January 31.
 
  Each Fund may be subject to foreign withholding or other foreign taxes on income or gain from certain foreign securities. In general, the Funds may deduct these taxes in computing their taxable income.
 
  If you buy shares of a 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 into a dividend.”

   SALES AND EXCHANGES   

  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 capital 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 shares of a Fund may be disallowed under “wash sale” rules to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced with other shares of that 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 that Fund. If disallowed, the loss will be reflected in an adjustment to the basis of the shares acquired.

   OTHER INFORMATION   

  When you open your account, you should provide your Social Security Number or tax identification number on your Account Application. By law, each 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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TAXATION

  Non-U.S. investors are generally subject to U.S. withholding tax and may be subject to U.S. estate tax. However, withholding is generally not required on properly designated distributions to non U.S. investors of long-term capital gains.
 
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  Appendix A
Additional Information on Portfolio
Risks, Securities and Techniques

   A.  General Portfolio Risks   

  The Funds 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 (such as swaps and futures contracts) 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 a 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 Funds may increase or decrease. In recent years, certain stock markets have experienced substantial price volatility.
 
  To the extent that a Fund invests in fixed income securities, that Fund will also be subject to the risks associated with its fixed income securities. These risks include interest rate risk, credit/default risk and call/extension risk. In general, interest rate risk involves the risk that when interest rates decline, the market value of fixed income securities tends to increase (although many mortgage-related securities will have less potential than other debt securities for capital appreciation during periods of declining rates). Conversely, when interest rates increase, the market value of fixed income securities tends to decline. Credit/default risk involves the risk that an issuer or guarantor could default on its obligations, and a Fund will not recover its investment. Call risk and extension risk are normally present in mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities. For example, homeowners have the option to prepay their mortgages. Therefore, the duration of a security backed by home mortgages can either shorten (call risk) or lengthen (extension risk). In general, if interest rates on new mortgage loans fall sufficiently below the interest rates on existing outstanding mortgage loans, the rate of prepayment would be expected to increase. Conversely, if mortgage loan interest rates rise above the interest rates on existing outstanding mortgage loans, the rate of prepayment would be expected to decrease. In either case, a change in the prepayment rate can result in losses to

 
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APPENDIX A

  investors. The same would be true of asset-backed securities such as securities backed by car loans.
 
  The Investment Adviser will not consider the portfolio turnover rate a limiting factor in making investment decisions for a Fund. A high rate of portfolio turnover (100% or more) involves correspondingly greater expenses which must be borne by a 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 a Fund’s portfolio securities, excluding securities having a maturity at the date of purchase of one year or less. See “Financial Highlights” in Appendix B for a statement of the Funds’ historical portfolio turnover rates.
 
  The following sections provide further information on certain types of securities and investment techniques that may be used by the Funds, including their associated risks. Additional information is provided in the SAI, which is available upon request. Among other things, the SAI 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 a Fund’s investment objective, you should consider whether that Fund remains an appropriate investment in light of your then current financial position and needs.

   B.  Other Portfolio Risks   

  Risks of Investing in Internet and Internet-Related Companies. The Tollkeeper Fund may invest in Internet and Internet-related companies. Internet and Internet-related companies are generally subject to a rate of change in technology which is higher than other industries and often requires extensive and sustained investment in research and development. As a result, Internet and Internet-related companies are exposed to the risk of rapid product obsolescence. Changes in governmental policies, such as telephone and cable regulations and anti-trust enforcement, and the need for regulatory approvals may have an adverse effect on the products, services and securities of Internet and Internet-related companies. Internet and Internet-related companies may also produce or use products or services that prove commercially unsuccessful. In addition, intense worldwide competitive pressures and changing demand, evolving industry standards, challenges in achieving product capability, loss of patent protection or proprietary rights, reduction or interruption in the supply of key components, changes in strategic alliances, frequent mergers or acquisitions or other factors can have a significant effect on the financial conditions of companies in these industries. Competitive pressures in the Internet and Internet-related industries
 
45


 

  may affect negatively the financial condition of Internet and Internet-related companies. Internet and Internet-related companies are also subject to the risk of service disruptions and the risk of losses arising out of litigation related to these disruptions. In certain instances, Internet and Internet-related securities may experience significant price movements caused by disproportionate investor optimism or pessimism with little or no basis in fundamental economic conditions. As a result of these and other reasons, investments in the Internet and Internet-related industry can experience sudden and rapid appreciation and depreciation.
 
  Risks of Initial Public Offerings. The Tollkeeper and Real Estate Securities Funds may invest in IPOs. An IPO is a company’s first offering of stock to the public. IPO risk is the risk that the market value of IPO shares will fluctuate considerably due to factors such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, the small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the issuer. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. IPO shares are subject to market risk and liquidity risk. When a Fund’s asset base is small, a significant portion of the Fund’s performance could be attributable to investments in IPOs, because such investments would have a magnified impact on the Fund. As the Fund’s assets grow, the effect of the Fund’s investments in IPOs on the Fund’s performance probably will decline, which could reduce the Fund’s performance. Because of the price volatility of IPO shares, a Fund may choose to hold IPO shares for a very short period of time. This may increase the turnover of the Fund’s portfolio and may lead to increased expenses to the Fund, such as commissions and transaction costs. By selling IPO shares, the Fund may realize taxable gains it will subsequently distribute to shareholders. In addition, the market for IPO shares can be speculative and/or inactive for extended periods of time. There is no assurance that a Fund will be able to obtain allocable portions of IPO shares. The limited number of shares available for trading in some IPOs may make it more difficult for a Fund to buy or sell significant amounts of shares without an unfavorable impact on prevailing prices. Investors in IPO shares can be affected by substantial dilution in the value of their shares, by sales of additional shares and by concentration of control in existing management and principal shareholders.
 
  Risks of Investing in Small Capitalization and Mid-Capitalization Companies and REITs. The Funds may, to the extent consistent with their respective investment policies, invest in small and mid-capitalization companies and REITs. Investments in small and mid-capitalization companies and REITs involve greater risk and portfolio price volatility than investments in larger capitalization stocks. Among the reasons for the greater price volatility of these investments are the less certain growth prospects of smaller firms and the lower degree of liquidity in the markets for such securities. Small and mid-capitalization companies and REITs may be thinly traded and may have to be sold at a discount from current market prices or

 
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APPENDIX A

  in small lots over an extended period of time. In addition, these securities are subject to the risk that during certain periods the liquidity of particular issuers or industries, or all securities in particular investment categories, will shrink or disappear suddenly and without warning as a result of adverse economic or market conditions, or adverse investor perceptions whether or not accurate. Because of the lack of sufficient market liquidity, a Fund may incur losses because it will be required to effect sales at a disadvantageous time and only then at a substantial drop in price. Small and mid-capitalization companies and REITs include “unseasoned” issuers that do not have an established financial history; often have limited product lines, markets or financial resources; may depend on or use a few key personnel for management; and may be susceptible to losses and risks of bankruptcy. Small and mid-capitalization companies may be operating at a loss or have significant variations in operating results; may be engaged in a rapidly changing business with products subject to a substantial risk of obsolescence; may require substantial additional capital to support their operations, to finance expansion or to maintain their competitive position; and may have substantial borrowings or may otherwise have a weak financial condition. In addition, these companies may face intense competition, including competition from companies with greater financial resources, more extensive development, manufacturing, marketing, and other capabilities, and a larger number of qualified managerial and technical personnel. Transaction costs for these investments are often higher than those of larger capitalization companies. Investments in small and mid-capitalization companies and REITs may be more difficult to price precisely than other types of securities because of their characteristics and lower trading volumes.
 
  Risks of Foreign Investments. The Funds may make foreign investments. 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 a 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.
 
  Brokerage commissions, custodial services and other costs relating to investment in international securities markets generally are more expensive than in the United States. In addition, clearance and settlement procedures may be different in foreign countries

 
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  and, in certain markets, such procedures have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, thus making it difficult to conduct such transactions.
 
  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.
 
  Concentration of a Fund’s assets in one or a few countries and currencies will subject a Fund to greater risks than if a Fund’s assets were not geographically concentrated.
 
  Investment in sovereign debt obligations by a Fund involves risks not present in debt obligations of corporate issuers. The issuer of the debt or the governmental authorities that control the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal or interest when due in accordance with the terms of such debt, and a Fund may have limited recourse to compel payment in the event of a default. Periods of economic uncertainty may result in the volatility of market prices of sovereign debt, and in turn a Fund’s NAV, to a greater extent than the volatility inherent in debt obligations of U.S. issuers.
 
  A sovereign debtor’s willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its foreign currency reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor’s policy toward international lenders, and the political constraints to which a sovereign debtor may be subject.
 
  Investments in foreign securities may take the form of sponsored and unsponsored American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) and Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”). Certain Funds may also invest in European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) or other similar instruments representing securities of foreign issuers.

 
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APPENDIX A

  ADRs, GDRs and EDRs 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. EDRs are traded primarily outside the United States. Prices of ADRs are quoted in U.S. dollars. EDRs and GDRs are not necessarily quoted in the same currency as the underlying security.
 
  Risks of Emerging Countries. Certain Funds may invest in securities of issuers located in emerging countries. The risks of foreign investment are heightened when the issuer is located in an emerging country. Emerging countries are generally located in the Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe and Central and South America. A Fund’s purchase and sale of portfolio securities in certain emerging countries may be constrained by limitations relating to daily changes in the prices of listed securities, periodic trading or settlement volume and/or limitations on aggregate holdings of foreign investors. Such limitations may be computed based on the aggregate trading volume by or holdings of a Fund, the Investment Adviser, its affiliates and their respective clients and other service providers. A Fund may not be able to sell securities in circumstances where price, trading or settlement volume limitations have been reached.
 
  Foreign investment in the securities markets of certain emerging countries is restricted or controlled to varying degrees which may limit investment in such countries or increase the administrative costs of such investments. For example, certain Asian countries require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons or limit investment by foreign persons to only a specified percentage of an issuer’s outstanding securities or a specific class of securities which may have less advantageous terms (including price) than securities of the issuer available for purchase by nationals. In addition, certain countries may restrict or prohibit investment opportunities in issuers or industries deemed important to national interests. Such restrictions may affect the market price, liquidity and rights of securities that may be purchased by a Fund. The repatriation of both investment income and capital from certain emerging countries is subject to restrictions such as the need for governmental consents. In situations where a country restricts direct investment in securities (which may occur in certain Asian and other countries), a Fund may invest in such countries through other investment funds in such countries.
 
  Many emerging countries have experienced currency devaluations and substantial (and, in some cases, extremely high) rates of inflation. Other emerging countries have experienced economic recessions. These circumstances have had a negative effect on the economies and securities markets of such emerging countries. Economies in emerging countries generally are dependent heavily upon commodity prices and international trade and, accordingly, have been and may continue to be affected

 
49


 

  adversely by the economies of their trading partners, trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade.
 
  Many emerging countries are subject to a substantial degree of economic, political and social instability. Governments of some emerging countries are authoritarian in nature or have been installed or removed as a result of military coups, while governments in other emerging countries have periodically used force to suppress civil dissent. Disparities of wealth, the pace and success of democratization, and ethnic, religious and racial disaffection, among other factors, have also led to social unrest, violence and/or labor unrest in some emerging countries. Unanticipated political or social developments may result in sudden and significant investment losses. Investing in emerging countries involves greater risk of loss due to expropriation, nationalization, confiscation of assets and property or the imposition of restrictions on foreign investments and on repatriation of capital invested. As an example, in the past, some Eastern European governments have expropriated substantial amounts of private property, and many claims of the property owners have never been fully settled. There is no assurance that similar expropriations will not recur in Eastern European or other countries.
 
  A Fund’s investment in emerging countries may also be subject to withholding or other taxes, which may be significant and may reduce the return to a Fund from an investment in issuers in such countries to the Fund.
 
  Settlement procedures in emerging countries are frequently less developed and reliable than those in the United States and may involve a Fund’s delivery of securities before receipt of payment for their sale. In addition, significant delays may occur in certain markets in registering the transfer of securities. Settlement or registration problems may make it more difficult for a Fund to value its portfolio securities and could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities, to have a portion of its assets uninvested or to incur losses due to the failure of a counterparty to pay for securities the Fund has delivered or the Fund’s inability to complete its contractual obligations because of theft or other reasons.
 
  The creditworthiness of the local securities firms used by a Fund in emerging countries may not be as sound as the creditworthiness of firms used in more developed countries. As a result, the Fund may be subject to a greater risk of loss if a securities firm defaults in the performance of its responsibilities.
 
  The small size and inexperience of the securities markets in certain emerging countries and the limited volume of trading in securities in those countries may make a Fund’s investments in such countries less liquid and more volatile than investments in countries with more developed securities markets (such as the

 
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APPENDIX A

  United States, Japan and most Western European countries). A Fund’s investments in emerging countries are subject to the risk that the liquidity of a particular investment, or investments generally, in such countries will shrink or disappear suddenly and without warning as a result of adverse economic, market or political conditions or adverse investor perceptions, whether or not accurate. Because of the lack of sufficient market liquidity, a Fund may incur losses because it will be required to effect sales at a disadvantageous time and only then at a substantial drop in price. Investments in emerging countries may be more difficult to value precisely because of the characteristics discussed above and lower trading volumes.
 
  A Fund’s use of foreign currency management techniques in emerging countries may be limited. The Investment Adviser anticipates that a significant portion of the Funds’ currency exposure in emerging countries may not be covered by these techniques.
 
  Risks of Illiquid Securities. The Funds 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:
  n   Both domestic and foreign securities that are not readily marketable
  n   Certain stripped mortgage-backed securities
  n   Repurchase agreements and time deposits with a notice or demand period of more than seven days
  n   Certain over-the-counter options
  n   Certain structured securities and swap transactions
  n   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”).

  Investing in 144A Securities may decrease the liquidity of a Fund’s 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.
 
  Securities purchased by the Funds, particularly debt securities and over-the-counter traded securities, that are liquid at the time of purchase may subsequently become illiquid due to events relating to the issuer of the securities, markets events, economic conditions or investor perceptions. Domestic and foreign markets are becoming more and more complex and interrelated, so that events in one sector of the market or the economy, or in one geographical region, can reverberate and have negative consequences for other market, economic or regional sectors in a manner

 
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  that may not be reasonably foreseen. With respect to over-the-counter traded securities, the continued viability of any over-the-counter secondary market depends on the continued willingness of dealers and other participants to purchase the securities.
 
  If one or more instruments in a Fund’s portfolio become illiquid, the Fund may exceed its 15 percent limitation in illiquid instruments. In the event that changes in the portfolio or other external events cause the investments in illiquid instruments to exceed 15 percent of a Fund’s net assets, the Fund must take steps to bring the aggregate amount of illiquid instruments back within the prescribed limitations as soon as reasonably practicable. This requirement would not force a Fund to liquidate any portfolio instrument where the Fund would suffer a loss on the sale of that instrument.
 
  In cases where no clear indication of the value of the Fund’s portfolio instruments is available, the portfolio instruments will be valued at their fair value according to the valuation procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. These cases include, among others, situations where the secondary markets on which a security has previously been traded are no longer viable for lack of liquidity. For more information on fair valuation, please see “Shareholder Guide— How to Buy Shares— How Are Shares Priced?”.
 
  Risk of Equity Swap Transactions. Equity swaps are two party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors. In a standard “swap” transaction, the parties agree to pay or exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on a particular predetermined asset (or group of assets) which may be adjusted for transaction costs, interest payments, dividends paid on the reference asset or other factors. The gross returns to be paid or “swapped” between the parties are generally calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” for example, the increase or decrease in value of a particular dollar amount invested in the asset.
 
  Equity swaps may be structured in different ways. For example, when the Fund takes a long position, a counterparty may agree to pay the Fund the amount, if any, by which the notional amount of the equity swap would have increased in value had it been invested in a particular stock (or group of stocks), plus the dividends that would have been received on the stock. In these cases, the Fund may agree to pay to the counterparty interest on the notional amount of the equity swap plus the amount, if any, by which that notional amount would have decreased in value had it been invested in such stock. Therefore, in this case the return to the Fund on the equity swap should be the gain or loss on the notional amount plus dividends on the stock less the interest paid by the Fund on the notional amount. In other cases, when the Fund takes a short position, a counterparty may agree to pay the Fund

 
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APPENDIX A

  the amount, if any, by which the notional amount of the equity swap would have decreased in value had the Fund sold a particular stock (or group of stocks) short, less the dividend expense that the Fund would have paid on the stock, as adjusted for interest payments or other economic factors.
 
  Under an equity swap, payments may be made at the conclusion of the equity swap or periodically during its term. Sometimes, however, the Investment Adviser may be able to terminate a swap contract prior to its term, subject to any potential termination fee that is in addition to the Fund’s accrued obligations under the swap. Equity swaps will be made in the over-the-counter market and will be entered into with a counterparty that typically will be an investment banking firm, broker-dealer or bank.
 
  Equity swaps are derivatives and their value can be very volatile. To the extent that the Investment Adviser does not accurately analyze and predict future market trends, the values of assets or economic factors, the Fund may suffer a loss, which may be substantial.
 
  Temporary Investment Risks. The Funds may, for temporary defensive purposes, invest a certain percentage of its total assets in:
  n   U.S. government securities
  n   Commercial paper rated at least A-2 by Standard & Poor’s; P-2 by Moody’s or having a comparable rating by another NRSRO
  n   Certificates of deposit
  n   Bankers’ acceptances
  n   Repurchase agreements
  n   Non-convertible preferred stocks and non-convertible corporate bonds with a remaining maturity of less than one year
  n   Cash items

  When a Fund’s assets are invested in such instruments, the Fund may not be achieving its investment objective.
 
  Risk of Large Shareholder Redemptions. Certain funds, accounts, individuals or Goldman Sachs affiliates may from time to time own (beneficially or of record) or control a significant percentage of a Fund’s shares. Redemptions by these funds, accounts or individuals of their holdings in a Fund may impact the Fund’s liquidity and NAV. These redemptions may also force a Fund to sell securities, which may negatively impact the Fund’s brokerage and tax costs.

 
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   C.  Portfolio Securities and Techniques   

  This section provides further information on certain types of securities and investment techniques that may be used by the Funds, including their associated risks.
 
  The Funds may purchase other types of securities or instruments similar to those described in this section if otherwise consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and policies. Further information is provided in the SAI, which is available upon request.
 
  Convertible Securities. The Funds 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 a 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 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.
 
  Foreign Currency Transactions. The Funds may, to the extent consistent with its investment policies, purchase or sell foreign currencies on a cash basis or through forward contracts. A forward contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. A Fund may engage in foreign currency transactions for hedging purposes and to seek to protect against anticipated changes in future foreign currency exchange rates. In addition, certain Funds may enter into foreign currency transactions to seek a closer correlation between the Fund’s overall currency exposures and the currency exposures of the Fund’s performance benchmark. Certain Funds may also enter into such transactions to seek to increase total return, which is considered a speculative practice.
 
  Some Funds may also engage in cross-hedging by using forward contracts in a currency different from that in which the hedged security is denominated or quoted. A Fund may hold foreign currency received in connection with investments

 
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APPENDIX A

  in foreign securities when, in the judgment of the Investment Adviser, it would be beneficial to convert such currency into U.S. dollars at a later date ( e.g. the Investment Adviser may anticipate the foreign currency to appreciate against the U.S. dollar).
 
  Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time, causing, along with other factors, a Fund’s NAV to fluctuate (when the Fund’s NAV fluctuates, the value of your shares may go up or down). Currency exchange rates also can be affected unpredictably by the intervention of 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.
 
  The market in forward foreign currency exchange contracts, currency swaps and other privately negotiated currency instruments offers less protection against defaults by the other party to such instruments than is available for currency instruments traded on an exchange. Such contracts are subject to the risk that the counterparty to the contract will default on its obligations. Since these contracts are not guaranteed by an exchange or clearinghouse, a default on a contract would deprive a Fund of unrealized profits, transaction costs or the benefits of a currency hedge or could force the Fund to cover its purchase or sale commitments, if any, at the current market price.
 
  As an investment company registered with the SEC, the Fund must “set aside” (often referred to as “asset segregation”) liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” open positions with respect to its transactions in forward currency contracts.
 
  Structured Securities. The Funds may invest in structured securities. Structured securities are securities whose value is determined by reference to changes in the value of specific currencies, securities, interest rates, commodities, indices or other financial indicators (the “Reference”) or the relative change in two or more References. Investments in structured securities may provide exposure to certain securities or markets in situations where regulatory or other restrictions prevent direct investments in such issuers or markets.
 
  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. Structured securities

 
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  are also subject to the risk that the issuer of the structured securities may fail to perform its contractual obligations. Certain issuers of structured products may be deemed to be investment companies as defined in the Investment Company Act. As a result, a Fund’s investments in structured securities may be subject to the limits applicable to investments in other investment companies.
 
  Structured securities include, but are not limited to, equity linked notes. Any equity linked note is a note whose performance is tied to a single stock, a stock index or a basket of stocks. Equity linked notes combine the principal protection normally associated with fixed income investments with the potential for capital appreciation normally associated with equity investments. Upon the maturity of the note, the holder generally receives a return of principal based on the capital appreciation of the linked securities. Depending on the terms of the note, equity linked notes may also have a “cap” or “floor” on the maximum principal amount to be repaid to holders, irrespective of the performance of the underlying linked securities. For example, a note may guarantee the repayment of the original principal amount invested (even if the underlying linked securities have negative performance during the note’s term), but may cap the maximum payment at maturity at a certain percentage of the issuance price or the return of the underlying linked securities. Alternatively, the note may not guarantee a full return on the original principal, but may offer a greater participation in any capital appreciation of the underlying linked securities. The terms of an equity linked note may also provide for periodic interest payments to holders at either a fixed or floating rate. The secondary market for equity linked notes may be limited, and the lack of liquidity in the secondary market may make these securities difficult to dispose of and to value. Equity linked notes will be considered equity securities for purposes of the Fund’s investment objective and policies.
 
  Structured securities also include, but are not limited to, credit linked notes. Credit linked notes are securities with embedded credit default swaps. An investor holding a credit linked note generally receives a fixed or floating coupon and the note’s par value upon maturity, unless the referred credit defaults or declares bankruptcy, in which case the investor receives the amount recovered. In effect, investors holding credit linked notes receive a higher yield in exchange for assuming the risk of a specified credit event.
 
  Structured securities also include, but are not limited to, inverse floating rate debt securities (“inverse floaters”). The interest rate on inverse floaters resets in the opposite direction from the market rate of interest to which the inverse floater is indexed. An inverse floater may be considered to be leveraged to the extent that its interest rate varies by a magnitude that exceeds the magnitude of the change in the

 
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  index rate of interest. The higher the degree of leverage of an inverse floater, the greater the volatility of its market value.
 
  REITs. The Funds 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. A Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any expenses, including management fees, paid by a REIT in which it invests.
 
  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.
 
  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. Each 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. A Fund may also, to the extent consistent with its investment policies, purchase and sell (write) put and call options on foreign currencies.
 
  The writing and purchase of 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 anticipate 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 a Fund’s investment portfolio, the Fund may incur losses that it would not otherwise incur. The use of options can also increase a Fund’s transaction costs. Options written or purchased by the Funds 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. When writing an option, a Fund

 
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  must “set aside” liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” its obligation under the option contract.
 
  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 Funds may engage in futures transactions on both U.S. and foreign exchanges.
 
  The Funds 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 interest rates, securities prices or, to the extent a Fund invests in foreign securities, currency exchange rates, or to otherwise manage its term structure, sector selections and duration in accordance with its investment objective and policies. Each Fund may also enter into closing purchase and sale transactions with respect to such contracts and options. The Trust, on behalf of each 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 Funds.
 
  Futures contracts and related options present the following risks:
  n   While a 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.
  n   Because perfect correlation between a futures position and a portfolio position that is intended to be protected is impossible to achieve, the desired protection may not be obtained and a Fund may be exposed to additional risk of loss.
  n   The loss incurred by a 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 a Fund’s 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 a Fund.

 
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  n   Futures contracts and options on futures may be illiquid, and exchanges may limit fluctuations in futures contract prices during a single day.
  n   Foreign exchanges may not provide the same protection as U.S. exchanges.

  A Fund must “set aside” liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” open positions with respect to its transactions in futures contracts and options on futures contracts. In the case of futures contracts that do not cash settle, for example, a Fund must set aside liquid assets equal to the full notional value of the futures contracts while the positions are open. With respect to futures contracts that do cash settle, however, a Fund is permitted to set aside liquid assets in an amount equal to the Fund’s daily marked-to-market net obligations ( i.e. , the Fund’s daily net liability) under the futures contracts, if any, rather than their full notional value. Each Fund reserves the right to modify its asset segregation policies in the future to comply with any changes in the positions from time to time articulated by the SEC or its staff regarding asset segregation. By setting aside assets equal to only its net obligations under cash-settled futures contracts, a Fund will have the ability to employ leverage to a greater extent than if the Fund were required to segregate assets equal to the full notional amount of the futures contracts.
 
  Equity Swaps. The Funds 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.
 
  An equity swap may be used by a 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, a 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, a Fund may suffer a loss if the counterparty defaults. Because equity swaps are normally illiquid, a Fund may be unable to terminate its obligations when desired. When entering into swap contracts, a Fund must “set aside” liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” its obligation under the swap contract.
 
  When-Issued Securities and Forward Commitments. The Funds 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

 
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  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.
 
  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 a Fund will generally purchase securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis with the intention of acquiring the securities for its portfolio, a Fund may dispose of when-issued securities or forward commitments prior to settlement if the Investment Adviser deems it appropriate. When purchasing a security on a when-issued basis or entering into a forward commitment, the Fund must “set aside” liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” its obligations.
 
  Repurchase Agreements. Repurchase agreements involve the purchase of securities subject to the seller’s agreement to repurchase them at a mutually agreed upon date and price. Each 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.
 
  If the other party or “seller” defaults, a 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 Fund’s costs associated with delay and enforcement of the repurchase agreement. In addition, in the event of bankruptcy of the seller, a Fund could suffer additional losses if a court determines that the Fund’s interest in the collateral is not enforceable.
 
  The Funds, 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.
 
  Lending of Portfolio Securities. The Funds may engage in securities lending. Securities lending involves the lending of securities owned by a 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 a Fund in short-term investments, including registered and unregistered investment pools managed by the Investment Adviser, its affiliates or the Funds’ custodian and from which the Investment Adviser or its affiliates may receive fees.

 
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APPENDIX A

  To the extent that cash collateral is so invested, such collateral will be subject to market depreciation or appreciation, and a 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 a 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.
 
  A Fund may lend its securities to increase its income. A 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.
 
  Short Sales Against-the-Box. The Funds may make short sales against-the-box. A short sale against-the-box means that at all times when a short position is open the Fund will own an equal amount of securities sold short, or securities convertible into or exchangeable for, without payment of any further consideration, an equal amount of the securities of the same issuer as the securities sold short.
 
  Preferred Stock, Warrants and Rights. The Funds may invest in preferred stock, warrants and rights. Preferred stocks are securities that represent an ownership interest providing the holder with claims on the issuer’s 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.
 
  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.
 
  Other Investment Companies. The Funds may invest in securities of other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds (ETFs) such as iShares SM , subject to statutory limitations prescribed by the Investment Company Act. These limitations include in certain circumstances a prohibition on any Fund acquiring more than 3% of the voting shares of any other investment company, and a prohibition on investing more than 5% of a Fund’s total assets in securities of any one investment company or more than 10% of its total assets in securities of all investment companies. Many ETFs, however, have obtained exemptive relief from the SEC to permit unaffiliated funds to invest in the ETFs’ shares beyond these statutory

 
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  limitations, subject to certain conditions and pursuant to a contractual arrangement between the ETFs and the investing funds. A Fund may rely on these exemptive orders to invest in unaffiliated ETFs.
 
  The use of ETFs is intended to help a Fund match the total return of the particular market segments or indices represented by those ETFs, although that may not be the result. Most ETFs are investment companies whose shares are purchased and sold on a securities exchange. An ETF represents a portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market segment or index. An investment in an ETF generally presents the same primary risks as an investment in a conventional fund (i.e., one that is not exchange-traded) that has the same investment objectives, strategies and policies. In addition, an ETF may fail to accurately track the market segment or index that underlies its investment objective. The price of an ETF can fluctuate, and a Fund could lose money investing in an ETF. Moreover, ETFs are subject to the following risks that do not apply to conventional funds: (i) the market price of the ETF’s shares may trade at a premium or a discount to their NAV; (ii) an active trading market for an ETF’s shares may not develop or be maintained; and (iii) there is no assurance that the requirements of the exchange necessary to maintain the listing of an ETF will continue to be met or remain unchanged.
 
  Pursuant to an exemptive order obtained from the SEC or under an exemptive rule adopted by the SEC, a Fund may invest in other investment companies and money market funds beyond the statutory limits described above. Some of those investment companies and money market funds may be funds for which the Investment Adviser or any of its affiliates serves as investment adviser, administrator or distributor.
 
  A Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees and other expenses paid by such other investment companies. Although the Funds do not expect to do so in the foreseeable future, each 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.
 
  Unseasoned Companies. The Funds 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.
 
  Corporate Debt Obligations. Corporate debt obligations include bonds, notes, debentures, commercial paper and other obligations of corporations to pay interest

 
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APPENDIX A

  and repay principal. Each 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.).
 
  Bank Obligations. The Funds 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 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.
 
  U.S. Government Securities. The Funds 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 (i) the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury; (ii) the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; (iii) the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of the issuer; or (iv) 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. U.S. Government Securities may also include Treasury inflation-protected securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation.
 
  Custodial Receipts and Trust Certificates. The Funds 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 a 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

 
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  issuer of the securities held by the custodian or trustee. If for tax purposes a 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, a Fund will bear its proportionate share of the fees and expenses charged to the custodial account or trust. Each Fund may also invest in separately issued interests in custodial receipts and trust certificates.
 
  Mortgage-Backed Securities. The Funds may invest in mortgage-backed securities. Mortgage-backed securities represent direct or indirect participations in, or are collateralized by and payable from, mortgage loans secured by real property. Mortgage-backed securities can be backed by either fixed rate mortgage loans or adjustable rate mortgage loans, and may be issued by either a governmental or non-governmental entity. Privately issued mortgage-backed securities are normally structured with one or more types of “credit enhancement.” However, these mortgage-backed securities typically do not have the same credit standing as U.S. government guaranteed mortgage-backed securities.
 
  Mortgage-backed securities may include multiple class securities, including collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) and Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit (“REMIC”) pass-through or participation certificates. A REMIC is a CMO that qualifies for special tax treatment and invests in certain mortgages principally secured by interests in real property and other permitted investments. CMOs provide an investor with a specified interest in the cash flow from a pool of underlying mortgages or of other mortgage-backed securities. CMOs are issued in multiple classes each with a specified fixed or floating interest rate and a final scheduled distribution rate. In many cases, payments of principal are applied to the CMO classes in the order of their respective stated maturities, so that no principal payments will be made on a CMO class until all other classes having an earlier stated maturity date are paid in full.
 
  Sometimes, however, CMO classes are “parallel pay,” i.e. , payments of principal are made to two or more classes concurrently. In some cases, CMOs may have the characteristics of a stripped mortgage-backed security whose price can be highly volatile. CMOs may exhibit more or less price volatility and interest rate risk than other types of mortgage-related obligations, and under certain interest rate and payment scenarios, a Fund may fail to recoup fully its investment in certain of these securities regardless of their credit quality.
 
  Mortgaged-backed securities also include stripped mortgage-backed securities (“SMBS”), which are derivative multiple class mortgage-backed securities. SMBS are usually structured with two different classes: one that receives substantially all of the interest payments and the other that receives substantially all of the principal payments from a pool of mortgage loans. The market value of SMBS consisting

 
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APPENDIX A

  entirely of principal payments generally is unusually volatile in response to changes in interest rates. The yields on SMBS that receive all or most of the interest from mortgage loans are generally higher than prevailing market yields on other mortgage-backed securities because their cash flow patterns are more volatile and there is a greater risk that the initial investment will not be fully recouped.
 
  Asset-Backed Securities. The Funds may invest in asset-backed securities. Asset-backed securities are securities whose principal and interest payments are collateralized by pools of assets such as auto loans, credit card receivables, leases, installment contracts and personal property. Asset-backed securities are often subject to more rapid repayment than their stated maturity date would indicate as a result of the pass-through of prepayments of principal on the underlying loans. During periods of declining interest rates, prepayment of loans underlying asset-backed securities can be expected to accelerate. Accordingly, a Fund’s ability to maintain positions in such securities will be affected by reductions in the principal amount of such securities resulting from prepayments, and its ability to reinvest the returns of principal at comparable yields is subject to generally prevailing interest rates at that time. Asset-backed securities present credit risks that are not presented by mortgage-backed securities. This is because asset-backed securities generally do not have the benefit of a security interest in collateral that is comparable to mortgage assets. If the issuer of an asset-backed security defaults on its payment obligations, there is the possibility that, in some cases, a Fund will be unable to possess and sell the underlying collateral and that a Fund’s recoveries on repossessed collateral may not be available to support payments on the securities. In the event of a default, a Fund may suffer a loss if it cannot sell collateral quickly and receive the amount it is owed. Asset-backed securities may also be subject to increased volatility and may become illiquid and more difficult to value even when there is no default or threat of default due to market conditions impacting asset-backed securities more generally.
 
  Non-Investment Grade Fixed-Income Securities. Non-investment grade fixed income securities and unrated securities of comparable credit quality (commonly known as “junk bonds”) are considered speculative. In some cases, these obligations may be highly speculative and have poor prospects for reaching investment grade standing. Non-investment grade fixed income securities are subject to the increased risk of an issuer’s inability to meet principal and interest obligations. These securities, also referred to as high yield securities, may be subject to greater price volatility due to such factors as specific corporate or municipal developments, interest rate sensitivity, negative perceptions of the junk bond markets generally and less secondary market liquidity.

 
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  Non-investment grade fixed income securities are often issued in connection with a corporate reorganization or restructuring or as part of a merger, acquisition, takeover or similar event. They are also issued by less established companies seeking to expand. Such issuers are often highly leveraged and generally less able than more established or less leveraged entities to make scheduled payments of principal and interest in the event of adverse developments or business conditions. Non-investment grade securities are also issued by governmental bodies that may have difficulty in making all scheduled interest and principal payments. The market value of non-investment grade fixed income securities tends to reflect individual corporate or municipal developments to a greater extent than that of higher rated securities which react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of interest rates. As a result, a Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective may depend to a greater extent on the Investment Adviser’s judgment concerning the creditworthiness of issuers than funds which invest in higher-rated securities. Issuers of non-investment grade fixed income securities may not be able to make use of more traditional methods of financing and their ability to service debt obligations may be affected more adversely than issuers of higher-rated securities by economic downturns, specific corporate or financial developments or the issuer’s inability to meet specific projected business forecasts. Negative publicity about the junk bond market and investor perceptions regarding lower rated securities, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may depress the prices for such securities.
 
  A holder’s risk of loss from default is significantly greater for non-investment grade fixed income securities than is the case for holders of other debt securities because such non-investment grade securities are generally unsecured and are often subordinated to the rights of other creditors of the issuers of such securities. Investment by a Fund in defaulted securities poses additional risk of loss should nonpayment of principal and interest continue in respect of such securities. Even if such securities are held to maturity, recovery by a Fund of its initial investment and any anticipated income or appreciation is uncertain.
 
  The secondary market for non-investment grade fixed income securities is concentrated in relatively few market makers and is dominated by institutional investors, including mutual funds, insurance companies and other financial institutions. Accordingly, the secondary market for such securities is not as liquid as, and is more volatile than, the secondary market for higher-rated securities. In addition, market trading volume for high yield fixed income securities is generally lower and the secondary market for such securities could shrink or disappear suddenly and without warning as a result of adverse market or economic conditions, independent of any specific adverse changes in the condition of a particular issuer. The lack of sufficient market liquidity may cause a Fund to incur losses because it will be required to effect sales at a disadvantageous time and then

 
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APPENDIX A

  only at a substantial drop in price. These factors may have an adverse effect on the market price and a Fund’s ability to dispose of particular portfolio investments. A less liquid secondary market also may make it more difficult for a Fund to obtain precise valuations of the high yield securities in its portfolio.
 
  Credit ratings issued by credit rating agencies are designed to evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments of rated securities. They do not, however, evaluate the market value risk of non-investment grade securities and, therefore, may not fully reflect the true risks of an investment. In addition, credit rating agencies may or may not make timely changes in a rating to reflect changes in the economy or in the conditions of the issuer that affect the market value of the security. Consequently, credit ratings are used only as a preliminary indicator of investment quality.
 
  Borrowings. The Funds can borrow money from banks and other financial institutions in amounts not exceeding one-third of its total assets for temporary or emergency purposes. A Fund may not make additional investments if borrowings exceed 5% of its total assets.
 
  Mortgage Dollar Rolls. The Real Estate Securities Fund may enter into mortgage dollar rolls. A mortgage dollar roll involves the sale by a Fund of securities for delivery in the current month. The Fund simultaneously contracts with the same counterparty to repurchase substantially similar (same type, coupon and maturity) but not identical securities on a specified future date. During the roll period, the Fund loses the right to receive principal and interest paid on the securities sold. However, the Fund benefits to the extent of any difference between (a) the price received for the securities sold and (b) the lower forward price for the future purchase and/or fee income plus the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the securities sold. Unless the benefits of a mortgage dollar roll exceed the income, capital appreciation and gain or loss due to mortgage prepayments that would have been realized on the securities sold as part of the roll, the use of this technique will diminish the Fund’s performance.
 
  Successful use of mortgage dollar rolls depends upon the Investment Adviser’s ability to predict correctly interest rates and mortgage prepayments. If the Investment Adviser is incorrect in its prediction, a Fund may experience a loss. The Funds do not currently intend to enter into mortgage dollar rolls for financing and do not treat them as borrowings.
 
  Yield Curve Options. The Real Estate Securities Fund, may enter into options on the yield “spread” or differential between two securities. Such transactions are referred to as “yield curve” options. In contrast to other types of options, a yield curve option is based on the difference between the yields of designated securities,

 
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  rather than the prices of the individual securities, and is settled through cash payments. Accordingly, a yield curve option is profitable to the holder if this differential widens (in the case of a call) or narrows (in the case of a put), regardless of whether the yields of the underlying securities increase or decrease.
 
  The trading of yield curve options is subject to all of the risks associated with the trading of other types of options. In addition, such options present a risk of loss even if the yield on an underlying security remains constant, or if the spread moves in a direction or to an extent which was not anticipated.
 
  Interest Rate Swaps, Mortgage Swaps, Credit Swaps, Currency Swaps, Total Return Swaps, Options on Swaps and Interest Rate Caps, Floors and Collars. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by a Fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, such as an exchange of fixed-rate payments for floating rate payments. Mortgage swaps are similar to interest rate swaps in that they represent commitments to pay and receive interest. The notional principal amount, however, is tied to a reference pool or pools of mortgages. Credit swaps involve the receipt of floating or fixed rate payments in exchange for assuming potential credit losses on an underlying security. Credit swaps give one party to a transaction (the buyer of the credit swap) the right to dispose of or acquire an asset (or group of assets), or the right to receive a payment from the other party, upon the occurrence of specified credit events. Currency swaps involve the exchange of the parties’ respective rights to make or receive payments in specified currencies. Total return swaps give a Fund the right to receive the appreciation in the value of a specified security, index or other instrument in return for a fee paid to the counterparty, which will typically be an agreed upon interest rate. If the underlying asset in a total return swap declines in value over the term of the swap, the Fund may also be required to pay the dollar value of that decline to the counterparty. The Funds may also purchase and write (sell) options contracts on swaps, commonly referred to as swaptions. A swaption is an option to enter into a swap agreement. Like other types of options, the buyer of a swaption pays a non-refundable premium for the option and obtains the right, but not the obligation, to enter into an underlying swap on agreed-upon terms. The seller of a swaption, in exchange for the premium, becomes obligated (if the option is exercised) to enter into an underlying swap on agreed-upon terms. The purchase of an interest rate cap entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined interest rate, to receive payment of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling such interest rate cap. The purchase of an interest rate floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling the interest rate floor. An interest rate

 
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APPENDIX A

  collar is the combination of a cap and a floor that preserves a certain return within a predetermined range of interest rates.
 
  The Funds may enter into the transactions described above for hedging purposes or to seek to increase total return. As an example, when a Fund is the buyer of a credit default swap (commonly known as buying protection), it may make periodic payments to the seller of the credit default swap to obtain protection against a credit default on a specified underlying asset (or group of assets). If a default occurs, the seller of a credit default swap may be required to pay the Fund the “notional value” of the credit default swap on a specified security (or group of securities). On the other hand, when a Fund is a seller of a credit default swap (commonly known as selling protection), in addition to the credit exposure the Fund has on the other assets held in its portfolio, the Fund is also subject to the credit exposure on the notional amount of the swap since, in the event of a credit default, the Fund may be required to pay the “notional value” of the credit default swap on a specified security (or group of securities) to the buyer of the credit default swap. A Fund will be the seller of a credit default swap only when the credit of the underlying asset is deemed by the Investment Adviser to meet the Fund’s minimum credit criteria at the time the swap is first entered into.
 
  The use of interest rate, mortgage, credit, currency and total return swaps, options on swaps, and interest rate caps, floors and collars is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If the Investment Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of market values, interest rates and currency exchange rates, or in its evaluation of the creditworthiness of swap counterparties and the issuers of the underlying assets, the investment performance of the Fund would be less favorable than it would have been if these investment techniques were not used.
 
  Inverse Floaters. The Funds may invest in inverse floating rate debt securities (“inverse floaters”). The interest rate on inverse floaters resets in the opposite direction from the market rate of interest to which an inverse floater is indexed. An inverse floater may be considered to be leveraged to the extent that its interest rate varies by a magnitude that exceeds the magnitude of the change in the index rate of interest. The higher the degree of leverage of an inverse floater, the greater the volatility of its market value.

 
69


 

 
  Appendix B
Financial Highlights
 
  The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand a Fund’s financial performance for the past five years (or less if the Fund has been in operation for less than five years). Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned or lost on an investment in a Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). The information for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, whose report, along with the Funds’ financial statements, is included in the Funds’ annual report (available upon request). The information for the fiscal periods ended December 31, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003 has been audited by the Funds’ prior independent registered public accounting firm.

REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND

                                           
Service Shares

For the Years Ended December 31,

2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Net asset value, beginning of year
  $ 22.51     $ 18.13     $ 17.37     $ 14.05     $ 10.57  
   
Income (loss) from investment operations
                                       
Net investment income a
    0.12       0.22       0.27       0.33       0.47  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
    (3.62 )     5.94       1.91       4.35       3.59  
   
 
Total from investment operations
    (3.50 )     6.16       2.18       4.68       4.06  
   
Distributions to shareholders
                                       
From net investment income
    (0.28 )     (0.31 )     (0.33 )     (0.33 )     (0.42 )
From net realized gains
    (3.14 )     (1.47 )     (1.09 )     (1.03 )     (0.16 )
   
 
Total distributions
    (3.42 )     (1.78 )     (1.42 )     (1.36 )     (0.58 )
   
Net asset value, end of year
  $ 15.59     $ 22.51     $ 18.13     $ 17.37     $ 14.05  
   
Total return b
    (16.07 )%     34.17 %     12.76 %     34.15 %     39.24 %
Net assets at end of year (in 000s)
  $ 7,262     $ 12,081     $ 5,778     $ 2,496     $ 130  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
    1.55 %     1.54 %     1.54 %     1.54 %     1.54 %
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
    0.53 %     1.05 %     1.49 %     2.19 %     3.78 %
Ratios assuming no expense reductions
                                       
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
    1.59 %     1.60 %     1.64 %     1.63 %     1.66 %
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
    0.49 %     0.99 %     1.40 %     2.10 %     3.66 %
Portfolio turnover rate
    42 %     30 %     19 %     30 %     17 %

See page 72 for all footnotes.

 
70


 

APPENDIX B

TOLLKEEPER FUND

                                           
Service Shares

For the Years Ended December 31,

2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Net asset value, beginning of year
  $ 8.99     $ 7.99     $ 7.85     $ 6.96     $ 4.78  
   
Income (loss) from investment operations
                                       
Net investment loss a
    (0.11 ) c,d     (0.10 )     (0.09 )     (0.04 )     (0.08 )
Net realized and unrealized gain
    2.57 e     1.10 f     0.23       0.93       2.26  
   
 
Total from investment operations
    2.46       1.00       0.14       0.89       2.18  
   
Net asset value, end of year
  $ 11.45     $ 8.99     $ 7.99     $ 7.85     $ 6.96  
   
Total return b
    27.36 % g     12.52 % h     1.78 %     12.79 %     45.61 %
Net assets at end of year (in 000s)
  $ 1,441     $ 160     $ 100     $ 121     $ 48  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
    1.66 % c     1.59 %     1.60 %     1.60 %     1.60 %
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets
    (1.07 )% c,d     (1.24 )%     (1.20 )%     (0.57 )%     (1.39 )%
Ratios assuming no expense reductions
                                       
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
    1.74 % c     1.69 %     1.66 %     1.66 %     1.65 %
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets
    (1.15 )% c,d     (1.34 )%     (1.26 )%     (0.63 )%     (1.44 )%
Portfolio turnover rate
    70 %     35 %     48 %     37 %     27 %

See page 72 for all footnotes.

 
71


 

Footnotes:
a
Calculated based on the average shares outstanding methodology.
b
Assumes investment at the net asset value at the beginning of the year, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, a complete redemption of the investment at the net asset value at the end of the year and no sales or redemption charges. Total return would be reduced if a sales or redemption charge were taken into account. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
c
Includes non-recurring expense for a special shareholder proxy meeting which amounted to approximately $0.01 per share and approximately 0.05% of average net assets.
d
Reflects income recognized from special dividends which amounted to $0.01 per share and 0.12% of average net assets.
e
Reflects an increase of $0.07 per share and 0.67% of average net assets due to payments received for class action settlements received during the year.
f
Reflects an increase of $0.04 per share and 0.47% of average net assets due to payments received for class action settlements received during the year.
g
Total return reflects the impact of payments received for class action settlements received during the year. Excluding such payments, the total return would have been 27.82%
h
Total return reflects the impact of payments received for class action settlements received during the year. Excluding such payments, the total return would have been 12.64%

 
72


 

 
  Index
         
    1 General Investment Management Approach
 
    3 Fund Investment Objectives and Strategies
    3   Goldman Sachs Real Estate Securities Fund
    6   Goldman Sachs
Tollkeeper Fund
 
    8 Other Investment Practices and Securities
 
    10 Principal Risks of the Funds
 
    15 Fund Performance
    18 Fund Fees and Expenses
 
    21 Service Providers
 
    27 Dividends
 
    28 Shareholder Guide
    28   How To Buy Shares
    34   How To Sell Shares
 
    41 Taxation
 
    44 Appendix A
     Additional Information on
     Portfolio Risks, Securities
     and Techniques
 
    70 Appendix B
     Financial Highlights


 

 
  Select Satellite Funds
Prospectus
(Service Shares)

   FOR MORE INFORMATION   

  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.
 
  Statement of Additional Information
 
  Additional information about the Funds and their policies is also available in the Funds’ SAI. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus (is legally considered part of this Prospectus).
 
  The Funds’ annual and semi-annual reports and SAI 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 and the SAI at the Funds’ website: http://www.goldmansachsfunds.com.
 
  To obtain other information and for shareholder inquiries:

     
     n  By telephone:
  1-800-621-2550
     n  By mail:
  Goldman Sachs Funds
P.O. Box 06050
Chicago, IL 60606
     n  On the Internet:
  SEC EDGAR database – http://www.sec.gov

  You may review and obtain copies of Fund documents (including the SAI) by visiting the SEC’s public reference room in Washington, D.C. You may also obtain copies of Fund documents, after paying a duplicating fee, by writing to the SEC’s 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) 551-8090.

The Funds’ investment company registration number is 811-05349.

Goldman Sachs Tollkeeper Fund SM is a service mark of Goldman, Sachs & Co.

GSAM ® is a registered service mark of Goldman, Sachs & Co.

SPECSELSVC

(GOLDMAN SACHS LOGO)


 

Prospectus
  Institutional
Shares
 
  April 29, 2008

 GOLDMAN SACHS SELECT SATELLITE FUNDS
     
(GRAPHIC)
  n  Goldman Sachs Real Estate Securities Fund

n
 Goldman Sachs International Real Estate Securities Fund

n
 Goldman Sachs Tollkeeper Fund SM

n
 Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy 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 A FUND IS NOT A BANK DEPOSIT AND IS NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY. AN INVESTMENT IN A FUND INVOLVES INVESTMENT RISKS, AND YOU MAY LOSE MONEY IN A FUND.
 
(GOLDMAN SACHS LOGO)  


 

         

NOT FDIC-INSURED   May Lose Value   No Bank Guarantee


 

 
  General Investment
Management Approach
 
  Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (“GSAM”) serves as investment adviser to the Real Estate Securities, International Real Estate Securities, Tollkeeper and Commodity Strategy Funds (each, a “Fund,” and, collectively, the “Funds”). GSAM is referred to in this Prospectus as the “Investment Adviser.”

   REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND AND INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE 
   SECURITIES FUND   

  Goldman Sachs’ Real Estate Securities Investment Philosophy:
  When choosing portfolio securities for the Real Estate Securities Fund and the International Real Estate Securities Fund, the Investment Adviser:
  n   Selects stocks based on quality and location of assets, experienced management and a sustainable competitive advantage.
  n   Seeks to buy securities at a discount to the intrinsic value of the business (assets and management).
  n   Seeks a team approach to decision making.

  Over time, real estate securities have offered investors important diversification and competitive total returns versus the broad equity and fixed income markets.

  References in this Prospectus to a Fund’s benchmark or benchmarks are for informational purposes only, and unless otherwise noted are not an indication of how a particular Fund is managed.
 
1


 

   TOLLKEEPER FUND   

  THIS FUND INVESTS IN “TOLLKEEPER” COMPANIES (AS DESCRIBED ON PAGES 9 AND 10), AND ITS NET ASSET VALUE (NAV) MAY FLUCTUATE SUBSTANTIALLY OVER TIME. BECAUSE THE FUND CONCENTRATES ITS INVESTMENTS IN TOLLKEEPER COMPANIES, THE FUND’S PERFORMANCE MAY BE SUBSTANTIALLY DIFFERENT FROM THE RETURNS OF THE BROADER STOCK MARKET. PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT AN INDICATION OF FUTURE RETURNS AND, DEPENDING ON THE TIMING OF YOUR INVESTMENT, YOU MAY LOSE MONEY EVEN IF THE FUND’S PAST RETURNS HAVE OUTPERFORMED THE FUND’S BENCHMARK DURING SPECIFIED PERIODS OF TIME. THE FUND’S PARTICIPATION IN THE INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING (IPO) MARKET DURING ITS INITIAL START-UP PHASE MAY HAVE HAD A MAGNIFIED IMPACT ON THE FUND’S PERFORMANCE BECAUSE OF ITS RELATIVELY SMALL ASSET BASE AT THAT TIME. IT IS PROBABLE THAT THE EFFECT OF IPO INVESTMENTS ON THE FUND’S FUTURE PERFORMANCE WILL NOT BE AS SIGNIFICANT.  

  Goldman Sachs’ Growth Investment Philosophy:
  1. Invest as if buying the company/business, not simply trading its stock:
  n   Understand the business, management, products and competition.
  n   Perform intensive, hands-on fundamental research.
  n   Seek businesses with strategic competitive advantages.
  n   Over the long-term, expect each company’s stock price ultimately to track the growth in the value of the business.

  2.  Buy high-quality growth businesses that possess strong business franchises, favorable long-term prospects and excellent management.
 
  3.  Purchase superior long-term growth companies at a favorable price—seek to purchase at a fair valuation, giving the investor the potential to fully capture returns from above-average growth rates.

  Growth companies have earnings expectations that exceed those of the stock market as a whole.


 
2


 

GENERAL INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT APPROACH

   COMMODITY STRATEGY FUND   

  Goldman Sachs’ Commodities Investing Philosophy:
  Commodity markets can provide portfolio diversification due to their low historical correlations with traditional asset classes such as large cap equities and investment grade fixed income securities. The Commodity Strategy Fund seeks to provide this diversification primarily through investments in commodity index-linked securities and other securities that provide general exposure to the performance of this asset class. The Fund also invests in fixed income and other debt securities, taking an active investment approach as described in greater detail below.
 
 
  The Investment Adviser applies a team approach that emphasizes risk management and capitalizes on Goldman Sachs’ extensive research capabilities.


 
3


 

 
  Fund Investment Objectives
and Strategies
 
  Goldman Sachs
Real Estate Securities Fund
     
FUND FACTS

Objective:
  Total return comprised of long-term growth of capital and
dividend income
Benchmark:
  Wilshire Real Estate Securities Index
Investment Focus:
  REITs and real estate operating companies
Investment Style:
  Growth at a reasonable price
Symbol:
  GREIX
 

   INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE   

  The Fund seeks total return comprised of long-term growth of capital and dividend income.

   PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES   

  Equity Investments.  The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, substantially all and at least 80% of its net assets plus any borrowings for investment purposes (measured at time of purchase) (“Net Assets”) in a portfolio of equity investments in issuers the are primarily engaged in or related to the real estate industry.* The Fund expects that a substantial portion of its assets will be invested in REITs, real estate industry companies and other real estate related investments.
 
  A “real estate industry company” is a company that derives at least 50% of its gross revenues or net profits from the ownership, development, construction,

 
   * 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 a Fund’s policy to invest at least 80% of its Net Assets in the particular type of investment suggested by its name.
 
4


 

FUND INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES

  financing, management or sale of commercial, industrial or residential real estate or interests therein. Real estate companies may include real estate investment trusts (REITs), REIT-like structures, or real estate operating companies whose businesses and services are related to the real estate industry.
 
  The Fund’s investment strategy is based on the premise that property market fundamentals are the primary determinant of growth, underlying the success of companies in the real estate industry. The Investment Adviser focuses on companies that can achieve sustainable growth in cash flow and dividend paying capability. The Investment Adviser attempts to purchase securities so that its underlying portfolio will be diversified geographically and by property type. Although the Fund will invest primarily in publicly traded U.S. securities, it may invest up to 15% of its total assets in foreign securities, including securities of issuers in emerging countries and securities quoted in foreign currencies.
 
  Investing in real estate securities involves certain unique risks. Investments in real estate industry companies may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the issuer or by overbuilding, changes in zoning laws, environmental concerns and limits on rents. In addition, real estate industry companies that hold mortgages may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. Real estate companies are dependent upon management skill, may not be diversified, and are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, default by borrowers and self-liquidation. REIT issuers are also subject to the possibilities of failing to qualify for tax free pass-through of income and failing to maintain their exemptions from investment company registration. Real estate companies whose underlying properties are concentrated in a particular industry or geographic region are also subject to risks affecting such industries and regions.
 
  The Fund’s investments, especially investments in real estate industry companies that hold its mortgages, may be subject to interest rate risks. When interest rates decline, the value of a REIT’s investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a REIT’s investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to decline. In contrast, as interest rates on adjustable rate mortgage loans are reset periodically, yields on a REIT’s investment in such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates, causing the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed rate obligations.

 
5


 

 
  Goldman Sachs
Real Estate Securities Fund
continued

  The REIT investments of the Real Estate Securities Fund often do not provide complete tax information to the Fund until after the calendar year-end. Consequently, because of the delay, it may be necessary for the Fund to request permission to extend the deadline for issuance of Forms 1099-DIV beyond January 31.
 
  Other.  The Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in fixed-income investments, such as government, corporate debt and bank obligations, that offer the potential to further the Fund’s investment objective.
 
  The Fund is “non-diversified” under the Act, and may invest more of its assets in fewer issuers than “diversified” mutual funds. Therefore, the Fund may be more susceptible to adverse developments affecting any single issuer held in its portfolio, and may be more susceptible to greater losses because of these developments.

 
6


 

FUND INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES
 
  Goldman Sachs
International Real Estate
Securities Fund
     
FUND FACTS

Objective:
  Total return comprised of long-term growth of capital and
dividend income
Benchmark:
  FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Global ex US Real Estate Index
Investment Focus:
  Real estate operating companies organized outside the United States or whose securities are principally traded outside the United States
Investment Style:
  Growth at a reasonable price
Symbol:
  GIRIX
 

   INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE   

  The Fund seeks total return comprised of long-term growth of capital and dividend income.

   PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES   

  The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by primarily investing in issuers that are real estate investment trusts (REITs) or real estate operating companies organized outside the United States or whose securities are principally traded outside the United States.
 
  Equity Investments.  The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, substantially all and at least 80% of its net assets plus any borrowings for investment purposes (measured at time of purchase) (“Net Assets”) in a portfolio of equity investments in issuers that are primarily engaged in or related to the real estate industry (“real estate industry companies”) outside the United States*. The Fund expects that a substantial portion of its assets will be invested in REITs, real estate industry companies and other real estate related investments.
 
  A “real estate industry company” is a company that derives at least 50% of its gross revenues or net profits from the ownership, development, construction,

 
     * To the extent required by SEC regulations, shareholders will be provided with sixty days notice in the manner prescribed by the SEC before any change in the Fund’s policy to invest at least 80% of its Net Assets in the particular type of investment suggested by its name.
 
7


 

 
  Goldman Sachs
International Real Estate
Securities Fund
continued

  financing, management or sale of commercial, industrial or residential real estate or interests therein. Real estate companies may include real estate investment trusts (REITs), REIT-like structures, or real estate operating companies whose businesses and services are related to the real estate industry.
 
  The Fund’s investment strategy is based on the premise that property market fundamentals are the primary determinant of growth, underlying the success of companies in the real estate industry. The Investment Adviser focuses on companies that can achieve sustainable growth in cash flow and dividend paying capability. The Investment Adviser attempts to purchase securities so that its underlying portfolio will be diversified geographically and by property type. The Fund will invest primarily in publicly traded securities outside the United States.
 
  Investing in real estate securities involves certain unique risks. Investments in real estate industry companies may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the issuer or by overbuilding, changes in zoning laws, environmental concerns and limits on rents. In addition, real estate industry companies that hold mortgages may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. Real estate companies are dependent upon management skill, may not be diversified, and are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, default by borrowers and self-liquidation. REIT issuers are also subject to the possibilities of failing to qualify for tax free pass-through of income and failing to maintain their exemptions from investment company registration. Real estate companies whose underlying properties are concentrated in a particular industry or geographic region are also subject to risks affecting such industries and regions.
 
  The Fund’s investments, especially investments in real estate industry companies that hold its mortgages, may be subject to interest rate risks. When interest rates decline, the value of investments in fixed rate obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of investments in fixed rate obligations can be expected to decline. In contrast, as interest rates on adjustable rate mortgage loans are reset periodically, yields on a real estate company’s investment in such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates, causing the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed rate obligations.
 
  The REIT investments of the Fund often do not provide complete tax information to the Fund until after the calendar year-end. Consequently, because of the delay, it

 
8


 

FUND INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES

  may be necessary for the Fund to request permission to extend the deadline for issuance of Forms 1099-DIV beyond January 31.
 
  The Fund expects to invest a substantial portion of its assets in the securities of issuers located in Japan, the United Kingdom, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Canada and France. From time to time, the Fund’s investments in a particular country may exceed 25% of its investment portfolio.
 
  Other.  The Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in REITs or real estate companies organized or principally traded in the United States and fixed-income investments, such as government debt, corporate debt and bank obligations, that offer the potential to further the Fund’s investment objective.
 
  The Fund is “non-diversified” under the Act, and may invest more of its assets in fewer issuers than “diversified” mutual funds. Therefore, the Fund may be more susceptible to adverse developments affecting any single issuer held in its portfolio, and may be more susceptible to greater losses because of these developments.

 
9


 

 
  Goldman Sachs
Tollkeeper Fund
     
FUND FACTS

Objective:
  Long-term growth of capital
Investment Focus:
  U.S. equity investments that offer long-term capital appreciation with a primary focus on technology, media and service companies
Investment Style:
  Growth
Symbol:
  GITIX
 

   INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE   

  The Fund seeks long-term growth of capital.

   PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES   

  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 “Tollkeeper” companies (as described below). The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in equity investments of companies that the Investment Adviser believes are well positioned to benefit from the proliferation of technology. Although the Fund invests primarily in publicly traded U.S. securities, it may invest up to 25% of its total assets in foreign securities, including securities of issuers in emerging markets or countries (“emerging countries”) and securities quoted in foreign currencies.
 
  The Fund intends to invest a substantial portion of its assets in companies the Investment Adviser describes as Tollkeepers. In general, the Investment Adviser defines a Tollkeeper company as a high-quality technology, media or service company that adopts or uses technology to improve its cost structure, revenue

 
10


 

FUND INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES

  opportunities or competitive advantage. The Investment Adviser seeks to identify Tollkeeper companies that exhibit many of the following characteristics:
  n   Strong brand name
  n   Dominant market share
  n   Recurring revenue streams
  n   Free cash flow generation
  n   Long product life cycle
  n   Enduring competitive advantage
  n   Excellent management

  To the Investment Adviser, Tollkeeper connotes a promising growth business. Like a toll collector for a highway or bridge, Tollkeeper companies may grow revenue by increasing “traffic,” or customers and sales, and raising “tolls,” or prices, and margins. The Investment Adviser believes that the characteristics of many Tollkeeper companies, including dominant market share, strong brand name and recurring revenue or the ability to generate free cash flow, should enable them to consistently grow their business. The Investment Adviser does not define companies that are capital intensive, low margin businesses as Tollkeepers (although the Investment Adviser may invest in such companies as part of the Fund’s 20% basket of securities which are not or may not be Tollkeepers).
 
  The Internet is an example of a technology that the Investment Adviser believes will drive growth for many Tollkeeper businesses. The Internet has had, and is expected to continue to have, a significant impact on the global economy, as it changes the way many companies operate. Benefits of the Internet for businesses may include global scalability, acquisition of new clients, new revenue sources and increased efficiencies. Tollkeeper companies adopting Internet technologies to improve their business model include technology, media and service companies.
 
  Because of its focus on technology, media and service companies, the Fund’s investment performance will be closely tied to many factors which affect technology, media and service companies. These factors include intense competition, consumer preferences, problems with product compatibility and government regulation. Tollkeeper securities may experience significant price movements caused by disproportionate investor optimism or pessimism with little or no basis in fundamental economic conditions. The Fund may also invest in a relatively few number of issuers. As a result, the Fund’s NAV is more likely to have greater fluctuations than that of a fund which is more diversified or invests in other industries.

 
11


 

 
  Goldman Sachs
Commodity Strategy Fund
     
FUND FACTS

Objective:
  Long-term total return
Benchmark:
  S&P GSCI Commodity Index (“GSCI”)
Investment Focus:
  Fixed income securities, other debt securities and commodity-linked securities.
Symbol:
  GCCIX
 

   INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE   

  The Fund seeks long-term total return.*

   PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES   

  In pursuing its objective, the Fund seeks to maintain substantial economic exposure to the performance of the commodities markets. The Fund invests in a portfolio of commodity index-linked securities (including leveraged and unleveraged structured notes), other commodity-linked securities and derivative instruments that provide exposure to the performance of the commodities markets, and in other fixed income and debt instruments. The Fund’s portfolio is designed to provide exposure that corresponds to the investment return of assets that trade in the commodity markets without direct investment in physical commodities. It is expected that certain of the Fund’s investments will produce leveraged exposure to the commodities markets. Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 25% of its assets in commodity-linked structured notes.
 
  Commodity Investments.  The Fund seeks to provide exposure to the commodity markets and returns that correspond to the performance of the GSCI by investing in commodity-linked investments. The GSCI, formerly named the Goldman Sachs Commodity Index, is a composite index of commodity sector returns, representing an unleveraged, long-only investment in commodity futures that is diversified across the spectrum of commodities. Individual components qualify for inclusion in the

 
The Fund’s investment objective is not a fundamental policy and may be changed by the Fund’s Board of Trustees without shareholder approval.
 
12


 

FUND INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES

  GSCI on the basis of liquidity and are weighted by their respective world production quantities. In pursuing its objective, the Fund attempts to provide exposure to the returns of real assets that trade in the commodity markets without direct investment in physical commodities. Real assets include oil, gas, industrial and precious metals, livestock, and agricultural or meat products, or other items that have tangible properties. Commodity-linked investments may be more volatile and less liquid than the underlying instruments and their value may be affected by the performance of commodities as well as weather, tax, and other regulatory or political developments, overall market movements and other factors affecting the value of particular industries or commodities, such as disease, embargoes, acts of war or terrorism.
 
  The Fund invests in commodity-linked derivative instruments such as commodity-linked structured notes. The Fund invests in commodity-linked notes that pay a return linked to the performance of a commodities index or basket of futures contracts with respect to all of the commodities in an index. In some cases, the return will be based on some multiple of the performance of the index. This embedded leverage will magnify the positive and negative return the Fund earns from these notes as compared to the index. The principal and/or interest payments of commodity-linked derivatives are tied to the value of a real asset or commodity index. Structured notes may be structured by the issuer and the purchaser of the note. The notes are derivative debt instruments with principal payments generally linked to the value of commodities, commodity futures contracts or the performance of commodity indices and interest and coupon payments pegged to a market-based interest rate, such as LIBOR or a bank’s prime rate. The value of these notes will rise or fall in response to changes in the underlying commodity or related index or investment. These notes expose the Fund economically to movements in commodity prices. The Fund will pursue its objective without directly investing in commodities. The Fund seeks to provide exposure to various commodities and commodities sectors. Commodity-linked derivative instruments include commodity index-linked securities and other derivative instruments that provide exposure to the investment returns of the commodities markets.
 
  Fixed Income Investments.  The Fund invests in investment grade fixed-income securities. Investment grade securities are securities that are rated at the time of purchase at least BBB- by Standard & Poor’s Rating Group (“Standard & Poor’s”) or at least Baa3 by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), have a comparable rating by another nationally recognized statistical rating organization

 
13


 

 
  Goldman Sachs
Commodity Strategy Fund
continued

  (“NRSRO”) or, if unrated, are determined by the Investment Adviser to be of comparable quality. The Fund may invest in corporate securities, U.S. Government Securities, Mortgage-Backed Securities, asset-backed securities, and fixed-income securities issued by or on behalf of states, territories and possessions of the United States (including the District of Columbia) and the political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities thereof (“Municipal Securities”). The average duration will vary. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its net assets in foreign securities. In addition, the Fund may invest up to 10% of its assets in non-investment grade fixed-income securities. The structured securities and commodity-linked derivative securities may also be considered fixed income investments because they typically pay a predetermined rate of return until the security matures.
 
  Non-investment grade fixed-income securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”) tend to offer higher yields than higher rated securities with similar maturities. Non-investment grade fixed-income securities are, however, considered speculative and generally involve greater price volatility and greater risk of loss of principal and interest than higher rated securities. The Fund may purchase the securities of issuers that are in default.
 
  Other.  The Fund will also invest in options, futures, options on futures and swaps. The Fund will primarily allocate its assets between fixed income and other debt securities and commodity-linked instruments. In pursuing its investment objective, the Fund uses the GSCI as its performance benchmark and will attempt to produce returns that correspond to the performance of the GSCI, but the Fund will not attempt to replicate the index. The Fund may, therefore, invest in securities that are not included in the GSCI.
 
  The Fund will not invest 25% or more of its total assets in instruments issued by companies in any one industry. The Fund’s portfolio will reflect greater than 25% exposure to the group of industries represented in the GSCI, however. If, in the future, industries are added to or removed from representation in the GSCI, the group of industries in which the Fund’s exposure is concentrated will likewise change.
 
  As of April 11, 2008, the GSCI included 24 commodities in five broad sectors: energy, industrial metals, precious metals, agricultural products, and livestock products. Current information on the composition of the index can be found at: www2.goldmansachs.com/gsci.

 
14


 

FUND INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES

  THE FUND IS “NON-DIVERSIFIED” UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 (“INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT”), AND MAY INVEST MORE OF ITS ASSETS IN FEWER ISSUERS THAN “DIVERSIFIED” MUTUAL FUNDS. THEREFORE, THE FUND MAY BE MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO ADVERSE DEVELOPMENTS AFFECTING ANY SINGLE ISSUER HELD IN ITS PORTFOLIO, AND MAY BE MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO GREATER LOSSES BECAUSE OF THESE DEVELOPMENTS.

 
15


 

 
Other Investment Practices
and Securities

The tables below and on the following page identify some of the investment techniques that may (but are not required to) be used by the Funds in seeking to achieve their investment objectives. The tables also highlight the differences and similarities among the Funds in their use of these techniques and other investment practices and investment securities. Numbers in this table show allowable usage only; for actual usage, consult the Funds’ annual/semi-annual report. For more information about these and other investment practices and securities, see Appendix A. Each Fund publishes on its website (http://www.goldmansachsfunds.com) complete portfolio holdings for the Fund as of the end of each calendar quarter subject to a fifteen day lag between the date of the information and the date on which the information is disclosed. In addition, the Funds publish on their website month-end top ten holdings subject to a ten 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 a Fund files its next quarterly portfolio holdings report on Form N-CSR or Form N-Q with the SEC. In addition, a description of a Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of a Fund’s portfolio holdings is available in the Funds’ Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).

