As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 20, 2013
Securities Act File No. 33-20827
Investment Company Act File No. 811-5518
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 |
x |
Pre-Effective Amendment No. |
o |
Post-Effective Amendment No. 159 |
x |
and
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 |
x |
Amendment No. 161 |
x |
THE RBB FUND, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
Bellevue Park Corporate Center
103 Bellevue Parkway
Wilmington, DE 19809
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Registrants Telephone Number: (302) 791-1851
Copies to:
SALVATORE FAIA BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. 103 Bellevue Parkway Wilmington, DE 19809 (Name and Address of Agent for Service) |
|
MICHAEL P. MALLOY, ESQUIRE Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP One Logan Square, Ste. 2000 Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996 |
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)
x immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
o on [date] pursuant to paragraph (b)
o 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
o on [date] pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
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 Shares of Common Stock
MATSON MONEY U.S. EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO
MATSON MONEY INTERNATIONAL EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO
MATSON MONEY FIXED INCOME VI PORTFOLIO
of
THE RBB FUND, INC.
PROSPECTUS
December 20, 2013
Investment Adviser:
MATSON MONEY, INC.
5955 Deerfield Blvd.
Mason, OH 45040
The securities described in this Prospectus have been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The SEC, however, has not judged these securities for their investment merit and has not determined the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Anyone who tells you otherwise is committing a criminal offense. Shares of the Portfolios are offered to separate accounts of participating life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Shares of the Portfolios are not offered directly to the general public.
Ticker Symbols |
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Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio |
[_______] |
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Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio |
[_______] |
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Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio |
[_______] |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE |
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SUMMARY SECTIONS | 1 | ||||||
Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio |
1 |
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Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio |
5 |
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Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio |
9 |
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MORE ABOUT EACH PORTFOLIO'S INVESTMENTS AND RISKS | 14 | ||||||
Investment Strategies |
14 |
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More About Underlying Investment Company Investments |
15 |
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Investment Risks |
18 |
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Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings |
20 |
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Composite Indices |
20 |
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Credit Ratings |
22 |
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MANAGEMENT OF THE PORTFOLIOS | 23 | ||||||
Investment Adviser |
23 |
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Portfolio Managers |
23 |
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Management Fees |
23 |
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PRIOR PERFORMANCE OF SIMILAR ACCOUNTS | 24 | ||||||
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION | 28 | ||||||
Pricing of Portfolio Shares |
28 |
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Market Timing |
28 |
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Purchase of Portfolio Shares |
29 |
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Redemption of Portfolio Shares |
30 |
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Voting Rights |
31 |
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Dividends and Distributions |
31 |
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Taxes |
31 |
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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | 32 | ||||||
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MATSON MONEY FAMILY OF PORTFOLIOS |
Back Cover |
i
MATSON MONEY U.S. EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO |
[______] |
Investment Objective
The Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Expenses and Fees
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio. This table does not reflect the fees and expenses associated with any variable annuity contract or variable life insurance policy that uses the Portfolio as an investment option. Had those fees and expenses been included, overall fees and expenses would be higher.
Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage
of the value of your investment)
Management Fees |
0.50 |
% |
|||||
Distribution (12b-1) and/or Service Fees |
None |
||||||
Other Expenses |
0.26 |
% |
|||||
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses |
0.32 |
% |
|||||
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses |
1.08 |
% |
Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. This Example does not reflect the fees and expenses associated with any variable annuity contract or variable life insurance policy that uses the Portfolio as an investment option. Had those fees and expenses been included, the costs shown below would be higher.
The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and that you sell your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs and returns might be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
1 Year |
3 Years |
||||||
$ |
110 |
$ |
344 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Portfolio pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio's performance.
Summary of Principal Investment Strategies
The Portfolio pursues its investment objective by investing under normal circumstances at least 80% of its net assets, including any borrowings for investment purposes, in shares of registered, open-end investment companies and exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") (collectively, "investment companies") that have either adopted policies to invest at least 80% of their assets in equity securities, such as common stocks, preferred stocks or securities convertible into stocks, of U.S. companies, or invest substantially all of their assets in such equity securities. The Portfolio will diversify its investments by investing primarily in investment companies focusing on different segments
1
of the equity markets, including large ("large-cap"), small ("small-cap") and micro-capitalization ("micro-cap") equity securities that the Portfolio's investment adviser ("Adviser") believes offer the prospect of long-term capital appreciation.
Under normal market conditions, the Adviser expects substantially all of the Portfolio's net assets to be invested in the securities of investment companies, including other investment companies funded by insurance company separate accounts, that invest in the types of securities described in each asset class below, with less than 2% of the net assets invested in cash or money market instruments.
U.S. Large Cap Value Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase common stocks and other equity securities of large cap companies that the underlying investment adviser(s) determine to be value stocks at the time of purchase. An issuer's securities are considered value stocks primarily because they have a high book value in relation to their market value (a "book to market ratio"). In assessing value, the underlying investment adviser(s) may consider additional factors such as price to cash flow or price to earnings ratios as well as economic conditions and developments in the issuer's industry. The criteria used for assessing value are subject to change from time to time. As of December 2012, large cap companies generally are those companies with a market capitalization of $2.810 billion or greater. This dollar amount will change from time to time due to market conditions.
U.S. Small Cap Value Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase common stocks and other equity securities of small cap companies that the underlying investment adviser(s) determine to be value stocks at the time of purchase. As of December 2012, small cap companies generally are those companies with a market capitalization of $2.810 billion or less. This dollar amount will change from time to time due to market conditions.
U.S. Large Company Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase all of the stocks that comprise the S&P 500 ® Index in approximately the proportions they are represented in the S&P 500 ® Index. Generally, these are the U.S. stocks with the largest market capitalizations and, as a group, they represent approximately 75% of the total market capitalization of all publicly traded U.S. stocks.
U.S. Small Cap Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase common stocks and other equity securities of small cap companies primarily based on market capitalization. As of December 2012, small cap companies are generally those with a market capitalization of $2.810 billion or less. This dollar amount will change from time to time due to market conditions. There may be some overlap in the companies in which the U.S. small cap asset class and the U.S. micro cap asset class invest.
U.S. Micro Cap Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase common stocks and other equity securities of micro cap companies. As of December 2012, micro cap companies are generally those companies with a market capitalization of $1.355 billion or less. This dollar amount will change from time to time due to market conditions. There may be some overlap in the companies in which the U.S. micro cap asset class and the U.S. small cap asset class invest.
The underlying investment companies may use derivatives, such as futures contracts and options on futures contracts for U.S. equity securities and indices, to gain market exposure on its uninvested cash pending investment in securities or to maintain liquidity to pay redemptions. Underlying index-based ETFs may use derivatives, including futures contracts, options on futures contracts, options and swaps to help the ETF track its underlying index.
The Portfolio reserves the right to hold up to 100% of its assets as a temporary defensive measure in cash and money market instruments such as U.S. Government securities, bank obligations and commercial paper. To the extent the Portfolio employs a temporary defensive measure, the Portfolio may not achieve its investment objective.
2
Summary of Principal Risks
As with all mutual funds, a shareholder is subject to the risk that his or her investment could lose money. An investment in the Portfolio involves the same investment risks as those of the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests. These risks may adversely affect the Portfolio's net asset value ("NAV") and investment performance. The Portfolio is subject to the following principal risks:
• Stocks of large cap, small cap or micro cap companies in which the Portfolio's underlying investment companies invest or in which the Portfolio invests directly may temporarily fall out of favor with investors or may be more volatile than the rest of the U.S. market as a whole.
• The smaller the capitalization of a company, generally the less liquid its stock and the more volatile its price. Companies with smaller market capitalizations also tend to have unproven track records and are more likely to fail than companies with larger market capitalizations.
• Although the Portfolio will invest in other investment companies that follow a value oriented strategy, value stocks may perform differently from the market as a whole and such a strategy may cause the Portfolio at times to underperform equity funds that use other investment strategies.
• Companies in which the Portfolio's underlying investment companies invest may suffer unexpected losses or lower than expected earnings or their securities may become difficult or impossible to sell at the time and for the price that the underlying investment adviser(s) would like.
• The Adviser's judgment about the attractiveness or potential appreciation of a particular underlying investment company security could prove to be wrong or the Portfolio could miss out on an investment opportunity because the assets necessary to take advantage of such opportunity are tied up in less advantageous investments.
• Because under normal circumstances the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its net assets in shares of registered investment companies that emphasize investments in U.S. equity securities, the NAV of the Portfolio will change with changes in the share prices of the investment companies in which the Portfolio invests.
• There is a risk that large, small or micro capitalization stocks may not perform as well as other asset classes or the U.S. stock market as a whole. In the past, large, small and micro capitalization stocks have gone through cycles of doing better or worse than the stock market in general.
• There is a risk that the Portfolio, which is passively managed, may not perform as well as funds with more active methods of investment management, such as selecting securities based on economic, financial, and market analysis.
• The derivative instruments in which the underlying investment companies may invest are subject to a number of risks including liquidity, interest rate, market, credit and management risks, and the risk of improper valuation. Changes in the value of a derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate or index, and it is possible to lose more than the principal amount invested.
• The performance of the Portfolio will depend on how successfully the investment adviser(s) to the underlying investment companies pursue their investment strategies.
More information about the Portfolio's investments and risks is contained under the section entitled "More About Each Portfolio's Investments and Risks."
Performance Information
Because the Portfolio has less than one full calendar year of performance, no performance information has been included.
3
Management of the Portfolio
Investment Adviser
Matson Money, Inc.
Portfolio Managers
Mark E. Matson: President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, since 1991
Daniel J. List: Chief Compliance Officer and Vice President Of Portfolio Management, since 1994
Steven B. Miller: Vice President Of Operations and Portfolio Manager, since 2004
Purchase and Sale of Portfolio Shares
Portfolio shares are not sold directly to the public. Portfolio shares may be purchased and redeemed by separate accounts that fund variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts issued by participating insurance companies. Orders received from separate accounts to purchase or redeem Portfolio shares are effected on business days. Individual investors may purchase or redeem Portfolio shares indirectly through variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies offered through the separate accounts.
Taxes
Provided that the Portfolio and separate accounts investing in the Portfolio satisfy applicable tax requirements, the Portfolio will not be subject to federal tax, and the separate accounts will not be taxable on distributions from, or gains with respect to, the Portfolio. Special tax rules apply to life insurance companies, variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts. For information on federal income taxation of owners of variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts, see the prospectus for the applicable contract.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
The Portfolio may pay participating insurance companies and securities dealers for the sale of Portfolio shares and other related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the insurance company and your salesperson to recommend the Portfolio over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your insurance company's website for more information.
4
MATSON MONEY INTERNATIONAL EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO |
[______] |
Investment Objective
The Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio (the "Portfolio") seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Expenses and Fees
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio. This table does not reflect the fees and expenses associated with any variable annuity contract or variable life insurance policy that uses the Portfolio as an investment option. Had those fees and expenses been included, overall fees and expenses would be higher.
Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage
of the value of your investment)
Management Fees |
0.50 |
% |
|||||
Distribution (12b-1) and/or Service Fees |
None |
||||||
Other Expenses |
0.31 |
% |
|||||
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses |
0.52 |
% |
|||||
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses |
1.33 |
% |
Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. This Example does not reflect the fees and expenses associated with any variable annuity contract or variable life insurance policy that uses the Portfolio as an investment option. Had those fees and expenses been included, the costs shown below would be higher.
The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and that you sell your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs and returns might be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
1 Year |
3 Years |
||||||
$ |
136 |
$ |
422 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Portfolio pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio's performance.
Summary of Principal Investment Strategies
The Portfolio pursues its investment objective by investing under normal circumstances at least 80% of its net assets, including any borrowings for investment purposes, in shares of registered, open-end investment companies and exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") (collectively, "investment companies") that have either adopted policies to invest at least 80% of their assets in equity securities, such as common stocks, preferred stocks or securities convertible into stocks, of foreign companies, or invest substantially all of their assets in such equity securities. The Portfolio will diversify its investments by investing primarily in investment companies that focus on different
5
segments of the foreign equity markets, including emerging markets, with little or no focus on domestic equity markets.
Under normal market conditions, the Adviser expects substantially all of the Portfolio's net assets to be invested in the securities of investment companies, including other investment companies funded by insurance company separate accounts, that invest in the types of securities described in each asset class below, with less than 5% of the net assets invested in cash or money market instruments.
International Small Cap Value Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase the stocks and other equity securities, directly or through sponsored or unsponsored depositary receipts, of small companies in foreign countries with developed markets that the underlying investment adviser(s) determine to be value stocks at the time of purchase. As of December 2012, small foreign companies are generally those companies with a market capitalization below $4.358 billion. This threshold will vary by country or region, and the dollar amount will change from time to time due to market conditions.
International Large Cap Value Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase the stocks and other equity securities, directly or through sponsored or unsponsored depositary receipts, of large companies in foreign countries with developed markets that the underlying investment adviser(s) determine to be value stocks at the time of purchase. As of December 2012, large foreign companies generally are those companies with a market capitalization of at least $1.378 billion. This threshold will vary by country or region, and the dollar amount will change from time to time due to market conditions.
International Small Company Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase the stocks and other equity securities, directly or through sponsored or unsponsored depositary receipts, of small companies in foreign countries with developed markets. As of December 2012, small foreign companies generally are those companies with a market capitalization below $4.358 billion. This threshold will vary by country or region, and the dollar amount will change from time to time due to market conditions.
International Large Cap Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase the stocks and other equity securities, directly or through sponsored or unsponsored depositary receipts, of large companies in foreign countries with developed markets. As of December 2012, large companies generally are considered to be those companies with a market capitalization of at least $1.378 billion. This threshold will vary by country or region, and the dollar amount will change from time to time due to market conditions.
Emerging Markets Asset Class, Emerging Markets Value Asset Class, and Emerging Markets Small Cap Asset Class (collectively, the "Emerging Markets Asset Classes"): Underlying investment companies comprising each Emerging Markets Asset Class generally will purchase stocks and other equity securities, directly or through sponsored or unsponsored depositary receipts, of companies located in emerging market countries. The underlying investment companies investing in securities of the Emerging Markets Asset Class and the Emerging Markets Small Cap Asset Class will generally purchase the equity securities of larger and smaller companies, respectively, within each country. The underlying investment adviser(s) determine company size primarily based on market capitalization. As of December 2012, companies in the Emerging Markets Small Cap Asset Class generally are those companies with a market capitalization of $3.18 billion or less in the largest country and $604 million in the smallest country. This threshold will vary by country or region. These dollar amounts will change from time to time due to market conditions.
The underlying investment companies in the Emerging Markets Value Asset Class generally will purchase emerging market equity securities that are deemed by the underlying investment adviser(s) to be value stocks at the time of purchase.
The underlying investment companies may use derivatives, such as futures contracts and options on futures contracts for equity securities and indices, to gain market exposure on its uninvested cash pending investment in securities or to maintain liquidity to pay redemptions. Underlying index-based ETFs may use derivatives, including
6
futures contracts, options on futures contracts, forward currency contracts, options and swaps to help the ETF track its underlying index.
The Portfolio reserves the right to hold up to 100% of its assets as a temporary defensive measure in cash and money market instruments such as U.S. Government securities, bank obligations and commercial paper. To the extent the Portfolio employs a temporary defensive measure, the Portfolio may not achieve its investment objective.
Summary of Principal Risks
As with all mutual funds, a shareholder is subject to the risk that his or her investment could lose money. An investment in the Portfolio involves the same investment risks as those of the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests. These risks may adversely affect the Portfolio's net asset value ("NAV") and investment performance. The Portfolio is subject to the following principal risks:
• The value of particular foreign equity securities which the Portfolio's underlying investment companies may purchase or foreign stock markets on which the securities they may purchase are traded may decline in value.
• Stocks of large cap or small cap foreign companies in which the Portfolio's underlying investment companies may invest may temporarily fall out of favor with investors or may be more volatile than particular foreign stock markets or foreign stock markets as a whole.
• The smaller the capitalization of a company, generally the less liquid its stock and the more volatile its price. Companies with smaller market capitalizations also tend to have unproven track records and are more likely to fail than companies with larger market capitalizations.
• Stocks of large cap or small cap foreign companies in which the Portfolio's underlying investment companies may invest may suffer unexpected losses or lower than expected earnings or such securities may become difficult or impossible to sell at the time and for the price the underlying investment advisers would like.
• Because the Portfolio owns shares of underlying investment companies that invest in foreign issuers, the Portfolio is subject to risks presented by investments in such issuers. Securities of foreign issuers may be negatively affected by political events, economic conditions, or inefficient, illiquid or unregulated markets in foreign countries. Foreign issuers may be subject to inadequate regulatory or accounting standards.
• Investments in emerging market securities by underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests are subject to higher risks than those in developed market countries because there is greater uncertainty in less established markets and economics.
• Currency risk is the risk that exchange rates for currencies in which securities held by the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests are denominated will fluctuate daily. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts may limit potential gains from a favorable change in value between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Unanticipated changes in currency pricing may result in poorer overall performance for the Portfolio than if it had not engaged in these contracts.
• The Adviser's judgment about the attractiveness or potential appreciation of a particular underlying investment company security could prove to be wrong or the Portfolio could miss out on an investment opportunity because the assets necessary to take advantage of such opportunity are tied up in less advantageous investments.
• Because under normal circumstances the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its net assets in shares of registered investment companies that emphasize investments in equity securities of foreign companies, the NAV of the Portfolio will change with changes in the share prices of the investment companies in which the Portfolio invests.
7
• There is a risk that the Portfolio, which is passively managed, may not perform as well as funds with more active methods of investment management, such as selecting securities based on economic, financial, and market analysis.
• The derivative instruments in which the underlying investment companies may invest are subject to a number of risks including liquidity, interest rate, market, credit and management risks, and the risk of improper valuation. Changes in the value of a derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate or index, and it is possible to lose more than the principal amount invested.
• The performance of the Portfolio will depend on how successfully the investment adviser(s) to the underlying investment companies pursue their investment strategies.
More information about the Portfolio's investments and risks is contained under the section entitled "More Information About Each Portfolio's Investments and Risks."
Performance Information
Because the Portfolio has less than one full calendar year of performance, no performance information has been included.
Management of the Portfolio
Investment Adviser
Matson Money, Inc.
Portfolio Managers
Mark E. Matson: President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, since 1991
Daniel J. List: Chief Compliance Officer and Vice President Of Portfolio Management, since 1994
Steven B. Miller: Vice President Of Operations and Portfolio Manager, since 2004
Purchase and Sale of Portfolio Shares
Portfolio shares are not sold directly to the public, Portfolio shares may be purchased and redeemed by separate accounts that fund variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts issued by participating insurance companies. Orders received from separate accounts to purchase or redeem Portfolio shares are effected on business days. Individual investors may purchase or redeem Portfolio shares indirectly through variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies offered through the separate accounts.
Taxes
Provided that the Portfolio and separate accounts investing in the Portfolio satisfy applicable tax requirements, the Portfolio will not be subject to federal tax, and the separate accounts will not be taxable on distributions from, or gains with respect to, the Portfolio. Special tax rules apply to life insurance companies, variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts. For information on federal income taxation of owners of variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts, see the prospectus for the applicable contract.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
The Portfolio may pay participating insurance companies and securities dealers for the sale of Portfolio shares and other related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the insurance company and your salesperson to recommend the Portfolio over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your insurance company's website for more information.
8
MATSON MONEY FIXED INCOME VI PORTFOLIO |
[______] |
Investment Objective
The Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio seeks total return (consisting of current income and capital appreciation).
Expenses and Fees
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio. This table does not reflect the fees and expenses associated with any variable annuity contract or variable life insurance policy that uses the Portfolio as an investment option. Had those fees and expenses been included, overall fees and expenses would be higher.
Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage
of the value of your investment)
Management Fees |
0.50 |
% |
|||||
Distribution (12b-1) and/or Service Fees |
None |
||||||
Other Expenses |
0.26 |
% |
|||||
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses |
0.20 |
% |
|||||
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses |
0.96 |
% |
Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. This Example does not reflect the fees and expenses associated with any variable annuity contract or variable life insurance policy that uses the Portfolio as an investment option. Had those fees and expenses been included, the costs shown below would be higher.
The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and that you sell your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs and returns might be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
1 Year |
3 Years |
||||||
$ |
98 |
$ |
306 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Portfolio pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio's performance.
Summary of Principal Investment Strategies
The Portfolio pursues its investment objective by investing under normal circumstances at least 80% of its net assets, including any borrowings for investment purposes, in shares of registered, open-end investment companies and exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") (collectively, "investment companies") that have either adopted policies to invest at least 80% of their assets in fixed income securities that the Adviser believes offer the prospect of providing total return, or invest substantially all of their assets in such fixed income securities.
9
Under normal market conditions, the Adviser expects substantially all of the Portfolio's net assets to be invested in the securities of investment companies, including other investment companies funded by insurance company separate accounts, that invest in the types of securities described in each asset class below, with less than 2% of the net assets invested in cash or money market instruments.
One-Year Fixed Income Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase U.S. government obligations, U.S. government agency obligations, dollar-denominated obligations of foreign issuers issued in the U.S., foreign government and agency obligations, bank obligations, including the obligations of U.S. subsidiaries and branches of foreign banks, corporate obligations, commercial paper, repurchase agreements, and obligations of supranational organizations such as the World Bank, the European Investment Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. Generally, obligations comprising this asset class will mature within one year from the date of settlement, but substantial investments may be made in obligations maturing within two years from the date of settlement when greater returns are available.
Two-Year Global Fixed Income Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. and foreign governments, their agencies and instrumentalities, corporate debt obligations, bank obligations, commercial paper, repurchase agreements, and other debt obligations of domestic and foreign issuers. Generally, obligations comprising this asset class have a weighted average maturity not exceeding two years, but investments may be made in obligations maturing in a shorter time period (from overnight to less than two years from the date of settlement). Because many of the investments of the underlying investment companies in this asset class will be denominated in foreign currencies, the underlying investment companies may also enter into forward foreign currency contracts to attempt to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency rates, to hedge against fluctuations in currency exchange rates or to transfer balances from one currency to another.
Intermediate Government Fixed Income Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase debt obligations of the U.S. government and U.S. government agencies. Generally, investment companies in the asset class will purchase securities with maturities of between five and fifteen years, however such investment companies ordinarily will have an average weighted maturity of between three and ten years.
Five-Year Global Fixed Income Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. and foreign governments, their agencies and instrumentalities, obligations of other foreign issuers, corporate debt obligations, bank obligations, commercial paper, and obligations of supranational organizations. Generally, obligations comprising this asset class have a weighted average maturity not exceeding five years. However, investments may be made in obligations maturing in a shorter time period (from overnight to less than five years from the date of settlement.) Because many of the investments of the underlying investment companies in this asset class will be denominated in foreign currencies, the underlying investment companies may also enter into forward foreign currency contracts to attempt to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency rates, to hedge against fluctuations in currency exchange rates or to transfer balances from one currency to another.
The underlying investment companies may also use derivatives, such as futures contracts and options on futures contracts for equity securities and indices, to gain market exposure on its uninvested cash pending investment in securities or to maintain liquidity to pay redemptions. Underlying index-based ETFs may use derivatives, including futures contracts, options on futures contracts, forward currency contracts, options and swaps to help the ETF track its underlying index.
Certain underlying investment companies may concentrate their investments (invest more than 25% of its total assets) in obligations of U.S. and foreign banks and bank holding companies when the yield to maturity on eligible portfolio investments in banking securities as a group generally exceeds the yield to maturity on all other eligible portfolio investments as a group generally for a period of five consecutive days when the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading. While the Portfolio will not concentrate its investments in any one industry, the Portfolio may be focused on banking sectors under certain circumstances.
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The Portfolio reserves the right to hold up to 100% of its assets as a temporary defensive measure in cash and money market instruments such as U.S. Government securities, bank obligations and commercial paper. To the extent the Portfolio employs a temporary defensive measure, the Portfolio may not achieve its investment objective.
Summary of Principal Risks
As with all mutual funds, a shareholder is subject to the risk that his or her investment could lose money. An investment in the Portfolio involves the same investment risks as those of the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests. These risks may adversely affect the Portfolio's net asset value ("NAV") and investment performance. The Portfolio is subject to the following principal risks:
• Fixed income securities in which the Portfolio's underlying investment companies may invest are subject to certain risks, including: interest rate risk, reinvestment risk, prepayment and extension risk, credit/default risk, and the risks associated with investing in repurchase agreements.
• Interest rate risk involves the risk that prices of fixed income securities will rise and fall in response to interest rate changes.
• Reinvestment risk involves the risk that proceeds from matured investments may be re-invested at lower interest rates.
• Prepayment risk involves the risk that in declining interest rates environments prepayments of principal could increase and require the Portfolio to reinvest proceeds of the prepayments at lower interest rates.
• Extension risk involves the risk that prepayments of principal will decrease when interest rates rise resulting in a longer effective maturity of a security.
• Credit risk is the risk that the issuer of a security may be unable to make interest payments and/or repay principal when due. Credit risk also involves the risk that the credit rating of a security may be lowered.
• Repurchase agreement risk involves the risk that the other party to a repurchase agreement will be unable to complete the transaction and the underlying investment company in which the Portfolio invests may suffer a loss as a result.
• Because the Portfolio owns shares of underlying investment companies that invest in foreign issuers, the Portfolio is subject to risks presented by investments in such issuers. Securities of foreign issuers may be negatively affected by political events, economic conditions, or inefficient, illiquid or unregulated markets in foreign countries. Foreign issuers may be subject to inadequate regulatory or accounting standards.
• Currency risk is the risk that exchange rates for currencies in which securities held by the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests are denominated will fluctuate daily. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts may limit potential gains from a favorable change in value between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Unanticipated changes in currency pricing may result in poorer overall performance for the Portfolio than if it had not engaged in these contracts.
• The Adviser's judgment about the attractiveness or potential appreciation of a particular underlying investment company security could prove to be wrong or the Portfolio could miss out on an investment opportunity because the assets necessary to take advantage of such opportunity are tied up in less advantageous investments.
• Because under normal circumstances the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its net assets in shares of registered investment companies that emphasize investments in fixed income securities, the NAV of the Portfolio will change with changes in the share prices of the investment companies in which the Portfolio invests.
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• Not all obligations of U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Some are backed only by the credit of the issuing agency or instrumentality. Accordingly, there may be some risk of default by the issuer in such cases.
• There is a risk that the Portfolio, which is passively managed, may not perform as well as funds with more active methods of investment management, such as selecting securities based on economic, financial, and market analysis.
• The derivative instruments in which the underlying investment companies may invest are subject to a number of risks including liquidity, interest rate, market, credit and management risks, and the risk of improper valuation. Changes in the value of a derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate or index, and it is possible to lose more than the principal amount invested.
• The performance of the Portfolio will depend on how successfully the investment adviser(s) to the underlying investment companies pursue their investment strategies.
• Banks are very sensitive to changes in money market and general economic conditions. Adverse general economic conditions can cause financial difficulties for a bank's borrowers and the borrowers' failure to repay their loans can adversely affect the bank's financial situation. Banks are subject to extensive regulation and decisions by regulators may limit the loans banks make and the interest rates and fees they charge, which could reduce bank profitability.
More information about the Portfolio's investments and risks is contained under the section entitled "More About Each Portfolio's Investments and Risks."
Performance Information
Because the Portfolio has less than one full calendar of performance, no performance information has been included.
Management of the Portfolio
Investment Adviser
Matson Money, Inc.
Portfolio Managers
Mark E. Matson: President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, since 1991
Daniel J. List: Chief Compliance Officer and Vice President Of Portfolio Management, since 1994
Steven B. Miller: Vice President Of Operations and Portfolio Manager, since 2004
Purchase and Sale of Portfolio Shares
Portfolio shares are not sold directly to the public. Portfolio shares may be purchased and redeemed by separate accounts that fund variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts issued by participating insurance companies. Orders received from separate accounts to purchase or redeem Portfolio shares are effected on business days. Individual investors may purchase or redeem Portfolio shares indirectly through variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies offered through the separate accounts.
Taxes
Provided that the Portfolio and separate accounts investing in the Portfolio satisfy applicable tax requirements, the Portfolio will not be subject to federal tax, and the separate accounts will not be taxable on distributions from, or gains with respect to, the Portfolio. Special tax rules apply to life insurance companies, variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts. For information on federal income taxation of owners of variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts, see the prospectus for the applicable contract.
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Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
The Portfolio may pay participating insurance companies and securities dealers for the sale of Portfolio shares and other related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the insurance company and your salesperson to recommend the Portfolio over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your insurance company's website for more information.
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MORE ABOUT EACH PORTFOLIO'S INVESTMENTS AND RISKS
Investment Strategies
The Summary of Principal Investment Strategies and Summary of Principal Investment Risks sections describe the investment objective and principal investment strategies and risks of each Portfolio. This section provides some additional information about the Portfolios and the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolios may invest and certain portfolio management techniques that such underlying investment companies may use.
Each Portfolio's investment objective is not fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval by the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the "Company") upon prior written notice to shareholders. Shareholders will be given at least 60 days' prior written notice of any change to a Portfolio's investment objective.
Each Portfolio pursues its investment objective by investing under normal circumstances at least 80% of its net assets, including any borrowings for investment purposes, in shares of registered investment companies and ETFs. The Adviser focuses on the returns of investment companies within each of the asset classes while keeping trading costs to a minimum. Under normal market conditions, the Adviser expects substantially all of the Portfolios' net assets to be invested in the securities of investment companies, including other investment companies funded by insurance company separate accounts, with less than 2% of the net assets of the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio, and 5% of the net assets of the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio invested in cash or money market instruments.
Each Portfolio may invest directly in individual securities. However, the Adviser will not invest directly in individual securities without prior approval of the Company's Board of Directors, except as described in this Prospectus.
Investments in Investment Companies and the Investment Company Industry. Each Portfolio invests exclusively in investment companies that are not affiliated with it. These investment companies may be within the same fund complex and/or advised by the same investment adviser. The Portfolios invest primarily in securities of registered investment companies and will attempt to identify investment companies that have demonstrated superior management, favorable investment results, and relatively lower costs and expenses. There can be no assurance that this result will be achieved. Each Portfolio will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees and other expenses paid by the investment companies in which it invests including the advisory and administration fees paid by the underlying fund. Estimated fees and expenses related to each Portfolio's investments in underlying funds for the current fiscal year are disclosed in each Portfolio's expense table under "Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses." Some underlying investment companies may concentrate their investments in various industries or industry sectors and may use options, futures, or options on futures in their investment programs.
Investment decisions by the investment advisers of the underlying investment companies are made independently of the Portfolios and the Adviser. Therefore, the investment adviser of one underlying investment company may be purchasing shares of the same issuer whose shares are being sold by the investment adviser of another underlying investment company. The result of this would be an indirect expense to a Portfolio without accomplishing any investment purpose.
Each Portfolio expects that it will select the investment companies in which it will invest based, in part, upon an analysis of the past and projected performance and investment structure of the underlying investment companies. However, each Portfolio may consider other factors in the selection of investment companies. These other factors include, but are not limited to the investment company's size, shareholder services, liquidity, investment objective and investment techniques. Each Portfolio will be affected by the losses of its underlying investment companies and the level of risk arising from the investment practices of such investment companies and has no control over the risks taken by such investment companies.
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Investing in investment companies does not eliminate investment risk. When the Adviser has identified a significant upward trend in a particular asset class, each Portfolio retains the right to invest in investment companies that invest primarily in that particular asset class. Investment companies may have greater fluctuations in value when compared to other categories of investment companies that are not invested primarily in the particular asset class selected by the Adviser.
Each Portfolio's ability to achieve its investment objective will depend largely on the Adviser's ability to select the appropriate mix of underlying investment companies. In addition, achieving each Portfolio's investment objective will depend on the performance of the underlying investment companies, which depends on the ability of the underlying investment companies to meet their investment objectives. There can be no assurance that either the Portfolios or their underlying investment companies will achieve their investment objectives.
ETFs are a type of investment company bought and sold on a securities exchange. An ETF represents a fixed portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market index. The risks of owning an ETF generally reflect the risks of owning the underlying securities that they are designed to track, although lack of liquidity in an ETF could result in its being more volatile. A Portfolio may incur brokerage fees in connection with its purchase of ETF shares.
More About Underlying Investment Company Investments
Underlying Investment Companies. The underlying investment companies in which the Portfolios may invest reflect a broad spectrum of investment opportunities including equities, fixed income, domestic, foreign and emerging markets. These investment companies may invest in various obligations and employ various investment techniques. The following describes these obligations and techniques:
Derivative Contracts. The underlying investment companies in which each of the Portfolios invests may, but need not, use derivative contracts to seek to hedge against the possible adverse impact of changes in stock market prices, currency exchange rates (with respect to the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio and the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio only) or interest rates in the market value of its securities or securities to be purchased.
Examples of derivative contracts include: futures and options on securities, securities indices or currencies; options on these futures; forward foreign currency contracts, and interest rate or currency swaps. A derivative contract will obligate or entitle an underlying investment company to deliver or receive an asset or cash payment that is based on the change in value of one or more securities, currencies or indices. Even a small investment in derivative contracts can have a big impact on an underlying investment company's stock market, currency and interest rate exposure. Therefore, using derivatives can disproportionately increase losses and reduce opportunities for gains when stock prices, currency rates or interest rates are changing. An underlying investment company may not fully benefit from or may lose money on derivatives if changes in their value do not correspond accurately to changes in the value of the investment company's holdings. The other parties to certain derivative contracts present the same types of default risk as issuers of fixed income securities in that the counterparty may default on its payment obligations or become insolvent. Derivatives can also make an underlying investment company less liquid and harder to value, especially in declining markets.
The underlying investment companies may also utilize derivative contracts to gain market exposure on their uninvested cash pending investment in securities or to maintain liquidity to pay redemptions. The underlying investment companies of the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio and the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio may also enter into forward foreign currency contracts to transfer balances from one currency to another. The use of derivatives for non-hedging purposes may be considered more speculative than other types of investments.
Equity Investments. The underlying investment companies in which the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio and Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio invest may purchase all types of equity securities. The Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio may invest a portion of its assets in underlying investment companies that invest
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in equity securities, although these investments are not part of the Portfolio's principal investment strategies. Equity securities include exchange-traded and over-the-counter common and preferred stocks, warrants, rights, convertible securities, depositary receipts and shares, trust certificates, limited partnership interests, and equity participations. Investments in equity securities and equity derivatives in general are subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. The value of a convertible security may not increase or decrease as rapidly as the underlying common stock. Common stocks may decline over short or even extended periods of time. The purchase of rights or warrants involves the risk that an underlying investment company could lose the purchase value of a right or warrant if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not executed prior to the right's or warrant's expiration. The value of such securities convertible into equity securities, such as warrants or convertible debt, is also affected by prevailing interest rates, the credit quality of the issuer and any call provision. State law governing partnerships is often less restrictive than state law governing corporations. Accordingly, there may be fewer protections afforded to investors in a limited partnership than investors in a corporation.
Fixed Income Investments. The underlying investment companies in which the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio invests may purchase all types of fixed income securities. The Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio and the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio may invest a portion of their assets in underlying investment companies that invest in fixed income securities, although these investments are not part of such Portfolios' principal investment strategies. Fixed income investments include bonds, notes (including structured notes), mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, convertible securities, Eurodollar and Yankee dollar instruments, preferred stocks and money market instruments. Fixed income securities may be issued by corporate, governmental and foreign issuers and may have all types of interest rate payment and reset terms, including (without limitation) fixed rate, adjustable rate, zero coupon, contingent, deferred, payment-in-kind and auction rate features.
Foreign Securities. The securities held by the underlying investment companies in which the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio invests are generally traded or denominated in foreign currencies. In addition, many of the securities held by the underlying investment companies in which the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio invests are traded or denominated in foreign currencies. Investments in securities of foreign entities and securities denominated or traded in foreign currencies involve special risks. These include possible political and economic instability and the possible imposition of exchange controls or other restrictions on investments. Changes in foreign currency rates relative to the U.S. dollar will affect the U.S. dollar value of an underlying investment company's assets denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Emerging market investments offer the potential for significant gains but also involve greater risks than investing in more developed countries. Political or economic instability, lack of market liquidity and government actions such as currency controls or seizure of private business or property may be more likely in emerging markets.
The underlying investment companies in which the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio invests may purchase depositary receipts. Depositary receipts may be available through "sponsored" or "unsponsored" facilities. A sponsored facility is established jointly by the issuer of the security underlying the receipt and the depository, whereas an unsponsored facility is established by the depository without participation by the issuer of the underlying security. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all of the costs of the unsponsored facility. The depository of an unsponsored facility is frequently under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through, to the holders of the receipts, voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. The depository of unsponsored depositary receipts may provide less information to receipt holders.
The underlying investment companies investing in stocks and other equity securities of issuers located in developed markets may invest in the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The investment adviser(s) of the underlying investment companies may also invest from time to time in securities of issuers located in other developed countries, at their discretion.
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The underlying investment companies investing in stocks and other equity securities of issuers located in emerging market countries may invest in the following countries: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Turkey. The investment adviser(s) of the underlying investment companies may also invest from time to time in securities of issuers located in other emerging market countries, at their discretion.
Mortgage-Backed Securities. The underlying investment companies in which the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio invests may purchase mortgage-backed securities as part of their principal investment strategies. Mortgage-backed securities in which the underlying investment companies invest may be issued by private companies or by agencies of the U.S. Government. Mortgage-backed securities represent direct or indirect participation in, or are collateralized by and payable from, mortgage loans secured by real property.
Certain debt instruments may only pay principal at maturity or may only represent the right to receive payments of principal or payments of interest on underlying pools of mortgage or government securities, but not both. The value of these types of instruments may change more drastically than debt securities that pay both principal and interest during periods of changing interest rates. Principal only mortgage-backed securities are particularly subject to prepayment risk. An underlying investment company may obtain a below market yield or incur a loss on such instruments during periods of declining interest rates. Interest only instruments are particularly subject to extension risk, which is the risk that principal repayments will not occur as quickly as anticipated, causing the expected maturity of a security to increase and making its price more sensitive to rate changes and more volatile. Mortgage derivatives and structural securities often employ features that have the effect of leverage. As a result, small changes in interest or prepayment rates may cause large and sudden price movements, especially compared to an investment in a security that is not leveraged. Mortgage derivatives can also become illiquid and hard to value in declining markets. Mortgage-backed securities also include mortgage pass-through certificates and multiple-class pass-through certificates, such as collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs) and real estate mortgage investment conduits (REMICs).
Recently, the market for mortgage related securities experienced substantially, often dramatically, lower valuations and greatly reduced liquidity. These instruments may be subject to liquidity constraints, price volatility, credit downgrades and unexpected increases in default rates, and therefore may be more difficult to value and more difficult to dispose of than previously. These events may have an adverse impact on the Portfolios to the extent underlying investment companies invest in mortgage-related or other fixed income securities or instruments affected by the volatility in the fixed income markets.
Securities Lending. The underlying investment companies of the Portfolios may seek to increase their income by lending portfolio securities to institutions, such as certain broker-dealers. Portfolio securities loans are secured continuously by collateral maintained on a current basis at an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned. The value of the securities loaned by the underlying investment company will not exceed 33 1 / 3 % of the value of the investment company's total assets. The underlying investment company may experience a loss or delay in the recovery of its securities if the borrowing institution breaches its agreement with the investment company. Lending portfolio securities involves the risk of delay in receiving additional collateral if the value of the securities goes up while they are on loan.
Borrowing. The underlying investment companies of the Portfolios may borrow money for temporary or emergency (not leveraging) purposes. A Portfolio will not make any additional investments in an investment company while such investment company's borrowings exceed 5% of its total assets.