                 
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; International
      limited only by the strategies Real Estate Real Estate Commodity
      of the Fund Securities Securities Tollkeeper Strategy
—  Not permitted Fund Fund Fund Fund

Investment Practices            
 
Borrowings
  33 1/3   33 1/3   33 1/3   33 1/3
 
Credit, Currency, Index, Interest Rate, Total Return and Mortgage Swaps and Options on Swaps *
  15   15     15
 
Cross Hedging of Currencies
       
 
Custodial Receipts and Trust Certificates
       
 
Equity Swaps *
  15   15   15   15
 
Foreign Currency Transactions **
       
 
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts
       
 
Interest Rate Caps, Floors and Collars
       
 
Investment Company Securities (including exchange-traded funds)
  10   10   10   10
 
Mortgage Dollar Rolls
       
 
Options on Foreign Currencies 1
       
 
Options on Securities and Securities Indices 2
       
 
Preferred Stock, Warrants and Stock Purchase Rights
       
 
Repurchase Agreements
       
 
Securities Lending
  33 1/3   33 1/3   33 1/3   33 1/3
 
Short Sales Against the Box
  25   25    
 
Unseasoned Companies
       
 
When-Issued Securities and Forward Commitments
       

 
  *
Limited to 15% of net assets (together with other illiquid securities) for all structured securities and all swap transactions that are not deemed liquid.
**
Limited by the amount each Fund may invest in foreign securities.
   1
The Tollkeeper, Real Estate Securities and International Real Estate Securities Funds may purchase and sell call and put options.
   2
The Funds may sell covered call and put options and purchase call and put options.
 
16


 

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; International
      limited only by the objectives and strategies Real Estate Real Estate Commodity
      of the Fund Securities Securities Tollkeeper Strategy
—  Not permitted Fund Fund Fund Fund

Investment Securities            
 
American, European and Global Depositary Receipts
       
 
Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities 3
       
 
Bank Obligations 3
       
 
Commodity-linked Derivative Instruments
       
 
Convertible Securities 4
       
 
Corporate Debt Obligations 3
       
 
Equity Investments
  80+   80+   80+  
 
Emerging Country Securities
  15 5     25 5   25 5
 
Fixed Income Securities
  20   20   20  
 
Foreign Securities
  15 5     25 5   25 5
 
Municipal Securities 3
       
 
Non-Investment Grade Fixed Income Securities
  20 6   20 6   20 6   10 6
 
Real Estate Investment Trusts
       
 
Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities 3
       
 
Structured Securities (which may include equity linked notes) * 3
       
 
Temporary Investments
       
 
U.S. Government Securities 3
       
 
Yield Curve Options and Inverse Floating Rate Securities
       

 
*
Limited to 15% of net assets (together with other illiquid securities) for all structured securities and all swap transactions that are not deemed liquid.
3
Limited by the amount the Fund invests in fixed-income securities.
4
Convertible securities purchased by the Funds use the same rating criteria for convertible and non-convertible debt securities.
5
The Tollkeeper, Commodity Strategy and Real Estate Securities Funds may invest in the aggregate up to 25%, 25% and 15%, respectively, of their total assets in foreign securities, including emerging country securities.
6
May be BB or lower by Standard & Poor’s Rating Group (“Standard & Poor’s”) or Ba or lower by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or have a comparable rating by another nationally-recognized statistical rating organization at the time of investment.
 
17


 

 
Principal Risks of the Funds

Loss of money is a risk of investing in each Fund. An investment in a 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 the principal risks that apply to the Funds and may result in a loss of your investment. None of the Funds should be relied upon as a complete investment program. There can be no assurance that a Fund will achieve its investment objective.

                 
International
Real Estate Real Estate Commodity
•   Applicable Securities Securities Tollkeeper Strategy
— Not applicable Fund Fund Fund Fund

Credit/Default
       
Foreign
       
Emerging Countries
       
Industry Concentration
       
Stock
       
Derivatives
       
Interest Rate
       
IPO
       
Management
       
Market
       
Liquidity
       
Non-Diversification
       
REIT
       
Mid Cap and Small Cap
       
Investment Style
       
NAV
       
Non-Investment Grade Fixed Income Securities
       
U.S. Government Securities Risk
       
Internet
       
Commodity Sector
       
Real Estate Industry
       
Absence of Regulation
       
Call Risk
       
Extension Risk
       
Counterparty
       
Leverage
       

 
18


 

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF THE FUNDS

General Risks:
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 a 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. A Fund will also be subject to the risk of negative foreign currency rate fluctuations. Foreign risks will normally be greatest when a Fund invests in issuers located in emerging countries.
n   Emerging Countries Risk —The securities markets of Central and South American, African, Asian and Eastern European and other emerging countries are less liquid, are especially subject to greater price volatility, have smaller market capitalizations, have less government regulation and are not subject to as extensive and frequent accounting, financial and other reporting requirements as the securities markets of more developed countries. Further, investment in equity securities of issuers located in certain emerging countries involves risk of loss resulting from problems in share registration and custody and substantial economic and political disruptions. These risks are not normally associated with investments in more developed countries.
n   Industry Concentration Risk —The risk that a Fund concentrates its investments in specific industry sectors that have historically experienced substantial price volatility. A Fund is subject to greater risk of loss as a result of adverse economic, business or other developments than if its investments were diversified across different industry sectors. Securities of issuers held by a Fund may lack sufficient market liquidity to enable a Fund to sell the securities at an advantageous time or without a substantial drop in price.
n   Stock Risk —The risk that stock prices have historically risen and fallen in periodic cycles. U.S. and foreign stock markets have experienced periods of substantial price volatility in the past and may do so again in the future.
n   Derivatives Risk —The risk that loss may result from a Fund’s investments in options, futures, swaps, structured securities and other derivative instruments. These instruments may be illiquid, difficult to price and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses to a Fund.
n   Interest Rate Risk —The risk that when interest rates increase, fixed income securities held by a 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   IPO Risk —The risk that the market value of IPO shares will fluctuate considerably due to factors such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, the small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the

 
19


 

issuer. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. IPO shares are subject to market risk and liquidity risk. When a Fund’s asset base is small, a significant portion of the Fund’s performance could be attributable to investments in IPOs, because such investments would have a magnified impact on the Fund. As the Fund’s assets grow, the effect of the Fund’s investments in IPOs on the Fund’s performance probably will decline, which could reduce the Fund’s performance.
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 a 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 a Fund may invest to a greater degree in instruments that trade in lower volumes and may make investments that may be less liquid than other investments. Also, the risk that a Fund may make investments that may become less liquid in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions. When there is no willing buyer and investments cannot be readily sold at the desired time or price, a Fund may have to accept a lower price or may not be able to sell the instrument at all. An inability to see a portfolio position can adversely affect a Fund’s value or prevent a Fund from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. To meet redemption requests, a Fund may be forced to sell liquid securities, at an unfavorable time and conditions.

  Funds that invest in non-investment grade fixed income securities, small and mid-capitalization stocks, REITs and emerging country issuers are especially subject to the risk that during certain periods, the liquidity of particular issuers or industries, or all securities within a particular investment category, 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.
 
 
  Certain Goldman Sachs fund of funds portfolios (the “Fund of Funds Portfolios”) may invest a significant percentage of their assets in the Funds and other funds for which GSAM now or in the future acts as investment adviser or underwriter. Redemptions by a Fund of Funds Portfolio of its position in a Fund may further increase liquidity risk and may impact a Fund’s NAV.

n   Non-Diversification Risk —The Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund are non-diversified, meaning that each Fund is permitted to invest more of its assets in fewer issuers than “diversified” mutual funds. Thus, each Fund may be more susceptible to adverse developments affecting any single issuer held in its portfolio, and may be more susceptible to greater losses because of these developments.
 
20


 

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF THE FUNDS

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 companies and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements because of interest rate changes, economic conditions and other factors. 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   Mid Cap and Small Cap Risk —The securities of small capitalization and mid-capitalization companies involve greater risks than those associated with larger, more established 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. Both mid-cap and small-cap companies often have narrower markets and more limited managerial and financial resources than larger, more established companies. As a result, their performance can be more volatile and they face greater risk of business failure, which could increase the volatility of a Fund’s portfolio. Generally, the smaller the company size, the greater these risks.
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. A 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 company’s growth of earnings potential. Growth companies are often expected by investors to increase their earnings at a certain rate. When these expectations are not met, investors can punish the stocks inordinately even if earnings showed an absolute increase. Also, because 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   NAV Risk —The risk that the net asset value (“NAV”) of a Fund and the value of your investment will fluctuate.
n   Non-Investment Grade Fixed Income Securities —The Funds may invest in non-investment grade fixed income securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”) that are considered speculative. Non-investment grade fixed income securities and unrated securities of comparable credit quality are subject to the increased risk of an issuer’s inability to meet principal and interest payment obligations. These

 
21


 

securities may be subject to greater price volatility due to such factors as specific corporate or municipal developments, interest rate sensitivity, negative perceptions of the junk bond markets generally and less secondary market liquidity.
n   U.S. Government Securities Risk —The risk that the U.S. government will not provide financial support to U.S. government agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises if it is not obligated to do so by law. Although many types of U.S. Government Securities may be purchased by the Funds, such as those issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) and Federal Home Loan Banks may be chartered or sponsored by Acts of Congress, their securities are neither issued nor guaranteed by the United States Treasury and, therefore, are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some U.S. Government Securities held by the Fund may greatly exceed their current resources, including their legal right to support from the U.S. Treasury. It is possible that these issuers will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future.

Other Specific Risks:
n   Internet Risk —The risk that the stock prices of Internet and Internet-related companies and therefore the value of the Tollkeeper Fund will experience significant price movements as a result of intense market volatility, worldwide competition, consumer preferences, product compatibility, product obsolescence, government regulation, excessive investor optimism or pessimism, or other factors. The Tollkeeper Fund may also invest in a relatively few number of issuers. Thus, the Fund may be more susceptible to adverse developments affecting any single issuer held in its portfolio and may be more susceptible to greater losses because of these developments.
n   Commodity Sector Risk —Exposure to the commodities markets may subject the Commodity Strategy Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of commodity-linked derivative instruments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates, or sectors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments. The prices of energy, industrial metals, precious metals, agriculture and livestock sector commodities may fluctuate widely due to factors such as changes in value, supply and demand and governmental regulatory policies. The energy sector can be significantly affected by changes in the prices and supplies of oil and other energy fuels, energy conservation, the success of exploration projects, and tax and other government regulations, policies of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and relationships among OPEC members and between OPEC and oil-importing nations. The metals sector can be affected by sharp price volatility over short

 
22


 

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF THE FUNDS

periods caused by global economic, financial and political factors, resource availability, government regulation, economic cycles, changes in inflation or expectations about inflation in various countries, interest rates, currency fluctuations, metal sales by governments, central banks or international agencies, investment speculation and fluctuations in industrial and commercial supply and demand. The commodity-linked securities in which the Commodity Strategy Fund invests may be issued by companies in the financial services sector, including the banking, brokerage and insurance sectors. As a result, events affecting issues in the financial services sector may cause the Fund’s share value to fluctuate.
n   Real Estate Industry Risk —The Real Estate Securities and International Real Estate Securities Funds are subject to certain risks associated with real estate in general. These risks include, among others: possible declines in the value of real estate; risks related to general and local economic conditions; possible lack of availability of mortgage financing, variations in rental income, neighborhood values or the appeal of property to tenants; interest rates; overbuilding; extended vacancies of properties; increases in competition, property taxes and operating expenses; and changes in zoning laws. The real estate industry is particularly sensitive to economic downturns. The values of securities of companies in the real estate industry may go through cycles of relative under-performance and out-performance in comparison to equity securities markets in general.
n   Absence of Regulation —The Commodity Strategy Fund engages in OTC transactions. In general, there is less governmental regulation and supervision of transactions in the OTC markets (in which option contracts and certain options on swaps are generally traded) than of transactions entered into on organized exchanges.
n   Call Risk —The risk that an issuer will exercise its right to pay principal on an obligation held by the Commodity Strategy Fund (such as a mortgage-backed security) earlier than expected. This may happen when there is a decline in interest rates. Under these circumstances, the Fund may be unable to recoup all of its initial investment and will also suffer from having to reinvest in lower yielding securities.
n   Extension Risk —The risk that an issuer will exercise its right to pay principal on an obligation held by the Commodity Strategy Fund (such as a mortgage-backed security) later than expected. This may happen when there is a rise in interest rates. Under these circumstances, the value of the obligation will decrease, and the Fund will also suffer from the inability to invest in higher yielding securities.
n   Counterparty Risk —Many of the protections afforded to participants on some organized exchanges, such as the performance guarantee of an exchange clearing house, might not be available in connection with OTC transactions. Therefore, in those instances in which the Commodity Strategy Fund enters into OTC transactions, the Fund will be subject to the risk that its direct counterparty will not perform its obligations under the transactions and that the Fund will sustain losses.
n   Leverage Risk —Leverage creates exposure to gains in a greater amount than the dollar amount made in an investment by enhancing return or value without

 
23


 

increasing the investment amount. Borrowing and the use of derivatives result in leverage. Leverage can magnify the effects of changes in the value of the Commodity Strategy Fund and make it more volatile. Relatively small market movements may result in large changes in the value of a leveraged investment. The Commodity Strategy Fund will segregate or earmark liquid assets or otherwise cover transactions that may give rise to such risk, to the extent required by applicable law. The use of leverage may cause the Commodity Strategy Fund to liquidate portfolio positions to satisfy its obligations or to meet segregation requirements when it may not be advantageous to do so.

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.

 
24


 

 
  Fund Performance

   HOW THE FUNDS HAVE PERFORMED   

  The bar charts and tables on the following pages provide an indication of the risks of investing in a Fund by showing: (a) changes in the performance of a Fund’s Institutional Shares from year to year; and (b) how the average annual total returns of a Fund’s Institutional Shares compare to those of broad-based securities market indices. The bar chart (including “Best Quarter” and “Worst Quarter” information) and table assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. A Fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Performance reflects expense limitations in effect. If expense limitations were not in place, a Fund’s performance would have been reduced.
 
  The Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy Fund commenced operations on March 30, 2007. No performance information regarding the Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy Fund is included in this section because such Fund has less than one calendar year of performance.

   INFORMATION ON AFTER-TAX RETURNS   

  These definitions apply to the after-tax returns.
 
  Average Annual Total Returns Before Taxes.  These returns do not reflect taxes on distributions on a Fund’s Institutional Shares nor do they show how performance can be impacted by taxes when shares are redeemed (sold) by you.
 
  Average Annual Total Returns After Taxes on Distributions.  These returns assume that taxes are paid on distributions on a Fund’s Institutional Shares ( i.e. , dividends and capital gains) but do not reflect taxes that may be incurred upon redemption (sale) of the Institutional Shares at the end of the performance period.
 
  Average Annual Total Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Shares.  These returns reflect taxes paid on distributions on a Fund’s Institutional Shares and taxes applicable when the shares are redeemed (sold).
 
  Note on Tax Rates.  The after-tax performance figures are calculated using the historically highest individual federal marginal income tax rates at the time of the distributions and do not reflect 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. Under certain circumstances, the addition of the tax benefits from capital losses resulting from redemptions may cause the Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares to be greater than the Returns After Taxes on Distributions or even the Returns Before Taxes.

 
25


 

Real Estate Securities Fund

     
TOTAL RETURN CALENDAR YEAR

Best Quarter*
Q4 ’04           +17.58%

Worst Quarter*
Q4 ’07  -11.87%
  LOGO

   AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN   

                         
For the period ended December 31, 2007 1 Year 5 Years Since Inception

Institutional Shares (Inception 7/27/98)
                       
Returns Before Taxes
    -15.63%       19.43%       13.54 %
Returns After Taxes on Distributions**
    -18.20%       17.03%       11.31 %
Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares**
    -7.25%       16.38%       10.95 %
Wilshire Real Estate Securities Index***
    -17.78%       18.66%       12.45 %

 
  *
Please note that “Best Quarter” and “Worst Quarter” figures are applicable only to the time period covered by the bar chart.
 **
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rules and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. In addition, the after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
***
The Wilshire Real Estate Securities Index is an unmanaged index of publicly traded REITs and real estate operating companies. The Index figures do not reflect any deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.
 
26


 

FUND PERFORMANCE

International Real Estate Securities Fund

     
TOTAL RETURN CALENDAR YEAR

Best Quarter*
Q1 ’07   +8.57%

Worst Quarter*
Q4 ’07   -9.42%
  LOGO

   AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN   

                 
For the period ended December 31, 2007 1 Year Since Inception

Institutional Shares (Inception 7/31/06)
               
Returns Before Taxes
    -2.23%       12.77 %
Returns After Taxes on Distributions**
    -4.71%       10.56 %
Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares**
    -1.19%       9.74 %
Wilshire Real Estate Securities Index***
    -0.88%       16.16 %

 
  *
Please note that “Best Quarter” and “Worst Quarter” figures are applicable only to the time period covered by the bar chart.
 **
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rules and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. In addition, the after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
***
The Wilshire Real Estate Securities Index is an unmanaged index of publicly traded REITs and real estate operating companies. The Index figures do not reflect any deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.
 
27


 

Tollkeeper Fund SM

     
TOTAL RETURN CALENDAR YEAR

Best Quarter*
Q4 ’01           +24.69%

Worst Quarter*
Q3 ’01           -37.74%
  LOGO

   AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN   

                         
For the period ended December 31, 2007 1 Year 5 Years Since Inception

Institutional Shares (Inception 10/1/99)
                       
Returns Before Taxes
    27.93%       19.62%       2.32 %
Returns After Taxes on Distributions**
    27.93%       19.62%       2.26 %
Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares**
    18.15%       17.42%       1.96 %
NASDAQ Composite Index***
    9.81%       14.70%       -0.42 %

 
     *
Please note that “Best Quarter” and “Worst Quarter” figures are applicable only to the time period covered by the bar chart.
   **
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. In addition, the after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
 ***
The NASDAQ Composite Index is a broad-based capitalization-weighted index of all NASDAQ National Market and Small-Cap stocks. The Index figures do not reflect any deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.
 

From October 1, 1999 to August 1, 2004, under normal circumstances, the Fund invested at least 80% of its Net Assets in equity investments in “Internet Tollkeeper” companies, which are companies in the media, telecommunications, technology and Internet sectors which provide or permit Internet companies or Internet users access to content, services or infrastructure. Beginning August 1, 2004, the Fund has invested at least 80% of its Net Assets in equity investments in “Tollkeeper” companies which are companies in the technology, media, or service sectors that adopt or use technology to improve their cost structure, revenue opportunities or competitive advantage.
 
28


 

 
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 a Fund.

                                 
International
Real Estate Real Estate Commodity
Securities Securities Tollkeeper Strategy
Fund Fund Fund Fund

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment):
                               
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
    None       None       None       None  
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends
    None       None       None       None  
Redemption Fees 1
    None       2.0%       None       2.0%  
Exchange Fees
    None       None       None       None  
 
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets): 2
                               
 
Management Fees 3
    1.00%       1.05%*       1.00%       0.50%  
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees
    None       None       None       None  
Other Expenses 4 *
    0.08%       0.12%       0.18%       0.24%  

Total Fund Operating Expenses*
    1.08%       1.17%       1.18%       0.74%  

See page 30 for all other footnotes.

  The Investment Adviser has voluntarily entered into an expense limitation agreement with each of the Funds. Additionally, the Investment Adviser voluntarily waives a portion of the management fees payable by the International Real Estate Securities Fund. The “Management Fees,” “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses” shown in the table above do not reflect voluntary fee waivers and/or expense limitations currently in place with respect to the Funds. The Funds’ “Management Fees,” “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses,” after application of current waivers and expense limitations, are as set forth below. These fee waivers and expense limitations may be modified or terminated at any time at the option of the Investment Adviser and without shareholder approval. If this occurs, the “Other Expenses” and “Total Fund Operating Expenses” shown below would be higher.  
                                 
International
Real Estate Real Estate Commodity
Securities Securities Tollkeeper Strategy
Fund Fund Fund Fund

Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets): 2
                               
Management Fees 3
    1.00%       1.03%       1.00%       0.50%  
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees
    None       None       None       None  
Other Expenses 4
    0.04%       0.10%       0.10%       0.08%  

Total Fund Operating Expenses (after
current waiver and expense limitations)
    1.04%       1.13%       1.10%       0.58%  

 
29


 

 
Fund Fees and Expenses continued

1
A 2% redemption fee will be imposed on the redemption of shares (including by exchange) of the International Real Estate Securities Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund held for 30 days or less.
2
Except for the Tollkeeper Fund, the Funds’ annual operating expenses are based on actual expenses incurred for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. The annual operating expenses for the Tollkeeper Fund are based on amounts expected to be incurred for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008.
3
The Investment Adviser is entitled to management fees from the Funds at the annual rates equal to the following percentages of the average daily net assets of the Funds:

                     
Management Fee Average Daily
Fund Annual Rate Net Assets

Real Estate Securities
    1.00%     First $ 1 billion      
      0.90%     Next $ 1 billion      
      0.86%     Over $ 2 billion      

   
International Real
    1.05%     First $ 2 billion      
Estate Securities
    0.95%     Over $ 2 billion      

   
Tollkeeper
    1.00%     First $ 1 billion      
      0.90%     Next $ 1 billion      
      0.86%     Over $ 2 billion      

   
Commodity Strategy
    0.50%     First $ 2 billion      
      0.45%     Over $ 2 billion      

   

Additionally, the Investment Adviser is currently voluntarily waiving a portion of its management fee equal to 0.02% based on the average daily net assets of the International Real Estate Securities Fund. As a result, the Investment Adviser is currently receiving a management fee from the International Real Estate Securities Fund at the annual rate of 1.03%.
4
“Other Expenses” include transfer agency fees and expenses equal on an annualized basis to 0.04% of the average daily net assets of each Fund’s 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, exclusive of any custody and transfer agent fee credit reductions) to the following percentages of each Fund’s average daily net assets:
             
Other
Fund Expenses

Real Estate Securities
    0.004%      
International Real Estate Securities
    0.064%      
Tollkeeper
    0.064%      
Commodity Strategy
    0.044%      
 
30


 

FUND FEES AND EXPENSES

Example

The following Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in a 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 a Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Institutional Shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that a Fund’s 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 5 Years 10 Years

Real Estate Securities
  $ 110     $ 343     $ 595     $ 1,317  

International Real Estate Securities
  $ 119     $ 372     $ 644     $ 1,420  

Tollkeeper
  $ 120     $ 375     $ 649     $ 1,432  

Commodity Strategy
  $ 76     $ 237     $ 411     $ 918  

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 on behalf of their customers may receive other compensation in connection with the sale and distribution of Institutional Shares or for services to their customers’ accounts and/or the Funds. For additional information regarding such compensation, see “How Do I Purchase Shares Through A Financial Institution?” in the Prospectus and “Payments to Intermediaries” in the SAI.

 
31


 

 
  Service Providers

   INVESTMENT ADVISER   

     
Investment Adviser Fund

Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (“GSAM”)
32 Old Slip
New York, New York 10005
  Real Estate Securities
International Real Estate Securities
Tollkeeper
Commodity Strategy

  GSAM has been registered as an investment adviser with the SEC since 1990 and is an affiliate of Goldman, Sachs & Co. (“Goldman Sachs”). As of December 31, 2007, GSAM, including its investment advisory affiliates, had assets under management of $763 billion.
 
  The Investment Adviser provides day-to-day advice regarding the Funds’ portfolio transactions. The Investment Adviser makes the investment decisions for the Funds 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 Funds, 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 Funds:
  n   Supervises all non-advisory operations of the Funds
  n   Provides personnel to perform necessary executive, administrative and clerical services to the Funds
  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 each Fund
  n   Provides office space and all necessary office equipment and services

 
32


 

SERVICE PROVIDERS

   MANAGEMENT FEES   

  As compensation for its services and its assumption of certain expenses, the Investment Adviser is entitled to the following fees, computed daily and payable monthly, at the annual rates listed below (as a percentage of each respective Fund’s average daily net assets):

                           
Actual Rate
For the Fiscal
Average Daily Year Ended
Fund Contractual Rate Net Assets December 31, 2007

Real Estate Securities
    1.00%       First $1  billion       1.00%  
        0.90%       Next $1  billion          
      0.86%       Over $2  billion          

International Real Estate
    1.05%       First $2  billion       1.03%  
 
Securities
    0.95%       Over $2  billion          

Tollkeeper
    1.00%       First $1  billion       1.00%  
      0.90%       Next $1  billion          
      0.86%       Over $2  billion          

Commodity Strategy
    0.50%       First $2  billion       0.50%  
      0.45%       Over $2  billion          

  The Investment Adviser may voluntarily waive a portion of its management fee from time to time and may discontinue or modify any such voluntary limitations in the future at its discretion.
 
  A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees’ approval of the Management Agreement for the Funds in 2007 is available in the Funds’ annual report dated December 31, 2007.

   FUND MANAGERS   

  Real Estate Securities Team
  The Real Estate Securities portfolio management team includes individuals with backgrounds in:
  n   Fundamental real estate acquisition, development and operations
  n   Real estate capital markets
  n   Mergers and acquisitions
  n   Asset management

 
33


 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Real Estate Securities Team
             
Years
Primarily
Name and Title Fund Responsibility Responsible Five Year Employment History

Mark Howard-Johnson, CFA
Managing Director
  Senior Portfolio Manager—
Real Estate Securities
International Real Estate Securities
  Since
1998
2006
  Mr. Howard-Johnson joined the Investment Adviser as a portfolio manager in 1998. His previous experience includes 15 years in the real estate finance business.

David Kruth, CFA
Vice President
  Senior Portfolio Manager—
Real Estate Securities
International Real Estate Securities
  Since
2005
2006
  Mr. Kruth joined the Investment Adviser as a portfolio manager in 2005. His previous experience includes approximately 18 years in the real estate investment field, most recently managing real estate securities funds at Citigroup (June 2004- May 2005) and AllianceBernstein (June 1998- June 2004).

Timothy Michael Hannon*
Head of Real Estate
at GSJBWere
  Senior Portfolio Manager—
International Real Estate Securities
  Since
2006
  Mr. Hannon joined Goldman Sachs JBWere as a portfolio manager in 1998. His previous experience includes 8 years in the real estate investment field and in the securities investment field.

 
*
Goldman Sachs JBWere is a partially owned subsidiary of Goldman Sachs that makes Mr. Hannon’s services available to GSAM, L.P. to participate as a member of the Real Estate Securities Team.

  Mark Howard-Johnson is the head of the Real Estate Securities Team. He and David Kruth are responsible for the day-to-day investment decisions and final buy/sell decisions of the Real Estate Securities Fund and Mr. Howard-Johnson, Mr. Kruth and Mr. Hannon are responsible for the day-to-day investment decisions and final buy/sell decisions of the International Real Estate Securities Fund. However, all investment decisions involve discussion with personnel from the Investment Adviser’s real estate securities group. Each of the Senior Portfolio Managers is responsible for liaising with research analysts around the world, promoting his or her securities selection ideas to the other members of the team and thereafter debating their inclusion in the portfolios.
 
  Growth Investment Team
  n   For 27 years the team has applied a consistent investment discipline through diverse and complete market cycles
  n   $28.5 billion in equities currently under management
  n   A deep and experienced portfolio management and research team comprised of industry experts that provide in-depth research within each sector

 
34


 

SERVICE PROVIDERS

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Growth Investment Team
             
Years
Primarily
Name and Title Fund Responsibility Responsible Five Year Employment History

Steven M. Barry
Managing Director
Chief Investment Officer
  Senior Portfolio Manager—
Tollkeeper
  Since
1999
  Mr. Barry joined the Investment Adviser as a portfolio manager in 1999. From 1988 to 1999, he was a portfolio manager at Alliance Capital Management.

Gregory H. Ekizian, CFA
Managing Director
Chief Investment
Officer
  Senior Portfolio Manager—
Tollkeeper
  Since
1999
  Mr. Ekizian joined the Investment Adviser as a portfolio manager in 1997 when Goldman Sachs Asset Management acquired Liberty Investment Management. He was a senior portfolio manager at Liberty prior to the acquisition. He joined Liberty’s predecessor firm Eagle Asset Management in 1990.

David G. Shell, CFA
Managing Director
Chief Investment
Officer
  Senior Portfolio Manager—
Tollkeeper
  Since
1999
  Mr. Shell joined the Investment Adviser as a portfolio manager in 1997 when Goldman Sachs Asset Management acquired Liberty Investment Management. He was a senior portfolio manager at Liberty prior to the acquisition. He joined Liberty’s predecessor firm Eagle Asset Management in 1987.

  Steve Barry, Dave Shell and Greg Ekizian are Chief Investment Officers (“CIOs”) of the Growth team. All 18 members of the team discuss their research analysis and recommendations with the whole team at investment strategy meetings. The entire team discusses and debates whether the business being presented meets the Growth team’s definition of a high-quality growth business and the attractiveness of the current valuation. The team reaches a consensus on whether a business is worthy of a position in the portfolio. The CIOs are accountable for all portfolio construction decisions and determine the appropriate weight for each investment.
 
  For information about the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers ownership of securities in the Funds, see the SAI.
 
  Commodity Strategy Team
  The Commodity Strategy portfolio management team includes individuals with backgrounds in commodities and fixed income investment management. With respect to the actively managed fixed income portion of the portfolio:

  n   The investment process revolves around four groups: the Investment Strategy Group, the Top-down Strategy Teams, the Bottom-up Strategy Teams and the Portfolio Teams.
 
35


 

  n   These teams strive to maximize risk-adjusted returns by de-emphasizing interest rate anticipation and focusing on security selection and sector allocation.
  n   The team manages approximately $184 billion in municipal and taxable fixed income assets for retail, institutional and high net worth clients.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Commodity Strategy Team
             
Years
Primarily
Name and Title Fund Responsibility Responsible Five Year Employment History

Jonathan Beinner
Managing Director and Co-Head U.S. and Global Fixed Income Teams
  Senior Portfolio Manager—
Commodity Strategy
  Since
2007
  Mr. Beinner joined the Investment Adviser in 1990 and became a portfolio manager in 1992. He became Co-Head of the U.S. and Global Fixed Income Teams in 2002.

Tom Kenny
Managing Director and Co-Head U.S. and Global Fixed Income Teams
  Senior Portfolio Manager—
Commodity Strategy
  Since
2007
  Mr. Kenny joined the Investment Adviser in 1999 as a senior portfolio manager. Previously, he spent 13 years at Franklin Templeton where he was a portfolio manager of high yield municipal and municipal funds, Director of Municipal Research and Director of the Municipal Bond Department. He became Co-Head of the U.S. and Global Fixed Income Teams in 2002.

James B. Clark
Managing Director, Co-Head U.S. Fixed Income Team
  Senior Portfolio Manager—
Commodity Strategy
  Since
2007
  Mr. Clark joined the Investment Adviser in 1994 as a portfolio manager after working as an investment manager in the mortgage-backed securities group at Travelers Insurance Company.

Stephen Lucas
Managing Director
  Portfolio Manager—
Commodity Strategy
  Since
2007
  Mr. Lucas is head of commodities management for the Global Fixed Income Team. He joined GSAM in 2001. Previously, he worked in Firmwide Risk at Goldman, Sachs & Co. Before that, he was a proprietary trader at Chase Manhattan. He has 11 years of industry experience.

Michael Johnson
Vice President
  Portfolio Manager—
Commodity Strategy
  Since
2007
  Mr. Johnson is a member of the commodities management team. Before joining GSAM in 2002, he was employed with Conning & Company as an Associate in the Equity Research Group for one year. Prior to that, Mr. Johnson was a Senior Financial Analyst with the Reinsurance Division at CIGNA Corporation.

  Jonathan Beinner serves as the Chief Investment Officer for the Global and U.S. Fixed Income Portfolio Management Team. Alongside Tom Kenny, he Co-Heads the Global and U.S. Fixed Income Team and is responsible for high-level
 
36


 

SERVICE PROVIDERS

  decisions pertaining to portfolios across multiple strategies. The Fixed Income Portfolio Management Team is organized into a series of specialist teams which focus on generating and implementing investment ideas within their area of expertise. Both top-down and bottom-up decisions are made by these small strategy teams, rather than by one portfolio manager or committee. Ultimate accountability for the portfolio resides with the lead portfolio managers, who set the long-term risk budget and oversee the portfolio construction process.
 
  The SAI provides information about the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers’ ownership of securities in the Funds.

   DISTRIBUTOR AND TRANSFER AGENT   

  Goldman Sachs, 85 Broad Street, New York, New York 10004, serves as the exclusive distributor (the “Distributor”) of each Fund’s shares. Goldman Sachs, 71 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 500, Chicago, Illinois 60606, also serves as each Fund’s 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 Funds. Goldman Sachs reserves the right to redeem at any time some or all of the shares acquired for its own account.

   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 a Fund or limit a Fund’s 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, financier, 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 Funds directly and indirectly invest. Thus, it is likely that the Funds 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

 
37


 

  the Funds and/or which engage in and compete for transactions in the same types of securities, currencies and instruments as the Funds. 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 Funds. The results of a Fund’s investment activities, therefore, may differ from those of Goldman Sachs, its affiliates and other accounts managed by Goldman Sachs, and it is possible that a 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 Funds may enter into transactions in which Goldman Sachs or its other clients have an adverse interest. For example, a Fund may take a long position in a security at the same time that Goldman Sachs or other accounts managed by the Investment Adviser take a short position in the same security (or vice versa). These and other transactions undertaken by Goldman Sachs, its affiliates or Goldman Sachs advised-clients may adversely impact the Funds. 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 Funds. A Fund’s 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 service 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 affect transactions in, securities of issuers held by the Funds, and may also perform or seek to perform investment 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 Funds or who engage in transactions with or for the Funds. For more information about conflicts of interest, see the SAI.
 
  Under a securities lending program approved by the Funds’ Board of Trustees, the Funds may retain an affiliate of the Investment Adviser to serve as a securities lending agent for each Fund to the extent that the Funds engage in the securities lending program. For these services, the lending agent may receive a fee from the Funds, including a fee based on the returns earned on the Funds’ investment of the cash received as collateral for the loaned securities. The Board of Trustees periodically reviews all portfolio securities loan transactions for which the affiliated lending agent has acted as lending agent. In addition, the Funds may make brokerage and other payments to Goldman Sachs and its affiliates in connection with the Funds’ portfolio investment transactions in accordance with applicable law.

 
38


 

 
  Dividends
 
  Each Fund pays dividends from its investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains. You may choose to have dividends and distributions paid in:
  n   Cash
  n   Additional shares of the same class of the same Fund
  n   Shares of the same class of another Goldman Sachs Fund. Special restrictions may apply. See the SAI.

  You may indicate your election on your Account Application. Any changes may be submitted in writing to the Transfer Agent 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 applicable 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 income and distributions from net capital gains are declared and paid as follows:

         
Investment Capital Gains
Fund Income Dividends Distributions

Real Estate Securities
  Quarterly   Annually

International Real Estate Securities
  Semi-annually   Annually

Tollkeeper
  Annually   Annually

Commodity Strategy
  Quarterly   Annually

  From time to time a portion of a Fund’s dividends may constitute a return of capital for tax purposes, and/or may include amounts in excess of the Fund’s net investment income for the period calculated in accordance with good accounting practice.
 
  When you purchase shares of a Fund, part of the NAV per share may be represented by undistributed income and/or undistributed realized gains that have previously been earned by the Fund. Therefore, subsequent distributions on such shares from such income and/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.

 
39


 

  Shareholder Guide

  The following section will provide you with answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding buying and selling the Funds’ Institutional Shares.

   HOW TO BUY SHARES   

  How Can I Purchase Institutional Shares Of The Funds?
  You may purchase Institutional Shares on any business day at their NAV next determined after receipt of an order. No sales load is charged. In order to make an initial investment in a Fund, you must furnish to the Fund or your financial institution an Account Application. You should either:
  n   Contact your financial institution, who may place an order through certain electronic trading platforms (e.g., National Securities Clearing Corporation) or contact the Goldman Sachs Trust (the “Trust”) to place an order;
  n   Place an order with Goldman Sachs at 1-800-621-2550 and wire federal funds on the next business day; or
  n   Send a check payable to Goldman Sachs Funds— (Name of Fund and Class of Shares), P.O. Box 06050, Chicago, IL 60606-6306. The Funds will not accept checks drawn on foreign banks, third party checks, temporary checks, cash or cash equivalents; e.g., cashier’s checks, official bank checks, money orders, travelers cheques or credit card checks. In limited situations involving the transfer of retirement assets, a Fund may accept cashier’s checks or official bank checks.

  It is strongly recommended that payment be effected by wiring federal funds.
 
  It is expected that checks will be converted to federal funds within two business days after receipt.
 
  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   A Fund will be deemed to have received an order in proper form when the order is accepted by the authorized institution or other financial intermediary on a business day, and the order will be priced at the Fund’s NAV per share (less any
 
40


 

SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  applicable redemption fee in the case of redemption orders) next determined after such acceptance.
  n   Authorized institutions and other financial 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 financial intermediary to learn whether it is authorized to accept orders for the Trust. These institutions or other financial intermediaries (“Intermediaries”) may receive payments from the Funds 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 Funds.
 
  The Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates may make payments or provide services to authorized dealers and other Intermediaries to promote the sale, distribution and/ or servicing of shares of the Funds and other Goldman Sachs Funds. These payments are made out of the Investment Adviser’s, Distributor’s and/ or their affiliates’ own assets, and are not an additional charge to the Funds. Such payments are intended to compensate Intermediaries for, among other things: marketing shares of the Funds and other Goldman Sachs Funds, which may consist of payments relating to Funds 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 Funds 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 Institutional Shares, as well as sponsor various educational programs, sales contests and/ or promotions. The payments by the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/ or their affiliates, which are in addition to the fees paid for these services by the Funds, may also compensate Intermediaries for subaccounting, sub-transfer agency, administrative and/ or shareholder processing services. These payments may exceed amounts earned on these assets by the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates for the performance of these or similar services. The amount of these additional payments is normally not expected to exceed 0.50% (annualized) of the amount sold or invested through the Intermediaries. In addition, certain Intermediaries may have access to certain services from the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates, including research reports and economic analysis, and portfolio analysis tools. In certain cases, the Intermediary may not pay for these services. Please refer to the “Payments to Intermediaries” section of the SAI for more information about these payments and services.

 
41


 

  The payments made by the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates and the services received by an Intermediary may differ for different Intermediaries. The presence of these payments, receipt of these services 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 Funds based, at least in part, on the level of compensation paid. You should contact your Authorized Institution or Intermediary for more information about the payments it receives and any potential conflicts of interest.
 
  In addition to Institutional Shares, each 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 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.

 
42


 

SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  What Is My Minimum Investment In The Funds?

     
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 a 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  Corporations with less than $100 million in assets or in outstanding publicly traded securities    

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; any Trustee or officer of the Trust; brokerage or advisory clients of Goldman Sachs Private Wealth Management and accounts for which The Goldman Sachs Trust Company of Delaware acts in fiduciary capacity ( i.e. , as agent or trustee); certain mutual fund “wrap” programs at the discretion of the Trust’s officers; and for
 
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  other investors at the discretion of the Trust’s officers. No minimum amount is required for additional investments.
 
  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 Institutional Shares of a 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 a Fund.
  n   Close a Fund to new investors from time to time and reopen any such Fund whenever it is deemed appropriate by a Fund’s Investment Adviser.
  n   Modify or waive the minimum investment requirements.
  n   Modify the manner in which shares are offered.
  n   Modify the sales charge rates applicable to future purchases of shares.

  Generally, non-U.S. citizens and certain U.S. citizens residing outside the United States may not open an account with the Funds.
 
  The Funds may allow you to purchase shares with securities instead of cash if consistent with a Fund’s investment policies and operations and if approved by the Fund’s Investment Adviser.
 
  Notwithstanding the foregoing, 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.
 
  Customer Identification Program. Federal law requires the Funds to obtain, verify and record identifying information, which will be reviewed solely for customer identification purposes, 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 information, for each investor who opens an account directly with the Funds. Applications without the required information may not be accepted by the Funds. After accepting an application, to the extent permitted by applicable law or their customer identification program, the Funds reserve 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 Funds; or (iii) involuntarily redeem an

 
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SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  investor’s shares and close an account in the event that the Funds are unable to verify an investor’s identity. The Funds and their agents will not be responsible for any loss in an investor’s account resulting from the investor’s delay in providing all required information or from closing an account and redeeming an investor’s shares pursuant to the customer identification program.
 
  How Are Shares Priced?
  The price you pay when you buy Institutional Shares is a Fund’s next determined NAV for a share class after the Fund receives your order in proper form. The price you receive when you sell Institutional Shares is a Fund’s next determined NAV for a share class with the redemption proceeds reduced by any applicable charge (e.g., redemption fees) after the Fund receives your order in proper form. The Funds calculate 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.
 
  In the event that a Fund invests a significant portion of assets in foreign equity securities, “fair value” prices are provided by an independent fair value service in accordance with the fair value procedures approved by the Trustees. 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 price for a particular security, or if the price provided does not meet the established criteria for a Fund, the Fund will price that security at the most recent closing price for that security on its principal exchange.
 
  In addition, the Investment Adviser, consistent with its procedures and applicable regulatory guidance, may (but need not) 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 a Fund’s 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

 
45


 

  fluctuations in U.S. or foreign markets; market dislocations; market disruptions or market closings; equipment failures; natural or man made disasters or acts of God; armed conflicts; 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, including those relating to earnings, products and regulatory news; significant litigation; low trading volume; and trading limits, or suspensions.
 
  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 Funds to price their 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).
 
  Please note the following with respect to the price at which your transactions are processed:
  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 other times 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   The Trust reserves the right to reprocess purchase (including dividend reinvestments), redemption and exchange transactions that were processed at a NAV that is subsequently adjusted, and to recover amounts from (or distribute amounts to) shareholders accordingly based on the official closing NAV as adjusted.
  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.

  Consistent with industry practice, investment transactions not settling on the same day are recorded and factored into a Fund’s NAV on the business day following trade date (T+1). The use of T+1 accounting generally does not, but may, result in a NAV that differs materially from the NAV that would result if all transactions were reflected on their trade dates.
 
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SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  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 its regularly scheduled closing time. In the event the New York Stock Exchange does not open for business, the Trust may, but is not required to, open one or more Funds for purchase, redemption and exchange transactions if the Federal Reserve wire payment system is open. To learn whether a Fund is open for business during this situation, please call 1-800-621-2550.
 
  Foreign securities may trade in their local markets on days a Fund is closed. As a result, if a Fund holds foreign securities, its NAV may be impacted on days when investors may not purchase or redeem Fund shares.

   HOW TO SELL SHARES   

  How Can I Sell Institutional Shares Of The Funds?
  You may arrange to take money out of your account by selling (redeeming) some or all of your shares. Generally, each Fund will redeem its Institutional Shares upon request on any business day at the NAV next determined after receipt of such request in proper form, subject to any applicable redemption fee. You may request that redemption proceeds be sent to you by check or wire (if the wire instructions are designated in the records of the Transfer Agent). Redemptions may be requested in writing, by electronic trading platform or by telephone (unless the institution opts out of the telephone redemption privilege on the Account Application).
 
  Generally, any redemption request that requires money to go to an account or address other than that designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent must be in writing and signed by an authorized person (a Medallion signature guarantee may be required). The written request may be confirmed by telephone with both the requesting party and the designated bank to verify instructions.
 
  Certain institutions and financial intermediaries are authorized to accept redemption requests on behalf of the Funds 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 the redemption proceeds sent to a bank account that is not designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent.

 
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  A Medallion 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 Medallion signature guarantee. Additional documentation may be required.
 
  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   Telephone requests are recorded.
  n   Proceeds of telephone redemption requests will be sent to your address of record or authorized account designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent (unless you provide written instructions and a Medallion 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 current records of the Transfer Agent (see immediately preceding bullet point). In order to receive the redemption by check during this time period, a redemption request must be in the form of a written letter (a Medallion signature guarantee may be required).
  n   The telephone redemption option may be modified or terminated at any time without prior notice.

  Note: It may be difficult to make telephone redemptions in times of unusual 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 domestic bank account as designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent. The following general policies govern wiring redemption proceeds:
  n   Redemption proceeds will normally be wired on the next business day in federal funds, but may be paid up to three business days following receipt of a properly executed wire transfer redemption request.
  n   Although redemption proceeds will normally be paid as described above, under certain circumstances, redemption requests or payments may be postponed or suspended as permitted under Section 22(e) of the Investment Company Act (the “Act”). Generally, under that section, redemption requests or payments may be

 
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SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  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 a Fund’s net assets not reasonably practicable; or (iii) the SEC, by order, permits the suspension of the right of redemption.
  n   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.
  n   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 until the Federal Reserve Bank reopens.
  n   To change the bank designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent, you must send written instructions, signed by an authorized person designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent.
  n   Neither the Trust nor Goldman Sachs assumes any responsibility for the performance of your bank or any other financial 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 receipt 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 Do I Need To Know About The Redemption Fee?
  The International Real Estate Securities Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund will charge a 2% redemption fee on the redemption of shares (including by exchange) held for 30 days or less. For this purpose, the Funds use a first-in first-out (“FIFO”) method so that shares held longest will be treated as being redeemed first and shares held shortest will be treated as being redeemed last. The redemption fee will be paid to the Fund from which the redemption is made, and is intended to offset the trading costs, market impact and other costs associated with short-term money movements in and out of the Fund. The redemption fee may be collected by deduction from the redemption proceeds or, if assessed after the redemption transaction, through a separate billing.
 
  The redemption fee does not apply to transactions involving the following:
  n   Redemptions of shares acquired by reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions.
  n   Redemptions of shares that are acquired or redeemed in connection with participation in a systematic withdrawal program or automatic investment plan.

 
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  n   Redemptions of shares by other Goldman Sachs Funds (e.g., Goldman Sachs Asset Allocation Portfolios).
  n   Redemptions of shares held through discretionary wrap programs or models programs that utilize a regularly scheduled automatic rebalancing of assets and that have provided GSAM with certain representations regarding operating policies and standards.
  n   Redemptions of shares involving transactions other than participant initiated exchanges from retirement plans and accounts maintained under Section 401 (tax-qualified pension, profit sharing, 401(k), money purchase and stock bonus plans), 403 (qualified annuity plans and tax-sheltered annuities) and 457 (deferred compensation plans for employees of tax-exempt entities or governments) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Redemptions involving transactions other than participant initiated exchanges would include, for example: loans; required minimum distributions; rollovers; forfeiture; redemptions of shares to pay fees; plan level redemptions or exchanges; redemptions pursuant to systematic withdrawal programs; return of excess contribution amounts; hardship withdrawals; redemptions related to death, disability or qualified domestic relations order; and certain other transactions.
  n   Redemptions of shares from accounts of financial institutions in connection with hedging services provided in support of nonqualified deferred compensation plans offering the Goldman Sachs Funds.
  n   Redemptions of shares where the Fund is made available as an underlying investment in certain group annuity contracts.
  n   Redemptions of shares that are issued as part of an investment company reorganization to which a Goldman Sachs Fund is a party.
  n   Redemptions of shares representing “seed capital” investments by Goldman Sachs or its affiliates.
  n   Redemptions of shares held through an employee benefit plan using the Fund as part of a qualified default investment alternative or “QDIA.”

  The Trust reserves the right to modify or eliminate the redemption fee or waivers at any time and will give 60 days prior written notice of any material changes, unless otherwise provided by law. The redemption fee policy may be modified or amended in the future.
 
  In addition to the circumstances noted above, the Trust reserves the right to grant additional exceptions based on such factors as system limitations, operational limitations, contractual limitations and further guidance from the SEC or other regulators.
 
  If your shares are held through a financial intermediary in an omnibus or other group account, the Trust relies on the financial intermediary to assess the

 
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SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  redemption fee on underlying shareholder accounts. The application of redemption fees and exceptions may vary and certain financial intermediaries may not apply the exceptions listed above. If you invest through a financial intermediary, please contact your financial intermediary for more information regarding when redemption fees will be applied to the redemption of your shares.
 
  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 in the event an institution’s relationship with Goldman Sachs is terminated and you do not transfer your account to another institution with a relationship with Goldman Sachs. The Trust will not be responsible for any loss in an investor’s account or tax liability resulting from the redemption.
  n   Redeem your shares if your account balance is below the required Fund minimum. The Funds 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 Funds will give you 60 days prior written notice to allow you to purchase sufficient additional shares of the Funds in order to avoid such redemption.
  n   Subject to applicable law, 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.
  n   Reinvest any amounts (e.g., dividends, distributions or redemption proceeds) which you have elected to receive by check should your check be returned to a Fund as undeliverable or remain uncashed for six months. This provision may not apply to certain retirement or qualified accounts or to a closed account. No interest will accrue on amounts represented by uncashed checks.

 
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  Can I Exchange My Investment From One Goldman Sachs Fund To Another Goldman Sachs Fund?
  You may exchange Institutional Shares of a Fund at NAV for certain shares of another Goldman Sachs Fund. Redemption of shares (including by exchange) of the International Real Estate Securities Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund that are held for 30 days or less (60 days or less with respect to the Goldman Sachs High Yield and High Yield Municipal Funds) may, however, be subject to a redemption fee as described above under “What Do I Need To Know About The Redemption Fee?” The exchange privilege may be materially modified or withdrawn at any time upon 60 days written notice.
 
  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 Goldman Sachs Fund you are acquiring before making an exchange.
  n   Currently, the Funds do not impose any charge for exchanges, although the Funds may impose a charge in the future.
  n   Normally, a telephone exchange 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 unusual economic or market conditions.
  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   A signature guarantee may be required.
  n   Exchanges into Goldman Sachs Funds that are closed to new investors may be restricted.
  n   Exchanges into a Fund from another Goldman Sachs Fund may be subject to any redemption fee imposed by the other Goldman Sachs Fund.

  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 be provided with a printed confirmation of each transaction in your account and a monthly account statement. If your account is held in a “street name” you may receive your statements and confirmations on a different schedule.

 
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SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  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 your financial intermediary or Goldman Sachs Funds by phone at 1-800-621-2550 or by mail at Goldman Sachs Funds, P.O. Box 06050, Chicago, IL 60606-6306 or your financial intermediary. The Fund will begin sending individual copies to you within 30 days after receipt of your revocation.
 
  In addition, institutions and other financial intermediaries will be responsible for providing any communications from a Fund to its shareholders, including but not limited to prospectuses, prospectus supplements, proxy materials and notices regarding the sources of dividend payments under Section 19 of the Act.

   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 redemption 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 respective Funds. 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 longer-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 Trust’s (or Goldman Sachs’) judgment, an investor has a history of excessive trading or if an investor’s trading, in the judgment of the Trust (or Goldman Sachs), has been or may be disruptive to a 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 Real Estate Securities Fund, Commodity Strategy Fund and certain other Goldman Sachs Funds (which

 
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  are offered in separate prospectuses) impose a redemption fee on redemptions made within 30 days of purchase (60 days of purchase with respect to the Goldman Sachs High Yield and High Yield Municipal Funds) subject to certain exceptions. See “Shareholder Guide — How To Sell Shares — What Do I Need To Know About The Redemption Fee?” for more information about the redemption fee, including transactions and certain omnibus accounts to which the redemption fee does not apply. As a further deterrent to excessive trading, many foreign equity securities held by the Funds are priced by an independent pricing service using fair valuation. For more information on fair valuation, please see “Shareholder Guide — How To Buy Shares — How Are Shares Priced?”
 
  Pursuant to the policy adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust, 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 Funds in order to assess the likelihood that a 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. Consistent with the standards described above, if, in its judgment, Goldman Sachs detects excessive, short-term trading, Goldman Sachs is authorized to reject or restrict a purchase or exchange request and may further seek to close an investor’s account with a 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 financial intermediaries such as broker-dealers, investment advisers and insurance companies. In addition, Fund shares may be held in omnibus 401(k) plans, employee benefit plans and other group accounts. Omnibus accounts include multiple investors and such accounts typically provide the Funds 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 ordinarily not tracked by the Funds on a regular basis. 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, a Fund’s ability to monitor and detect market-timing by shareholders or apply any applicable redemption fee in these omnibus accounts may be limited in certain circumstances, and certain of these financial intermediaries may charge the Fund a fee for providing certain shareholder information requested as part of the Fund’s surveillance process. The

 
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SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  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 Funds 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. If necessary, the Trust may prohibit additional purchases of Fund shares by a financial intermediary or by certain of the financial intermediary’s customers. Financial intermediaries may also monitor their customers’ trading activities in the Funds. The criteria used by financial intermediaries to monitor for excessive trading may differ from the criteria used by the Funds. If a financial intermediary fails to cooperate in the implementation or enforcement of the Trust’s excessive trading policies, the Trust may take certain actions including terminating the relationship.
 
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  Taxation
 
  As with any investment, you should consider how your investment in the Funds will be taxed. The tax information below is provided as general information. More tax information is available in the SAI. You should consult your tax adviser about the federal, state, local or foreign tax consequences of your investment in the Funds. Except as otherwise noted, the tax information provided assumes that you are a U.S. citizen or resident.
 
  Unless your investment is through an IRA or other tax-advantaged account, you should consider the possible tax consequences of Fund distributions and the sale of your Fund shares.

   DISTRIBUTIONS   

  Each Fund contemplates declaring as dividends each year all or substantially all of its taxable income. Distributions you receive from the Funds are generally subject to federal income tax, and may also be subject to state or local taxes. This is true whether you reinvest your distributions in additional Fund shares or receive them in cash. For federal tax purposes, the Funds’ distributions attributable to net investment income and short-term capital gains are taxable to you as ordinary income. Any long-term capital gain distributions are taxable as long-term capital gains, no matter how long you have owned your Fund shares.
 
  Under current provisions of the Code, the maximum long-term capital gain tax rate applicable to individuals, estates, and trusts is 15%. Fund distributions to noncorporate shareholders attributable to dividends received by the Funds 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. For these lower rates to apply, the non-corporate shareholder must own the relevant Fund shares for at least 61 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the Fund’s ex-dividend date. The amount of a Fund’s distributions that would otherwise qualify for this favorable tax treatment will be reduced as a result of a Fund’s securities lending activities or by a high portfolio turnover rate.
 
  A sunset provision provides that the 15% long-term capital gain rate will increase to 20% and the taxation of dividends at the long-term capital gain rate will end after 2010.
 
  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’ (other than the Real Estate Securities and International Real Estate Securities Funds)

 
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TAXATION

  dividends paid to corporate shareholders may be eligible for the corporate dividends-received deduction. This percentage may, however, be reduced as a result of a Fund’s securities lending activities or by a high portfolio turnover rate. Character and tax status of all distributions will be available to shareholders after the close of each calendar year. The REIT investments of the Real Estate Securities Fund and the International Real Estate Securities Fund often do not provide complete tax information to the Fund until after the calendar year. Consequently, because of the delay, it may be necessary for the Fund to request permission to extend the deadline for issuance of Forms 1099-DIV beyond January 31.
 
  Each Fund may be subject to foreign withholding or other foreign taxes on income or gain from certain foreign securities. In general, the Funds may deduct these taxes in computing their taxable income. Rather than deducting these foreign taxes, the International Real Estate Securities Fund may make an election to treat a proportionate amount of those taxes as constituting a distribution to each shareholder, which would allow you either (i) to credit that proportionate amount of taxes against U.S. Federal income tax liability as a foreign tax credit or (ii) to take that amount as an itemized deduction.
 
  If you buy shares of a 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 into a dividend.”

   SALES AND EXCHANGES   

  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 capital 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 shares of a Fund may be disallowed under “wash sale” rules to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced with other shares of that 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 that Fund. If disallowed, the loss will be reflected in an adjustment to the basis of the shares acquired.

 
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   OTHER INFORMATION   

  When you open your account, you should provide your Social Security Number or tax identification number on your Account Application. By law, each 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.
 
  Non-U.S. investors are generally subject to U.S. withholding tax and may be subject to U.S. estate tax. However, withholding is generally not required on properly designated distributions to non U.S. investors of long-term capital gains.

 
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  Appendix A
Additional Information on Portfolio
Risks, Securities and Techniques

   A.  General Portfolio Risks   

  The Funds 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 (such as swaps and futures contracts) 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 a 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 Funds may increase or decrease. In recent years, certain stock markets have experienced substantial price volatility.
 
  To the extent that a Fund invests in fixed income securities, that Fund will also be subject to the risks associated with its fixed income securities. These risks include interest rate risk, credit/default risk and call/extension risk. In general, interest rate risk involves the risk that when interest rates decline, the market value of fixed income securities tends to increase (although many mortgage-related securities will have less potential than other debt securities for capital appreciation during periods of declining rates). Conversely, when interest rates increase, the market value of fixed income securities tends to decline. Credit/default risk involves the risk that an issuer or guarantor could default on its obligations, and a Fund will not recover its investment. Call risk and extension risk are normally present in mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities. For example, homeowners have the option to prepay their mortgages. Therefore, the duration of a security backed by home mortgages can either shorten (call risk) or lengthen (extension risk). In general, if interest rates on new mortgage loans fall sufficiently below the interest rates on existing outstanding mortgage loans, the rate of prepayment would be expected to increase. Conversely, if mortgage loan interest rates rise above the interest rates on existing outstanding mortgage loans, the rate of prepayment would be expected to decrease. In either case, a change in the prepayment rate can result in losses to

 
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  investors. The same would be true of asset-backed securities such as securities backed by car loans.
 
  The Investment Adviser will not consider the portfolio turnover rate a limiting factor in making investment decisions for a Fund. A high rate of portfolio turnover (100% or more) involves correspondingly greater expenses which must be borne by a 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 a Fund’s portfolio securities, excluding securities having a maturity at the date of purchase of one year or less. See “Financial Highlights” in Appendix B for a statement of the Funds’ historical portfolio turnover rates.
 
  The following sections provide further information on certain types of securities and investment techniques that may be used by the Funds, including their associated risks. Additional information is provided in the SAI, which is available upon request. Among other things, the SAI 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 a Fund’s investment objective, you should consider whether that Fund remains an appropriate investment in light of your then current financial position and needs.

   B.  Other Portfolio Risks   

  Risks of Investing in Internet and Internet-Related Companies. The Tollkeeper Fund may invest in Internet and Internet-related companies. Internet and Internet-related companies are generally subject to a rate of change in technology which is higher than other industries and often requires extensive and sustained investment in research and development. As a result, Internet and Internet-related companies are exposed to the risk of rapid product obsolescence. Changes in governmental policies, such as telephone and cable regulations and anti-trust enforcement, and the need for regulatory approvals may have an adverse effect on the products, services and securities of Internet and Internet-related companies. Internet and Internet-related companies may also produce or use products or services that prove commercially unsuccessful. In addition, intense worldwide competitive pressures and changing demand, evolving industry standards, challenges in achieving product capability, loss of patent protection or proprietary rights, reduction or interruption in the supply of key components, changes in strategic alliances, frequent mergers or acquisitions or other factors can have a significant effect on the financial conditions of companies in these industries. Competitive pressures in the Internet and Internet-related industries
 
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APPENDIX A

  may affect negatively the financial condition of Internet and Internet-related companies. Internet and Internet-related companies are also subject to the risk of service disruptions and the risk of losses arising out of litigation related to these disruptions. In certain instances, Internet and Internet-related securities may experience significant price movements caused by disproportionate investor optimism or pessimism with little or no basis in fundamental economic conditions. As a result of these and other reasons, investments in the Internet and Internet-related industry can experience sudden and rapid appreciation and depreciation.
 
  Risks of Initial Public Offerings. The Tollkeeper, Real Estate Securities and International Real Estate Securities Funds may invest in IPOs. An IPO is a company’s first offering of stock to the public. IPO risk is the risk that the market value of IPO shares will fluctuate considerably due to factors such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, the small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the issuer. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. IPO shares are subject to market risk and liquidity risk. When a Fund’s asset base is small, a significant portion of the Fund’s performance could be attributable to investments in IPOs, because such investments would have a magnified impact on the Fund. As the Fund’s assets grow, the effect of the Fund’s investments in IPOs on the Fund’s performance probably will decline, which could reduce the Fund’s performance. Because of the price volatility of IPO shares, a Fund may choose to hold IPO shares for a very short period of time. This may increase the turnover of the Fund’s portfolio and may lead to increased expenses to the Fund, such as commissions and transaction costs. By selling IPO shares, the Fund may realize taxable gains it will subsequently distribute to shareholders. In addition, the market for IPO shares can be speculative and/or inactive for extended periods of time. There is no assurance that a Fund will be able to obtain allocable portions of IPO shares. The limited number of shares available for trading in some IPOs may make it more difficult for a Fund to buy or sell significant amounts of shares without an unfavorable impact on prevailing prices. Investors in IPO shares can be affected by substantial dilution in the value of their shares, by sales of additional shares and by concentration of control in existing management and principal shareholders.
 
  Risks of Investing in Small Capitalization and Mid-Capitalization Companies and REITs. The Funds may, to the extent consistent with their respective investment policies, invest in small and mid-capitalization companies and REITs. Investments in small and mid-capitalization companies and REITs involve greater risk and portfolio price volatility than investments in larger capitalization stocks. Among the reasons for the greater price volatility of these investments are the less certain growth prospects of smaller firms and the lower degree of liquidity in the markets for such securities. Small and mid-capitalization companies and REITs may be

 
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  thinly traded and may have to be sold at a discount from current market prices or in small lots over an extended period of time. In addition, these securities are subject to the risk that during certain periods the liquidity of particular issuers or industries, or all securities in particular investment categories, will shrink or disappear suddenly and without warning as a result of adverse economic or market conditions, or adverse investor perceptions whether or not accurate. Because of the lack of sufficient market liquidity, a Fund may incur losses because it will be required to effect sales at a disadvantageous time and only then at a substantial drop in price. Small and mid-capitalization companies and REITs include “unseasoned” issuers that do not have an established financial history; often have limited product lines, markets or financial resources; may depend on or use a few key personnel for management; and may be susceptible to losses and risks of bankruptcy. Small and mid-capitalization companies may be operating at a loss or have significant variations in operating results; may be engaged in a rapidly changing business with products subject to a substantial risk of obsolescence; may require substantial additional capital to support their operations, to finance expansion or to maintain their competitive position; and may have substantial borrowings or may otherwise have a weak financial condition. In addition, these companies may face intense competition, including competition from companies with greater financial resources, more extensive development, manufacturing, marketing, and other capabilities, and a larger number of qualified managerial and technical personnel. Transaction costs for these investments are often higher than those of larger capitalization companies. Investments in small and mid-capitalization companies and REITs may be more difficult to price precisely than other types of securities because of their characteristics and lower trading volumes.
 
  Risks of Foreign Investments. The Funds may make foreign investments. 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 a 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.
 
  Brokerage commissions, custodial services and other costs relating to investment in international securities markets generally are more expensive than in the United States.

 
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APPENDIX A

  In addition, clearance and settlement procedures may be different in foreign countries and, in certain markets, such procedures have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, thus making it difficult to conduct such transactions.
 
  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.
 
  Concentration of a Fund’s assets in one or a few countries and currencies will subject a Fund to greater risks than if a Fund’s assets were not geographically concentrated.
 
  Investment in sovereign debt obligations by a Fund involves risks not present in debt obligations of corporate issuers. The issuer of the debt or the governmental authorities that control the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal or interest when due in accordance with the terms of such debt, and a Fund may have limited recourse to compel payment in the event of a default. Periods of economic uncertainty may result in the volatility of market prices of sovereign debt, and in turn a Fund’s NAV, to a greater extent than the volatility inherent in debt obligations of U.S. issuers.
 
  A sovereign debtor’s willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its foreign currency reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor’s policy toward international lenders, and the political constraints to which a sovereign debtor may be subject.
 
  Investments in foreign securities may take the form of sponsored and unsponsored American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) and Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”). Certain Funds may also invest in European Depositary Receipts

 
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  (“EDRs”) or other similar instruments representing securities of foreign issuers. ADRs, GDRs and EDRs 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. EDRs are traded primarily outside the United States. Prices of ADRs are quoted in U.S. dollars. EDRs and GDRs are not necessarily quoted in the same currency as the underlying security.
 
  Risks of Emerging Countries. Certain Funds may invest in securities of issuers located in emerging countries. The risks of foreign investment are heightened when the issuer is located in an emerging country. Emerging countries are generally located in the Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe and Central and South America. A Fund’s purchase and sale of portfolio securities in certain emerging countries may be constrained by limitations relating to daily changes in the prices of listed securities, periodic trading or settlement volume and/or limitations on aggregate holdings of foreign investors. Such limitations may be computed based on the aggregate trading volume by or holdings of a Fund, the Investment Adviser, its affiliates and their respective clients and other service providers. A Fund may not be able to sell securities in circumstances where price, trading or settlement volume limitations have been reached.
 
  Foreign investment in the securities markets of certain emerging countries is restricted or controlled to varying degrees which may limit investment in such countries or increase the administrative costs of such investments. For example, certain Asian countries require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons or limit investment by foreign persons to only a specified percentage of an issuer’s outstanding securities or a specific class of securities which may have less advantageous terms (including price) than securities of the issuer available for purchase by nationals. In addition, certain countries may restrict or prohibit investment opportunities in issuers or industries deemed important to national interests. Such restrictions may affect the market price, liquidity and rights of securities that may be purchased by a Fund. The repatriation of both investment income and capital from certain emerging countries is subject to restrictions such as the need for governmental consents. In situations where a country restricts direct investment in securities (which may occur in certain Asian and other countries), a Fund may invest in such countries through other investment funds in such countries.
 
  Many emerging countries have experienced currency devaluations and substantial (and, in some cases, extremely high) rates of inflation. Other emerging countries have experienced economic recessions. These circumstances have had a negative effect on the economies and securities markets of such emerging countries. Economies in emerging countries generally are dependent heavily upon commodity prices and

 
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APPENDIX A

  international trade and, accordingly, have been and may continue to be affected adversely by the economies of their trading partners, trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade.
 
  Many emerging countries are subject to a substantial degree of economic, political and social instability. Governments of some emerging countries are authoritarian in nature or have been installed or removed as a result of military coups, while governments in other emerging countries have periodically used force to suppress civil dissent. Disparities of wealth, the pace and success of democratization, and ethnic, religious and racial disaffection, among other factors, have also led to social unrest, violence and/or labor unrest in some emerging countries. Unanticipated political or social developments may result in sudden and significant investment losses. Investing in emerging countries involves greater risk of loss due to expropriation, nationalization, confiscation of assets and property or the imposition of restrictions on foreign investments and on repatriation of capital invested. As an example, in the past, some Eastern European governments have expropriated substantial amounts of private property, and many claims of the property owners have never been fully settled. There is no assurance that similar expropriations will not recur in Eastern European or other countries.
 
  A Fund’s investment in emerging countries may also be subject to withholding or other taxes, which may be significant and may reduce the return to a Fund from an investment in issuers in such countries to the Fund.
 
  Settlement procedures in emerging countries are frequently less developed and reliable than those in the United States and may involve a Fund’s delivery of securities before receipt of payment for their sale. In addition, significant delays may occur in certain markets in registering the transfer of securities. Settlement or registration problems may make it more difficult for a Fund to value its portfolio securities and could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities, to have a portion of its assets uninvested or to incur losses due to the failure of a counterparty to pay for securities the Fund has delivered or the Fund’s inability to complete its contractual obligations because of theft or other reasons.
 
  The creditworthiness of the local securities firms used by a Fund in emerging countries may not be as sound as the creditworthiness of firms used in more developed countries. As a result, the Fund may be subject to a greater risk of loss if a securities firm defaults in the performance of its responsibilities.
 
  The small size and inexperience of the securities markets in certain emerging countries and the limited volume of trading in securities in those countries may make a Fund’s investments in such countries less liquid and more volatile than

 
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  investments in countries with more developed securities markets (such as the United States, Japan and most Western European countries). A Fund’s investments in emerging countries are subject to the risk that the liquidity of a particular investment, or investments generally, in such countries will shrink or disappear suddenly and without warning as a result of adverse economic, market or political conditions or adverse investor perceptions, whether or not accurate. Because of the lack of sufficient market liquidity, a Fund may incur losses because it will be required to effect sales at a disadvantageous time and only then at a substantial drop in price. Investments in emerging countries may be more difficult to value precisely because of the characteristics discussed above and lower trading volumes.
 
  A Fund’s use of foreign currency management techniques in emerging countries may be limited. The Investment Adviser anticipates that a significant portion of the Funds’ currency exposure in emerging countries may not be covered by these techniques.
 
  Risks of Derivative Investments. The Funds may invest in derivative instruments including without limitation, options, futures, swaps, interest rate caps, floors, collars and swaps, structured securities and forward contracts and other derivatives relating to foreign currency transactions. Investments in derivative instruments may be both for hedging and nonhedging purposes (that is, to seek to increase total return), although suitable derivative instruments may not always be available to the Investment Adviser for these purposes. Losses from investments in derivative instruments 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, the failure of the counterparty to perform its contractual obligations, 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 the timing or level of fluctuations in securities prices, interest rates or currency prices. Investments in derivative instruments may be harder to value, subject to greater volatility and more likely subject to changes in tax treatment than other investments. For these reasons, the Investment Adviser’s attempts to hedge portfolio risks through the use of derivative instruments may not be successful, and the Investment Adviser may choose not to hedge certain portfolio risks. Investing for nonhedging purposes is considered a speculative practice and presents even greater risk of loss.
 