Temporary Investments. The Portfolios may depart from their principal investment strategies in response to adverse market, economic or political conditions by taking temporary defensive positions in cash or money market instruments. If a Portfolio were to take a temporary defensive position, it may be unable to achieve its investment objective.
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Investment Risks
The following provides additional information about the risks of investing in the Portfolios:
Other Investment Companies. Each Portfolio's NAV will fluctuate due to business developments concerning a particular issuer or industry as well as general market and economic conditions affecting securities held by the particular underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests. Investment decisions by the investment advisers of the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolios invest are made independently of the Portfolios and the Adviser. Each Portfolio will be affected by the losses of its underlying investment companies and the risks involved in the investment practices of such investment companies. Neither the Portfolios nor the Adviser has any control over the risks taken by such investment companies. Some underlying investment companies may concentrate their investments in various industries or sectors and may invest in derivative securities, options or futures.
Small Company Securities. While the securities of small capitalization companies in which the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio's and Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio's underlying investment companies invest may offer greater opportunity for capital appreciation than larger companies, investment in such companies presents greater risks than investment in larger, more established companies. Historically, small capitalization stocks have been more volatile in price than larger capitalization stocks. Among the reasons for the greater price volatility of these securities are the lower degree of liquidity in the markets for such stocks, and the potentially greater sensitivity of such small companies to changes in or failure of management, and to many other changes in competitive, business, industry and economic conditions, including risks associated with limited product lines, markets, management depth, or financial resources. Besides exhibiting greater volatility, micro and small company stocks may, to a degree, fluctuate independently of larger company stocks. Small company stocks may decline in price as large company stocks rise, or rise in price as large company stocks decline. Additionally, while the markets in securities of small companies have grown rapidly in recent years, such securities may trade less frequently and in smaller volume than more widely held securities. The values of these securities may fluctuate more sharply than those of other securities, and the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolios invest may experience some difficulty in establishing or closing out positions in these securities at prevailing market prices. There may be less publicly available information about the issuers of these securities or less market interest in such securities than in the case of larger companies and it may take a longer period of time for the prices of such securities to reflect the full value of their issuers' underlying earnings potential or assets.
Stock Market. Underlying investment companies in which the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio and Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio may invest are subject to fluctuations in the stock markets, which have periods of increasing and decreasing values. Equity securities typically have greater volatility than fixed income securities.
Foreign Investing. Foreign securities in which the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio's and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio's underlying investment companies may invest pose additional risks over U.S.-based securities for a number of reasons. Investments in foreign securities may adversely affect the value of an investment in certain underlying investment companies. Foreign economic, governmental, and political systems may be less favorable than those of the U.S. Foreign governments and may exercise greater control over their economies, industries, and citizens' rights. Specific risk factors related to foreign securities include: inflation, structure and regulation of financial markets, liquidity and volatility of investments, currency exchange rates and regulations, and accounting standards. Foreign companies may also be subject to significantly higher levels of taxation than U.S. companies, including potentially confiscatory levels of taxation, thereby reducing their earnings potential, and amounts realized on foreign securities may be subject to high levels of foreign taxation and withholding. In addition, these underlying investment companies may incur higher costs and expenses when making foreign investments, which will affect the underlying investment companies' total return.
Currency Risk. With respect to investments in foreign securities by underlying investment companies in which the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio and the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio invest,
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exchange rates for currencies fluctuate daily. The combination of currency risk and market risk tends to make securities traded in foreign markets more volatile than securities traded exclusively in the U.S. Foreign securities are usually denominated in a foreign currency; therefore, changes in foreign currency exchange rates can affect the NAV of an underlying investment company. Diversification among foreign currencies will not protect the underlying investment companies against a general increase in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies.
Emerging Market Securities. Underlying investment companies in which the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio invests may purchase the securities of issuers located in developing or emerging market countries. The risks of foreign investments are typically increased in less developed countries, which are sometimes referred to as emerging markets, because there is greater uncertainty in less established markets and economies. These risks include political, social or economic systems, smaller securities markets, lower trading volume, and substantial rates of inflation. To the extent an underlying investment company is invested in emerging market securities, it will be subject to higher risk than those investing in securities of developed market countries.
Interest Rate Risk. The underlying investment companies in which the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio invests purchase fixed income securities as part of their principal investment strategies. During periods of rising interest rates, an underlying investment company's yield and the market value of the investment company's fixed-income securities will tend to be lower than prevailing market interest rates. In periods of falling interest rates, the underlying investment company's yield and the market value of the underlying investment company's fixed-income securities generally will tend to be higher than prevailing market interest rates. Prices of longer-term fixed income securities are typically more sensitive to changes in interest rates than prices of shorter-term fixed-income securities.
Cash Flow Risk. The underlying investment companies in which the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio invests purchase fixed income securities as part of their principal investment strategies. Payment of principal on the mortgages or other assets underlying a particular fixed income security in which an underlying investment company invests may be faster or slower than estimated. Interest only instrument are particularly subject to extension risk , which is the risk that principal repayment will not occur as quickly as anticipated, causing the expected maturity of a security to increase and making its price more sensitive to rate change and more volatile. When interest rates decline, borrowers may pay off their mortgages or other loans sooner than expected and will typically shorten the average life of these instruments. This is known as prepayment risk .
Credit/Default Risk. The underlying investment companies in which the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio invests purchase fixed income securities as part of their principal investment strategies. The credit rating of an issuer or guarantor of a security in which an underlying investment company invests may be lowered or an issuer or guarantor of a security or the counterparty to a derivatives contract or a repurchase agreement may default on its payment obligations.
U.S. Government Securities Risk. Although a Portfolio's investments in U.S. Government securities are considered to be among the safest investments, they are not guaranteed against price movements due to changing interest rates. Obligations issued by certain U.S. Government agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises, such as the Government National Mortgage Association, are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury, while obligations issued by others, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae"), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Mac") and Federal Home Loan Banks, are backed solely by the ability of the entity to borrow from the U.S. Treasury or by the entity's own resources. No assurance can be given that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to U.S. Government agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises if it is not obligated to do so by law.
In September 2008, the U.S. Treasury Department and the Federal Housing Finance Agency ("FHFA") announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would be placed in conservatorship under the FHFA. On June 16, 2010, FHFA ordered Fannie Mae's and Freddie Mac's stock de-listed from the New York Stock Exchange after the price of common stock in Fannie Mae fell below the New York Stock Exchange's minimum average closing price
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of $1 for more than 30 days. The long-term effect that this conservatorship will have on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's debt and equity and on securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is unclear.
Derivatives Risk. The underlying investment companies of each Portfolio may utilize derivatives as part of their principal investment strategies. Loss may result from an underlying investment company's investments in futures, swaps, options and other derivative instruments. These instruments may be leveraged so that small changes in value may produce disproportionate losses to the underlying investment company. Using derivative instruments may involve risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments. An underlying investment company's investment in a derivative instrument could lose more than the principal amount invested. Also, suitable derivative transactions may not be available in all circumstances and there can be no assurance that the underlying investment company will engage in these transactions to reduce exposure to other risks when they would be beneficial. Pursuant to the Investment Company Act of 1940 and its rules and SEC interpretations thereunder, the registered investment companies in which the Portfolios invest are required to segregate cash or liquid securities or otherwise "cover" their positions in certain derivatives.
Non-diversified Investments. The performance of large positions in certain equity or fixed income securities may significantly impact the performance of an underlying investment company of a Portfolio, resulting in greater volatility.
Concentration. Concentration of investments within one industry or market sector may subject an underlying investment company to greater market fluctuations. The Portfolios will not knowingly concentrate their investments, directly or indirectly, in any industry.
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings
A description of the Company's policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Portfolios' portfolio securities is available in the SAI. The SAI is incorporated herein.
Broad-Based and Composite Indices
Each Portfolio intends to evaluate its performance as compared to that of a broad-based index and a Composite Index. The information below reflects the most current information available to the Company as of the date of the Prospectus:
Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio. The broad-based index is the Russell 2500 ® Index. The Composite Index will be comprised of the S&P 500 ® Index, Russell 1000 ® Value Index, Russell 2000 ® Index and Russell 2000 ® Value Index, each weighted 25%, 25%, 25% and 25%, respectively. The following is a description of the broad-based index and each index comprising the Composite Index:
The Russell 2500 ® Index consists of the small- to mid-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe, commonly referred to as "smid" cap. The Russell 2500 ® Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer for the small to mid-cap segment and is completely reconstituted annually to ensure larger stocks do not distort the performance and characteristics of the Index. The Russell 2500 ® Index includes the smallest 2,500 securities in the Russell 3000 ® Index. The Russell 3000 ® Index is made up of 3,000 of the biggest U.S. stocks. As of May 31, 2012, the medium market capitalization of the companies in the Russell 2500 ® Index was $720 million and the largest stock was $6.345 billion.
The S&P 500 ® Index consists of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity and industry grouping, among other factors. The S&P 500 ® Index is designed to be a leading indicator of U.S. equities and is meant to reflect the risk/return characteristics of the large-cap universe. The S&P 500 ® Index is a market-value weighted index and each stock's weight in the index is proportionate to its market value.
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The Russell 1000 ® Value Index consists of the large-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. The Russell 1000 ® Value Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer of the large-cap value market.
The Russell 2000 ® Index consists of the small-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe. The Russell 2000 ® Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased small-cap barometer and is completely reconstituted annually to ensure larger stocks do not distort the performance and characteristics of the Index. The Russell 2000 ® Index includes the smallest 2000 securities in the Russell 3000 ® Index.
The Russell 2000 ® Value Index consists of the small-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. The Russell 2000 ® Value Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer of the small-cap value market.
Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio. The broad-based index is the MSCI World (excluding U.S.) Index. The Composite Index will be comprised of the MSCI EAFE Index, MSCI EAFE Value Index, MSCI EAFE Small Company Index, and MSCI Emerging Markets Free Index, each weighted 25%, 25%, 25% and 25%, respectively. The following is a description of the broad-based index and each index comprising the Composite Index:
The MSCI World (excluding U.S.) Index is a stock market index of 'world' stocks maintained by Morgan Stanley Capital International ("MSCI"). The index includes a selection of stocks of developed markets, as defined by MSCI. This index contains securities from the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom. As of September 30, 2012, the median capitalization of the MSCI World (excluding U.S.) Index was $7.36 billion and the weighted average market capitalization was $53.16 billion.
The MSCI Europe, Australasia, and Far East ("EAFE") Index is a stock market index of foreign stocks that covers 85% of the equity market of the following developed countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
The MSCI EAFE Value Index is a subset of the EAFE Index and includes securities from Europe, Australasia (Australia and Asia) and the Far East. The Index generally represents approximately 50% of the market capitalization of the EAFE Index and consists of those securities classified by MSCI as most representing the value style.
The MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index targets 40% of the eligible small cap universe within each industry group, within each country. MSCI defines the small cap universe as all listed securities that have a market capitalization in the range of $200 million to $1.5 billion. The small cap segment covers the 85% 99% range of each market's free float-adjusted market capitalization.
The MSCI Emerging Markets Free Index is designed to measure equity market performance in global emerging markets. The Index contains securities from the following emerging market countries: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand and Turkey.
Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio. The broad-based index is the CitiGroup World Government Bond Index 1-5 Year Currency Hedged U.S. Dollar Index. The Composite Index will be comprised of the Three-Month Treasury Bill Index, Barclays Capital Intermediate Government Bond Index, Merrill Lynch 1-3 Year US Government/Corporate Index and Barclays Capital Aggregate Bond Index, each weighted 25%, 25%, 25% and 25%,
21
respectively. The following is a description of the broad-based index and each index comprising the Composite Index:
CitiGroup World Government Bond Index 1-5 Year Currency Hedged U.S. Dollar Index includes the most significant and liquid government bond markets globally that carry at least an investment grade rating. Currently, this includes the 23 government bond markets of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Three Month Treasury-Bill Index consists of three-month Treasury bills purchased at the beginning of each of three consecutive months. As each bill matures, all proceeds are rolled over or reinvested in a new three-month bill. The income used to calculate the monthly return is derived by subtracting the original amount invested from the maturity value. The index is rebalanced monthly by market capitalization.
Barclays Capital Intermediate Government Bond Index is a weighted index of U.S. government and government agency securities (other than mortgage securities) with maturities of one year or more.
Merrill Lynch 1-3 Year U.S. Government/Corporate Index is an unmanaged index of short-term U.S. government securities and short-term domestic investment-grade corporate bonds with maturities between 1 and 2.99 years.
Barclays Capital Aggregate Bond Index is a market capitalization-weighted index, meaning the securities in the index are weighted according to the market size of each bond type. Most U.S. traded investment grade bonds are represented. Municipal bonds and Treasury Inflation-Protected securities are excluded. The Index includes Treasury securities, Government agency bonds, mortgage-backed bonds, corporate bonds, and a small amount of foreign bonds traded in the U.S. The Barclays Capital Aggregate Bond Index is an intermediate term index. The average maturity is 7.5 years as of September 30, 2013.
Credit Ratings
Corporate debt obligations and dollar-denominated obligations of foreign issuers issued in the U.S. in which the underlying investment companies that the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio may invest will be issued by companies whose commercial paper is rated Prime-1 by Moody's Investors, Inc. ("Moody's") or A-1 by Standard & Poor's ® ("S&P"). If the issuer's commercial paper is unrated, then the debt security must be rated at least AA by S&P or Aa2 by Moody's. If there is neither a commercial paper rating nor a rating of the debt security, then the investment adviser(s) to the underlying investment companies must determine that the debt security is of comparable quality to equivalent issues of the same issuer rated at least AA or Aa2.
Commercial paper in which the underlying investment companies may invest will be rated, at the time of purchase, A-1 or better by S&P or Prime-1 by Moody's, or, if unrated, issued by a corporation having an outstanding unsecured debt issue rated Aaa by Moody's or AAA by S&P.
22
MANAGEMENT OF THE PORTFOLIOS
Investment Adviser
Matson Money, Inc. ("Matson Money" or the "Adviser") is located at 5955 Deerfield Blvd., Mason, OH 45040. Matson Money was founded in 1991 and provides advisory services to individuals, trusts, corporations, non-profit organizations, retirement plans and foundations. Mark E. Matson, President, Chief Financial Officer and a Director of Matson Money, owns approximately 90% of Matson Money's outstanding voting securities. Matson Money had approximately $4.326 billion in assets under management as of August 31, 2013.
Subject to the general supervision of the Company's Board of Directors, Matson Money manages the Portfolios' portfolios and is responsible for the selection and management of all investments of the Portfolios in accordance with the Portfolios' respective investment objectives and policies.
Portfolio Managers
A team of portfolio managers, led by Daniel J. List, is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Portfolios. Mark E. Matson and Steven B. Miller assist Mr. List in managing the assets of the Portfolios.
Daniel J. List, Chief Compliance Officer and Vice President Of Portfolio Management of the Adviser, has been employed by the Adviser since 1994. He is responsible for portfolio designs, compliance, trading and system designs.
Mark E. Matson, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Adviser, founded the Adviser in 1991 and serves as head portfolio manager at the Adviser.
Steven B. Miller, Vice President Of Operations and Portfolio Manager of the Adviser, has been employed by the Adviser since April 2004 as a portfolio manager and then as Vice President Of Operations. Prior thereto, he was a senior financial analyst with F+W Publications Inc. from November 2002 to April 2004, and a financial analyst with MidLand Enterprises, Inc. from April 2002 to November 2002.
The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers' ownership of securities in the Portfolios.
Management Fees
Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with the Company, the Adviser is entitled to an advisory fee at the annual rate of 0.50% of the first $1 billion of each Portfolio's average daily net assets, 0.49% of each Portfolio's average daily net assets over $1 billion to $5 billion and 0.47% of each Portfolio's average daily net assets over $5 billion. The Adviser has voluntarily agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses to 1.13%, 1.35% and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio, respectively. The Adviser may discontinue these arrangements at any time. A discussion regarding the basis for Board of Directors' approving the investment advisory agreement with respect to the Portfolios will be available in the Portfolio's first annual or semi- annual report to shareholders.
23
PRIOR PERFORMANCE OF SIMILAR ACCOUNTS
As of the date of this Prospectus, the Portfolios have not commenced operations. The following performance information is of the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, the Free Market International Equity Fund and the Free Market Fixed Income Fund, each an investment portfolio of the Company (collectively, the "Free Market Funds"). The Adviser serves as investment adviser to both the Matson Money Portfolios and the Free Market Funds. The Matson Money Portfolios and the Free Market Funds also share the same portfolio managers. Each Matson Money Portfolio's portfolio will be managed substantially similarly to that of the corresponding Free Market Fund and therefore the following performance information below indicates some of the risks of investing in the Free Market Portfolios.
Free Market U.S. Equity Fund
The chart below illustrates the long-term performance of the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund. The information shows you how the Fund's performance has varied year by year and provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund, and therefore the Free Market U.S. Equity Portfolio. The performance for the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio would differ from the information below only to the extent that the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio and the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund do not have the same expenses. If the fees and expenses imposes by the investment vehicle through which an investment in the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio is made were reflected, they would reduce returns. The chart assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total returns would have been lower had certain fees and expenses not been waived or reimbursed. Past performance (before and after taxes) does not necessarily indicate how the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund or the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio will perform in the future.
Best and Worst Quarterly Performance (for the period reflected in the chart above)
Best Quarter: 22.80% (quarter ended June 30, 2009) |
|||
Worst Quarter: (26.63)% (quarter ended December 31, 2008) |
|||
Year to Date Total Return as of September 30, 2013: 25.55% |
Average Annual Total Returns
The table below compares the average annual total returns of the Fund before and after taxes for the past calendar year and since inception to the average total returns of a broad-based securities market index for the same periods.
24
Average Annual Total Returns for the
Periods Ended December 31, 2012 |
|||||||||||||||
1 Year |
5 Year |
Since
Inception* (December 31, 2007 |
|||||||||||||
Fund Returns Before Taxes |
19.22 |
% |
5.22 |
% |
5.22 |
% |
|||||||||
Fund Returns After Taxes on Distributions* |
18.62 |
% |
4.88 |
% |
4.88 |
% |
|||||||||
Fund Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of
Fund Shares* |
12.65 |
% |
4.31 |
% |
4.31 |
% |
|||||||||
Russell 2500
®
Index (reflects no deduction for fees,
expenses or taxes) |
17.88 |
% |
4.35 |
% |
4.35 |
% |
|||||||||
Composite Index** |
16.98 |
% |
2.37 |
% |
2.37 |
% |
* 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 will depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
** The Composite Index is comprised of the S&P 500 ® Index, Russell 1000 ® Value Index, Russell 2000 ® Index and Russell 2000 ® Value Index, each weighted 25%, 25%, 25% and 25%, respectively. Additional information about the Composite Index can be found under the section entitled "More About Each Portfolio's Investments and Risks."
Free Market International Equity Fund
The chart below illustrates the long-term performance of the Free Market International Equity Fund. The information shows you how the Fund's performance has varied year by year and provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund, and therefore the Free Market International Equity Portfolio. The performance for the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio would differ from the information below only to the extent that the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio and the Free Market International Equity Fund do not have the same expenses. If the fees and expenses imposes by the investment vehicle through which an investment in the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio is made were reflected, they would reduce returns. The chart assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total returns would have been lower had certain fees and expenses not been waived or reimbursed. Past performance (before and after taxes) does not necessarily indicate how the Free Market International Equity Fund or the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio will perform in the future.