  Risk of Equity Swap Transactions. Equity swaps are two party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors. In a standard “swap” transaction, the parties agree to pay or exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on a particular predetermined asset (or group of assets) which may be adjusted for transaction costs, interest payments, dividends paid on the

 
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APPENDIX A

  reference asset or other factors. The gross returns to be paid or “swapped” between the parties are generally calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” for example, the increase or decrease in value of a particular dollar amount invested in the asset.
 
  Equity swaps may be structured in different ways. For example, when the Fund takes a long position, a counterparty may agree to pay the Fund the amount, if any, by which the notional amount of the equity swap would have increased in value had it been invested in a particular stock (or group of stocks), plus the dividends that would have been received on the stock. In these cases, the Fund may agree to pay to the counterparty interest on the notional amount of the equity swap plus the amount, if any, by which that notional amount would have decreased in value had it been invested in such stock. Therefore, in this case the return to the Fund on the equity swap should be the gain or loss on the notional amount plus dividends on the stock less the interest paid by the Fund on the notional amount. In other cases, when the Fund takes a short position, a counterparty may agree to pay the Fund the amount, if any, by which the notional amount of the equity swap would have decreased in value had the Fund sold a particular stock (or group of stocks) short, less the dividend expense that the Fund would have paid on the stock, as adjusted for interest payments or other economic factors.
 
  Under an equity swap, payments may be made at the conclusion of the equity swap or periodically during its term. Sometimes, however, the Investment Adviser may be able to terminate a swap contract prior to its term, subject to any potential termination fee that is in addition to the Fund’s accrued obligations under the swap. Equity swaps will be made in the over-the-counter market and will be entered into with a counterparty that typically will be an investment banking firm, broker-dealer or bank.
 
  Equity swaps are derivatives and their value can be very volatile. To the extent that the Investment Adviser does not accurately analyze and predict future market trends, the values of assets or economic factors, the Fund may suffer a loss, which may be substantial.
 
  Risks of Illiquid Securities. Each 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:
  n   Both domestic and foreign securities that are not readily marketable
  n   Certain stripped mortgage-backed securities
  n   Repurchase agreements and time deposits with a notice or demand period of more than seven days
  n   Certain over-the-counter options
  n   Certain structured securities and swap transactions

 
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  n   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”).

  Investing in 144A Securities may decrease the liquidity of a Fund’s 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.
 
  Securities purchased by the Funds, particularly debt securities and over-the-counter traded securities, that are liquid at the time of purchase may subsequently become illiquid due to events relating to the issuer of the securities, markets events, economic conditions or investor perceptions. Domestic and foreign markets are becoming more and more complex and interrelated, so that events in one sector of the market or the economy, or in one geographical region, can reverberate and have negative consequences for other market, economic or regional sectors in a manner that may not be reasonably foreseen. With respect to over-the-counter traded securities, the continued viability of any over-the-counter secondary market depends on the continued willingness of dealers and other participants to purchase the securities.
 
  If one or more instruments in a Fund’s portfolio become illiquid, the Fund may exceed its 15 percent limitation in illiquid instruments. In the event that changes in the portfolio or other external events cause the investments in illiquid instruments to exceed 15 percent of a Fund’s net assets, the Fund must take steps to bring the aggregate amount of illiquid instruments back within the prescribed limitations as soon as reasonably practicable. This requirement would not force a Fund to liquidate any portfolio instrument where the Fund would suffer a loss on the sale of that instrument.
 
  In cases where no clear indication of the value of the Fund’s portfolio instruments is available, the portfolio instruments will be valued at their fair value according to the valuation procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. These cases include, among others, situations where the secondary markets on which a security has previously been traded are no longer viable for lack of liquidity. For more information on fair valuation, please see “Shareholder Guide— How to Buy Shares— How Are Shares Priced?”.

 
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APPENDIX A

  Credit/Default Risks. Debt securities purchased by the Funds 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 SAI.
 
  Debt securities rated BBB or higher by Standard & Poor’s Rating Group (“Standard & Poor’s”), or Baa or higher by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or having a comparable rating by another NRSRO are considered “investment grade.” Securities rated BBB or Baa are 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 a Fund’s 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 a Fund’s 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 a Fund and its shareholders.
 
  Certain Funds may invest in fixed income securities rated BB or Ba or below (or comparable unrated securities) which are commonly referred to as “junk bonds.” Junk bonds are considered predominantly speculative and may be questionable as to principal and interest payments.
 
  In some cases, junk bonds may be highly speculative, have poor prospects for reaching investment grade standing and be in default. As a result, investment in such bonds will present greater speculative risks than those associated with investment in investment grade bonds. Also, to the extent that the rating assigned to a security in a Fund’s portfolio is downgraded by a rating organization, the market price and liquidity of such security may be adversely affected.
 
  Temporary Investment Risks. Each Fund may, for temporary defensive purposes, invest a certain percentage of its total assets in:
  n   U.S. government securities
  n   Commercial paper rated at least A-2 by Standard & Poor’s; P-2 by Moody’s or having a comparable rating by another NRSRO

 
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  n   Certificates of deposit
  n   Bankers’ acceptances
  n   Repurchase agreements
  n   Non-convertible preferred stocks and non-convertible corporate bonds with a remaining maturity of less than one year
  n   Cash items

  When a Fund’s assets are invested in such instruments, the Fund may not be achieving its investment objective.
 
  Risk of Large Shareholder Redemptions. Certain funds, accounts, individuals or Goldman Sachs affiliates may from time to time own (beneficially or of record) or control a significant percentage of a Fund’s shares. Redemptions by these funds, accounts or individuals of their holdings in a Fund may impact the Fund’s liquidity and NAV. These redemptions may also force a Fund to sell securities, which may negatively impact the Fund’s brokerage and tax costs.

   C.  Portfolio Securities and Techniques   

  This section provides further information on certain types of securities and investment techniques that may be used by the Funds, including their associated risks.
 
  The Funds may purchase other types of securities or instruments similar to those described in this section if otherwise consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and policies. Further information is provided in the SAI, which is available upon request.
 
  Convertible Securities. Each 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 a 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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APPENDIX A

  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.
 
  Foreign Currency Transactions. Certain Funds may, to the extent consistent with its investment policies, purchase or sell foreign currencies on a cash basis or through forward contracts. A forward contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. A Fund may engage in foreign currency transactions for hedging purposes and to seek to protect against anticipated changes in future foreign currency exchange rates. In addition, certain Funds may enter into foreign currency transactions to seek a closer correlation between the Fund’s overall currency exposures and the currency exposures of the Fund’s performance benchmark. Certain Funds may also enter into such transactions to seek to increase total return, which is considered a speculative practice.
 
  Some Funds may also engage in cross-hedging by using forward contracts in a currency different from that in which the hedged security is denominated or quoted. A Fund may hold foreign currency received in connection with investments in foreign securities when, in the judgment of the Investment Adviser, it would be beneficial to convert such currency into U.S. dollars at a later date ( e.g. the Investment Adviser may anticipate the foreign currency to appreciate against the U.S. dollar).
 
  Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time, causing, along with other factors, a Fund’s NAV to fluctuate (when the Fund’s NAV fluctuates, the value of your shares may go up or down). Currency exchange rates also can be affected unpredictably by the intervention of 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.
 
  The market in forward foreign currency exchange contracts, currency swaps and other privately negotiated currency instruments offers less protection against defaults by the other party to such instruments than is available for currency instruments traded on an exchange. Such contracts are subject to the risk that the counterparty to the contract will default on its obligations. Since these contracts are not guaranteed by an exchange or clearinghouse, a default on a contract would deprive a Fund of unrealized profits, transaction costs or the benefits of a currency hedge or could force the Fund to cover its purchase or sale commitments, if any, at the current market price.
 
  As an investment company registered with the SEC, the Fund must “set aside” (often referred to as “asset segregation”) liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” open positions with respect to its transactions in forward currency contracts.

 
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  Duration. The Commodity Strategy Fund’s duration approximates its price sensitivity to changes in interest rates. For example, suppose that interest rates in one day fall by one percent which, in turn, causes yields on every bond in the market to fall by the same amount. In this example, the price of a bond with a duration of three years may be expected to rise approximately three percent and the price of a bond with a five year duration may be expected to rise approximately five percent. The converse is also true. Suppose interest rates in one day rise by one percent which, in turn, causes yields on every bond in the market to rise by the same amount. In this second example, the price of a bond with a duration of three years may be expected to fall approximately three percent and the price of a bond with a five year duration may be expected to fall approximately five percent. The longer the duration of a bond, the more sensitive the bond’s price is to changes in interest rates. Maturity measures the time until final payment is due; it takes no account of the pattern of a security’s cash flows over time. In calculating maturity, a Fund may determine the maturity of a variable or floating rate obligation according to its interest rate reset date, or the date principal can be recovered on demand, rather than the date of ultimate maturity. Similarly, to the extent that a fixed income obligation has a call, refunding, or redemption provision, the date on which the instrument is expected to be called, refunded or redeemed may be considered to be its maturity date. There is no guarantee that the expected call, refund or redemption will occur, and the Fund’s average maturity may lengthen beyond the Investment Adviser’s expectations should the expected call, refund or redemption not occur. In computing portfolio duration, the Fund will estimate the duration of obligations that are subject to prepayment or redemption by the issuer, taking into account the influence of interest rates on prepayments and coupon flows. This method of computing duration is known as “option-adjusted” duration. The Investment Adviser may use futures contracts, options on futures contracts and swaps to manage the Fund’s target duration in accordance with its benchmark. The Fund will not be limited as to its maximum weighted average portfolio maturity or the maximum stated maturity with respect to individual securities unless otherwise noted.
 
  The Investment Adviser uses derivative instruments, among other things, to manage the durations of the Commodity Strategy Fund’s investment portfolio. These derivative instruments include financial futures contracts and swap transactions, as well as other types of derivatives, and can be used to shorten and lengthen the duration of the Fund. The Fund’s investments in derivative instruments, including financial futures contracts and swaps, can be significant. These transactions can result in sizeable realized and unrealized capital gains and losses relative to the gains and losses from the Fund’s investments in bonds and other securities. Short-

 
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APPENDIX A

  term and long-term realized capital gains distributions paid by the Fund are taxable to its shareholders.
 
  Interest rates, fixed income securities prices, the prices of futures and other derivatives, and currency exchange rates can be volatile, and a variance in the degree of volatility or in the direction of the market from the Investment Adviser’s expectations may produce significant losses in the Commodity Strategy Fund’s investments in derivatives. In addition, a perfect correlation between a derivatives position and a fixed income security position is generally impossible to achieve. As a result, the Investment Adviser’s use of derivatives may not be effective in fulfilling the Investment Adviser’s investment strategies and may contribute to losses that would not have been incurred otherwise.
 
  Financial futures contracts used by the Commodity Strategy Fund include interest rate futures contracts including, among others, Eurodollar futures contracts. Eurodollar futures contracts are U.S. dollar-denominated futures contracts that are based on the implied forward London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) of a three-month deposit. Further information is included in this Prospectus regarding futures contracts, swaps and other derivative instruments used by the Fund, including information on the risks presented by these instruments and other purposes for which they may be used by the Fund.
 
  Credit Ratings. The Commodity Strategy Fund also has credit rating requirements for the securities it buys. The Fund will deem a security to have met its minimum credit rating requirement if the security has the required rating at the time of purchase from at least one NRSRO even though it has been rated below the minimum rating by one or more other NRSROs. Unrated securities may be purchased by the Fund if they are determined by the Investment Adviser to be of comparable quality. A security satisfies the Fund’s 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 Fund’s minimum rating requirement at the time of purchase and is subsequently downgraded below such rating, the Fund will not be required to dispose of such security. This is so even if the downgrade causes the average credit quality of the Fund to be lower than that stated in the Prospectus. Furthermore, during this period, the Investment Adviser will only buy securities at or above the Fund’s average rating requirement. If a downgrade occurs, the Investment Adviser will consider what action, including the sale of such security, is in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders.
 
  The Commodity Strategy Fund may invest in credit default swaps, which are derivative investments. When the Fund sells a credit default swap (commonly known as selling protection), the Fund may be required to pay the “notional

 
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  value” of the credit default swap on a specified security (or group of securities) if the security defaults. The Fund will be the seller of a credit default swap only when the credit of the security is deemed by the Investment Adviser to meet the Fund’s minimum credit criteria at the time the swap is first entered into.
 
  Commodity-Linked Securities. The Commodity Strategy Fund may seek to provide exposure to the investment returns of real assets that trade in the commodity markets through investments in commodity-linked derivative securities, which are designed to provide this exposure without direct investment in physical commodities or commodities futures contracts. Real assets are assets such as oil, gas, industrial and precious metals, livestock, and agricultural or meat products, or other items that have tangible properties, as compared to stocks or bonds, which are financial instruments. In choosing investments, the Investment Adviser seeks to provide exposure to various commodities and commodity sectors. The value of commodity-linked derivative securities may be affected by a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, overall market movements and other factors affecting the value of particular industries or commodities, such as weather, disease, embargoes, acts of war or terrorism, or political and regulatory developments.
 
  The prices of commodity-linked derivative securities may move in different directions than investments in traditional equity and debt securities when the value of those traditional securities is declining due to adverse economic conditions. As an example, during periods of rising inflation, debt securities have historically tended to decline in value due to the general increase in prevailing interest rates. Conversely, during those same periods of rising inflation, the prices of certain commodities, such as oil and metals, have historically tended to increase. Of course, there cannot be any guarantee that these investments will perform in that manner in the future, and at certain times the price movements of commodity-linked instruments have been parallel to those of debt and equity securities. Commodities have historically tended to increase and decrease in value during different parts of the business cycle than financial assets. Nevertheless, at various times, commodities prices may move in tandem with the prices of financial assets and thus may not provide overall portfolio diversification benefits. Under favorable economic conditions, the Commodity Strategy Fund’s investments may be expected to underperform an investment in traditional securities. Over the long term, the returns on the Fund’s investments are expected to exhibit low or negative correlation with stocks and bonds.
 
  The Investment Advisor generally intends to invest in commodity-linked investments whose returns are linked to the GSCI. However, the Commodity Strategy Fund is not an index fund and the Investment Adviser may make allocations that differ from the weightings in the GSCI.

 
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  Structured Securities. Each Fund may invest in structured securities. Structured securities are securities whose value is determined by reference to changes in the value of specific currencies, securities, interest rates, commodities, indices or other financial indicators (the “Reference”) or the relative change in two or more References. Investments in structured securities may provide exposure to certain securities or markets in situations where regulatory or other restrictions prevent direct investments in such issuers or markets.
 
  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. Structured securities are also subject to the risk that the issuer of the structured securities may fail to perform its contractual obligations. Certain issuers of structured products may be deemed to be investment companies as defined in the Investment Company Act. As a result, a Fund’s investments in structured securities may be subject to the limits applicable to investments in other investment companies.
 
  Structured securities include, but are not limited to, equity linked notes. Any equity linked note is a note whose performance is tied to a single stock, a stock index or a basket of stocks. Equity linked notes combine the principal protection normally associated with fixed income investments with the potential for capital appreciation normally associated with equity investments. Upon the maturity of the note, the holder generally receives a return of principal based on the capital appreciation of the linked securities. Depending on the terms of the note, equity linked notes may also have a “cap” or “floor” on the maximum principal amount to be repaid to holders, irrespective of the performance of the underlying linked securities. For example, a note may guarantee the repayment of the original principal amount invested (even if the underlying linked securities have negative performance during the note’s term), but may cap the maximum payment at maturity at a certain percentage of the issuance price or the return of the underlying linked securities. Alternatively, the note may not guarantee a full return on the original principal, but may offer a greater participation in any capital appreciation of the underlying linked securities. The terms of an equity linked note may also provide for periodic interest payments to holders at either a fixed or floating rate. The secondary market for equity linked notes may be limited, and the lack of liquidity in the secondary market may make these securities difficult to dispose of and to value. Equity linked

 
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  notes will be considered equity securities for purposes of the Fund’s investment objective and policies.
 
  Structured securities also include, but are not limited to, credit linked notes. Credit linked notes are securities with embedded credit default swaps. An investor holding a credit linked note generally receives a fixed or floating coupon and the note’s par value upon maturity, unless the referred credit defaults or declares bankruptcy, in which case the investor receives the amount recovered. In effect, investors holding credit linked notes receive a higher yield in exchange for assuming the risk of a specified credit event.
 
  Structured securities also include, but are not limited to, inverse floating rate debt securities (“inverse floaters”). The interest rate on inverse floaters resets in the opposite direction from the market rate of interest to which the inverse floater is indexed. An inverse floater may be considered to be leveraged to the extent that its interest rate varies by a magnitude that exceeds the magnitude of the change in the index rate of interest. The higher the degree of leverage of an inverse floater, the greater the volatility of its market value.
 
  REITs. Each 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. A Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any expenses, including management fees, paid by a REIT in which it invests.
 
  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.
 
  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. Each 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. A Fund may

 
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  also, to the extent consistent with its investment policies, purchase and sell (write) put and call options on foreign currencies.
 
  The writing and purchase of 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 anticipate 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 a Fund’s investment portfolio, the Fund may incur losses that it would not otherwise incur. The use of options can also increase a Fund’s transaction costs. Options written or purchased by the Funds 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. When writing an option, a Fund must “set aside” liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” its obligation under the option contract.
 
  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 Funds may engage in futures transactions on both U.S. and foreign exchanges.
 
  Each 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 interest rates, securities prices or, to the extent a Fund invests in foreign securities, currency exchange rates, or to otherwise manage its term structure, sector selections and duration in accordance with its investment objective and policies. Each Fund may also enter into closing purchase and sale transactions with respect to such contracts and options. The Trust, on behalf of each 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 Funds.

 
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  Futures contracts and related options present the following risks:
  n   While a 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.
  n   Because perfect correlation between a futures position and a portfolio position that is intended to be protected is impossible to achieve, the desired protection may not be obtained and a Fund may be exposed to additional risk of loss.
  n   The loss incurred by a 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 a Fund’s 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 a Fund.
  n   Futures contracts and options on futures may be illiquid, and exchanges may limit fluctuations in futures contract prices during a single day.
  n   Foreign exchanges may not provide the same protection as U.S. exchanges.

  A Fund must “set aside” liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” open positions with respect to its transactions in futures contracts and options on futures contracts. In the case of futures contracts that do not cash settle, for example, a Fund must set aside liquid assets equal to the full notional value of the futures contracts while the positions are open. With respect to futures contracts that do cash settle, however, a Fund is permitted to set aside liquid assets in an amount equal to the Fund’s daily marked-to-market net obligations ( i.e. , the Fund’s daily net liability) under the futures contracts, if any, rather than their full notional value. Each Fund reserves the right to modify its asset segregation policies in the future to comply with any changes in the positions from time to time articulated by the SEC or its staff regarding asset segregation. By setting aside assets equal to only its net obligations under cash-settled futures contracts, a Fund will have the ability to employ leverage to a greater extent than if the Fund were required to segregate assets equal to the full notional amount of the futures contracts.
 
  Equity Swaps. Each 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.
 
  An equity swap may be used by a 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

 
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APPENDIX A

  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, a 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, a Fund may suffer a loss if the counterparty defaults. Because equity swaps are normally illiquid, a Fund may be unable to terminate its obligations when desired. When entering into swap contracts, a Fund must “set aside” liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” its obligation under the swap contract.
 
  When-Issued Securities and Forward Commitments. Each 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.
 
  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 a Fund will generally purchase securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis with the intention of acquiring the securities for its portfolio, a Fund may dispose of when-issued securities or forward commitments prior to settlement if the Investment Adviser deems it appropriate. When purchasing a security on a when-issued basis or entering into a forward commitment, the Fund must “set aside” liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” its obligations.
 
  Repurchase Agreements. Repurchase agreements involve the purchase of securities subject to the seller’s agreement to repurchase them at a mutually agreed upon date and price. Each 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.
 
  If the other party or “seller” defaults, a 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 Fund’s costs associated with delay and enforcement of the repurchase agreement. In addition, in the event of

 
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  bankruptcy of the seller, a Fund could suffer additional losses if a court determines that the Fund’s interest in the collateral is not enforceable.
 
  Certain Funds, 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.
 
  Lending of Portfolio Securities. Each Fund may engage in securities lending. Securities lending involves the lending of securities owned by a 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 a Fund in short-term investments, including registered and unregistered investment pools managed by the Investment Adviser, its affiliates or the Funds’ custodian and from which the Investment Adviser or its affiliates may receive fees. To the extent that cash collateral is so invested, such collateral will be subject to market depreciation or appreciation, and a 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 a 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.
 
  A Fund may lend its securities to increase its income. A 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.
 
  Short Sales Against-the-Box. Certain Funds may make short sales against-the-box. A short sale against-the-box means that at all times when a short position is open the Fund will own an equal amount of securities sold short, or securities convertible into or exchangeable for, without payment of any further consideration, an equal amount of the securities of the same issuer as the securities sold short.
 
  Preferred Stock, Warrants and Rights. Each 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 issuer’s 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

 
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  occurrence of an event of default or other non-compliance by the issuer of the preferred stock.
 
  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.
 
  Other Investment Companies. Each Fund may invest in securities of other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds (ETFs) such as iShares SM , subject to statutory limitations prescribed by the Investment Company Act. These limitations include in certain circumstances a prohibition on any Fund acquiring more than 3% of the voting shares of any other investment company, and a prohibition on investing more than 5% of a Fund’s total assets in securities of any one investment company or more than 10% of its total assets in securities of all investment companies. Many ETFs, however, have obtained exemptive relief from the SEC to permit unaffiliated funds to invest in the ETFs’ shares beyond these statutory limitations, subject to certain conditions and pursuant to a contractual arrangement between the ETFs and the investing funds. A Fund may rely on these exemptive orders to invest in unaffiliated ETFs.
 
  The use of ETFs is intended to help a Fund match the total return of the particular market segments or indices represented by those ETFs, although that may not be the result. Most ETFs are investment companies whose shares are purchased and sold on a securities exchange. An ETF represents a portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market segment or index. An investment in an ETF generally presents the same primary risks as an investment in a conventional fund (i.e., one that is not exchange-traded) that has the same investment objectives, strategies and policies. In addition, an ETF may fail to accurately track the market segment or index that underlies its investment objective. The price of an ETF can fluctuate, and a Fund could lose money investing in an ETF. Moreover, ETFs are subject to the following risks that do not apply to conventional funds: (i) the market price of the ETF’s shares may trade at a premium or a discount to their NAV; (ii) an active trading market for an ETF’s shares may not develop or be maintained; and (iii) there is no assurance that the requirements of the exchange necessary to maintain the listing of an ETF will continue to be met or remain unchanged.
 
  Pursuant to an exemptive order obtained from the SEC or under an exemptive rule adopted by the SEC, a Fund may invest in other investment companies and money market funds beyond the statutory limits described above. Some of those investment companies and money market funds may be funds for which the Investment Adviser or any of its affiliates serves as investment adviser, administrator or distributor.

 
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  A Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees and other expenses paid by such other investment companies. Although the Funds do not expect to do so in the foreseeable future, each 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.
 
  Unseasoned Companies. Each 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.
 
  Corporate Debt Obligations. Corporate debt obligations include bonds, notes, debentures, commercial paper and other obligations of corporations to pay interest and repay principal. Each 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.).
 
  Bank Obligations. Each 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 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.
 
  U.S. Government Securities. Each 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 (i) the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury; (ii) the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; (iii) the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of the issuer; or (iv) only the credit of the issuer. U.S.

 
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  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. U.S. Government Securities may also include Treasury inflation-protected securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation.
 
  Custodial Receipts and Trust Certificates. Each 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 a 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 a 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, a Fund will bear its proportionate share of the fees and expenses charged to the custodial account or trust. Each Fund may also invest in separately issued interests in custodial receipts and trust certificates.
 
  Floating and Variable Rate Obligations. The Commodity Strategy Fund may purchase floating and variable rate obligations. The value of these obligations is generally more stable than that of a fixed rate obligation in response to changes in interest rate levels. The issuers of financial intermediaries providing demand features may support their ability to purchase the obligations by obtaining credit with liquidity supports. These may include lines of credit, which are conditional commitments to lend, and letters of credit, which will ordinarily be irrevocable both of which may be issued by domestic banks or foreign banks. The Fund may purchase variable or floating rate obligations from the issuers or may purchase certificates of participation, a type of floating or variable rate obligation, which are interests in a pool of debt obligations held by a bank or other financial institutions.
 
  Zero Coupon, Deferred Interest, Pay-In-Kind and Capital Appreciation Bonds. The Commodity Strategy Fund may invest in zero coupon bonds, deferred interest, pay-in-kind and capital appreciation bonds. These bonds are issued at a discount from their face value because interest payments are typically postponed until maturity. Pay-in-kind securities are securities that have interest payable by the delivery of additional securities. The market prices of these securities generally are more volatile than the market prices of interest-bearing securities and are likely to respond to a greater degree to changes in interest rates than interest-bearing securities having similar maturities and credit quality.

 
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  Municipal Securities. The Commodity Strategy Fund may invest in securities and instruments issued by state and local government issuers. Municipal securities in which the Fund may invest consist of bonds, notes, commercial paper and other instruments (including participating interests in such securities) issued by or on behalf of states, territories and possessions of the United States (including the District of Columbia) and their political subdivisions, agencies or instrumentalities. Such securities may pay fixed, variable or floating rates of interest. Municipal securities are often issued to obtain funds for various public purposes, including the construction of a wide range of public facilities such as bridges, highways, housing, hospitals, mass transportation, schools, streets and water and sewer works. Other public purposes for which municipal securities may be issued include refunding outstanding obligations, obtaining funds for general operating expenses, and obtaining funds to lend to other public institutions and facilities. Municipal securities in which the Fund may invest include private activity bonds, municipal leases, certificates of participation, pre-funded municipal securities and auction rate securities. Dividends paid by the Fund based on investments in municipal securities will be taxable.
 
  Mortgage-Backed Securities. Certain Funds may invest in mortgage-backed securities. Mortgage-backed securities represent direct or indirect participations in, or are collateralized by and payable from, mortgage loans secured by real property. Mortgage-backed securities can be backed by either fixed rate mortgage loans or adjustable rate mortgage loans, and may be issued by either a governmental or non-governmental entity. Privately issued mortgage-backed securities are normally structured with one or more types of “credit enhancement.” However, these mortgage-backed securities typically do not have the same credit standing as U.S. government guaranteed mortgage-backed securities.
 
  Mortgage-backed securities may include multiple class securities, including collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) and Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit (“REMIC”) pass-through or participation certificates. A REMIC is a CMO that qualifies for special tax treatment and invests in certain mortgages principally secured by interests in real property and other permitted investments. CMOs provide an investor with a specified interest in the cash flow from a pool of underlying mortgages or of other mortgage-backed securities. CMOs are issued in multiple classes each with a specified fixed or floating interest rate and a final scheduled distribution rate. In many cases, payments of principal are applied to the CMO classes in the order of their respective stated maturities, so that no principal payments will be made on a CMO class until all other classes having an earlier stated maturity date are paid in full.

 
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  Sometimes, however, CMO classes are “parallel pay,” i.e. , payments of principal are made to two or more classes concurrently. In some cases, CMOs may have the characteristics of a stripped mortgage-backed security whose price can be highly volatile. CMOs may exhibit more or less price volatility and interest rate risk than other types of mortgage-related obligations, and under certain interest rate and payment scenarios, a Fund may fail to recoup fully its investment in certain of these securities regardless of their credit quality.
 
  Mortgaged-backed securities also include stripped mortgage-backed securities (“SMBS”), which are derivative multiple class mortgage-backed securities. SMBS are usually structured with two different classes: one that receives substantially all of the interest payments and the other that receives substantially all of the principal payments from a pool of mortgage loans. The market value of SMBS consisting entirely of principal payments generally is unusually volatile in response to changes in interest rates. The yields on SMBS that receive all or most of the interest from mortgage loans are generally higher than prevailing market yields on other mortgage-backed securities because their cash flow patterns are more volatile and there is a greater risk that the initial investment will not be fully recouped.
 
  Asset-Backed Securities. Certain Funds may invest in asset-backed securities. Asset-backed securities are securities whose principal and interest payments are collateralized by pools of assets such as auto loans, credit card receivables, leases, installment contracts and personal property. Asset-backed securities are often subject to more rapid repayment than their stated maturity date would indicate as a result of the pass-through of prepayments of principal on the underlying loans. During periods of declining interest rates, prepayment of loans underlying asset-backed securities can be expected to accelerate. Accordingly, a Fund’s ability to maintain positions in such securities will be affected by reductions in the principal amount of such securities resulting from prepayments, and its ability to reinvest the returns of principal at comparable yields is subject to generally prevailing interest rates at that time. Asset-backed securities present credit risks that are not presented by mortgage-backed securities. This is because asset-backed securities generally do not have the benefit of a security interest in collateral that is comparable to mortgage assets. If the issuer of an asset-backed security defaults on its payment obligations, there is the possibility that, in some cases, a Fund will be unable to possess and sell the underlying collateral and that a Fund’s recoveries on repossessed collateral may not be available to support payments on the securities. In the event of a default, a Fund may suffer a loss if it cannot sell collateral quickly and receive the amount it is owed. Asset-backed securities may also be subject to increased volatility and may become illiquid and more difficult to value even when there is no default or threat of default due to market conditions impacting asset-backed securities more generally.

 
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  Non-Investment Grade Fixed-Income Securities. Non-investment grade fixed income securities and unrated securities of comparable credit quality (commonly known as “junk bonds”) are considered speculative. In some cases, these obligations may be highly speculative and have poor prospects for reaching investment grade standing. Non-investment grade fixed income securities are subject to the increased risk of an issuer’s inability to meet principal and interest obligations. These securities, also referred to as high yield securities, may be subject to greater price volatility due to such factors as specific corporate or municipal developments, interest rate sensitivity, negative perceptions of the junk bond markets generally and less secondary market liquidity.
 
  Non-investment grade fixed income securities are often issued in connection with a corporate reorganization or restructuring or as part of a merger, acquisition, takeover or similar event. They are also issued by less established companies seeking to expand. Such issuers are often highly leveraged and generally less able than more established or less leveraged entities to make scheduled payments of principal and interest in the event of adverse developments or business conditions. Non-investment grade securities are also issued by governmental bodies that may have difficulty in making all scheduled interest and principal payments. The market value of non-investment grade fixed income securities tends to reflect individual corporate or municipal developments to a greater extent than that of higher rated securities which react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of interest rates. As a result, a Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective may depend to a greater extent on the Investment Adviser’s judgment concerning the creditworthiness of issuers than funds which invest in higher-rated securities. Issuers of non-investment grade fixed income securities may not be able to make use of more traditional methods of financing and their ability to service debt obligations may be affected more adversely than issuers of higher-rated securities by economic downturns, specific corporate or financial developments or the issuer’s inability to meet specific projected business forecasts. Negative publicity about the junk bond market and investor perceptions regarding lower rated securities, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may depress the prices for such securities.
 
  A holder’s risk of loss from default is significantly greater for non-investment grade fixed income securities than is the case for holders of other debt securities because such non-investment grade securities are generally unsecured and are often subordinated to the rights of other creditors of the issuers of such securities. Investment by a Fund in defaulted securities poses additional risk of loss should nonpayment of principal and interest continue in respect of such securities. Even if such securities are held to maturity, recovery by a Fund of its initial investment and any anticipated income or appreciation is uncertain.

 
86


 

APPENDIX A

  The secondary market for non-investment grade fixed income securities is concentrated in relatively few market makers and is dominated by institutional investors, including mutual funds, insurance companies and other financial institutions. Accordingly, the secondary market for such securities is not as liquid as, and is more volatile than, the secondary market for higher-rated securities. In addition, market trading volume for high yield fixed income securities is generally lower and the secondary market for such securities could shrink or disappear suddenly and without warning as a result of adverse market or economic conditions, independent of any specific adverse changes in the condition of a particular issuer. The lack of sufficient market liquidity may cause a Fund to incur losses because it will be required to effect sales at a disadvantageous time and then only at a substantial drop in price. These factors may have an adverse effect on the market price and a Fund’s ability to dispose of particular portfolio investments. A less liquid secondary market also may make it more difficult for a Fund to obtain precise valuations of the high yield securities in its portfolio.
 
  Credit ratings issued by credit rating agencies are designed to evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments of rated securities. They do not, however, evaluate the market value risk of non-investment grade securities and, therefore, may not fully reflect the true risks of an investment. In addition, credit rating agencies may or may not make timely changes in a rating to reflect changes in the economy or in the conditions of the issuer that affect the market value of the security. Consequently, credit ratings are used only as a preliminary indicator of investment quality.
 
  Borrowings. Each 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. A Fund may not make additional investments if borrowings exceed 5% of its total assets.
 
  Mortgage Dollar Rolls. The Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund may enter into mortgage dollar rolls. A mortgage dollar roll involves the sale by a Fund of securities for delivery in the current month. The Fund simultaneously contracts with the same counterparty to repurchase substantially similar (same type, coupon and maturity) but not identical securities on a specified future date. During the roll period, the Fund loses the right to receive principal and interest paid on the securities sold. However, the Fund benefits to the extent of any difference between (a) the price received for the securities sold and (b) the lower forward price for the future purchase and/or fee income plus the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the securities sold. Unless the benefits of a mortgage dollar roll exceed the income, capital appreciation and gain or loss due to mortgage prepayments that would have

 
87


 

  been realized on the securities sold as part of the roll, the use of this technique will diminish the Fund’s performance.
 
  Successful use of mortgage dollar rolls depends upon the Investment Adviser’s ability to predict correctly interest rates and mortgage prepayments. If the Investment Adviser is incorrect in its prediction, a Fund may experience a loss. The Funds do not currently intend to enter into mortgage dollar rolls for financing and do not treat them as borrowings.
 
  Yield Curve Options. The Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund may enter into options on the yield “spread” or differential between two securities. Such transactions are referred to as “yield curve” options. In contrast to other types of options, a yield curve option is based on the difference between the yields of designated securities, rather than the prices of the individual securities, and is settled through cash payments. Accordingly, a yield curve option is profitable to the holder if this differential widens (in the case of a call) or narrows (in the case of a put), regardless of whether the yields of the underlying securities increase or decrease.
 
  The trading of yield curve options is subject to all of the risks associated with the trading of other types of options. In addition, such options present a risk of loss even if the yield on an underlying security remains constant, or if the spread moves in a direction or to an extent which was not anticipated.
 
  Interest Rate Swaps, Mortgage Swaps, Credit Swaps, Currency Swaps, Total Return Swaps, Options on Swaps and Interest Rate Caps, Floors and Collars. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by a Fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, such as an exchange of fixed-rate payments for floating rate payments. Mortgage swaps are similar to interest rate swaps in that they represent commitments to pay and receive interest. The notional principal amount, however, is tied to a reference pool or pools of mortgages. Credit swaps involve the receipt of floating or fixed rate payments in exchange for assuming potential credit losses on an underlying security. Credit swaps give one party to a transaction (the buyer of the credit swap) the right to dispose of or acquire an asset (or group of assets), or the right to receive a payment from the other party, upon the occurrence of specified credit events. Currency swaps involve the exchange of the parties’ respective rights to make or receive payments in specified currencies. Total return swaps give a Fund the right to receive the appreciation in the value of a specified security, index or other instrument in return for a fee paid to the counterparty, which will typically be an agreed upon interest rate. If the underlying asset in a total return swap declines in value over the term of the swap, the Fund may also be required to pay the dollar value of that decline to the counterparty. Certain Funds may also purchase and

 
88


 

APPENDIX A

  write (sell) options contracts on swaps, commonly referred to as swaptions. A swaption is an option to enter into a swap agreement. Like other types of options, the buyer of a swaption pays a non-refundable premium for the option and obtains the right, but not the obligation, to enter into an underlying swap on agreed-upon terms. The seller of a swaption, in exchange for the premium, becomes obligated (if the option is exercised) to enter into an underlying swap on agreed-upon terms. The purchase of an interest rate cap entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined interest rate, to receive payment of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling such interest rate cap. The purchase of an interest rate floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling the interest rate floor. An interest rate collar is the combination of a cap and a floor that preserves a certain return within a predetermined range of interest rates.
 
  Certain Funds may enter into the transactions described above for hedging purposes or to seek to increase total return. As an example, when a Fund is the buyer of a credit default swap (commonly known as buying protection), it may make periodic payments to the seller of the credit default swap to obtain protection against a credit default on a specified underlying asset (or group of assets). If a default occurs, the seller of a credit default swap may be required to pay the Fund the “notional value” of the credit default swap on a specified security (or group of securities). On the other hand, when a Fund is a seller of a credit default swap (commonly known as selling protection), in addition to the credit exposure the Fund has on the other assets held in its portfolio, the Fund is also subject to the credit exposure on the notional amount of the swap since, in the event of a credit default, the Fund may be required to pay the “notional value” of the credit default swap on a specified security (or group of securities) to the buyer of the credit default swap. A Fund will be the seller of a credit default swap only when the credit of the underlying asset is deemed by the Investment Adviser to meet the Fund’s minimum credit criteria at the time the swap is first entered into.
 
  The use of interest rate, mortgage, credit, currency and total return swaps, options on swaps, and interest rate caps, floors and collars is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If the Investment Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of market values, interest rates and currency exchange rates, or in its evaluation of the creditworthiness of swap counterparties and the issuers of the underlying assets, the investment performance of the Fund would be less favorable than it would have been if these investment techniques were not used.

 
89


 

  Inverse Floaters. The Funds may invest in inverse floating rate debt securities (“inverse floaters”). The interest rate on inverse floaters resets in the opposite direction from the market rate of interest to which an inverse floater is indexed. An inverse floater may be considered to be leveraged to the extent that its interest rate varies by a magnitude that exceeds the magnitude of the change in the index rate of interest. The higher the degree of leverage of an inverse floater, the greater the volatility of its market value.

occurs, the seller of a credit default swap may be required to pay the Fund the “notional value” of the credit default swap on a specified security (or group of securities). On the other hand, when a Fund is a seller of a credit default swap (commonly known as selling protection), in addition to the credit exposure the Fund has on the other assets held in its portfolio, the Fund is also subject to the credit exposure on the notional amount of the swap since, in the event of a credit default, the Fund may be required to pay the “notional value” of the credit default swap on a specified security (or group of securities) to the buyer of the credit default swap. A Fund will be the seller of a credit default swap only when the credit of the underlying asset is deemed by the Investment Adviser to meet the Fund’s minimum credit criteria at the time the swap is first entered into.

  The use of interest rate, mortgage, credit, currency and total return swaps, options on swaps, and interest rate caps, floors and collars is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If the Investment Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of market values, interest rates and currency exchange rates, or in its evaluation of the creditworthiness of swap counterparties and the issuers of the underlying assets, the investment performance of the Fund would be less favorable than it would have been if these investment techniques were not used.
 
  Inverse Floaters. The Funds may invest in inverse floating rate debt securities (“inverse floaters”). The interest rate on inverse floaters resets in the opposite direction from the market rate of interest to which an inverse floater is indexed. An inverse floater may be considered to be leveraged to the extent that its interest rate varies by a magnitude that exceeds the magnitude of the change in the index rate of interest. The higher the degree of leverage of an inverse floater, the greater the volatility of its market value.

 
90


 

 
  Appendix B
Financial Highlights
 
  The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand a Fund’s financial performance for the past five years (or less if the Fund has been in operation for less than five years). Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned or lost on an investment in a Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). The information for the fiscal period ended December 31, 2007 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, whose report along with the Funds’ financial statements, is included in the Funds’ annual report (available upon request). The information for the International Real Estate Securities Fund for the fiscal period ended December 31, 2006 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. The information for the Tollkeeper Fund and Real Estate Securities Fund for the fiscal periods ended December 31, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003 has been audited by the Funds’ prior independent registered public accounting firm.

REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND

                                           
Institutional Shares

For the Years Ended December 31,

2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Net asset value, beginning of year
  $ 22.51     $ 18.10     $ 17.34     $ 14.02     $ 10.55  
   
Income (loss) from investment operations
                                       
Net investment income a
    0.25       0.31       0.34       0.35       0.46  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
    (3.64 )     5.96       1.92       4.40       3.65  
   
 
Total from investment operations
    (3.39 )     6.27       2.26       4.75       4.11  
   
Distributions to shareholders
                                       
From net investment income
    (0.37 )     (0.39 )     (0.41 )     (0.40 )     (0.48 )
From net realized gains
    (3.14 )     (1.47 )     (1.09 )     (1.03 )     (0.16 )
   
 
Total distributions
  $ (3.51 )   $ (1.86 )     (1.50 )     (1.43 )     (0.64 )
   
Net asset value, end of year
  $ 15.61     $ 22.51     $ 18.10     $ 17.34     $ 14.02  
   
Total return b
    (15.63 )%     34.86 %     13.30 %     34.76 %     39.90 %
Net assets at end of year (in 000s)
  $ 413,030     $ 557,831     $ 348,872     $ 232,525     $ 125,388  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
    1.05 %     1.04 %     1.04 %     1.04 %     1.04 %
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
    1.12 %     1.47 %     1.89 %     2.34 %     3.81 %
Ratios assuming no expense reductions
                                       
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
    1.09 %     1.10 %     1.13 %     1.13 %     1.16 %
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
    1.08 %     1.41 %     1.80 %     2.25 %     3.69 %
Portfolio turnover rate
    42 %     30 %     19 %     30 %     17 %

See page 95 for all footnotes.

 
91


 

INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND

                   
Institutional Shares

For the Year Ended For the Period Ended
December 31, December 31,


2006
2007 (commenced July 31, 2006)

Net asset value, beginning of period
  $ 12.03     $ 10.00  
   
Income from investment operations
               
Net investment income a
    0.21       0.09  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
    (0.45 )     2.05  
   
 
Total from investment operations
    (0.24 )     2.14  
   
Distributions to shareholders
               
From net investment income
    (0.91 )     (0.11 )
From net realized gains
    (0.04 )      
   
Total distributions
    (0.95 )      
   
Net asset value, end of period
  $ 10.84     $ 12.03  
Total return b
    (2.23 )%     21.33 %
Net assets at end of period (in 000s)
  $ 620,012     $ 347,684  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
    1.14 %     1.13 % i
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
    1.64 %     1.89 % i
Ratios assuming no expense reductions
               
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
    1.18 %     1.36 % i
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
    1.60 %     1.66 % i
Portfolio turnover rate
    86 %     13 %

See page 95 for all footnotes.

 
92


 

APPENDIX B

TOLLKEEPER FUND

                                           
Institutional Shares

For the Years Ended December 31,

2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Net asset value, beginning of year
  $ 9.31     $ 8.23     $ 8.04     $ 7.11     $ 4.86  
   
Income (loss) from investment operations
                                       
Net investment loss a
    (0.06 ) c,d     (0.06 )     (0.05 )     (0.02 )     (0.05 )
Net realized and unrealized gain
    2.66 e     1.14 f     0.24       0.95       2.30  
   
 
Total from investment operations
    2.60       1.08       0.19       0.93       2.25  
   
Net asset value, end of year
  $ 11.91     $ 9.31     $ 8.23     $ 8.04     $ 7.11  
   
Total return b
    27.93 %     13.12 % h     2.36 %     13.08 %     46.30 %
Net assets at end of year (in 000s)
  $ 23,679 c   $ 15,659     $ 8,819     $ 11,323     $ 27,687  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
    1.16 % c     1.09 %     1.10 %     1.10 %     1.10 %
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets
    (0.56 )% c,d     (0.75 )%     (0.70 )%     (0.31 )%     (0.89 )%
Ratios assuming no expense reductions
                                       
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
    1.24 % c     1.19 %     1.16 %     1.16 %     1.15 %
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets
    (0.64 )% c,d     (0.85 )%     (0.76 )%     (0.37 )%     (0.94 )%
Portfolio turnover rate
    70 %     35 %     48 %     37 %     27 %

See page 95 for all footnotes.

 
93


 

COMMODITY STRATEGY FUND

           
Institutional Shares

For the Period Ended
December 31,

2007
(commenced March 30, 2007)

Net asset value, beginning of period
  $ 10.00  
     
 
Income from investment operations
       
Net investment income a
    0.23  
Net realized and unrealized gain
    2.24  
     
 
 
Total from investment operations
    2.47  
     
 
Distributions to shareholders
       
From net investment income
    (0.21 )
     
 
Net asset value, end of period
  $ 12.26  
Total return b
    24.95 %
Net assets at end of period (in 000s)
  $ 290,380  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
    0.58 % i
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
    2.73 % i
Ratios assuming no expense reductions
       
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
    0.74 % i
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
    2.57 % i
Portfolio turnover rate
    83 %

See page 95 for all footnotes.

 
94


 

APPENDIX B

Footnotes:
a
Calculated based on the average shares outstanding methodology.
b
Assumes investment at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, a complete redemption of the investment at the net asset value at the end of the period and no sales or redemption charges. Total return would be reduced if a sales or redemption charge were taken into account. Total returns for periods less than one full year are not annualized. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
c
Includes non-reoccuring expense for a special shareholder meeting which amounted to approximately $0.01 per share and approximately 0.05% of average net assets.
d
Reflects income recognized from special dividends which amounted to $0.01 per share and 0.12% of average net assets.
e
Reflects an increase of $0.07 per share and 0.67% of average net assets due to payments received for class action settlements received during the year.
f
Reflects an increase of $0.04 per share and 0.47% of average net assets due to payments received for class action settlements received during the year.
g
Total return reflects the impact of payments received for class action settlements received during the year. Excluding such payments, the total return would have been 27.82%.
h
Total return reflects the impact of payments received for class action settlements received during the year. Excluding such payments, the total return would have been 12.64%.
i
Annualized.

 
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  Index
         
    1 General Investment Management Approach
 
    4 Fund Investment Objectives and Strategies
    4   Goldman Sachs Real Estate Securities Fund
    7   Goldman Sachs International Real Estate Securities Fund
    10   Goldman Sachs Tollkeeper Fund
    12   Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy Fund
 
    16 Other Investment Practices and Securities
 
    18 Principal Risks of the Funds
 
    25 Fund Performance
 
    29 Fund Fees and Expenses
 
    32 Service Providers
 
    39 Dividends
 
    40 Shareholder Guide
    40   How To Buy Shares
    47   How To Sell Shares
 
    56 Taxation
 
    59 Appendix A
     Additional Information on
     Portfolio Risks, Securities
     and Techniques
 
    91 Appendix B
     Financial Highlights


 

 
  Select Satellite Funds
Prospectus
(Institutional Shares)

   FOR MORE INFORMATION   

  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.
 
  Statement of Additional Information
 
  Additional information about the Funds and their policies is also available in the Funds’ SAI. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus (is legally considered part of this Prospectus).
 
  The Funds’ annual and semi-annual reports and SAI 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 and the SAI at the Funds’ website: http://www.goldmansachsfunds.com.
 
  To obtain other information and for shareholder inquiries:

     
     n  By telephone:
  1-800-621-2550
     n  By mail:
  Goldman Sachs Funds
P.O. Box 06050
Chicago, IL 60606
     n  On the Internet:
  SEC EDGAR database – http://www.sec.gov

  You may review and obtain copies of Fund documents (including the SAI) by visiting the SEC’s public reference room in Washington, D.C. You may also obtain copies of Fund documents, after paying a duplicating fee, by writing to the SEC’s 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) 551-8090.

The Funds’ investment company registration number is 811-05349.

Goldman Sachs Tollkeeper Fund SM is a service mark of Goldman, Sachs & Co.

GSAM ® is a registered service mark of Goldman, Sachs & Co.

SPECSELINS

(GOLDMAN SACHS LOGO)


 

PART B
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DATED APRIL 29, 2008
CLASS A SHARES
CLASS B SHARES
CLASS C SHARES
CLASS R SHARES
CLASS IR SHARES
SERVICE SHARES
INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
GOLDMAN SACHS U.S. EQUITY DIVIDEND AND PREMIUM FUND
GOLDMAN SACHS INTERNATIONAL EQUITY DIVIDEND AND PREMIUM FUND
GOLDMAN SACHS STRUCTURED
TAX-MANAGED EQUITY FUND
GOLDMAN SACHS STRUCTURED INTERNATIONAL TAX-MANAGED EQUITY FUND
GOLDMAN SACHS REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND
GOLDMAN SACHS INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND
GOLDMAN SACHS TOLLKEEPER FUND
SM
GOLDMAN SACHS COMMODITY STRATEGY FUND
(Structured Tax-Advantaged Equity and Select Satellite Funds of Goldman Sachs Trust)
71 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
     This Statement of Additional Information (the “SAI”) is not a Prospectus. This SAI should be read in conjunction with the Prospectuses for the appropriate share classes of the Goldman Sachs U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund, Goldman Sachs International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund, Goldman Sachs Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund, Goldman Sachs Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund, Goldman Sachs Real Estate Securities Fund, Goldman Sachs International Real Estate Securities Fund, Goldman Sachs Tollkeeper Fund SM and Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy Fund, dated April 29, 2008, 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 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm for Goldman Sachs U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund, Goldman Sachs International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund, Goldman Sachs Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund, Goldman Sachs Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund, Goldman Sachs Real Estate Securities Fund, Goldman Sachs International Real Estate Securities Fund, Goldman Sachs Tollkeeper Fund SM and Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy Fund, contained in such Funds’ 2007 annual report are incorporated herein by reference in the section “Financial Statements.” No other portions of each Fund’s annual report are incorporated by reference. The Goldman Sachs Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund and Goldman Sachs International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund commenced operations on January 10, 2008, and have not yet issued an annual report. A Fund’s annual report, when available, may be obtained upon request and without charge by calling Goldman, Sachs & Co. toll-free at 800-621-2550.
     Goldman Sachs Tollkeeper Fund SM is a service mark of Goldman, Sachs & Co.
     GSAM® is a registered service mark of Goldman, Sachs & Co.

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
         
INTRODUCTION
    B-1  
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
    B-1  
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
    B-52  
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
    B-54  
MANAGEMENT SERVICES
    B-65  
POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
    B-79  
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
    B-93  
NET ASSET VALUE
    B-98  
SHARES OF THE TRUST
    B-104  
TAXATION
    B-111  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
    B-116  
PROXY VOTING
    B-116  
PAYMENTS TO INTERMEDIARIES
    B-117  
OTHER INFORMATION
    B-119  
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLANS
    B-122  
OTHER INFORMATION REGARDING MAXIMUM SALES CHARGE, PURCHASES, REDEMPTIONS, EXCHANGES AND DIVIDENDS
    B-129  
SERVICE PLAN AND SHAREHOLDER ADMINISTRATION PLAN
    B-133  
APPENDIX A DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS
    1-A  
APPENDIX B 2008 ISS PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES SUMMARY
    1-B  
APPENDIX C BUSINESS PRINCIPLES OF GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
    1-C  
APPENDIX D STATEMENT OF INTENTION (applicable only to Class A Shares)
    1-D  
The date of this SAI is April 29, 2008.

 


 

     
GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P.
  GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
Investment Adviser
  Distributor
32 Old Slip
  85 Broad Street
New York, New York 10005
  New York, New York 10004
 
   
GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
   
Transfer Agent
   
71 South Wacker Drive
   
Chicago, Illinois 60606
   
Toll-free (in U.S.) . . . 800-621-2550

 


 

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 29, 1997.
     The following series of the Trust are described in this SAI: Goldman Sachs U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund (“U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund”), Goldman Sachs International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund (“International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund”), Goldman Sachs Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund (formerly, CORE Tax-Managed Equity Fund) (“Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund”), Goldman Sachs Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund (“Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund”), Goldman Sachs Real Estate Securities Fund (“Real Estate Securities Fund”), Goldman Sachs International Real Estate Securities Fund (“International Real Estate Securities Fund”), Goldman Sachs Tollkeeper Fund (“Tollkeeper Fund”) and Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy Fund (“Commodity Strategy Fund”) (collectively referred to herein as the “Funds”).
     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 Funds and other series. Additional series may be added in the future from time to time. The Real Estate Securities Fund currently offers seven classes of shares: Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares, Class R Shares, Class IR Shares, Institutional Shares and Service Shares. The Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund and the Tollkeeper Fund currently offer five classes of shares: Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares, Institutional Shares and Service Shares. The Commodity Strategy Fund currently offers five classes of shares: Class A Shares, Class C Shares, Class R Shares, Class IR Shares and Institutional Shares. The International Real Estate Securities Fund currently offers four classes of shares: Class A Shares, Class C Shares, Class IR Shares and Institutional Shares. The U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund, the International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and the Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund currently offer 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 Funds. In addition, Goldman Sachs serves as each Fund’s distributor and transfer agent. Each Fund’s custodian is JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“JPMorgan Chase”).
     The following information relates to and supplements the description of each Fund’s investment policies contained in the Prospectuses. See the Prospectuses for a more complete description of the Funds’ investment objectives and policies. Investing in the Funds entails certain risks and there is no assurance that a Fund will achieve its objective. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the same meaning as in the Prospectuses.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
     Each Fund has a distinct investment objective and policies. There can be no assurance that a Fund’s objective will be achieved. Each Fund other than the Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund is a diversified, open-end management company as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”). Each of the Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund is a non-diversified, open-end management investment company. The investment objective and policies of each Fund, and the associated risks of each 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 including Rule 35d-1 of the Act and the SEC’s interpretive positions thereunder, shareholders will be provided with sixty days notice in the manner prescribed by the SEC before any change in the U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund’s, International Equity Dividend and Premium’s, Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund’s, Structured International

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Tax-Managed Equity Fund’s, Real Estate Securities Fund’s, International Real Estate Securities Fund’s and Commodity Strategy Fund’s 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 Funds, their policies, and the investment instruments they may hold, is provided below.
     Each Fund’s share price will fluctuate with market, economic and, to the extent applicable, foreign exchange conditions, so that an investment in any of the Funds may be worth more or less when redeemed than when purchased. None of the Funds should be relied upon as a complete investment program.
     The following discussion supplements the information in the Funds’ Prospectuses.
General Information Regarding The Funds .
     The Investment Adviser may purchase for the Funds common stocks, preferred stocks, interests in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) and, with respect to the Real Estate Securities Fund and International Real Estate Securities Fund, other real estate industry companies, including REIT-like entities or real estate operating companies whose products and services are related to the real estate industry, 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 a Fund’s 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 a Fund’s 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. For the Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund and Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund, the Investment Adviser utilizes advanced quantitative tools for both stock selection and portfolio construction. For rebalancings, the computer optimizer calculates numerous security combinations and numerous weightings to identify an efficient risk/return given the Fund’s benchmark.
U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium and International Equity Dividend and Premium Funds
      Stock Selection and Portfolio Construction. The U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund seeks to maintain an equity portfolio that will produce a gross return similar to that of its equity benchmark, the S&P 500 Index. The International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund seeks to maintain an equity portfolio that will produce a gross return similar to that of its equity benchmark, the MSCI EAFE ® Index. However, because of the impact of call options written by each Fund, the return of each Fund is not expected to closely track its benchmark, even if the return of the portfolio securities held by each Fund resembles the return of the benchmark. In addition, the return of each Fund may trail the return of its benchmark for short or extended periods of time.
     Generally, each 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 its benchmark. 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 benchmark 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 benchmark. 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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      Call Writing. Each 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 relevant Fund’s benchmark or against exchange-traded funds linked to relevant benchmark (“ETFs”) or against other national or regional indices. The goal of each Fund’s call writing is to generate an amount of premium that, when annualized and added to each Fund’s expected dividend yield, provides an attractive level of cash flow. Call writing, however, entails certain risks.
     The Investment Adviser anticipates generally writing 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.
Structured Tax-Managed Equity and Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Funds
      Quantitative Style. The Structured Tax-Managed Equity and Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Funds are managed using both quantitative and fundamental techniques. The Funds’ investment process and the proprietary multifactor model used to implement it are discussed below.
      Investment Process. The Investment Adviser begins with a broad universe of U.S. equity investments for the Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund, and international equity investments for the Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund. As described more fully below, the Investment Adviser uses a proprietary multifactor model (the “Multifactor Model”) to forecast the returns of individual securities.
     In building a diversified portfolio for the Structured Tax-Managed Equity and Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Funds, the Investment Adviser utilizes optimization techniques to seek to construct the most efficient risk/return portfolio given each Fund’s benchmark. Each Fund’s portfolio is primarily composed of securities that the Investment Adviser believes maximizes the portfolio’s risk/return tradeoff and has risk characteristics and industry weightings similar to that of the Russell 3000 Index for the Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund, and the MSCI ® Europe, Australasia, Far East (“EAFE ® ”) Index (unhedged) for the Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund.
      Multifactor Model. The Multifactor Model is a rigorous computerized rating system for forecasting the returns of different equity markets, currencies and individual equity investments according to fundamental investment characteristics. Each Fund uses one Multifactor Model to forecast the returns of securities held in its portfolio. The Multifactor Model incorporates common variables including measures of value, momentum, analyst sentiment, profitability, earnings quality and management impact. All of the factors used in the Multifactor Model have been shown to significantly impact the performance of the securities, currencies and markets they were designed to forecast.
     The weightings assigned to the factors in the Multifactor Model used by each Fund are derived using a statistical formulation that considers each factor’s historical performance, volatility and stability of ranking in different market environments. As such, the Multifactor Model is designed to evaluate each security using the factors that are statistically related to returns over the long run. Because they include many disparate factors, the Investment Adviser believes that the Multifactor Model is broader in scope and provides a more thorough evaluation than traditional investment processes. Securities and markets ranked highest by the Multifactor Model do not have one dominant investment characteristic; rather, they possess an attractive combination of investment characteristics. By using a variety of relevant factors to select securities or markets, the Investment Adviser believes that each Fund will be better balanced and have more consistent performance than an investment portfolio that uses only one or two factors to select such investments.
     The Investment Adviser will monitor, and may occasionally suggest and make changes to, the method by which securities are selected for or weighted in each Fund. Such changes (which may be the result of changes in the Multifactor Model or the method of applying the Multifactor Model) may include: (i) evolutionary changes to the structure of the Multifactor Model ( e.g. , the addition of new factors or a new means of weighting the factors); (ii) changes in trading procedures ( e.g. , trading frequency or the manner in which each Fund uses futures); or (iii) changes in the method by which securities or markets are weighted in each Fund. Any such changes will

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preserve each Fund’s basic investment philosophy of combining qualitative and quantitative methods of selecting securities using a disciplined investment process.
      Other Information. Since normal settlement for equity securities is three trading days (for certain international markets settlement may be longer), the Funds will need to hold cash balances to satisfy shareholder redemption requests. Such cash balances will normally range from 2% to 5% of a Fund’s net assets. Additionally, the Funds may purchase futures contracts to manage their cash position. For example, if cash balances are equal to 5% of the net assets, a Fund may enter into long futures contracts covering an amount equal to 5% of the Fund’s net assets. As cash balances fluctuate based on new contributions or withdrawals, a Fund may enter into additional contracts or close out existing positions.
Real Estate Securities and International Real Estate Securities Funds
     The investment strategy of the Real Estate Securities and International Real Estate Securities Funds is based on the premise that real estate market fundamentals are the primary determinant of growth which underlies the success of companies in the real estate industry. Each Fund’s research and investment process focuses on companies that can achieve sustainable growth in cash flow and dividend paying capability. This process is comprised of real estate market research and securities analysis. Each Fund’s Investment Adviser will take into account fundamental trends in underlying property markets as determined by proprietary models, research of local real estate market, earnings, cash flow growth and stability, the relationship between asset values and market prices of the securities and dividend payment history. The Investment Adviser will attempt to purchase securities so that its underlying portfolio will be diversified geographically and by property type.
Tollkeeper Fund
      Growth Style. The Tollkeeper Fund is managed using a growth equity oriented approach. Equity investments for this Fund are selected based on their long-term prospects for above average growth. The Investment Adviser employs an investment strategy with three primary components. The first is to buy a business with the belief that wealth is created by the long-term ownership of a growing business. The second is to buy a high-quality business that exhibits high-quality growth criteria including strong business franchise, favorable long-term trends and excellent management. The third component of the strategy is to buy the business at attractive valuation. The Investment Adviser maintains a long term outlook when implementing this disciplined investment process.
     The Fund intends to invest a substantial portion of its assets in companies the Investment Adviser describes as Tollkeepers. In general, the Investment Adviser defines a Tollkeeper company as a high-quality technology, media or service company that adopts or uses technology to improve its cost structure, revenue opportunities or competitive advantage. The Investment Adviser seeks to identify Tollkeeper companies that exhibit many of the following characteristics:
  Strong brand name
 
  Dominant market share
 
  Recurring revenue streams
 
  Free cash flow generation
 
  Long product life cycle
 
  Enduring competitive advantage
 
  Excellent management
     To the Investment Adviser, tollkeeper connotes a promising growth business. Like a toll collector for a highway or bridge, tollkeeper companies may grow revenue by increasing “traffic,” or customers and sales, and raising “tolls” or prices, and margins. The Investment Adviser believes that the characteristics of many tollkeeper companies, including dominant market share, strong brand name and recurring revenue or the ability to generate free cash flow, should enable them to consistently grow their business. The Investment Adviser does not define companies that are capital intensive, low margin businesses as Tollkeepers (although the Investment Adviser may invest in such companies as part of the Fund’s 20% basket of securities which are not or may not be Tollkeepers).

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     The Internet is an example of a technology that the Investment Adviser believes will drive growth for many Tollkeeper businesses. The Internet has had, and is expected to continue to have, a significant impact on the global economy, as it changes the way many companies operate. Benefits of the Internet for businesses may include global scalability, acquisition of new clients, new revenue sources and increased efficiencies. Tollkeeper companies adopting Internet technologies to improve their business model include companies in the technology, media and service companies.
     Because of its focus on the technology media and service companies, the Fund’s investment performance will be closely tied to many factors that affect technology, media and service companies. These factors include intense competition, consumer preferences, problems with product compatibility and government regulation. Tollkeeper securities may experience significant price movements caused by disproportionate investor optimism or pessimism with little or no basis in fundamental economic conditions. As a result, the Fund’s NAV is more likely to have greater fluctuations than that of a Fund which is more diversified or invests in other industries.
Commodity Strategy Fund
     The Commodity Strategy Fund’s investment objective is to seek long-term total return. The Fund invests in fixed income securities, including U.S. government securities, corporate debt securities, privately issued mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities and structured notes based on the performance of a broad-based commodities index and other commodity-linked derivative securities. The Commodity Strategy Fund seeks to provide exposure to the commodity markets and returns that correspond to the performance of the S&P GSCI™ Commodity Index (“GSCI™”) by investing in commodity-linked investments. GSCI™ is a composite index of commodity sector returns, representing an unleveraged, long-only investment in commodity futures that is diversified across the spectrum of commodities. The returns are calculated on a fully-collateralized basis with full reinvestment. The combination of these attributes provides investors with a representative and realistic picture of realizable returns attainable in the commodities markets.
     Individual components qualify for inclusion in the GSCI™ on the basis of liquidity and are weighted by their respective world production quantities. The principles behind the construction of the index are public and designed to allow easy and cost-efficient investment implementation. Possible means of implementation include the purchase of GSCI™-related instruments, such as the GSCI™ futures contract traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) or over-the-counter derivatives, or the direct purchase of the underlying futures contracts.
As of April 21, 2008, weights were:
Energy: 75.68%
Ind. Metals: 7.14%
Prec. Metals: 1.96%
Agriculture: 12.16%
Livestock: 3.06%
     The following is further discussion concerning particular instruments in which the Fund may invest and investment strategies that the Fund may use.
Risk Considerations Regarding the Internet Industry
     The value of the Tollkeeper Fund’s shares will fluctuate based upon risk factors affecting the Internet industry and related industries. Market or economic factors impacting companies in these industries could have a major effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. The value of stocks of these companies is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technological product cycles, frequent new service and product announcements, evolving industry standards, government regulation, intense worldwide competition, and obsolescence caused by scientific and technological advances and changing customer demand. Technology stocks, especially those of smaller, less seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Products developed by Internet and Internet related companies may be commercially unsuccessful. The failure of an Internet company to adapt to such changes could

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have a material adverse effect on the company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, the widespread adoption of new Internet, networking or telecommunications technologies or other technological changes could require substantial expenditures by an Internet company to modify or adapt its services or infrastructure, which could have a material adverse effect on an Internet company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
     Despite the implementation of security measures, an Internet company’s networks may be vulnerable to unauthorized access, computer viruses and other disruptive problems. Internet companies have in the past experienced, and may in the future experience, interruptions in service as a result of the accidental or intentional actions of Internet users, current and former employees or others. Unauthorized access could also potentially jeopardize the security of confidential information stored in the computer systems of a company and its subscribers. These events may result in liability of the company to its subscribers and also may deter potential subscribers.
     The law relating to the liability of online services companies for information carried on or disseminated through their services is currently unsettled. Claims have been brought, and in some cases successfully argued, against online services companies under both United States and foreign law for defamation, libel, invasion of privacy, negligence, copyright or trademark infringement, or other theories based on the nature and content of the materials disseminated through their services. Certain federal laws have had the effect of protecting online services companies from certain of such claims concerning materials disseminated through their services, either by providing immunity or through failure of those bringing action against online services to show violation of such laws; nevertheless, online services companies sometimes have been held liable for materials disseminated through their services, particularly for claims of trademark infringement. There can be no assurance that the steps taken by internet companies to protect their proprietary rights will be adequate to prevent misappropriation of their technology or that competitors will not independently develop technologies that are substantially equivalent or superior to such companies’ technology. In addition, legislation has been proposed that imposes liability for or prohibits the transmission over the Internet of certain types of information. The increased attention focused upon liability issues as a result of these lawsuits, the effect of existing federal legislation and legislative proposals could also favorably or disfavorably impact the growth of Internet use.
     It is possible that a number of laws and regulations may be adopted with respect to the Internet or other online services covering issues such as user privacy, freedom of expression, pricing, content and quality of products and services, taxation, advertising, intellectual property rights and information security. The nature of such governmental action and the manner in which it may be interpreted and enforced cannot be fully determined. Such action could subject an Internet company and/or its customers to potential liability, which in turn could have an adverse effect on the Internet company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. The adoption of any such laws or regulations might also decrease the rate of growth of Internet use, which in turn could decrease the demand for the services of Internet companies or increase the cost of doing business or in some other manner have a material adverse effect on an Internet company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, applicability to the Internet of existing laws governing issues such as property ownership, copyrights and other intellectual property issues, taxation, libel, obscenity and personal privacy is developing. While the vast majority of such laws were adopted prior to the advent of the Internet and related technologies and, as a result, do not directly contemplate or address the unique issues of the Internet and related technologies, amendments to these laws, new laws or court decisions could have the effect of favorably or disfavorably impacting the growth of Internet use.
     The U.S. Congress has adopted legislation, and is considering certain proposed legislation, to protect the privacy of personal information collected on the Internet. This legislation could require an online service to adopt safeguards to protect the confidentiality, security and integrity of personal information and provide a process for individuals to consent or limit the disclosure of such information. Certain states have also proposed legislation that would limit the uses of personal user information gathered online or require online services to establish privacy policies. While one federal court has ruled in favor of online services companies regarding certain processes employed to obtain personal information from users, other court decisions, changes to existing laws or the passage of new laws intended to address privacy issues could create uncertainty in the marketplace that could reduce demand for the services of an internet company or increase the cost of doing business as a result of litigation costs or increased service delivery costs, or could in some other manner have a material adverse effect on an internet company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

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     Internet companies do not generally collect sales or other similar taxes. However, one or more states may seek to impose sales tax collection obligations on Internet companies which engage in or facilitate online commerce, and proposals have been made at the state and local level that would impose additional taxes on the sale of goods and services through the Internet. Such proposals, if adopted, could impair the growth of electronic commerce, and could adversely affect an Internet company’s opportunity to derive financial benefit from such activities. Moreover, a successful assertion by one or more states or any foreign country that an Internet company should collect sales or other taxes on the exchange of merchandise on its system could have a material adverse effect on an Internet company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
     Legislation prohibiting states from imposing taxes on internet access or imposing multiple or discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce has been adopted by the U.S. Congress, with a tax moratorium ending on November 1, 2014. While legislation has been proposed before the U.S. Congress to permanently prohibit the imposition of such taxes, that legislation has not been enacted. Accordingly, failure to extend the current moratorium could allow various states to impose taxes on internet-based commerce and the imposition of such taxes could have a material adverse effect on an internet company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
Corporate Debt Obligations
     Each 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 U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund, International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund, Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund and Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund may only invest in debt securities that are cash equivalents. Corporate debt obligations are subject to the risk of an issuer’s 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.
     An economic downturn could severely affect the ability of highly leveraged issuers of junk bond securities to service their debt obligations or to repay their obligations upon maturity. Factors having an adverse impact on the market value of junk bonds will have an adverse effect on a Fund’s net asset value to the extent it invests in such securities. In addition, a Fund may incur additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek recovery upon a default in payment of principal or interest on its portfolio holdings.
     The secondary market for junk bonds, which is concentrated in relatively few market makers, may not be as liquid as the secondary market for more highly rated securities. This reduced liquidity may have an adverse effect on the ability of the Funds to dispose of a particular security when necessary to meet their redemption requests or other liquidity needs. Under adverse market or economic conditions, the secondary market for junk bonds could contract further, independent of any specific adverse changes in the condition of a particular issuer. As a result, the Investment Adviser could find it difficult to sell these securities or may be able to sell the securities only at prices lower than if such securities were widely traded. Prices realized upon the sale of such lower rated or unrated securities, under such circumstances, may be less than the prices used in calculating a Fund’s net asset value.
     Since investors generally perceive that there are greater risks associated with the medium to lower rated securities of the type in which the Funds may invest, the yields and prices of such securities may tend to fluctuate more than those for higher rated securities. In the lower quality segments of the fixed-income securities market, changes in perceptions of issuers’ creditworthiness tend to occur more frequently and in a more pronounced manner than do changes in higher quality segments of the fixed-income securities market, resulting in greater yield and price volatility.
     Another factor which causes fluctuations in the prices of fixed-income securities is the supply and demand for similarly rated securities. In addition, the prices of fixed-income securities fluctuate in response to the general level of interest rates. Fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities subsequent to their acquisition will not affect cash income from such securities but will be reflected in a Fund’s net asset value.