Best and Worst Quarterly Performance (for the period reflected in the chart above)
Best Quarter: 33.53% (quarter ended June 30, 2009) |
|||
Worst Quarter: (22.38)% (quarter ended September 30, 2011) |
|||
Year to Date Total Return as of September 30, 2013: 15.10% |
25
Average Annual Total Returns
The table below compares the average annual total returns of the Fund before and after taxes for the past calendar year and since inception to the average total returns of a broad-based securities market index for the same periods.
|
Average Annual Total Returns for the
Periods Ended December 31, 2012 |
||||||||||||||
1 Year |
5 Year |
Since
Inception* (December 31, 2007 |
|||||||||||||
Fund Returns Before Taxes |
19.25 |
% |
(0.36 |
)% |
(0.36 |
)% |
|||||||||
Fund Returns After Taxes on Distributions* |
18.39 |
% |
(1.00 |
)% |
(1.00 |
)% |
|||||||||
Fund Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of
Fund Shares* |
12.71 |
% |
(0.66 |
)% |
(0.66 |
)% |
|||||||||
MSCI World (excluding U.S.) Index (reflects no
deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
16.41 |
% |
(3.43 |
)% |
(3.43 |
)% |
|||||||||
Composite Index** |
18.48 |
% |
(2.31 |
)% |
(2.31 |
)% |
* 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 will depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
** The Composite Index is comprised of the MSCI EAFE Index, MSCI EAFE Value Index, MSCI EAFE Small Company Index, and MSCI Emerging Markets Free Index, each weighted 25%, 25%, 25% and 25%, respectively. Additional information about the Composite Index can be found under the section entitled "more about Each Portfolio's Investments and Risks."
Free Market Fixed Income Fund
The chart below illustrates the long-term performance of the Free Market Fixed Income Fund. The information shows you how the Fund's performance has varied year by year and provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund, and therefore the Free Market Fixed Income Portfolio. The performance for the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio would differ from the information below only to the extent that the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio and the Free Market Fixed Income Fund do not have the same expenses. If the fees and expenses imposes by the investment vehicle through which an investment in the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio is made were reflected, they would reduce returns. The chart assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total returns would have been lower had certain fees and expenses not been waived or reimbursed. Past performance (before and after taxes) does not necessarily indicate how the Free Market Fixed Income Fund or the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio will perform in the future.
26
Best and Worst Quarterly Performance (for the period reflected in the chart above)
Best Quarter: 3.54% (quarter ended December 31, 2008) |
|||
Worst Quarter: (0.87)% (quarter ended December 31, 2010) |
|||
Year to Date Total Return as of September 30, 2013: (1.10)% |
Average Annual Total Returns
The table below compares the average annual total returns of the Fund before and after taxes for the past calendar year and since inception to the average total returns of a broad-based securities market index for the same periods.
Average Annual Total Returns for the
Periods Ended December 31, 2012 |
|||||||||||||||
1 Year |
5 Year |
Since
Inception* (December 31, 2007 |
|||||||||||||
Fund Returns Before Taxes |
2.02 |
% |
2.65 |
% |
2.65 |
% |
|||||||||
Fund Returns After Taxes on Distributions* |
1.64 |
% |
2.03 |
% |
2.03 |
% |
|||||||||
Fund Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of
Fund Shares* |
1.44 |
% |
1.91 |
% |
1.91 |
% |
|||||||||
CitiGroup World Government Bond Index 1-5 Year
Currency Hedged U.S. Dollar Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
2.10 |
% |
3.04 |
% |
3.04 |
% |
|||||||||
Composite Index** |
2.00 |
% |
3.54 |
% |
3.54 |
% |
* 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 will depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
** The Composite Index is comprised of the Three-Month Treasury Bill Index, Barclays Capital Intermediate Government Bond Index, Merrill Lynch 1-3 Year US Government/Corporate Index and Barclays Capital Aggregate Bond Index, each weighted 25%, 25%, 25% and 25%, respectively. Additional information about the Composite Index can be found under the section entitled "More About Each Portfolio's Investments and Risks."
27
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
Pricing of Portfolio Shares
The Portfolios' shares ("Shares") are priced at their net asset value ("NAV"). The NAV per Share of each Portfolio is calculated as follows:
Each Portfolio's NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. The NYSE is generally open Monday through Friday, except national holidays. The Portfolios will effect purchases and redemptions of Portfolio Shares at the NAV next calculated after receipt by the Portfolio's Transfer Agent of your purchase order or redemption request in good order.
Investments in underlying open-end investment companies are valued based on the NAV of those investment companies at the close of business that day. Investments in ETFs and closed-end Portfolios will be valued at their market price. A Portfolio's direct investments in equity securities listed on any national or foreign exchange will be valued at the last sale price for all exchanges, except the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System ("NASDAQ"). Equity securities listed on NASDAQ will be valued at the official closing price for NASDAQ. Direct investments in equity securities traded in the over-the-counter market are valued at their closing prices. If there were no transactions on that day, securities traded principally on an exchange or on NASDAQ will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. A Portfolio's direct investments in fixed income securities having a remaining maturity of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Direct investments in fixed income securities having a remaining maturity of greater than 60 days are valued using an independent pricing service. Direct investments in foreign securities, currencies and other securities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate of such currencies against the U.S. dollar provided by a pricing service. All assets denominated in foreign currencies will be converted into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the time of valuation. If a Portfolio holds foreign securities, the calculation of the Portfolio's NAV will not occur at the same time as the determination of the value of the foreign securities in the Portfolio's portfolio, since these securities are traded on foreign exchanges.
If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable by the Portfolios' administrator, in consultation with the Adviser, the Portfolio's investments will be valued by the Adviser in accordance with procedures adopted by the Company's Board of Directors and under the Board of Directors ultimate supervision. In addition, the prices of foreign securities may be affected by events that occur after the close of a foreign market but before a Portfolio prices its shares. In such instances, a foreign security may be fair valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the Company's Board of Directors. The use of a pricing service and fair valuation involve the risk that the values used by a Portfolio to price its investments may be higher or lower than the values used by other mutual funds and investors to price the same investments.
Market Timing
In accordance with the policy adopted by the Company's Board of Directors, the Company discourages and does not accommodate market timing and other excessive trading practices. Purchases should be made with a view to longer-term investment only. Excessive short-term (market timing) trading practices may disrupt Portfolio management strategies, increase brokerage and administrative costs, harm Portfolio performance and result in dilution in the value of Portfolio Shares held by long-term shareholders. The Company and the Adviser reserve the right to (i) reject a purchase or exchange order, (ii) delay payment of immediate cash redemption proceeds for up to seven calendar days, (iii) revoke a shareholder's privilege to purchase Portfolio Shares (including exchanges), or (iv) limit the amount of any exchange involving the purchase of Portfolio Shares. An investor may receive notice that their purchase order or exchange has been rejected after the day the order is placed or after acceptance by a
28
financial intermediary. It is currently expected that a shareholder would receive notice that its purchase order or exchange has been rejected within 48 hours after such purchase order or exchange has been received by the Company in good order. The Company and the Adviser will not be liable for any loss resulting from rejected purchase orders. To minimize harm to the Company and its shareholders (or the Adviser), the Company (or the Adviser) will exercise their right if, in the Company's (or the Adviser's) judgment, an investor has a history of excessive trading or if an investor's trading, in the judgment of the Company or the Adviser, has been or may be disruptive to a Portfolio. 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 a Portfolio and its shareholders or would subordinate the interests of a Portfolio and its shareholders to those of the Adviser or any affiliated person or associated person of the Adviser.
Pursuant to the policy adopted by the Board of Directors, the Adviser has developed criteria that it uses to identify trading activity that may be excessive. If, in its judgment, the Adviser detects excessive, short-term trading, the Adviser may reject or restrict a purchase request and may further seek to close an investor's account with a Portfolio.
Portfolio shares are generally held through omnibus arrangements maintained by participating insurance companies or other intermediaries. There is no assurance that the Portfolios will be able to identify market timing, particularly if shareholders invest through intermediaries.
If necessary, the Company may prohibit additional purchases of Portfolio shares by a financial intermediary or by certain customers of the financial intermediary. Financial intermediaries may also monitor their customers' trading activities in the Portfolios. The criteria used by intermediaries to monitor for excessive trading may differ from the criteria used by the Company. If a financial intermediary fails to enforce the Company's excessive trading policies, the Company may take certain actions, including terminating the relationship.
Purchase of Portfolio Shares
General. Shares of the Portfolio are not sold directly to the public. Instead, Portfolio shares are sold to separate accounts that fund variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts issued by participating insurance companies. You may purchase or sell (redeem) shares of the Portfolio through variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies offered through separate accounts. The variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies are described in the separate prospectuses issued by the participating insurance companies. You should refer to those prospectuses for information on how to purchase a variable annuity contract or variable life insurance policy, how to select a specific Portfolio as an investment option for your contract or policy and how to redeem monies from the Portfolio.
The separate accounts of the participating insurance companies place orders to purchase and redeem shares of the Portfolios based on, among other things, the amount of premium payments to be invested and the amount of surrender and transfer requests (as defined in the prospectus describing the variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies issued by the participating insurance companies) to be effected on that day pursuant to variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies.
Shares of the Portfolios may be purchased by separate accounts of both affiliated and unaffiliated participating insurance companies in order to fund both variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts, and also may be purchased by qualified plans. This may present certain conflicts of interests among variable annuity owners, variable life insurance policy owners and plan investors. The Company's Board of Directors will monitor the Company for the existence of any materials irreconcilable conflict of interest. The Company currently does not foresee any disadvantages to the holders of variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies arising from the fact that interests of the holders of variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies may differ due to differences of tax treatment or other considerations or due to conflicts among the participating insurance companies. If, however, a material irreconcilable conflict arises between the holders of variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies of participating insurance companies, a participating insurance company may be required to
29
withdraw the assets allocable to some or all of the separate accounts from the Portfolio. Any such withdrawal could disrupt orderly portfolio management to the potential detriment of such holders.
The Portfolios do not currently anticipate offering shares directly to qualified pension and profit-sharing plans.
Good Order. Purchase or redemption orders received by the Transfer Agent in good order will be executed at the Portfolio's next determined NAV.
Other Purchase Information: The Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to suspend the offering of Shares or to reject purchase orders when, in the judgment of management, such suspension or rejection is in the best interests of a Portfolio. The Adviser will monitor each Portfolio's total assets and may decide to close any of the Portfolios at any time to new investments or to new accounts due to concerns that a significant increase in the size of a Portfolio may adversely affect the implementation of the Portfolio's strategy. Subject to the Board of Directors' discretion, the Adviser may also choose to reopen a Portfolio to new investments at any time and may subsequently close the Portfolio again should concerns regarding the Portfolio's size recur. If a Portfolio closes to new investments, the Portfolio would be offered only to certain existing shareholders of the Portfolio.
Other persons who are shareholders of the other Matson Money VI Portfolios are not permitted to acquire Shares of the closed Portfolio by exchange. Distributions to all shareholders of the Portfolios will continue to be reinvested unless a shareholder elects otherwise. The Adviser reserves the right to implement other purchases limitations at the time of closing, including limitations on current shareholders.
Redemption of Portfolio Shares
General: Redemption requests may be placed by separate accounts of participating insurance companies. Redemption requests are effected at the NAV next calculated after receipt of the redemption request by the Transfer Agent in good order. The Portfolio's NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Shares of a Portfolio can only be redeemed on days the NYSE is open. Redemptions by wire are charged a transaction fee of $7.50.
Other Redemption Information: Payment of the redemption proceeds will be made within seven days after receipt of an order for a redemption. The Company may suspend the right of redemption or postpone the date at times when the NYSE is closed or under any emergency circumstances as determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission. If the Board of Directors determines that it would be detrimental to the best interests of the remaining shareholders of a Portfolio to make payment wholly or partly in cash, redemption proceeds may be paid in whole or in part by an in-kind distribution of readily marketable securities held by the Portfolio instead of cash in conformity with applicable rules of the SEC. If a shareholder receives redemption proceeds in-kind, the shareholders will bear the market risk of the securities received in the redemption until their disposition and should expect to incur transaction costs upon the disposition of the securities. The Company has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, so that a Portfolio is obligated to redeem its Shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Portfolio's NAV during any 90-day period for any one shareholder of the Portfolio.
Good Order: A redemption request is considered to be in good order when all necessary information is provided and all required documents are properly completed, signed and delivered. Redemption requests not in good order may be delayed.
30
Voting Rights
Participating insurance companies, not the owners of the variable annuity contracts or variable life insurance policies or participants therein, are shareholders of the Portfolios. To the extent required by law:
• The participating insurance companies will vote Portfolio Shares held in the separate accounts in a manner consistent with timely voting instructions received from the holders of variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies.
• The participating insurance companies will vote Portfolio Shares held in the separate accounts for which no timely instructions are received from the holders of variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies, as well as shares they own, in the same proportion as those shares for which voting instructions are received.
As a result of proportional voting, a small number of holders of variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies could determine the outcome of a proposition subject to shareholder vote. It is anticipated that Portfolio Shares held by unregistered separate accounts or qualified plans generally will be voted for or against any proposition in the same proportion as all other Portfolio Shares are voted unless the unregistered separate account's participating insurance company or the plan makes other arrangements.
Additional information concerning voting rights of the participants in the separate accounts is more fully set forth in the prospectus relating to those accounts issued by the participating insurance companies.
Dividends and Distributions
Each Portfolio will distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, to its shareholders. All distributions are reinvested in the form of additional full and fractional Shares of the Portfolio unless a shareholder elects otherwise.
The Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio and the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio will declare and pay dividends from net investment income annually. The Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio will declare and pay dividends from net investment income quarterly. Net realized capital gains (including net short-term capital gains), if any, will be distributed by the Portfolios at least annually.
Taxes
Each Portfolio is treated as a separate corporate entity for federal tax purposes. Each Portfolio has elected to be treated as a regulated investment company and intends to qualify for such treatment for each taxable year under Subchapter M of Subtitle A, Chapter 1, of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). In addition, each Portfolio intends to qualify under the Code with respect to the diversification requirements related to variable contracts. Provided that a Portfolio and a separate account investing in the Portfolio satisfy applicable tax requirements, the Portfolio will not be subject to federal tax, and the separate accounts will not be taxable on distributions from, or gains with respect to, the Portfolio.
Persons investing in variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts should refer to the prospectuses with respect to such contracts for further information regarding the tax treatment of the contracts and the separate accounts in which the contracts are invested.
31
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
There are no financial highlights for the Portfolios because they commenced operations on or after the date of this Prospectus.
32
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR IN THE FUNDS' SAI INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR ITS DISTRIBUTOR. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING BY THE COMPANY OR BY THE DISTRIBUTOR IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.
33
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MATSON MONEY FAMILY OF PORTFOLIOS
This Prospectus contains important information you should know before you invest. Read it carefully and keep it for future reference. More information about the Portfolios will be available free of charge, upon request, including:
Annual/Semi-Annual Reports
These reports will contain additional information about the Portfolios' investments, describe the Portfolios' performance, list portfolio holdings, and discuss recent market conditions and economic trends. The Annual Report will include market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Portfolios' performance during the last fiscal year.
Statement of Additional Information ("SAI")
An SAI, dated December 20, 2013 has been filed with the SEC. The SAI, which includes additional information about the Portfolios, may be obtained free of charge, along with the Annual and Semi-Annual Reports when available, by calling (866) 780-0357 Ext. 3863 or at the Adviser's website at http://hosted.rightprospectus.com/MatsonMoney. The SAI, as supplemented from time to time, is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus (and is legally part of the Prospectus).
Shareholder Inquiries
Representatives are available to discuss account balance information, mutual fund prospectuses, literature programs and services available. Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern time) Monday-Friday. Call: (866) 780-0357 Ext. 3863.
Purchases and Redemptions
Call (866) 780-0357 Ext. 3863
Written Correspondence
Street Address:
Matson Money, Inc. Family of Portfolios
c/o BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc.
4400 Computer Drive
Westborough, MA 01581
Securities and Exchange Commission
You may also view and copy information about the Company and the Portfolios, including the SAI, by visiting the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC or the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at www.sec.gov. You may also obtain copies of Portfolio documents by paying a duplicating fee and sending an electronic request to the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by sending your written request and a duplicating fee to the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-1520. You may obtain information on the operation of the public reference room by calling the SEC at 1-202-942-8090.
Investment Company Act File No. 811-05518
MATSON MONEY, INC.
FAMILY OF PORTFOLIOS
of
The RBB Fund, Inc.
Institutional Class
Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio: [ ]
Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio: [ ]
Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio: [ ]
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
December 20, 2013
Investment Adviser:
Matson Money, Inc.
This Statement of Additional Information (SAI) provides information about the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio (each a Portfolio and collectively, the Portfolios). The Portfolios are series of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the Company). This information is in addition to the information contained in the Portfolios Prospectus dated December 20, 2013 (the Prospectus). This SAI is not a prospectus. Copies of the Prospectus and Annual Report may be obtained free of charge by calling toll-free (866) 780-0357 Ext. 3863. The financial statements and notes contained in the Annual Report are incorporated by reference into this SAI. No other part of the Annual Report is incorporated by reference herein.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION |
1 |
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NON- PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICIES OF THE FUNDS |
1 |
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FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS |
2 |
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INVESTMENT POLICIES AND PRACTICES OF UNDERLYING INVESTMENT COMPANIES AND RELATED RISKS |
4 |
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DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS |
32 |
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MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY |
34 |
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CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES |
42 |
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CODE OF ETHICS |
42 |
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PROXY VOTING POLICIES |
42 |
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INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES |
42 |
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DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENTS |
47 |
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FUND TRANSACTIONS |
48 |
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PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION |
49 |
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TELEPHONE TRANSACTION PROCEDURES |
50 |
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VALUATION OF SHARES |
50 |
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TAXES |
51 |
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING COMPANY SHARES |
54 |
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MISCELLANEOUS |
55 |
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APPENDIX A |
A-1 |
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APPENDIX B |
B-1 |
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Company is an open-end management investment company currently operating twenty-one separate investment portfolios. The Company is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the 1940 Act) and was organized as a Maryland corporation on February 29, 1988. This SAI pertains to Institutional Class shares representing interests in three diversified Portfolios, which are offered by the Prospectus. Shares of the Portfolios may be purchased and held by the separate accounts (Separate Accounts) of participating insurance companies (Participating Insurance Companies) for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Shares of the Portfolios are not offered directly to the general public. Matson Money, Inc. (Matson Money or the Adviser) serves as the investment adviser to the Portfolios.
NON- PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICIES OF THE FUNDS
Although the Portfolios invest primarily in shares of other registered investment companies, for temporary defensive purposes, the Portfolios may hold cash or invest in a variety of money market instruments, including U.S. government securities, commercial paper, certificates of deposit, and bankers acceptances. When a Portfolio invests for temporary defensive purposes, it may do so without any percentage limitations. A Portfolio may not achieve its investment objective during periods when it has taken such a temporary defensive position.
U.S. Government Securities. Each Portfolio may invest in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities (U.S. Government) that have remaining maturities not exceeding one year. Agencies and instrumentalities that issue or guarantee debt securities and that have been established or sponsored by the U.S. government include the Export-Import Bank, the Federal Farm Credit System, the Federal Home Loan Banks, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), the Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, the Federal Land Banks, and the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae).
Bank Obligation. Each Portfolio may invest in obligations of U.S. banks (including certificates of deposit and bankers acceptances) and U.S. dollar-denominated obligations of U.S. subsidiaries and branches of foreign banks having total assets at the time of purchase in excess of $1 billion. Such banks must be members of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
The activities of banks are subject to extensive regulations which may limit both the amount and types of loans that may be made and the interest rates that may be charged. In addition, the profitability of the banking industry is largely dependent upon the availability and costs of funds for the purpose of financing lending operations under prevailing money market conditions. General economic conditions as well as exposure to credit losses arising from possible financial difficulties play an important part in the operation of this industry.
Commercial Paper. Commercial paper represents short-term unsecured promissory notes issued in bearer form by bank holding companies, corporations, and finance companies. The commercial paper purchased by the Portfolios consists of direct obligations of domestic
issuers which, at the time of investment, are (i) rated P-1 by Moodys Investors Service, Inc. (Moodys) or A-1 by Standard & Poors Ratings Services (Standard & Poors), (ii) issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by issuers or guarantors having an existing debt security rating of Aa or better by Moodys or AA or better by Standard & Poors, or (iii) securities which, if not rated, are, in the opinion of the Adviser, of an investment quality comparable to rated commercial paper in which the Portfolios may invest. In the event that a security held by a Portfolio is placed on a credit watch or is downgraded by a rating agency, the value of such security may decline and the Portfolio invested in such security may consequently experience losses in respect of such security. See Appendix A for a description of Moodys and Standard & Poors rating categories.
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS
The Portfolios have adopted the following fundamental investment limitations which may not be changed with respect to a Portfolio without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Portfolio outstanding shares (as defined in Section 2 (a) (42) of the 1940 Act). As used in this SAI and in the Prospectus, shareholder approval and a majority of the outstanding shares of a Portfolio means, with respect to the approval of an investment advisory agreement or a change in a fundamental investment limitation, the lesser of (1) 67% of the shares of the Portfolio represented at a meeting at which the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Portfolio are present in person or by proxy, or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Portfolio. Each Portfolios investment goals and strategies described in the Prospectus may be changed by the Companys Board of Directors without the approval of the Portfolios shareholders. Each Portfolio may not:
1. Borrow money or issue senior securities, except that the Portfolio may borrow from banks and enter into reverse repurchase agreements and the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio may enter into dollar rolls (including mortgage dollar rolls), for temporary purposes in amounts up to one-third of the value of the Portfolios total assets at the time of such borrowing and provided that, for any borrowing with respect to the Portfolio, there is at least 300% asset coverage for borrowings of the Portfolio. A Portfolio may not mortgage, pledge or hypothecate any assets, except in connection with any such borrowing and then in amounts not in excess of one-third of the value of the Portfolios total assets at the time of such borrowing. Securities held in escrow or separate accounts in connection with a Portfolios investment practices are not considered to be borrowings or deemed to be pledged for purposes of this limitation.
2. Issue any senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act.
3. Act as underwriter of securities within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), except insofar as the Portfolio might be deemed to be an underwriter upon disposition of certain portfolio securities acquired within the limitation on purchases of restricted securities.
4. Purchase or sell real estate (including real estate limited partnership interests), provided that the Portfolio may invest: (a) in securities secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies that invest in real estate or interests therein; or (b) in real estate investment trusts.
5. Purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts, except that to the extent consistent with its investment policies and restrictions, the Portfolio may deal in forward foreign exchanges between currencies of the different countries in which it may invest and purchase and sell stock index and currency options, stock index futures, financial futures and currency futures contracts and related options on such futures.
6. Make loans, except through loan portfolio instruments and repurchase agreements, provided that, for purposes of this restriction, the acquisition of bonds, debentures or other debt instruments or interests therein and investment in government obligations, loan participations and assignments, short-term commercial paper, certificates of deposit and bankers acceptances shall not be deemed to be the making of a loan.
7. Purchase any security if, as a result of such purchase, more than 25% of the value of the Portfolios total assets would be invested in the securities of issuers concentrated in a particular industry except that this limitation does not apply to securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities.
8. Purchase the securities of any one issuer, other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, if immediately after and as a result of such purchase, more than 5% of the value of the Portfolios total assets would be invested in the securities of such issuer, or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer would be owned by the Portfolio, except that up to 25% of the value of the Portfolios total assets may be invested without regard to such limitations.
With respect to Investment Limitation No. 1, in the event that asset coverage is below 300%, the Portfolio will be required to reduce the amount of its borrowing to obtain 300% asset coverage within three business days.
For purposes of Investment Limitation No. 2, the SEC has concluded that even though reverse repurchase agreements, firm commitment agreements, and standby commitment agreements fall within the meaning of the term evidence indebtedness, the issue of compliance with Section 18 of the 1940 Act will not be raised with the SEC by the Division of Investment Management if a Portfolio covers such securities by earmarking and maintaining certain assets on the books and records of the Portfolios custodian.
Similarly, so long as such earmarked assets are maintained, the issue of compliance with Section 18 will not be raised with respect to any of the following: any swap contract; any borrowings or pledge or encumbrance of assets permitted by Investment Limitation No. 1; any collateral arrangements with respect to the writing of options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts and foreign currency contracts and collateral arrangements with respect to short sales and initial and variation margin; and purchases and sales of futures or related options
The Portfolios have adopted the following non-fundamental investment limitation, which may be changed by the Companys Board of Directors without shareholder approval:
1. No Portfolio will invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities.
Securities held by the Portfolios generally may not be purchased from, sold or loaned to the Adviser or its affiliates or any of their directors, officers or employees, acting as principal, unless pursuant to a rule or exemptive order under the 1940 Act.
If a percentage restriction under one of the Portfolios investment policies or limitations is adhered to at the time a transaction is effected, later changes in percentages resulting from changing values will not be considered a violation (except with respect to any restrictions that may apply to borrowings or senior securities by the Portfolio.) In the event that investments in illiquid instruments exceed 15% of a Portfolios net assets, the Portfolio 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 Portfolio to liquidate any instrument where the Portfolio would suffer a loss on the sale of that instrument.
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND PRACTICES OF UNDERLYING INVESTMENT COMPANIES AND RELATED RISKS
The underlying investment companies in which the Portfolios invest have their own investment objectives, policies, practices, and techniques, any one or all of which may subject their assets to varying degrees of risk. In addition, as a shareholder of another investment company, each Portfolio would bear, along with other shareholders, its pro rata portion of that companys expenses, including advisory and administrative fees. These expenses would be in addition to the advisory and other expenses that the Portfolio bears directly in connection with its own operations. Therefore, it may be more costly for a Portfolio to own shares of another investment company than to own directly the underlying securities owned by such company. Investment companies in which the Portfolios may invest also may impose a sales or distribution charge in connection with the purchase or redemption of their shares and other types of commissions or charges. Such charges will be payable by the Portfolios and, therefore, will be borne by shareholders. The underlying investment companies in which each Portfolio invests may purchase securities of affiliated and unaffiliated unregistered money market funds.
Set forth below is additional information with respect to the types of securities and instrument techniques of the underlying investment companies and the risks involved in certain of these practices and techniques.
Asset-Backed Securities. To the extent consistent with their respective investment policies and limitations, each Portfolios underlying investment companies may invest in asset-backed securities, which represent participations in, or are secured by and payable from, pools of assets such as motor vehicle installment sale contracts, installment loan contracts, leases of various types of real and personal property, receivables from revolving credit (credit card) agreements and other categories of receivables. Asset-backed securities may also be collateralized by a portfolio of U.S. government securities, but are not direct obligations of the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities. Such asset pools are securitized through the use of privately-formed trusts or special purpose corporations. Payments or distributions of principal and interest on asset-backed securities 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; however privately issued obligations collateralized by a portfolio of privately issued asset-backed securities do not involve any government-related guarantee or insurance. In addition, asset-backed securities generally do not have the benefit of a security interest in collateral that is comparable to mortgage assets. See Mortgage-Backed Securities.
Corporate Obligations. The Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolios underlying investment companies may invest in debt obligations, such as bonds and debentures, issued by corporations and other business organizations whose commercial paper is rated at the time of purchase A-1 by Standard & Poors or Prime-1 by Moodys. If the issuers commercial paper is unrated then the debt securities must be rated AA or Aa2 or better. See Appendix A to this SAI for a description of corporate debt ratings. An issuer of debt obligations may default on its obligation to pay interest and repay principal. Also, changes in the financial strength of an issuer or changes in the credit rating of a security may affect its value.
Convertible Securities and Preferred Stocks. To the extent consistent with their respective investment policies and limitations, each Portfolios underlying investment companies may invest in convertible securities. A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible securities have characteristics similar to nonconvertible debt securities in that they ordinarily provide a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than those of common stocks of the same or similar issuers. Convertible securities rank senior to common stock in a corporations capital structure but are usually subordinated to comparable nonconvertible securities. While no securities investment is completely without risk, investments in convertible securities generally entail less risk than the corporations common stock, although the extent to which such risk is reduced depends in large measure upon the degree to which the convertible security sells above its value as a fixed income security. Convertible securities have unique investment characteristics in that they generally: (1) have higher yields than common stocks, but lower yields than comparable non-convertible securities; (2) are less subject to fluctuation in value than the underlying stock since they have fixed income characteristics; and (3) provide the potential for capital appreciation if the market price of the underlying common stock increases.
The value of a convertible security is a function of its investment value (determined by its yield in comparison with the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege) and its conversion value (the securitys worth, at market value, if converted into the underlying common stock). The investment value of a convertible security is influenced by changes in interest rates, with investment value declining as interest rates increase and increasing as interest rates decline. The credit standing of the issuer and other factors also may have an effect on the convertible securitys investment value. The conversion value of a convertible security is determined by the market price of the underlying common stock. If the conversion value is low relative to the investment value, the price of the convertible security is governed principally by its investment value. Generally the conversion value decreases as the convertible security approaches maturity. To the extent the market price of the
underlying common stock approaches or exceeds the conversion price, the price of the convertible security will be increasingly influenced by its conversion value. A convertible security generally will sell at a premium over its conversion value by the extent to which investors place value on the right to acquire the underlying common stock while holding a fixed income security.
A convertible security might be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible securitys governing instrument. If a convertible security held by a Portfolio is called for redemption, that Portfolio 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.
Preferred stocks are securities that represent an ownership interest in a company and provide their owner with claims on the companys earnings and assets prior to the claims of owners of common stocks but after those of bond owners. Preferred stocks in which the Portfolios may invest include sinking fund, convertible, perpetual fixed and adjustable rate (including auction rate) preferred stocks. There is no minimum credit rating applicable to a Portfolios investment in preferred stocks and securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stock.
Depository Arrangements . To the extent consistent with their respective investment policies and limitations, each Portfolios underlying investment companies may invest in American Depository Receipts (ADRs). ADRs are receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company evidencing ownership of the underlying foreign securities. ADRs are denominated in U.S. dollars. They are publicly traded on exchanges or over-the-counter in the United States.
The underlying investment companies may invest in both sponsored and unsponsored ADR programs. There are certain risks associated with investments in unsponsored ADR programs. Because the non-U.S. securities issuer does not actively participate in the creation of the ADR program, the underlying agreement for service and payment will be between the depository and the shareholder. The company issuing the stock underlying the ADR pays nothing to establish the unsponsored facility because fees for ADR issuance and cancellation are paid by brokers. Investors directly bear the expenses associated with certificate transfer, custody and dividend payment.
In an unsponsored ADR program, there also may be several depositories with no defined legal obligations to the non-U.S. company. The duplicate depositories may lead to marketplace confusion because there would be no central source of information for buyers, sellers and intermediaries. The efficiency of centralization gained in a sponsored program can greatly reduce the delays in delivery of dividends and annual reports.
The underlying investment companies may also invest in Holding Company Depository Receipts (HOLDRS). HOLDRS represent trust-issued receipts that represent individual and undivided beneficial ownership interests in the common stock or ADRs of specific companies in a particular industry, sector or group.
The underlying investment companies of the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio may also invest in European Depository Receipts (EDRs), International Depository Receipts (IDRs) and Global Depository Receipts (GDRs). These are receipts issued by a non-U.S. financial institution evidencing ownership of underlying foreign or U.S. securities and are usually denominated in foreign currencies. They may not be denominated in the same currency as the securities they represent. Generally, EDRs, GDRs and IDRs are designed for use in the foreign securities markets. Investments in EDRs, GDRs and IDRs involve certain risks not typically involved in purely domestic investments, including currency exchange risk. These risks are set forth under Foreign Securities in this SAI.
Dollar Rolls. To the extent consistent with its investment policies and limitations, the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolios underlying investment companies may enter into dollar rolls in which the investment companies sell fixed income securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contract to repurchase substantially similar (same type, coupon and maturity) securities on a specified future date.
During the roll period, an investment company would forgo principal and interest paid on such securities. However, the investment company would be compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the forward price for the future purchase, as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale. The return on dollar rolls may be negatively impacted by fluctuations in interest rates. For additional information on dollar roll transactions, see the section entitled Mortgage Dollar Roll Transactions in this SAI.
Equity Markets. The underlying investment companies of the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio and Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio invest primarily in equity markets at all times. Equity markets can be highly volatile, so that investing in the underlying investment companies involves substantial risk. As a result, investing in the underlying investment companies involves the risk of loss of capital.
European Currency Unification. On January 1, 1999, the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) introduced a new single currency called the euro. The euro has replaced the national currencies of many European countries.
The new European Central Bank has control over each member countrys monetary policies. Therefore, the member countries no longer control their own monetary policies by directing independent interest rates for their currencies. The national governments of the participating countries, however, have retained the authority to set tax and spending policies and public debt levels.
The elimination of currency risk among EMU countries has affected the economic environment and behavior of investors, particularly in European markets, but the long-term impact of those changes on currency values or on the business or financial condition of European countries and issuers cannot fully be assessed at this time. In addition, the introduction of the euro presents other unique uncertainties, including the fluctuation of the euro relative to non-euro currencies; whether the interest rate, tax and labor regimes of European countries participating in the euro will converge over time; and whether the conversion of the currencies of other countries that now are or may in the future become members of the European Union (EU) will have an
impact on the euro. Also, it is possible that the euro could be abandoned in the future by countries that have already adopted its use. These or other events, including political and economic developments, could cause market disruptions, and could adversely affect the value of securities held by the Portfolio.
Foreign Securities. The underlying investment companies of the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio may invest in securities issued by foreign companies. Investments in foreign securities involve higher costs than investments in U.S. securities, including higher transaction costs as well as the imposition of additional taxes by foreign governments. In addition, foreign investments may include additional risks associated with currency exchange rates, less complete financial information about the issuers, less market liquidity and political stability. Volume and liquidity in most foreign bond markets are less than in the United States and, at times, volatility or price can be greater than in the United States. Future political and economic information, the possible imposition of withholding taxes on interest income, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, the possible establishment of exchange controls, or the adoption of other governmental restrictions, might adversely affect the payment of principal and interest on foreign obligations. Inability to dispose of securities due to settlement problems could result either in losses to an underlying investment company due to subsequent declines in value of the securities, or, if the underlying investment company has entered into a contract to sell the securities, could result in possible liability to the purchaser. Individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth or gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position.
Fixed commissions on foreign securities exchanges are generally higher than negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges. There is generally less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges, brokers, dealers and listed companies than in the United States.
Settlement mechanics may be slower or less reliable than within the United States, thus increasing the risk of delayed settlements of portfolio transactions or loss of certificates for portfolio securities. 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 an underlying investment company is uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of an underlying investment company to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the underlying investment company to miss attractive investment opportunities.
Although the underlying investment companies may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies, each investment company values its securities and other assets in U.S. dollars. As a result, the NAV of an underlying investment companys shares may fluctuate with U.S. dollar exchange rates as well as the price changes of the underlying investment companys securities in the various local markets and currencies. Thus, an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar compared to the currencies in which an underlying investment company makes its investments could reduce the effect of increases and magnify the effect of decreases in the price
of the underlying investment companys securities in their local markets. Conversely, a decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar may have the opposite effect of magnifying the effect of increases and reducing the effect of decreases in the prices of an underlying investment companys securities in its foreign markets. In addition to favorable and unfavorable currency exchange rate developments, an underlying investment company is subject to the possible imposition of exchange control regulations or freezes on convertibility of currency.
The underlying investment companies may invest in obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks (Eurodollars) and U.S. branches of foreign banks (Yankee dollars) as well as foreign branches of foreign banks. These investments involve risks that are different from investments in securities of U.S. banks, including potential unfavorable political and economic developments, different tax provisions, seizure of foreign deposits, currency controls, interest limitations or other governmental restrictions which might affect payment of principal or interest. The underlying investment companies may also invest in debt securities issued or guaranteed by foreign governments, including Yankee bonds, which are issued by foreign governments and their agencies and foreign corporations, but pay interest in U.S. dollars and are typically issued in the United States.
Forward Commitment and When-Issued Transactions. To the extent consistent with their respective investment policies and limitations, each Portfolios underlying investment companies may purchase or sell securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis. These transactions involve a commitment by an underlying investment company to purchase or sell securities at a future date (ordinarily one or two months later). The price of the underlying securities (usually expressed in terms of yield) and the date when the securities will be delivered and paid for (the settlement date) are fixed at the time the transaction is negotiated. When-issued purchases and forward commitments are negotiated directly with the other party, and such commitments are not traded on exchanges.
When-issued purchases and forward commitments enable an underlying investment company to lock in what is believed by the underlying investment adviser to be an attractive price or yield on a particular security for a period of time, regardless of future changes in interest rates. For instance, in periods of rising interest rates and falling prices, an underlying investment company might sell securities it owns on a forward commitment basis to limit its exposure to falling prices. In periods of falling interest rates and rising prices, an underlying investment company might sell securities it owns and purchase the same or a similar security on a when-issued or forward commitment basis, thereby obtaining the benefit of currently higher yields. When-issued securities or forward commitments involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines prior to the settlement date.
The value of securities purchased on a when-issued or forward commitment basis and any subsequent fluctuations in their value are reflected in the computation of an underlying investment companys NAV starting on the date of the agreement to purchase the securities, and the underlying investment company is subject to the rights and risks of ownership of the securities on that date. An underlying investment company does not earn interest on the securities it has committed to purchase until they are paid for and delivered on the settlement date. When an underlying investment company makes a forward commitment to sell securities it
owns, the proceeds to be received upon settlement are included in the underlying investment companys assets. Fluctuations in the market value of the underlying securities are not reflected in the underlying investment companys NAV as long as the commitment to sell remains in effect. Settlement of when-issued purchases and forward commitment transactions generally takes place within two months after the date of the transaction, but an underlying investment company may agree to a longer settlement period.
An underlying investment company generally will make commitments to purchase securities on a when-issued basis or to purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment basis only with the intention of completing the transaction and actually purchasing or selling the securities. If deemed advisable as a matter of investment strategy, however, an underlying investment company may dispose of or renegotiate a commitment after it is entered into. An underlying investment company also may sell securities it has committed to purchase before those securities are delivered to the underlying investment company on the settlement date. An underlying investment company may realize a capital gain or loss in connection with these transactions, and its distributions from any net realized capital gains will be taxable to shareholders.
When an underlying investment company purchases securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis, the investment company or its custodian will maintain in a segregated account cash or liquid securities having a value (determined daily) at least equal to the amount of the underlying investment companys purchase commitments. These procedures are designed to ensure that the underlying investment company will maintain sufficient assets at all times to cover its obligations under when-issued purchases and forward commitments.
Forward Foreign Currency Transactions . The Matson Money International Equity VI and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolios underlying investment companies may, to the extent that they invest in foreign securities, enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts in order to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency exchange rates. The underlying investment companies will conduct their foreign currency exchange transactions either on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market, or through entering into forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies. A forward foreign currency exchange contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days (usually less than one year) from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts are traded in the interbank market conducted directly between traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. A forward contract generally has no deposit requirement, and no commissions are charged at any stage for trades. Although foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for conversion, they do realize a profit based on the difference (the spread) between the price at which they are buying and selling various currencies.
The underlying investment companies generally are permitted to enter into forward contracts under two circumstances. First, when an underlying investment company enters into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security quoted or denominated in a foreign currency, it may desire to lock in the U.S. dollar price of the security. By entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale, for a fixed number of U.S. dollars, of the amount of foreign currency
involved in the underlying security transactions, the underlying investment company will be able to insulate itself from a possible loss resulting from a 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 and the date on which payment is made or received.
Second, when the investment adviser to an underlying investment company believes that the currency of a particular foreign country may suffer a substantial decline against the U.S. dollar, it may cause the investment company to enter a forward contract to sell, for a fixed U.S. dollar amount, the amount of foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of the investment companys 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 since 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 the forward contract is entered into and the date it matures.