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     Medium to lower rated and comparable non-rated securities tend to offer higher yields than higher rated securities with the same maturities because the historical financial condition of the issuers of such securities may not have been as strong as that of other issuers. Since medium to lower rated securities generally involve greater risks of loss of income and principal than higher rated securities, investors should consider carefully the relative risks associated with investment in securities which carry medium to lower ratings and in comparable unrated securities. In addition to the risk of default, there are the related costs of recovery on defaulted issues. The Investment Adviser will attempt to reduce these risks through portfolio diversification and by analysis of each issuer and its ability to make timely payments of income and principal, as well as broad economic trends and corporate developments.
     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 issuer’s sensitivity to economic conditions, its operating history and the current trend of earnings. The Investment Adviser continually monitors the investments in a Fund’s portfolio and evaluates whether to dispose of or to retain corporate debt obligations whose credit ratings or credit quality may have changed.
Commodity-Linked Securities
     The Commodity Strategy Fund may seek to provide exposure to the investment returns of real assets that trade in the commodity markets through investments in commodity-linked derivative securities, which are designed to provide this exposure without direct investment in physical commodities or commodities futures contracts. Real assets are assets such as oil, gas, industrial and precious metals, livestock, and agricultural or meat products, or other items that have tangible properties, as compared to stocks or bonds, which are financial instruments. In choosing investments, the Investment Adviser seeks to provide exposure to various commodities and commodity sectors. The value of commodity-linked derivative securities may be affected by a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, overall market movements and other factors affecting the value of particular industries or commodities, such as weather, disease, embargoes, acts of war or terrorism, or political and regulatory developments.
     The prices of commodity-linked derivative securities may move in different directions than investments in traditional equity and debt securities when the value of those traditional securities is declining due to adverse economic conditions. As an example, during periods of rising inflation, debt securities have historically tended to decline in value due to the general increase in prevailing interest rates. Conversely, during those same periods of rising inflation, the prices of certain commodities, such as oil and metals, have historically tended to increase. Of course, there cannot be any guarantee that these investments will perform in that manner in the future, and at certain times the price movements of commodity-linked instruments have been parallel to those of debt and equity securities. Commodities have historically tended to increase and decrease in value during different parts of the business cycle than financial assets. Nevertheless, at various times, commodities prices may move in tandem with the prices of financial assets and thus may not provide overall portfolio diversification benefits. Under favorable economic conditions, the Fund’s investments may be expected to underperform an investment in traditional securities. Over the long term, the returns on the Fund’s investments are expected to exhibit low or negative correlation with stocks and bonds.
     The Investment Adviser generally intends to invest in commodity-linked investments whose returns are linked to the GSCI™. However, the Commodity Strategy Fund is not an index fund and the Investment Adviser may make allocations that differ from the weightings in the GSCI™.
Commercial Paper and Other Short-Term Corporate Obligations
     The Funds 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
     Each 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.

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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 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.
     Each 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”). Each 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.
      Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities . The Funds (except for the International Real Estate Securities Fund) may invest in U.S. Government securities, called “Treasury inflation-protected securities” or “TIPS,” which are fixed income securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation. The interest rate on TIPS is fixed at issuance, but over the life of the bond this interest may be paid on an increasing or decreasing principal value that has been adjusted for inflation. Although repayment of the original bond principal upon maturity is guaranteed, the market value of TIPS is not guaranteed, and will fluctuate.
     The values of TIPS generally fluctuate in response to changes in real interest rates, which are in turn tied to the relationship between nominal interest rates and the rate of inflation. If inflation were to rise at a faster rate than nominal interest rates, real interest rates might decline, leading to an increase in the value of TIPS. In contrast, if nominal interest rates were to increase at a faster rate than inflation, real interest rates might rise, leading to a decrease in the value of TIPS. If inflation is lower than expected during the period the Fund holds TIPS, the Fund may earn less on the TIPS than on a conventional bond. If interest rates rise due to reasons other than inflation (for example, due to changes in the currency exchange rates), investors in TIPS may not be protected to the extent that the increase is not reflected in the bonds’ inflation measure. There can be no assurance that the inflation index for TIPS will accurately measure the real rate of inflation in the prices of goods and services.
     Any increase in principal value of TIPS caused by an increase in the consumer price index is taxable in the year the increase occurs, even though the Fund holding TIPS will not receive cash representing the increase at that time. As a result, a Fund could be required at times to liquidate other investments, including when it is not advantageous to do so, in order to satisfy its distribution requirements as a regulated investment company.
     If a Fund invests in TIPS, it will be required to treat as original issue discount any increase in the principal amount of the securities that occurs during the course of its taxable year. If a Fund purchases such inflation protected securities that are issued in stripped form either as stripped bonds or coupons, it will be treated as if it had purchased a newly issued debt instrument having original issue discount.
     Because a Fund is required to distribute substantially all of its net investment income (including accrued original issue discount), a Fund’s investment in either zero coupon bonds or TIPS may require a Fund to distribute to shareholders an amount greater than the total cash income it actually receives. Accordingly, in order to make the required distributions, a Fund may be required to borrow or liquidate securities.

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Bank Obligations
     Each 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.
     Certificates of deposit are certificates evidencing the obligation of a bank to repay funds deposited with it for a specified period of time at a specified rate. Certificates of deposit are negotiable instruments and are similar to saving deposits but have a definite maturity and are evidenced by a certificate instead of a passbook entry. Banks are required to keep reserves against all certificates of deposit. Fixed time deposits are bank obligations payable at a stated maturity date and bearing interest at a fixed rate. Fixed time deposits may be withdrawn on the demand by the investor, but may be subject to early withdrawal penalties which vary depending upon market conditions and the remaining maturity of the obligation. The Funds may invest in deposits in U.S. and European banks satisfying the standards set forth above.
Zero Coupon Bonds
     The U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund, International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund, Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund, Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund’s 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 a Fund defaults, the Fund may obtain no return at all on its investment. A 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 Fund’s distribution obligations.
Deferred Interest, Pay-In-Kind and Capital Appreciation Bonds
     The Commodity Strategy Fund’s investments in fixed income securities may include deferred interest, pay-in-kind (“PIK”) and capital appreciation bonds. Deferred interest and capital appreciation bonds are debt securities issued or sold at a discount from their face value and which do not entitle the holder to any periodic payment of interest prior to maturity or a specified date. The original issue discount varies depending on the time remaining until maturity or cash payment date, prevailing interest rates, the liquidity of the security and the perceived credit quality of the issuer. These securities also may take the form of debt securities that have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons, the coupons themselves or receipts or certificates representing interests in such stripped debt obligations or coupons. The market prices of deferred interest, capital appreciation bonds and PIK securities generally are more volatile than the market prices of interest bearing securities and are likely to respond to a greater degree to changes in interest rates than interest bearing securities having similar maturities and credit quality.
     PIK securities may be debt obligations or preferred shares that provide the issuer with the option of paying interest or dividends on such obligations in cash or in the form of additional securities rather than cash. Similar to deferred interest bonds, PIK securities are designed to give an issuer flexibility in managing cash flow. PIK securities that are debt securities can be either senior or subordinated debt and generally trade flat ( i.e. , without

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accrued interest). The trading price of PIK debt securities generally reflects the market value of the underlying debt plus an amount representing accrued interest since the last interest payment.
     Deferred interest, capital appreciation and PIK securities involve the additional risk that, unlike securities that periodically pay interest to maturity, the Fund will realize no cash until a specified future payment date unless a portion of such securities is sold and, if the issuer of such securities defaults, the Fund may obtain no return at all on its investment. In addition, even though such securities do not provide for the payment of current interest in cash, the Fund is nonetheless required to accrue income on such investments for each taxable year and generally is required to distribute such accrued amounts (net of deductible expenses, if any) to avoid being subject to tax. Because no cash is generally received at the time of the accrual, the Fund may be required to liquidate other portfolio securities to obtain sufficient cash to satisfy federal tax distribution requirements applicable to the Fund. A portion of the discount with respect to stripped tax-exempt securities or their coupons may be taxable. See “Taxation.”
Variable and Floating Rate Securities
     The interest rates payable on certain fixed-income securities in which a 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, or for other reasons.
Custodial Receipts and Trust Certificates
     Each Fund may invest in 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, a Fund will bear its proportionate share of the fees and expenses charged to the custodial account or trust. Each 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 a Fund would be typically authorized to assert its rights directly against the issuer of the underlying obligation, a 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, a Fund may be subject to delays, expenses and risks that are greater than those that would have been involved if a 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 issuer’s 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

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market for some instruments may not exist. In many cases, the Internal Revenue Service has not ruled on the tax treatment of the interest 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.
Mortgage-Backed Securities
      General Characteristics. The Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund, Tollkeeper Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund may invest in mortgage-backed securities. Each mortgage pool underlying mortgage-backed securities consists of mortgage loans evidenced by promissory notes secured by first mortgages or first deeds of trust or other similar security instruments creating a first lien on owner occupied and non-owner occupied one-unit to four-unit residential properties, multifamily ( i.e. , five or more) properties, agricultural properties, commercial properties and mixed use properties (the “Mortgaged Properties”). The Mortgaged Properties may consist of detached individual dwelling units, multifamily dwelling units, individual condominiums, townhouses, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, row houses, individual units in planned unit developments and other attached dwelling units. The Mortgaged Properties may also include residential investment properties and second homes.
     The investment characteristics of adjustable and fixed rate mortgage-backed securities differ from those of traditional fixed-income securities. The major differences include the payment of interest and principal on mortgage-backed securities on a more frequent (usually monthly) schedule, and the possibility that principal may be prepaid at any time due to prepayments on the underlying mortgage loans or other assets. These differences can result in significantly greater price and yield volatility than is the case with traditional fixed-income securities. As a result, if a Fund purchases mortgage-backed securities at a premium, a faster than expected prepayment rate will reduce both the market value and the yield to maturity from those which were anticipated. A prepayment rate that is slower than expected will have the opposite effect of increasing yield to maturity and market value. Conversely, if a Fund purchases mortgage-backed securities at a discount, faster than expected prepayments will increase, while slower than expected prepayments will reduce yield to maturity and market values. To the extent that a Fund invests in mortgage-backed securities, its Investment Adviser may seek to manage these potential risks by investing in a variety of mortgage-backed securities and by using certain hedging techniques.
      Government Guaranteed Mortgage-Backed Securities. There are several types of government guaranteed mortgage-backed securities currently available, including guaranteed mortgage pass-through certificates and multiple class securities, which include guaranteed Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit Certificates (“REMIC Certificates”), other collateralized mortgage obligations and stripped mortgage-backed securities. A Fund is permitted to invest in other types of mortgage-backed securities that may be available in the future to the extent consistent with its investment policies and objective.
     A Fund’s investments in mortgage-backed securities may include securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or one of its agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises, such as the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”), the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”). Ginnie Mae securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, which means that the U.S. Government guarantees that the interest and principal will be paid when due. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac securities are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have the ability to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, and as a result, they are generally viewed by the market as high quality securities with low credit risks. From time to time, proposals have been introduced before Congress for the purpose of restricting or eliminating federal sponsorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that issue guaranteed mortgage-backed securities. The Trust cannot predict what legislation, if any, may be proposed in the future in Congress as regards such sponsorship or which proposals, if any, might be enacted. Such proposals, if enacted, might materially and adversely affect the availability of government guaranteed mortgage-backed securities and the Funds’ liquidity and value.
     There is risk that the U.S. Government will not provide financial support to its agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. A Fund may purchase U.S. Government securities that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, such as those issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some U.S. Government securities held by a Fund may greatly exceed their current

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resources, including their legal right to support from the U.S. Treasury. It is possible that these issuers will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future.
      Ginnie Mae Certificates. Ginnie Mae is a wholly-owned corporate instrumentality of the United States. Ginnie Mae is authorized to guarantee the timely payment of the principal of and interest on certificates that are based on and backed by a pool of mortgage loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration (“FHA Loans”), or guaranteed by the Veterans Administration (“VA Loans”) , or by pools of other eligible mortgage loans. In order to meet its obligations under any guaranty, Ginnie Mae is authorized to borrow from the United States Treasury in an unlimited amount. The National Housing Act provided that the full faith and credit of the United States is pledged to the timely payment of principal and interest by Ginnie Mae of amounts due on Ginnie Mae certificates.
      Fannie Mae Certificates. Fannie Mae is a stockholder-owned corporation chartered under an act of the United States Congress. Generally, Fannie Mae certificates are issued and guaranteed by Fannie Mae and represent an undivided interest in a pool of mortgage loans (a “Pool”) formed by Fannie Mae. Each Pool consists of residential mortgage loans (“Mortgage Loans”) either previously owned by Fannie Mae or purchased by it in connection with the formation of the Pool. The Mortgage Loans may be either conventional Mortgage Loans ( i.e. , not insured or guaranteed by any U.S. Government agency) or Mortgage Loans that are either insured by the Federal Housing Administration (“FHA”) or guaranteed by the Veterans Administration (“VA”). However, the Mortgage Loans in Fannie Mae Pools are primarily conventional Mortgage Loans. The lenders originating and servicing the Mortgage Loans are subject to certain eligibility requirements established by Fannie Mae.
     Fannie Mae has certain contractual responsibilities. With respect to each Pool, Fannie Mae is obligated to distribute scheduled installments of principal and interest after Fannie Mae’s servicing and guaranty fee, whether or not received, to Certificate holders. Fannie Mae also is obligated to distribute to holders of Certificates an amount equal to the full principal balance of any foreclosed Mortgage Loan, whether or not such principal balance is actually recovered. The obligations of Fannie Mae under its guaranty of the Fannie Mae Certificates are obligations solely of Fannie Mae.
      Freddie Mac Certificates. Freddie Mac is a publicly held U.S. Government sponsored enterprise. The principal activity of Freddie Mac currently is the purchase of first lien, conventional, residential mortgage loans and participation interests in such mortgage loans and their resale in the form of mortgage securities, primarily Freddie Mac Certificates. A Freddie Mac Certificate represents a pro rata interest in a group of mortgage loans or participations in mortgage loans (a “Freddie Mac Certificate group”) purchased by Freddie Mac.
     Freddie Mac guarantees to each registered holder of a Freddie Mac Certificate the timely payment of interest at the rate provided for by such Freddie Mac Certificate (whether or not received on the underlying loans). Freddie Mac also guarantees to each registered Certificate holder ultimate collection of all principal of the related mortgage loans, without any offset or deduction, but does not, generally, guarantee the timely payment of scheduled principal. The obligations of Freddie Mac under its guaranty of Freddie Mac Certificates are obligations solely of Freddie Mac.
     The mortgage loans underlying the Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae Certificates consist of adjustable rate or fixed rate mortgage loans with original terms to maturity of up to forty years. Substantially all of these mortgage loans are secured by first liens on one-to-four-family residential properties or multi-family projects. Each mortgage loan must meet the applicable standards set forth in the law creating Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae. A Freddie Mac Certificate group may include whole loans, participation interests in whole loans, undivided interests in whole loans and participations comprising another Freddie Mac Certificate group.
      Conventional Mortgage Loans. The conventional mortgage loans underlying the Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae Certificates consist of adjustable rate or fixed-rate mortgage loans normally with original terms to maturity of between five and thirty years. Substantially all of these mortgage loans are secured by first liens on one- to four-family residential properties or multi-family projects. Each mortgage loan must meet the applicable standards set forth in the law creating Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae. A Freddie Mac Certificate group may include whole loans, participation interests in whole loans, undivided interests in whole loans and participations comprising another Freddie Mac Certificate group.

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      Mortgage Pass-Through Securities. To the extent consistent with their investment policies, the Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund, Tollkeeper Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund may invest in both government guaranteed and privately issued mortgage pass-through securities (“Mortgage Pass-Throughs”); that is, fixed or adjustable rate mortgage-backed securities which provide for monthly payments that are a “pass-through” of the monthly interest and principal payments (including any prepayments) made by the individual borrowers on the pooled mortgage loans, net of any fees or other amounts paid to any guarantor, administrator and/or servicer of the underlying mortgage loans. The seller or servicer of the underlying mortgage obligations will generally make representations and warranties to certificate holders as to certain characteristics of the mortgage loans and as to the accuracy of certain information furnished to the trustee in respect of each such mortgage loan. Upon a breach of any representation or warranty that materially and adversely affects the interests of the related certificate holders in a mortgage loan, the seller or servicer may be obligated either to cure the breach in all material respects, to repurchase the mortgage loan or, if the related agreement so provides, to substitute in its place a mortgage loan pursuant to the conditions set forth therein. Such a repurchase or substitution obligation may constitute the sole remedy available to the related certificate holders or the trustee for the material breach of any such representation or warranty by the seller or servicer.
     The following discussion describes only a few of the wide variety of structures of Mortgage Pass-Throughs that are available or may be issued.
           Description of Certificates. Mortgage Pass-Throughs may be issued in one or more classes of senior certificates and one or more classes of subordinate certificates. Each such class may bear a different pass-through rate. Generally, each certificate will evidence the specified interest of the holder thereof in the payments of principal or interest or both in respect of the mortgage pool comprising part of the trust fund for such certificates.
          Any class of certificates may also be divided into subclasses entitled to varying amounts of principal and interest. If a REMIC election has been made, certificates of such subclasses may be entitled to payments on the basis of a stated principal balance and stated interest rate, and payments among different subclasses may be made on a sequential, concurrent, pro rata or disproportionate basis, or any combination thereof. The stated interest rate on any such subclass of certificates may be a fixed rate or one which varies in direct or inverse relationship to an objective interest index.
          Generally, each registered holder of a certificate will be entitled to receive its pro rata share of monthly distributions of all or a portion of principal of the underlying mortgage loans or of interest on the principal balances thereof, which accrues at the applicable mortgage pass-through rate, or both. The difference between the mortgage interest rate and the related mortgage pass-through rate (less the amount, if any, of retained yield) with respect to each mortgage loan will generally be paid to the servicer as a servicing fee. Since certain adjustable rate mortgage loans included in a mortgage pool may provide for deferred interest ( i.e. , negative amortization), the amount of interest actually paid by a mortgagor in any month may be less than the amount of interest accrued on the outstanding principal balance of the related mortgage loan during the relevant period at the applicable mortgage interest rate. In such event, the amount of interest that is treated as deferred interest will generally be added to the principal balance of the related mortgage loan and will be distributed pro rata to certificate-holders as principal of such mortgage loan when paid by the mortgagor in subsequent monthly payments or at maturity.
           Ratings. The ratings assigned by a rating organization to Mortgage Pass-Throughs address the likelihood of the receipt of all distributions on the underlying mortgage loans by the related certificate-holders under the agreements pursuant to which such certificates are issued. A rating organization’s ratings normally take into consideration the credit quality of the related mortgage pool, including any credit support providers, structural and legal aspects associated with such certificates, and the extent to which the payment stream on such mortgage pool is adequate to make payments required by such certificates. A rating organization’s ratings on such certificates do not, however, constitute a statement regarding frequency of prepayments on the related mortgage loans. In addition, the rating assigned by a rating organization to a certificate may not address the possibility that, in the event of the insolvency of the issuer of certificates where a subordinated interest was retained, the issuance and sale of the senior certificates may be recharacterized as a financing and, as a result of such recharacterization, payments on such certificates may be affected.

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           Credit Enhancement. Mortgage pools created by non-governmental issuers generally offer a higher yield than government and government-related pools because of the absence of direct or indirect government or agency payment guarantees. To lessen the effect of failures by obligors on underlying assets to make payments, mortgage pass-throughs may contain elements of credit support. Credit support falls generally into two categories: (i) liquidity protection and (ii) protection against losses resulting from default by an obligor on the underlying assets. Liquidity protection refers to the provision of advances, generally by the entity administering the pools of mortgages, the provision of a reserve fund, or a combination thereof, to ensure, subject to certain limitations, that scheduled payments on the underlying pool are made in a timely fashion. Protection against losses resulting from default ensures ultimate payment of the obligations on at least a portion of the assets in the pool. Such credit support can be provided by, among other things, payment guarantees, letters of credit, pool insurance, subordination, or any combination thereof.
           Subordination; Shifting of Interest; Reserve Fund. In order to achieve ratings on one or more classes of Mortgage Pass-Throughs, one or more classes of certificates may be subordinate certificates which provide that the rights of the subordinate certificate-holders to receive any or a specified portion of distributions with respect to the underlying mortgage loans may be subordinated to the rights of the senior certificate-holders. If so structured, the subordination feature may be enhanced by distributing to the senior certificate-holders on certain distribution dates, as payment of principal, a specified percentage (which generally declines over time) of all principal payments received during the preceding prepayment period (“shifting interest credit enhancement”). This will have the effect of accelerating the amortization of the senior certificates while increasing the interest in the trust fund evidenced by the subordinate certificates. Increasing the interest of the subordinate certificates relative to that of the senior certificates is intended to preserve the availability of the subordination provided by the subordinate certificates. In addition, because the senior certificate-holders in a shifting interest credit enhancement structure are entitled to receive a percentage of principal prepayments which is greater than their proportionate interest in the trust fund, the rate of principal prepayments on the mortgage loans may have an even greater effect on the rate of principal payments and the amount of interest payments on, and the yield to maturity of, the senior certificates.
          In addition to providing for a preferential right of the senior certificate-holders to receive current distributions from the mortgage pool, a reserve fund may be established relating to such certificates (the “Reserve Fund”). The Reserve Fund may be created with an initial cash deposit by the originator or servicer and augmented by the retention of distributions otherwise available to the subordinate certificate-holders or by excess servicing fees until the Reserve Fund reaches a specified amount.
          The subordination feature, and any Reserve Fund, are intended to enhance the likelihood of timely receipt by senior certificate-holders of the full amount of scheduled monthly payments of principal and interest due them and will protect the senior certificate-holders against certain losses; however, in certain circumstances the Reserve Fund could be depleted and temporary shortfalls could result. In the event the Reserve Fund is depleted before the subordinated amount is reduced to zero, senior certificate-holders will nevertheless have a preferential right to receive current distributions from the mortgage pool to the extent of the then outstanding subordinated amount. Unless otherwise specified, until the subordinated amount is reduced to zero, on any distribution date any amount otherwise distributable to the subordinate certificates or, to the extent specified, in the Reserve Fund will generally be used to offset the amount of any losses realized with respect to the mortgage loans (“Realized Losses”). Realized Losses remaining after application of such amounts will generally be applied to reduce the ownership interest of the subordinate certificates in the mortgage pool. If the subordinated amount has been reduced to zero, Realized Losses generally will be allocated pro rata among all certificate-holders in proportion to their respective outstanding interests in the mortgage pool.
           Alternative Credit Enhancement. As an alternative, or in addition to the credit enhancement afforded by subordination, credit enhancement for Mortgage Pass-Throughs may be provided by mortgage insurance, hazard insurance, by the deposit of cash, certificates of deposit, letters of credit, a limited guaranty or by such other methods as are acceptable to a rating agency. In certain circumstances, such as where credit enhancement is provided by guarantees or a letter of credit, the security is subject to credit risk because of its exposure to an external credit enhancement provider.

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           Voluntary Advances. Generally, in the event of delinquencies in payments on the mortgage loans underlying the Mortgage Pass-Throughs, the servicer agrees to make advances of cash for the benefit of certificate-holders, but generally will do so only to the extent that it determines such voluntary advances will be recoverable from future payments and collections on the mortgage loans or otherwise.
           Optional Termination. Generally, the servicer may, at its option with respect to any certificates, repurchase all of the underlying mortgage loans remaining outstanding at such time if the aggregate outstanding principal balance of such mortgage loans is less than a specified percentage (generally 5-10%) of the aggregate outstanding principal balance of the mortgage loans as of the cut-off date specified with respect to such series.
      Multiple Class Mortgage-Backed Securities and Collateralized Mortgage Obligations. A Fund may invest in multiple class securities including collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) and REMIC Certificates. These securities may be issued by U.S. Government agencies, instrumentalities and sponsored enterprises such as Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac or by trusts formed by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations, mortgage bankers, commercial banks, insurance companies, investment banks and special purpose subsidiaries of the foregoing. In general, CMOs are debt obligations of a legal entity that are collateralized by, and multiple class mortgage-backed securities represent direct ownership interests in, a pool of mortgage loans or mortgage-backed securities the payments on which are used to make payments on the CMOs or multiple class mortgage-backed securities.
     Fannie Mae REMIC Certificates are issued and guaranteed as to timely distribution of principal and interest by Fannie Mae. In addition, Fannie Mae will be obligated to distribute the principal balance of each class of REMIC Certificates in full, whether or not sufficient funds are otherwise available.
     Freddie Mac guarantees the timely payment of interest on Freddie Mac REMIC Certificates and also guarantees the payment of principal as payments are required to be made on the underlying mortgage participation certificates (“PCs”). PCs represent undivided interests in specified level payment, residential mortgages or participations therein purchased by Freddie Mac and placed in a PC pool. With respect to principal payments on PCs, Freddie Mac generally guarantees ultimate collection of all principal of the related mortgage loans without offset or deduction but the receipt of the required payments may be delayed. Freddie Mac also guarantees timely payment of principal of certain PCs.
     CMOs and guaranteed REMIC Certificates issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are types of multiple class mortgage-backed securities. The REMIC Certificates represent beneficial ownership interests in a REMIC trust, generally consisting of mortgage loans or Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae guaranteed mortgage-backed securities (the “Mortgage Assets”). The obligations of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac under their respective guaranty of the REMIC Certificates are obligations solely of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, respectively.
     CMOs and REMIC Certificates are issued in multiple classes. Each class of CMOs or REMIC Certificates, often referred to as a “tranche,” is issued at a specific adjustable or fixed interest rate and must be fully retired no later than its final distribution date. Principal prepayments on the Mortgage Loans or the Mortgage Assets underlying the CMOs or REMIC Certificates may cause some or all of the classes of CMOs or REMIC Certificates to be retired substantially earlier than their final distribution dates. Generally, interest is paid or accrues on all classes of CMOs or REMIC Certificates on a monthly basis.
     The principal of and interest on the Mortgage Assets may be allocated among the several classes of CMOs or REMIC Certificates in various ways. In certain structures (known as “sequential pay” CMOs or REMIC Certificates), payments of principal, including any principal prepayments, on the Mortgage Assets generally are applied to the classes of CMOs or REMIC Certificates in the order of their respective final distribution dates. Thus, no payment of principal will be made on any class of sequential pay CMOs or REMIC Certificates until all other classes having an earlier final distribution date have been paid in full.
     Additional structures of CMOs and REMIC Certificates include, among others, “parallel pay” CMOs and REMIC Certificates. Parallel pay CMOs or REMIC Certificates are those which are structured to apply principal payments and prepayments of the Mortgage Assets to two or more classes concurrently on a proportionate or

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disproportionate basis. These simultaneous payments are taken into account in calculating the final distribution date of each class.
     A wide variety of REMIC Certificates may be issued in parallel pay or sequential pay structures. These securities include accrual certificates (also known as “Z-Bonds”), which only accrue interest at a specified rate until all other certificates having an earlier final distribution date have been retired and are converted thereafter to an interest-paying security, and planned amortization class (“PAC”) certificates, which are parallel pay REMIC Certificates that generally require that specified amounts of principal be applied on each payment date to one or more classes or REMIC Certificates (the “PAC Certificates”), even though all other principal payments and prepayments of the Mortgage Assets are then required to be applied to one or more other classes of the PAC Certificates. The scheduled principal payments for the PAC Certificates generally have the highest priority on each payment date after interest due has been paid to all classes entitled to receive interest currently. Shortfalls, if any, are added to the amount payable on the next payment date. The PAC Certificate payment schedule is taken into account in calculating the final distribution date of each class of PAC. In order to create PAC tranches, one or more tranches generally must be created that absorb most of the volatility in the underlying mortgage assets. These tranches tend to have market prices and yields that are much more volatile than other PAC classes.
      Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities. The Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund may invest in stripped mortgage-backed securities (“SMBS”), which are derivative multiclass mortgage securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities or non-governmental originators. Certain SMBS may not be readily marketable and will be considered illiquid for purposes of the Fund’s limitation on investments in illiquid securities. The Investment Adviser may determine that SMBS which are U.S. Government Securities are liquid for purposes of the Fund’s limitation on investments in illiquid securities. The market value of the class consisting entirely of principal payments generally is unusually volatile in response to changes in interest rates. The yields on a class of SMBS that receives all or most of the interest from Mortgage Assets are generally higher than prevailing market yields on other mortgage-backed securities because their cash flow patterns are more volatile and there is a greater risk that the initial investment will not be fully recouped.
Inverse Floating Rate Securities
     The Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund, Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund may invest in leveraged inverse floating rate debt instruments (“inverse floaters”). The interest rate on an inverse floater resets in the opposite direction from the market rate of interest to which the inverse floater is indexed. An inverse floater may be considered to be leveraged to the extent that its interest rate varies by a magnitude that exceeds the magnitude of the change in the index rate of interest. The higher degree of leverage inherent in inverse floaters is associated with greater volatility in their market values. Accordingly, the duration of an inverse floater may exceed its stated final maturity. Certain inverse floaters may be deemed to be illiquid securities for purposes of a Fund’s 15% limitation on investments in such securities.
Asset-Backed Securities
     The Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund, Tollkeeper Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund may invest in asset-backed securities. Asset-backed securities represent participations in, or are secured by and payable from, assets such as motor vehicle installment sales, installment loan contracts, leases of various types of real and personal property, receivables from revolving credit (credit card) agreements and other categories of receivables. Such assets are securitized through the use of trusts and special purpose corporations. Payments or distributions of principal and interest may be guaranteed up to certain amounts and for a certain time period by a letter of credit or a pool insurance policy issued by a financial institution unaffiliated with the trust or corporation, or other credit enhancements may be present.
     Such securities are often subject to more rapid repayment than their stated maturity date would indicate as a result of the pass-through of prepayments of principal on the underlying loans. During periods of declining interest rates, prepayment of loans underlying asset backed securities can be expected to accelerate. Accordingly, a Fund’s ability to maintain positions in such securities will be affected by reductions in the principal amount of such

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securities resulting from prepayments, and its ability to reinvest the returns of principal at comparable yields is subject to generally prevailing interest rates at that time. To the extent that a Fund invests in asset-backed securities, the values of such Fund’s portfolio securities will vary with changes in market interest rates generally and the differentials in yields among various kinds of asset-backed securities.
     Asset-backed securities present certain additional risks because asset-backed securities generally do not have the benefit of a security interest in collateral that is comparable to mortgage assets. Credit card receivables are generally unsecured and the debtors on such receivables are entitled to the protection of a number of state and federal consumer credit laws, many of which give such debtors the right to set-off certain amounts owed on the credit cards, thereby reducing the balance due. Automobile receivables generally are secured, but by automobiles rather than residential real property. Most issuers of automobile receivables permit the loan servicers to retain possession of the underlying obligations. If the servicer were to sell these obligations to another party, there is a risk that the purchaser would acquire an interest superior to that of the holders of the asset-backed securities. In addition, because of the large number of vehicles involved in a typical issuance and technical requirements under state laws, the trustee for the holders of the automobile receivables may not have a proper security interest in the underlying automobiles. Therefore, if the issuer of an asset-backed security defaults on its payment obligations there is the possibility that, in some cases, a Fund will be unable to possess and sell the underlying collateral and that the Funds’ recoveries on repossessed collateral may not be available to support payments on the securities.
High Yield Securities
     The Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund, Tollkeeper Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund may invest in bonds rated BB or below by Standard & Poor’s or Ba or below by Moody’s (or comparable rated and unrated securities). These bonds are commonly referred to as “junk bonds” and are considered speculative. Each of the Real Estate Securities, International Real Estate Securities and Tollkeeper Funds may invest up to 20% of its total assets in non-investment grade securities, and the Commodity Strategy Fund may invest up to 10% of its Net Assets in non-investment grade securities. The ability of issuers of non-investment grade securities to make principal and interest payments may be questionable. In some cases, such bonds may be highly speculative, have poor prospects for reaching investment grade standing and be in default. As a result, investment in such bonds will entail greater risks than those associated with investment grade bonds ( i.e. , bonds rated AAA, AA, A or BBB by Standard and Poor’s or Aaa, Aa, A or Baa by Moody’ s). Analysis of the creditworthiness of issuers of high yield securities may be more complex than for issuers of higher quality debt securities, and the ability of a Fund to achieve its investment objective may, to the extent of its investments in high yield securities, be more dependent upon such creditworthiness analysis than would be the case if the Fund were investing in higher quality securities. See Appendix A for a description of the corporate bond and preferred stock ratings by Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”) and Dominion Bond Rating Service Limited (“DBRS”).
     The amount of high yield, fixed income securities proliferated in the 1980s and early 1990s as a result of increased merger and acquisition and leveraged buyout activity. Such securities are also issued by less-established corporations desiring to expand. Risks associated with acquiring the securities of such issuers generally are greater than is the case with higher rated securities because such issuers are often less creditworthy companies or are highly leveraged and generally less able than more established or less leveraged entities to make scheduled payments of principal and interest. High yield securities are also issued by governmental issuers that may have difficulty in making all scheduled interest and principal payments.
     The market values of high yield, fixed income securities tends to reflect those individual corporate or municipal developments to a greater extent than do those of higher rated securities, which react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of interest rates. Issuers of such high yield securities are often highly leveraged, and may not be able to make use of more traditional methods of financing. Their ability to service debt obligations may be more adversely affected than issuers of higher rated securities by economic downturns, specific corporate or governmental developments or the issuers’ inability to meet specific projected business forecasts. These non-investment grade securities also tend to be more sensitive to economic conditions than higher-rated securities. Negative publicity about the junk bond market and investor perceptions regarding lower-rated securities, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may depress the prices for such securities.

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     Since investors generally perceive that there are greater risks associated with non-investment grade securities of the type in which the Funds may invest, the yields and prices of such securities may tend to fluctuate more than those for higher-rated securities. In the lower quality segments of the fixed income securities market, changes in perceptions of issuers’ creditworthiness tend to occur more frequently and in a more pronounced manner than do changes in higher quality segments of the fixed income securities market, resulting in greater yield and price volatility.
     Another factor which causes fluctuations in the prices of high yield, fixed income securities is the supply and demand for similarly rated securities. In addition, the prices of fixed income securities fluctuate in response to the general level of interest rates. Fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities subsequent to their acquisition will not affect cash income from such securities but will be reflected in the Fund’s net asset value.
     The risk of loss from default for the holders of high yield, fixed-income securities is significantly greater than is the case for holders of other debt securities because such high yield, fixed income securities are generally unsecured and are often subordinated to the rights of other creditors of the issuers of such securities. Investment by the Fund in already defaulted securities poses an additional risk of loss should nonpayment of principal and interest continue in respect of such securities. Even if such securities are held to maturity, recovery by the Fund of its initial investment and any anticipated income or appreciation is uncertain. In addition, the Fund may incur additional expenses to the extent that they are required to seek recovery relating to the default in the payment of principal or interest on such securities or otherwise protect their interests. The Fund may be required to liquidate other portfolio securities to satisfy annual distribution obligations of the Funds in respect of accrued interest income on securities which are subsequently written off, even though the Fund has not received any cash payments of such interest.
     The secondary market for high yield, fixed income securities is concentrated in relatively few markets and is dominated by institutional investors, including mutual funds, insurance companies and other financial institutions. Accordingly, the secondary market for such securities is not as liquid as and is more volatile than the secondary market for higher-rated securities. In addition, the trading volume for high-yield, fixed-income securities is generally lower than that of higher rated securities and the secondary market for high yield, fixed income securities could contract under adverse market or economic conditions independent of any specific adverse changes in the condition of a particular issuer. These factors may have an adverse effect on the ability of the Fund to dispose of particular portfolio investments. Prices realized upon the sale of such lower rated or unrated securities, under these circumstances, may be less than the prices used in calculating the net asset value of the Fund. A less liquid secondary market also may make it more difficult for the Fund to obtain precise valuations of the high yield securities in their portfolios.
     The adoption of new legislation could adversely affect the secondary market for high yield securities and the financial condition of issuers of these securities. The form of any future legislation, and the probability of such legislation being enacted, is uncertain.
     Non-investment grade or high yield, fixed income securities also present risks based on payment expectations. High yield, fixed income securities frequently contain “call” or buy-back features which permit the issuer to call or repurchase the security from its holder. If an issuer exercises such a “call option” and redeems the security, the Fund may have to replace such security with a lower-yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for investors. In addition, if the Fund experiences net redemptions of their shares, it may be forced to sell their higher-rated securities, resulting in a decline in the overall credit quality of the portfolios of the Fund and increasing the exposure of the Fund to the risks of high yield securities.
     Credit ratings issued by credit rating agencies are designed to evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments of rated securities. They do not, however, evaluate the market value risk of non-investment grade securities and, therefore, may not fully reflect the true risks of an investment. In addition, credit rating agencies may or may not make timely changes in a rating to reflect changes in the economy or in the conditions of the issuer that affect the market value of the security. Consequently, credit ratings are used only as a preliminary indicator of investment quality. Investments in non-investment grade and comparable unrated obligations will be more dependent on the Investment Adviser’s credit analysis than would be the case with investments in investment-grade debt obligations. The Investment Adviser employs its own credit research and analysis, which includes a study of an issuer’s existing debt, capital structure, ability to service debt and to pay dividends, sensitivity to economic conditions, operating history and current trend of earnings. The Investment Adviser continually monitors the

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investments in the portfolios of the Fund and evaluates whether to dispose of or to retain non-investment grade and comparable unrated securities whose credit ratings or credit quality may have changed.]
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts
     Each Fund may purchase and sell futures contracts and may also purchase and write call and put options on futures contracts. The International Equity Dividend and Premium, Structured International Tax-Managed Equity, Real Estate Securities, International Real Estate Securities, Tollkeeper and Commodity Strategy Funds may purchase and sell futures contracts based on various securities, securities indices, foreign currencies and other financial instruments and indices. The U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund may engage in transactions only with respect to U.S. equity indices. Each Fund will engage in futures and related options transactions in order to seek to increase total return or to hedge against changes in interest rates, securities prices or, to the extent a Fund invests in foreign securities, currency exchange rates, or to otherwise manage its term structure, sector selection and duration in accordance with its investment objective and policies. Each Fund may also enter into closing purchase and sale transactions with respect to such contracts and options. The Trust, on behalf of each 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 Funds.
     Futures contracts entered into by a 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”) or with respect to certain funds on foreign exchanges. 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.
     Neither the CFTC, National Futures Association, SEC nor any domestic exchange regulates activities of any foreign exchange or boards of trade, including the execution, delivery and clearing of transactions, or has the power to compel enforcement of the rules of a foreign exchange or board of trade or any applicable foreign law. This is true even if the exchange is formally linked to a domestic market so that a position taken on the market may be liquidated by a transaction on another market. Moreover, such laws or regulations will vary depending on the foreign country in which the foreign futures or foreign options transaction occurs. For these reasons, a Fund’s investments in foreign futures or foreign options transactions may not be provided the same protections in respect of transactions on United States exchanges. In particular, persons who trade foreign futures or foreign options contracts may not be afforded certain of the protective measures provided by the Commodity Exchange Act, the CFTC’s regulations and the rules of the National Futures Association and any domestic exchange, including the right to use reparations proceedings before the CFTC and arbitration proceedings provided by the National Futures Association or any domestic futures exchange. Similarly, those persons may not have the protection of the United States securities laws.
      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, a 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, a 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 International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund, Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund, Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund, Tollkeeper Fund and Commodity Strategy 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, each Fund can purchase futures contracts on foreign currency to establish the

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price in U.S. dollars of a security quoted or denominated in such currency that such Fund has acquired or expects to acquire. As another example, the International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund, Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund, Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund, Tollkeeper Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund may enter into futures transactions to seek a closer correlation between a Fund’s overall currency exposures and the currency exposures of a Fund’s 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 each Fund will usually liquidate futures contracts on securities or currency in this manner, a Fund may instead make or take delivery of the underlying securities or currency whenever it appears 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 Using Futures Contracts. 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. A 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, except in the case of the U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund, foreign currency rates that would adversely affect the dollar value of such Fund’s portfolio securities. Similarly, each Fund, other than the U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and Structured Tax-Managed Equity 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 a Fund’s portfolio securities and futures contracts based on other financial instruments, securities indices or other indices, a Fund may also enter into such futures contracts as part of its hedging strategy. Although under some circumstances prices of securities in a Fund’s 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 a Fund enter into a greater or lesser number of futures contracts or by attempting to achieve only a partial hedge against price changes affecting a Fund’s 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 a Fund’s portfolio securities would be substantially offset by a decline in the value of the futures position.
     On other occasions, a Fund may take a “long” position by purchasing such futures contracts. This may be done, for example, when a Fund anticipates the subsequent purchase of particular securities when it has the necessary cash, but expects the prices or currency exchange rates (except in the case of the U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund) 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 a 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, a 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 a premium which may partially offset a decline in the value of a Fund’s assets. By writing a call option, a 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 a Fund intends to purchase. However, a Fund becomes obligated (upon the 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 a Fund in writing options on futures is potentially unlimited and may exceed the amount of the premium received. A Fund will incur transaction costs in connection with the writing of options on futures.

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     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. A Fund’s ability to establish and close out positions on such options will be subject to the development and maintenance of a liquid market.
      Other Considerations. A 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. A Fund may cover its transactions in futures contracts and related options through the segregation of cash or liquid assets or by other means, in any manner permitted by applicable law.
     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 (except in the case of the U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and the Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund) may result in a poorer overall performance for a 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 a Fund’s futures positions and portfolio positions may be impossible to achieve, particularly where futures contracts based on individual equity or corporate fixed income securities are currently not available. In the event of imperfect correlation between a futures position and a portfolio position which is intended to be protected, the desired protection may not be obtained and a Fund may be exposed to risk of loss. In addition, it is not possible for a 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 a Fund’s trading in futures depends upon the ability of the Investment Adviser to analyze correctly the futures markets.
Options on Securities and Securities Indices
      Writing Options. Each Fund may write (sell) call and put options on any securities in which it may invest. A 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 a Fund obligates such Fund to sell specified securities to the holder of the option at a specified price if the option is exercised on or before the expiration date. Depending upon the type of call option, the purchaser of call option either (i) has the right to any appreciation in the value of the security 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 security over the exercise price at any time prior to the expiration of the option. If the purchaser does not exercise the option, a Fund pays the purchaser the difference between the price of the security and the exercise price of the option. The premium, the exercise price and the market value of the security determine the gain or loss realized by a Fund as the seller of the call option. A 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 a Fund. All call options written by a Fund are covered, which means that such Fund will own the securities subject to the option as long as the option is outstanding or such Fund will use the other methods described below. A Fund’s purpose in writing covered call options is to realize greater income than would be realized on portfolio securities transactions alone. However, a Fund may forego the opportunity to profit from an increase in the market price of the underlying security.
     A put option written by a Fund would obligate such Fund to purchase specified securities from the option holder at a specified price if, depending upon the type of put option, either (i) the option is exercised at any time on or before the expiration date or (ii) the option is exercised on the expiration date. All put options written by a Fund would be covered, which means that such Fund will segregate cash or liquid assets with a value at least equal to the exercise price of the put option (less any margin on deposit) 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, each 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.

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     In the case of a call option, the option is “covered” if a 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 a 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 Fund may also cover options on securities by segregating cash or liquid assets, as permitted by applicable law, with a value, when added to any margin on deposit, that is equal to the market value of the securities in the case of a call option. A put option is also covered if a 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.
     A 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 U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium 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 U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund’s portfolio.
     A 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. A Fund may also cover call and put options on a securities index by segregating cash or liquid assets, as permitted by applicable law, with a value, when added to any margin on deposit, that is equal to the market value of the underlying securities in the case of a call option or the exercise price in the case of a put option, or by owning offsetting options as described above.
     A 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.”
      Purchasing Options. Each 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. A Fund may also, to the extent that it invests in foreign securities, purchase put and call options on foreign currencies. A Fund may also enter into closing sale transactions in order to realize gains or minimize losses on options it had purchased.
     A 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 a Fund, in return for the premium paid, to purchase specified securities at a specified price during the option period. A Fund would ordinarily realize a gain on the purchase of a call option if, during the option period, the value of such securities exceeded the sum of the exercise price, the premium paid and transaction costs; otherwise such a Fund would realize either no gain or a loss on the purchase of the call option.
     A 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 a 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 a Fund’s securities. Put options may also be purchased by a Fund for the purpose of affirmatively benefiting from a decline in the price of securities which it does not own. A 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

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premium and transaction costs; otherwise such a Fund 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.
     A 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 Options” above.
      Yield Curve Options. The Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund may enter into options on the yield “spread” or differential between two securities. Such transactions are referred to as “yield curve” options. In contrast to other types of options, a yield curve option is based on the difference between the yields of designated securities, rather than the prices of the individual securities, and is settled through cash payments. Accordingly, a yield curve option is profitable to the holder if this differential widens (in the case of a call) or narrows (in the case of a put), regardless of whether the yields of the underlying securities increase or decrease.
     The Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund may purchase or write yield curve options for the same purposes as other options on securities. For example, the Funds may purchase a call option on the yield spread between two securities if they own one of the securities and anticipate purchasing the other security and want to hedge against an adverse change in the yield spread between the two securities. The Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund may also purchase or write yield curve options in an effort to increase current income if, in the judgment of the Investment Adviser, the Funds will be able to profit from movements in the spread between the yields of the underlying securities. The trading of yield curve options is subject to all of the risks associated with the trading of other types of options. In addition, however, such options present risk of loss even if the yield of one of the underlying securities remains constant, or if the spread moves in a direction or to an extent which was not anticipated.
     Yield curve options written by the Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund will be “covered.” A call (or put) option is covered if a Fund holds another call (or put) option on the spread between the same two securities and segregates cash or liquid assets sufficient to cover the Fund’s net liability under the two options. Therefore, a Fund’s liability for such a covered option is generally limited to the difference between the amount of such Fund’s liability under the option written by the Fund less the value of the option held by the Fund. Yield curve options may also be covered in such other manner as may be in accordance with the requirements of the counterparty with which the option is traded and applicable laws and regulations. Yield curve options are traded over-the-counter and established trading markets for these options may not exist.
      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 a 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 a 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 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,

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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.
     Each 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 each 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 a 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 correctly anticipate 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 a Fund’s investment portfolio, the Fund may incur losses that it would not otherwise incur. The writing of options could increase a Fund’s portfolio turnover rate and, therefore, associated brokerage commissions or spreads.
Real Estate Investment Trusts
     Each Fund may invest in shares of REITs. The Real Estate Securities Fund and International Real Estate Securities Fund expect that a substantial portion of their assets will be invested in real estate industry companies, including REITs and entities similar to REITs. REITs are pooled 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 Funds, REITs are not taxed on income distributed to shareholders provided they comply with certain requirements under the Code. A Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any expenses paid by REITs in which it invests in addition to the expenses paid by a 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

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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
     Each 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. A 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 Structured Tax-Managed Equity and Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Funds have 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 Tollkeeper Fund and Real Estate Securities Fund may invest a portion of their assets and each of the International Real Estate Securities Fund, Commodity Strategy Fund, Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund and International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund may invest a substantial portion of their assets in foreign securities. Each of the Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund and U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund may invest 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 opportunity for potential 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 take 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.
     With any investment in foreign securities, there exist certain economic, political and social risks, including the risk of adverse political developments, nationalization, confiscation without fair compensation or war. 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. 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 exchange control regulations and may incur costs in connection with conversions between various currencies. The Funds may be subject to currency exposure independent of their securities positions. To the extent that a 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 each Fund endeavors to achieve the most favorable net results on its portfolio transactions. There is generally less government supervision

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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 a Fund’s assets are uninvested and no return is earned on such assets. The inability of a 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 a Fund’s 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 International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund, Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund, Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund, Tollkeeper Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund may invest in markets where custodial and/or settlement systems are not fully developed. The assets of the Funds that are traded in such markets and which have been entrusted to such sub-custodians may be exposed to risk in circumstances where the sub-custodian will have no liability.
     Each Fund may invest in foreign securities which take the form of sponsored and unsponsored American Depositary Receipts and Global Depositary Receipts. The Tollkeeper Fund, Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund, Commodity Strategy Fund, Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund and International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund may also invest in European Depositary Receipts or other similar instruments representing securities of foreign issuers (together, “Depositary Receipts”). To the extent a 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 is an increased possibility that the Fund will 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.
     As described more fully below, each Fund, other than the U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund, may invest in countries with emerging economies or securities markets. Political and economic structures in many of such countries may be undergoing significant evolution and rapid development, and such countries may lack the social, political and economic stability characteristic of more developed countries. Certain of such countries have in the past failed to recognize private property rights and have at times nationalized or expropriated the assets of private companies. As a result, the risks described above, including the risks of nationalization or expropriation of assets, may be heightened. See “Investing in Emerging Markets, including Asia and Eastern Europe,” below.
      Investing in Emerging Countries. The securities markets of emerging countries are less liquid and subject to greater price volatility, and have a smaller market capitalization, than the U.S. securities markets. In certain countries, there may be fewer publicly traded securities and the market may be dominated by a few issues or sectors. Issuers and securities markets in such countries are not subject to as extensive and frequent accounting, financial and other reporting requirements or as comprehensive government regulations as are issuers and securities markets in the U.S. In particular, the assets and profits appearing on the financial statements of emerging country issuers may not reflect their financial position or results of operations in the same manner as financial statements for U.S. issuers. Substantially less information may be publicly available about emerging country issuers than is available about issuers in the United States.

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     Emerging country securities markets are typically marked by a high concentration of market capitalization and trading volume in a small number of issuers representing a limited number of industries, as well as a high concentration of ownership of such securities by a limited number of investors. The markets for securities in certain emerging countries are in the earliest stages of their development. Even the markets for relatively widely traded securities in emerging countries may not be able to absorb, without price disruptions, a significant increase in trading volume or trades of a size customarily undertaken by institutional investors in the securities markets of developed countries. The limited size of many of these securities markets can cause prices to be erratic for reasons apart from factors that affect the soundness and competitiveness of the securities issuers. For example, prices may be unduly influenced by traders who control large positions in these markets. Additionally, market making and arbitrage activities are generally less extensive in such markets, which may contribute to increased volatility and reduced liquidity of such markets. The limited liquidity of emerging country securities may also affect a Fund’s ability to accurately value its portfolio securities or to acquire or dispose of securities at the price and time it wishes to do so or in order to meet redemption requests.
     With respect to investments in certain emerging market countries, antiquated legal systems may have an adverse impact on the Funds. For example, while the potential liability of a shareholder in a U.S. corporation with respect to acts of the corporation is generally limited to the amount of the shareholder’s investment, the notion of limited liability is less clear in certain emerging market countries. Similarly, the rights of investors in emerging market companies may be more limited than those of shareholders of U.S. corporations.
     Transaction costs, including brokerage commissions or dealer mark-ups, in emerging countries may be higher than in the United States and other developed securities markets. In addition, existing laws and regulations are often inconsistently applied. As legal systems in emerging countries develop, foreign investors may be adversely affected by new or amended laws and regulations. In circumstances where adequate laws exist, it may not be possible to obtain swift and equitable enforcement of the law.
     Foreign investment in the securities markets of certain emerging countries is restricted or controlled to varying degrees. These restrictions may limit a Fund’s investment in certain emerging countries and may increase the expenses of the Fund. Certain emerging countries require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons or limit investment by foreign persons to only a specified percentage of an issuer’s outstanding securities or a specific class of securities which may have less advantageous terms (including price) than securities of the company available for purchase by nationals. In addition, the repatriation of both investment income and capital from emerging countries may be subject to restrictions which require governmental consents or prohibit repatriation entirely for a period of time. Even where there is no outright restriction on repatriation of capital, the mechanics of repatriation may affect certain aspects of the operation of a Fund. A Fund may be required to establish special custodial or other arrangements before investing in certain emerging countries.
     Emerging countries may be subject to a substantially greater degree of economic, political and social instability and disruption than is the case in the United States, Japan and most Western European countries. This instability may result from, among other things, the following: (i) authoritarian governments or military involvement in political and economic decision making, including changes or attempted changes in governments through extra-constitutional means; (ii) popular unrest associated with demands for improved political, economic or social conditions; (iii) internal insurgencies; (iv) hostile relations with neighboring countries; (v) ethnic, religious and racial disaffection or conflict; and (vi) the absence of developed legal structures governing foreign private investments and private property. Such economic, political and social instability could disrupt the principal financial markets in which the Funds may invest and adversely affect the value of the Funds’ assets. A Fund’s investments can also be adversely affected by any increase in taxes or by political, economic or diplomatic developments.
     The economies of emerging countries may differ unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resources, self-sufficiency and balance of payments. Many emerging countries have experienced in the past, and continue to experience, high rates of inflation. In certain countries inflation has at times accelerated rapidly to hyperinflationary levels, creating a negative interest rate environment and sharply eroding the value of outstanding financial assets in those countries.

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Other emerging countries, on the other hand, have recently experienced deflationary pressures and are in economic recessions. The economies of many emerging countries are heavily dependent upon international trade and are accordingly affected by protective trade barriers and the economic conditions of their trading partners. In addition, the economies of some emerging countries are vulnerable to weakness in world prices for their commodity exports.
     A Fund’s income and, in some cases, capital gains from foreign stocks and securities will be subject to applicable taxation in certain of the countries in which it invests, and treaties between the U.S. and such countries may not be available in some cases to reduce the otherwise applicable tax rates. See “Taxation.”
     Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Such delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of a Fund remain uninvested and no return is earned on such assets. The inability of a Fund to make intended security purchases or sales 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.
      Investing in Eastern Europe. Certain of the Funds may seek investment opportunities within Eastern Europe. Most Eastern European countries had a centrally planned, socialist economy for a substantial period of time. The governments of many Eastern European countries have more recently been implementing reforms directed at political and economic liberalization, including efforts to decentralize the economic decision-making process and move towards a market economy. However, business entities in many Eastern European countries do not have an extended history of operating in a market-oriented economy, and the ultimate impact of Eastern European countries’ attempts to move toward more market-oriented economies is currently unclear. In addition, any change in the leadership or policies of Eastern European countries may halt the expansion of or reverse the liberalization of foreign investment policies now occurring and adversely affect existing investment opportunities.
     Where a Fund invests in securities issued by companies incorporated in or whose principal operations are located in Eastern Europe, other risks may also be encountered. Legal, political, economic and fiscal uncertainties in Eastern European markets may affect the value of the Funds’ investments in such securities. The currencies in which these investments may be denominated may be unstable, may be subject to significant depreciation and may not be freely convertible. Existing laws and regulations may not be consistently applied. The markets of the countries of Eastern Europe are still in the early stages of their development, have less volume, are less highly regulated, are less liquid and experience greater volatility than more established markets. Settlement of transactions may be subject to delay and administrative uncertainties. Custodians are not able to offer the level of service and safekeeping, settlement and administration services that is customary in more developed markets and there is a risk that the Fund will not be recognized as the owner of securities held on its behalf by a sub-custodian.
      Investing in Asia. Although many countries in Asia have experienced a relatively stable political environment over the last decade, there is no guarantee that such stability will be maintained in the future. As an emerging region, many factors may affect such stability on a country-by-country as well as on a regional basis — increasing gaps between the rich and poor, agrarian unrest and stability of existing coalitions in politically-fractionated countries — and may result in adverse consequences to a Fund.
     The legal infrastructure in each of the countries in Asia is unique and often undeveloped. In most cases, securities laws are evolving and far from adequate for the protection of the public from serious fraud. Investment in Asian securities involves considerations and possible risks not typically involved with investment in other issuers, including changes in governmental administration or economic or monetary policy or changed circumstances in dealings between nations. The application of tax laws ( e.g. , the imposition of withholding taxes on dividend or interest payments) or confiscatory taxation may also affect investments in Asian securities. Higher expenses may result from investments in Asian securities than would from investment in other securities because of the costs that must be incurred in connection with conversions between various currencies and brokerage commissions that may be higher than elsewhere. Asian securities markets also may be less liquid, more volatile and less subject to governmental supervision than more established markets. Investments in countries in the region could be affected by other factors

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not present elsewhere, including lack of uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, inadequate settlement procedures and potential difficulties in enforcing contractual obligations.
     Certain countries in Asia are especially prone to natural disasters, such as flooding, drought and earthquakes. Combined with the possibility of man-made disasters, the occurrence of such disasters may adversely affect companies in which a Fund is invested and, as a result, may result in adverse consequences to the Fund.
     Many of the countries in Asia have experienced rising inflation. Should the governments and central banks of the countries in Asia fail to control inflation, this may have an adverse effect on the performance of a Fund’s investments in Asian securities.
     Several of the countries in Asia remain dependent on the U.S. economy as their largest export customer, and future barriers to entry into the U.S. market could adversely affect a Fund’s performance. Intraregional trade is becoming an increasingly significant percentage of total trade for the countries in Asia. Consequently, the intertwined economies are becoming increasingly dependent on each other, and any barriers to entry to markets in Asia in the future may adversely affect a Fund’s performance.
     Although the Funds will generally attempt to invest in those markets which provide the greatest freedom of movement of foreign capital, there is no assurance that this will be possible or that certain countries in Asia will not restrict the movement of foreign capital in the future. Changes in securities laws and foreign ownership laws may have an adverse effect on a Fund.
      Investing in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong economy is heavily dependent on the U.S. economy and other regional economies, and particularly the Chinese economy. Hong Kong’s economy and market may be affected to a significant degree by the changes in the policies and positions (whether economic or political) of the Chinese government. Since the handover of Hong Kong by the British to the Chinese government in July 1997, Hong Kong remains and will continue to remain as a special administrative region of China subject to the Basic Law, a semi-constitution which forms the backbone of the legal system of Hong Kong and ensures that there will be a high degree of autonomy, at least until 2047. Hong Kong continues to function as an international financial center, with no exchange controls, free convertibility of the Hong Kong dollar and free inward and outward movement of capital. The Central Government in Beijing from time to time has implemented a number of economic and fiscal policies solely designed to benefit the economy of Hong Kong and to allow special entry rights into the Chinese financial markets from Hong Kong. However, if China were to exert its authority so as to alter the economic, political or legal structures of Hong Kong, investor and business confidence in Hong Kong could be negatively affected, which in turn could negatively affect markets and business performance. In general, Hong Kong corporations are not required to provide all the disclosure required by U.S. law and accounting practice, and such disclosure may be less timely and less frequent than that required of U.S. corporations. The total market capitalization of the Hong Kong stock market is small relative to the U.S. stock market. Investors are subject to a small stamp duty and a stock exchange levy, but capital gains are tax-exempt.
      Investing in Japan. Japan’s economy is heavily dependent upon international trade and is especially sensitive to any adverse effects arising from trade tariffs and other protectionist measures, as well as the economic condition of its trading partners. Japan’s high volume of exports has caused trade tensions with Japan’s primary trading partners, particularly with the United States. The relaxing of official and de facto barriers to imports, or hardships created by the actions of trading partners, could adversely affect Japan’s economy. Because the Japanese economy is so dependent on exports, any fall-off in exports may be seen as a sign of economic weakness, which may adversely affect Japanese markets. In addition, Japan’s export industry, its most important economic sector, depends heavily on imported raw materials and fuels, including iron ore, copper, oil and many forest products. As a result, Japan is sensitive to fluctuations in commodity prices, and a substantial rise in world oil or commodity prices could have a negative effect on its economy.
     The Japanese yen has fluctuated widely during recent periods and may be affected by currency volatility elsewhere in Asia, especially Southeast Asia. A weak yen is disadvantageous to U.S. shareholders investing in yen-denominated securities. A strong yen, however, could be an impediment to strong continued exports and economic recovery, because it makes Japanese goods sold in other countries more expensive and reduces the value of foreign earnings repatriated to Japan.
     Performance of the global economy could have a major impact upon equity returns in Japan. As a result of the strong correlation with the economy of the U.S., Japan’s economy and its stock market are vulnerable to any unfavorable economic conditions in the U.S. and poor performance of U.S. stock markets. The growing economic relationship between Japan and its other neighboring countries in the Southeast Asia region, especially China, also exposes Japan’s economy to changes to the economic climates in those countries.
     Like many European countries, Japan is experiencing a deterioration of its competitiveness. Japan is reforming its political process and deregulating its economy to address this situation. However, there is no guarantee that these efforts will succeed in making the performance of the Japanese economy more competitive.

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      Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts. The International Equity Dividend and Premium, Structured International Tax-Managed Equity, Real Estate Securities, International Real Estate Securities, Tollkeeper and Commodity Strategy Funds may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts for hedging purposes and to seek to protect against anticipated changes in future foreign currency exchange rates. A forward foreign currency exchange contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts are traded in the interbank market between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. A forward contract generally has no deposit requirement, and no commissions are generally charged at any stage for trades.
     At the maturity of a forward contract a Fund may either accept or make delivery of the currency specified in the contract or, at or prior to maturity, enter into a closing transaction involving the purchase or sale of an offsetting contract. Closing transactions with respect to forward contracts are often, but not always, effected with the currency trader who is a party to the original forward contract.
     A Fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts in several circumstances. First, when a Fund enters into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security denominated or quoted in a foreign currency, or when a Fund anticipates the receipt in a foreign currency of dividend or interest payments on such a security which it holds, the Fund may desire to “lock in” the U.S. dollar price of the security or the U.S. dollar equivalent of such dividend or interest payment, as the case may be. By entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale, for a fixed amount of dollars, of the amount of foreign currency involved in the underlying transactions, the Fund will attempt to protect itself against an adverse change in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and the subject foreign currency during the period between the date on which the security is purchased or sold, or on which the dividend or interest payment is declared, and the date on which such payments are made or received.
     Additionally, when the Investment Adviser believes that the currency of a particular foreign country may suffer a substantial decline against the U.S. dollar, it may enter into a forward contract to sell, for a fixed amount of U.S. dollars, the amount of foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of such Fund’s portfolio securities quoted or denominated in such foreign currency. The precise matching of the forward contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible because the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value of those securities between the date on which the contract is entered into and the date it matures. Using forward contracts to protect the value of a Fund’s portfolio securities against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities. It simply establishes a rate of exchange which a Fund can achieve at some future point in time. The precise projection of short-term currency market movements is not possible, and short-term hedging provides a means of fixing the U.S. dollar value of only a portion of a Fund’s foreign assets.
     The Funds may engage in cross-hedging by using forward contracts in one currency to hedge against fluctuations in the value of securities quoted or denominated in a different currency.
     In addition, the International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund, Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund, Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund, Tollkeeper Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund may enter into foreign currency transactions to seek a closer correlation between a Fund’s overall currency exposure and the currency exposure of a Fund’s performance benchmark.
     Unless otherwise covered in accordance with applicable regulations, cash or liquid assets of a Fund will be segregated in an amount equal to the value of the Fund’s total assets committed to the consummation of forward

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foreign currency exchange contracts. If the value of the segregated assets declines, additional cash or liquid assets will be segregated so that the value of the assets will equal the amount of a Fund’s commitments with respect to such contracts.
     While a Fund may enter into forward contracts to reduce currency exchange rate risks, transactions in such contracts involve certain other risks. Thus, while the Fund may benefit from such transactions, unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in a poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not engaged in any such transactions. Moreover, there may be imperfect correlation between a Fund’s portfolio holdings of securities quoted or denominated in a particular currency and forward contracts entered into by such Fund. Such imperfect correlation may cause a Fund to sustain losses which will prevent the Fund from achieving a complete hedge or expose the Fund to risk of foreign exchange loss.
     Markets for trading foreign forward currency contracts offer less protection against defaults than is available when trading in currency instruments on an exchange. Forward contracts are subject to the risk that the counterparty to such contract will default on its obligations. Since a forward foreign currency exchange contract is not guaranteed by an exchange or clearinghouse, a default on the contract would deprive a Fund of unrealized profits, transaction costs or the benefits of a currency hedge or force the Fund to cover its purchase or sale commitments, if any, at the current market price. In addition, the institutions that deal in forward currency contracts are not required to continue to make markets in the currencies they trade and these markets can experience periods of illiquidity. A Fund will not enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts, currency swaps or other privately negotiated currency instruments unless the credit quality of the unsecured senior debt or the claims-paying ability of the counterparty is considered to be investment grade by the Investment Adviser. To the extent that a substantial portion of a Fund’s total assets, adjusted to reflect the Fund’s net position after giving effect to currency transactions, is denominated or quoted in the currencies of foreign countries, the Fund will be more susceptible to the risk of adverse economic and political developments within those countries.
      Writing and Purchasing Currency Call and Put Options. The International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund, Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund, Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund, Tollkeeper Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund may, to the extent that they invest in foreign securities, write and purchase put and call options on foreign currencies for the purpose of protecting against declines in the U.S. dollar value of foreign portfolio securities and against increases in the U.S. dollar cost of foreign securities to be acquired. As with other kinds of option transactions, however, the writing of an option on foreign currency will constitute only a partial hedge, up to the amount of the premium received. If and when a Fund seeks to close out an option, the Fund could be required to purchase or sell foreign currencies at disadvantageous exchange rates, thereby incurring losses. The purchase of an option on foreign currency may constitute an effective hedge against exchange rate fluctuations; however, in the event of exchange rate movements adverse to a Fund’s position, the Fund may forfeit the entire amount of the premium plus related transaction costs. Options on foreign currencies may be traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges or over-the-counter.
     Options on currency may also be used for cross-hedging purposes, which involves writing or purchasing options on one currency to seek to hedge against changes in exchange rates for a different currency with a pattern of correlation, or to seek to increase total return when the Investment Adviser anticipates that the currency will appreciate or depreciate in value, but the securities quoted or denominated in that currency do not present attractive investment opportunities and are not included in the Fund’s portfolio.
     A call option written by a Fund obligates a Fund to sell a specified currency to the holder of the option at a specified price if the option is exercised before the expiration date. A put option written by a Fund would obligate a Fund to purchase a specified currency from the option holder at a specified price if the option is exercised before the expiration date. The writing of currency options involves a risk that a Fund will, upon exercise of the option, be required to sell currency subject to a call at a price that is less than the currency’s market value or be required to purchase currency subject to a put at a price that exceeds the currency’s market value. Written put and call options on foreign currencies may be covered in a manner similar to written put and call options on securities and securities indices described under “Writing Options” above.

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     A Fund may terminate its obligations under a call or put option by purchasing an option identical to the one it has written. Such purchases are referred to as “closing purchase transactions.” A Fund may enter into closing sale transactions in order to realize gains or minimize losses on options purchased by the Fund.
     A Fund may purchase call options on foreign currency in anticipation of an increase in the U.S. dollar value of currency in which securities to be acquired by a Fund are quoted or denominated. The purchase of a call option would entitle the Fund, in return for the premium paid, to purchase specified currency at a specified price during the option period. A Fund would ordinarily realize a gain if, during the option period, the value of such currency 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.
     A Fund may purchase put options in anticipation of a decline in the U.S. dollar value of currency in which securities in its portfolio are quoted or denominated (“protective puts”). The purchase of a put option would entitle a Fund, in exchange for the premium paid, to sell specified currency at a specified price during the option period. The purchase of protective puts is usually designed to offset or hedge against a decline in the dollar value of a Fund’s portfolio securities due to currency exchange rate fluctuations. A Fund would ordinarily realize a gain if, during the option period, the value of the underlying currency decreased below the exercise price sufficiently to more than cover the premium and transaction costs; otherwise the Fund 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 underlying currency or portfolio securities.
     In addition to using options for the hedging purposes described above, the Funds may use options on currency to seek to increase total return. The Funds may write (sell) covered put and call options on any currency in order to realize greater income than would be realized on portfolio securities transactions alone. However, in writing covered call options for additional income, the Funds may forego the opportunity to profit from an increase in the market value of the underlying currency. Also, when writing put options, the Funds accept, in return for the option premium, the risk that they may be required to purchase the underlying currency at a price in excess of the currency’s market value at the time of purchase.
      Special Risks Associated With Options on Currency. An exchange traded options position may be closed out only on an options exchange that provides a secondary market for an option of the same series. Although a Fund will generally purchase or write only those options for which there appears to be an active secondary market, there is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular option, or at any particular time. For some options no secondary market on an exchange may exist. In such event, it might not be possible to effect closing transactions in particular options, with the result that a Fund would have to exercise its options in order to realize any profit and would incur transaction costs upon the sale of underlying securities pursuant to the exercise of put options. If a Fund as a covered call option writer is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction in a secondary market, it will not be able to sell the underlying currency (or security quoted or denominated in that currency) or dispose of the segregated assets, until the option expires or it delivers the underlying currency upon exercise.
     There is no assurance that higher than anticipated trading activity or other unforeseen events might not, at times, render certain of the facilities of the Options Clearing Corporation inadequate, and thereby result in the institution by an exchange of special procedures which may interfere with the timely execution of customers’ orders.
     A Fund may purchase and write over-the-counter options to the extent consistent with its limitation on investments in illiquid securities. Trading in over-the-counter options is subject to the risk that the other party will be unable or unwilling to close out options purchased or written by a Fund.
     The amount of the premiums which a Fund may pay or receive may be adversely affected as new or existing institutions, including other investment companies, engage in or increase their option purchasing and writing activities.