The underlying investment companies may engage in cross-hedging by using forward contracts in one currency to hedge against fluctuations in the value in securities denominated or quoted in a different currency if the investment adviser determines that there is a pattern of correlation between the two currencies. Cross-hedging may also include entering into a forward transaction involving two foreign currencies, using one foreign currency as a proxy for the U.S. dollar to hedge against variations in the other U.S. foreign currency, if the investment adviser determines that there is a pattern of correlation between the proxy currency and the U.S. dollar.
The underlying investment companies will not enter into forward contracts to sell currency or maintain a net exposure to such contracts if the consummation of such contracts would obligate the investment company to deliver an amount of foreign currency in excess of the value of the investment companys respective portfolio securities or other assets quoted or denominated in that currency. At the consummation of the forward contract, an underlying investment company may either make delivery of the foreign currency or terminate its contractual obligation by purchasing an offsetting contract obligating it to purchase at the same maturity date, the same amount of such foreign currency. If an underlying investment company chooses to make delivery of foreign currency, it may be required to obtain such delivery through the sale of portfolio securities quoted or denominated in such currency or through conversion of other assets of the Portfolio into such currency. If an underlying investment company engages in an offsetting transaction, the underlying investment company will realize a gain or a loss to the extent that there has been a change in forward contract prices. Closing purchase transactions with respect to forward contracts are usually effected with the currency trader who is party to the original forward contract.
The underlying investment companies transactions in forward contracts generally will be limited to those described above. Of course, the underlying investment companies are not required to enter into such transactions with regard to their foreign currency quoted or denominated securities, and the investment companies will not do so unless deemed appropriate by their respective investment advisers.
When entering into a forward contract, an underlying investment company will segregate either cash or liquid securities quoted or denominated in any currency in an amount equal to the value of the underlying investment companys total assets committed to the consummation of forward currency exchange contracts which require the underlying investment company to purchase a foreign currency. If the value of the segregated securities declines, additional cash or securities will be segregated by the underlying investment company on a daily basis so that the value of the segregated securities will equal the amount of the underlying investment companys commitments with respect to such contracts.
This method of protecting the value of an underlying investment companys 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 can be achieved 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 the underlying investment companys foreign assets. It also reduces any potential gain which may have otherwise occurred had the currency value increased above the settlement price of the contract.
While the underlying investment company may enter into forward contracts to seek to reduce currency exchange rate risks, transactions in such contracts involve certain other risks. Thus, while an underlying investment company may benefit from such transactions, unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in a poorer overall performance for the underlying investment company than if it had not engaged in any such transactions. Moreover, there may be imperfect correlation between the underlying investment companys portfolio holdings or securities quoted or denominated in a particular currency and forward contracts entered into by the underlying investment company. Such imperfect correlation may cause the underlying investment company to sustain losses, which will prevent the underlying investment company from achieving a complete hedge, or expose the underlying investment company to the risk of foreign exchange loss.
Forward contracts are subject to the risks that the counterparts to such contract will default on its obligations. Since a forward foreign currency exchange contract is not guaranteed by an exchange or clearing house, a default on the contract would deprive an underlying investment company of unrealized profits, transaction costs or the benefits of a currency hedge or force an underlying investment company to cover its purchase or sale commitments, if any, at the current market price.
The underlying investment companies foreign currency transactions (including related options, futures and forward contracts) may be limited by the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code) for qualification as a regulated investment company.
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, an underlying investment company can seek to offset a decline in the value of its current portfolio securities through the sale of futures contracts. When interest rates are falling or securities prices are rising, an underlying investment company, through the purchase of futures contracts, can attempt to secure better rates or prices than might later be available in the market when it affects anticipated purchases.
To seek to increase total return or to hedge against changes in interest rates or securities prices, an underlying investment company may purchase and sell various kinds of futures contracts, and purchase and write call and put options on any of such futures contracts. An underlying investment company may also enter into closing purchase and sale transactions with respect to any of such contracts and options. The futures contracts may be based on various securities (such as U.S. government securities), securities indices, and any other financial instruments and indices. Generally an underlying investment company will engage in futures and related options transactions for bona fide hedging purposes as described below or for purposes of seeking to increase total return, in each case, only to the extent permitted by regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). All futures contracts entered into by an underlying investment company are traded on U.S. exchanges or boards of trade that are licensed and regulated by the CFTC or on foreign exchanges.
The Portfolios intend to limit investments in commodity futures, commodity options contracts and swaps to below the de minimis thresholds adopted by the CFTC in its recent amendments to Rule 4.5 (see below for a description of these thresholds). However, the application of the amended rules to funds-of-funds remains unclear. Accordingly, the Adviser intends to file for relief with respect to each Portfolio which defers compliance until six months following the effective date of any CFTC guidance regarding the application of the amended rules to fund-of-funds. As of the date of this SAI, no such guidance has been issued. For this reason, the Adviser is not required to register as a commodity pool operator (CPO) under the Commodity Exchange Act at this time.
With respect to investments in swap transactions, commodity futures, commodity options or certain other derivatives used for purposes other than bona fide hedging purposes, an investment company must meet one of the following tests under the amended regulations in order to claim an exemption from being considered a commodity pool or a CPO. First, the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish an investment companys positions in such investments may not exceed five percent (5%) of the liquidation value of the investment companys portfolio (after accounting for unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such investments). Alternatively, the aggregate net notional value of such instruments, determined at the time of the most recent position established, may not exceed one hundred percent (100%) of the liquidation value of the investment companys portfolio (after accounting for unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such positions). In addition to meeting one of the foregoing trading limitations, the investment company may not market itself as a commodity pool or otherwise as a vehicle for trading in the commodity futures, commodity options or swaps and derivatives markets. In the event that the Adviser was required to register as a CPO, the disclosure and operations of the Portfolios would need to comply with all applicable CFTC regulations.
Positions taken in the futures markets are not normally held to maturity but are instead liquidated through offsetting transactions, which may result in a profit or a loss. While futures contracts on securities will usually be liquidated in this manner, an underlying investment company may instead make, or take, delivery of the underlying securities or currency whenever it appears economically advantageous to do so. A clearing corporation associated with the exchange on which futures on securities are traded guarantees that, if still open, the sale or purchase will be performed on the settlement date.
Hedging, by use of futures contracts, seeks to establish with more certainty than would otherwise be possible the effective price or rate of return on portfolio securities or securities that an underlying investment company proposes to acquire or the exchange rate of currencies in which portfolio securities are quoted or denominated. An underlying investment company 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 that would adversely affect the value of the underlying investment companys portfolio securities. Such futures contracts may include contracts for the future delivery of securities held by an underlying investment company or securities with characteristics similar to those of the underlying investment companys portfolio securities. If, in the opinion of the investment adviser to an underlying investment company, there is a sufficient degree of correlation between price trends for an underlying investment companys portfolio securities and futures contracts based on other financial instruments, securities indices or other indices, the underlying investment company may also enter into such futures contracts as part of its hedging strategy. Although under some circumstances prices of securities in an underlying investment companys portfolio may be more or less volatile than prices of such futures contracts, the underlying investment adviser will attempt to estimate the extent of this volatility difference based on historical patterns and compensate for any such differential by having the underlying investment companys enter into a greater or lesser number of futures contracts or by seeking to achieve only a partial hedge against price changes affecting the underlying investment companys 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 an underlying investment company portfolios securities would be substantially offset by a decline in the value of the futures position.
On other occasions, an underlying investment company may take a long position by purchasing futures contracts. This would be done, for example, when the underlying investment company anticipates the subsequent purchase of particular securities when it has the necessary cash, but expects the prices then available in the applicable market to be less favorable than prices that are currently available.
Indexed Securities. To the extent consistent with its investment policies and limitations, each Portfolios underlying investment companies may invest in indexed securities whose value is linked to securities indices. Most such securities have values which rise and fall according to the change in one or more specified indices, and may have characteristics similar to direct investments in the underlying securities. Depending on the index, such securities may have greater volatility than the market as a whole. An underlying investment company may also
invest in exchange-traded funds, which generally track their related indices and trade like an individual stock throughout the trading day. For example, an underlying investment company may invest in Standard & Poors Depositary Receipts (commonly referred to as Spiders), which are exchange-traded shares of a closed-end investment company that are designed to replicate the price performance and dividend yield of the Standard & Poors 500® Composite Stock Price Index.
Initial Public Offerings. To the extent consistent with its investment policies and limitations, each Portfolios underlying investment companies may purchase stock in an initial public offering (IPO). An IPO is a companys first offering of stock to the public. Risks associated with IPOs may include considerable fluctuation in the market value of IPO shares due to certain factors, such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, a limited number of shares available for trading, lack of information about the issuer and limited operating history. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. When an underlying investment companys asset base is small, a significant portion of the underlying investment companys performance could be attributable to investments in IPOs, because such investments would have a magnified impact on the underlying investment company. As an underlying investment companys assets grow, the effect of the underlying investment companys investments in IPOs on the underlying investment companys performance probably will decline, which could reduce the underlying investment companys performance. Because of the price volatility of IPO shares, an underlying investment company may choose to hold IPO shares for a very short period of time. This may increase the turnover of the underlying investment companys portfolio and may lead to increased expenses to the underlying investment company, such as commissions and transaction costs. In addition, the underlying investment advisers cannot guarantee continued access to IPOs.
Inflation-Protected Securities. The Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolios underlying investment companies may invest in inflation-protected securities issued by the U.S. Treasury, known as TIPs or Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities, which are debt securities whose principal and interest payments are adjusted for inflation and interest is paid on the adjusted amount. The inflation adjustment, which is typically applied monthly to the principal of the bond, follows a designated inflation index, such as the consumer price index (CPI). A fixed coupon rate is applied to the inflation-adjusted principal so that as inflation rises, both the principal value and the interest payments increase. This can provide investors with a hedge against inflation, as it helps preserve the purchasing power of your investment.
Inflation-protected securities normally will decline in price when real interest rates rise. (A real interest rate is calculated by subtracting the inflation rate from a nominal interest rate. For example, if a 10-year Treasury note is yielding 5% and inflation is 2%, the real interest rate is 3%.) If inflation is negative, the principal and income of an inflation-protected security will decline and could result in losses for the Portfolios underlying investment companies.
Any increase in principal for an inflation-protected security resulting from inflation adjustments is considered by IRS regulations to be taxable income in the year it occurs. For direct holders of an inflation-protected security, this means that taxes must be paid on principal adjustments even though these amounts are not received until the bond matures. By contrast, an
underlying investment company holding these securities distributes both interest income and the income attributable to principal adjustments in the form of cash or reinvested shares, which are taxable to shareholders.
Interest Rate Swaps, Floors and Caps and Currency Swaps. The Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolios underlying investment companies may enter into interest rate swaps and may purchase interest rate floors or caps. An underlying investment company will typically use interest rate swaps to preserve a return on a particular investment or portion of its portfolio or to shorten the effective duration of its portfolio investments. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the underlying investment company with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, such as an exchange of fixed rate payments for floating rate payments. The purchase of an interest rate floor or cap entitles the purchaser to receive payments of interest on a notional principal amount from the seller, to the extent the specified index falls below (floor) or exceeds (cap) a predetermined interest rate. The Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio may enter into currency swaps, which involve the exchange of the rights of the underlying investment company and another party to make or receive payments in specific currencies.
An underlying investment company will only enter into interest rate swaps or interest rate floor or cap transactions on a net basis, i.e. the two payment streams are netted out, with the underlying investment company receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. In contrast, currency swaps usually involve the delivery of the entire principal value of one designated currency in exchange for the other designated currency.
The net amount of the excess, if any, of an underlying investment companys obligations over its entitlements with respect to each interest rate or currency swap will be accrued on a daily basis, and an amount of liquid assets having an aggregate net asset value at least equal to such accrued excess will be segregated by the underlying investment company.
If there is a default by the other party to such transaction, the underlying investment company will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction.
Lending of Portfolio Securities. To the extent consistent with their respective investment policies and limitations, each Portfolios underlying investment companies may lend their portfolio securities to financial institutions provided that (1) the loan is continuously secured by collateral consisting of U.S. government securities or cash or cash equivalents maintained on a daily mark-to-market basis in an amount at least equal to the current market value of the securities loaned; (2) the underlying investment company may at any time call the loan and obtain the return of the securities loaned; (3) the underlying investment company will receive any interest or dividends paid on the loaned securities; and (4) the aggregate market value of the securities loaned will not at any time exceed one-third of the total assets of the underlying investment company. Such loans would involve risk of delay in receiving additional collateral in the event the value of the collateral decreased below the value of the securities loaned or risk of delay in recovering the securities loaned or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially.
Loan Participations . The Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolios underlying investment companies may purchase participations in commercial loans. Such indebtedness may be secured or unsecured. Loan participations typically represent direct participation in a loan to a corporate borrower, and generally are offered by banks or other financial institutions or lending syndicates. An underlying investment company may participate in such syndications, or can buy part of a loan, becoming a part lender. When purchasing loan participations, the underlying investment company assumes the credit risk associated with the corporate borrower and may assume the credit risk associated with an interposed bank or other financial intermediary. The participation interests in which the Portfolio intends to invest may not be rated by any nationally recognized rating service.
A loan is often administered by an agent bank acting as agent for all holders. The agent bank administers the terms of the loan, as specified in the loan agreement. In addition, the agent bank is normally responsible for the collection of principal and interest payments from the corporate borrower and the apportionment of these payments to the credit of all institutions which are parties to the loan agreement. Unless, under the terms of the loan or other indebtedness, the underlying investment company has direct recourse against the corporate borrower, the underlying investment company may have to rely on the agent bank or other financial intermediary to apply appropriate credit remedies against a corporate borrower.
Purchases of loans and other forms of direct indebtedness depend primarily upon the creditworthiness of the corporate borrower for payment of principal and interest. If the underlying investment company does not receive scheduled interest or principal payments on such indebtedness, the underlying investment companys share price and yield could be adversely affected. Loans that are fully secured offer the underlying investment company more protection than an unsecured loan in the event of non-payment of scheduled interest or principal. However, there is no assurance that the liquidation of collateral from a secured loan would satisfy the corporate borrowers obligation, or that the collateral can be liquidated.
An underlying investment company invests in loan participations with credit quality comparable to that of issuers of its securities investments. Indebtedness of companies whose creditworthiness is poor involves substantially greater risks, and may be highly speculative. Some companies may never pay off their indebtedness, or may pay only a small fraction of the
amount owed. Consequently, when investing in indebtedness of companies with poor credit, the underlying investment company bears a substantial risk of losing the entire amount invested.
Loans and other types of direct indebtedness may not be readily marketable and may be subject to restrictions on resale. In some cases, negotiations involved in disposing of indebtedness may require weeks to complete. Consequently, some indebtedness may be difficult or impossible to dispose of readily at what the underlying investment companys investment adviser believes to be a fair price.
Investments in loans through a direct assignment of the financial institutions interests with respect to the loan may involve additional risks to an underlying investment company. For example, if a loan is foreclosed, the underlying investment company could become part owner of any collateral, and would bear the costs and liabilities associated with owning and disposing of the collateral. In addition, it is conceivable that under emerging legal theories of lender liability, an underlying investment company could be held liable as co-lender. It is unclear whether loans and other forms of direct indebtedness offer securities law protections against fraud and misrepresentation. In the absence of definitive regulatory guidance, an underlying investment company relies on its investment advisers research in an attempt to avoid situations where fraud or misrepresentation could adversely affect the Portfolio.
Market Fluctuation. The market value of the investments of each underlying investment company, and thus each underlying investment companys NAV, will change in response to market conditions affecting the value of its portfolio securities. When interest rates decline, the value of fixed rate obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of fixed rate obligations can be expected to decline. In contrast, as interest rates on adjustable rate loans are reset periodically, yields on investments in such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates, causing the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed rate obligations.
Micro Cap, Small Cap and Mid Cap Stocks. Securities of companies with micro, small and mid-size capitalizations tend to be riskier than securities of companies with large capitalizations. This is because micro, small and mid cap companies typically have smaller product lines and less access to liquidity than large cap companies, and are therefore more sensitive to economic downturns. In addition, growth prospects of micro, small and mid cap companies tend to be less certain than large cap companies, and the dividends paid on micro, small and mid cap stocks are frequently negligible. Moreover, micro, small and mid cap stocks have, on occasion, fluctuated in the opposite direction of large cap stocks or the general stock market. Consequently, securities of micro, small and mid cap companies tend to be more volatile than those of large cap companies. The market for micro and small cap securities may be thinly traded and as a result, greater fluctuations in the price of micro and small cap securities may occur.
Mortgage-Backed Securities. The Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolios underlying investment companies may invest in mortgage pass-through certificates and multiple-class pass-through securities, such as real estate mortgage investment conduits (REMIC) pass-through certificates and collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs).
Guaranteed mortgage pass-through securities represent participation interests in pools of residential mortgage loans and are issued by U.S. governmental or private lenders and guaranteed by the U.S. government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities, including but not limited to the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Ginnie Mae certificates are guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government for timely payment of principal and interest on the certificates. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac certificates are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. Fannie Mae certificates are guaranteed by Fannie Mae, a federally chartered and privately owned corporation, for full and timely payment of principal and interest on the certificates. Fannie Mae is authorized to borrow from the U.S. Treasury to meet its obligations. Freddie Mac certificates are guaranteed by Freddie Mac, a corporate instrumentality of the U.S. government, for timely payment of interest and the ultimate collection of all principal of the related mortgage loans.
In September 2008, the U.S. Treasury Department and the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would be placed in conservatorship under the FHFA. On June 16, 2010, FHFA ordered Fannie Maes and Freddie Macs stock de-listed from the New York Stock Exchange after the price of common stock in Fannie Mae fell below the New York Stock Exchanges minimum average closing price of $1 for more than 30 days. The long-term effect that this conservatorship will have on Fannie Mae and Freddie Macs debt and equity and on securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is unclear.
There is risk that the U.S. Government will not provide financial support to its agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. A Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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.
CMOs and REMIC pass-through or participation certificates may be issued by, among others, U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities as well as private lenders. CMOs and REMIC certificates are issued in multiple classes and the principal of and interest on the mortgage assets may be allocated among the several classes of CMOs or REMIC certificates in various ways. 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. Generally, interest is paid or accrues on all classes of CMOs or REMIC certificates on a monthly basis.
Typically, CMOs are collateralized by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac certificates but also may be collateralized by other mortgage assets such as whole loans or private mortgage pass-through securities. Debt service on CMOs is provided from payments of principal and interest on collateral of mortgaged assets and any reinvestment income thereon. Mortgage-backed securities that are collateralized by a portfolio of mortgages or mortgage-related securities depend on the payments of principal and interest made by or through the
underlying assets, which may not be sufficient to meet the payment obligations of the mortgage-backed securities. The quality and value of the underlying collateral may decline, or default, which has become a significant risk for collateral related to sub-prime mortgage loans, especially in a declining residential real estate market. Further, these securities generally are privately sold and may not be readily marketable, particularly after a rapid decrease in value.
A REMIC is a CMO that qualifies for special tax treatment under the Code and invests in certain mortgages primarily secured by interests in real property and other permitted investments. Investors may purchase regular and residual interest shares of beneficial interest in REMIC trusts.
An underlying investment company may invest in mortgage-backed securities issued by trusts or other entities formed or sponsored by private originators of and institutional investors in mortgage loans and other non-governmental entities (or representing custodial arrangements administered by such institutions). These private originators and institutions include savings and loan associations, mortgage bankers, commercial banks, insurance companies, investment banks and special purpose subsidiaries of the foregoing.
Privately issued mortgage-backed securities are generally backed by pools of conventional (i.e., non-government guaranteed or insured) mortgage loans. Since such mortgage-backed securities normally are not guaranteed by an entity having the credit standing of Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac in order to receive a high quality rating from the rating organizations (e.g., S&Ps or Moodys), they often are structured with one or more types of credit enhancement. Such credit enhancement falls into two categories: (1) liquidity protection and (2) protection against losses resulting after default by a borrower and liquidation of the collateral (e.g., sale of a house after foreclosure). Liquidity protection refers to the payment of cash advances to holders of mortgage-backed securities when a borrower on an underlying mortgage fails to make its monthly payment on time. Protection against losses resulting after default and liquidation is designed to cover losses resulting when, for example, the proceeds of a foreclosure sale are insufficient to cover the outstanding amount on the mortgage. Such protection may be provided through guarantees, insurance policies or letters of credit, through various means of structuring the securities or through a combination of such approaches.
Examples of credit enhancement arising out of the structure of the transaction include senior-subordinated securities (multiple class securities with one or more classes entitled to receive payment before other classes, with the result that defaults on the underlying mortgages are borne first by the holders of the subordinated class), creation of spread accounts or reserve funds (where cash or investments are held in reserve against future losses) and over-collateralization (where the scheduled payments on the underlying mortgages in a pool exceed the amount required to be paid on the mortgage-backed securities). The degree of credit enhancement for a particular issue of mortgage-backed securities is based on the level of credit risk associated with the particular mortgages in the related pool. Losses on a pool in excess of anticipated levels could nevertheless result in losses to security holders since credit enhancement rarely covers every dollar owed on a pool.
Investing in mortgage-backed securities (such as those described above) involves certain risks, including the failure of a counter-party to meet its commitments, adverse interest rate changes and the effects of prepayments on mortgage cash flows. Further, the yield characteristics of mortgage-backed securities differ from those of traditional fixed income securities. The major differences typically include more frequent interest and principal payments (usually monthly), the adjustability of interest rates, and the possibility that prepayments of principal may be made substantially earlier than their final distribution dates.
Prepayment rates are influenced by changes in current interest rates and a variety of economic, geographic, social and other factors and cannot be predicted with certainty. Both adjustable rate mortgage loans and fixed rate mortgage loans may be subject to a greater rate of principal prepayments in a declining interest rate environment and to a lesser rate of principal prepayments in an increasing interest rate environment. Under certain interest rate and prepayment rate scenarios, a Portfolio may fail to recoup fully its investment in Mortgage-Backed Securities notwithstanding any direct or indirect governmental or agency guarantee. When a Portfolio reinvests amounts representing payments and unscheduled prepayments of principal, it may receive a rate of interest that is lower than the rate on existing adjustable rate mortgage pass-through securities. Thus, mortgage-backed securities, and adjustable rate mortgage pass-through securities in particular, may be less effective than other types of U.S. government securities as a means of locking in interest rates.
Conversely, in a rising interest rate environment, a declining prepayment rate will extend the average life of many mortgage-backed securities. This possibility is often referred to as extension risk. Extending the average life of a mortgage-backed security increases the risk of depreciation due to future increases in market interest rates. The market for certain types of mortgage-backed securities (i.e., certain CMOs) may not be liquid under all interest rate scenarios, which may prevent a Portfolio from selling such securities held in its portfolio at times or prices that it desires.
Different types of derivative debt securities are subject to different combinations of prepayment, extension and/or interest rate risk. Conventional mortgage pass-through securities and sequential pay CMOs are subject to all of these risks, but are typically not leveraged. Thus, the magnitude of exposure may be less than for more leveraged mortgage-backed securities.
Planned amortization class (PAC) and target amortization class (TAC) CMO bonds involve less exposure to prepayment, extension and interest rate risk than other mortgage-backed securities, provided that prepayment rates remain within expected prepayment ranges or collars. To the extent that prepayment rates remain within these prepayment ranges, the residual or support tranches of PAC and TAC CMOs assume the extra prepayment extension and interest rate risk associated with the underlying mortgage assets.
An underlying investment company may invest in floating rate securities based on the Cost of Portfolios Index (COFI floaters), other lagging rate floating rate securities, floating rate securities that are subject to a maximum interest rate (capped floaters), and mortgage-backed securities purchased at a discount. The primary risks associated with these derivative debt securities are the potential extension of average life and/or depreciation due to rising interest rates.
Recently, rating agencies have placed on credit watch or downgraded the ratings previously assigned to a large number of mortgage-related securities (which may include certain of the mortgage-related securities in which an underlying investment company may have invested or may in the future be invested), and may continue to do so in the future. In the event that any mortgage-related security held by an underlying investment company is placed on credit watch or downgraded, the value of such mortgage-related security may decline and the underlying investment company invested in such security, and thus the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio, may consequently experience losses in respect of such mortgage-related security.
Mortgage Dollar Roll Transactions. The Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolios underlying investment companies may enter into mortgage dollar roll transactions in which the underlying investment company sells securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts with the same counterparty to repurchase similar (same type, coupon and maturity), but not identical securities on a specified future date.
During the roll period, the underlying investment company would forgo principal and interest paid on such securities. However, the underlying investment company 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 (often referred to as the drop) or fee income plus the interest on the cash proceeds of the securities sold until the settlement date of the forward purchase. Unless such benefits 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 mortgage dollar roll, the use of this technique will diminish the investment performance of the underlying investment company compared with what such performance would have been without the use of mortgage dollar rolls. Any benefits derived from the use of mortgage dollar rolls may depend upon mortgage prepayment assumptions, which will be affected by changes in interest rates. There is no assurance that mortgage dollar rolls can be successfully employed. For additional information on dollar rolls, please refer to the section entitled Dollar Rolls in this SAI.
Options on Futures Contracts. To the extent consistent with their respective investment policies and limitations, each Portfolios underlying investment companies may purchase and sell various kinds of futures contracts, and purchase and write call and put options on any of such futures contracts. The acquisition of put and call options on futures contracts will give an underlying investment company 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, an underlying investment company 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 an underlying investment companys assets. By writing a call option, an underlying investment company becomes obligated, in exchange for the premium, (upon exercise of the option) to sell a futures contract if the option is exercised, which may have a value higher than the exercise price. Conversely, 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 an underlying investment company intends to purchase. However, the underlying investment company becomes obligated (upon 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 an underlying investment company in writing options on futures is potentially unlimited and may exceed the amount of the premium received. The underlying investment company will incur transaction costs in connection with the writing of options on futures.
The holder or writer of an option on a futures contract may terminate its position by selling or purchasing an offsetting option on the same financial instrument. There is no guarantee that such closing transactions can be effected. An underlying investment companys ability to establish and close out positions on such options will be subject to the development and maintenance of a liquid market.
Transactions in futures contracts and options on futures involve brokerage costs, require margin deposits and, in some cases, may require the applicable underlying investment company to establish a segregated account consisting of cash or liquid securities in an amount equal to the underlying value of such contracts and options.
The use of futures contracts entails certain risks, including but not limited to the following: no assurance that futures contracts transactions can be offset at favorable prices; possible reduction of the underlying investment companys income due to the use of hedging; possible reduction in value of both the securities hedged and the hedging instrument; possible lack of liquidity due to daily limits on price fluctuations; imperfect correlation between the contract and the securities being hedged; and potential losses in excess of the amount initially invested in the futures contracts themselves. If the expectations of the adviser of the underlying investment company regarding movements in securities prices or interest rates are incorrect, the underlying investment company may have experienced better investment results without hedging. The use of futures contracts and options on futures contracts requires special skills in addition to those needed to select portfolio securities.
While transactions in futures contracts and options on futures may reduce certain risks, such transactions themselves entail certain other risks. Thus, while an underlying investment company may benefit from the use of futures and options on futures, unanticipated changes in interest rates or securities prices may result in a poorer overall performance for the underlying investment company than if it had not entered into any futures contracts or options transactions. In the event of an imperfect correlation between a futures position and a portfolio position which
is intended to be protected, the desired protection may not be obtained and the underlying investment company may be exposed to risk of loss.
Perfect correlation between an underlying investment companys futures positions and portfolio positions will be impossible to achieve. There are no futures contracts based upon individual securities, except certain U.S. government securities. Other futures contracts available to hedge an underlying investment companys portfolio investments generally are limited to futures on various securities indices.
Options on Securities and Securities Indices. To the extent consistent with their respective investment policies and limitations, each Portfolios underlying investment companies may each write covered call and secured put options on any securities in which it may invest or on any domestic stock indices based on securities in which it may invest. An underlying investment company may purchase and write such options on securities that are listed on national domestic securities exchanges or foreign securities exchanges or traded in the over-the-counter market. A call option written by an underlying investment company obligates the investment company to sell specified securities to the holder of the option at a specified price if the option is exercised at any time before the expiration date, regardless of the market price of the security.
A put option written by an underlying investment company obligates the underlying investment company to purchase specified securities from the option holder at a specified price if the option is exercised at any time before the expiration date, regardless of the market price for the security. The purpose of writing such options is to generate additional income. However, in return for the option premium, the underlying investment company accepts the risk that it will be required to purchase the underlying securities at a price in excess of the securities market value at the time of purchase.
A written call option or put option may be covered by (i) maintaining cash or liquid securities, either of which may be quoted or denominated in any currency, in a segregated account noted on the underlying investment companys records or maintained by the underlying investment companys custodian with a value at least equal to the underlying investment companys obligation under the option, (ii) entering into an offsetting forward commitment and/or (iii) purchasing an offsetting option or any other option which, by virtue of its exercise price or otherwise, reduces the underlying investment companys net exposure on its written option position.
An underlying investment company 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 counterparts to such option. Such purchases are referred to as closing purchase transactions and do not result in the ownership of an option. A closing purchase transaction will ordinarily be effected to realize a profit on an outstanding option, to prevent an underlying security from being called, to permit the sale of the underlying security or to permit the writing of a new option containing different terms on such underlying security. The cost of such a liquidation purchase plus transaction costs may be greater than the premium received upon the original option, in which event the underlying investment company will have incurred a loss in
the transaction.
An underlying investment company may also write (sell) covered call and put options on any securities index composed 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 settlement payments and does not involve the actual purchase or sale of securities. The amount of this settlement will be equal to the difference between the closing price of the securities index at the time of exercise and the exercise price of the option expressed in dollars, times a specified amount. 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.
An underlying investment company 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 cash consideration held in a segregated account) upon conversion or exchange of other securities in its portfolio. An underlying investment company may also cover call and put options on a securities index by using the other methods described above.
An underlying investment company would normally purchase call options in anticipation of an increase, or put options in anticipation of a decrease (protective puts) in the market value of securities of the type in which it may invest. The purchase of a call option would entitle an underlying investment company, in return for the premium paid, to purchase specified securities at a specified price during the option period. An underlying investment company 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 the underlying investment company would realize either no gain or a loss on the purchase of the call option. The purchase of a put option would entitle an underlying investment company, 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 an underlying investment companys securities. Put options may also be purchased by an underlying investment company for the purpose of affirmatively benefiting from a decline in the price of securities which it does not own. An underlying investment company would ordinarily realize a gain if, during the option period, the value of the underlying securities decreased below the exercise price sufficiently to cover the premium and transaction costs; otherwise the underlying investment company would realize either no gain or a loss on the purchase of the put option. Gains and losses on the purchase of put options may be offset by countervailing changes in the value of the underlying portfolio securities.
An underlying investment company may purchase put and call options on securities indices for the same purposes as it may purchase options on securities. 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.
Although an underlying investment company may use option transactions to seek to generate additional income and to seek to reduce the effect of any adverse price movement in the securities or currency subject to the option, they do involve certain risks that are different in some respects from investment risks associated with similar mutual funds, which do not engage in such activities. These risks include the following: for writing call options, the inability to effect closing transactions at favorable prices and the inability to participate in the appreciation of the underlying securities above the exercise price; for writing put options, the inability to effect closing transactions at favorable prices and the obligation to purchase the specified securities or to make a cash settlement on the securities index at prices which may not reflect current market values; and for purchasing call and put options, the possible loss of the entire premium paid. In addition, the effectiveness of hedging through the purchase or sale of securities index options, including options on the S&P 500 ® Index, will depend upon the extent to which price movements in the portion of the securities portfolio being hedged correlate with the price movements in the selected securities index. Perfect correlation may not be possible because the securities held or to be acquired by an underlying investment company may not exactly match the composition of the securities index on which options are written. If the forecasts of the adviser of the underlying investment company regarding movements in securities prices or interest rates are incorrect, an underlying investment companys investment results may have been better without the hedge transactions.
There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on a domestic or foreign options exchange will exist for any particular exchange-traded option or at any particular time. If an underlying investment company is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction with respect to covered options it has written, the investment company will not be able to sell the underlying securities or dispose of assets held in a segregated account until the options expire or are exercised. Similarly, if an underlying investment company is unable to effect a closing sale transaction with respect to options it has purchased, it would have to exercise the options in order to realize any profit and will incur transaction costs upon the purchase or sale of underlying securities or currencies.
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 transactions 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 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.
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 successful use of options for hedging purposes depends in part on the advisers ability to predict future price fluctuations and the degree of correlation between the options and securities markets.
Pay-in-Kind Securities, Zero Coupon and Capital Appreciation Bonds. To the extent consistent with their respective investment policies and limitations, each Portfolios underlying investment companies may invest in pay-in-kind (PIK) securities. 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. Similarly, zero coupon and capital appreciation bonds are debt securities issued or sold at a discount from their face value and do not entitle the holder to any periodic payment of interest prior to maturity or a specified date. The amount of the 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. A portion of the discount with respect to stripped tax-exempt securities or their coupons may be taxable. Such securities are designed to give an issuer flexibility in managing cash flow. PIK securities that are debt securities can either be senior or subordinated debt and generally trade flat (i.e., without 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.
PIK securities, zero coupon bonds and capital appreciation bonds involve the additional risk that, unlike securities that periodically pay interest to maturity, an underlying investment company 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, an underlying investment company may obtain no return at all on its investment. In addition, even though such securities may not provide for the payment of current interest in cash, an underlying investment company 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, an underlying investment company may be required to liquidate other portfolio securities to obtain sufficient cash to satisfy federal tax distribution requirements applicable to the underlying investment company. Additionally, the market prices of PIK securities, zero coupon bonds and capital appreciation bonds 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.
Purchase Warrants. To the extent consistent with their respective investment policies and limitations, each Portfolios underlying investment companies may invest in purchase warrants and similar rights. Purchase warrants are privileges issued by a corporation which enable the owner to subscribe to and purchase a specified number of shares of the corporation at a specified price during a specified period of time. Subscription rights normally have a short lifespan to expiration. The purchase of warrants involves the risk that the underlying investment company could lose the purchase value of a warrant if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not executed prior to the warrants expiration. Also, the purchase of warrants involves the risk that the effective price paid for the warrant added to the subscription price of the related security may exceed the value of the subscribed securitys market price such as when there is no movement in the level of the underlying security.
Real Estate Investment Trust Securities. To the extent consistent with their respective investment policies and limitations, each Portfolios underlying investment companies may invest in real estate investment trusts (REITs). REITs generally invest directly in real estate, in mortgages or in some combination of the two. Individual REITs may own a limited number of properties and may concentrate in a particular region or property type. A REIT is a corporation, or a business trust that would otherwise be taxed as a corporation, which meets the definitional requirements of the Code. The Code permits a qualifying REIT to deduct dividends paid, thereby effectively eliminating corporate level Federal income tax and making the REIT a pass-through vehicle for federal income tax purposes. To meet the definitional requirements of the Code, a REIT must, among other things, invest substantially all of its assets in interests in real estate (including mortgages and other REITs) or cash and government securities, derive most of its income from rents from real property or interest on loans secured by mortgages on real property, and distribute to shareholders annually a substantial portion of its otherwise taxable income.
Generally, REITs can be classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs and hybrid REITs. Equity REITs invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive their income primarily from rents and capital gains from appreciation realized through property sales. Mortgage REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive their income primarily from interest payments. Hybrid REITs combine the characteristics of both equity and mortgage REITs. The values of securities issued by REITs are affected by tax and regulatory requirements and by perceptions of management skill. They also are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers or tenants, self-liquidation and the possibility of failing to qualify for tax-free status under the Code or to maintain exemption from the 1940 Act. Unexpected high rates of default on the mortgages held by a mortgage pool may adversely affect the value of a mortgage-backed security and could result in losses to a mortgage REIT. The risk of such defaults is generally higher in the case of mortgage pools that include subprime mortgages. To the extent that a mortgage REITs portfolio is exposed to lower-rated, unsecured or subordinated instruments, the risk of loss may increase, which may have a negative impact on an underlying investment company and, therefore, the Portfolios.
The REITs in which the underlying investment companies may invest may be affected by economic forces and other factors related to the real estate industry. REITs are sensitive to factors such as changes in real estate values, property taxes, interest rates, cash flow of underlying real estate assets, occupancy rates, government regulations affecting zoning, land use
and rents, and management skill and creditworthiness of the issuer. Companies in the real estate industry may also be subject to liabilities under environmental and hazardous waste laws. REITS whose underlying assets include long-term health care properties; such as nursing, retirement and assisted living homes, may be impacted by federal regulations concerning the health care industry. An underlying investment company will indirectly bear its proportionate share of expenses, including management fees, paid by each REIT in which it invests in addition to the expenses of the underlying investment company. An underlying investment company is also subject to the risk that the REITs in which it invests will fail to qualify for tax-free pass-through of income under the Code, and/or fail to qualify for an exemption from registration as an investment company under the 1940 Act. Mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of the credit extended. A REITs return may be adversely affected when interest rates are high or rising.
Investing in REITs may involve risks similar to those associated with investing in small capitalization companies. REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities. Historically, small capitalization stocks, such as REITs, have been more volatile in price than the larger capitalization stocks included in the S&P 500 ® Index.
Repurchase Agreements. Each Portfolios underlying investment companies may agree to purchase securities from financial institutions subject to the sellers agreement to repurchase them at an agreed-upon time and price (repurchase agreements). The securities held subject to a repurchase agreement may have stated maturities exceeding 397 days, provided the repurchase agreement itself matures in less than 13 months. Default by or bankruptcy of the seller would, however, expose an underlying investment company to possible loss because of adverse market action or delays in connection with the disposition of the underlying obligations.
Default by or bankruptcy of the seller would, expose an underlying investment company to possible loss because of adverse market action or delays in connection with the disposition of the underlying obligations.
Restricted and Illiquid Securities. Each Portfolios underlying investment companies may not invest more than 15% of their respective net assets in illiquid securities, including securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily available market or legal or contractual restrictions on resale. Illiquid securities include: repurchase agreements and time deposits with a notice or demand period of more than seven days; interest rate; currency and mortgage swaps; interest rate caps; floors and collars; municipal leases; certain restricted securities, such as those purchased in a private placement of securities, unless it is determined, based upon a review of the trading markets for a specific restricted security, that such restricted security is liquid; and certain over-the-counter options. Securities that have legal or contractual restrictions on resale but have a readily available market are not considered illiquid for purposes of this limitation.
Mutual funds do not typically hold a significant amount of restricted or other illiquid securities because of the potential for delays on resale and uncertainty in valuation. Limitations on resale may have an adverse effect on the marketability of portfolio securities and a mutual
fund might be unable to dispose of restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty in satisfying redemptions within seven days. A mutual fund might also have to register such restricted securities in order to dispose of them resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of securities.
Each underlying investment company may purchase securities which are not registered under the Securities Act but which may be sold to qualified institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act (Restricted Securities). These securities will not be considered illiquid so long as it is determined by the underlying investment adviser that an adequate trading market exists for the securities. This investment practice could have the effect of increasing the level of illiquidity in an underlying investment company during any period that qualified institutional buyers become uninterested in purchasing restricted securities.
The underlying investment adviser will monitor the liquidity of Restricted Securities held by an underlying investment company. In reaching liquidity decisions, the underlying investment adviser may consider, among others, the following factors: (1) the unregistered nature of the security; (2) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (3) the number of dealers wishing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other potential purchasers; (4) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; and (5) the nature of the security and the nature of the marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers and the mechanics of the transfer).
The purchase price and subsequent valuation of Restricted Securities normally reflect a discount from the price at which such securities trade when they are not restricted, since the restriction makes them less liquid. The amount of the discount from the prevailing market price is expected to vary depending upon the type of security, the character of the issuer, the party who will bear the expenses of registering the Restricted Securities and prevailing supply and demand conditions.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements. To the extent consistent with their respective investment policies and limitations, each Portfolios underlying investment companies may enter into reverse repurchase agreements. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the sale of securities held by an underlying investment company subject to the underlying investment companys agreement to repurchase the securities at an agreed-upon price, date and rate of interest. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of the securities sold by an underlying investment company may decline below the price of the securities the underlying investment company is obligated to repurchase and the interest received on the cash exchanged for the securities. Reverse repurchase agreements are considered to be borrowings under the 1940 Act.