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Currency Swaps, Mortgage Swaps, Credit Swaps, Index Swaps, Total Return Swaps, Options on Swaps and Interest Rate Swaps, Caps, Floors and Collars
     The International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund, Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund, Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund may enter into currency, mortgage, credit, total return, index and interest rate swaps for hedging purposes or to seek to increase total return. The Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund, Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund may enter into other interest rate swap arrangements such as rate caps, floors and collars, for hedging purposes or to seek to increase total return. The Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund, Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund may also purchase and write (sell) options on swaps, commonly referred to as swaptions. Swap agreements are two party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors. In a standard “swap” transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments, which may be adjusted for an interest factor. The gross returns to be exchanged or “swapped” between the parties are generally calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” i.e. , the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested at a particular interest rate, in a particular foreign currency or security, or in a “basket” of securities representing a particular index. Currency swaps involve the exchange by a Fund with another party of their respective rights to make or receive payments in specified currencies. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by a Fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, such as an exchange of fixed rate payments for floating rate payments. Mortgage swaps are similar to interest rate swaps in that they represent commitments to pay and receive interest. The notional principal amount, however, is tied to a reference pool or pools of mortgages. Index swaps involve the exchange by a Fund with another party of the respective amounts payable with respect to a notional principal amount at interest rates equal to two specified indices. Credit swaps involve the receipt of floating or fixed rate payments in exchange for assuming potential credit losses of an underlying security. Credit swaps give one party to a transaction the right to dispose of or acquire an asset (or group of assets), or the right to receive from or make a payment to the other party, upon the occurrence of specified credit events. Total return swaps are contracts that obligate a party to pay or receive interest in exchange for the payment by the other party of the total return generated by a security, a basket of securities, an index or an index component. A swaption is an option to enter into a swap agreement. Like other types of options, the buyer of a swaption pays a non-refundable premium for the option and obtains the right, but not the obligation, to enter into an underlying swap on agreed-upon terms. The seller of a swaption, in exchange for the premium, becomes obligated (if the option is exercised) to enter into an underlying swap on agreed-upon terms. The purchase of an interest rate cap entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined interest rate, to receive payment of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling such interest rate cap. The purchase of an interest rate floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling the interest rate floor. An interest rate collar is the combination of a cap and a floor that preserves a certain return within a predetermined range of interest rates.
     A great deal of flexibility is possible in the way swap transactions are structured. However, generally a Fund will enter into interest rate, total return, credit, mortgage and index swaps only 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. Interest rate, total return, credit, index and mortgage swaps do not normally involve the delivery of securities, other underlying assets or principal. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to interest rate, total return, credit, index and mortgage swaps is normally limited to the net amount of interest payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the other party to an interest rate, total return, credit, index or mortgage swap defaults, the Fund’s risk of loss consists of the net amount of interest payments that the Fund is contractually entitled to receive. In contrast, currency swaps usually involve the delivery of a gross payment stream in one designated currency in exchange for the gross payment stream in another designated currency. Therefore, the entire payment stream under a currency swap is subject to the risk that the other party to the swap will default on its contractual delivery obligations. A credit swap may have as reference obligations one or more securities that may, or may not, be currently held by a Fund. The protection “buyer” in a credit swap is generally obligated to pay the protection “seller” an upfront or a periodic stream of payments over the term of the swap provided that no credit event, such as a default, on a reference obligation has occurred. If a credit event occurs, the seller generally must pay the buyer the “par value” (full notional value) of the swap in exchange for an equal face amount of deliverable obligations of the reference entity described in the swap, or the seller may be required to deliver the related net cash amount, if the swap is

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cash settled. A Fund may be either the buyer or seller in the transaction. If the Fund is a buyer and no credit event occurs, the Fund may recover nothing if the swap is held through its termination date. However, if a credit event occurs, the buyer generally may elect to receive the full notional value of the swap in exchange for an equal face amount of deliverable obligations of the reference entity whose value may have significantly decreased. As a seller, a Fund generally receives an upfront payment or a rate of income throughout the term of the swap provided that there is no credit event. As the seller, a Fund would effectively add leverage to its portfolio because, in addition to its total net assets, a Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap. If a credit event occurs, the value of any deliverable obligation received by the Fund as seller, coupled with the upfront or periodic payments previously received, may be less than the full notional value it pays to the buyer, resulting in a loss of value to the Fund. To the extent that the Fund’s exposure in a transaction involving a swap, a swaption, or an interest rate floor, cap or collar is covered by the segregation of cash or liquid assets or is covered by other means in accordance with SEC guidance or otherwise, the Funds and the Investment Adviser believe that swaps do not constitute senior securities under the Act and, accordingly, will not treat them as being subject to a Fund’s borrowing restrictions.
     A Fund will not enter into transactions involving swaps, caps, floors or collars 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 use of swaps, swaptions and interest rate caps, floors and collars, is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The use of a swap requires an understanding not only of the referenced asset, reference rate, or index but also of the swap itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of the swap under all possible market conditions. If the Investment Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of market values, credit quality, interest rates and currency exchange rates, the investment performance of a Fund would be less favorable than it would have been if this investment technique were not used. In addition, these transactions can involve greater risks than if a Fund had invested in the reference obligation directly since, in addition to general market risks, swaps are subject to illiquidity risk, counterparty risk, credit risk and pricing risk. Because they are two party contracts and because they may have terms of greater than seven days, swap transactions may be considered to be illiquid. Moreover, a Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap counterparty. Many swaps are complex and often valued subjectively. Swaps may be subject to pricing or “basis” risk, which exists when a particular swap becomes extraordinarily expensive relative to historical prices or the price of corresponding cash market instruments. Under certain market conditions it may not be economically feasible to imitate a transaction or liquidate a position in time to avoid a loss or take advantage of an opportunity. If a swap transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is illiquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous time or price, which may result in significant losses.
     The swap market has grown substantially in recent years with a large number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as principals and as agents utilizing standardized swap documentation. As a result, the swap market has become relatively liquid in comparison with the markets for other similar instruments which are traded in the interbank market. The Investment Adviser, under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, is responsible for determining and monitoring the liquidity of the Funds’ transactions in swaps, swaptions, caps, floors and collars.
Convertible Securities
     Each 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.

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     The value of a convertible security is a function of its “investment value” (determined by its yield in comparison with the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege) and its “conversion value” (the security’s worth, at market value, if converted into the underlying common stock). The investment value of a convertible security is influenced by changes in interest rates, with investment value 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 security’s investment value. The conversion value of a convertible security is determined by the market price of the underlying common stock. If the conversion value is low relative to the investment value, the price of the convertible security is governed principally by its investment value. To the extent the market price of the underlying common stock approaches or exceeds the conversion price, the price of the convertible security will be increasingly influenced by its conversion value. A convertible security generally will sell at a premium over its conversion value by the extent to which investors place value on the right to acquire the underlying common stock while holding a fixed-income security.
     A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security’s governing instrument. If a convertible security held by a 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 a Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective, which, in turn, could result in losses to the Fund.
     In evaluating a convertible security, the Investment Adviser will give primary emphasis to the attractiveness of the underlying common stock. Convertible debt securities are equity investments for purposes of each Fund’s investment policies.
Preferred Securities
     Each 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 issuer’s 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
     Each 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).
     A 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

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normally do not involve the delivery of 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 a Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the other party to an equity swap defaults, a Fund’s risk of loss consists of the net amount of payments that such Fund 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’ exposure, the Funds 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 a Fund’s borrowing restrictions.
     A 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. A Fund’s ability to enter into certain swap transactions may be limited by tax considerations.
Lending of Portfolio Securities
     Each 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 a Fund is responsible for any loss that may result from its investment of the borrowed collateral. A 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, a 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. A Fund will not have the right to vote any securities having voting rights during the existence of the loan, but a 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 a Fund will not exceed one-third of the value of the total assets of a Fund (including the loan collateral). Loan collateral (including any investment of the collateral) is not subject to the percentage limitations stated elsewhere in this SAI or the Prospectus regarding investing in fixed-income securities and cash equivalents.
     The Funds’ Board of Trustees has approved each Fund’s participation in a securities lending program and adopted policies and procedures relating thereto. Under the securities lending program, the Funds have retained an affiliate of the Investment Adviser to serve as the securities lending agent for the Funds. For these services the lending agent may receive a fee from the Funds, including a fee based on the returns earned on the Funds’ investment of cash received as collateral for the loaned securities. In addition, the Funds 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 Funds, invest cash collateral received by the Funds 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 Fund’s 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
     Each 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 a Fund to purchase or sell securities at a future date. The price of the underlying securities (usually expressed in terms of

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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. A 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, a Fund may dispose of or negotiate a commitment after entering into it. A Fund may also sell securities it has committed to purchase before those securities are delivered to the Fund on the settlement date. A Fund may realize a capital gain or loss in connection with these transactions. For purposes of determining a Fund’s duration, the maturity of when-issued or forward commitment securities will be calculated from the commitment date. A 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 Fund’s obligations are otherwise covered. Alternatively, each Fund may enter into offsetting contracts for the forward sale of other securities that it owns. 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
     Each 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
     Each Fund may invest in securities of other investment companies, including ETFs. A 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 the Fund. A Fund’s investments in other investment companies are subject to statutory limitations prescribed by the Act, including in certain circumstances a prohibition on the Fund acquiring more that 3% of the voting shares of any other investment company, and a prohibition on investing more than 5% of the Fund’s total assets in securities of any one investment company or more than 10% of its total assets in the securities of all investment companies. Many ETFs, however, have obtained exemptive relief from the SEC to permit unaffiliated funds (such as the Funds) to invest in their shares beyond these statutory limits, subject to certain conditions and pursuant to contractual arrangements between the ETFs and the investing funds. A Fund may rely on these exemptive orders in investing in ETFs. Moreover, pursuant to an exemptive order obtained from the SEC or under an exemptive rule adopted by the SEC, the Funds may invest in investment companies and money market funds for which an Investment Adviser or any of its affiliates serves as investment adviser, administrator and/or distributor. However, to the extent that a Fund invests in a money market fund for which an 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 Fund’s proportionate share of the management fees paid by such money market fund to its investment adviser. Although the Funds do not expect to do so in the foreseeable future, each 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. Additionally, to the extent that any Fund serves as an “underlying Fund” to another Goldman Sachs Fund, that underlying Fund intends to comply with the requirements of Section 12(d)(1)(G)(i)(IV) of the Act.
     Each Fund (other than the U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund) may purchase shares of investment companies investing primarily in foreign securities, including “country funds.” Country funds have portfolios consisting primarily of securities of issuers located in specified foreign countries or regions.
     ETFs are shares of unaffiliated investment companies issuing shares which are traded like traditional equity securities on a national stock exchange. An ETF represents a portfolio of securities, which is often designed to track a particular market segment or index. An investment in an ETF, like one in any investment company, carries the same risks as those of its underlying securities. An ETF may fail to accurately track the returns of the market

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segment or index that it is designed to track, and the price of an ETF’s shares may fluctuate or lose money. In addition, because they, unlike other investment companies, are traded on an exchange, ETFs are subject to the following risks: (i) the market price of the ETF’s shares may trade at a premium or discount to the ETF’s net asset value; (ii) an active trading market for an ETF may not develop or be maintained; and (iii) there is no assurance that the requirements of the exchange necessary to maintain the listing of the ETF will continue to be met or remain unchanged. In the event substantial market or other disruptions affecting ETFs should occur in the future, the liquidity and value of a Fund’s shares could also be substantially and adversely affected.
Repurchase Agreements
     Each 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. The International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund, Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund and International Real Estate Securities Fund may also enter into repurchase agreements involving certain foreign government securities. A repurchase agreement is an arrangement under which a 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 a Fund’s custodian (or subcustodian). The repurchase price may be higher than the purchase price, the difference being income to a Fund, or the purchase and repurchase prices may be the same, with interest at a stated rate due to a Fund together with the repurchase price on repurchase. In either case, the income to a 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 a Fund to the seller of the security. For other purposes, it is not always clear whether a court would consider the security purchased by a Fund subject to a repurchase agreement as being owned by a Fund or as being collateral for a loan by a 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, a 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 a Fund has not perfected a security interest in the security, a Fund may be required to return the security to the seller’s estate and be treated as an unsecured creditor of the seller. As an unsecured creditor, a 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), a 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 liquidated before the nominal fixed term on seven days or less notice. Such repurchase agreements will be regarded as liquid instruments.
     The Funds, 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.
Short Sales
     The Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund and Tollkeeper Fund may engage in short sales against the box. In a short sale, the seller sells a borrowed security and has a corresponding obligation to the lender to return the identical security. The seller does not immediately deliver the securities sold and is said to have a short position in those securities until delivery occurs. While a short sale is made by selling a security the seller does not own, a short sale is “against the box” to the extent that the seller contemporaneously owns or has the right to obtain, at no added cost, securities identical to those sold short. It may be entered into by a Fund, for example, to lock in a sales price for a security the Fund does not wish to sell immediately. If a Fund sells securities short against the box, it may protect itself from loss if the price of the securities declines in the future, but will lose the opportunity to profit on such securities if the price rises.

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     If a Fund effects a short sale of securities at a time when it has an unrealized gain on the securities, it may be required to recognize that gain as if it had actually sold the securities (as a “constructive sale”) on the date it effects the short sale. However, such constructive sale treatment may not apply if the Fund closes out the short sale with securities other than the appreciated securities held at the time of the short sale and if certain other conditions are satisfied. Uncertainty regarding the tax consequences of effecting short sales may limit the extent to which the Fund may effect short sales.
Mortgage Dollar Rolls
     The Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund may enter into mortgage “dollar rolls” in which the Fund sells securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts with the same counterparty to repurchase similar, but not identical securities on a specified future date. During the roll period, the Fund loses the right to receive principal and interest paid on the securities sold. However, the Fund would benefit to the extent of any difference between the price received for the securities sold and the lower forward price for the future purchase or fee income plus the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the securities sold until the settlement date of the forward purchase. All cash proceeds will be invested in instruments that are permissible investments for the Fund. The Fund will hold and maintain in a segregated account until the settlement date cash or liquid assets, as permitted by applicable law, in an amount equal to its forward purchase price.
     For financial reporting and tax purposes, the Fund treats mortgage dollar rolls as two separate transactions; one involving the purchase of a security and a separate transaction involving a sale. The Fund does not currently intend to enter into mortgage dollar rolls for financing and does not treat them as borrowings.
     Mortgage dollar rolls involve certain risks including the following: if the broker-dealer to whom the Fund sells the security becomes insolvent, the Fund’s right to purchase or repurchase the mortgage-related securities subject to the mortgage dollar roll may be restricted. Also, the instrument which the Fund is required to repurchase may be worth less than an instrument which the Fund originally held. Successful use of mortgage dollar rolls will depend upon the Investment Adviser’s ability to manage the Fund’s interest rate and mortgage prepayments exposure. For these reasons, there is no assurance that mortgage dollar rolls can be successfully employed. The use of this technique may diminish the investment performance of the Fund compared to what such performance would have been without the use of mortgage dollar rolls.
Municipal Securities
     The Commodity Strategy Fund may invest in municipal securities. Municipal securities consist of bonds, notes and other instruments issued by or on behalf of states, territories and possessions of the United States (including the District of Columbia) and their political subdivisions, agencies or instrumentalities, the interest on which is exempt from regular federal income tax. Municipal securities are often issued to obtain funds for various public purposes. Municipal securities also include “private activity bonds” or industrial development bonds, which are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain funds for privately operated facilities, such as airports and waste disposal facilities, and, in some cases, commercial and industrial facilities.
     The yields and market values of municipal securities are determined primarily by the general level of interest rates, the creditworthiness of the issuers of municipal securities and economic and political conditions affecting such issuers. Due to their tax exempt status, the yields and market prices of municipal securities may be adversely affected by changes in tax rates and policies, which may have less effect on the market for taxable fixed-income securities. Moreover, certain types of municipal securities, such as housing revenue bonds, involve prepayment risks which could affect the yield on such securities. The credit rating assigned to municipal securities may reflect the existence of guarantees, letters of credit or other credit enhancement features available to the issuers or holders of such municipal securities.
     Investments in municipal securities are subject to the risk that the issuer could default on its obligations. Such a default could result from the inadequacy of the sources or revenues from which interest and principal payments are to be made or the assets collateralizing such obligations. Revenue bonds, including private activity

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bonds, are backed only by specific assets or revenue sources and not by the full faith and credit of the governmental issuer.
Structured Notes
     The Commodity Strategy Fund may invest in structured notes. In one type of structured note in which the Fund intends to invest, the issuer of the note will be a highly creditworthy party. The term of the note will be for a year and a day. The note will be issued at par value. The amount payable at maturity, early redemption or “knockout” (as defined below) of the note will depend directly on the performance of the GSCI™. As described more precisely below, the amount payable at maturity will be computed using a formula under which the issue price paid for the note is adjusted to reflect the percentage appreciation or depreciation of the index over the term of the note in excess of a specified interest factor, and an agreed-upon multiple (the “leverage factor”) of three. The note will also bear interest at a floating rate that is pegged to LIBOR. The interest rate will be based generally on the issuer’s funding spread and prevailing interest rates. The interest may be payable monthly, quarterly or at maturity. The issuer of the note will be entitled to an annual fee for issuing the note, which will be payable at maturity, and which may be netted against payments otherwise due under the note. The amount payable at maturity, early redemption or knockout of each note will be calculated by starting with an amount equal to the face amount of the note plus any remaining unpaid interest on the note and minus any accumulated fee amount, and then adding (or subtracting, in the case of a negative number) the amount equal to the product of (i) the percentage increase (or decrease) of the GSCI™ over the applicable period, less a specified interest percentage, multiplied by (ii) the face amount of the note, and by (iii) the leverage factor of three. The holder of the note will have a right to put the note to the issuer for redemption at any time before maturity. The note will become automatically payable ( i.e. , will “knockout”) if the relevant index declines by 15%. In the event that the index has declined to the knockout level (or below) during any day, the redemption price of the note will be based on the closing index value of the next day. The issuer of the note will receive payment in full of the purchase price of the note substantially contemporaneously with the delivery of the note. The Fund while holding the note will not be required to make any payment to the issuer of the note in addition to the purchase price paid for the note, whether as margin, settlement payment, or otherwise, during the life of the note or at maturity. The issuer of the note will not be subject by the terms of the instrument to mark-to-market margining requirements of the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended (the “CEA”). The note will not be marketed as a contract of sale of a commodity for future delivery (or option on such a contract) subject to the CEA.
     With respect to a second type of structured note in which the Fund intends to invest, the issuer of the note will be a highly creditworthy party. The term of the note will be for six months. The note will be issued at par value. The amount payable at maturity or early redemption of the note will depend directly on the performance of a specified basket of 6-month futures contracts with respect to all of the commodities in the GSCI™, with weightings of the different commodities similar to the weightings in the GSCI™. As described more precisely below, the amount payable at maturity will be computed using a formula under which the issue price paid for the note is adjusted to reflect the percentage appreciation or depreciation of the value of the specified basket of commodities futures over the term of the note in excess of a specified interest factor, and the leverage factor of three, but in no event will the amount payable at maturity be less than 51% of the issue price of the note. The note will also bear interest at a floating rate that is pegged to LIBOR. The interest rate will be based generally on the issuer’s funding spread and prevailing interest rates. The interest may be payable monthly, quarterly or at maturity. The issuer of the note will be entitled to a fee for issuing the note, which will be payable at maturity, and which may be netted against payments otherwise due under the note. The amount payable at maturity or early redemption of each note will be the greater of (i) 51% of the issue price of the note and (ii) the amount calculated by starting with an amount equal to the face amount of the note plus any remaining unpaid interest on the note and minus any accumulated fee amount, and then adding (or subtracting, in the case of a negative number) the amount equal to the product of (A) the percentage increase (or decrease) of the specified basket of commodities futures over the applicable period, less a specified interest percentage, multiplied by (B) the face amount of the note, and by (C) the leverage factor of three. The holder of the note will have a right to put the note to the issuer for redemption at any time before maturity. The issuer of the note will receive payment in full of the purchase price of the note substantially contemporaneously with the delivery of the note. The Fund while holding the note will not be required to make any payment to the issuer of the note in addition to the purchase price paid for the note, whether as margin, settlement payment, or otherwise, during the life of the note or at maturity. The issuer of the note will not be subject by the terms of the instrument to mark-to-market margining requirements of the CEA. The note will not be marketed as a contract of sale of a commodity for future delivery (or option on such a contract) subject to the CEA.

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Collateralized Loan Obligations
     The Commodity Strategy Fund may invest in collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”). CLOs are special purpose entities which are collateralized mainly by a pool of loans. CLOs may charge management and other administrative fees. Payments of principal and interest are passed through to investors in a CLO and divided into several tranches of rated debt securities and typically at least one tranche of unrated subordinated securities , which may be debt or equity (“CLO Securities”). CLO Securities generally receive some variation of principal and/or interest installments and, with the exception of certain subordinated securities, bear different interest rates. If there are defaults or a CLO’s collateral otherwise underperforms, scheduled payments to senior tranches typically take priority over less senior tranches. CLO Securities are subject to similar risks associated with debt obligations and fixed income and/or asset-backed securities as discussed elsewhere in this Statement of Additional Information and the Prospectus ( e.g. , credit risk, interest rate risk, market risk, default risk, rapid repayment risk and reinvestment risk).
     In addition to the foregoing risks, some tranches of CLO Securities may not be paid in full and one or more tranches may be subject to up to 100% loss of invested capital. A CLO’s investments in its underlying assets may be CLO Securities are privately placed and thus are subject to restrictions on transfer to meet securities law and other legal requirement. In the event the Fund does not satisfy certain of the applicable transfer restrictions at any time that it holds CLO Securities, it may be forced to sell the related CLO Securities and may suffer a loss on sale. CLO Securities generally will be considered illiquid as there may be no secondary market for the CLO Securities.
Non-Diversified Status
     Since the Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund are each “non-diversified” under the Act, they are subject only to certain federal tax diversification requirements. Under federal tax laws, the Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund may each, with respect to 50% of its total assets, invest up to 25% of its total assets in the securities of any issuer. With respect to the remaining 50% of each Fund’s total assets, (i) the Fund may not invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of any one issuer, and (ii) the Fund may not acquire more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer. These tests apply at the end of each quarter of the taxable year and are subject to certain conditions and limitations under the Code. These tests do not apply to investments in United States Government Securities and regulated investment companies.
Temporary Investments
     Each Fund may, for temporary defensive purposes, invest a certain percentage of its total assets in: U.S. government securities; commercial paper rated at least A-2 by Standard & Poor’s, P-2 by Moody’s or having a comparable rating by another NRSRO; certificates of deposit; bankers’ acceptances; repurchase agreements; non-convertible preferred stocks and non-convertible corporate bonds with a remaining maturity of less than one year; and cash items. When a Fund’s assets are invested in such instruments, the Fund may not be achieving its investment objective.
Portfolio Turnover
     Each 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. As a result of active management, it is anticipated that the portfolio turnover rate 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 Funds to receive favorable tax treatment. The Funds are 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

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     The investment restrictions set forth below have been adopted by the Trust as fundamental policies that cannot be changed with respect to a Fund without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the Act) of the affected Fund. The investment objective of each Fund and all other investment policies or practices of each 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 a Fund present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Trust or a Fund are present or represented by proxy, or (b) more than 50% of the shares of the Trust or a 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, a 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, a Fund may not:
  (1)   Make any investment inconsistent with the Fund’s classification as a diversified company under the Act. This restriction does not, however, apply to the Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund or Commodity Strategy Fund, which are each classified as a non-diversified company under the Act;
 
  (2)   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) (other than the Real Estate Securities Fund and International Real Estate Securities Fund, which will invest at least 25% or more of their total assets in the real estate industry, and the Tollkeeper Fund, which will invest at least 25% of its total assets in companies in one or more of the media, telecommunications, technology and/or internet industries), except that this restriction shall not apply to the Commodity Strategy Fund’s counterparties in foreign currency transactions.
 
  (3)   Borrow money, except (a) the Structured Tax-Managed Equity, Real Estate Securities and Tollkeeper Funds may borrow from banks (as defined in the Act), or through reverse repurchase agreements in amounts up to 33-1/3% of its total assets (including the amount borrowed), (b) to the extent permitted by applicable law, the U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund, International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund, Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund may borrow from banks (as defined 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); (c) a Fund may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, borrow up to an additional 5% of its total assets for temporary purposes, (d) a Fund may obtain such short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio securities, (e) a Fund may purchase securities on margin to the extent permitted by applicable law and (f) the International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund, Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund, Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund, Tollkeeper Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund may engage in transactions in mortgage dollar rolls which are accounted for as financings.
The following interpretation applies to, but is not part of, this fundamental policy: In determining whether a particular investment in portfolio instruments or participation in portfolio transactions is subject to this borrowing policy, the accounting treatment of such instrument or participation shall be considered, but shall not by itself be determinative. Whether a particular instrument or transaction

B-43


 

constitutes a borrowing shall be determined by the Board, after consideration of all of the relevant circumstances.
  (4)   Make loans, except through (a) the purchase of debt obligations in accordance with a Fund’s 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) for the U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund, International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund, Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund and Commodity Strategy Fund only, loans to affiliates of the applicable Fund to the extent permitted by law.
 
  (5)   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.
 
  (6)   Purchase, hold or deal in real estate, although a Fund may purchase and sell securities that are secured by real estate or interests therein, securities of real estate investment trusts and (with respect to the International Real Estate Securities Fund only) other entities and companies in the real estate industry, and mortgage-related securities and may hold and sell real estate acquired by a Fund as a result of the ownership of securities.
 
  (7)   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.
 
  (8)   Issue senior securities to the extent such issuance would violate applicable law.
     Each 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. Again, 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 of securities by a Fund.
     A Fund may not:
  (a)   Invest in companies for the purpose of exercising control or management.
 
  (b)   Invest more than 15% of the Fund’s 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.
 
  (c)   Purchase additional securities if the Fund’s borrowings, as permitted by the Fund’s borrowing policy, exceed 5% of its net assets. (With respect to the International Equity Dividend and Premium, Structured International Tax-Managed Equity, Real Estate Securities, International Real Estate Securities, Tollkeeper and Commodity Strategy Funds, mortgage dollar rolls are not subject to this limitation).
 
  (d)   Make short sales of securities except that the International Equity Dividend and Premium, Structured International Tax-Managed Equity, Real Estate Securities, International Real Estate Securities and Tollkeeper Funds may make short sales against the box.

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TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
     The business and affairs of the Funds are managed under the direction of the Board of Trustees subject to the laws of the State of Delaware and the Trust’s Declaration of Trust. The Trustees are responsible for deciding matters of general policy for the Trust and providing oversight of the Trust’s business and operations, including the actions of the Trust’s service providers. The officers of the Trust conduct and supervise each Fund’s 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.”
                         
Independent Trustees
        Term of       Number of    
        Office and       Portfolios in    
    Position(s)   Length of       Fund Complex    
Name,   Held with   Time   Principal Occupation(s)   Overseen by   Other Directorships
Address and Age 1   the Trust   Served 2   During Past 5 Years   Trustee 3   Held by Trustee 4
 
                       
Ashok N. Bakhru
Age: 66
  Chairman of the Board of Trustees   Since 1991   President, ABN Associates (July 1994—March 1996 and November 1998—Present); Executive Vice President — Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer and Director, Coty Inc. (manufacturer of fragrances and cosmetics) (April 1996—November 1998); Director of Arkwright Mutual Insurance Company (1984—1999); 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 and 2006-Present); Trustee of the Walnut Street Theater (1992-2004 and 2006-Present); Trustee, Scholarship America (1998-2005); Trustee, Institute for Higher Education Policy (2003-Present); Director, Private Equity Investors—III 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).     100     None
 
                       
 
          Chairman of the Board of Trustees — Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.            
 
                       
John P. Coblentz, Jr.
Age: 67
  Trustee   Since 2003   Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP (June 1975 — May 2003); Director, Emerging Markets Group, Ltd. (2004-2006); Director, Elderhostel, Inc. (2006-Present).     100     None
 
                       
 
          Trustee — Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.            

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Independent Trustees
        Term of       Number of    
        Office and       Portfolios in    
    Position(s)   Length of       Fund Complex    
Name,   Held with   Time   Principal Occupation(s)   Overseen by   Other Directorships
Address and Age 1   the Trust   Served 2   During Past 5 Years   Trustee 3   Held by Trustee 4
 
                       
Diana M. Daniels
Age: 58
  Trustee   Since 2007   Ms. Daniels is retired (since January 2007). Formerly, she was Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, The Washington Post Company (1991-2006). Ms. Daniels is Chairman of the Executive Committee, Cornell University (2006-Present); Member, Advisory Board, Psychology Without Borders (international humanitarian aid organization) (since 2007), and former Member of the Legal Advisory Board, New York Stock Exchange (2003-2006) and of the Corporate Advisory Board, Standish Mellon Management Advisors (2006-2007).     100     None
 
                       
 
          Trustee — Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.            
 
                       
Patrick T. Harker
Age: 49
  Trustee   Since 2000   President, University of Delaware (July 2007-Present); Dean and Reliance Professor of Operations and Information Management, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (February 2000-June 2007); Interim and Deputy Dean, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (July 1999-January 2000); and Professor and Chairman of Department of Operations and Information Management, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (July 1997—August 2000).     100     None
 
                       
 
          Trustee — Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.            
 
                       
Jessica Palmer
Age: 59
  Trustee   Since 2007   Ms. Palmer is retired (since 2006). Formerly, she was Managing Director, Citigroup Corporate and Investment Banking (previously, Salomon Smith Barney/Salomon Brothers) (1984-2006). Ms. Palmer is a Member of the Board of Trustees of Indian Mountain School (private elementary and secondary school) (2004-Present).     100     None
 
                       
 
          Trustee — Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.            
 
                       
Richard P. Strubel
Age: 68
  Trustee   Since 1987   Vice Chairman and Director, Cardean Learning Group (provider of educational services via the internet) (2003-Present); President, COO and Director, Cardean Learning Group (1999-2003); Director, Cantilever Technologies, Inc. (a private software company) (1999-2005); Trustee, The University of Chicago (1987-Present); and Managing Director, Tandem Partners, Inc. (management services firm) (1990—1999).     100     Gildan Activewear Inc. (a clothing marketing and manufacturing company); Cardean Learning Group (provider of educational services via the Internet); Northern Mutual Fund Complex (58 Portfolios).
 
                       
 
          Trustee — Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.            

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Interested Trustees
                Number of    
                Portfolios in    
        Term of       Fund    
    Position(s)   Office and       Complex    
Name,   Held with   Length of   Principal Occupation(s)   Overseen by   Other Directorships
Address and Age 1   the Trust 2   Time Served 3   During Past 5 Years   Trustee 4   Held by Trustee 5
 
                       
James A. McNamara*
Age: 45
  President & Trustee   Since 2007   Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (December 1998-Present); Director of Institutional Fund Sales, GSAM (April 1998—December 2000); and Senior Vice President and Manager, Dreyfus Institutional Service Corporation (January 1993 — April 1998).     100     None
 
                       
 
          President—Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex (November 2007 — Present); Senior Vice President — Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex (May 2007 — November 2007); Vice President—Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex (2001 — 2007).            
 
                       
 
          Trustee — Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex (since November 2007 and December 2002 — May 2004).            
 
                       
Alan A. Shuch*
Age: 58
  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).     100     None
 
                       
 
          Trustee — Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.            
 
*   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, 37th Floor, New York, New York 10004, Attn: Peter V. Bonanno.
 
2   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 Trust’s Declaration of Trust; (c) the conclusion of the first Board meeting held subsequent to the day 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.
 
3   The Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex consists of the Trust and Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust. As of the date of this SAI, the Trust consisted of 88 portfolios (of which 83 offer shares to the public), and Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust consisted of 12 portfolios (of which 11 offer shares to participating insurance companies).
 
4   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.

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Officers of the Trust
     Information pertaining to the officers of the Trust is set forth below.
Officers of the Trust
             
        Term of Office and    
Name, Age   Position(s) Held   Length of Time    
And Address   With the Trust   Served 1   Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
 
           
James A. McNamara
32 Old Slip
New York, NY 10005
Age: 45
  President & Trustee   Since 2007   Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (December 1998-Present); Director of Institutional Fund Sales, GSAM (April 1998—December 2000); and Senior Vice President and Manager, Dreyfus Institutional Service Corporation (January 1993 — April 1998).
 
           
 
          President—Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex (November 2007 — Present); Senior Vice President — Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex (May 2007 — November 2007); Vice President—Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex (2001 — 2007).
 
           
 
          Trustee — Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex (since November 2007 and December 2002 — May 2004).
 
           
John M. Perlowski
32 Old Slip
New York, NY 10005
Age: 43
  Treasurer & Senior
Vice President
  Since 1997
Since 2007
  Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (November 2003 — Present) and Vice President, Goldman Sachs (July 1995-November 2003).
 
           
 
          Treasurer and Senior Vice President — Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.
 
           
Philip V. Giuca, Jr.
180 Maiden Lane
New York, NY 10005
Age: 46
  Assistant Treasurer   Since 1997   Vice President, Goldman Sachs (May 1992-Present).
Assistant Treasurer — Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.
 
           
Peter Fortner
180 Maiden Lane
New York, NY 10005
Age: 50
  Assistant Treasurer   Since 2000   Vice President, Goldman Sachs (July 2000-Present); Associate, Prudential Insurance Company of America (November 1985—June 2000); and Assistant Treasurer, certain closed-end funds administered by Prudential (1999 and 2000).
Assistant Treasurer — Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.
 
           
Kenneth G. Curran
180 Maiden Lane
New York, NY 10005
Age: 44
  Assistant Treasurer   Since 2001   Vice President, Goldman Sachs (November 1998-Present); and Senior Tax Manager, KPMG Peat Marwick (accountants) (August 1995—October 1998).
Assistant Treasurer — Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.
 
           
Scott McHugh
32 Old Slip
New York, NY 10005
Age: 36
  Assistant Treasurer   Since 2007   Vice President, Goldman Sachs (February 2007-Present); Director, Deutsche Asset Management or its predecessor (1998-2007); Assistant Treasurer of certain mutual funds administered by DWS Scudder (2005-2007).
Assistant Treasurer — Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.

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Officers of the Trust
             
        Term of Office and    
Name, Age   Position(s) Held   Length of Time    
And Address   With the Trust   Served 1   Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
 
           
James A. Fitzpatrick
71 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
Age: 48
  Vice President   Since 1997   Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (October 1999— Present); and Vice President of GSAM (April 1997—December 1999).
Vice President — Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.
 
           
Jesse Cole
71 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
Age: 44
  Vice President   Since 1998   Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (December 2006-Present); Vice President, GSAM (June 1998-Present); and Vice President, AIM Management Group, Inc. (investment adviser) (April 1996—June 1998).
Vice President — Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.
 
           
Kerry K. Daniels
71 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
Age: 45
  Vice President   Since 2000   Manager, Financial Control — Shareholder Services, Goldman Sachs (1986-Present).
Vice President — Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.
 
           
Scott Coleman
32 Old Slip
New York, NY 10005
Age: 47
  Vice President   Since 2007   Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (2004—Present); and Vice President, Goldman Sachs (2001—2004).
Vice President — Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.
 
           
Mark Hancock
71 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
Age: 40
  Vice President   Since 2007   Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (November 2005 — Present); Vice President, Goldman Sachs (August 2000 - November 2005); Senior Vice President — Dreyfus Service Corp 1999 — 2000; and Vice President — Dreyfus Service Corp 1996-1999.
Vice President — Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.
 
           
Jeffrey D. Matthes
180 Maiden Lane
New York, NY 10005
Age: 38
  Vice President   Since 2007   Vice President, Goldman Sachs (December 2004-Present); Associate, Goldman Sachs (December 2002-December 2004).
Vice President — Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.
 
           
Carlos W. Samuels
180 Maiden Lane New York, NY 10005
Age: 33
  Vice President   Since 2007   Vice President, Goldman Sachs (December 2007-Present); Associate, Goldman Sachs (December 2005-December 2007) Analyst, Goldman Sachs (January 2004-December 2005) Senior Associate, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (January 2001-January 2004).
Vice President — Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.
 
           
Miriam Cytryn
32 Old Slip
New York, NY 10005
Age: 49
  Vice President   Since 2008   Vice President, GSAM (2008-Present); Vice President, Investment Management Division (2007-2008); Vice President and Chief of Staff, GSAM US Distribution (2003-2007); and Vice President, Employee Relations, Goldman Sachs (1996-2003).
Vice President—Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.

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Officers of the Trust
             
        Term of Office and    
Name, Age   Position(s) Held   Length of Time    
And Address   With the Trust   Served 1   Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
 
           
Peter V. Bonanno
One New York Plaza
New York, NY 10004
Age: 40
  Secretary   Since 2003   Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (December 2006 — Present); Associate General Counsel, Goldman Sachs (2002—Present); Vice President, Goldman Sachs (1999 — 2006) and Assistant General Counsel, Goldman Sachs (1999-2002).
Secretary — Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex (2006 — Present); Assistant Secretary — Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex (2003-2006).
 
           
Dave Fishman
32 Old Slip
New York, NY 10005
Age: 43
  Assistant Secretary   Since 2001   Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (December 2001—Present); and Vice President, Goldman Sachs (1997—December 2001).
Assistant Secretary — Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.
 
           
Danny Burke
32 Old Slip
New York, NY 10005
Age: 45
  Assistant Secretary   Since 2001   Vice President, Goldman Sachs (1987—Present).
Assistant Secretary — Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.
 
           
George Djurasovic
One New York Plaza
New York, NY 10004
Age: 37
  Assistant Secretary   Since 2007   Vice President, Goldman Sachs (2005 — Present); Associate General Counsel, Goldman Sachs (2006 — Present); Assistant General Counsel, Goldman Sachs (2005 — 2006); Senior Counsel, TIAA — CREF (2004 — 2005); Counsel, TIAA — CREF (2000 — 2004).
Assistant Secretary — Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.
 
           
Patricia Meyer
One New York Plaza
New York, NY 10004
Age: 34
  Assistant Secretary   Since 2007   Vice President, Goldman Sachs (September 2006 — Present); Assistant General Counsel, Goldman Sachs (September 2006 — Present); Associate, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP (2000 — 2006).
Assistant Secretary — Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.
 
           
Mark T. Robertson
One New York Plaza
New York, NY 10004
Age: 31
  Assistant Secretary   Since 2007   Vice President, Goldman Sachs (April 2007 — Present); Assistant General Counsel, Goldman Sachs (April 2007 — Present); Associate, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP (2004 — 2007); Solicitor, Corrs Chambers Westgarth (2002 — 2003).
Assistant Secretary — Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.
 
           
Deborah Farrell
One New York Plaza
New York, NY 10004
Age: 36
  Assistant Secretary   Since 2007   Vice President, Goldman Sachs (2005 — Present); Associate, Goldman Sachs (2001 — 2005); Analyst, Goldman Sachs (1994 — 2005).
Assistant Secretary — Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.
 
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

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     The Board of Trustees has established six standing committees in connection with their governance of the Funds — Audit, Governance and Nominating, Compliance, Valuation, Dividend 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 annually selects, subject to ratification by 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, 2007.
     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 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 two meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. 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 Funds; and (ii) insofar as they relate to services provided to the Funds, 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 met three times during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. 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 Trust’s Valuation Procedures. Messrs. McNamara and Shuch serve on the Valuation Committee. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, 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 Fund’s Prospectus. Currently, Messrs. McNamara and Perlowski serve on the Dividend Committee. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, the Dividend Committee held twelve meetings with respect to all of the Funds of the Trust (including the Funds included in this SAI).
     The Contract Review Committee has been established for the purpose of assisting the Board of Trustees in overseeing the processes 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 also 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 Board’s approval, oversight and review of the Funds’ other service providers including, without limitation, the Funds’ custodian/accounting agent, sub-transfer agents, professional (legal and accounting) firms and printing firms. The Contract Review Committee held three meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. All of the Independent Trustees serve on the Contract Review Committee.

B-51


 

Trustee Ownership of Fund Shares
The following table shows the dollar range of shares beneficially owned by each Trustee in the Funds and other portfolios of the Trust and Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust as of December 31, 2007.
                 
            Aggregate Dollar Range of
            Equity Securities in All
            Portfolios in Fund
    Dollar Range of   Complex Overseen By
Name of Trustee   Equity Securities in the Funds 1   Trustee 2
 
               
Ashok N. Bakhru
        Over $100,000
 
               
John P. Coblentz, Jr.
  Real Estate Securities Fund: $50,001 — $100,000   Over $100,000
 
               
Diana M. Daniels
        $ 10,001 — $50,000  
 
               
Patrick T. Harker
  Real Estate Securities Fund: $10,001 — $50,000   Over $100,000
 
               
James A. McNamara
        Over $100,000
 
               
Jessica Palmer
        $ 50,001 — $100,000  
 
               
Alan A. Shuch
        Over $100,000
 
               
Richard P. Strubel
  International Real Estate Securities Fund: Over $100,000   Over $100,000
 
1   Includes the value of shares beneficially owned by each Trustee in each Fund described in this SAI as of December 31, 2007.
 
2   As of December 31, 2007, the Trust consisted of 89 portfolios (of which 80 offered shares to the public), and Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust consisted of 12 portfolios (of which 11 offered shares to participating insurance companies).
     As of March 31, 2008, 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.

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     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, 2007:
Trustee Compensation
Fund
                                                                 
                                                    Structured   International
                            U.S. Equity   International           International   Equity
    Real Estate           Structured   Dividend and   Real Estate   Commodity   Tax-Managed   Dividend and
Name of Trustee   Securities   Tollkeeper   Tax-Managed Equity   Premium   Securities   Strategy*   Equity**   Premium**
Ashok N. Bakhru 1
  $ 2,586     $ 2,586     $ 2,586     $ 2,586     $ 2,586     $ 973              
John P. Coblentz, Jr.
    1,874       1,874       1,874       1,874       1,874       759              
Diana M. Daniels 2
                                               
Patrick T. Harker
    1,716       1,716       1,716       1,716       1,716       1,716              
James A. McNamara
                                               
Jessica Palmer 2
                                               
Alan A. Shuch 3
                                               
Richard P. Strubel
    1,716       1,716       1,716       1,716       1,716       683              
 
*   The Commodity Strategy Fund commenced operations on March 30, 2007.
 
**   The Structured International Tax-Managed Equity and International Equity Dividend and Premium Funds had not yet commenced operations on December 31, 2007.
                         
            Pension or Retirement    
    Aggregate   Benefits Accrued as   Total Compensation
    Compensation   Part of the Trust’s   From Fund Complex
Name of Trustee   from the Funds†   Expenses   (including the Funds)††
 
                       
Ashok N. Bakhru 1
  $ 13,905           $ 202,400  
John P. Coblentz, Jr.
    10,131             147,000  
Diana M. Daniels 2
                 
Patrick T. Harker
    10,295             134,500  
James A. McNamara
                 
Jessica Palmer 2
                 
Alan A. Shuch 3
                 
Richard P. Strubel
    9,262             134,500  
 
  Under current compensation arrangements, it is estimated that the Trustees will receive approximately the following compensation from the Funds for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008: Mr. Bakhru, $3,358; Mr. Coblentz, $2,495; Ms. Daniels, $2,179; Mr. Harker, $2,179; Mr. McNamara, none; Ms. Palmer, $2,179; Mr. Shuch, none; and Mr. Strubel, $2,179.
 
††   Represents fees paid to each Trustee during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 from the Fund Complex. Under current compensation arrangements, it is estimated that the Trustees will receive approximately the following compensation from the Fund Complex for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008: Mr. Bakhru, $319,000; Mr. Coblentz, $237,000; Ms. Daniels, $207,000; Mr. Harker, $207,000; Mr. McNamara, none; Ms. Palmer, $207,000; Mr. Shuch, none; and Mr. Strubel, $207,000.
 
1   Includes compensation as Board Chairman.
 
2   Ms. Daniels and Ms. Palmer were elected to the Board on August 3, 2007.
 
3   Mr. McNamara was appointed to the Board on November 8, 2007. Messrs. McNamara and Shuch are Interested Trustees, and as such, receive no compensation from the Fund or the Fund Complex.
Miscellaneous
     Class A Shares of the Funds 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.

B-53


 

     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 Funds.
MANAGEMENT SERVICES
     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 Funds. 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 Fund’s investment adviser. In April 2003, GSAM assumed Goldman Sachs Asset Management’s investment advisory responsibilities for the Fund. See “Service Providers” in the Funds’ Prospectuses for a description of the Investment Adviser’s duties to the Funds.
     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 with offices in countries throughout the world. 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 world’s financial markets enhances its ability to identify attractive investments. Goldman Sachs has agreed to permit the Funds to use the name “Goldman Sachs” or a derivative thereof as part of each Fund’s name for as long as each Fund’s 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 Global Investment Research Department covers approximately 1,800 securities, more than 50 economies and over 25 stock markets. The in-depth information and analyses generated by Goldman Sachs’ research analysts are available to the Investment Adviser.
     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 (now used by a growing number of investors) to structure and evaluate portfolios. For example, Goldman Sachs’ options evaluation model analyzes a security’s term, coupon and call option, providing an overall analysis of the security’s value relative to its interest risk.
     In managing the Funds, 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 to its members. The team has earned top rankings in various external surveys such as Pensions and Investments, Forbes and Dalbar. These rankings acknowledge the achievements of the firm’s economists, strategists and equity analysts.
     In allocating assets among foreign countries and currencies for the Funds, the Investment Adviser will have access to the Global Asset Allocation Model. The model is based on the observation that the prices of all financial assets, including foreign currencies, will adjust until investors globally are comfortable holding the pool of outstanding assets. Using the model, the Investment Adviser will estimate the total returns from each currency sector which are consistent with the average investor holding a portfolio equal to the market capitalization of the financial assets among those currency sectors. These estimated equilibrium returns are then combined with the expectations of Goldman Sachs’ research professionals to produce an optimal currency and asset allocation for the level of risk suitable for a Fund given its investment objectives and criteria.

B-54


 

     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 Agreements were most recently 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 June 13, 2007 with respect to the Funds. The sole shareholder of the International Real Estate Securities Fund, U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium, Tollkeeper, Structured Tax-Managed Equity and Real Estate Securities Funds approved these arrangements on July 17, 2006, August 31, 2005, September 23, 1999, April 3, 2000 and July 21, 1997, respectively. A discussion regarding the Trustees’ basis for approving the Management Agreement in 2007 is available in the Trust’s semi-annual reports for the period ended June 30, 2007 with respect to each Fund other than the Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund and International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund, and will become available in the Trust’s semi-annual report for the period ended June 30, 2008 with respect to the Structured International Tax-Managed Equity and International Equity Dividend and Premium Funds.
     The Management Agreement will remain in effect until June 30, 2008 and will continue in effect with respect to the applicable Fund from year to year thereafter provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the vote of a majority of such Fund’s 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 particular Fund on 60 days’ written notice to the Investment Adviser or by the Investment Adviser on 60 days’ written notice to the Trust.
     Pursuant to the Management Agreement, the Investment Adviser is entitled to receive the fees set forth below, payable monthly based on each respective Fund’s average daily net assets. Also included below are the actual management fee rates paid by each Fund (after reflection of any voluntary management fee waivers, as indicated) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.

B-55


 

             
        Actual Rate for the Fiscal Year Ended
Fund   Contractual Rate   December 31, 2007
U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund
  0.75% on the first $1 billion     0.75 %
 
  0.68% on the next $1 billion        
 
  0.65% over $2 billion        
 
           
Tollkeeper Fund
  1.00% on the first $1 billion     1.00 %
 
  0.90% on the next $1 billion        
 
  0.86% over $2 billion        
 
           
Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund
  0.70% on the first $1 billion     0.65 %*
 
  0.63% on the next $1 billion        
 
  0.60% over $2 billion        
 
           
Real Estate Securities Fund
  1.00% on the first $1 billion     1.00 %
 
  0.90% on the next $1 billion        
 
  0.86% over $2 billion        
 
           
International Real Estate Securities Fund
  1.05% on the first $2 billion     1.03 %*
 
  0.95% over $2 billion        
 
           
Commodity Strategy Fund**
  0.50% on the first $2 billion     0.50 %
 
  0.45% over $2 billion        
 
           
Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund***
  1.00% on the first $1 billion      
 
  0.90% on the next $1 billion        
 
  0.86% over $2 billion        
 
           
International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund***
  0.81% on the first $1 billion      
  0.77% on the next $1 billion        
 
  0.73% over $2 billion        
 
           
 
*   The Investment Adviser is currently voluntarily waiving a portion of its management fee equal to 0.05% and 0.02% based on the average daily net assets of the Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund and International Real Estate Securities Fund, respectively.
 
**   The Commodity Strategy Fund commenced operations on March 30, 2007.
 
***   The Structured International Tax-Managed Equity and International Equity Dividend and Premium Funds had not yet commenced operations on December 31, 2007.
     For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007, December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, the fees incurred by each Fund (before any fee waivers) pursuant to the Management Agreement were as follows:
                         
    Fiscal year ended   Fiscal year ended   Fiscal year ended
    December 31,   December 31,   December 31,
    2007   2006   2005
 
                       
U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund 1
  $ 2,577,585     $ 989,434     $ 59,681  
Tollkeeper Fund
    3,042,164       2,919,651       3,477,008  
Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund
    2,462,738 2     1,384,706 2     749,816 2
Real Estate Securities Fund
    10,179,280       8,784,956       6,143,623  
International Real Estate Securities Fund 3
    12,807,688 4     1,238,810 4      
Commodity Strategy Fund 5
    1,008,133              
Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund 6
                 
International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund 6
                 
 
1   U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund commenced operations on August 31, 2005.
 
2   The Investment Adviser waived approximately $177,817, $98,837 and $14,798 of its management fee for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007, December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively.
 
3   International Real Estate Securities Fund commenced operations on July 31, 2006.
 
4   The Investment Adviser waived approximately $251,667 and $25,519 of its management fee for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.
 
5   The Commodity Strategy Fund commenced operations on March 30, 2007.
 
6   The Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund and International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund had not yet commenced operations on December 31, 2007.

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     In addition to providing advisory services, under its Management Agreement, the Investment Adviser also: (i) supervises all non-advisory operations of each Fund that it advises; (ii) provides personnel to perform such executive, administrative and clerical services as are reasonably necessary to provide effective administration of each Fund; (iii) arranges for at each Fund’s 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 each Fund’s records; and (v) provides office space and all necessary office equipment and services.

B-57


 

Portfolio Managers — Other Accounts Managed by the Portfolio Managers
The following table discloses other accounts within each type of category listed below for which the portfolio managers are jointly and primarily responsible for day to day portfolio management.
For each portfolio manager listed below, the total number of accounts managed is a reflection of accounts within the strategy they oversee or manage, as well as accounts which participate in the sector they manage. There are multiple portfolio managers involved with each account.
                                                                                                 
    Number of Other Accounts Managed and Total Assets by Account Type*†   Number of Accounts and Total Assets for Which Advisory Fee is Performance Based*†
    Registered                                   Registered        
    Investment   Other Pooled   Other   Investment   Other Pooled   Other
    Companies   Investment Vehicles   Accounts   Companies   Investment Vehicles   Accounts
Name of   Number of   Assets   Number of   Assets   Number of   Assets   Number of   Assets   Number of   Assets   Number of   Assets
Portfolio Manager   Accounts   Managed   Accounts   Managed   Accounts   Managed   Accounts   Managed   Accounts   Managed   Accounts   Managed
U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund
                                                                                               
Quantitative Investment Strategies Team
                                                                                               
Robert C. Jones
    66     $ 26,146       37     $ 19,558       705     $ 75,953       1     $ 211       5     $ 1,766       38     $ 10,502  
Don Mulvihill
    66     $ 26,146       37     $ 19,558       705     $ 75,953       1     $ 211       5     $ 1,766       38     $ 10,502  
Tollkeeper Fund
                                                                                               
Growth Investment Team
                                                                                               
Steven M. Barry
    22       7,722.1       3       32.4       344       20,748.6                               14       3,276.3  
Gregory H. Ekizian
    22       7,722.1       3       32.4       344       20,748.6                               14       3,276.3  
David G. Shell
    22       7,722.1       3       32.4       344       20,748.6                               14       3,276.3  
Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund
                                                                                               
Quantitative Investment Strategies Team
                                                                                               
Robert C. Jones
    66     $ 26,146       37     $ 19,558       705     $ 75,953       1     $ 211       5     $ 1,766       38     $ 10,502  
Don Mulvihill
    66     $ 26,146       37     $ 19,558       705     $ 75,953       1     $ 211       5     $ 1,766       38     $ 10,502  
Real Estate Securities Fund
                                                                                               
Real Estate Securities Team
                                                                                               
Mark Howard-Johnson
    2       836.7m       8       1,228.9m       43       702.0m                                      
David Kruth
    2       836.7m       8       1,228.9m       43       702.0m                                      

B-58


 

                                                                                                 
    Number of Other Accounts Managed and Total Assets by Account Type*†   Number of Accounts and Total Assets for Which Advisory Fee is Performance Based*†
    Registered                                   Registered        
    Investment   Other Pooled   Other   Investment   Other Pooled   Other
    Companies   Investment Vehicles   Accounts   Companies   Investment Vehicles   Accounts
Name of   Number of   Assets   Number of   Assets   Number of   Assets   Number of   Assets   Number of   Assets   Number of   Assets
Portfolio Manager   Accounts   Managed   Accounts   Managed   Accounts   Managed   Accounts   Managed   Accounts   Managed   Accounts   Managed
International Real Estate Securities Fund
                                                                                               
Real Estate Securities Team
                                                                                               
Mark Howard-Johnson
    2       836.7m       8       1,228.9m       43       702.0m                                      
David Kruth
    2       836.7m       8       1,228.9m       43       702.0m                                      
Tim Hannon††
                2       532.1m       8       596.1m                               5       391.6m  
Commodity Strategy Fund
                                                                                               
Commodity Strategy Team
                                                                                               
Jonathan Beinner
    34       27,075.0       78       28,614.9       1,831       168,590.9                   19       5,798.2       84       28,461.2  
Tom Kenny
    34       27,075.0       78       28,614.9       1,831       168,590.9                   19       5,798.2       84       28,461.2  
James B. Clark
    16       9,778.3       31       12,134.0       280       62,143.7                   12       4,629.6       17       4,629.6  
Michael Johnson
    1       377.2       5       353.2       6       725.6                   2       165.4                  
Stephen Lucas
    1       377.2       5       353.2       6       725.6                   2       165.4                  
Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund
                                                                                               
Quantitative Investment Strategy Team
                                                                                               
Robert C. Jones
    66     $ 26,146       37     $ 19,558       705     $ 75,953       1     $ 211       5     $ 1,766       38     $ 10,502  
Mark Carhart
    66     $ 26,146       37     $ 19,558       705     $ 75,953       1     $ 211       5     $ 1,766       38     $ 10,502  
Don Mulvihill
    66     $ 26,146       37     $ 19,558       705     $ 75,953       1     $ 211       5     $ 1,766       38     $ 10,502  
International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund
                                                                                               
Quantitative Investment Strategy Team
                                                                                               
Mark Carhart
    66     $ 26,146       37     $ 19,558       705     $ 75,953       1     $ 211       5     $ 1,766       38     $ 10,502  
Don Mulvihill
    66     $ 26,146       37     $ 19,558       705     $ 75,953       1     $ 211       5     $ 1,766       38     $ 10,502  
 
*   This information is as of December 31, 2007.
 
  Includes wrap as a single account.
 
††   Assets managed by Tim Hannon are presented in AUD.

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      Conflicts of Interest . The Investment Adviser’s 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 Funds have adopted policies limiting the circumstances under which cross-trades may be effected between a 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 manager’s management of the Fund’s 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 Adviser’s Proprietary Activities and Activities on Behalf of Other Accounts.”
Portfolio Managers- Compensation
      Growth Investment Team Base Salary and Performance Bonus . The Investment Adviser and its Growth team’s (the “Growth Team”) compensation packages for its portfolio managers is comprised of a base salary and performance bonus. The performance bonus is first and foremost tied to the Growth Team’s pre-tax performance for its clients and the Growth Team’s total revenues for the past year which in part is derived from advisory fees and, for certain accounts, performance based fees. The Growth Team measures its performance on a market cycle basis which is typically measured over a three to seven year period, rather than being focused on short term gains in its strategies or short term contributions from a portfolio manager in any given year.
     The performance bonus for portfolio managers is significantly influenced by the following criteria: (1) whether the Team performed consistently with objectives and client commitments; (2) whether the Team’s performance exceeded performance benchmarks over a market cycle; (3) consistency of performance across accounts with similar profiles; and (4) communication with other portfolio managers within the research process. Benchmarks for measuring performance can either be broad based or narrow based indices which will vary based on client expectations. The performance benchmark for the Tollkeeper Fund is the NASDAQ Composite Index.
     The Growth Team also considers each portfolio manager’s individual performance, his or her contribution to the overall performance of the strategy long-term and his or her ability to work as a member of the Team. The Growth Team’s decision may also be influenced by the following: the performance of GSAM, the profitability of Goldman, Sachs & Co. and anticipated compensation levels among competitor firms.
      Quantitative Investment Strategy Team Base Salary and Performance Bonus . The Investment Adviser and its Quantitative Investment Strategy Team’s (the “QIS 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 manager’s individual performance; his or her contribution to the overall performance of QIS 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 Team’s 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

B-60


 

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.
     The QIS Team’s 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 Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund is the Russell 3000 Index, the benchmarks for the U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund are the S&P 500 Index and Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index, the benchmark for the Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund is the MSCI EAFE ® Index (unhedged), and the benchmarks for the International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund are the MSCI EAFE ® Index and the Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index.
      Real Estate Securities Team Base Salary and Performance Bonus . The Investment Adviser and its Real Estate Securities Team’s (“REIT 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 manager’s individual performance; the REIT Team’s total revenues for the past year which is derived from advisory fees; his or her contribution to the overall performance of the strategy; the performance of GSAM; the profitability of Goldman, Sachs & Co.; and anticipated compensation levels among competitor firms. Portfolio managers are rewarded for their ability to outperform a benchmark while managing risk exposure. An individual portfolio manager’s compensation depends on his or her contribution to the REIT strategy as well as his or her ability to work as a member of the Team.
     The performance bonus for portfolio managers is significantly influenced by the following criteria: (i) overall portfolio performance; (ii) consistency of performance across accounts with similar profiles; (iii) compliance with risk budgets; and (iv) communication with other portfolio managers within the research process. In addition, the following factors involving the overall performance of the REIT Team are also considered when the amount of performance bonus is determined: (i) whether the Team’s performance exceeded performance benchmark over a three-year period; (ii) whether the Team performed consistently with objectives and client commitments; and (iii) whether the Team achieved top tier rankings and ratings.
     The benchmark for the Real Estate Securities Fund is the Wilshire Real Estate Securities Index, and the benchmark for the International Real Estate Securities Fund is the EPRA/NAREIT Global Real Estate Securities Index (ex-U.S.).
      Commodity Strategy Team Base Salary and Performance Bonus . The Investment Adviser and its Commodity Strategy Team’s compensation packages for its portfolio managers are comprised of a base salary and performance bonus. The performance bonus is a function of each portfolio manager’s individual performance; the Team’s total revenues for the past year which is derived from advisory fees; his or her contribution to the overall performance of the strategy; the performance of GSAM; the profitability of Goldman, Sachs & Co.; and anticipated compensation levels among competitor firms. Portfolio managers are rewarded for their ability to outperform a benchmark while managing risk exposure. An individual portfolio manager’s compensation depends on his or her contribution to Team strategy as well as his or her ability to work as a member of the Team.
     The performance bonus for portfolio managers is significantly influenced by the following criteria: (i) overall portfolio performance; (ii) consistency of performance across accounts with similar profiles; (iii) compliance with risk budgets; and (iv) communication with other portfolio managers within the research process. In addition, the following factors involving the overall performance of the Team are also considered when the amount of performance bonus is determined: (i) whether the Team’s performance exceeded performance benchmark over a three-year period; (ii) whether the Team performed consistently with objectives and client commitments; and (iii) whether the Team achieved top tier rankings and ratings. The benchmark for the Commodity Strategy Fund is the S&P GSCI™ Commodity 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

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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 firm’s Partner Compensation Plan, which covers many of the firm’s 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 following table shows the portfolio managers’ ownership of securities in the Funds they manage:
     
Name of Portfolio Manager   Dollar Range of Equity Securities Beneficially Owned by Portfolio Manager*
U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund
   
   Robert C. Jones
  U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund: $0
   Don Mulvihill
  U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund: $121,653
 
   
Tollkeeper Fund
   
   Steven M. Barry
  Tollkeeper Fund: $67,838
   Gregory H. Ekizian
  Tollkeeper Fund: $80,970
   David G. Shell
  Tollkeeper Fund: $59,550
 
   
Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund
   
   Robert C. Jones
  Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund: $100,260
   Don Mulvihill
  Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund: $13,148
 
   
Real Estate Securities Fund
   
   Mark Howard-Johnson
  Real Estate Securities Fund: $290,061
   David Kruth
  Real Estate Securities Fund: $111,986
 
   
International Real Estate Securities Fund
   
   Mark Howard-Johnson
  International Real Estate Securities Fund: $0
   David Kruth
  International Real Estate Securities Fund: $0
   Tim Hannon
  International Real Estate Securities Fund: $0
 
   
Commodity Strategy Fund
   
   Jonathan Beinner
  Commodity Strategy Fund: $0
   Tom Kenny
  Commodity Strategy Fund: $0
   James B. Clark
  Commodity Strategy Fund: $0
   Michael Johnson
  Commodity Strategy Fund: $0
   Stephen Lucas
  Commodity Strategy Fund: $0
 
   
Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund**
   
   Robert C. Jones
  Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund: —
   Mark Carhart
  Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund: —
   Don Mulvihill
  Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund: —
 
   
International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund**
   
   Mark Carhart
  International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund: —
   Don Mulvihill
  International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund: —
 
*   This information is as of December 31, 2007.
 
**   The Structured International Tax-Managed Equity and International Equity Dividend and Premium Funds had not yet commenced operations on December 31, 2007. Consequently the Portfolio Managers owned no securities issued by the Funds as of December 31, 2007.

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Distributor and Transfer Agent
     Goldman Sachs, 85 Broad Street, New York, New York 10004 serves as the exclusive distributor of shares of the Funds pursuant to a “best efforts” arrangement as provided by a distribution agreement with the Trust on behalf of each Fund. Shares of the Funds 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, Class B, Class C, Class R and Class IR Shares of the Funds. 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 B and Class C Shares (and in certain cases, Class A Shares), of such Fund shares.
     Goldman Sachs retained approximately the following combined commissions on sales of Class A, Class B and Class C Shares during the following periods:
                         
    Fiscal year ended   Fiscal year ended   Fiscal year ended
    December 31,   December 31,   December 31,
    2007   2006   2005
 
                       
U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund*
  $ 34,894     $ 37,500     $ 6,400  
Tollkeeper Fund
    29,688       11,300       17,300  
Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund
    93,305       100,600       36,600  
Real Estate Securities Fund
    97,977       76,600       86,600  
International Real Estate Securities Fund**
    152,661       6,400        
Commodity Strategy Fund***
    9,245              
Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund****
                 
International Dividend and Premium Fund****
                 
 
*   The U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund commenced operations on August 31, 2005.
 
**   The International Real Estate Securities Fund commenced operations on July 31, 2006.
 
***   The Commodity Strategy Fund commenced operations on March 30, 2007.
 
****   The Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund and International Dividend and Premium Fund had not yet commenced operations on December 31, 2007.
      Dealer Reallowances. Class A Shares of the Funds are sold subject to a front-end sales charge, as described in the prospectuses and in this SAI in the section “Shares of the Trust.” Goldman Sachs pays commissions to Authorized Dealers who sell Class A shares of the Funds in the form of a “reallowance” of all or a portion of the sales charge paid on the purchase of those shares. Goldman Sachs reallows the following amounts, expressed as a percentage of each Fund’s offering price with respect to purchases under $50,000:
         
Fund        
U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund
    4.48 %
Tollkeeper Fund
    4.79 %
Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund
    4.65 %
Real Estate Securities Fund
    4.81 %
International Real Estate Securities Fund
    4.79 %
Commodity Strategy Fund
    3.89 %
Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund*
     
 
       
International Dividend and Premium Fund*
     
 
*   The Structured International Tax-Managed Equity and International Equity Dividend and Premium Funds had not yet commenced operations as of December 31, 2007.
     Dealer allowances may be changed periodically. During special promotions, the entire sales charge may be reallowed to Authorized Dealers. Authorized Dealers to whom substantially the entire sales charge is reallowed may be deemed to be “underwriters” under the Securities Act of 1933.
     Goldman Sachs, 71 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606 serves as the Trust’s transfer and dividend disbursing agent. Under its transfer agency agreement with the Trust, Goldman Sachs has undertaken with the Trust

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with respect to each 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 Trust’s 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 each Fund’s Institutional and Service Shares and 0.19% of average daily net assets with respect to each Fund’s Class A, Class B, Class C, Class R and Class IR Shares.
     As compensation for the services rendered to the Trust by Goldman Sachs as transfer and dividend disbursing agent and the assumption by Goldman Sachs of the expenses related thereto, Goldman Sachs received fees for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007, December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 from each Fund as follows under the fee schedules then in effect:

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    Fiscal year ended   Fiscal year ended   Fiscal year ended
    December 31,   December 31,   December 31,
    2007   2006   2005
 
                       
U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund*
                       
Class A Shares
  $ 473,075     $ 197,844     $ 10,819  
Class C Shares
    25,216       8,166       239  
Institutional Shares
    32,569       9,400       855  
 
                       
Tollkeeper Fund
                       
Class A Shares
    250,556     $ 223,646     $ 253,061  
Class B Shares
    185,113       201,446       261,216  
Class C Shares
    105,400       105,191       127,587  
Institutional Shares
    7,637       5,081       3,905  
Service Shares
    141       67       46  
 
                       
Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund
                       
Class A Shares
    442,002     $ 206,035     $ 95,562  
Class B Shares
    44,515       47,644       48,069  
Class C Shares
    59,315       48,624       41,297  
Institutional Shares
    29,736       15,279       2,866  
Service Shares
    173       148       203  
 
                       
Real Estate Securities Fund
                       
Class A Shares
    825,847     $ 715,186     $ 530,847  
Class B Shares
    37,442       42,697       43,121  
Class C Shares
    44,960       43,738       35,634  
Institutional Shares
    214,596       179,371       115,707  
Service Shares
    4,179       3,501       1,701  
Class R Shares**
    1              
Class IR Shares**
    1              
 
                       
International Real Estate Securities Fund***
                       
Class A Shares
    1,194,438     $ 94,895        
Class C Shares
    21,933       189        
Institutional Shares
    231,537       27,101        
Class IR Shares**
                 
 
                       
Commodity Strategy Fund
                       
Class A Shares
    60,947              
Class C Shares
    166              
Institutional Shares
    62,725              
Class R Shares**
    1              
Class IR Shares**
    1              
 
                       
Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund ††
                       
Class A Shares
                 
Class C Shares
                 
Institutional Shares
                 
 
                       
International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund ††
                       
Class A Shares
                 
Class C Shares
                 
Institutional Shares
                 
 
*   The U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund commenced operations on August 31, 2005.
 
**   Class R and Class IR Shares of each Fund commenced operations on November 30, 2007.
 
***   The International Real Estate Securities Fund commenced operations on July 31, 2006.
 
  The Commodity Strategy Fund commenced operations on March 30, 2007.
 
††   The Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund and International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund had not yet commenced operations on December 31, 2007.
     The Trust’s distribution and transfer agency agreements each provide that Goldman Sachs may render similar services to others so long as the services Goldman Sachs provides thereunder are not impaired thereby. Such agreements also provide that the Trust will indemnify Goldman Sachs against certain liabilities.

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Expenses
     The Trust, on behalf of each Fund, is responsible for the payment of each Fund’s respective 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 Trust’s custodian and subcustodians, transfer agent fees and expenses, pricing service fees and expenses, brokerage fees and commissions, filing fees for the registration or qualification of the Trust’s 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, SAIs, proxy material, reports and notices and the printing and distributing of the same to the Trust’s shareholders and regulatory authorities, any expenses assumed by a Fund pursuant to its distribution and service plans, compensation and expenses of its “non-interested” Trustees, the fees and expenses of pricing services, dividend expenses on short sales 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 Adviser’s 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 a Fund, which would have the effect of lowering that Fund’s overall expense ratio and increasing total return to investors at the time such amounts are waived or assumed, as the case may be.
     As of the date of this SAI, the Investment Adviser has voluntarily agreed to reduce or limit certain “Other Expenses” of the Funds (excluding management fees, distribution and service fees, transfer agency fees and expenses, taxes, interest, brokerage fees and litigation, indemnification, shareholder proxy meetings and other extraordinary expenses exclusive of any custody and transfer agent fee credit reductions) to the following annual percentage rates of each Fund’s average daily net assets:
         
Fund   Other Expenses
 
       
U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund
    0.054 %
Tollkeeper Fund
    0.064 %
Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund
    0.004 %
Real Estate Securities Fund
    0.004 %
International Real Estate Securities Fund
    0.064 %
Commodity Strategy Fund
    0.044 %
Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund
    0.014 %
International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund
    0.054 %
     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 Investment Adviser in its discretion at any time.
     Fees and expenses borne by the Funds relating to legal counsel, registering shares of a Fund, holding meetings and communicating with shareholders may include an allocable portion of the cost of maintaining an internal legal and compliance department. Each Fund may also bear an allocable portion of the Investment Adviser’s costs of performing certain accounting services not being provided by a Fund’s custodian.

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Reimbursement and Other Expense Reductions
     For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007, December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, the amounts of certain “Other Expenses” of each Fund then in existence were reduced or otherwise limited by the Investment Adviser as follows under the expense limitations with the Funds that were then in effect:
                         
    Fiscal year ended   Fiscal year ended   Fiscal year ended
    December 31, 2007   December 31, 2006   December 31, 2005
 
                       
U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund*
  $ 26,463     $ 364,203     $ 131,008  
Tollkeeper Fund
    239,175       263,005       209,250  
Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund
    282,516       339,127       353,872  
Real Estate Securities Fund
    406,330       485,261       551,319  
International Real Estate Securities Fund**
    225,613       239,395        
Commodity Strategy Fund***
    318,953              
Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund****
                 
International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund****
                 
 
*   The U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund commenced operations on August 31, 2005.
 
**   The International Real Estate Securities Fund commenced operations on July 31, 2006.
 
***   The Commodity Strategy Fund commenced operations on March 30, 2007.
 
****   The Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund and International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund had not yet commenced operations on December 31, 2007.
     In addition, the Funds have entered into certain expense offset arrangements with the custodian resulting in a reduction of each Fund’s expenses. For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007, December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, each Fund’s custody fees were reduced by the following approximate amounts under such arrangements:
                         
    2007   2006   2005
U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund*
  $ 1,094     $ 5,117     $ 558  
Tollkeeper Fund
    3,571       7,353       2,406  
Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund
    595       11,843       1,094  
Real Estate Securities Fund
    533       11,774       2,182  
International Real Estate Securities Fund**
                 
Commodity Strategy Fund***
                 
Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund****
                 
International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund****
                 
 
*   The U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund commenced operations on August 31, 2005.
 
**   The International Real Estate Securities Fund commenced operations on July 31, 2006.
 
***   The Commodity Strategy Fund commenced operations on March 30, 2007.
 
****   The Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund and International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund had not yet commenced operations on December 31, 2007.
     The Funds have also entered into certain expense offset arrangements with the transfer agent resulting in a reduction of each Fund’s expenses. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, each Fund’s transfer agency fees were reduced by the following approximate amounts under such arrangement.

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    2007
Real Estate Securities Fund
  $ 24,175  
Tollkeeper Fund
    12,726  
Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund
    11,591  
U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund
    11,136  
International Real Estate Securities Fund
    23,094  
Commodity Strategy Fund*
    183  
Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund**
     
International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund**
     
 
*   The Commodity Strategy Fund commenced operations on March 30, 2007.
 
**   The Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund and International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund had not yet commenced operations on December 31, 2007.
Custodian and Sub-Custodians
     JPMorgan Chase, 270 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017, is the custodian of the Trust’s portfolio securities and cash. JPMorgan Chase also maintains the Trust’s accounting records. JPMorgan Chase 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
     PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 125 High Street, Boston, MA 02110, is the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm. In addition to audit services, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP prepares such Funds’ federal and state tax returns and provides assistance on certain non-audit matters.
POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Summary
     The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. is a worldwide, 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, investment adviser, financier, advisor, market maker, proprietary trader, prime broker, lender and agent, and has other direct and indirect interests in the global fixed income, currency, commodity, equity and other markets in which the Funds invest. As a result, The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., the asset management division of Goldman Sachs, the Investment Adviser, and their affiliates, directors, partners, trustees, managers, members, officers and employees (collectively for purposes of this “Potential Conflicts of Interest” section, “Goldman Sachs”), including those who may be involved in the management, sales, investment activities, business operations or distribution of the Funds, are engaged in businesses and have interests other than that of managing the Funds. The Funds will not be entitled to compensation related to such businesses. These activities and interests include potential multiple advisory, transactional, financial and other interests in securities, instruments and companies that may be directly or indirectly purchased or sold by the Funds and their service providers. 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:
    While the Investment Adviser will make decisions for the Funds in accordance with its obligations to manage the Funds appropriately, the fees, allocations, compensation and other benefits to Goldman Sachs (including benefits relating to business relationships of Goldman Sachs) arising from those decisions 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 Funds.
 
    Goldman Sachs, its sales personnel and other financial service providers may have conflicts associated with their promotion of the Funds or other dealings with the Funds that would create incentives for them to promote the Funds.

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    While the allocation of investment opportunities among Goldman Sachs, the Funds and other funds and accounts managed by the Investment Adviser may raise potential conflicts because of financial or other interests of Goldman Sachs or its personnel, the Investment Adviser will allocate investment opportunities and make purchase and sale decisions in their sole discretion in a manner that the Investment Adviser considers to be reasonable and consistent with their fiduciary obligations to the Funds and the other funds and accounts.
 
    The Investment Adviser will give advice to and make investment decisions for the Funds as it believes is in the fiduciary interests of the Funds. Advice given to the Funds or investment decisions made for the Funds may differ from, and may conflict with, advice given or investment decisions made for Goldman Sachs or other funds or accounts. For example, other funds or accounts managed by the Investment Adviser may sell short securities of an issuer in which the Funds have taken, or will take, a long position in the same securities. Actions taken with respect to Goldman Sachs or other funds or accounts may adversely impact the Funds, and actions taken by the Funds may benefit Goldman Sachs or other funds or accounts.
 
    The Investment Adviser may buy for the Funds securities or obligations of issuers in which Goldman Sachs or other funds or accounts have made, or are making, an investment in securities or obligations that are subordinate or senior to securities of the Funds. For example, a Fund may invest in debt securities of an issuer at the same time that Goldman Sachs or other funds or accounts are investing, or currently have an investment, in equity securities of the same issuer. To the extent that the issuer experiences financial or operational challenges which may impact the price of its securities and its ability to meet its obligations, decisions by Goldman Sachs (including the Investment Adviser) relating to what actions to be taken may also raise conflicts of interests and Goldman Sachs may take actions for certain accounts that have negative impacts on other advisory accounts.
 
    Goldman Sachs’ personnel may have varying levels of economic and other interests in accounts or products promoted or managed by such personnel as compared to other accounts or products promoted or managed by them.
 
    Goldman Sachs will be under no obligation to provide to the Investment Adviser, or effect transactions on behalf of the Funds or other accounts managed by the Investment Adviser, based on any market or other information, analysis, technical models or research in its possession. Goldman Sachs may have information material to the management of the Funds and may be prevented by internal policies or by the terms of the ethical wall that separates Goldman Sachs from the Investment Adviser from sharing that information with relevant personnel of the Investment Adviser.
 
    To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Funds may enter into transactions in which Goldman Sachs acts as principal, or in which Goldman Sachs acts on behalf of the Funds and the other parties to such transactions. Goldman Sachs will have potentially conflicting interests in connection with such transactions.
 
    Goldman Sachs may act as broker, dealer, agent, lender or otherwise for the Funds and will retain all commissions, fees and other compensation in connection therewith.
 
    Securities traded for the Funds 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 Funds 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 Funds.
 
    Products and services received by the Investment Adviser or its affiliates from brokers in connection with brokerage services provided to the Funds 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 Funds and such other funds and accounts.

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    While the Investment Adviser will make proxy voting decisions as it believes appropriate under its fiduciary duties to the Funds and in accordance with the Investment Adviser’s policies designed to help avoid conflicts of interest, proxy voting decisions made by the Investment Adviser with respect to a Fund’s portfolio securities may also favor the interests of other clients or businesses of other divisions or units of Goldman Sachs.
 
    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 Funds. Information held by Goldman Sachs could have the effect of restricting investment activities of the Funds.
     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 SEC. 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 the Investment Adviser’s Form ADV is available on the SEC’s 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 Funds
     The Investment Adviser makes decisions for the Funds in accordance with its obligations as the Investment Adviser of the Funds. However, Goldman Sachs’ other activities may have a negative effect on the Funds. 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 Funds 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 Funds 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 Funds in accordance with its obligations to manage the Funds appropriately, the fees, allocations, compensation and other benefits (including benefits relating to business relationships of Goldman Sachs) arising from those decisions may be greater as a result of certain portfolio, investment, service provider or other decisions made by the Investment Adviser for the Funds than they would have been had other decisions been made which also might have been appropriate for the Funds.
     Goldman Sachs conducts extensive broker-dealer, banking and other activities around the world and operates a business known as Goldman Sachs Security Services (“GSS”) which provides prime brokerage, administrative and other services to clients which may involve funds, markets and securities in which the Funds invest. These businesses will give GSS and many other parts of Goldman Sachs broad access to the current status of certain markets, investments and funds and detailed knowledge about fund operators. In addition, with respect to advisory account that invests in funds, given Goldman Sachs’ scale of activity in the prime brokerage market, it is likely that Goldman Sachs will act as a prime broker to one or more funds in which such advisory account may invest, in which case Goldman Sachs will have direct knowledge concerning the investments and transactions of such funds. As a result of the activities described in this paragraph and the access and knowledge arising from those activities, parts of Goldman Sachs may be in possession of information in respect of markets, investments and funds, which, if known to the Investment Adviser, might cause the Investment Adviser to seek to dispose of, retain or increase interests in investments held by the Funds or acquire certain positions on behalf of the Funds. Goldman Sachs will be under no duty to make any such information available to the Funds or personnel of the Investment Adviser making investment decisions on behalf of the Funds. In general, personnel of the Investment Adviser making investment decisions will make decisions based solely upon information known by such decision makers without regard to information known by other Goldman Sachs personnel.

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Goldman Sachs’ Financial and Other Interests and Relationships May Incentivize Goldman Sachs to Promote the Sale of Fund Shares
     Goldman Sachs, its personnel and other financial service providers, have interests in promoting sales of the Funds. With respect to both Goldman Sachs and its personnel, the remuneration and profitability relating to services to and sales of the Funds or other products may be greater than the remuneration and profitability relating to services to and sales of other products that might be provided or offered. Goldman Sachs and its sales personnel may directly or indirectly receive a portion of the fees and commissions charged to the Funds or their shareholders. Goldman Sachs and its advisory or other personnel may also benefit from increased amounts of assets under management. Fees and commissions may also 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 or management of the Funds may be greater than the remuneration and profitability resulting from other funds or products.
     Conflicts may arise in relation to sales-related incentives. Goldman Sachs and its personnel may receive greater compensation or greater profit in connection with the Funds than with an account advised by an unaffiliated investment adviser. Differentials in compensation may be related to the fact that Goldman Sachs may pay a portion of its advisory fee to the unaffiliated investment adviser, or to other compensation arrangements, including for portfolio management, brokerage transactions or account servicing. Any differential in compensation may create a financial incentive on the part of Goldman Sachs and its personnel to recommend the Funds over other accounts or products managed by unaffiliated investment advisers or to effect transactions differently in the Funds as compared to other accounts or products.
     Goldman Sachs may also have relationships with, and purchase, or distribute or sell, services or products from or to, distributors, consultants and others who recommend the Funds, or who engage in transactions with or for the Funds. 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 consultant’s points of view on the investment management process. Consultants and other parties that provide consulting or other services to potential investors in the Funds may receive fees from Goldman Sachs or the Funds in connection with the distribution of shares in the Funds or other Goldman Sachs products. For example, Goldman Sachs may enter into revenue or fee sharing arrangements with consultants, service providers, and other intermediaries relating to investments in mutual funds, collective trusts, or other products or services offered or managed by the Investment Adviser. Goldman Sachs may also pay a fee for membership in industry-wide or state and municipal organizations or otherwise help sponsor conferences and educational forums for investment industry participants including, but not limited to, trustees, fiduciaries, consultants, administrators, state and municipal personnel and other clients. Goldman Sachs’ membership in such organizations allows Goldman Sachs to participate in these conferences and educational forums and helps Goldman Sachs interact with conference participants and to develop an understanding of the points of view and challenges of the conference participants. In addition, Goldman Sachs’ personnel, including employees of Goldman Sachs, may have board, advisory, brokerage or other relationships with issuers, distributors, consultants and others that may have investments in the Funds or that may recommend investments in the Funds. In addition, Goldman Sachs, including the Investment Adviser, may make charitable contributions to institutions, including those that have relationships with clients or personnel of clients. Goldman Sachs’ personnel may also make political contributions. As a result of the relationships and arrangements described in this paragraph, consultants, distributors and other parties may have conflicts associated with their promotion of the Funds or other dealings with the Funds that create incentives for them to promote the Funds or certain portfolio transactions.
     To the extent permitted by applicable law, Goldman Sachs may make payments to authorized dealers and other financial intermediaries (“Intermediaries”) from time to time to promote the Funds, Client/GS Accounts (defined below) and other products. In addition to placement fees, sales loads or similar distribution charges, such payments may be made out of Goldman Sachs’ assets, or amounts payable to Goldman Sachs rather than a separately identified charge to the Funds, Client/GS Accounts or other products. Such payments may compensate Intermediaries for, among other things: marketing the Funds, Client/GS Accounts and other products; 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

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distribution and marketing of the Funds, Client/GS Accounts and other products. The payments may also, to the extent permitted by applicable regulations, contribute to various non-cash and cash incentive arrangements to promote certain products, as well as sponsor various educational programs, sales contests and/or promotions. The additional payments by Goldman Sachs may also compensate Intermediaries for subaccounting, administrative and/or shareholder processing services that are in addition to the fees paid for these services by such products.
     The payments made by Goldman Sachs 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 certain products based, at least in part, on the level of compensation paid.
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 Funds, including in situations in which Goldman Sachs or its personnel (including personnel of the Investment Adviser) have interests. For example, the Funds 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 (including 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”).
     Goldman Sachs may manage or advise Client/GS Accounts that have investment objectives that are similar to those of the Funds and/or may seek to make investments in securities or other instruments in which the Funds may invest. This will create potential conflicts and potential differences among the Funds and other Client/GS Accounts, particularly where there is limited availability or limited liquidity for those investments. Such limited availability situations may exist, without limitation, in local and emerging markets, regulated industries, research and development trades, relative value or paired trades, IPO/new issues and limited issues. The Investment Adviser has developed policies and procedures that provide that it will allocate investment opportunities and make purchase and sale decisions among the Funds and other Client/GS Accounts in a manner that it considers, in its sole discretion and consistent with its fiduciary obligation to each Client/GS Account, to be reasonable. Allocations may be based on numerous factors and may not always be pro rata based on assets managed.
     The Investment Adviser will make allocation-related decisions for the Funds and other Client/GS Accounts with reference to numerous factors that may include, without limitation, (i) account investment horizons, investment objectives and guidelines; (ii) different levels of investment for different strategies; (iii) client-specific investment guidelines and restrictions; (iv) fully directed brokerage accounts; (v) tax sensitivity of accounts; (vi) suitability requirements; (vii) account turnover guidelines; (viii) availability of cash for investment; (ix) relative sizes and expected future sizes of applicable accounts; and/or (x) availability of other investment opportunities. Suitability considerations can include without limitation (i) relative attractiveness of a security to different accounts; (ii) concentration of positions in an account; (iii) appropriateness of a security for the benchmark of an account; (iv) an account’s risk tolerance, risk parameters and strategy allocations; (v) use of the opportunity as a replacement for a security the Investment Adviser believes to be attractive for an account but that for some reason cannot be held in the account; (vi) the need to hedge a short position in a pair trade; and/or (vii) the need to give a subset of accounts exposure to an industry. In addition to allocations of limited availability investments, the Investment Adviser may, from time to time, develop and implement new investment opportunities and/or trading strategies, and these strategies may not be allocated among all accounts (including the Fund) or pro rata, even if the strategy is consistent with objectives of all accounts. The Investment Adviser may make decisions based on such factors as strategic fit and other portfolio management considerations, including, without limitation, an account’s capacity for such strategy, the liquidity of the strategy and its underlying instruments, the account’s liquidity, the business risk of the strategy relative to the account’s overall portfolio make-up, and the lack of efficacy of, or return expectations from, the strategy for the account, and such other factors as the Investment Adviser deems relevant in its sole discretion. For example, such a determination may, but will not necessarily, include consideration of the fact that a particular strategy will not have a meaningful impact on an account given the overall size of the account, the limited

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availability of opportunities in the strategy and the availability of other strategies for the account. As a result, such a strategy may be allocated to some accounts managed by the Investment Adviser and not to others.
     Although allocating orders among the Funds 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 Account’s allocations, the Investment Adviser 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. As a result of the above, the Investment Adviser may determine that investment opportunities, strategies or particular purchases or sales are appropriate for one or more Client/GS Accounts or for itself or an affiliate, but not for the Funds, or are appropriate for, or available to, the Funds but in different sizes, terms or timing than is appropriate for other Client/GS Accounts, or may determine not to allocate to or purchase or sell for Client/GS Accounts all investment transactions for which Client/GS Accounts may be eligible. Therefore, the amount, timing, structuring or terms of an investment by the Funds may differ from, and performance may be lower than, investments and performance of other Client/GS Accounts.
     The Investment Adviser and/or its affiliates manage accounts of clients of Goldman Sachs’ Private Wealth Management (“PWM”) business. Such PWM clients receive advice from Goldman Sachs by means of separate accounts (“PWM Separate Accounts”). With respect to the Funds, the Investment Adviser may follow a strategy that is expected to be similar over time to that delivered by the PWM Separate Accounts. Each of the Funds and the PWM Separate Account Clients are subject to independent management and, given the independence in the implementation of advice to these accounts, there can be no warranty that such investment advice will be implemented simultaneously. Neither the Investment Adviser (in the case of the Funds) nor its affiliates (in the case of PWM Separate Accounts), will know when advice issued has been executed (if at all) and, if so, to what extent. While each will use reasonable endeavors to procure timely execution, it is possible that prior execution for or on behalf of the PWM Separate Accounts could adversely affect the prices and availability of the securities, currencies and instruments in which the Funds invest.
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 Adviser’s policies and procedures regarding information 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 Adviser’s proposed investment activities of the Funds 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 Funds any information or strategies known to them or developed in connection with their own client, proprietary or other activities. In addition, Goldman Sachs will be under no obligation to make available any research or analysis prior to its public dissemination.
     The Investment Adviser makes decisions for the Funds based on the Funds’ 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 Funds 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 Funds 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 Adviser’s personnel or other Goldman Sachs personnel advising or otherwise providing services to the Funds, 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 Funds.

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     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 Funds to buy and sell investments. The investment flexibility of the Funds 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 Funds.
Potential Conflicts Relating to Goldman Sachs’ and the Investment Adviser’s Proprietary Activities and Activities On Behalf of Other Accounts
     The results of the investment activities of the Funds 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 Funds and the other Client/GS Accounts it manages in accordance with their 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 Funds, or may involve a different timing or nature of action than with respect to the Funds.
     Transactions undertaken by Goldman Sachs or Client/GS Accounts may adversely impact the Funds. Goldman Sachs and one or more Client/GS Accounts may buy or sell positions while the Funds are undertaking the same or a differing, including potentially opposite, strategy, which could disadvantage the Funds. For example, a Fund may buy a security and Goldman Sachs or Client/GS Accounts may establish a short position in that same security. The subsequent short sale may result in impairment of the price of the security which 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 Fund’s detriment. Conflicts may also arise because portfolio decisions regarding a Fund may benefit Goldman Sachs or other Client/GS Accounts. For example, the sale of a long position or establishment of a short position by a 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 a Fund may increase the price of the same security held by (and therefore benefit) Goldman Sachs or other Client/GS Accounts.
     In addition, transactions in investments by one or more Client/GS Accounts and Goldman Sachs may have the effect of diluting or otherwise disadvantaging the values, prices or investment strategies of a Fund, particularly, but not limited to, in small capitalization, emerging market or less liquid strategies. This may occur when portfolio decisions regarding a Fund are based on research or other information that is also used to support portfolio decisions for other Client/GS Accounts. 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 Funds (whether or not the portfolio decisions emanate from the same research analysis or other information), 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 a 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.
     As noted above, the Investment Adviser may, but is not required to aggregate purchase or sale orders for the Funds with trades for other funds or accounts managed by Goldman Sachs, including Client/GS Accounts. When orders are aggregated for execution, it is possible that GS and GS employee interests will receive benefits from such transactions, even in limited capacity situations. While the Investment Adviser maintains policies and procedures that it believes are reasonably designed to deal with conflicts of interest that may arise in certain situations when purchase or sale orders for the Funds are aggregated for execution with orders for Client/GS Accounts, in some cases the Investment Adviser will make allocations to accounts in which Goldman Sachs and/or employees have an interest.
     The Investment Adviser has established a trade sequencing and rotation policy for certain U.S. equity client accounts (including the Funds) and “wrap fee” accounts. The Investment Adviser does not generally aggregate

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trades on behalf of wrap fee accounts at the present time. “Wrap fees” usually cover execution costs only when trades are placed with the sponsor of the account. Trades through different sponsors are generally not aggregated. The Investment Adviser currently utilizes an asset-based trade sequencing and rotation policy for determining the order in which trades for institutional and wrap accounts are placed. Given current asset levels, the Investment Adviser’s trade sequencing and rotation policy provides that wrap accounts trade ahead of other accounts, including the Funds, 10% of the time. Other accounts, including the Funds, currently trade before wrap accounts 90% of the time. This is reflected in a ten week trade rotation schedule. The Investment Adviser may deviate from the rotation schedule under certain circumstances. These include situations, for example, where in the Investment Adviser’s view it is not practical for the wrap fee accounts to participate in certain types of trades or when there are unusually long delays in a given wrap sponsor’s execution of a particular trade. In addition, a portfolio management team may provide instructions simultaneously regarding the placement of a trade in lieu of the rotation schedule if the trade represents a relatively small proportion of the average daily trading volume of the relevant security.
     The directors, officers and employees of Goldman Sachs, including the Investment Adviser, may buy and sell securities or other investments for its own accounts (including through investment 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 Funds. To reduce the possibility that the Funds will be materially adversely affected by the personal trading described above, each of the Funds and Goldman Sachs, as each Fund’s 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 Fund’s portfolio transactions. Each of the Funds and Goldman Sachs, as each Fund’s 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 Funds. The Codes of Ethics 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 SEC’s 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 SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. Copies may also be obtained after paying a duplicating fee by writing the SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-0102, or by electronic request to publicinfo@sec.gov.
     Clients of Goldman Sachs (including Client/GS Accounts) may have, as a result of receiving client reports or otherwise, access to information regarding the Investment Adviser’s transactions or views which may affect such clients’ transactions outside of accounts controlled by personnel of the Investment Adviser, and such transactions may negatively impact the performance of the Funds. The Funds may also be adversely affected by cash flows and market movements arising from purchase and sales transactions, as well as increases of capital in, and withdrawals of capital from, other Client/GS Accounts. These effects can be more pronounced in thinly traded and less liquid markets.
     The Investment Adviser’s management of the Funds may benefit Goldman Sachs. For example, the Funds may, subject to applicable law, invest directly or indirectly in the securities of companies affiliated with Goldman Sachs or which Goldman Sachs has an equity, debt or other interest. In addition, to the extent permitted by applicable law, the Funds 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 Funds to have to divest certain investments. The purchase, holding and sale of investments by the Funds 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 one or more Client/GS Accounts (including the Funds) may also invest in different classes of securities of the same issuer. As a result, one or more Client/GS Accounts may pursue or enforce rights with respect to a particular issuer in which a Fund has invested, and those activities may have an adverse effect on the Fund. For example, if a Client/GS Account holds debt securities of an issuer and a Fund holds equity securities of the same issuer, if the issuer experiences financial or operations challenges, the Client/GS Account which holds the debt securities may seek a liquidation of the issuer, whereas the Fund which holds the equity securities may

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prefer a reorganization of the issuer. A Fund may be negatively impacted by Goldman Sachs’ and other Client/GS Accounts’ activities, 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 had Goldman Sachs and other Client/GS Accounts not pursued a particular course of action with respect to the issuer of the securities. In addition, in certain instances personnel of the Investment Adviser may obtain information about the issuer that would be material to the management of other Client/GS Accounts which could limit the ability of personnel of the Investment Adviser to buy or sell securities of the issuer on behalf of the Funds.
     Goldman Sachs may create, write, sell or issue, or act as placement agent or distributor of, derivative instruments with respect to the Funds or with respect to underlying securities, currencies or instruments of the Funds, or which may be otherwise based on the performance of the Funds. In addition, to the extent permitted by applicable law, Goldman Sachs (including its personnel or Client/GS Accounts) may invest in the Funds, may hedge its derivative positions by buying or selling shares of the Funds, and reserves the right to redeem some or all of its investments at any time. These investments and redemptions may be significant and may be made without notice to the shareholders. The structure or other characteristics of the derivative instruments may have an adverse effect on the Funds. For example, the derivative instruments could represent leveraged investments in the Funds, 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 Funds 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 and positions, flexibility and diversification strategies of the Funds and on the amount of fees, expenses and other costs incurred directly or indirectly for the account of the Funds.
      Potential Conflicts in Connection with Investments in Goldman Sachs Money Market Funds
     To the extent permitted by applicable law, a 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, a 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 a Fund bearing some additional expenses.
      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 Funds 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 Funds
     To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Funds may enter into transactions and invest in futures, securities, currencies, swaps, options, forward contracts or other instruments in which Goldman Sachs acting as principal or on a proprietary basis for its customers, serves as the counterparty. The Funds 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 a 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 Funds may engage in principal or cross transactions 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 Funds. 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

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favorable to Goldman Sachs and such sales personnel. The Funds may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, borrow funds from Goldman Sachs at rates and on other terms arranged with Goldman Sachs.
     Goldman Sachs may be entitled to compensation when it acts in capacities other than as the Investment Adviser, and the Funds will not be entitled to any such compensation. For example, 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 Funds as broker, dealer, agent, lender, advisor or in other commercial capacities and no accounting to the Funds or their shareholders will be required, and no fees or other compensation payable by the Funds or their 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, lender or advisor or in other commercial capacities in relation to the Funds, Goldman Sachs may take commercial steps in its own interests, which may have an adverse effect on the Funds. For example, in connection with lending arrangements involving the Funds, Goldman Sachs may require repayment of all or part of a loan at any time or from time to time.
     The Funds will be required to establish business relationships with their counterparties based on their 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 their 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
     To the extent permitted by applicable law, purchases and sales of securities for a 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 practicable, required or with cases involving 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 Funds 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 Funds. In addition, under certain circumstances, the Funds will not be charged the same commission or commission equivalent rates in connection with a bunched or aggregated order. Time zone differences, separate trading desks or portfolio management processes in a global organization may, among other factors, result in separate, non-aggregated executions.
     The Investment Adviser may select brokers (including, without limitation, affiliates of the Investment Adviser) that furnish the Investment Adviser, the Funds, 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 Adviser’s view, 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 databases; 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 any or all of the Funds 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 Funds based on the amount of brokerage commissions paid by the Funds and such other Client/GS Accounts. For example, research or other services that are paid for through one client’s commissions may not be used in managing that client’s 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 Funds and to such other Client/GS Accounts. To the extent that the Investment Adviser uses soft dollars, it will not have to pay for those products and services itself. The Investment Adviser may receive research that is bundled with the trade execution, clearing, and/or settlement services provided by a particular broker-dealer. To the extent that the Investment Adviser receives research on this basis, many of the same conflicts related to traditional soft dollars may exist. For example, the

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research effectively will be paid by client commissions that also will be used to pay for the execution, clearing, and settlement services provided by the broker-dealer and will not be paid by the Investment Adviser.
     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 process. The Investment Adviser may from time to time choose not to engage in the above described arrangements to varying degrees.
     The Investment Adviser has adopted policies and procedures designed to prevent conflicts of interest from influencing proxy voting decisions that its makes on behalf of advisory clients, including the Funds, and to help ensure that such decisions are made in accordance with the Investment Adviser’s 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 SAI entitled “Proxy Voting.”
Potential Regulatory Restrictions on Investment Adviser Activity
     From time to time, the activities of a 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 Funds 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 Funds wish to purchase or sell. The larger the Investment Adviser’s investment advisory business and Goldman Sachs’ businesses, the larger the potential that these restricted list policies will impact investment transactions. However, if permitted by applicable law, the Funds 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 Client/GS Accounts may also limit the investment strategies and rights of the Funds. 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 Funds 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 Funds) 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 Funds) 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 discretion, deems it appropriate.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
     The Investment Adviser is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities for the Funds, 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.

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     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 underwriter’s 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 a 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)”), a 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, a 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 a 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 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 a 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 a Fund’s, and the services furnished by such brokers may be used by the Investment Adviser in providing management services for the Trust. The Investment Adviser may also participate in so-called “commission sharing arrangements” and “client commission arrangements” under which the Investment Adviser may execute transactions through a broker-dealer and request that the broker-dealer allocate a portion of the commissions or commission credits to another firm that provides research to the Investment Adviser. The Investment Adviser excludes from use under these arrangements those products and services that are not fully eligible under applicable law and regulatory interpretations—even as to the portion that would be eligible if accounted for separately.
     The research services received as part of commission sharing and client commission arrangements will comply with Section 28(e) and may be subject to different legal requirements in the jurisdictions in which the Investment Adviser does business. Participating in commission sharing and client commission arrangements may enable the Investment Adviser to consolidate payments for research through one or more channels using accumulated client commissions or credits from transactions executed through a particular broker-dealer to obtain research provided by other firms. Such arrangements also help to ensure the continued receipt of research services while facilitating best execution in the trading process. The Investment Adviser believes such research services are useful in its investment decision-making process by, among other things, ensuring access to a variety of high quality research, access to individual analysts and availability of resources that the Investment Adviser might not be provided access to absent such arrangements.
     On occasions when the Investment Adviser deems the purchase or sale of a security to be in the best interest of a 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

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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 such Fund and such other customers. In some instances, this procedure may adversely affect the price and size of the position obtainable for a 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.
     Certain Funds may participate in a commission recapture program. Under the program, participating broker-dealers rebate a percentage of commissions earned on Fund portfolio transactions to the particular Fund from which the commissions were generated. The rebated commissions are expected to be treated as realized capital gains of the Funds.
     Subject to the above considerations, the Investment Adviser may use Goldman Sachs or an affiliate as a broker for a Fund. In order for Goldman Sachs or an affiliate acting as agent to effect any portfolio transactions for each Fund, the commissions, fees or other remuneration received by Goldman Sachs or an affiliate must be reasonable and fair compared to the commissions, fees or other remuneration received by other brokers in connection with comparable transactions involving similar securities or futures contracts. Furthermore, the Trustees, including a majority of the 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.
     For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007, December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, each Fund in existence paid brokerage commissions as indicated in the following charts. The amount of brokerage commissions paid by a Fund may vary substantially from year to year because of differences in shareholder purchase and redemption activity, portfolio turnover rates and other factors.

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            Total   Total           Brokerage
            Brokerage   Amount of   Amount of   Commissions
    Total   Commissions   Transactions   Transactions   Paid
    Brokerage   Paid to   on which   Effected through   to Brokers
    Commissions   Goldman   Commissions   Brokers Providing   Providing
    Paid   Sachs 1   Paid   Research 2   Research
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2007:
                                       
 
                                       
U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund
  $ 46,045     $ 15,292 (33 %)   $ 1,053,721,279 (53 %)            
Tollkeeper Fund
    321,527       720 (0 %)     368,148,507 (0 %)   $ 126,225,620     $ 161,181  
Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund
    82,082       12,890 (16 %)     1,101,019,657 (43 %)            
Real Estate Securities Fund
    595,899             908,451,004 (0 %)     463,238,491       426,312  
International Real Estate Securities Fund
    4,873,553       3,458 (0 %)     2,621,802,803 (0 %)     590,942,696       943,837  
Commodity Strategy Fund*
    16,924       14,969 (88 %)     1,217,841,392 (87 %)            
Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund**
                             
International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund**
                             
 
*   The Commodity Strategy Fund commenced operations on March 30, 2007.
 
**   The Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund and International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund had not yet commenced operations on December 31, 2007.
 
1   The figures in the table report brokerage commissions from portfolio transactions, including futures transactions.
 
2   The Investment Adviser does not participate in third party soft dollar arrangements whereby the Investment Adviser is provided third party research and/or investment services by brokerage house executing transactions on behalf of the Funds. The information above reflects the full commission amounts paid to the broker that provide their own proprietary research to the Investment Adviser. Only a portion of such commission pays for research and the remainder of such commission is to compensate the broker for execution services, commitment of capital and other services related to the execution of brokerage transactions.
 
3   Percentage of total commissions paid to Goldman Sachs.
 
4   Percentage of total amount of transactions involving the payment of commissions effected through Goldman Sachs.

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            Total   Total           Brokerage
            Brokerage   Amount of   Amount of   Commissions
    Total   Commissions   Transactions   Transactions   Paid
    Brokerage   Paid to   on which   Effected through   to Brokers
    Commissions   Goldman   Commissions   Brokers Providing   Providing
    Paid   Sachs 1   Paid   Research 2   Research
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2006:
                                       
 
                                       
U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund
  $ 41,812     $ 28,311 (68 %) 3   $ 327,127,139 (12 %) 4   $     $  
Tollkeeper Fund
    310,617       16,067 (5 %) 3     283,339,560 (3 %) 4            
Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund
    55,810       31,318 (56 %) 3     423,946,833 (20 %) 4            
Real Estate Securities Fund
    544,184       7,496 (1 %) 3     559,806,252 (1 %) 4            
International Real Estate Securities Fund*
    853,327       4,592 (1 %) 3     598,614,759 (0 %) 4            
Commodity Strategy Fund**
                             
Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund***
                             
International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund***
                             
 
*   International Real Estate Securities Fund commenced operations on July 31, 2006.
 
**   The Commodity Strategy Fund commenced operations on March 30, 2007.
 
***   The Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund and International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund had not yet commenced operations on December 31, 2007.
 
1   The figures in the table report brokerage commissions from portfolio transactions, including futures transactions.
 
2   The Investment Adviser does not participate in third party soft dollar arrangements whereby the Investment Adviser is provided third party research and/or investment services by brokerage house executing transactions on behalf of the Funds. The information above reflects the full commission amounts paid to the broker that provide their own proprietary research to the Investment Adviser. Only a portion of such commission pays for research and the remainder of such commission is to compensate the broker for execution services, commitment of capital and other services related to the execution of brokerage transactions.
 
3   Percentage of total commissions paid to Goldman Sachs.
 
4   Percentage of total amount of transactions involving the payment of commissions effected through Goldman Sachs.

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            Total   Total
            Brokerage   Amount of
    Total   Commissions   Transactions
    Brokerage   Paid to   on which
    Commissions   Goldman   Commissions
    Paid   Sachs 1   Paid
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2005:
                       
 
                       
U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund*
  $ 7,647     $ 5,947 (78 %) 2   $ 55,791,543 (70 %) 3
Tollkeeper Fund
    564,110       11,127 (2 %) 2     420,612,733 (2 %) 3
Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund
    19,645       17,297 (88 %) 2     95,536,497 (90 %) 3
Real Estate Securities Fund
    382,104       15,593 (4 %) 2     293,520,350 (2 %) 3
International Real Estate Securities Fund**
                 
Commodity Strategy Fund***
                 
Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund****
                 
International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund****
                 
 
*   U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund commenced operations on August 31, 2005.
 
**   International Real Estate Securities Fund commenced operations on July 31, 2006.
 
***   The Commodity Strategy Fund commenced operations on March 30, 2007.
 
****   The Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund and International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund had not yet commenced operations on December 31, 2007.
 
1   The figures in the table report brokerage commissions from portfolio transactions, including futures transactions.
 
2   Percentage of total commissions paid to Goldman Sachs.
 
3   Percentage of total amount of transactions involving the payment of commissions effected through Goldman Sachs.

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During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, the Funds’ regular broker-dealers, as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the Act, were Merrill Lynch, Citigroup Global Markets, Credit Suisse First Boston, UBS Securities LLC, State Street Brokerage Services, Lehman Brothers, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Morgan Stanley, Deutsche and Investment Technology Group.
As of December 31, 2007, the Funds held the following amounts of securities of their regular broker-dealers, as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the Act, or their parents ($ in thousands).
                 
Fund   Broker/Dealer   Amount
U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund
  Morgan Stanley   $ 1476  
 
  Bank of America     8308  
 
  Citigroup Inc.     5917  
 
  JPMorgan     3252  
 
  Merrill Lynch     982  
Tollkeeper Fund
           
Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund
  Bank of America     4297  
 
  JPMorgan Chase     9799  
 
  Merrill Lynch     268  
Real Estate Securities Fund
           
International Real Estate Securities Fund
           
Commodity Strategy Fund
  Merrill Lynch     18161  
 
  Morgan Stanley     18648  
 
  JPMorgan Securities     1324  
 
  Lehman Brothers Inc.     3609  
 
  Citigroup     2068  
Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund
           
International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund
           
NET ASSET VALUE
     In accordance with procedures adopted by the Trustees, the net asset value per share of each class of each Fund is calculated by determining the value of the net assets attributed to each class of that 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 other 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 Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday (observed), Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas.
     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 a Fund’s 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, each 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 a Fund for which market quotations are readily 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

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exchange or system has not closed by the above-mentioned time for determining a Fund’s 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 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 & Poor’s); (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 or a pricing service. 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. For Funds that invest a significant portion of assets in foreign equity securities, “fair value” prices are provided by an independent fair value service (if available), in accordance with the fair value procedures approved by the Trustees, and are intended to reflect more accurately the value of those securities at the time the Fund’s 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 Funds, the most recent closing price for such a security on its principal exchange will generally be its fair value on such date.
     The Investment Adviser, consistent with its procedures and applicable regulatory guidance, may (but need not) 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 a Fund’s 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 U.S. or foreign markets; market dislocations; market disruptions or market closings; equipment failures; natural or man-made disasters or act of God; armed conflicts; 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, including those relating to earnings, products and regulatory news; significant litigation; low trading volume; trading limits; or suspensions.
     The proceeds received by each 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

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creditors, will be specifically allocated to such Fund or particular series and constitute the underlying assets of that Fund or series. The underlying assets of each Fund will be segregated on the books of account, and will be charged with the liabilities in respect of such Fund and with a share of the general liabilities of the Trust. Expenses of the Trust with respect to the Funds and the other series of the Trust are generally allocated in proportion to the net asset values of the respective Funds or series except where allocations of expenses can otherwise be fairly made.
Errors and Corrective Actions
     The Investment Adviser will report to the Board of Trustees any material breaches of investment objective, policies or restrictions and any material errors in the calculation of the NAV of a Fund or the processing of purchases and redemptions. Depending on the nature and size of an error, corrective action may or may not be required. Corrective action may involve a prospective correction of the NAV only, correction of any erroneous NAV and compensation to a Fund, or correction of any erroneous NAV, compensation to a Fund and reprocessing of individual shareholder transactions. The Trust’s policies on errors and corrective action limit or restrict when corrective action will be taken or when compensation to a Fund or its shareholders will be paid, and not all mistakes will result in compensable errors. As a result, neither a Fund nor its shareholders who purchase or redeem shares during periods in which errors accrue or occur may be compensated in connection with the resolution of an error. Shareholders will generally not be notified of the occurrence of a compensable error or the resolution thereof absent unusual circumstances. As discussed in more detail under “Net Asset Value,” a Fund’s portfolio securities may be priced based on quotations for those securities provided by pricing services. There can be no guarantee that a quotation provided by a pricing service will be accurate.
SHARES OF THE TRUST
     Each 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 Trust’s 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 SAI, the Trustees (i) have classified the shares of the Real Estate Securities Fund into seven classes: Institutional Shares, Service Shares, Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares, Class R Shares and Class IR Shares; (ii) have classified the shares of each of the Tollkeeper and Structured Tax-Managed Equity Funds into five classes: Institutional Shares, Service Shares, Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares; (iii) have classified the shares of the Commodity Strategy Fund into five classes: Institutional Shares, Class A Shares, Class C Shares, Class R Shares and Class IR Shares; (iv) have classified the shares of the International Real Estate Securities Fund into four classes: Institutional Shares, Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class IR Shares; and (v) have classified the shares of each of the U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium, Structured International Tax-Managed Equity and International Equity Dividend and Premium Funds 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, Service Share, Class A Share, Class B Share, Class C Share, Class R Share and Class IR Share of a Fund represents a proportionate interest in the assets belonging to the applicable class of the Fund. All expenses of a Fund are borne at the same rate by each class of shares, except that fees under Service and Shareholder Administration Plans are borne exclusively by Service Shares, fees under Distribution and Service Plans are borne exclusively by Class A, Class B, Class C or Class R 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.

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     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 a Fund under a Plan for services provided to the institution’s customers.
     Service Shares may be purchased at net asset value without a sales charge for accounts held in the name of an institution that, directly or indirectly, provides certain shareholder administration services and shareholder liaison services to its customers, including maintenance of account records and processing orders to purchase, redeem and exchange Service Shares. Service Shares bear the cost of service fees and shareholder administration fees at the annual rate of up to 0.25% and 0.25%, respectively, of the average daily net assets of the Fund attributable to Service Shares.
     Class A Shares are sold with an initial sales charge of up to 5.5%, through brokers and dealers who are members of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (the “FINRA”) 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 aggregate rate of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of such Class A Shares of the U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund, Tollkeeper Fund, Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund, Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund, Commodity Strategy Fund, Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund and International Equity Dividend and Premium 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 FINRA.
     Class B Shares (other than the U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund and International Real Estate Securities Fund) of the Funds are sold subject to a CDSC of up to 5.0% through brokers and dealers who are members of FINRA and certain other financial services firms that have sales arrangements with Goldman Sachs. Class B 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 B Shares. Class B 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 B Shares.
     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 FINRA 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.
     Class R and Class IR Shares are sold at net asset value without a sales charge. As noted in the Prospectus, Class R and Class IR Shares are not sold directly to the public. Instead, Class R and Class IR Shares generally are available only to 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans, defined benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans (the “Retirement Plans”). Class R and Class IR Shares are also generally available only to Retirement Plans where plan level or omnibus accounts are held on the books of the Funds. Class R Shares are not available to traditional and Roth Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), SEPs, SARSEPs, SIMPLE IRAs and individual 403(b) plans. Participant in a Retirement Plan should contact their Retirement Plan service provider for information regarding purchases, sales and exchanges of Class R and Class IR Shares. Class R Shares bear the cost of distribution (Rule 12b-1) fees at the aggregate rate of up to .50% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class R Shares.
     It is possible that an institution or its affiliate may offer different classes of shares ( i.e. , Institutional, Service, Class A, Class B, Class C, Class R and Class IR Shares) to its customers and thus receive different compensation with respect to different classes of shares of each Fund. Dividends paid by each 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.

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     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, 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 person’s office or (ii) not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that such person’s 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 shareholder’s acts or omissions or for some other reason, the shareholder or former shareholder (or the shareholder’s 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.

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     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.
     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 Trust’s 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 Funds 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.
     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.
Principal Holders of Securities
     As of March 31, 2008, the following shareholders were shown in the Trust’s records as owning of record or

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beneficially more than 5% of any class of a Fund’s shares:
      U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund: Class A Shares, Charles Schwab & Co. Inc., Special Custody Account FBO Customers, Attn: Mutual Funds, 101 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104-4151 (10.09%); Class C Shares, First Clearing LLC, Special Custody Account for the Exclusive Benefit of Customers, 10750 Wheat First Drive, Glen Allen, VA 23060-9245 (7.77%); Class C Shares, Morgan Stanley & Co., Harborside Financial Center, Plaza II, 3 rd Floor, Jersey City, NJ 07311 (7.32%); Class C Shares, Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., 333 West 34th Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10001-2402 (8.65%); Class C Shares, Pershing LLC, P.O. Box 2052, Jersey City, NJ 07303-2052 (6.93%); Class C Shares, Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith, For the Sole Benefit of its Customers, Attn: Service Team, 4800 Deer Lake Drive East, 3rd Floor, Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484 (48.26%); Institutional Shares, State Street Bank & Trust Co., Custodian, Goldman Sachs Income Strategies Portfolio, P.O. Box 1713, Boston, MA 02205-1713 (6.28%); Institutional Shares, Charles Schwab & Co. Inc., Special Custody Account FBO Customers, Attn: Mutual Funds, 9601 E Panorama Circle, Mailstop Den2-02-052, Englewood, CO 80112-3441 (9.46%); Institutional Shares, Saxon & Co., FBO Customers, P.O. Box 7780-1888, Philadelphia, PA 19182-0001 (30.72%).
      International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund: Class A Shares, Goldman, Sachs & Co., FBO Customers, c/o Mutual Fund Ops, 85 Broad Street, New York, NY 10004-2434 (99.41%); Class C Shares, The Goldman Sachs Group, L.P., Seed Account, Attn: IMD Controllers, 701 Mount Lucas Road, Princeton, NJ 08540 (99.90%); Institutional Shares, The Goldman Sachs Group, Seed Account, Attn: IMD Controllers, 701 Mount Lucas Road, Princeton, NJ 08540 (96.59%).
      Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund: Class A Shares, Edward Jones, Attn: Mutual Fund Shareholder Accounting, 201 Progress Parkway, Maryland Heights, MO 63043-3003 (14.72%); Class A Shares, IMS & Co., For the Exclusive Benefit of Various IMS Customers, P.O. Box 173887, Denver, CO 80217-3887 (17.46%); Class A Shares, Pershing LLC, P.O. Box 2052, Jersey City, NJ 07303-2052 (21.64%); Class A Shares, Charles Schwab & Co. Inc., Special Custody Account FBO Customers, Attn: Mutual Funds, 101 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104-4151 (9.43%); Class B Shares, Edward Jones, Attn: Mutual Fund Shareholder Accounting, 201 Progress Parkway, Maryland Heights, MO 63043-3003 (12.59%); Class B Shares, First Clearing LLC, Special Custody Account for the Exclusive Benefit of Customers, 10750 Wheat First Drive, Glen Allen, VA 23060-9245 (6.70%); Class B Shares, Pershing LLC, P.O. Box 2052, Jersey City, NJ 07303-2052 (5.06%); Class B Shares, Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith, For the Sole Benefit of its Customers, Attn: Service Team, 4800 Deer Lake Drive East, 3rd Floor, Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484 (12.06%); Class C Shares, First Clearing LLC, Special Custody Account for the Exclusive Benefit of Customers, 10750 Wheat First Drive, Glen Allen, VA 23060-9245 (8.17%); Class C Shares, Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith, For the Sole Benefit of its Customers, Attn: Service Team, 4800 Deer Lake Drive East, 3rd Floor, Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484 (16.27%); Institutional Shares, SEI Private Trust Co., c/o Chevy Chase, One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, PA 19456 (20.15%); Service Shares, NFS LLC, For the Exclusive Benefit of Its Customer, 2809 Mill Creek Court, Raleigh, NC 27603-3931 (20.17%); Service Shares, NFS LLC, For the Exclusive Benefit of Park National Bank, P.O. Box 3500, Newark, OH 43058-3500 (78.17%).
      Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund: Class A Shares, The Goldman Sachs Group, L.P., Seed Account, 701 Mount Lucas Road, Princeton, NJ 08540 (100.00%); Class C Shares, The Goldman Sachs Group, L.P., Seed Account, 701 Mount Lucas Road, Princeton, NJ 08540 (99.90%); Institutional Shares, The Goldman Sachs Group, L.P., Seed Account, Attn: IMD Controllers, 701 Mount Lucas Road, Princeton, NJ 08540 (100.00%).
      Real Estate Securities Fund: Class A Shares, Edward Jones, Attn: Mutual Fund Shareholder Accounting, 201 Progress Parkway, Maryland Heights, MO 63043-3003 (8.10%); Class A Shares, A.G. Edwards Trust Co., Attn: Operations, P.O. Box 66734, St. Louis, MO 63166-6734 (5.66%); Class A Shares, Pershing LLC, P.O. Box 2052, Jersey City, NJ 07303-2052 (7.02%); Class B Shares, Edward Jones, Attn: Mutual Fund Shareholder Accounting, 201 Progress Parkway, Maryland Heights, MO 63043-3003 (14.43%); Class B Shares, Pershing LLC, P.O. Box 2052, Jersey City, NJ 07303-2052 (11.15%); Class B Shares, Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith, For the Sole Benefit of its Customers,

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Attn: Service Team, 4800 Deer Lake Drive East, 3rd Floor, Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484 (5.97%); Class B Shares, Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., 333 West 34th Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10001-2402 (5.10%); Class B Shares, A.G. Edwards & Sons, Omnibus Account, 1 N Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63103-2205 (5.18%); Class C Shares, Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith, For the Sole Benefit of its Customers, Attn: Service Team, 4800 Deer Lake Drive East, 3rd Floor, Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484 (19.69%); Class C Shares, A.G. Edwards & Sons, Omnibus Account, 1 N Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63103-2205 (8.35%); Class C Shares, Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., 333 West 34th Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10001-2402 (5.73%); Class R Shares, The Goldman Sachs Group, L.P., Seed Account, 701 Mount Lucas Road, Princeton, NJ 08540 (100.00%); Class IR Shares, The Goldman Sachs Group, L.P., Seed Account, 701 Mount Lucas Road, Princeton, NJ 08540 (100.00%); Institutional Shares, State Street Bank & Trust Co., FBO Goldman Sachs Growth and Income Strategy Omnibus A/C Real Estate Securities Fund, P.O. Box 1713, Boston, MA 02205-1713 (11.48%); Institutional Shares, State Street Bank & Trust Co., FBO Goldman Sachs Growth Strategy Omnibus A/C Real Estate Securities Fund, P.O. Box 1713, Boston, MA 02205-1713 (9.99%); Institutional Shares, UBATCO & Co., FBO College Savings Plan, P.O. Box 82535, Lincoln, NE 68501-2535 (14.00%); Institutional Shares, State Street Bank & Trust, Ttee, GS Profit Sharing Master Trust, Attn: Lisa Duncan, Josiah Quincy Building 5N, 200 Newport Avenue, North Quincy, MA 02171-2012 (26.23%); Service Shares, Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith, For the Sole Benefit of its Customers, Attn: Service Team, 4800 Deer Lake Drive East, 3rd Floor, Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484 (57.34%); Service Shares, NFS LLC, For the Exclusive Benefit Of Alerus Financial, FBO Alerus EB Accounts, P.O. Box 64534, St. Paul, MN 55165-0534 (32.39%).
      International Real Estate Securities Fund: Class C Shares, Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., 333 West 34th Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10001-2402 (17.16%); Class C Shares, Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith, For the Sole Benefit of its Customers, Attn: Service Team, 4800 Deer Lake Drive East, 3rd Floor, Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484 (43.37%); Class C Shares, First Clearing, LLC, Special Custody Account for the Exclusive Benefit of its Customers, 10750 Wheat First Drive, Glen Allen, VA 23060-9245 (5.42%); Class C Shares, Morgan Stanley & Co., Harborside Financial Center, Plaza II, 3 rd Floor, Jersey City, NJ 07311 (5.86%); Class IR Shares, The Goldman Sachs Group, L.P., Seed Account, 701 Mount Lucas Road, Princeton, NJ 08540 (100.00%); Institutional Shares, State Street Bank & Trust Co., FBO Goldman Sachs Growth and Income Strategy, Omnibus A/C International Real Estate Securities Fund, P.O. Box 1713, Boston, MA 02205-1713 (11.18%); Institutional Shares, State Street Bank & Trust Co., FBO Goldman Sachs Growth Strategy, Omnibus A/C International Real Estate Securities Fund, P.O. Box 1713, Boston, MA 02205-1713 (9.70%); Institutional Shares, Goldman, Sachs & Co., FBO Goldman Sachs Private Wealth Management, c/o Mutual Fund Ops, 85 Broad Street, New York, NY 10004-2434 (7.40%).
      Tollkeeper Fund: Class A Shares, First Clearing LLC, Special Custody Account for the Exclusive Benefit of Customers, 10750 Wheat First Drive, Glen Allen, VA 23060-9245 (5.29%); Class A Shares, The Northern Trust Company, FBO AG Edwards Retirement and Profit Sharing Plan, P.O. Box 92956, Chicago, IL 60675-0001 (7.51%); Class A Shares, Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith, For the Sole Benefit of its Customers, Attn: Service Team, 4800 Deer Lake Drive East, 3rd Floor, Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484 (6.01%); Class A Shares, A.G. Edwards & Sons, Omnibus Account, 1 N Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63103-2205 (6.44%); Class B Shares, First Clearing LLC, Special Custody Account for the Exclusive Benefit of Customers, 10750 Wheat First Drive, Glen Allen, VA 23060-9245 (5.27%); Class B Shares, A.G. Edwards & Sons, Omnibus Account, 1 N Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63103-2205 (6.97%); Class B Shares, Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith, For the Sole Benefit of its Customers, Attn: Service Team, 4800 Deer Lake Drive East, 3rd Floor, Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484 (6.57%); Class B Shares, Pershing LLC, P.O. Box 2052, Jersey City, NJ 07303-2052 (7.49%); Class C Shares, Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith, For the Sole Benefit of its Customers, Attn: Service Team, 4800 Deer Lake Drive East, 3rd Floor, Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484 (12.32%); Class C Shares, Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., 333 West 34th Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10001-2402 (11.25%); Class C Shares, First Clearing LLC, Special Custody Account for the Exclusive Benefit of Customers, 10750 Wheat First Drive, Glen Allen, VA 23060-9245 (6.52%); Class C Shares, A.G. Edwards & Sons, Omnibus Account, 1 N Jefferson Ave., St. Louis, MO 63103-2205 (10.84%); Institutional Shares, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., FBO Retirement Plan Services, P.O. Box 1533, Minneapolis, MN 55480-1533 (19.06%); Institutional Shares, Goldman, Sachs & Co., FBO Goldman Sachs Private Wealth Management, c/o Mutual Fund Ops, 85 Broad Street, New York, NY 10004-2434 (7.19%); Institutional Shares, Goldman, Sachs & Co., FBO Goldman Sachs Private Wealth Management, c/o Mutual Fund Ops, 85 Broad Street, New York, NY 10004-2434 (12.38%); Institutional Shares, American United Life Insurance Co., FBO Group Retirement Account, One American Square, Indianapolis, IN 46282-0020 (6.20%); Institutional Shares, American United Life Insurance Co., FBO Unit Investment Trust, One American Square, Indianapolis, IN 46282-0020 (7.44%); Institutional Shares, SEI Trust Co., c/f Security National, Attn: Mutual Funds, One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, PA 19456 (9.91%); Service Shares, American United Life Insurance Co., FBO Group Retirement Account, One American Square, Indianapolis, IN 46282-0020 (56.96%); Service Shares, SFTC, FBO Keystone Wood

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Specialties, P.O. Box 38, East Petersburg, PA 17520-0038 (5.85%); Service Shares, Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith, For the Sole Benefit of its Customers, Attn: Service Team, 4800 Deer Lake Drive East, 3rd Floor, Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484 (34.98%).
      Commodity Strategy Fund: Class A Shares, IMS & Co., For the Exclusive Benefit of Various IMS Customers, P.O. Box 173887, Denver, CO 80217-3887 (29.85%); Class A Shares, Charles Schwab & Co. Inc., Special Custody Account FBO Customers, Attn: Mutual Funds, 101 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104-4151 (5.11%); Class A Shares, Edward Jones, Attn: Mutual Fund Shareholder Accounting, 201 Progress Parkway, Maryland Heights, MO 63043-3003 (7.70%); Class A Shares, Pershing LLC, P.O. Box 2052, Jersey City, NJ 07303-2052 (40.70%); Class C Shares, Edward Jones, Attn: Mutual Fund Shareholder Accounting, 201 Progress Parkway, Maryland Heights, MO 63043-3009 (20.70%); Class C Shares, A.G. Edwards & Sons, Omnibus Account, 1 N Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63103-2287 (6.02%); Class C Shares, Pershing LLC, P.O. Box 2052, Jersey City, NJ 07303-2052 (26.49%); Class C Shares, Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith, For the Sole Benefit of its Customers, Attn: Service Team, 4800 Deer Lake Drive East, 3rd Floor, Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484 (8.61%); Class R Shares, The Goldman Sachs Group, L.P., Seed Account, 701 Mount Lucas Road, Princeton, NJ 08540 (70.45%); Class R Shares, Raymond James & Co., FBO Its Customer, 1000 S Harbour Island Blvd Apt 22, Tampa, FL 33602-5780 (29.55%); Class IR Shares, The Goldman Sachs Group, L.P., Seed Account, 701 Mount Lucas Road, Princeton, NJ 08540 (100.00%); Institutional Shares, State Street Bank & Trust Co., Custodian, Goldman Sachs Balanced Strategy Portfolio, P.O. Box 1713, Boston, MA 02205-1713 (5.85%); Institutional Shares, State Street Bank & Trust Co., Custodian, Goldman Sachs Growth Strategy Portfolio, P.O. Box 1713, Boston, MA 02205-1713 (31.41%); Institutional Shares, State Street Bank & Trust Co., Custodian, Goldman Sachs Equity Growth Strategy Portfolio, P.O. Box 1713, Boston, MA 02205-1713 (13.76%); Institutional Shares, State Street Bank & Trust Co., Custodian, Goldman Sachs Satellite Strategies Portfolio, P.O. Box 1713, Boston, MA 02205-1713 (5.56%); Institutional Shares, State Street Bank & Trust Co., Custodian, Goldman Sachs Growth and Income Strategy Portfolio, P.O. Box 1713, Boston, MA 02205-1713 (36.08%).
     As of March 31, 2008, the Goldman Sachs Growth & Income Strategy Portfolio (“Growth & Income Strategy Portfolio”), owned 27.40% of the outstanding shares of the Commodity Strategy Fund. For so long as this investment represents a greater than 25% interest in the Fund, Growth & Income Strategy Portfolio will be considered a “control person” of the Fund for purposes of the 1940 Act. For so long as Growth & Income Strategy Portfolio is a control person, in the event of a proxy affecting the Fund, the Growth and Income Strategy Portfolio will either mirror vote its shares or seek the advice of an independent proxy voting agent. Redemptions by Growth & Income Strategy Portfolio of its holdings in the Commodity Strategy Fund may impact the Fund’s liquidity and NAV, and may also force the Fund to sell securities, which may negatively impact the Fund’s brokerage and tax costs.
     The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation with a principal address of 85 Broad Street, New York, NY 10004, has provided, through the Goldman Sachs Seed Account, an initial investment in the International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund. For so long as this investment represents a greater than 25% interest in the Fund, The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. and the Goldman Sachs Seed Account will be considered “control persons” of the Fund for purposes of the 1940 Act. For so long as The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. or the Goldman Sachs Seed Account are control persons, in the event of a proxy affecting the Fund, The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. or the Goldman Sachs Seed Account will either mirror vote its shares or seek the advice of an independent proxy voting agent.
     The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation with a principal address of 85 Broad Street, New York, NY 10004, has provided, through the Goldman Sachs Seed Account, an initial investment in the Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund. For so long as this investment represents a greater than 25% interest in the Fund, The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. and the Goldman Sachs Seed Account will be considered “control persons” of the Fund for purposes of the 1940 Act. For so long as The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. or the Goldman Sachs Seed Account are control persons, in the event of a proxy affecting the Fund, The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. or the Goldman Sachs Seed Account will either mirror vote its shares or seek the advice of an independent proxy voting agent.
     Except as listed above, the Trust does not know of any other person who owns of record or beneficially 5% or more of any class of a Fund’s shares.

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TAXATION
     The following are certain additional U.S. federal income tax considerations generally affecting the Funds and the purchase, ownership and disposition of shares of the Funds that are not described in the Prospectuses. The discussions below and in the Prospectus are only summaries and are not intended as substitutes for careful tax planning. They do 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 or her own tax adviser with respect to the specific federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of investing in each Fund. The summary is based on the laws in effect on the date of this SAI, which are subject to change.
Fund Taxation
     Each Fund is treated as a separate taxable entity and has elected to be treated and intend to qualify for each taxable year as regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of Subtitle A, Chapter 1, of the Code.
     There are certain tax requirements that each Fund must follow if it is to avoid federal taxation. In their efforts to adhere to these requirements, the Funds may have to limit their investment activities in some types of instruments. Qualification as a regulated investment company under the Code requires, among other things, that (i) the Fund derive at least 90% of its gross income for each taxable year from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stocks or securities or foreign currencies, net income from qualified publicly traded partnerships or other income (including but not limited to gains from options, futures, and forward contracts) derived with respect to the Fund’s business of investing in stocks, securities or currencies (the “90% gross income test”); and (ii) the Fund diversify its holdings so that in general, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year, (a) at least 50% of the fair market value of the Fund’s 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 such Fund’s total assets and to not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (b) not more than 25% of the value of its total (gross) assets is invested in the securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. Government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies), two or more issuers controlled by the Fund and engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses, or certain publicly traded partnerships.
     For purposes of the 90% gross income test, income that a Fund earns from equity interests in certain entities that are not treated as corporations or as qualified publicly traded partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes ( e.g. , partnerships or trusts) will generally have the same character for the Fund as in the hands of such an entity; consequently, a Fund may be required to limit its equity investments in any 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 a Fund’s 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 a Fund’s portfolio or anticipated to be acquired may not qualify as “directly-related” under these tests.
     If a Fund complies with the foregoing provisions, then in any taxable year in which the Fund distributes, in compliance with the Code’s timing and other requirements, an amount at least equal to the sum of 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), plus 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. If, instead, a 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. Because there are some uncertainties regarding the computation of the amounts deemed distributed

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to Fund shareholders for these purposes — including, in particular, uncertainties regarding the portion, if any, of amounts paid in redemption of Fund shares that should be treated as such distributions — there can be no assurance that each Fund will avoid corporate-level tax in each year.
     Each Fund generally 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 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 such as the International Equity Dividend and Premium, Structured International Tax-Managed Equity and International Real Estate Securities Funds and may therefore make it more difficult for such a Fund to satisfy the distribution requirements described above, as well as the excise tax distribution requirements described below. Each Fund generally expects, however, to be able to obtain sufficient cash to satisfy those requirements, from new investors, the sale of securities or other sources. If for any taxable year a Fund does not qualify as a regulated investment company, it will be taxed on all of its 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.
     If a Fund retains any net capital gain, the Fund may designate the retained amount as undistributed capital gains in a notice to its shareholders who (1) if subject to U.S. federal income tax on long-term capital gains, will be required to include in income for federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gain, their shares of that undistributed amount, and (2) 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 those 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 any such undistributed net capital gain included in the shareholder’s gross income and decreased by the federal income tax paid by the Fund on that amount of net capital gain.
     To avoid a 4% federal excise tax, each 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 the calendar 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 all previous years that were not distributed for those years and on which the Fund paid no federal income tax. For federal income tax purposes, dividends declared by a 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, and deductible by the Fund, as if paid on December 31 of the year declared. Each Fund anticipates that it will generally make timely distributions of income and capital gains in compliance with these requirements so that it will generally not be required to pay the excise tax.
     For federal income tax purposes, each Fund is generally permitted to carry forward a net capital loss in any taxable year to offset its own capital gains, if any, during the eight taxable 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. As of December 31, 2007, the following Funds had capital loss carryforwards approximating the amounts indicated, expiring in the years indicated:
                 
            Years of
Fund   Amount   Expiration
Tollkeeper Fund
  $ (2,316,347 )     2008  
 
    (727,953,163 )     2009  
 
    (476,409,289 )     2010  
 
    (137,998,151 )     2011  
 
    (1,145,651 )     2012  
Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund
  $ (16,243,287 )     2009  
 
    (20,748,975 )     2010  
 
    (209,608 )     2011  
 
    (19,869,694 )     2015  

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     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 a Fund will be required to be “marked-to-market” for federal tax purposes — that is, treated as having been sold at their fair market value on the last day of the Fund’s taxable year (or, for excise tax purposes, on the last day of the relevant period). These provisions may require a 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 a Fund, it 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 in this paragraph may affect the amount, timing and character of a Fund’s distributions to shareholders. The application of certain requirements for qualification as a regulated investment company and the application of certain other tax rules may be unclear in some respects in connection with certain investment practices such as dollar rolls, or investments in certain derivatives, including interest rate swaps, floors, caps and collars, currency swaps, total return swaps, mortgage swaps, index swaps, forward contracts and structured notes. As a result, a Fund may therefore be required to limit its investments in such transactions and it is also possible that the Internal Revenue Service may not agree with a Fund’s tax treatment of such transactions. In addition, the tax treatment of derivatives, and certain other investments, may be affected by future legislation, Treasury Regulations and guidance issued by the Internal Revenue Service that could affect the timing, character and amount of a Fund’s income and gains and distributions to shareholders. Certain tax elections may be available to a 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, which may affect the amount, timing and character of income, gain or loss recognized by a 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 a Fund’s investment company taxable income (computed without regard to that 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 foreign 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 a Fund’s dividends being treated as a return of capital for tax purposes, nontaxable to the extent of a shareholder’s tax basis in his shares and, once such basis is exhausted, generally giving rise to capital gains.
     A Fund’s investment, if any, in zero coupon securities, deferred interest securities, certain structured securities or other securities bearing original issue discount or, if a 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 in many cases cause the Fund to realize income or gain before the receipt of cash payments with respect to these securities or contracts. For a Fund to obtain cash to enable the Fund to distribute any such income or gain, to maintain its qualification as a regulated investment company and to avoid federal income and excise taxes, the Fund may be required to liquidate portfolio investments sooner than it might otherwise have done.
     Investments in lower-rated securities may present special tax issues for a Fund to the extent actual or anticipated defaults may be more likely with respect to those kinds of securities. Tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when an investor in such securities 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 generally need to be addressed by a Fund, in the event it invests in such securities, so as to seek to eliminate or to minimize any adverse tax consequences.

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     Each Fund anticipates that it may 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 United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes in some cases. Except for the International Real Estate Securities Fund, Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund and International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund, the Funds will not be eligible to elect to pass through foreign taxes to the shareholders but will be entitled to deduct such taxes in computing the amounts they are required to distribute.
     If a 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 will 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 will ameliorate these adverse tax consequences, but those elections will 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. Each Fund may attempt to limit and/or to manage its holdings in passive foreign investment companies to minimize its tax liability or maximize its return from these investments.
     If a Fund invests in certain REITs or in REMIC residual interests, a portion of the Fund’s income may be classified as “excess inclusion income.” A shareholder that is otherwise not subject to tax may be taxable on their share of any such excess inclusion income as “unrelated business taxable income.” In addition, tax may be imposed on a Fund on the portion of any excess inclusion income allocable to any shareholders that are classified as disqualified organizations.
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.
     Distributions to 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 distributions are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the shareholder; but distributions of net capital gain, including amounts retained by a Fund which are designated as undistributed capital gains, to such 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 shareholder’s 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.
     Any capital gain realized by a non-U.S. shareholder upon a sale or redemption of shares of a Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax unless the gain is effectively connected with the shareholder’s 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 a Fund with the proper IRS Form W-8 ( i.e. , W-8BEN, W-8ECI, W-8IMY or W-8EXP), or an acceptable substitute, may be subject to backup withholding at a 28% rate on dividends (including capital gain dividends) and on the proceeds of redemptions and exchanges.
     Also, non-U.S. shareholders of a Fund may be subject to U.S. estate tax with respect to their Fund shares.
     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 Funds.

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State and Local
     Each Fund may be subject to state or local taxes in jurisdictions in which the Fund is deemed to be doing business. In addition, in those states or localities that impose income taxes, the treatment of such a Fund and its shareholders under those jurisdictions’ tax laws may differ from the treatment under federal income tax laws, and investment in such a Fund may have tax consequences for shareholders that are different from those of a direct investment in the Fund’s portfolio securities. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers concerning state and local tax matters.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
     The audited financial statements and related reports of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm for the Funds, contained in the Funds’ 2007 annual reports are hereby incorporated by reference. The financial statements in each Fund’s annual report have been incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing. No other parts of any annual report are incorporated by reference herein. The Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund and International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund commenced operations on January 10, 2008, and have not yet issued an annual report. A copy of the annual report of each Fund, 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 each Fund’s Prospectus.
PROXY VOTING
     The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, 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 Funds. Under the Policy, the Investment Adviser’s guiding principles in performing proxy voting are to make decisions that: (i) favor proposals that tend to maximize a company’s shareholder value; and (ii) are not influenced by conflicts of interest. These principles reflect the Investment Adviser’s 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 management of the Investment Adviser will periodically review the Policy to ensure that it continues to be consistent with the Investment Adviser’s 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 Adviser’s policy generally to follow the Guidelines and recommendations from ISS, the Investment Adviser’s 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

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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 Adviser’s 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 Adviser’s use of ISS as an independent third party, a review and approval process for individual decisions that do not follow ISS’s recommendations, and the establishment of information barriers between the Investment Adviser and other businesses within The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
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 a Fund’s managers based on their assessment of the particular transactions or other matters at issue.
     Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on or through the Funds’ website at http://www.goldmansachsfunds.com and on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
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 Funds. These payments (“Additional Payments”) are made out of the Investment Adviser’s, distributor’s and/or their affiliates’ own assets, and are not an additional charge to the Funds or their shareholders. The Additional Payments are in addition to the distribution and service fees paid by the Funds described in the Funds’ Prospectuses and this SAI, 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 Funds, which may consist of payments relating to Funds 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 Funds; 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 Funds. 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 Funds. These payments may exceed amounts earned on these assets by the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates for the performance of these or similar services. 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

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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 connection with educational, sales and promotional programs subject to applicable FINRA regulations. The amount of these Additional Payments (excluding payments made through sub-transfer agency and networking agreements) is normally not expected to exceed 0.50% (annualized) of the amount sold or invested through the Intermediaries. The Additional Payments are negotiated based on a range of factors, including but not limited to, ability to attract and retain assets (including particular classes of Funds’ shares), target markets, customer relationships, quality of service and industry reputation. In addition, certain Intermediaries may have access to certain research and investment services from the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates. In certain cases, the Intermediary may not pay for these products or services. Such research and investment services (“Additional Services”) may include research reports, economic analysis, portfolio analysis tools, business planning services, certain marketing and investor education materials and strategic asset allocation modeling.
     The Additional Payments made by the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates or the Additional Services received by an Intermediary may be different for different Intermediaries and may vary with respect to the type of fund ( e.g. , equity fund, fixed income fund, specialty fund, asset allocation portfolio or money market fund) sold by the Intermediary. In addition, the Additional Payment arrangements may include breakpoints in compensation which provide that the percentage rate of compensation varies as the dollar value of the amount sold or invested through an Intermediary increases. The presence of these Additional Payments or Additional Services, the varying fee structure 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 Funds based, at least in part, on the level of compensation paid. Shareholders should contact their Authorized Dealer or other Intermediary for more information about the payments they receive and any potential conflicts of interest.
     For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, the Investment Adviser, Distributor and their affiliates made Additional Payments out of their own assets to approximately 105 Intermediaries. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, the Investment Adviser, Distributor and their affiliates paid to Intermediaries approximately $75.5 million in Additional Payments (excluding payments made through sub-transfer agency and networking agreements) with respect to all funds of the Trust (including the Funds included in this SAI) and an affiliated investment company, Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust.
     Shareholders should contact their Authorized Dealer or other Intermediary for more information about the Additional Payments or Additional Services they receive and any potential conflicts of interest. For additional questions, please contact Goldman Sachs Funds at 1-800-621-2550.
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 a Fund nor its Investment Adviser, Distributor or any agent, or any employee thereof (“Fund Representative”) will disclose a Fund’s portfolio holdings information to any person other than in accordance with the policy. For purposes of the policy, “portfolio holdings information” means the Fund’s actual portfolio holdings, as well as nonpublic information about its trading strategies or pending transactions. Under the policy, neither a Fund nor any Fund Representative may solicit or accept any compensation or other consideration in connection with the disclosure of portfolio holdings information. A Fund Representative may provide portfolio holdings information to third parties if such information has been included in the Fund’s public filings with the SEC or is disclosed on the Funds’ publicly accessible website. Information posted on the Fund’s website may be separately provided to any person commencing the day after it is first published on the Funds’ website.

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     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 Adviser’s legal or compliance department. Disclosure to providers of auditing, custody, proxy voting and other similar services for the Funds, 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 Fund’s 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 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- Dechert LLP, the Funds’ financial printer- Bowne, and the Funds’ proxy voting service- ISS. KPMG LLP, an investor in the Funds, also receives certain non-public holdings information on an ongoing basis in order to facilitate compliance with the auditor independent requirements to which it is subject. In addition, certain fixed income funds of the Trust provide non-public portfolio holdings information to Standard & Poor’s Rating Services to allow such Funds to be rated by it and certain equity funds provide non-public portfolio holdings information to FactSet , a provider of global financial and economic information. These entities are obligated to keep such information confidential. Third party providers of custodial or accounting services to the Funds may release non-public portfolio holdings information of the Funds only with the permission of Fund Representatives. From time to time portfolio holdings information may be provided to broker-dealers solely in connection with a 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 Trust’s principal underwriter are reviewed by Goldman Sachs’ Compliance department for consistency with the Trust’s portfolio holdings disclosure policy.
     The Goldman Sachs equity funds currently intend to publish on the Trust’s website (http://www.goldmansachsfunds.com) 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 Goldman Sachs 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 Goldman Sachs 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. 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 SAI, 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.
Miscellaneous
     The Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund may pay redemptions, in part or in whole, by a distribution in kind of securities (instead of cash) from the Fund. Unlike other funds of the Trust, the Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund has not elected, pursuant to Rule 18f-1 under the Act, to pay in cash all requests for redemptions 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. The Tollkeeper Fund, U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund, Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real

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Estate Securities Fund, Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund, Commodity Strategy Fund and International Equity Dividend and Premium 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. The Tollkeeper Fund, U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund, Real Estate Securities Fund, International Real Estate Securities Fund, Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund, Commodity Strategy Fund and International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund, however, reserve 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 Fund’s 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 each 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 such 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 such 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 Trust’s 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 shareholder’s ownership. Each shareholder receives confirmation of purchase and redemption orders from the transfer agent. Fund shares and any dividends and distributions paid by the Funds are reflected in account statements from the transfer agent.
     The Prospectuses and this SAI 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 SAI 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 SAI as to the contents of any contract or other document referred to are not necessarily complete, and, in each 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 SAI form a part, each such statement being qualified in all respects by such reference.
Line of Credit
     The Funds participate in a $450,000,000 committed, unsecured revolving line of credit facility together with other registered investment companies having management or investment advisory agreements with GSAM or its affiliates. Under the most restrictive arrangement, the Funds must own securities having a market value in excess of 300% of each Fund’s total bank borrowings. This facility is to be used for temporary emergency purposes or to allow for an orderly liquidation of securities to meet redemption requests. The interest rate on borrowings is based on the federal funds rate. The facility also requires a fee to be paid by the Funds based on the amount of the commitment that has not been utilized. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, the Funds did not have any borrowings under the facility.

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Large Trade Notifications
     The Transfer Agent may from time to time receive notice that an Authorized Dealer or other financial intermediary has received an order for a large trade in a Fund’s shares. The Fund may determine to enter into portfolio transactions in anticipation of that order, even though the order will not be processed until the following business day. This practice provides for a closer correlation between the time shareholders place trade orders and the time a Fund enters into portfolio transactions based on those orders, and permits the Fund to be more fully invested in investment securities, in the case of purchase orders, and to more orderly liquidate their investment positions, in the case of redemption orders. On the other hand, the Authorized Dealer or other financial intermediary may not ultimately process the order. In this case, the Fund may be required to borrow assets to settle the portfolio transactions entered into in anticipation of that order, and would therefore incur borrowing costs. The Fund may also suffer investment losses on those portfolio transactions. Conversely, the Fund would benefit from any earnings and investment gains resulting from such portfolio transactions.
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLANS
(Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares and Class R Shares Only)
      Distribution and Service Plans . As described in the Prospectus, the Trust has adopted, on behalf of Class A, Class B, Class C and Class R Shares of each Fund, distribution and service plans (each a “Plan”). See “Shareholder Guide — Distribution and Service 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 Funds and enable the Funds to offer investors the choice of investing in either Class A, Class B, Class C or Class R Shares when investing in the Funds. In addition, distribution fees payable under the Plans may be used to assist the Funds in reaching and maintaining asset levels that are efficient for the Funds’ operations and investments.
     The Plans for each Fund’s Class A, Class B and Class C Shares were most recently approved on June 13, 2007 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, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of approving the Plans. The Plans for each Fund’s Class R Shares were most recently 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 Plans, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of approving the Plans on November 8, 2007.
     The compensation for distribution services payable under a Plan to Goldman Sachs may not exceed 0.25%, 0.75%, 0.75% and 0.50% per annum of a Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A, Class B, Class C and Class R Shares, respectively, of such Fund.
     Under the Plans for Class B and 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 each Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B or Class C Shares. With respect to Class A and Class R 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 FINRA.
     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, Class B, Class C and Class R 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, Class B, Class C and Class R 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, Class B, Class C and Class R Shares.
     Under each Plan, Goldman Sachs, as distributor of each Fund’s Class A, Class B, Class C and Class R Shares, will provide to the Trustees of the Trust for their review, and the Trustees of the Trust will review at least quarterly a

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written report of the services provided and amounts expended by 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, 2008 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 described therein without approval of a majority of the outstanding Class A, Class B, Class C or Class R Shares of the affected 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 any 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, Class B, Class C or Class R Shares, respectively, of the affected 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 Funds and their Class A, Class B, Class C and Class R shareholders.
     The following chart shows the distribution and service fees paid to Goldman Sachs for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007, December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, by each Fund pursuant to the Class A Plan:
                         
    Fiscal year ended   Fiscal year ended   Fiscal year ended
    December 31, 2007   December 31, 2006   December 31, 2005
 
                       
U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund*
  $ 622,463     $ 260,321     $ 14,236  
Tollkeeper Fund
    329,677       294,271       332,975  
Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund
    555,262       271,098       125,740  
Real Estate Securities Fund
    1,086,634       941,034       698,483  
International Real Estate Securities Fund**
    1,571,618       124,861        
Commodity Strategy Fund***
    111,716              
Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund****
                 
International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund****
                 
 
*   The U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund commenced operations on August 31, 2005.
 
**   The International Real Estate Securities Fund commenced operations on July 31, 2006.
 
***   The Commodity Strategy Fund commenced operations on March 30, 2007.
****   The Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund and International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund had not yet commenced operations on December 31, 2007.
     The following chart shows the distribution and service fees that would have been paid to Goldman Sachs for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007, December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 by each applicable Fund pursuant to the Class A Plan, without the voluntary limitations then in effect:
                         
    Fiscal year ended   Fiscal year ended   Fiscal year ended
    December 31, 2007   December 31, 2006   December 31, 2005
 
                       
U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund*
  $ 622,463     $ 260,321     $ 14,236  
Tollkeeper Fund
    329,677       294,271       332,975  
Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund
    555,262       271,098       125,740  
Real Estate Securities Fund
    1,086,634       941,034       698,483  
International Real Estate Securities Fund**
    1,571,618       124,861        
Commodity Strategy Fund***
    111,716              
Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund****
                 
International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund****
                 
 
*   The U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund commenced operations on August 31, 2005.

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**   The International Real Estate Securities Fund commenced operations on July 31, 2006.
 
***   The Commodity Strategy Fund commenced operations on March 30, 2007.
 
****   The Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund and International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund had not yet commenced operations on December 31, 2007.

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     The following chart shows the distribution and service fees paid to Goldman Sachs for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007, December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 by each applicable Fund pursuant to the Class B Plan:
                         
    Fiscal year ended   Fiscal year ended   Fiscal year ended
    December 31, 2007   December 31, 2006   December 31, 2005
 
                       
Tollkeeper Fund
  $ 974,278     $ 1,060,240     $ 1,374,818  
Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund
    234,289       250,759       252,993  
Real Estate Securities Fund
    197,062       224,720       226,953  
     The following chart shows the distribution and service fees paid to Goldman Sachs for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007, December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 by each applicable Fund pursuant to the Class C Plan:
                         
    Fiscal year ended   Fiscal year ended   Fiscal year ended
    December 31, 2007   December 31, 2006   December 31, 2005
 
                       
U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund*
  $ 132,715     $ 42,980     $ 1,258  
Tollkeeper Fund
    554,737       553,639       671,509  
Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund
    312,183       255,915       217,351  
Real Estate Securities Fund
    236,629       230,200       187,548  
International Real Estate Securities Fund**
    115,437       997        
Commodity Strategy Fund***
    1,271              
Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund****
                 
International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund****
                 
 
*   U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund commenced operations on August 31, 2005.
 
**   International Real Estate Securities Fund commenced operations on July 31, 2006.
 
***   The Commodity Strategy Fund commenced operations on March 30, 2007.
 
****   The Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund and International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund had not yet commenced operations on December 31, 2007.
The following chart shows the distribution and service fees paid to Goldman Sachs for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 by each applicable Fund pursuant to the Class R Plan:
         
    Fiscal year ended
    December 31, 2007 *
 
       
Real Estate Securities Fund
  $ 4  
Commodity Strategy Fund
    4  
 
*   The Class R Shares of the Funds commenced operations on November 30, 2007.

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     During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, Goldman Sachs incurred the following expenses in connection with distribution under the Class A Plan of each applicable Fund:
                                         
                            Printing and    
                            Mailing of    
            Compensation and   Allocable   Prospectuses to   Preparation and
            Expenses of   Overhead,   Other Than   Distribution of Sales
    Compensation to   the Distributor   Telephone and   Current   Literature and
    Dealers 1   & Its Sales Personnel   Travel Expenses   Shareholders   Advertising
 
                                       
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2007:
                                       
 
                                       
Real Estate Securities Fund
    555,558       1,061,642       132,121       31,426       7,395  
Tollkeeper Fund
    301,808       269,628       92,840       22,083       5,196  
Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund
    582,041       690,444       176,076       41,881       9,855  
U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund
                             
International Real Estate Securities Fund
    2,423       594,765       199,260       47,396       11,152  
Commodity Strategy Fund 2
          124,133       28,403       6,756       1,590  
Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund 3
                             
International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund 3
                             
 
1   Advance commissions paid to dealers of 1% on Class A Shares are considered deferred assets which are amortized over a period of 18 months; amounts presented above reflect amortization expense recorded during the period presented.
 
2   The Commodity Strategy Fund commenced operations on March 30, 2007.
 
3   The Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund and International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund had not yet commenced operations on December 31, 2007.

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     During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, Goldman Sachs incurred the following expenses in connection with distribution under the Class B Plan of each applicable Fund with Class B Shares:
                                         
                            Printing and    
                            Mailing of   Preparation and
            Compensation and   Allocable   Prospectuses to   Distribution of
            Expenses of   Overhead,   Other Than   Sales
    Compensation to   the Distributor &   Telephone and   Current   Literature and
    Dealers 1   Its Sales Personnel   Travel   Shareholders   Advertising
 
                                       
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2007:
                                       
 
                                       
Real Estate Securities Fund
    152,836       66,631       26,990       6,420       1,511  
Tollkeeper Fund
    339,654       383,627       153,213       36,443       8,575  
Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund
    80,740       53,387       18,802       4,472       1,052  
 
1   Advance commissions paid to dealers of 4% on Class B shares are considered deferred assets which are amortized over a period of 6 years; amounts presented above reflect amortization expense recorded during the period presented.

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During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, Goldman Sachs incurred the following expenses in connection with distribution under the Class C Plan of each applicable Fund with Class C Shares:
                                         
                            Printing and    
                            Mailing of   Preparation and
            Compensation and   Allocable   Prospectuses to   Distribution of
            Expenses of   Overhead,   Other Than   Sales Literature
    Compensation to   the Distributor &   Telephone and   Current   and
    Dealers 1   Its Sales Personnel   Travel Expenses   Shareholders   Advertising
 
                                       
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2007:
                                       
 
                                       
Real Estate Securities Fund
    248,229       2,206       22,012       5,236       1,232  
Tollkeeper Fund
    604,381       103,710       57,316       13,633       3,208  
Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund
    273,302       11,192       24,857       5,913       1,391  
U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund
                             
International Real Estate Securities Fund
    80,578       69,212       55,262       13,145       3,093  
Commodity Strategy Fund 2
          6,988       1,484       353       83  
Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund 3
                             
International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund 3
                             
 
1   Advance commissions paid to dealers of 1% on Class C shares are considered deferred assets which are amortized over a period of 1 year; amounts presented above reflect amortization expense recorded during the period presented.
 
2   The Commodity Strategy Fund commenced operations on March 30, 2007.
 
3   The Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund and International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund had not yet commenced operations on December 31, 2007.

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During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, Goldman Sachs incurred the following expenses in connection with distribution under the Class R Plan of each applicable Fund with Class R Shares:
                                         
                            Printing and    
            Compensation and           Mailing of   Preparation and
            Expenses of the   Allocable Overhead,   Prospectuses to   Distribution of
    Compensation to   Distributor &   Telephone and   Other Than   Sales Literature and
    Dealers 1   Its Sales Personnel   Travel Expenses   Current Shareholders   Advertising
 
                                       
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2007:
                                       
 
                                       
Real Estate Securities Fund
                             
Commodity Strategy Fund 2
                             
 
1   Advance commissions paid to dealers of 1% on Class R shares are considered deferred assets which are amortized over a period of 1 year; amounts presented above reflect amortization expense recorded during the period presented.
 
2   Class R Shares of the Funds commenced operations on November 30, 2007.

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OTHER INFORMATION REGARDING MAXIMUM SALES CHARGE, PURCHASES, REDEMPTIONS,
EXCHANGES AND DIVIDENDS
(Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares and Class R 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 each Fund are sold with a maximum sales charge of 5.5%. Using the net asset value per share as of December 31, 2007, the maximum offering price of each Fund’s Class A shares would be as follows:
                         
            Maximum Sales   Offering Price to
    Net Asset Value   Charge   Public
 
                       
U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund
  $ 10.34       5.5 %   $ 10.94  
Tollkeeper Fund
    11.52       5.5 %     12.19  
Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund
    11.50       5.5 %     12.17  
Real Estate Securities Fund
    15.50       5.5 %     16.40  
International Real Estate Securities Fund
    10.85       4.5 %     11.48  
Commodity Strategy Fund
    12.22       5.5 %     12.80  
Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund*
                 
International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund*
                 
 
*   The Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund and International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund had not yet commenced operations on December 31, 2007.
     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 a Fund’s Prospectus due to rounding in the calculations. For example, the sales load disclosed above and in the Funds’ Prospectuses is 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/Sales Charge Waivers
     Class A Shares of the Funds may be sold at NAV without payment of any sales charge to state-sponsored 529 college savings plans. The sales charge 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 a Fund are held in a “street name” account with an Authorized Dealer, all recordkeeping, transaction processing and payments of distributions relating to the beneficial owner’s account will be performed by the Authorized Dealer, and not by the Fund and its transfer agent. Since the Funds will have no record of the beneficial owner’s 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.
     Shareholders of the Funds of the AXA Enterprise Funds Trust, AXA Enterprise Multimanager Funds Trust and The Enterprise Group of Funds, Inc. (“AXA Funds”) who (i) receive shares of a Fund of the Trust in connection with the reorganization of the AXA Funds into the certain Funds of the Trust and (2) fall into one of the following classes of individual or institutions that qualified to purchase Class A Shares of the AXA Funds without a front-end sales charge will be eligible to purchase Class A of the Funds of the Trust without a front-end sales charge: (a) any government entity that is prohibited from paying a sales charge or commission to purchase mutual fund shares; (b)

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representatives and employees, or their immediate family members, of broker-dealers and other intermediaries that previously had entered into selling or service arrangements with the Enterprise Fund Distributors, Inc. with respect to the AXA Funds; (c) financial institutions and other financial institutions’ trust departments with respect to funds over which they exercise exclusive discretionary investment authority and which are held in fiduciary, agency, advisory, custodial or similar capacity; (d) investors who were direct referrals by the Enterprise Capital Management, Inc. or AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company’s employees; (e) clients of fee-based/fee-only financial advisor; and (f) certain employee benefit plans qualified under Sections 401, 403 and 408 of the Internal Revenue Code and Simple IRAs, or participants of such plans that invest $100,000 or more ($500,000 or more, in the case of Traditional Individual Retirement Accounts (“IRAs”), IRA rollovers, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts or Roth IRAs).
     Former shareholders of other funds that were part of another fund family who received Goldman Sachs Fund shares in connection with a reorganization into the Goldman Sachs Funds prior to 2006 are in certain circumstances eligible to purchase Class A Shares of the Goldman Sachs Funds without a front-end sales chare if they had qualified for such purchases under the guidelines for NAV purchase of the prior fund family.
     Shareholders of the Signal Funds of The Coventry Group (“Signal Funds”) who (1) receive shares of a Fund in connection with the reorganization of the Signal Funds into certain Funds of the Trust and (2) who are directors or officers of Signal Capital Management, or affiliates or bona fide full-time employees of Signal Capital Management who have acted as such for not less than 90 days (including members of their immediate families and their retirement plans) that qualified to purchase Class A Shares of the Signal Funds without a front-end sales charge will be eligible to purchase Class A Shares of the Funds of the Trust without a front-end sales charge.
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 shareholder’s current holdings of existing Class A, Class B and/or Class C Shares (acquired by purchase or exchange) of a 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, Class B and/or Class C Shares of the Funds and Class A, Class B and/or Class C Shares of any other Goldman Sachs Fund purchased (i) by an individual, his spouse, his parents 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 Funds 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, Class B and/or Class C Shares of the Funds 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 (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 organization’s, group’s or firm’s agreement to cooperate in the offering of the Funds’ shares to eligible persons; and (ii) notification to the relevant 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.

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Statement of Intention (Class A)
     If a shareholder anticipates purchasing at least $50,000 of Class A Shares of a 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 D to this SAI.
Cross-Reinvestment of Dividends and Distributions
     Shareholders may receive dividends and distributions in additional shares of the same class of a 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 a Fund, or ILA Class B or Class C Shares of the Prime Obligations Portfolio, if they hold Class B or Class C Shares of a Fund (the “ILA Portfolios”).
     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 a Fund for shares of the same class or an equivalent class of another Goldman Sachs Fund provided 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 Dealer’s 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.
Exchanges from Collective Investment Trusts to Funds
     The Investment Adviser manages a number of collective investment trusts that hold assets of 401(k) plans and other retirement plans (each, a “Collective Investment Trust”). An investor in a Collective Investment Trust (or an

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Intermediary acting on behalf of the investor) may elect to exchange some or all of the interests it holds in a Collective Investment Trust for shares of one or more of the Goldman Sachs Funds. Generally speaking, Rule 22c-1 under the Act requires a purchase order for shares of a Goldman Sachs Fund to be priced based on the current NAV of the Goldman Sachs Fund that is next calculated after receipt of the purchase order. A Goldman Sachs Fund will treat a purchase order component of an exchange from an investor in a Collective Investment Trust as being received in good order at the time it is communicated to an Intermediary or the Transfer Agent, if the amount of shares to be purchased is expressed as a percentage of the value of the investor’s interest in a designated Collective Investment Trust that it is contemporaneously redeeming ( e.g. , if the investor communicates a desire to exchange 100% of its interest in a Collective Investment Trust for shares of a Goldman Sachs Fund). The investor’s purchase price and the number of Goldman Sachs Fund shares it will acquire will therefore be calculated as of the pricing of the Collective Investment Trust on the day of the purchase order. Such an order will be deemed to be irrevocable as of the time the Goldman Sachs Fund’s NAV is next calculated after receipt of the purchase order. An investor should obtain and read the prospectus relating to any Goldman Sachs Fund and its shares and consider its investment objective, policies and applicable fees and expenses before electing an exchange into that Goldman Sachs Fund. For federal income tax purposes, an exchange of interests in a Collective Investment Trust for shares of a Goldman Sachs Fund may be subject to tax, and you should consult your tax adviser concerning the tax consequences of an exchange.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan
     A systematic withdrawal plan (the “Systematic Withdrawal Plan”) is available to shareholders of a 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 applicable 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 exceed new purchases and reinvested dividends and capital gains distributions, the shareholder’s original investment will be correspondingly reduced and ultimately exhausted. The maintenance of a withdrawal plan concurrently with purchases of additional Class A, Class B 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, Class B or Class C Shares. The CDSC applicable to Class A, Class B 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.
SERVICE PLAN AND
SHAREHOLDER ADMINISTRATION PLAN
(Service Shares Only)
     The Tollkeeper, Structured Tax-Managed Equity and Real Estate Securities Funds have adopted a service plan and a separate shareholder administration plan (the “Plans”) with respect to the Service Shares which authorize the Funds to compensate Service Organizations for providing certain personal and account maintenance services and shareholder administration services to their customers who are or may become beneficial owners of such Shares. Pursuant to the Plans, each Fund enters into agreements with Service Organizations which purchase Service Shares of the Fund on behalf of their customers (“Service Agreements”). Under such Service Agreements the Service Organizations may perform some or all of the following services:

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  (a)   Personal and account maintenance services, including: (i) providing facilities to answer inquiries and respond to correspondence with customers and other investors about the status of their accounts or about other aspects of the Trust or the applicable Fund; (ii) acting as liaison between the Service Organization’s customers and the Trust, including obtaining information from the Trust and assisting the Trust in correcting errors and resolving problems; (iii) providing such statistical and other information as may be reasonably requested by the Trust or necessary for the Trust to comply with applicable federal or state law; (iv) responding to investor requests for prospectuses; (v) displaying and making prospectuses available on the Service Organization’s premises; and (vi) assisting customers in completing application forms, selecting dividend and other account options and opening custody accounts with the Service Organization.
 
  (b)   Shareholder administration services, including: (i) acting or arranging for another party to act, as recordholder and nominee of the Service Shares beneficially owned by the Service Organization’s customers; (ii) establishing and maintaining, or assist in establishing and maintaining, individual accounts and records with respect to the Service Shares owned by each customer; (iii) processing, or assist in processing, confirmations concerning customer orders to purchase, redeem and exchange Service Shares; (iv) receiving and transmitting, or assist in receiving and transmitting, funds representing the purchase price or redemption proceeds of such Service Shares; (v) facilitating the inclusion of Service Shares in accounts, products or services offered to the Service Organization’s customers by or through the Service Organization; (vi) processing dividend payments on behalf of customers; and (vii) performing other related services which do not constitute “any activity which is primarily intended to result in the sale of shares” within the meaning of Rule 12b-1 under the Act or “personal and account maintenance services” within the meaning of FINRA’s Conduct Rules.
     As compensation for such services, each Fund will pay each Service Organization a personal and account maintenance service fee and a shareholder administration service fee in an amount up to 0.25% and 0.25%, respectively, (on an annualized basis) of the average daily net assets of the Service Shares of such Fund attributable to or held in the name of such Service Organization.
     The amount of the service and shareholder administration fees paid by each Fund to Service Organizations pursuant to the Plans was as follows for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007, December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005.
                         
    Fiscal year ended   Fiscal year ended   Fiscal year ended
    December 31, 2007   December 31, 2006   December 31, 2005
 
                       
Tollkeeper Fund
  $ 1,760     $ 832     $ 575  
Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund
    2,170       1,855       2,536  
Real Estate Securities Fund
    52,242       43,763       21,259  
     The Funds have adopted the Service Plan but not the Shareholder Administration Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act in order to avoid any possibility that service fees paid to the Service Organizations pursuant to the Service Agreements might violate the Act. Rule 12b-1, which was adopted by the SEC under the Act, regulates the circumstances under which an investment company or series thereof may bear expenses associated with the distribution of its shares. In particular, such an investment company or series thereof cannot engage directly or indirectly in financing any activity which is primarily intended to result in the sale of shares issued by the company unless it has adopted a plan pursuant to, and complies with the other requirements of, such Rule. The Trust believes that fees paid for the services provided in the Service Plan and described above are not expenses incurred primarily for effecting the distribution of Service Shares. However, should such payments be deemed by a court or the SEC to be distribution expenses, such payments would be duly authorized by the Plan. The Shareholder Administration Plan has not been adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act.

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     Conflict of interest restrictions (including the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974) may apply to a Service Organization’s receipt of compensation paid by a Fund in connection with the investment of fiduciary assets in Service Shares of a Fund. Service Organizations, including banks regulated by the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Reserve Board or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and investment advisers and other money managers subject to the jurisdiction of the SEC, the Department of Labor or state securities commissions, are urged to consult their legal advisers before investing fiduciary assets in Service Shares of a Fund. In addition, under some state securities laws, banks and other financial institutions purchasing Service Shares on behalf of their customers may be required to register as dealers.
     The Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plans or the related Service Agreements, most recently voted to approve the Plans and related Service Agreements at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such Plans and Service Agreements on June 13, 2007. The Plans and related Service Agreements will remain in effect until June 30, 2008 and will continue in effect thereafter only if such continuance is specifically approved annually by a vote of the Trustees in the manner described above. The Service Plan may not be amended (but the Shareholder Administration Plan may be amended) to increase materially the amount to be spent for the services described therein without approval of the shareholders of the affected Fund’s Service Class and all material amendments of each Plan must also be approved by the Trustees in the manner described above. The Plans may be terminated at any time by a majority of the Trustees as described above or by a vote of a majority of the affected Fund’s outstanding Service Shares. The Service Agreements may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the Trustees as described above or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding Service Shares of the affected Fund on not more than sixty (60) days’ written notice to any other party to the Service Agreements. The Service Agreements will terminate automatically if assigned. So long as the Plans are in effect, the selection and nomination of those Trustees who are not interested persons will be committed to the discretion of the non-interested Trustees. The Board of Trustees have determined that, in its judgment, there is a reasonable likelihood that the Plans will benefit the Funds and the holders of Service Shares of the Funds.

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APPENDIX A
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS
Short-Term Credit Ratings
     A Standard & Poor’s 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 & Poor’s for short-term issues:
     “A-1” — Obligations are rated in the highest category and indicate that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.
     “A-2” — The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory. Obligations are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in the higher rating categories.
     “A-3” — Obligor has 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” — An obligation is 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 obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Ratings of “B1”, “B-2” and “B-3” may be assigned to indicate finer distinction within the “B” category.
     “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. This 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 & Poor’s believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of 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 & Poor’s analysis for credit ratings on any issuer or issue. Currency of repayment is a key factor in this analysis. An obligor’s capacity to repay foreign currency obligations may be lower than its capacity to repay obligations in its local currency due to the sovereign government’s 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.
     Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) 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 to individual short-term debt instruments. Such obligations generally have an original maturity not exceeding thirteen months, unless explicitly noted.
     Moody’s employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

1-A


 

     “P-1” — Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
     “P-2” — Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
     “P-3” — Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.
     “NP” — Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.
     Fitch, Inc. / Fitch Ratings Ltd. (“Fitch”) short-term ratings scale applies to foreign currency and local currency ratings. A short-term rating has a time horizon of less than 13 months for most obligations, or up to three years for U.S. public finance, in line with industry standards, to reflect unique risk characteristics of bond, tax, and revenue anticipation notes that are commonly issued with terms up to three years. Short-term ratings 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; 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” — Indicates an entity or sovereign that has defaulted on all of its financial obligations.
     “NR” — This designation indicates that Fitch does not publicly rate the associated issuer or issue.
     “WD” — This designation indicates that the rating has been withdrawn and is no longer maintained by Fitch.
     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 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 DBRS has established for an “R-1 (high)”, few entities are strong enough to achieve this rating.

2-A


 

     “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 DBRS has established for the “R-1 (high)” category, entities rated “R-1 (middle)” are also considered strong credits, and typically exemplify above average strength in key areas of consideration for the 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 that 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 is 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 are negatively impacted by a weaker industry. Ratings in this category would 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 at the lower end of adequate credit quality, typically having some combination of challenges that are not acceptable for an “R-2 (middle)” credit. However, “R-2 (low)” ratings still display a level of credit strength that allows for a higher rating than the “R-3” category, with this distinction often reflecting the issuer’s liquidity profile.
     “R-3” — Short-term debt rated “R-3” is considered to be at the lowest end of adequate credit quality, one step up from being speculative. While not yet defined as speculative, the R-3 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 the issuer’s 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.
     “R-4” — Short-term debt rated R-4 is speculative. R-4 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-4 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.
     “R-5” — Short-term debt rated R-5 is highly speculative. There is a reasonably high level of uncertainty as to the ability of the entity to repay the obligations on a continuing basis in the future, especially in periods of economic recession or industry adversity. In some cases, short term debt rated R-5 may have challenges that if not corrected, could lead to default.
     “D” — A security 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.

3-A


 

Long-Term Credit Ratings
     The following summarizes the ratings used by Standard & Poor’s for long-term issues:
     “AAA” — An obligation rated “AAA” has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor’s. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.
     “AA” — An obligation rated “AA” differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.
     “A” — An obligation rated “A” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.
     “BBB” — An obligation rated “BBB” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
     Obligations rated “BB,” “B,” “CCC,” “CC” and “C” are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. “BB” indicates the least degree of speculation and “C” the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.
     “BB” — An obligation rated “BB” is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
     “B” — An obligation rated “B” is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated “BB,” but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
     “CCC” — An obligation rated “CCC” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
     “CC” — An obligation rated “CC” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.
     “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” also will 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 & Poor’s believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.
     Plus (+) or minus (-) — The ratings from “AA” to “CCC” may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
     “NR” — This indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that Standard & Poor’s does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.

4-A


 

     Local Currency and Foreign Currency Risks — Country risk considerations are a standard part of Standard & Poor’s analysis for credit ratings on any issuer or issue. Currency of repayment is a key factor in this analysis. An obligor’s capacity to repay foreign currency obligations may be lower than its capacity to repay obligations in its local currency due to the sovereign government’s 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 Moody’s 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.
     “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: Moody’s appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from “Aa” through “Caa.” The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.
     The following summarizes long-term ratings used by Fitch:
     “AAA” — Securities considered to be of the highest credit quality. “AAA” ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.
     “AA” — Securities considered to be of very high credit quality. “AA” ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.
     “A” — Securities considered to be of high credit quality. “A” ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in circumstances or in economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.
     “BBB” — Securities considered to be of good credit quality. “BBB” ratings indicate that there is currently expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate but

5-A


 

adverse changes in circumstances and 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.
     “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.
     “RD” — Indicates an entity has failed to make due payments (within the applicable grace period) on some but not all material financial obligations, but continues to honor other classes of obligations.
     “D” — Indicates an entity or sovereign that has defaulted on all of its financial 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 associated issue or issuer.
     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 they differ 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, typically exemplifying above-average strength in key areas of consideration and 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 that of “AA” rated entities. While “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.

6-A


 

     “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 have features which, if not remedied, may lead to default. In practice, there is little difference between these three 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” A security 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.
Municipal Note Ratings
     A Standard & Poor’s U.S. municipal note rating reflects the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes maturing beyond three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. The following criteria will be used in making that assessment:
     · Amortization schedule-the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and
     · Source of payment-the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.
     Note rating symbols are as follows:
     “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.
     Moody’s 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 Moody’s 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.

7-A


 

     “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 Moody’s evaluation of the degree of risk associated with scheduled principal and interest payments. The second element represents Moody’s evaluation of the degree of risk associated with the 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 issue’s 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 & Poor’s 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.
Moody’s 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’s credit ratings provide an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, repayment of principal, insurance claims or counterparty obligations. Fitch credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving their money back in accordance with the terms on which they invested. Fitch’s credit ratings cover the global spectrum of corporate, sovereign (including supranational and sub-national), financial, bank, insurance, municipal and other public finance entities and the securities or other obligations they issue, as well as structured finance securities backed by receivables or other financial assets.

8-A


 

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.

9-A


 

APPENDIX B
ISS GOVERNANCE SERVICES
CONCISE SUMMARY OF 2008 U.S. PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES
Effective for Meetings on or after Feb. 1, 2008
Updated Dec. 21, 2007
1. Auditors
Auditor Ratification
Vote FOR proposals to ratify auditors, unless any of the following apply:
    An auditor has a financial interest in or association with the company, and is therefore not independent;
 
    There is reason to believe that the independent auditor has rendered an opinion which is neither accurate nor indicative of the company’s financial position;
 
    Poor accounting practices are identified that rise to a serious level of concern, such as: fraud; misapplication of GAAP; and material weaknesses identified in Section 404 disclosures; or
 
    Fees for non-audit services (“other” fees) are excessive.
Vote CASE-BY-CASE on shareholder proposals asking for audit firm rotation, taking into account:
    The tenure of the audit firm;
 
    The length of rotation specified in the proposal;
 
    Any significant audit-related issues at the company;
 
    The number of audit committee meetings held each year;
 
    The number of financial experts serving on the committee; and
 
    Whether the company has a periodic renewal process where the auditor is evaluated for both audit quality and competitive price.
2. Board of Directors
Voting on Director Nominees in Uncontested Elections
Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from individual directors who:
    Attend less than 75 percent of the board and committee meetings without a valid excuse;
 
    Sit on more than six public company boards;
 
    Are CEOs of public companies who sit on the boards of more than two public companies besides their own—withhold only at their outside boards.
Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from all nominees of the board of directors, (except from new nominees, who should be considered on a CASE-BY-CASE basis) if:
    The company’s proxy indicates that not all directors attended 75 percent of the aggregate of their board and committee meetings, but fails to provide the required disclosure of the names of the directors involved. If this information cannot be obtained, vote against/withhold from all incumbent directors;
 
    The company’s poison pill has a dead-hand or modified dead-hand feature. Vote against/withhold every year until this feature is removed;
 
    The board adopts or renews a poison pill without shareholder approval, does not commit to putting it to shareholder vote within 12 months of adoption (or in the case of an newly public company, does not commit to put the pill to a shareholder vote within 12 months following the IP0), or reneges on a commitment to put the pill to a vote, and has not yet received a withhold/against recommendation for this issue;
 
    The board failed to act on a shareholder proposal that received approval by a majority of the shares outstanding the previous year (a management proposal with other than a FOR recommendation by management will not be considered as sufficient action taken);
 
    The board failed to act on a shareholder proposal that received approval of the majority of shares cast for the previous two consecutive years (a management proposal with other than a FOR recommendation by management will not be considered as sufficient action taken);
 
    The board failed to act on takeover offers where the majority of the shareholders tendered their shares;

1-B


 

    At the previous board election, any director received more than 50 percent withhold/against votes of the shares cast and the company has failed to address the underlying issue(s) that caused the high withhold/against vote;
 
    The company is a Russell 3000 company that underperformed its industry group (GICS group) under ISS’ “Performance Test for Directors” policy;
 
    The board is classified, and a continuing director responsible for a problematic governance issue at the board/committee level that would warrant a withhold/against vote recommendation is not up for election—any or all appropriate nominees (except new) may be held accountable.
Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from inside directors and affiliated outside directors when:
    The inside or affiliated outside director serves on any of the three key committees: audit, compensation, or nominating;
 
    The company lacks an audit, compensation, or nominating committee so that the full board functions as that committee;
 
    The company lacks a formal nominating committee, even if board attests that the independent directors fulfill the functions of such a committee;
 
    The full board is less than majority independent.
Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from the members of the audit committee if:
    The non-audit fees paid to the auditor are excessive (see discussion under “Auditor Ratification”);
 
    Poor accounting practices are identified which rise to a level of serious concern, such as: fraud; misapplication of GAAP; and material weaknesses identified in Section 404 disclosures; or
 
    There is persuasive evidence that the audit committee entered into an inappropriate indemnification agreement with its auditor that limits the ability of the company, or its shareholders, to pursue legitimate legal recourse against the audit firm.
Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from the members of the compensation committee if:
    There is a negative correlation between the chief executive’s pay and company performance;
 
    The company reprices underwater options for stock, cash or other consideration without prior shareholder approval, even if allowed in their equity plan;
 
    The company fails to submit one-time transfers of stock options to a shareholder vote;
 
    The company fails to fulfill the terms of a burn-rate commitment made to shareholders;
 
    The company has backdated options (see “Options Backdating” policy);
 
    The company has poor compensation practices (see “Poor Pay Practices” policy). Poor pay practices may warrant withholding votes from the CEO and potentially the entire board as well.
Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from directors, individually or the entire board, for egregious actions or failure to replace management as appropriate.
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.
Cumulative Voting
Generally vote AGAINST proposals to eliminate cumulative voting. Generally vote FOR proposals to restore or provide for cumulative voting unless:
    The company has proxy access or a similar structure to allow shareholders to nominate directors to the company’s ballot; and
 
    The company has adopted a majority vote standard, with a carve-out for plurality voting in situations where there are more nominees than seats, and a director resignation policy to address failed elections.
Vote FOR proposals for cumulative voting at controlled companies (insider voting power > 50 percent).
Independent Chair (Separate Chair/CEO)
Generally vote FOR shareholder proposals requiring that the chairman’s position be filled by an independent director, unless there are compelling reasons to recommend against the proposal, such as a counterbalancing governance structure. This should include all the following:

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    Designated lead director, elected by and from the independent board members with clearly delineated and comprehensive duties. (The role may alternatively reside with a presiding director, vice chairman, or rotating lead director; however the director must serve a minimum of one year in order to qualify as a lead director.) The duties should include, but are not limited to, the following:
    presides at all meetings of the board at which the chairman is not present, including executive sessions of the independent directors;
 
    serves as liaison between the chairman and the independent directors;
 
    approves information sent to the board;
 
    approves meeting agendas for the board;
 
    approves meeting schedules to assure that there is sufficient time for discussion of all agenda items;
 
    has the authority to call meetings of the independent directors;
 
    if requested by major shareholders, ensures that he is available for consultation and direct communication;
    The company publicly discloses a comparison of the duties of its independent lead director and its chairman;
 
    The company publicly discloses a sufficient explanation of why it chooses not to give the position of chairman to the independent lead director, and instead combine the chairman and CEO positions;
 
    Two-thirds independent board;
 
    All independent key committees;
 
    Established governance guidelines;
 
    The company should not have underperformed both its peers and index on the basis of both one-year and three-year total shareholder returns*, unless there has been a change in the Chairman/CEO position within that time; and
 
    The company does not have any problematic governance issues.
Vote FOR the proposal if the company does not provide disclosure with respect to any or all of the bullet points above. If disclosure is provided, evaluate on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
 
*   The industry peer group used for this evaluation is the average of the 12 companies in the same six-digit GICS group that are closest in revenue to the company. To fail, the company must underperform its index and industry group on all four measures (one- and three-year on industry peers and index).
Majority Vote Shareholder Proposals
Generally vote FOR precatory and binding resolutions requesting that the board change the company’s bylaws to stipulate that directors need to be elected with an affirmative majority of votes cast, provided it does not conflict with the state taw where the company is incorporated. Binding resolutions need to allow for a carve-out for a plurality vote standard when there are more nominees than board seats. Companies are strongly encouraged to also adopt a post-election policy (also known as a director resignation policy) that will provide guidelines so that the company will promptly address the situation of a holdover director.
Open Access
Vote shareholder proposals asking for open or proxy access on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, taking into account:
    The ownership threshold proposed in the resolution;
 
    The proponent’s rationale for the proposal at the targeted company in terms of board and director conduct.
3. Proxy Contests
Voting for Director Nominees in Contested Elections
Vote CASE-BY-CASE on the election of directors in contested elections, considering the following factors:
    Long-term financial performance of the target company relative to its industry;
 
    Management’s track record;
 
    Background to the proxy contest;
 
    Qualifications of director nominees (both slates);
 
    Strategic plan of dissident slate and quality of critique against management;
 
    Likelihood that the proposed goals and objectives can be achieved (both slates);
 
    Stock ownership positions.

3-B


 

Reimbursing Proxy Solicitation Expenses
Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to reimburse proxy solicitation expenses. When voting in conjunction with support of a dissident slate, vote FOR the reimbursement of all appropriate proxy solicitation expenses associated with the election.
Generally vote FOR shareholder proposals calling for the reimbursement of reasonable costs incurred in connection with nominating one or more candidates in a contested election where the following apply:
    The election of fewer than 50 percent of the directors to be elected is contested in the election;
 
    One or more of the dissident’s candidates is elected;
 
    Shareholders are not permitted to cumulate their votes for directors; and
 
    The election occurred, and the expenses were incurred, after the adoption of this bylaw.
4. Takeover Defenses
Poison Pills
Vote FOR shareholder proposals requesting that the company submit its poison pill to a shareholder vote or redeem it UNLESS the company has: (1) A shareholder approved poison pill in place; or (2) The company has adopted a policy concerning the adoption of a pill in the future specifying that the board will only adopt a shareholder rights plan if either:
    Shareholders have approved the adoption of the plan; or
 
    The board, in its exercise of its fiduciary responsibilities, determines that it is in the best interest of shareholders under the circumstances to adopt a pill without the delay that would result from seeking stockholder approval ( i.e. , the “fiduciary out” provision). A poison pill adopted under this fiduciary out will be put to a shareholder ratification vote within 12 months of adoption or expire. If the pill is not approved by a majority of the votes cast on this issue, the plan will immediately terminate.
Vote FOR shareholder proposals calling for poison pills to be put to a vote within a year after adoption. If the company has no non-shareholder approved poison pill in place and has adopted a policy with the provisions outlined above, vote AGAINST the proposal. If these conditions are not met, vote FOR the proposal, but with the caveat that a vote within 12 months would be considered sufficient.
Vote CASE-by-CASE on management proposals on poison pill ratification, focusing on the features of the shareholder rights plan. Rights plans should contain the following attributes:
    No lower than a 20 percent trigger, flip-in or flip-over;
 
    A term of no more than three years;
 
    No dead-hand, slow-hand, no-hand, or similar feature that limits the ability of a future board to redeem the pill;
 
    Shareholder redemption feature (qualifying offer clause); if the board refuses to redeem the pill 90 days after a qualifying offer is announced, 10 percent of the shares may call a special meeting, or seek a written consent to vote on rescinding the pill.
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.
Supermajority Vote Requirements
Vote AGAINST proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote. Vote FOR proposals to lower supermajority vote requirements.
5. Mergers and Corporate Restructurings
For mergers and acquisitions, review and evaluate the merits and drawbacks of the proposed transaction, balancing various and sometimes countervailing factors including:
    Valuation - Is the value to be received by the target shareholders (or paid by the acquirer) reasonable? While the fairness opinion may provide an initial starting point for assessing valuation reasonableness, emphasis is placed on the offer premium, market reaction and strategic rationale.

4-B


 

    Market reaction - How has the market responded to the proposed deal? A negative market reaction should cause closer scrutiny of a deal.
 
    Strategic rationale - Does the deal make sense strategically? From where is the value derived? Cost and revenue synergies should not be overly aggressive or optimistic, but reasonably achievable. Management should also have a favorable track record of successful integration of historical acquisitions.
 
    Negotiations and process - Were the terms of the transaction negotiated at arm’s-length? Was the process fair and equitable? A fair process helps to ensure the best price for shareholders. Significant negotiation “wins” can also signify the deal makers’ competency. The comprehensiveness of the sales process ( e.g. , full auction, partial auction, no auction) can also affect shareholder value.
 
    Conflicts of interest - Are insiders benefiting from the transaction disproportionately and inappropriately as compared to non-insider shareholders? As the result of potential conflicts, the directors and officers of the company may be more likely to vote to approve a merger than if they did not hold these interests. Consider whether these interests may have influenced these directors and officers to support or recommend the merger. The aggregate CIC figure may be a misleading indicator of the true value transfer from shareholders to insiders. Where such figure appears to be excessive, analyze the underlying assumptions to determine whether a potential conflict exists.
 
    Governance - Will the combined company have a better or worse governance profile than the current governance profiles of the respective parties to the transaction? If the governance profile is to change for the worse, the burden is on the company to prove that other issues (such as valuation) outweigh any deterioration in governance.
6. State of Incorporation
Reincorporation Proposals
Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to change a company’s state of incorporation, taking into consideration both financial and corporate governance concerns, including:
    The reasons for reincorporating;
 
    A comparison of the governance provisions;
 
    Comparative economic benefits; and
 
    A comparison of the jurisdictional laws.
7. Capital Structure
Common Stock Authorization
Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance using a model developed by ISS. Vote FOR proposals to approve increases beyond the allowable increase when a company’s shares are in danger of being delisted or if a company’s ability to continue to operate as a going concern is uncertain.
In addition, for capital requests less than or equal to 300 percent of the current authorized shares that marginally fail the calculated allowable cap ( i.e. , exceed the allowable cap by no more than 5 percent), on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, vote FOR the increase based on the company’s performance and whether the company’s ongoing use of shares has shown prudence. Factors should include, at a minimum, the following:
    Rationale;
 
    Good performance with respect to peers and index on a five-year total shareholder return basis;
 
    Absence of non-shareholder approved poison pill;
 
    Reasonable equity compensation burn rate;
 
    No non-shareholder approved pay plans; and
 
    Absence of egregious equity compensation practices.
Dual-Class Stock
Vote AGAINST proposals to create a new class of common stock with superior voting rights. 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 create a new class of nonvoting or sub-voting common stock if:
    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.
Issue Stock for Use with Rights Plan
Vote AGAINST proposals that increase authorized common stock for the explicit purpose of implementing a non-shareholder approved shareholder rights plan (poison pill).
Preferred Stock
Vote AGAINST proposals authorizing the creation of new classes of preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion, dividend distribution, and other rights (“blank check” preferred stock), and AGAINST proposals to increase the number of blank check preferred stock authorized for issuance when no shares have been issued or reserved for a specific purpose. Vote FOR proposals to create “declawed” blank check preferred stock (stock that cannot be used as a takeover defense), and FOR proposals to authorize preferred stock in cases where the company specifies the voting, dividend, conversion, and other rights of such stock and the terms of the preferred stock appear reasonable. Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to increase the number of blank check preferred shares after analyzing the number of preferred shares available for issue given a company’s industry and performance in terms of shareholder returns.
8. Executive and Director Compensation
Equity Compensation Plans
Vote CASE-BY-CASE on equity-based compensation plans. Vote AGAINST the equity plan if any of the following factors apply:
    The total cost of the company’s equity plans is unreasonable;
 
    The plan expressly permits the repricing of stock options without prior shareholder approval;
 
    There is a disconnect between CEO pay and the company’s performance;
 
    The company’s three year burn rate exceeds the greater of 2% and the mean plus one standard deviation of its industry group; or
 
    The plan is a vehicle for poor pay practices.
Poor Pay Practices
Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from compensation committee members, the CEO, and potentially the entire board, if the company has poor compensation practices. Vote AGAINST equity plans if the plan is a vehicle for poor compensation practices.
The following practices, while not exhaustive, are examples of poor compensation practices:
    Egregious employment contracts ( e.g. , multi-year guarantees for salary increases, bonuses, and equity compensation);
 
    Excessive perks (overly generous cost and/or reimbursement of taxes for personal use of corporate aircraft, personal security systems maintenance and/or installation, car allowances, and/or other excessive arrangements relative to base salary);
 
    Abnormally large bonus payouts without justifiable performance linkage or proper disclosure ( e.g. , performance metrics that are changed, canceled, or replaced during the performance period without adequate explanation of the action and the link to performance);
 
    Egregious pension/SERP (supplemental executive retirement plan) payouts (inclusion of additional years of service not worked that result in significant payouts, or inclusion of performance-based equity awards in the pension calculation;
 
    New CEO with overly generous new hire package ( e.g. , excessive “make whole” provisions);
 
    Excessive severance and/or change-in-control provisions: Inclusion of excessive change-in-control or severance payments, especially those with a multiple in excess of 3X cash pay;
    Severance paid for a “performance termination,” ( i.e. , due to the executive’s failure to perform job functions at the appropriate level);
 
    Change-in-control payouts without loss of job or substantial diminution of job duties (single-triggered);
 
    Perquisites for former executives such as car allowances, personal use of corporate aircraft, or other inappropriate arrangements;

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    Poor disclosure practices, (unclear explanation of how the CEO is involved in the pay setting process, retrospective performance targets and methodology not discussed, or methodology for benchmarking practices and/or peer group not disclosed and explained);
 
    Internal pay disparity ( e.g. , excessive differential between CEO total pay and that of next highest-paid named executive officer);
 
    Other excessive compensation payouts or poor pay practices at the company.
Director Compensation
Vote CASE-BY-CASE on compensation plans for non-employee directors, based on the cost of the plans against the company’s allowable cap.
On occasion, director stock plans that set aside a relatively small number of shares when combined with employee or executive stock compensation plans will exceed the allowable cap. Vote for the plan if ALL of the following qualitative factors in the board’s compensation are met and disclosed in the proxy statement:
    Director stock ownership guidelines with a minimum of three times the annual cash retainer.
 
    Vesting schedule or mandatory holding/deferral period:
    A minimum vesting of three years for stock options or restricted stock; or
 
    Deferred stock payable at the end of a three-year deferral period.
    Mix between cash and equity:
    A balanced mix of cash and equity, for example 40 percent cash/60 percent equity or 50 percent cash/50 percent equity; or
 
    If the mix is heavier on the equity component, the vesting schedule or deferral period should be more stringent, with the lesser of five years or the term of directorship.
    No retirement/benefits and perquisites provided to non-employee directors; and
 
    Detailed disclosure provided on cash and equity compensation delivered to each non-employee director for the most recent fiscal year in a table. The column headers for the table may include the following: name of each non-employee director, annual retainer, board meeting fees, committee retainer, committee-meeting fees, and equity grants.
Employee Stock Purchase Plans—Qualified Plans
Vote CASE-BY-CASE on qualified employee stock purchase plans. Vote FOR employee stock purchase plans where all of the following apply:
    Purchase price is at least 85 percent of fair market value;
 
    Offering period is 27 months or less; and
 
    The number of shares allocated to the plan is 10 percent or less of the outstanding shares.
Vote AGAINST qualified employee stock purchase plans where any of the following apply:
    Purchase price is less than 85 percent of fair market value; or
 
    Offering period is greater than 27 months; or
 
    The number of shares allocated to the plan is more than 10 percent of the outstanding shares.
Employee Stock Purchase Plans—Non-Qualified Plans
Vote CASE-by-CASE on nonqualified employee stock purchase plans. Vote FOR nonqualified employee stock purchase plans with all the following features:
    Broad-based participation ( i.e. , all employees of the company with the exclusion of individuals with 5 percent or more of beneficial ownership of the company);
 
    Limits on employee contribution, which may be a fixed dollar amount or expressed as a percent of base salary;
 
    Company matching contribution up to 25 percent of employee’s contribution, which is effectively a discount of 20 percent from market value;
 
    No discount on the stock price on the date of purchase since there is a company matching contribution.
Vote AGAINST nonqualified employee stock purchase plans when any of the plan features do not meet the above criteria. If the company matching contribution exceeds 25 percent of employee’s contribution, evaluate the cost of the plan against its allowable cap.

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Options Backdating
In cases where a company has practiced options backdating, vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD on a CASE-BY-CASE basis from the members of the compensation committee, depending on the severity of the practices and the subsequent corrective actions on the part of the board. Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from the compensation committee members who oversaw the questionable options practices or from current compensation committee members who fail to respond to the issue proactively, depending on several factors, including, but not limited to:
    Reason and motive for the options backdating issue (inadvertent vs. deliberate grant date changes);
 
    Length of time of options backdating;
 
    Size of restatement due to options backdating;
 
    Corrective actions taken by the board or compensation committee, such as canceling or repricing backdated options, or recoupment of option gains on backdated grants;
 
    Adoption of a grant policy that prohibits backdating, and creation of a fixed grant schedule or window period for equity grants going forward.
Option Exchange Programs/Repricing Options
Vote CASE-by-CASE on management proposals seeking approval to exchange/reprice options, considering:
    Historic trading patterns—the stock price should not be so volatile that the options are likely to be back “in-the-money” over the near term;
 
    Rationale for the re-pricing—was the stock price decline beyond management’s control?
 
    Is this a value-for-value exchange?
 
    Are surrendered stock options added back to the plan reserve?
 
    Option vesting—does the new option vest immediately or is there a black-out period?
 
    Term of the option—the term should remain the same as that of the replaced option;
 
    Exercise price—should be set at fair market or a premium to market;
 
    Participants—executive officers and directors should be excluded.
If the surrendered options are added back to the equity plans for re-issuance, then also take into consideration the company’s three-year average burn rate. In addition to the above considerations, evaluate the intent, rationale, and timing of the repricing proposal. The proposal should clearly articulate why the board is choosing to conduct an exchange program at this point in time. Repricing underwater options after a recent precipitous drop in the company’s stock price demonstrates poor timing. Repricing after a recent decline in stock price triggers additional scrutiny and a potential AGAINST vote on the proposal. At a minimum, the decline should not have happened within the past year. Also, consider the terms of the surrendered options, such as the grant date, exercise price and vesting schedule. Grant dates of surrendered options should be far enough back (two to three years) so as not to suggest that repricings are being done to take advantage of short-term downward price movements. Similarly, the exercise price of surrendered options should be above the 52-week high for the stock price.
Vote FOR shareholder proposals to put option repricings to a shareholder vote.
Stock Plans in Lieu of Cash
Vote CASE-by-CASE on plans that provide participants with the option of taking all or a portion of their cash compensation in the form of stock, and on plans that do not provide a dollar-for-dollar cash for stock exchange. In cases where the exchange is not dollar-for-dollar, the request for new or additional shares for such equity program will be considered using the binomial option pricing model. In an effort to capture the total cost of total compensation, ISS will not make any adjustments to carve out the in-lieu-of cash compensation. Vote FOR non-employee director-only equity plans that provide a dollar-for-dollar cash-for-stock exchange.
Transfer Programs of Stock Options
Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from compensation committee members if they fail to submit one-time transfers to shareholders for approval.
Vote CASE-BY-CASE on one-time transfers. Vote FOR if:
    Executive officers and non-employee directors are excluded from participating;
 
    Stock options are purchased by third-party financial institutions at a discount to their fair value using option pricing models such as Black-Scholes or a Binomial Option Valuation or other appropriate financial models;

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    There is a two-year minimum holding period for sale proceeds (cash or stock) for all participants.
Additionally, management should provide a clear explanation of why options are being transferred and whether the events leading up to the decline in stock price were beyond management’s control. A review of the company’s historic stock price volatility should indicate if the options are likely to be back “in-the-money” over the near term.
Vote AGAINST equity plan proposals if the details of ongoing Transfer of Stock Options programs are not provided to shareholders. Since TSOs will be one of the award types under a stock plan, the ongoing TSO program, structure and mechanics must be disclosed to shareholders. The specific criteria to be considered in evaluating these proposals include, but not limited, to the following:
    Eligibility;
 
    Vesting;
 
    Bid-price;
 
    Term of options;
 
    Transfer value to third-party financial institution, employees and the company.
Amendments to existing plans that allow for introduction of transferability of stock options should make clear that only options granted post-amendment shall be transferable.
Shareholder Proposals on Compensation
Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation (Say-on-Pay)
Generally, vote FOR shareholder proposals that call for non-binding shareholder ratification of the compensation of the named executive officers and the accompanying narrative disclosure of material factors provided to understand the Summary Compensation Table.
Compensation Consultants—Disclosure of Board or Company’s Utilization
Generally vote FOR shareholder proposals seeking disclosure regarding the company, board, or compensation committee’s use of compensation consultants, such as company name, business relationship(s) and fees paid.
Disclosure/Setting Levels or Types of Compensation for Executives and Directors
Generally, vote FOR shareholder proposals seeking additional disclosure of executive and director pay information, provided the information requested is relevant to shareholders’ needs, would not put the company at a competitive disadvantage relative to its industry, and is not unduly burdensome to the company. Vote AGAINST shareholder proposals seeking to set absolute levels on compensation or otherwise dictate the amount or form of compensation. Vote AGAINST shareholder proposals requiring director fees be paid in stock only. Vote CASE-BY-CASE on 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.
Pay for Superior Performance
Generally vote FOR shareholder proposals based on a case-by-case analysis that requests the board establish a pay-for-superior performance standard in the company’s compensation plan for senior executives. The proposal should have the following principles:
    Sets compensation targets for the plan’s annual and long-term incentive pay components at or below the peer group median;
 
    Delivers a majority of the plan’s target long-term compensation through performance-vested, not simply time-vested, equity awards;
 
    Provides the strategic rationale and relative weightings of the financial and non-financial performance metrics or criteria used in the annual and performance-vested long-term incentive components of the plan;
 
    Establishes performance targets for each plan financial metric relative to the performance of the company’s peer companies;
 
    Limits payment under the annual and performance-vested long-term incentive components of the plan to when the company’s performance on its selected financial performance metrics exceeds peer group median performance.
Consider the following factors in evaluating this proposal:
    What aspects of the company’s annual and long-term equity incentive programs are performance-driven?

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    If the annual and long-term equity incentive programs are performance driven, are the performance criteria and hurdle rates disclosed to shareholders or are they benchmarked against a disclosed peer group?
 
    Can shareholders assess the correlation between pay and performance based on the current disclosure?
 
    What type of industry and stage of business cycle does the company belong to?
Performance-Based Awards
Vote CASE-BY-CASE on shareholder proposal requesting that a significant amount of future long-term incentive compensation awarded to senior executives shall be performance-based and requesting that the board adopt and disclose challenging performance metrics to shareholders, based on the following analytical steps:
    First, vote FOR shareholder proposals advocating the use of performance-based equity awards, such as performance contingent options or restricted stock, indexed options or premium-priced options, unless the proposal is overly restrictive or if the company has demonstrated that it is using a “substantial” portion of performance-based awards for its top executives. Standard stock options and performance-accelerated awards do not meet the criteria to be considered as performance-based awards. Further, premium-priced options should have a premium of at least 25 percent and higher to be considered performance-based awards.
 
    Second, assess the rigor of the company’s performance-based equity program. If the bar set for the performance-based program is too low based on the company’s historical or peer group comparison, generally vote FOR the proposal. Furthermore, if target performance results in an above target payout, vote FOR the shareholder proposal due to program’s poor design. If the company does not disclose the performance metric of the performance-based equity program, vote FOR the shareholder proposal regardless of the outcome of the first step to the test.
In general, vote FOR the shareholder proposal if the company does not meet both of these two requirements.
Pre-Arranged Trading Plans (10b5-1 Plans)
Generally vote FOR shareholder proposals calling for certain principles regarding the use of prearranged trading plans (10b5-1 plans) for executives. These principles include:
    Adoption, amendment, or termination of a 10b5-1 plan must be disclosed within two business days in a Form 8-K;
 
    Amendment or early termination of a 10b5-1 plan is allowed only under extraordinary circumstances, as determined by the board;
 
    Ninety days must elapse between adoption or amendment of a 10b5-1 plan and initial trading under the plan;
 
    Reports on Form 4 must identify transactions made pursuant to a 10b5-1 plan;
 
    An executive may not trade in company stock outside the 10b5-1 Plan.
 
    Trades under a 10b5-1 plan must be handled by a broker who does not handle other securities transactions for the executive.
Recoup Bonuses
Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to recoup unearned incentive bonuses or other incentive payments made to senior executives if it is later determined that fraud, misconduct, or negligence significantly contributed to a restatement of financial results that led to the awarding of unearned incentive compensation, taking into consideration:
    If the company has adopted a formal recoupment bonus policy; or
 
    If the company has chronic restatement history or material financial problems.
Severance Agreements for Executives/Golden Parachutes
Vote FOR shareholder proposals requiring that golden parachutes or executive severance agreements be submitted for shareholder ratification, unless the proposal requires shareholder approval prior to entering into employment contracts. Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on proposals to ratify or cancel golden parachutes. An acceptable parachute should include, but is not limited to, the following:
    The triggering mechanism should be beyond the control of management;

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    The amount should not exceed three times base amount (defined as the average annual taxable W-2 compensation during the five years prior to the change of control);
 
    Change-in-control payments should be double-triggered, i.e. , (1) after a change in control has taken place, and (2) termination of the executive as a result of the change in control. Change in control is defined as a change in the company ownership structure.
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (SERPs)
Generally vote FOR shareholder proposals requesting to put extraordinary benefits contained in SERP agreements to a shareholder vote unless the company’s executive pension plans do not contain excessive benefits beyond what is offered under employee-wide plans. Generally vote FOR shareholder proposals requesting to limit the executive benefits provided under the company’s supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP) by limiting covered compensation to a senior executive’s annual salary and excluding of all incentive or bonus pay from the plan’s definition of covered compensation used to establish such benefits.
9. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Issues
Consumer Lending
Vote CASE-BY CASE on requests for reports on the company’s lending guidelines and procedures, including the establishment of a board committee for oversight, taking into account:
    Whether the company has adequately disclosed mechanisms to prevent abusive lending practices;
 
    Whether the company has adequately disclosed the financial risks of the lending products in question;
 
    Whether the company has been subject to violations of lending laws or serious lending controversies;
 
    Peer companies’ policies to prevent abusive lending practices.
Pharmaceutical Pricing
Generally vote AGAINST proposals requesting that companies implement specific price restraints on pharmaceutical products unless the company fails to adhere to legislative guidelines or industry norms in its product pricing.
Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals requesting that the company evaluate their product pricing considering:
    The existing level of disclosure on pricing policies;
 
    Deviation from established industry pricing norms;
 
    The company’s existing initiatives to provide its products to needy consumers;
 
    Whether the proposal focuses on specific products or geographic regions.
Product Safety and Toxic Materials
Generally vote FOR proposals requesting the company to report on its policies, initiatives/procedures, and oversight mechanisms related to toxic materials and/or product safety in its supply chain, unless:
    The company already discloses similar information through existing reports or policies such as a supplier code of conduct and/or a sustainability report;
 
    The company has formally committed to the implementation of a toxic materials and/or product safety and supply chain reporting and monitoring program based on industry norms or similar standards within a specified time frame; and
 
    The company has not been recently involved in relevant significant controversies or violations.
Vote CASE-BY-CASE on resolutions requesting that companies develop a feasibility assessment to phaseout of certain toxic chemicals and/or evaluate and disclose the financial and legal risks associated with utilizing certain chemicals, considering:
    Current regulations in the markets in which the company operates;
 
    Recent significant controversy, litigation, or fines stemming from toxic chemicals or ingredients at the company; and
 
    The current level of disclosure on this topic.
Climate Change
In general, vote FOR resolutions requesting that a company disclose information on the impact of climate change on the company’s operations unless:

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    The company already provides current, publicly available information on the perceived impact that climate change may have on the company as well as associated policies and procedures to address such risks and/or opportunities;
 
    The company’s level of disclosure is comparable to or better than information provided by industry peers; and
 
    There are no significant fines, penalties, or litigation associated with the company’s environmental performance.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Generally vote FOR proposals requesting a report on greenhouse gas emissions from company operations and/or products unless this information is already publicly disclosed or such factors are not integral to the company’s line of business. Generally vote AGAINST proposals that call for reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by specified amounts or within a restrictive time frame unless the company lags industry standards and has been the subject of recent, significant fines, or litigation resulting from greenhouse gas emissions.
Political Contributions and Trade Associations Spending
Generally vote AGAINST proposals asking the company to affirm political nonpartisanship in the workplace so long as:
    The company is in compliance with laws governing corporate political activities; and
 
    The company has procedures in place to ensure that employee contributions to company-sponsored political action committees (PACs) are strictly voluntary and not coercive.
Vote AGAINST proposals to publish in newspapers and public media the company’s political contributions as such publications could present significant cost to the company without providing commensurate value to shareholders. Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to improve the disclosure of a company’s political contributions and trade association spending, considering:
    Recent significant controversy or litigation related to the company’s political contributions or governmental affairs; and
 
    The public availability of a company policy on political contributions and trade association spending including information on the types of organizations supported, the business rationale for supporting these organizations, and the oversight and compliance procedures related to such expenditures.
Vote AGAINST proposals barring the company from making political contributions. Businesses are affected by legislation at the federal, state, and local level and barring contributions can put the company at a competitive disadvantage. Vote AGAINST proposals asking for a list of company executives, directors, consultants, legal counsels, lobbyists, or investment bankers that have prior government service and whether such service had a bearing on the business of the company. Such a list would be burdensome to prepare without providing any meaningful information to shareholders.
Sustainability Reporting
Generally vote FOR proposals requesting the company to report on policies and initiatives related to social, economic, and environmental sustainability, unless:
    The company already discloses similar information through existing reports or policies such as an environment, health, and safety (EHS) report; a comprehensive code of corporate conduct; and/or a diversity report; or
 
    The company has formally committed to the implementation of a reporting program based on Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines or a similar standard within a specified time frame.

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APPENDIX C
BUSINESS PRINCIPLES OF GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
Goldman Sachs is noted for its Business Principles, which guide all of the firm’s activities and serve as the basis for its distinguished reputation among investors worldwide.
      Our client’s 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 client’s 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 Firm’s 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.
      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.

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      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.

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Goldman, Sachs & Co.’s History of Excellence
1869
Is founded by Marcus Goldman
1882
Becomes a private partnership when Samuel Sachs joins the firm
1896
Joins New York Stock Exchange
1906
Takes Sears public
1925
Finances Warner Brothers to develop sound in movies
1933-69
Senior Partner Sidney J. Weinberg serves as adviser to five presidents: Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Johnson
1956 Co-manages Ford’s initial public offering, the largest IPO to date
1985
Senior Partner John C. Whitehead named Deputy Secretary of State
1986
Takes Microsoft public
1988
Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM) is established, formalizing the asset management capability that Goldman Sachs initiated in 1981 by managing money market funds for institutional clients; 50 employees
1995
Senior Partner Robert E. Rubin named Treasury Secretary
1996
GSAM acquires CIN Management ($23 B)
1997
Launches web site that delivers trading ideas, research reports, and analytical tools to clients worldwide
GSAM acquires Commodities Corp. ($1.6 B in hedge fund assets); Acquires Liberty Investment Management ($6B in growth assets)
1998
Takes ebay public
1999
Goldman, Sachs & Co. becomes a public company
2001
GSAM assets under management pass $300B mark

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2002
Advises and services 45% of the Forbes 400 1
Growth Team is awarded the year’s single largest U.S. institutional mandate
2003
Acquires The Ayco Company, L.P.; Announces it will combine Australian operation with JBWere to form Goldman Sachs JBWere
2006
May 2006 — Goldman Sachs Celebrates 25 years in Money Fund Industry
GSAM assets under management total approximately $575B; 1,100 professionals worldwide
1.   Source: Forbes.com, October 2003. Reprinted by permission of Forbes Magazine © 2004 Forbes Inc.

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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 a 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, as well as any appreciation on shares previously purchased, 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 investor’s 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 investor’s 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.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

General Investment Management Approach
Fund Investment Objectives and Strategies
Goldman Sachs U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund
Goldman Sachs International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund
Goldman Sachs Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund
Goldman Sachs Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund
Other Investment Practices and Securities
Principal Risks of the Funds
Fund Performance
Fund Fees and Expenses (Class A, B and C Shares)
Service Providers
Dividends
Shareholder Guide
How to Buy Shares
Taxation
Appendix A Additional Information on Portfolio Risks, Securities and Techniques
Appendix B Financial Highlights
Index
Structured Tax-Advantaged Equity Funds Prospectus (Class A, B and C Shares)
General Investment Management Approach
Fund Investment Objective and Strategies
Goldman Sachs Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund
Other Investment Practices and Securities
Principal Risks of the Fund
Fund Performance
Fund Fees and Expenses (Service Shares)
Service Providers
Dividends
Shareholder Guide
How to Buy Shares
Taxation
Appendix A Additional Information on Portfolio Risks, Securities and Techniques
Appendix B Financial Highlights
Index
Structured Tax-Advantaged Equity Funds Prospectus (Service Shares)
General Investment Management Approach
Fund Investment Objectives and Strategies
Goldman Sachs U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund
Goldman Sachs International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund
Goldman Sachs Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund
Goldman Sachs Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund
Other Investment Practices and Securities
Principal Risks of the Funds
Fund Performance
Fund Fees and Expenses (Institutional Shares)
Service Providers
Dividends
Shareholder Guide
How to Buy Shares
How to Sell Shares
Taxation
Appendix A Additional Information on Portfolio Risks, Securities and Techniques
Appendix B Financial Highlights
Index
Structured Tax-Advantaged Equity Funds Prospectus (Institutional Shares)
General Investment Management Approach
Fund Investment Objectives and Strategies
Goldman Sachs Real Estate Securities Fund
Goldman Sachs International Real Estate Securities Fund
Goldman Sachs Tollkeeper Fund
Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy Fund
Other Investment Practices and Securities
Principal Risks of the Funds
Fund Performance
Fund Fees and Expenses (Class A, B and C Shares)
Service Providers
Dividends
Shareholder Guide
How to Buy Shares
Taxation
Appendix A Additional Information on Portfolio Risks, Securities and Techniques
Appendix B Financial Highlights
Index
Select Satellite Funds Prospectus (Class A, B and C Shares)
General Investment Management Approach
Fund Investment Objectives and Strategies
Goldman Sachs Real Estate Securities Fund
Goldman Sachs International Real Estate Securities Fund
Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy Fund
Other Investment Practices and Securities
Principal Risks of the Funds
Fund Performance
Fund Fees and Expenses (Class R and IR Shares)
Service Providers
Dividends
Shareholder Guide
Who Can Buy ClassR and ClassIR Shares
How To Buy, Exchange and Sell ClassR and ClassIR Shares
What Else Should I Know About ClassR and ClassIR Shares Purchases and Redemptions?
Shareholder Services
Distribution Services and Fees
Restrictions on Excessive Trading Practices
Taxation
Appendix A Additional Information on Portfolio Risks, Securities and Techniques
Appendix B Financial Highlights
Index
Select Satellite Funds Prospectus (Class R and IR Shares)
General Investment Management Approach
Fund Investment Objectives and Strategies
Goldman Sachs Real Estate Securities Fund
Goldman Sachs Tollkeeper Fund
Other Investment Practices and Securities
Principal Risks of the Funds
Fund Performance
Fund Fees and Expenses (Service Shares)
Service Providers
Dividends
Shareholder Guide
How to Buy Shares
Taxation
Appendix A Additional Information on Portfolio Risks, Securities and Techniques
Appendix B Financial Highlights
Index
Select Satellite Funds Prospectus (Service Shares)
General Investment Management Approach
Fund Investment Objectives and Strategies
Goldman Sachs Real Estate Securities Fund
Goldman Sachs International Real Estate Securities Fund
Goldman Sachs Tollkeeper Fund
Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy Fund
Other Investment Practices and Securities
Principal Risks of the Funds
Fund Performance
Fund Fees and Expenses (Institutional Shares)
Service Providers
Dividends
Shareholder Guide
How to Buy Shares
How to Sell Shares
Taxation
Appendix A Additional Information on Portfolio Risks, Securities and Techniques
Appendix B Financial Highlights
Index
Select Satellite Funds Prospectus (Institutional Shares)
PART C: OTHER INFORMATION
Item 23. Exhibits
Item 24. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Registrant
Item 25. Indemnification
Item 27. Principal Underwriters
Item 28. Location of Accounts and Records
Item 29. Management Services
Item 30. Undertakings
SIGNATURES
Exhibit Index
PART C: OTHER INFORMATION
Item 23. Exhibits
(a)   (1)     Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 1 /
  (2)   Amendment No. 1 dated April 24, 1997 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust January 28, 1997 2 /
 
  (3)   Amendment No. 2 dated July 21, 1997 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 2 /
 
  (4)   Amendment No. 3 dated October 21, 1997 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 3 /
 
  (5)   Amendment No. 4 dated January 28, 1998 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 3 /
 
  (6)   Amendment No. 5 dated January 28, 1998 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 4 /
 
  (7)   Amendment No. 6 dated July 22, 1998 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 4 /
 
  (8)   Amendment No. 7 dated November 3, 1998 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 5 /
 
  (9)   Amendment No. 8 dated January 22, 1999 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 6 /
 
  (10)   Amendment No. 9 dated April 28, 1999 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 7 /
 
  (11)   Amendment No. 10 dated July 27, 1999 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 8 /
 
  (12)   Amendment No. 11 dated July 27, 1999 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 8 /
 
  (13)   Amendment No. 12 dated October 26, 1999 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 9 /
 
  (14)   Amendment No. 13 dated February 3, 2000 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 10 /
 
  (15)   Amendment No. 14 dated April 26, 2000 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 11 /
 
  (16)   Amendment No. 15 dated August 1, 2000 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 12 /
 
  (17)   Amendment No. 16 dated January 30, 2001 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 13 /
 
  (18)   Amendment No. 17 dated April 25, 2001 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 14 /

C-1


 

  (19)   Amendment No. 18 dated July 1, 2002 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 15 /
 
  (20)   Amendment No. 19 dated August 1, 2002 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 15 /
 
  (21)   Amendment No. 20 dated August 1, 2002 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 15 /
 
  (22)   Amendment No. 21 dated January 29, 2003 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 16 /
 
  (23)   Amendment No. 22 dated July 31, 2003 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 17 /
 
  (24)   Amendment No. 23 dated October 30, 2003 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 17 /
 
  (25)   Amendment No. 24 dated May 6, 2004 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 18 /
 
  (26)   Amendment No. 25 dated April 21, 2004 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 19 /
 
  (27)   Amendment No. 26 dated November 4, 2004 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 19 /
 
  (28)   Amendment No. 27 dated February 10, 2005 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 20 /
 
  (29)   Amendment No. 28 dated May 12, 2005 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 21 /
 
  (30)   Amendment No. 29 dated June 16, 2005 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 21 /
 
  (31)   Amendment No. 30 dated August 4, 2005 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1977 21 /
 
  (32)   Amendment No. 31 dated November 2, 2005 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 22 /
 
  (33)   Amendment No. 32 dated December 31, 2005 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 23 /
 
  (34)   Amendment No. 33 dated March 16, 2006 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 22 /
 
  (35)   Amendment No. 34 dated March 16, 2006 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 22 /
 
  (36)   Amendment No. 35 dated May 11, 2006 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 24 /
 
  (37)   Amendment No. 36 dated June 15, 2006 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 25 /

C-2


 

  (38)   Amendment No. 37 dated August 10, 2006 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 26 /
 
  (39)   Amendment No. 38 dated November 9, 2006 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 26 /
 
  (40)   Amendment No. 39 dated December 14, 2006 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 27 /
 
  (41)   Amendment No. 40 dated December 14, 2006 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 27 /
 
  (42)   Amendment No. 41 dated February 8, 2007 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 27 /
 
  (43)   Amendment No. 42 dated March 15, 2007 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 27 /
 
  (44)   Amendment No. 43 dated May 10, 2007 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 27 /
 
  (45)   Amendment No. 44 dated June 13, 2007 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997. 28 /
 
  (46)   Amendment No. 45 dated June 13, 2007 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 29 /
 
  (47)   Amendment No. 46 dated November 8, 2007 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 29 /
 
  (48)   Amendment No. 47 dated November 8, 2007 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 29 /
 
  (49)   Amendment No. 48 dated December 13, 2007 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 30 /
(b)   (1)     Amended and Restated By-laws of the Delaware business trust dated January 28, 1997 1 /
  (2)   Amended and Restated By-laws of the Delaware business trust dated January 28, 1997 as amended and restated July 27, 1999 8 /
 
  (3)   Amended and Restated By-laws of the Delaware business trust dated January 28, 1997 as amended and restated October 30, 2002 15 /
 
  (4)   Amendment to Amended and Restated By-laws of the Delaware business trust dated January 28, 1997 as amended and restated October 30, 2002 19 /
 
  (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 20 /
(c)   Instruments defining the rights of holders of Registrant’s shares of beneficial interest 31 /
 
(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. 3 /

C-3


 

  (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. 3 /
 
  (3)   Management Agreement dated April 30, 1997 between Registrant, on behalf of Goldman Sachs Short Duration Tax-Free Fund, and Goldman Sachs Asset Management 3 /
 
  (4)   Management Agreement dated April 30, 1997 between Registrant, on behalf of Goldman Sachs Core Fixed Income Fund, and Goldman Sachs Asset Management 3 /
 
  (5)   Management Agreement dated April 30, 1997 between the Registrant, on behalf of Goldman Sachs — Institutional Liquid Assets, and Goldman Sachs Asset Management 3 /
 
  (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 32 /
 
  (7)   Management Agreement dated January 1, 1998 on behalf of the Goldman Sachs Asset Allocation Portfolios and Goldman Sachs Asset Management 3 /
 
  (8)   Amended Annex A dated September 25, 2007 to the Management Agreement dated January 1, 1998 33 /
 
  (9)   Amended Annex A dated December 13, 2007 to the Management Agreement dated April 30, 1997 30 /
 
  (10)   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) 34 /
 
  (11)   Assumption Agreement dated April 26, 2003 between Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (With respect to the Goldman Sachs Institutional Liquid Assets) 34 /
 
  (12)   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) 34 /
 
  (13)   Assumption Agreement dated April 26, 2003 between Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (With respect to the Goldman Sachs Core Fixed Income Fund) 34 /
 
  (14)   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) 34 /
 
  (15)   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 20 /
 
  (16)   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 20 /

C-4


 

  (17)   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 20 /
 
  (18)   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 20 /
 
  (19)   Fee Reduction Commitment dated January 1, 2006 among Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P., Goldman Sachs Asset Management International and Goldman Sachs Trust relating to the Balanced, Structured Large Cap Value, Growth and Income, Structured International Equity, Structured U.S. Equity, Structured Large Cap Growth, Large Cap Value, Strategic Growth, Research Select, Concentrated Growth, Structured Small Cap Equity, Mid Cap Value, Small Cap Value and Growth Opportunities Funds (filed herewith)
 
  (20)   Fee Reduction Commitment dated February 28, 2006 between Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. and Goldman Sachs Trust relating to the Short Duration Tax-Free Fund 26 /
 
  (21)   Fee Reduction Commitment dated February 28, 2006 between Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. and Goldman Sachs Trust relating to the Core Fixed Income Fund 26 /
 
  (22)   Fee Reduction Commitment dated February 28, 2006 between Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. and Goldman Sachs Trust relating to the Short Duration Government Fund 26 /
 
  (23)   Fee Reduction Commitment dated February 28, 2006 between Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. and Goldman Sachs Trust relating to the Ultra-Short Duration Government Fund 26 /
 
  (24)   Fee Reduction Commitment dated February 28, 2006 between Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. and Goldman Sachs Trust relating to the Enhanced Income Fund, Global Income Fund, Government Income Fund, Municipal Income Fund, Investment Grade Credit Fund, U.S. Mortgages Fund, High Yield Fund, High Yield Municipal Fund and Emerging Markets Debt Fund 26 /
 
  (25)   Fee Reduction Commitment dated April 28, 2006 between Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. and Goldman Sachs Trust relating to the Balanced Fund, CORE Large Cap Value Fund, Growth and Income Fund, Real Estate Securities Fund, Asia Growth Fund, CORE International Equity Fund, CORE U.S. Equity Fund, CORE Large Cap Growth Fund, European Equity Fund, International Equity Fund, Large Cap Value Fund, Strategic Growth Fund, Research Select Fund, CORE Tax-Managed Equity Fund, Tollkeeper Fund, Concentrated Growth Fund, Japanese Equity Fund, CORE Small Cap Equity Fund, Emerging Markets Equity Fund, International Growth Opportunities Fund, Mid-Cap Value Fund, Small Cap Value Fund and Growth Opportunities Fund 26 /
(e)   (1)     Distribution Agreement dated April 30, 1997, as amended October 30, 2003 17 /
  (2)   Amended Exhibit A dated December 13, 2007 to the Distribution Agreement dated April 30, 1997, as amended October 30, 2003 30 /
 
(f)     Not applicable
(g)   (1)     Custodian Agreement dated July 15, 1991, between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company 35 /

C-5


 

  (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) 36 /
 
  (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) 36 /
 
  (4)   Amendment dated May 28, 1981 to the Custodian Agreement referred to above as Exhibit (g)(2) 36 /
 
  (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 2 /
 
  (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 Agreement, filed as Exhibit 8(d) 36 /
 
  (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 latter’s designation of Bank of America, N.T. and S.A. as its subcustodian and certain other matters, filed as Exhibit 8(f) 36 /
 
  (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) 36 /
 
  (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) 36 /
 
  (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) 36 /
 
  (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 36 /
 
  (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 36 /
 
  (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 36 /
 
  (14)   Letter Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, on behalf of Goldman Sachs — Institutional Liquid Assets, pertaining to the latter’s designation of Security Pacific National Bank as its subcustodian and certain other matters 36 /

C-6


 

  (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 36 /
 
  (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 36 /
 
  (17)   Custodian Agreement dated April 6, 1990 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company on behalf of Goldman Sachs Capital Growth Fund 5 /
 
  (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 5 /
 
  (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) 6 /
 
  (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) 7 /
 
  (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) 8 /
 
  (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) 37 /
 
  (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) 10 /
 
  (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) 10 /
 
  (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) 11 /
 
  (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) 11 /
 
  (27)   Additional Portfolio Agreement dated September 27, 1999 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company 10 /
 
  (28)   Letter Agreement dated September 27, 1999 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company relating to Custodian Agreement dated December 27, 1978 10 /
 
  (29)   Letter Agreement dated September 27, 1999 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company relating to Custodian Agreement dated April 6, 1990 10 /
 
  (30)   Letter Agreement dated September 27, 1999 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company relating to Custodian Agreement dated July 15, 1991 10 /

C-7


 

  (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) 13 /
 
  (32)   Amendment dated July 2, 2001 to the Custodian Agreement dated December 27, 1978 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company 14 /
 
  (33)   Amendment dated July 2, 2001 to the Custodian Contract dated April 6, 1990 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company 14 /
 
  (34)   Amendment dated July 2, 2001 to the Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company 14 /
 
  (35)   Form of amendment to the Custodian Agreement dated December 27, 1978 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company 14 /
 
  (36)   Amendment to the Custodian Agreement dated April 6, 1990 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company 38 /
 
  (37)   Amendment to the Custodian Agreement dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company 38 /
 
  (38)   Letter Amendment dated May 15, 2002 to the Custodian Agreement dated April 6, 1990 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company 15 /
 
  (39)   Global Custody Agreement dated June 30, 2006 between Registrant and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. 39 /
(h)(1)   Wiring Agreement dated June 20, 1987 among Goldman, Sachs & Co., State Street Bank and Trust Company and The Northern Trust Company 36 /
  (2)   Letter Agreement dated June 20, 1987 regarding use of checking account between Registrant and The Northern Trust Company 36 /
 
  (3)   Transfer Agency Agreement dated August 9, 2007 between Registrant and Goldman, Sachs & Co. 40 /
 
  (4)   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 5 /
 
  (5)   Form of Retail Service Agreement on behalf of Goldman Sachs Trust — TPA Assistance Version relating to the 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 (filed herewith)

C-8


 

  (6)   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 5 /
 
  (7)   Form of Supplemental Service Agreement on behalf of Goldman Sachs Trust relating to the FST Shares, FST Select Shares, FST Preferred Shares, FST Capital Shares, FST Administration Shares and FST Service Shares of Goldman Sachs Financial Square Funds 5 /
 
  (8)   Form of Supplemental Service Agreement on behalf of Goldman Sachs Trust relating to the Class A Shares and Service Shares of Goldman Sachs Equity and Fixed Income Funds (filed herewith)
 
  (9)   Form of Service Agreement on behalf of Goldman Sachs Trust relating to the Select Class, the Preferred Class, Capital Shares, 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 13 /
 
  (10)   Goldman Sachs Institutional Liquid Assets Administration Class Administration Plan amended and restated as of February 4, 2004. 41 /
 
  (11)   Goldman Sachs Cash Management Shares Service Plan amended and restated as of February 4, 2004 42 /
 
  (12)   Goldman Sachs FST Select Class Select Plan amended and restated as of February 4, 2004 41 /
 
  (13)   Goldman Sachs FST Administration Class Administration Plan amended and restated as of February 4, 2004 41 /
 
  (14)   Goldman Sachs ILA Administration Class Administration Plan amended and restated as of February 4, 2004 (filed herewith)
 
  (15)   Goldman Sachs FST Preferred Class Preferred Administration Plan amended and restated as of February 4, 2004 41 /
 
  (16)   Goldman Sachs Administration Class Administration Plan amended and restated as of February 4, 2004 41 /
 
  (17)   Goldman Sachs Institutional Liquid Assets Service Class Service Plan and Shareholder Administration Plan amended and restated as of February 4, 2004 41 /
 
  (18)   Goldman Sachs Service Class Service Plan and Shareholder Administration Plan amended and restated as of February 4, 2004 41 /

C-9


 

  (19)   Goldman Sachs Cash Portfolio Administration Class Administration Plan amended and restated as of February 4, 2004 41 /
 
  (20)   Goldman Sachs Cash Portfolio Preferred Class Preferred Administration Plan amended and restated as of February 4, 2004 41 /
 
  (21)   Goldman Sachs FST Capital Administration Class Capital Administration Plan amended and restated as of February 4, 2004 41 /
 
  (22)   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) 41 /
 
  (23)   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) 41 /
 
  (24)   Goldman Sachs FST Service Class Service Plan and Shareholder Administration Plan amended and restated as of February 4, 2004 41 /
 
  (25)   Mutual Funds Service Agreement dated June 30, 2006 between Registrant and J.P. Morgan Investor Services Co. 39 /
(i)   Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (filed herewith)
 
(j)   Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (filed herewith)
 
(k)   Not applicable  
 
(l)   Not applicable
 
(m)   (1)     Class A Distribution and Service Plan amended and restated as of May 5, 2004 19 /
  (2)   Class B Distribution and Service Plan amended and restated as of February 4, 2004 41 /
 
  (3)   Class C Distribution and Service Plan amended and restated as of February 4, 2004 41 /
 
  (4)   Cash Management Shares Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 amended and restated as of February 4, 2004 41 /
 
  (5)   Class R Distribution and Service Plan dated November 8, 2007 29 /
(n)   (1)     Plan in Accordance with Rule 18f-3, amended and restated as of November 8, 2007 29 /
(p)(1)   Code of Ethics — Goldman Sachs Trust and Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust dated April 23, 1997, as amended November 4, 2004 19 /
  (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 19 /
(q)   (1)     Powers of Attorney for Messrs. Bakhru, Coblentz, Harker, Shuch and Strubel 23 /
  (2)   Powers of Attorney for Ms. Daniels and Ms. Palmer 43 /
 
  (3)   Power of Attorney for John M. Perlowski 44 /
 
  (4)   Power of Attorney for James A. McNamara 45 /

C-10


 

     
1 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 14, 1997.
 
   
2 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 40 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed October 16, 1997.
 
   
3 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 13, 1998.
 
   
4 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 47 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed October 1, 1998.
 
   
5 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 50 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 29, 1998.
 
   
6 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 52 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 12, 1999.
 
   
7 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 55 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed July 16, 1999.
 
   
8 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed September 16, 1999.
 
   
9 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 58 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed November 22, 1999.
 
   
10 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 23, 2000.
 
   
11 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed May 3, 2000.
 
   
12 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 68 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed November 22, 2000.
 
   
13 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 72 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 13, 2001.
 
   
14 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 73 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 21, 2001.
 
   
15 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 79 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 11, 2002.
 
   
16 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 81 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 19, 2003.
 
   
17 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 12, 2003.
 
   
18 /
  Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-14 relating to the Registrant’s acquisition of the Golden Oak ® Family of Funds (“Acquisition”), SEC File No. 333-117561, filed July 22, 2004.

C-11


 

     
19 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 93 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 23, 2004.
 
   
20 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed June 17, 2005.
 
   
21 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 811-05349, filed December 7, 2005.
 
   
22 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 127 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed May 26, 2006.
 
   
23 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 114 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 29, 2005.
 
   
24 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 129 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed June 23, 2006.
 
   
25 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 133 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed August 18, 2006.
 
   
26 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 143 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 21, 2006.
 
   
27 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 159 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 811-05349, filed June 12, 2007.
 
   
28 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 162 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 811-05349, filed August 14, 2007.
 
   
29 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 173 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 811-05349, filed November 27, 2007.
 
   
30 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 183 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed January 18, 2008.
 
   
31 /
  Article II, Section 10, Article IV, Section 3, Article V, Article VI, Article VII, Article IX, Section 8 and Section 9 of the Registrant’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit (a)(1) and Article III of the Registrant’s Amended and Restated By-Laws incorporated by reference as Exhibit (b)(3).
 
   
32 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 48 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed November 25, 1998.
 
   
33 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 195 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 29, 2008.
 
   
34 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 83 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed June 13, 2003.
 
   
35 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 26 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 29, 1995.
 
   
36 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 43 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed March 2, 1998.

C-12


 

     
37 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 59 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 1, 1999.
 
   
38 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 75 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 15, 2002.
 
   
39 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed January 19, 2007.
 
   
40 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 175 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 10, 2007.
 
   
41 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 86 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 24, 2004.
 
   
42 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 118 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 811-05349, filed February 17, 2006.
 
   
43 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 161 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed August 10, 2007.
 
   
44 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 119 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 28, 2006.
 
   
45 /
  Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 171 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed November 9, 2007.
Item 24. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the 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 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 Adviser’s reckless disregard of its obligation under the Management Agreement. The Management Agreements are incorporated by reference as 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 Agreement between the Registrant and Goldman, Sachs & Co. dated August 9, 2007 provides that the Registrant will indemnify Goldman, Sachs & Co. against certain liabilities. Copies of the Distribution Agreement and the Transfer Agency Agreement are incorporated by reference as Exhibits (e)(1) and (h)(3), respectively, to the Registrant’s Registration Statement.
     Mutual fund and trustees and officers liability policies purchased jointly by the Registrant and Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust 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.

C-13


 

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.
         
Name and Position with   Name and Address of Other   Connection with
the Investment Advisers   Company   Other Company
John S. Weinberg
Managing Director-
GSAM LP
  The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
85 Broad Street
New York, New York 10004
  Vice Chairman
 
       
 
  Goldman, Sachs & Co.
85 Broad Street
New York, New York 10004
  Managing Director
 
   
Lloyd C. Blankfein
Managing Director-
GSAM LP
  The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
85 Broad Street
New York, New York 10004
  Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director
 
   
 
  Goldman, Sachs & Co.
85 Broad Street
New York, New York 10004
  Managing Director
Item 27. Principal Underwriters
  (a)   Goldman, Sachs & Co. or an affiliate or a division thereof currently serves as distributor 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 Registrant’s 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
     
Name and Principal    
Business Address   Position with Goldman, Sachs & Co.
Lloyd C. Blankfein 1 /
  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Alan M. Cohen 2 /
  Global Head of Compliance, Managing Director
Gary D. Cohn 1 /
  Managing Director
Christopher A. Cole 1 /
  Managing Director
Edith Cooper 2 /
  Managing Director
Gordon E. Dyal 3 /
  Managing Director
Edward K. Eisler 4 /
  Managing Director
J. Michael Evans 2 /
  Managing Director
Edward C. Forst 1 /
  Managing Director
Richard A. Friedman 1 /
  Managing Director
Richard J. Gnodde 5 /
  Managing Director
David B. Heller 2 /
  Managing Director
Kevin W. Kennedy 1 /
  Managing Director
Gwen R. Libstag 1 /
  Managing Director
Masanori Mochida 6 /
  Managing Director
Donald R. Mullen, Jr. 2 /
  Managing Director
Gregory K. Palm 1 /
  General Counsel and Managing Director
John F.W. Rogers 1 /
  Managing Director
Richard M. Ruzika 1 /
  Managing Director
Pablo J. Salame 4 /
  Managing Director
Harvey M. Schwartz 2 /
  Managing Director
Michael S. Sherwood 4 /
  Managing Director

C-14


 

     
Name and Principal    
Business Address   Position with Goldman, Sachs & Co.
David M. Solomon 2 /
  Managing Director
More Spilker 2 /
  Managing Director
Esta Stecher 2 /
  General Counsel and Managing Director
David A. Viniar 7 /
  Managing Director
John S. Weinberg 3 /
  Managing Director
Jon Winkelried 3 /
  Managing Director
Yoel Zaoui 3 /
  Managing Director
 
1 /   85 Broad Street, New York, NY 10004
 
2 /   One New York Plaza, New York, NY 10004
 
3 /   Peterborough Court, 133 Fleet Street, London EC4A 2BB, England
 
4 /   River Court, 120 Fleet Street, London EC4A 2QQ, England
 
5 /   Cheung Kong Center, 68 th Floor, 2 Queens Road Central, Hong Kong, China
 
6 /   12-32, Akasaka I-chome, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 107-6006, Japan
 
7 /   10 Hanover Square, New York, NY 10005
 
(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, State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111 and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., 270 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017 except for certain transfer agency records which are maintained by Goldman, Sachs & Co., 71 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606.
Item 29. Management Services
     Not applicable
Item 30. Undertakings
     Not applicable

C-15


 

SIGNATURES
          Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 under rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 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 28th day of April, 2008.
         
  GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST
(A Delaware statutory trust)
 
 
  By:   /s/ Peter V. Bonanno    
    Peter V. Bonanno   
    Secretary   
 
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.
         
Name   Title   Date
1 James A. McNamara
 
James A. McNamara
  President (Chief Executive Officer) and Trustee   April 28, 2008
 
       
1 John M. Perlowski
 
John M. Perlowski
  Treasurer (Principal Accounting Officer and Principal Financial Officer) and Senior Vice President   April 28, 2008
 
       
1 Ashok N. Bakhru
 
Ashok N. Bakhru
  Chairman and Trustee    April 28, 2008
 
       
1 John P. Coblentz, Jr.
 
John P. Coblentz, Jr.
  Trustee    April 28, 2008
 
       
1 Diana M. Daniels
 
Diana M. Daniels
  Trustee    April 28, 2008
 
       
1 Patrick T. Harker
 
Patrick T. Harker
  Trustee    April 28, 2008
 
       
1 Jessica Palmer
 
Jessica Palmer
  Trustee    April 28, 2008
 
       
1 Alan A. Shuch
 
Alan A. Shuch
  Trustee    April 28, 2008
 
       
1 Richard P. Strubel
 
Richard P. Strubel
  Trustee    April 28, 2008
         
     
  By:   /s/ Peter V. Bonanno    
    Peter V. Bonanno,   
    Attorney-In-Fact   
 
 
1   Pursuant to a power of attorney previously filed.

C-16


 

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 June 13, 2007.
      RESOLVED , that the Trustees and Officers of the Trust who may be required to execute any amendments to the Trust’s Registration Statement be, and each hereby is, authorized to execute a power of attorney appointing Peter Bonanno, James A. Fitzpatrick, James McNamara and John W. Perlowski, 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 1940 Act of the Trust 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 SEC, 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: April 28, 2008
         
  /s/ Peter V. Bonanno    
  Peter V. Bonanno,   
  Secretary   
 

 


 

Exhibit Index
(d)(19)    Fee Reduction Commitment dated January 1, 2006 among Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P., Goldman Sachs Asset Management International and Goldman Sachs Trust relating to the Balanced, Structured Large Cap Value, Growth and Income, Structured International Equity, Structured U.S. Equity, Structured Large Cap Growth, Large Cap Value, Strategic Growth, Research Select, Concentrated Growth, Structured Small Cap Equity, Mid Cap Value, Small Cap Value and Growth Opportunities Funds
 
(h)(5)    Form of Retail Service Agreement on behalf of Goldman Sachs Trust – TPA Assistance Version relating to the 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
 
(h)(8)    Form of Supplemental Service Agreement on behalf of Goldman Sachs Trust relating to the Class A Shares and Service Shares of Goldman Sachs Equity and Fixed Income Funds
 
(h)(14)    Goldman Sachs ILA Administration Class Administration Plan amended and restated as of February 4, 2004
 
(i)   Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP
 
(j)   Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

 

 

(d) (19)
FEE REDUCTION COMMITMENT
This FEE REDUCTION COMMITMENT is made as of January 1, 2006 by GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT, L. P. (“GSAM”) and GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT INTERNATIONAL (“GSAMT” and, together with GSAM, the “Advisers”).
          WHEREAS, Goldman Sachs Trust (the ‘Trust”) is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”);
          WHEREAS, GSAM serves as the investment adviser to the Balanced, Structured Large Cap Value, Growth and Income, Structured International Equity, Structured U. S. Equity, Structured Large Cap Growth, Large Cap Value, Strategic Growth, Research Select, Concentrated Growth, Structured Small Cap Equity, Mid Cap Value, Small Cap Value and Growth Opportunities Funds of the Trust and GSAMI serves as the investment adviser to the Asia Equity, European Equity, International Equity, Japanese Equity, Emerging Markets Equity and International Small Cap Funds of the Trust (each a “Fund”), pursuant to a Management Agreement dated April 30, 1997, as amended, and a related Assumption Agreement by and between Goldman, Sachs & Co. and GSAM (together, the “Management Agreement”);
          WHEREAS, the Advisers desire to reduce permanently their contractual fee rates under the Management Agreement for the Funds; and
          WHEREAS, the Advisers represent that the quality and quantity of their services under the Management Agreement will not be affected by (this commitment and that their obligations under the Management Agreement will remain unchanged in all respects.
          NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Advisers, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:
     1. Effective the date hereof, the Advisers reduce permanently their contractual fee rates under the Management Agreement for the Funds as follows:
For all services to be rendered and payments made pursuant to the Management Agreement, the Trust on behalf of the respective Funds will pay to GSAM or GSAMI, as applicable, each month a fee at an annual rate equal to the percentages of the average daily net assets of each Fund considered separately as set forth on Annex A hereto. The “average daily net assets” of each Fund shall be determined on the basis set forth in the Fund’s prospectus(es) or otherwise consistent with the 1940 Act and regulations promulgated thereunder.
     2. Any future amendment to increase or otherwise reinstate the contractual fee rates under the Management Agreement for the Funds as in effect prior to the date hereof must be approved by the shareholders of the affected Fund(s) as and to the extent required by the 1940 Act.

 


 

     3. This Fee Reduction Commitment shall be attached to and made a part of the Management Agreement.
     4. The Management Agreement shall continue in full force and effect as modified hereby.
          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, GSAM and GSAMI have caused this instrument to be executed by their officers designated below as of the day and year first above written.
                     
            GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT, L. P.    
 
                   
Attest:
  [ILLEGIBLE]
 
      By:   [ILLEGIBLE]
 
(Authorized Officer)
   
 
                   
 
          Name:   [ILLEGIBLE]    
 
                   
 
                   
 
          Title        
 
                   
 
                   
            GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET
MANAGEMENT INTERNATIONAL
   
 
                   
Attest:
  [ILLEGIBLE]       By:   [ILLEGIBLE]    
 
                   
 
              (Authorized Officer)    
 
                   
 
          Name:        
 
                   
 
                   
 
          Title        
 
                   
 
                   
Accepted and Agreed as of the Date
First Set Forth Above:
           
 
                   
GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST                
 
                   
By:
  [ILLEGIBLE]                
 
 
 
               
Name:
                   
 
 
 
               
Title:
                   
 
 
 
               

- 2 -


 

ANNEX A
GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST
FEE REDUCTION COMMITMENT
                         
            Over $1 billion    
Fund Name   $0-$1 billion   up to $2 billion   Over $2 billion
Goldman Sachs Balanced Fund
    0. 65 %     0. 59       0. 56 %
Goldman Sachs Structured Large Cap Value Fund
    0. 60       0. 54       0. 51  
Goldman Sachs Growth and Income Fund
    0. 70       0. 63       0. 60  
Goldman Sachs Asia Equity Fund
    1. 00       0. 90       0. 86  
Goldman Sachs Structured International Equity Fund
    0. 85       0. 77       0. 73  
Goldman Sachs Structured U. S. Equity Fund
    0. 65       0. 59       0. 56  
Goldman Sachs Structured Large Cap Growth Fund
    0. 65       0. 59       0. 56  
Goldman Sachs European Equity Fund
    1. 00       0. 90       0. 86  
Goldman Sachs International Equity Fund
    1. 00       0. 90       0. 86  
Goldman Sachs Large Cap Value Fund
    0. 75       0. 68       0. 65  
Goldman Sachs Strategic Growth Fund
    1. 00       0. 90       0. 86  
Research Select Fund
    1. 00       0. 90       0. 86  
Goldman Sachs Concentrated Growth Fund
    1.00       0. 90       0. 86  
Goldman Sachs Japanese Equity Fund
    1. 00       0. 90       0. 86  
                 
Fund Name   $0-$2 billion   Over $2 billion
Goldman Sachs Structured Small Cap Equity Fund
    0. 85 %     0. 77 %
Goldman Sachs Emerging Markets Equity Fund
    1. 20       1. 08  
Goldman Sachs International Small Cap Fund
    1. 10       0. 99  
Goldman Sachs Mid Cap Value Fund
    0. 75       0. 68  
Goldman Sachs Small Cap Value Fund
    1. 00       0. 90  
Goldman Sachs Growth Opportunities Fund
    1. 00       0. 90  

- 3 -

 

(h)(5)
Goldman Sachs Trust Retail Service Agreement — TPA Assistance Version
Date
Service Organization
Address
RE:       Goldman Sachs Trust (the “Trust”)Retail Service Agreement
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The undersigned, Goldman, Sachs & Co. (“Goldman Sachs”), 85 Broad Street, New York, New York 10004, is the principal distributor of the shares of beneficial interest of the Trust. Goldman Sachs Asset Management, a separate operating division of Goldman Sachs, or an affiliate thereof, acts as an investment adviser to the Trust, which is an open-end management investment company that includes the Goldman Sachs Asset Allocation Portfolios, Goldman Sachs Fixed Income Funds, Goldman Sachs Domestic Equity Funds and Goldman Sachs International Equity Funds (such Funds now or hereafter offered by the Trust are individually referred to herein as a “Fund” and, collectively, as the “Funds”). Shares or units of beneficial interest (the “Shares”) of each Fund are divided into separate classes. This Agreement relates to Class A Shares of the Funds.
You are a financial institution or other service provider (the “Service Organization”) whose customers include employee benefit plans that purchase, hold, exchange and redeem Shares of the Funds (the “Customers”). Certain recordkeeping, reporting and processing services are provided by a third party administrator (“TPA”) in connection with the Customers’ investments. You are willing to perform, and Goldman Sachs wishes to compensate you for performing, support services with respect to the Customers, including assisting the TPA in the performance of its services (the “Services”). Accordingly, the Service Organization and Goldman Sachs agree as follows:
     1.  Agreement to Provide Services. Goldman Sachs hereby engages the Service Organization, and the Service Organization hereby agrees, to perform the following Services: (a) assist in establishing and maintaining individual accounts and records with respect to those Shares of the Funds owned by the Customers; (b) assist in processing Customer orders to purchase, redeem and exchange Shares promptly and in accordance with the effective prospectus relating to such Shares; (c) assist in receiving and transmitting funds representing the purchase price or redemption proceeds of such Shares; (d) assist in providing periodic statements to each Customer showing account balances and transactions during the relevant period; (e) assist in disbursing dividends and distributions declared on Shares of the Funds; (f) assist in mailing to Customers reports and proxy statements issued by the Trust; (g) assist in handling tax withholding and remittances required by federal income tax laws with respect to Customer accounts, preparing and filing with the Internal Revenue Service required returns and statements and preparing and mailing to Customers statements and reports concerning dividends and distributions to shareholders that are required by the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) or federal income tax laws; (h) assist in acting as liaison between Customers and the Trust, including obtaining information from the Trust, assisting the Trust in correcting errors and resolving problems; (i) assist in providing services similar to those listed above to the participants in Customers that are participant-directed plans; and (j) provide such statistical and other information as may be reasonably requested by Goldman Sachs or necessary for Goldman Sachs or the Funds to comply with applicable federal or state laws, including reports of sales of the Classes of the Funds in each state or other jurisdiction for purposes of complying with state securities or “Blue Sky” laws.
     2.  Expenses of the Service Organization. The Service Organization shall furnish such office space, equipment, facilities and personnel as may be necessary to perform its duties hereunder. The Service Organization shall bear all costs incurred by it in performing such duties.

 


 

     3.  Fees Payable to the Service Organization. For the Services provided and the expenses incurred by the Service Organization hereunder, Goldman Sachs will pay to the Service Organization a quarterly service fee equal on an annual basis to 0.25% of the average daily net asset value of the Shares of each Fund which are owned beneficially by Customers during such period.
     4.  Performance of Duties. In performing its duties hereunder, the Service Organization will act in conformity with Goldman Sachs’ instructions, the terms of its Customer agreements, the then effective prospectuses and statements of additional information for the Shares of each Fund, the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) and all other applicable federal and state laws, regulations and rulings and the constitution, by-laws and rules of any applicable self-regulatory organization. The Service Organization will assume sole responsibility for its compliance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations, and shall rely exclusively upon its own determination, or that of its legal advisers, that the performance of its duties hereunder complies with such laws and regulations. Under no circumstances shall the Trust, any Fund, Goldman Sachs or any of their affiliates be held responsible or liable in any respect for any statements or representations made by them or their legal advisers to the Service Organization or any Customer of the Service Organization concerning the applicability of any federal or state laws or regulations to the activities described herein. The Service Organization will perform its duties hereunder in a manner consistent with the customs and practices of other institutions that provide similar services.
     5.  Money Laundering. The Service Organization and its agents are required either by law or as a matter of good practice to operate policies and procedures for the purpose of guarding against money laundering activities. Amongst other matters, those policies and procedures include the identification of clients and the source of moneys provided by clients and the identification of “suspicious transactions”. We have agreed that investments made on behalf of Clients must be made through a nominee or omnibus account in your name (or your clearing agent’s name on your behalf) and have agreed that corresponding information identifying Clients will not be sought by us from each of your Clients. As a consequence, you are required to identify your Clients underlying each transaction and the source of the moneys and to identify whether such transactions are suspicious transactions. You hereby agree that you will fully comply with all applicable anti-money laundering laws, rules and regulations and that in respect of each order for the purchase of Shares which either you or your agents or your Clients place with the Service Organization: (a) you have obtained recent evidence satisfactory in nature to establish the identity of each Client and/or principal to the transaction and the beneficial owner(s) of the Shares so purchased; and (b) such evidence will be made available to us or to the Service Organization or its agents for regulatory purposes, on request; and (c) you will identify any suspicious transaction to us.
     6.  Representations and Warranties. The Service Organization hereby represents, warrants and covenants to Goldman Sachs:
             
 
  (a).   (i)   That it is an investment adviser as defined under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”); it is registered and in good standing, and will during the term of this Agreement remain in good standing, as an investment adviser with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) or with the securities commission of any state, territory or possession of the United States and is in full compliance with the rules, regulations and policies of the aforesaid commissions, particularly those rules, regulations and policies governing capital requirements, financial reporting, bonding, fiduciary standards and supervisory concerns; and its entering into and performing its obligations under this Agreement does not and will not violate any laws, rules or regulations (including Rule 206(4)-2 under the Advisers Act and rules or regulations of any self-regulatory organization); or
  (ii)   That it is a broker or dealer as defined in Section 3(a)(4) or 3(a)(5) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”); that it is registered and in good standing, and will during the term of this Agreement remain in good standing (A) as a broker-dealer with the Commission pursuant to Section 15 of the Exchange Act and with the securities commission of any state, territory or possession of the United States and (B) as a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the “NASD”) and/or any stock exchange or other self-

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      regulatory organization in which the Service Organization’s membership is necessary for the conduct of its business under this Agreement, and is in full compliance with the rules, regulations and policies of the aforesaid commissions and organizations, particularly those rules, regulations and policies governing capital requirements, financial reporting, bonding, fiduciary standards and supervisory concerns; and its entering into and performing its obligations under this Agreement does not and will not violate any laws, rules or regulations (including the net capital and customer protection rules of the Commission and the rules or regulations of the NASD or any self-regulatory organization or any so-called “restriction” letter with the NASD); or
 
  (iii)   That it is a depository institution (A) organized, chartered or holding an authorization certificate under the laws of a state or of the United States, which authorizes the Service Organization to receive deposits, including a savings, share, certificate or deposit account, and which is regulated, supervised and examined for the protection of depositors by an official or agency of a state or the United States and is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation or the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund, or (B) is a trust company or other institution that is authorized by federal or state law to exercise fiduciary powers of a type a national bank is permitted to exercise under the authority of the United States Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and is regulated, supervised and examined by an official or agency of a state or the United States; and its entering into and performing its obligations under this Agreement does not and will not violate any laws, rules or regulations or require its registration as a broker or dealer under federal or state law.
(b). That it is a corporation, association or partnership duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the state of its organization;
  (c).   That entering into and performing its obligations under this Agreement does not and will not violate (i) its charter or by-laws; or (ii) any agreements to which it is a party;
 
  (d).   If the Service Organization is a depository institution or broker or dealer, in processing Customer orders to purchase, redeem and exchange Shares, (i) it shall act solely for the account of its Customer; (ii) the Customer will have full beneficial ownership of any Shares purchased upon its authorization order; and (iii) under no circumstances will any transactions be for the account of the Service Organization. Under no circumstances will the Service Organization make any oral or written representations to the contrary;
 
  (e).   With respect to the purchase, redemption or exchange of Fund Shares for Customer accounts with respect to which the Service Organization is a fiduciary under state or federal trust or comparable fiduciary requirements, or, in the case of any such accounts which are subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, the Service Organization is a fiduciary or party in interest, the Service Organization represents that the purchase, redemption or exchange of such Shares, and the Service Organization’s receipt of the relevant fee described in Section 3 hereof, is permissible under all such applicable requirements and complies with any restrictions, limitations or procedures under such requirements;
 
  (f).   It will keep confidential any information acquired as a result of this Agreement regarding the business and affairs of the Trust and Goldman, Sachs & Co., which requirement shall survive the term of this Agreement; and
 
  (g).   It will not, without written consent of the Trust in each instance, use in advertising, publicity, administering and servicing the Funds or otherwise the name of the Trust, Goldman, Sachs & Co., or any of their affiliates nor any trade name, trademark, trade device, service mark, symbol or any abbreviation, contraction or simulation thereof (the “Mark”) of the Trust, Goldman, Sachs & Co. or their affiliates. Service Organization acknowledges that Goldman Sachs owns all right, title and interest in and to the Mark and the registration thereof. Upon termination of this Agreement, the

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      Service Organization or its successor, (to the extent and as soon as it lawfully can), will cease the use of the Mark.
     7.  Limitation of Liability. The Service Organization agrees that neither Goldman Sachs, any Fund nor any of their agents shall have any responsibility or liability to review any purchase, exchange or redemption request which is presented by the Service Organization or the TPA: (i) to determine whether such request is genuine or authorized by the Customer of the Service Organization; or (ii) to determine the suitability of the selected Class or Fund for such Customer. Goldman Sachs, each Fund and their agents shall be entitled to rely conclusively on any purchase or redemption request communicated to any of them by the Service Organization or the TPA, and shall have no liability whatsoever for any losses, claims or damages to or against the Service or any Customer resulting from a failure of the Service Organization or the TPA to transmit any such request, or from any errors contained in any request. Any such failure or error shall be the responsibility of the service organization.
     8.  Amendment; Termination. This Agreement may be amended by a written instrument executed by both parties and may be terminated by Goldman Sachs or the Service Organization at any time on 60 days’ written notice mailed or delivered to the other party at its address set forth above.
     9.  Indemnification. Goldman Sachs agrees to indemnify the Service Organization and each person who controls (as defined in Section 2(a)(9) of the 1940 Act) the Service Organization from and against any losses, claims, damages, expenses (including reasonable fees and expenses of counsel) or liabilities (“Damages”) to which the Service Organization or such person may become subject in so far as such Damages arise out of the failure of Goldman Sachs or its employees or agents to comply with Goldman Sachs’ obligations under this Agreement or any other agreement between Goldman Sachs and the Service Organization relating to the performance of Services hereunder (a “Covered Agreement”). The Service Organization agrees to indemnify Goldman Sachs, the Funds, their agents and each person who controls (as defined in Section 2(a)(9) of the 1940 Act) any of them from and against any Damages to which any of them may become subject in so far as such Damages arise out of the purchase, redemption, transfer or registration of Shares by the Service Organization’s Customers, any request related thereto by the Service Organization or its employees or agents, or the failure of the Service Organization or its employees, agents or Customers to comply with the Service Organization’s obligations under a Covered Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither Goldman Sachs nor the Service Organization shall be entitled to be indemnified for Damages arising out of its or its agent’s or employee’s gross negligence. The foregoing indemnity agreements shall be in addition to any liability Goldman Sachs or the Service Organization may otherwise have, and shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
     10.  No Association or Agency. The Service Organization shall be deemed an independent contractor and not an agent of Goldman Sachs or any Fund for all purposes hereunder and shall have no authority to act for or represent Goldman Sachs or any Fund. In addition, no officer or employee of the Service Organization shall be deemed to be an employee or agent of the Funds or Goldman Sachs or be subject, in any respect, to the supervision of Goldman Sachs or any affiliate thereof.
     11.  Applicable Law. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a decision in a judicial or administrative proceeding, statute, rule or otherwise, the enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement will not be impaired thereby. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York and shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors.
         
    Very truly yours,
 
       
    GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
 
       
 
  By:    
 
       
 
           [Authorized Officer]

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Accepted and agreed to as of the date first above written:
SERVICE ORGANIZATION
         
By:
       
 
 
 
   
 
       [Authorized Officer]    

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(h)(8)
Equity and Fixed Income Funds Supplemental Service Agreement
TEMPLATE — FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY
Date
Name
Address
     
RE:
  Shareholder Service Agreement for the Equity and Fixed Income Funds of Goldman Sachs Trust (the “Trust”)
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The undersigned, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (“GSAM”), 32 Old Slip, New York, New York, 10005, is a registered investment adviser. GSAM acts as investment adviser to the Trust, which is an open-end management investment company that includes the Goldman Sachs Equity and Fixed Income Funds (such funds now existing or hereafter offered are individually referred to herein as a “Fund” and, collectively, the “Funds”). Shares or units of beneficial interest (“Shares”) of each Fund may be divided into separate classes including Class A and Service Shares, (individually referred to herein as a “Class”).
You are a financial institution or service provider (the “Service Organization”) acting directly or through an agent as nominee and record holder of Shares for your customers, who are or may become the beneficial owners of such Shares (the “Customers”). You are willing to perform, and GSAM wishes to compensate you for performing, certain services with respect to the Customers investing in the Class that you have selected on Schedule A attached hereto (the “Services”). Accordingly, the Service Organization and GSAM agree as follows:
     1.  Agreement to Provide Services. GSAM hereby engages the Service Organization, and the Service Organization hereby agrees, to perform the following Services (which will be in addition to any other services performed pursuant to an agreement with the Funds): (a) disburse dividends and distributions declared on the Shares of the Class held in the name of the Service Organization by mailing checks or crediting Customer accounts in accordance with the election made by each Customer and issue related Customer accounts; (b) provide, or assist GSAM in providing, periodic statements to each Customer showing account balances and transactions during the relevant period; (c) promptly mail, or assist GSAM in promptly mailing, to Customers reports and proxy statements issued by the Trust; (d) handle all tax withholding and remittances required by federal income tax laws with respect to Customer accounts, prepare and file with the Internal Revenue Service all required returns and statements and prepare and mail to each Customer all statements and reports concerning dividends and distributions to shareholders that are required by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) or federal income tax laws; (e) provide such statistical and other information as may be reasonably requested by GSAM, including reports of sales of the Class in each state or other jurisdiction for purposes of complying with state securities or “Blue Sky” laws; (f) develop and monitor appropriate program procedures to facilitate investments of Customers in the Funds; and (g) provide consultative services concerning appropriate and effective means of making Funds available to Customers.
     2.  Expenses of the Service Organization. The Service Organization shall furnish such office space, equipment, facilities and personnel as is necessary to perform its duties hereunder. The Service Organization shall bear all costs incurred by it in performing such duties.
     3.  Service Fees Payable to the Service Organization. For the Services provided and the expenses incurred by the Service Organization hereunder, GSAM will pay to the Service Organization a service fee, computed daily and payable quarterly (only with respect to account number [ ] ), on an annual basis to the percentages specified on

 


 

Schedule A of the average daily net asset value of Class A Shares of the fixed income and equity funds of the Trust which are owned beneficially by Customers through the Service Organization during such period.
     4.  Performance of Duties. In performing its duties hereunder, the Service Organization will act in conformity with GSAM’s instructions, the terms of its Customer agreements, the then effective prospectuses and statements of additional information for the relevant Class selected on Schedule A, the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) and all other applicable federal and state laws, regulations and rulings and the constitution, by-laws and rules of any applicable self-regulatory organization. The Service Organization will assume sole responsibility for its compliance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations, and shall rely exclusively upon its own determination, or that of its legal advisers, that the performance of its duties hereunder complies with such laws and regulations. Under no circumstances shall the Trust, Goldman, Sachs & Co., GSAM or any of their affiliates be held responsible or liable in any respect for any statements or representations made by them or their legal advisers to the Service Organization or any Customer of the Service Organization concerning the applicability of any federal or state laws or regulations to the activities described herein. The Service Organization will perform its duties hereunder in a manner consistent with the customs and practices of other institutions that provide similar services.
     5.  Anti-Money Laundering. The Service Organization and its agents are required either by law, regulation or order, or as a matter of good practice, to operate policies and procedures for the purpose of guarding against money laundering activities. Among other matters, those policies and procedures include the identification of customers and the source of moneys provided by customers, the identification of “suspicious transactions” and the adoption of anti-money laundering programs. As a consequence, you hereby agree that you will identify your Customers underlying each transaction and the source of the moneys used for each transaction, and will identify whether such transactions are “suspicious transactions.” In addition, you hereby agree that you will fully comply with all applicable anti-money laundering laws, regulations and orders, as now or hereafter in force. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, you agree that in respect of each order for the purchase of Shares placed by or on behalf of your customers: (a) you have obtained recent evidence satisfactory in nature to establish the identity of each customer and/or principal to the transaction and the beneficial owner(s) of the Shares so purchased; b) such evidence will be reported by you, as required, to the appropriate regulatory authorities and, on request, will be made available to us or to our agents for regulatory purposes; and (c) you will identify any suspicious transaction to us.
     6.  Representations and Warranties. The Service Organization hereby represents, warrants and covenants to GSAM:
             
 
  A.   i.   That it is an investment adviser as defined under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”); it is registered and in good standing, and will during the term of this Agreement remain in good standing, as an investment adviser with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) or with the securities commission of any state, territory or possession of the United States and is in full compliance with the rules, regulations and policies of the aforesaid commissions, particularly those rules, regulations and policies governing capital requirements, financial reporting, bonding, fiduciary standards and supervisory concerns; and its entering into and performing its obligations under this Agreement does not and will not violate any laws, rules or regulations (including Rule 206(4)-2 under the Advisers Act and rules or regulations of any self-regulatory organization); or
  ii.   That it is a broker or dealer as defined in Section 3(a)(4) or 3(a)(5) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”); that it is registered and in good standing, and will during the term of this Agreement remain in good standing (a) as a broker-dealer with the Commission pursuant to Section 15 of the Exchange Act and with the securities commission of any state, territory or possession of the United States and (b) as a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the “NASD”) and/or any stock exchange or other self-regulatory organization in which the Service Organization’s membership is necessary for the conduct of its business under this Agreement, and is in full compliance with the rules, regulations and policies of the aforesaid commissions and organizations, particularly those rules, regulations and policies governing capital requirements, financial reporting, bonding, fiduciary standards and supervisory concerns; and its entering into and performing its obligations under this Agreement

2


 

      does not and will not violate any laws, rules or regulations (including the net capital and customer protection rules of the Commission and the rules or regulations of the NASD or any self-regulatory organization or any so-called “restriction” letter with the NASD); or
 
   
  iii.   That it is a depository institution (a) organized, chartered or holding an authorization certificate under the laws of a state or of the United States, which authorizes the Service Organization to receive deposits, including a savings, share, certificate or deposit account, and which is regulated, supervised and examined for the protection of depositors by an official or agency of a state or the United States and is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation or the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund, or (b) is a trust company or other institution that is authorized by federal or state law to exercise fiduciary powers of a type a national bank is permitted to exercise under the authority of the United States Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and is regulated, supervised and examined by an official or agency of a state or the United States; and its entering into and performing its obligations under this Agreement does not and will not violate any laws, rules or regulations.
B.   That it is a corporation, association or partnership duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the state of its organization;
C.   That entering into and performing its obligations under this Agreement does not and will not violate (i) its charter or by-laws; or (ii) any agreements to which it is a party;
D.   If the Service Organization is a depository institution or broker or dealer, in processing Customer orders to purchase, redeem and exchange Shares, (i) it shall act solely as agent upon the order, and for the account, of its Customer; (ii) the Customer will have full beneficial ownership of any Shares purchased upon its authorization order; and (iii) under no circumstances will any transactions be for the account of the Service Organization. Under no circumstances will the Service Organization make any oral or written representations to the contrary;
E.   With respect to the purchase, redemption or exchange of Fund Shares for Customer accounts with respect to which the Service Organization is a fiduciary under state or federal trust or comparable fiduciary requirements, or, in the case of any such accounts which are subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, the Service Organization is a fiduciary or party in interest, the Service Organization represents that the purchase, redemption or exchange of such Shares, and the Service Organization’s receipt of the relevant fee described in Section 3 hereof, is permissible under all such applicable requirements and complies with any restrictions, limitations or procedures under such requirements;
F.   It will keep confidential any information acquired as a result of this Agreement regarding the business and affairs of the Trust and Goldman, Sachs & Co., which requirement shall survive the term of this Agreement; and
G.   It will not, without written consent of the Trust in each instance, use in advertising, publicity, administering and servicing the Funds or otherwise the name of the Trust, Goldman, Sachs & Co., or any of their affiliates nor any trade name, trademark, trade device, service mark, symbol or any abbreviation, contraction or simulation thereof (the “Mark”) of the Trust, Goldman, Sachs & Co. or their affiliates. Service Organization acknowledges that Goldman Sachs owns all right, title and interest in and to the Mark and the registration thereof. Upon termination of this Agreement, the Service Organization or its successor, (to the extent and as soon as it lawfully can), will cease the use of the Mark.
H.   You covenant and agree that you will only offer or sell Shares of the Funds to “U.S. persons” and that all offering or other solicitation activities in which you engage shall be conducted by you or any of your agents solely within the “United States,” in each case as defined in Rule 902 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. In addition, you covenant and agree that you shall have received and

3


 

    shall maintain duly executed and completed Internal Revenue Service Form W-9’s for each one of your customers and shall update such Form W-9’s as may be required by law.
     7.  Responsibilities of the Service Organization . The Service Organization agrees that neither GSAM nor any Fund nor any of their agents shall have any responsibility or liability to review any purchase, exchange or redemption request which is presented by the Service Organization (i) to determine whether such request is genuine or authorized by the Customer of the Service Organization; or (ii) to determine the suitability of the selected Class or Fund for such Customer. GSAM, each Fund and their agents shall be entitled to rely conclusively on any purchase, exchange or redemption request communicated to any of them by the Service Organization, and shall have no liability whatsoever for any losses, claims or damages to or against the Service Organization or any Customer resulting from a failure of the Service Organization to transmit any such request, or from any errors contained in any request. Any such failure or error shall be the responsibility of the Service Organization. In addition, the Service Organization shall have exclusive responsibility for the operation of any cash sweep or other investment or cash management program established by it for its Customers, including the provision of all electronic data processing facilities as are necessary for any such program and the proper transmission of appropriate instructions and funds to the Trust in connection therewith. GSAM and the Service Organization agree that the procedures for the purchase, exchange and redemption of Shares, including all relevant time and notification requirements, specified in the then-effective prospectuses of the relevant Class, shall govern the purchase, exchange and redemption of Shares for the accounts of the Service Organization’s customers, including the purchase, exchange and redemption of Shares pursuant to any such program.
     8.  Amendments; Termination. This Agreement may be amended by a written instrument executed by both parties and may be terminated by GSAM or the Service Organization at any time on 60 days’ written notice mailed or delivered to the other party at its address set forth above.
     9.  No Association or Agency. The Service Organization shall be deemed to be an independent contractor and not an agent of GSAM or the Trust for all purposes hereunder and shall have no authority to act for or represent GSAM or the Trust. In addition, no officer or employee of the Service Organization shall be deemed to be an employee or agent of the Trust or GSAM, nor will be subject, in any respect, to the supervision of GSAM or any affiliate thereof.
     10.  Indemnification. GSAM agrees to indemnify the Service Organization and each person who controls (as defined in Section 2(a)(9) of the 1940 Act) the Service Organization from and against any losses, claims, damages, expenses (including reasonable fees and expenses of counsel) or liabilities (“Damages”) to which the Service Organization or such person may become subject in so far as such Damages arise out of the failure of GSAM or its employees or agents to comply with GSAM’s obligations under this Agreement or any other agreement between GSAM and the Service Organization relating to the performance of Services hereunder (a “Covered Agreement”). The Service Organization agrees to indemnify GSAM, the Funds, their agents and each person who controls (as defined in Section 2(a)(9) of the 1940 Act) any of them from and against any Damages to which any of them may become subject in so far as such Damages arise out of the purchase, redemption, transfer or registration of Shares by the Service Organization’s Customers, any request related thereto communicated by the Service Organization or its employees or agents, or the failure of the Service Organization or its employees, agents or Customers to comply with the Service Organization’s obligations under a Covered Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither GSAM nor the Service Organization shall be entitled to be indemnified for Damages arising out of its or its agent’s or employee’s gross negligence. The foregoing indemnity agreements shall be in addition to any liability GSAM or the Service Organization may otherwise have, and shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
     11.  Applicable Law. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a decision in a judicial or administrative proceeding, statute, rule or otherwise, the enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement will not be impaired thereby. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York and shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors.
     12.  Important Information. In accordance with government regulations, financial institutions are required to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person or entity that opens an account. When the Service Organization opens an account, GSAM will ask for your name, address, identification number and other information that will allow us to identify the customer. GSAM may also ask to see government-issued identifying documents.

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    Very truly yours,
 
       
    GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P.
 
       
 
  By:    
 
       
 
           [Authorized Officer]
Accepted and agreed to as of the date first above written:
NAME
         
By:
       
 
 
 
   
 
            [Authorized Officer]    
 
       
 
 
 
   
 
            (Print Name)    
 
       
 
                       , 2005    
 
            (Date)    
 
       
     
              Street Address    
 
       
     
City   State                                Zip    
 
       
     
              Fax No.    
 
       
     
              Telephone No.    
 
       
     
Firm Taxpayer Identification No.    

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SCHEDULE A
Please indicate ( (PICTURE) ) the appropriate Class(es) for which this Agreement applies:
þ   SERVICE SHARES
 
    Class A Shares
Payments made pursuant to this Agreement shall commence upon the first date of funding where an investment is made on behalf of the Customer, provided that such date shall not proceed the date hereof in excess of 90 days.

6

 

(h)(14)
GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST
(ILA ADMINISTRATION CLASS)
ADMINISTRATION PLAN
Amended and Restated as of February 4, 2004
     WHEREAS, Goldman Sachs Trust (the “Trust”) engages in business as an open-end management investment company and is registered as such under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended;
     WHEREAS, the Trust has separate series or Portfolios, each of which is a separate pool of assets with its own investment policies (the “Portfolios”) and each Portfolio investing in money market instruments may be divided into multiple separate classes including, in the case of certain Portfolios-the ILA Class, the ILA Administration Class and the ILA Service Class;
     WHEREAS, the Trust, on behalf of the ILA Administration Class of each Portfolio that offers such shares, desires to adopt an Administration Plan and the Board of Trustees of the Trust has determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that adoption of this Administration Plan will benefit the Trust and its unitholders; and
     WHEREAS, institutions (including Goldman, Sachs & Co.) (the “Service Organizations”) may directly or indirectly as nominees and recordholders of units of the ILA Administration Class for their respective customers who are or may become beneficial owners of such units (the “Customers”) provide services to other Service Organizations intended to facilitate or improve a Service Organization’s services to its Customers with respect to the Portfolios and/or perform certain account administration services with respect to the Customers pursuant to Agreements between the Trust, on behalf of the ILA Administration Class of each Portfolio, and such Service Organizations (the “Agreements”).
     NOW, THEREFORE, the Trust, on behalf of the ILA Administration Class of each Portfolio hereby adopts this Administration Plan (the “Plan”) on the following terms and conditions:
     1. (a) The Trust, on behalf of the ILA Administration Class of each Portfolio, is authorized to pay each Service Organization the monthly or quarterly administration fee specified in the Agreement with such Service Organization, which shall be equal on an annual basis to not more than .15 of 1% of the average daily net asset value of the units of the ILA Administration Class of such Portfolio which are owned beneficially by the Customers of such Service Organization during such period.
          (b) The types of administration services and expenses for which a Service Organization may be compensated or reimbursed under this Plan include, without limitation: (i) acting or arranging for another party to act, as recordholder and nominee of all units of the ILA Administration Class beneficially owned by Customers; (ii) establishing and maintaining individual accounts and records with respect to units of the ILA Administration Class owned by each Customer; (iii) processing and issuing confirmations concerning Customer orders to purchase, redeem and exchange units; (iv) receiving and transmitting funds representing the purchase price or redemption proceeds of such units; (v) providing ‘ices to Customers intended to facilitate or improve their understanding of the benefits and risks of portfolio to Customers, including asset allocation and other industry services; (vi) facilitating the

 


 

inclusion of a Portfolio in investment, retirement, asset allocation, cash management or sweep accounts or similar products or services offered to Customers by or through Service Organizations; (vii) facilitating electronic or computer trading and/or processing in a Portfolio or providing electronic, computer or other database information regarding a Portfolio to Customers; and (viii) performing any other services which do not constitute “personal and account maintenance services” within the meaning of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc’s Conduct Rules. No Portfolio may compensate a Service Organization for services provided with respect to another Portfolio.
     2. This Plan shall not take effect as to any Portfolio until the Plan, together with any related agreements, has been approved for such Portfolio by votes of a majority of both (a) the Board of Trustees of the Trust and (b) those Trustees of the Trust who are not “interested persons” of the Trust and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan or any agreements related to it (the
“non-interested Trustees”) cast in person at a meeting (or meetings) called for the purpose of voting on the Plan and such related agreements.
     3. This Plan shall remain in effect until June 30, 2004 and shall continue in effect thereafter so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in the manner provided for approval of this Plan in paragraph 2.
     4. The President, Vice President, Treasurer or any Assistant Treasurer of the Trust shall provide the Board of Trustees of the Trust and the Board shall review, at least quarterly, a written report of services performed by and fees paid to each Service Organization under the Agreements and this Plan.
     5. This Plan may be terminated as to the ILA Administration Class of any Portfolio at any time by vote of a majority of the non-interested Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the ILA Administration Class of such Portfolio.
     6. This Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of compensation payable pursuant to paragraph 1 hereof, and other material amendments to the Plan shall not be made, unless approved in the manner provided in paragraph 2 hereof.
     7. While this Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination of the non-interested Trustees of the Trust shall be committed to the discretion of the non-interested Trustees.
     8. The Trust shall preserve copies of this Plan and any related agreements and all reports made pursuant to paragraph 4 hereof, for a period of not less than six years from the date of the Plan, any such agreement or any such report, as the case may be, the first two years in an easily accessible place.
     9. In the case of a Portfolio that offers more than one class of Units, this Plan only relates to the Administration Units of such Portfolio and the Fee determined in accordance with paragraph 1 shall be based upon the average daily net assets of the Portfolio attributable to Administration Units. The obligations of the Trust and the Portfolios hereunder are not personally binding upon, nor shall resort be had to the private property of any of the Trustees, shareholders, officers, employees or agents of the Trust, but only the Trust’s property allocable to Administration Units shall be bound. No series of the Trust shall be responsible for the obligations of any other series of the Trust.

 


 

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Trust, on behalf of the ILA Administration Class of each Portfolio, has executed this Administration Plan as of the day and year first written above.
             
    GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST    
    (on behalf of the ILA Administration Class of each Portfolio)    
 
           
 
  By   /s/ Howard B. Surloff
 
Howard B. Surloff
   
 
      Secretary of the Trust    

 

 

Exhibit (i)
     
(DECHERT LLP, LOGO)
  1775 I Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20006-2401
+1 202 261 3300 Main
+1 202 261 3333 Fax
www.dechert.com
April 28, 2008
Goldman Sachs Trust
71 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
         
 
  Re:   Goldman Sachs Trust,
 
      File Nos. 33-17619 and 811-05349
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel for Goldman Sachs Trust (the “Registrant”), a statutory trust duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, in connection with amendments to and restatements of the Registrant’s registration statement on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Registration Statement”) relating to the issuance and sale by the Registrant of its authorized shares, divided into several series and classes. We have examined such governmental and corporate certificates and records as we have deemed necessary to render this opinion, and we are familiar with the Registrant’s Declaration of Trust and Amended and Restated By-Laws, each as amended to date. We note that we are not admitted to practice law in the State of Delaware and, to the extent that this opinion is based on Delaware law, it is based solely on the published statutes and regulations of the State of Delaware and on the published decisions of courts applying Delaware law.
Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the shares proposed to be sold pursuant to the Registration Statement, when sold in accordance with the terms of such Registration Statement and the requirements of applicable federal and state law and delivered by the Registrant against receipt of the net asset value of the shares, as described in the Registration Statement, will have been legally and validly issued and will be fully paid and non-assessable by the Registrant.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and to the use of our name in the Registration Statement, unless and until we revoke such consent. In giving such consent,
U.S. Austin Boston Charlotte Harrisburg Hartford New York Newport Beach Palo Alto Philadelphia Princeton
San Francisco Washington DC europe Brussels London Luxembourg Munich Paris

 


 

     
(DECHERT LLP, LOGO)
  Goldman Sachs Trust
April 28, 2008
Page 2
however, we do not admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required by Section 7 of the 1933 Act or the rules and regulations thereunder.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Dechert LLP
Dechert LLP

 

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form N-1A of our reports dated February 28, 2008, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights which appear in the December 31, 2007 Annual Reports to Shareholders of the following funds of the Goldman Sachs Trust: Goldman Sachs U.S. Equity Dividend and Premium Fund, Goldman Sachs Tollkeeper Fund, Goldman Sachs Structured Tax-Managed Equity Fund, Goldman Sachs Real Estate Securities Fund, Goldman Sachs International Real Estate Securities Fund, and Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy Fund, Goldman Sachs Balanced Strategy Portfolio, Goldman Sachs Growth and Income Strategy Portfolio, Goldman Sachs Growth Strategy Portfolio, Goldman Sachs Equity Growth Strategy Portfolio, Goldman Sachs Income Strategies Portfolio, Goldman Sachs Satellite Strategies Portfolio, Goldman Sachs Institutional Liquid Assets Prime Obligations Portfolio, Goldman Sachs Institutional Liquid Assets Money Market Portfolio, Goldman Sachs Institutional Liquid Assets Treasury Obligations Portfolio, Goldman Sachs Institutional Liquid Assets Treasury Instruments Portfolio, Goldman Sachs Institutional Liquid Assets Federal Portfolio, Goldman Sachs Institutional Liquid Assets Tax-Exempt Diversified Portfolio, Goldman Sachs Institutional Liquid Assets Tax-Exempt California Portfolio, Goldman Sachs Institutional Liquid Assets Tax-Exempt New York Portfolio, Goldman Sachs Financial Square Prime Obligations Fund, Goldman Sachs Financial Square Money Market Fund, Goldman Sachs Financial Square Treasury Obligations Fund, Goldman Sachs Financial Square Treasury Instruments Fund, Goldman Sachs Financial Square Government Fund, Goldman Sachs Financial Square Federal Fund, Goldman Sachs Financial Square Tax-Free Money Market Fund, which are also incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement. We also consent to the references to us under the heading “Financial Highlights” in the Prospectuses, and under the headings “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” and “Financial Statements” in the Statements of Additional Information.
(-S- PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP)
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
April 25, 2008