Short Sales. To the extent consistent with their respective investment policies and limitations, each Portfolios underlying investment companies may enter into short sales. Short sales are transactions in which an underlying investment company sells a security it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the market value of that security. To complete such a transaction, the underlying investment company must borrow the security to make delivery to the
buyer. The underlying investment company then is obligated to replace the security borrowed by purchasing it at the market price at the time of replacement. The price at such time may be more or less than the price at which the security was sold by the underlying investment company. Until the security is replaced, the underlying investment company is required to pay to the lender amounts equal to any dividend which accrues during the period of the loan. To borrow the security, the underlying investment company also may be required to pay a premium, which would increase the cost of the security sold. The proceeds of the short sale will be retained by the broker, to the extent necessary to meet margin requirements, until the short position is closed out.
Until an underlying investment company replaces a borrowed security in connection with a short sale, the underlying investment company will: (a) maintain daily a segregated account, containing cash, cash equivalents, or liquid marketable securities, at such a level that the amount deposited in the account plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral will equal the current value of the security sold short or (b) otherwise cover its short position in accordance with positions taken by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC).
An underlying investment company will incur a loss as a result of the short sale if the price of the security increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the underlying investment company replaces the borrowed security. The underlying investment company will realize a gain if the security declines in price between those dates. This result is the opposite of what one would expect from a cash purchase of a long position in a security. The amount of any gain will be decreased, and the amount of any loss increased, by the amount of any premium or amounts in lieu of interest the underlying investment company may be required to pay in connection with a short sale.
Short Sales Against the Box. In addition to the short sales discussed above, an underlying investment company may make short sales against the box, a transaction in which a fund enters into a short sale of a security that the fund owns or has the right to obtain at no additional cost. The proceeds of the short sale will be held by a broker until the settlement date at which time the underlying investment company delivers the security to close the short position. The underlying investment company receives the net proceeds from the short sale.
Structured Securities. The Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolios underlying investment companies may invest in structured securities. The value of the principal of and/or interest on structured securities is determined by reference to changes in the value of specific currencies, commodities, securities, indices or other financial indicators (the Reference) or the relative change in two or more References. The interest rate or the principal amount payable upon maturity or redemption may be increased or decreased depending upon changes in the applicable Reference. Examples of structured securities include, but are not limited to, notes where the principal repayment at maturity is determined by the value of the relative change in two or more specified securities or securities indices.
The terms of some structured securities may provide that in certain circumstances no principal is due at maturity and, therefore, an underlying investment company could suffer a total loss of its investment. Structured securities may be positively or negatively indexed, so that appreciation of the Reference may produce an increase or decrease in the interest rate or value of
the security at maturity. In addition, changes in the interest rate or the value of the security at maturity may be a multiple of the changes in the value of the Reference. Consequently, structured securities may entail a greater degree of market risk than other types of securities. Structured securities may also be more volatile, less liquid and more difficult to accurately price than less complex securities due to their derivative nature.
Special Note Regarding Market Events. Events in the financial sector over the past several years have resulted in reduced liquidity in credit and fixed income markets and in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestically and internationally. While entire markets have been impacted, issuers that have exposure to the real estate, mortgage and credit markets have been particularly affected. These events and the potential for continuing market turbulence may have an adverse effect on the underlying investment companies investments. It is uncertain how long these conditions will continue.
The instability in the financial markets has led the U.S. government to take a number of unprecedented actions designed to support certain financial institutions and certain segments of the financial markets. Federal, state and foreign governments, regulatory agencies, and self-regulatory organizations may take actions that affect the regulation of the instruments in which the Portfolio invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that are unforeseeable. Such legislation or regulation could limit or preclude an underlying investment companys, and thus a Portfolios, ability to achieve its investment objective.
Governments or their agencies may also acquire distressed assets from financial institutions and acquire ownership interests in those institutions. The implications of government ownership and disposition of these assets are unclear, and such ownership or disposition may have positive or negative effects on the liquidity, valuation and performance of the underlying investment companies holdings.
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
The Company has adopted, on behalf of the Portfolios, a policy relating to the disclosure of each Portfolios portfolio securities to ensure that disclosure of information about portfolio holdings is in the best interest of Portfolio shareholders. The policies relating to the disclosure of the Portfolios portfolio securities are designed to allow disclosure of portfolio holdings information where necessary to the Portfolios operation without compromising the integrity or performance of the Portfolio. It is the policy of the Company that disclosure of a Portfolios portfolio holdings to a select person or persons prior to the release of such holdings to the public (selective disclosure) is prohibited, unless there are legitimate business purposes for selective disclosure and the recipients are subject to a duty of confidentiality that includes a duty not to trade based on the selective disclosure.
The Company discloses portfolio holdings information as required in regulatory filings and shareholder reports, discloses portfolio holdings information as required by federal and state securities laws and may disclose portfolio holdings information in response to requests by governmental authorities. As required by the federal securities laws, including the 1940 Act, the Company will disclose the Portfolios portfolio holdings in applicable regulatory filings, including shareholder reports, reports on Form N-CSR and Form N-Q or such other filings, reports or disclosure documents as the applicable regulatory authorities may require.
The Company may distribute or authorize the distribution of information about the Portfolios portfolio holdings that is not publicly available to its third-party service providers of the Company, which include The Bank of New York Mellon, the custodian for the Portfolios; BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (BNY Mellon), the administrator, accounting agent and transfer agent; PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Portfolios independent registered public accounting firm; Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, legal counsel; and Merrill Corporation, the financial printer. These service providers are required to keep such information confidential, and are prohibited from trading based on the information or otherwise using the information except as necessary in providing services to the Portfolios. Such holdings are released on conditions of confidentiality, which include appropriate trading prohibitions. Conditions of confidentiality include confidentiality terms included in written agreements, implied by the nature of the relationship (e.g. attorney-client relationship), or required by fiduciary or regulatory principles (e.g., custody services provided by financial institutions). Portfolio holdings may also be provided earlier to shareholders and their agents who receive redemptions in kind that reflect a pro rata allocation of all securities held in a Portfolios portfolio.
Portfolio holdings may also be disclosed, upon authorization by a designated officer of the Adviser, to (i) certain independent reporting agencies recognized by the SEC as acceptable agencies for the reporting of industry statistical information, and (ii) financial consultants to assist them in determining the suitability of a Portfolio as an investment for their clients, in each case in accordance with the anti-fraud provisions of the federal securities laws and the Companys and the Advisers fiduciary duties to Portfolio shareholders. The foregoing disclosures are made pursuant to the Companys policy on selective disclosure of portfolio holdings. The Board of Directors of the Company or a committee thereof may, in limited circumstances, permit other selective disclosure of portfolio holdings subject to a confidentiality agreement and/or trading restrictions. Portfolio holdings may also be provided earlier to shareholders and their agents who receive redemptions in kind that reflect a pro rata allocation of all securities held in the Portfolios portfolios.
The Adviser reserves the right to refuse to fulfill any request for portfolio holdings information from a shareholder or non-shareholder if it believes that providing such information will be contrary to the best interests of the Portfolios.
Any violations of the policy set forth above as well as any corrective action undertaken to address such violations must be reported by the Adviser, director, officer or third party service provider to the Companys Chief Compliance Officer, who will determine whether the violation should be reported immediately to the Board of Directors of the Company or at its next quarterly Board meeting.
Portfolio Turnover. Changes may be made to a Portfolios portfolio consistent with the investment objective and policies of such Portfolio whenever such changes are believed to be in the best interests of the Portfolio and its shareholders. The portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities by the average monthly value of a Portfolios portfolio securities. For purposes of this calculation, portfolio securities exclude all securities having a maturity when purchased of one year or less. High portfolio turnover may result in increased brokerage costs to a Portfolio. Under normal circumstances each of the Portfolios expects to have a low portfolio turnover rate.
The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the oversight of the Companys Board of Directors (the Board), subject to the laws of the State of Maryland and the Companys Charter. The Directors are responsible for deciding matters of overall policy and overseeing the actions of the Companys service providers. The officers of the Company conduct and supervise the Companys daily business operations.
Directors who are not deemed to be interested persons of the Company as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), are referred to as Independent Directors. Directors who are deemed to be interested persons of the Company are referred to as Interested Directors. The Board is currently composed of six Independent Directors and two Interested Directors. The Board has selected Arnold M. Reichman, an Independent Director, to act as Chairman. Mr. Reichmans duties include presiding at meetings of the Board and interfacing with management to address significant issues that may arise between regularly scheduled Board and Committee meetings. In the performance of his duties, Mr. Reichman will consult with the other Independent Directors and the Companys officers and legal counsel, as appropriate. The Chairman may perform other functions as requested by the Board from time to time.
The Board meets as often as necessary to discharge its responsibilities. Currently, the Board conducts regular, in-person meetings at least four times a year, and holds special in-person or telephonic meetings as necessary to address specific issues that require attention prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting. The Board also relies on professionals, such as the Companys independent registered public accounting firms and legal counsel, to assist the Directors in performing their oversight responsibilities.
The Board has established seven standing committees Audit, Contract, Product Development, Executive, Nominating and Governance, Valuation and Regulatory Oversight Committees. The Board may establish other committees, or nominate one or more Directors to examine particular issues related to the Boards oversight responsibilities, from time to time. Each Committee meets periodically to perform its delegated oversight functions and reports its findings and recommendations to the Board. For more information on the Committees, see the section Standing Board Committees, below.
The Board has determined that the Companys leadership structure is appropriate because it allows the Board to effectively perform its oversight responsibilities.
Directors and Executive Officers
The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below.
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INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS |
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Julian A. Brodsky 103 Bellevue Parkway Wilmington, DE 19809 Age: 80 |
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Director |
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1988 to present |
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Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications) from 1969 to 2011. |
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21 |
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AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies) |
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J. Richard Carnall 103 Bellevue Parkway Wilmington, DE 19809 Age: 75 |
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Director |
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2002 to present |
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Director of Haydon Bolts, Inc. (bolt manufacturer) and Parkway Real Estate Company (subsidiary of Haydon Bolts, Inc.) since 1984; and Director of Cornerstone Bank since March 2004. |
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21 |
|
None |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gregory P. Chandler 103 Bellevue Parkway Wilmington, DE 19809 Age: 47 |
|
Director |
|
2012 to present |
|
Since May 2009, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services); from February 2003-April 2009, Managing Director, head of Business Services and IT Services Practice, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC (investment banking/brokerage). |
|
21 |
|
Emtec, Inc.; FS Investment Corporation (business development company); FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company). |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nicholas A. Giordano 103 Bellevue Parkway Wilmington, DE 19809 Age: 70 |
|
Director |
|
2006 to present |
|
Consultant, financial services organizations from 1997 to present. |
|
21 |
|
Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust; (registered investment company); Wilmington Funds (registered investment company); WT Mutual Fund (registered investment company) (until March 2012); Independence Blue Cross; IntriCon Corporation (industrial furnaces and ovens). |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Arnold M. Reichman 103 Bellevue Parkway Wilmington, DE 19809 Age: 65 |
|
Chairman
Director |
|
2005 to present 1991 to present |
|
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Lifebooker, LLC, from 2006 to present. |
|
21 |
|
None |
Name, Address, and
|
|
Position(s)
|
|
Term of Office
|
|
Principal Occupation(s)
|
|
Number of
|
|
Other Directorships
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert A. Straniere 103 Bellevue Parkway Wilmington, DE 19809 Age: 72 |
|
Director |
|
2006 to present |
|
Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; from 1980 to present, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group; from 2006 to 2008, President, The New York City Hot Dog Company. |
|
21 |
|
Reich and Tang Group (asset management); The SPARX Asia Funds Group (registered investment company) (until 2009) |
INTERESTED DIRECTORS(2) |
||||||||||
Jay F. Nusblatt 103 Bellevue Parkway Wilmington, DE 19809 Age: 52 |
|
Director |
|
2012 to present |
|
Since July 2010, Head of U.S. Fund Accounting and Administration, BNY Mellon Asset Servicing; from 2006 to July 2010, Senior Vice President, Fund Accounting and Administration, PNC Global Investment Servicing. |
|
21 |
|
None |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert Sablowsky 103 Bellevue Parkway Wilmington, DE 19809 Age: 75 |
|
Director |
|
1991 to present |
|
Since July 2002, Senior Vice President and prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer). |
|
21 |
|
Kensington Funds (registered investment company) (until 2009) |
OFFICERS |
||||||||||
Salvatore Faia, JD, CPA, CFE Vigilant Compliance Services Brandywine Two 5 Christy Drive, Suite 209 Chadds Ford, PA 19317 Age: 51 |
|
President and Chief Compliance Officer |
|
President 2009 to present and Chief Compliance Officer 2004 to present |
|
President, Vigilant Compliance Services since 2004; and Director of Energy Income Partnership since 2005. |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joel Weiss 103 Bellevue Parkway Wilmington, DE 19809 Age: 50 |
|
Treasurer |
|
2009 to present |
|
Since 1993 Vice President and Managing Director, BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company) |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jennifer Rogers 301 Bellevue Parkway Wilmington, DE 19809 Age: 39 |
|
Secretary |
|
2007 to present |
|
Since 2005, Managing Director and Senior Counsel, BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company). |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
Name, Address, and
|
|
Position(s)
|
|
Term of Office
|
|
Principal Occupation(s)
|
|
Number of
|
|
Other Directorships
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James G. Shaw 103 Bellevue Parkway Wilmington, DE 19809 Age: 53 |
|
Assistant Treasurer |
|
2005 to present |
|
Since 1995, Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company) |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michael P. Malloy One Logan Square, Ste. 2000 Philadelphia, PA 19103 Age: 54 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
|
1999 to present |
|
Since 1993, Partner, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm) |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
* Each Director oversees twenty-one portfolios of the Company that are currently offered for sale.
1. Subject to the Companys Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his successor is elected and qualified or his death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved a waiver of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall and Sablowsky. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board of Directors until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.
2. Messrs. Sablowsky and Nusblatt are considered interested persons of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and are referred to as Interested Directors. Mr. Sablowsky is considered an Interested Director of the Company by virtue of his position as a senior officer of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer. Mr. Nusblatt is considered an Interested Director of the Company by virtue of his position as the Head of U.S. Fund Accounting and Administration at BNY Mellon Asset Servicing, administrator and accounting agent and transfer agent to the Company.
Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills
The information above includes each Directors principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and also serves on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Nusblatt has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Carnall has decades of senior executive-level management experience in the banking and financial services industry and also serves on the boards of various corporations and a bank. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the
investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards.
Standing Committees
The responsibilities of each Committee of the Board and its members are described below.
Audit Committee. The Board has an Audit Committee comprised of three Independent Directors. The current members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Brodsky, Giordano and Chandler. The Audit Committee, among other things, reviews results of the annual audit and approves the firm(s) to serve as independent auditors. The Audit Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013.
Contract Committee. The Board has a Contract Committee comprised of one Interested Director and two Independent Directors. The current members of the Contract Committee are Messrs. Chandler, Sablowsky, and Brodsky. The Contract Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Board regarding the approval and continuation of agreements and plans of the Company. The Contract Committee is new and did not meet during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013.
Executive Committee. The Board has an Executive Committee comprised of one Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Executive Committee are Messrs. Giordano, Reichman, Sablowsky and Chandler. The Executive Committee may generally carry on and manage the business of the Company when the Board of Directors is not in session. The Executive Committee did not meet during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013.
Nominating and Governance Committee. The Board has a Nominating and Governance Committee comprised only of Independent Directors. The current members of the Nominating and Governance Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Giordano, and Reichman. The Nominating and Governance Committee recommends to the Board of Directors all persons to be nominated as Directors of the Company. The Nominating and Governance Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders. Recommendations should be submitted to the Committee care of the Companys Secretary. The Nominating and Governance Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013.
Valuation Committee. Effective January 1, 2014, the Board has a Valuation Committee comprised of one Interested Director and three officers of the Company. Prior to January 1, 2014, the Companys Valuation Committee was comprised only of officers of the Company. The members of the Valuation Committee are Messrs. Faia, Sablowsky, Shaw and Weiss. The Valuation Committee is responsible for reviewing fair value determinations. The Valuation Committee of the Board is new and did not meet during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013, as it become effective after that date.
Regulatory Oversight Committee . The Board has a Regulatory Oversight Committee comprised of two Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Regulatory Oversight Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Reichman, Sablowsky, Straniere and Nusblatt. The Regulatory Oversight Committee monitors regulatory developments in the mutual fund industry and focuses on various regulatory aspects of the operation of the Company. The Regulatory Oversight Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013.
Product Development Committee. The Board has a Product Development Committee comprised of two Interested Directors and one Independent Director. The current members of the Product Development Committee are Messrs. Reichman, Sablowsky and Nusblatt. The Product Development Committee oversees the process regarding the addition of new investment advisers and investment products to the Company and evaluates the Companys current investment advisers and investment products. The Product Development Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013.
Risk Oversight
The Board of Directors performs its risk oversight function for the Company through a combination of (1) direct oversight by the Board as a whole and Board committees and (2) indirect oversight through the Companys investment advisers and other service providers, Company officers and the Companys Chief Compliance Officer. The Company is subject to a number of risks, including but not limited to investment risk, compliance risk, operational risk, reputational risk, credit risk and counterparty risk. Day-to-day risk management with respect to the Company is the responsibility of the Companys investment advisers or other service providers (depending on the nature of the risk) that carry out the Companys investment management and business affairs. Each of the investment advisers and the other service providers have their own independent interest in risk management and their policies and methods of risk management will depend on their functions and business models and may differ from the Companys and each others in the setting of priorities, the resources available or the effectiveness of relevant controls.
The Board provides risk oversight by receiving and reviewing on a regular basis reports from the Companys investment advisers or other service providers, receiving and approving compliance policies and procedures, periodic meetings with the Companys portfolio managers to review investment policies, strategies and risks, and meeting regularly with the Companys Chief Compliance Officer to discuss compliance reports, findings and issues. The Board also relies on the Companys investment advisers and other service providers, with respect to the day-to-day activities of the Company, to create and maintain procedures and controls to minimize risk and the likelihood of adverse effects on the Companys business and reputation.
Board oversight of risk management is also provided by various Board Committees. For example, the Audit Committee meets with the Companys independent registered public accounting firms to ensure that the Companys respective audit scopes include risk-based considerations as to the Companys financial position and operations.
The Board may, at any time and in its discretion, change the manner in which it conducts risk oversight. The Boards oversight role does not make the Board a guarantor of the Companys investments or activities.
Director Ownership of Shares of the Company
The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each Director in the Portfolios and in all of the portfolios of the Company (which for each Director comprise all registered investment companies within the Companys family of investment companies overseen by him) as of December 31, 2012. Shares of the Portfolios are offered only to Separate Accounts of Participating Insurance Companies for the purpose of funding various annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies and are not available for direct investment by the Directors.
Name of Director |
|
Dollar Range of
|
|
Aggregate Dollar Range of
|
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS |
||||
Julian A. Brodsky |
|
None |
|
Over $100,000 |
J. Richard Carnall |
|
None |
|
$10,001-$50,000 |
Gregory P. Chandler |
|
None |
|
None |
Nicholas A. Giordano |
|
None |
|
$10,001-$50,000 |
Arnold M. Reichman |
|
None |
|
Over $100,000 |
Robert A. Straniere |
|
None |
|
$1-$10,000 |
INTERESTED DIRECTORS |
||||
Jay F. Nusblatt |
|
None |
|
None |
Robert Sablowsky |
|
None |
|
Over $100,000 |
Directors and Officers Compensation
Effective January 1, 2014, the Company will pay each Director a retainer at the rate of $35,000 annually, $3,500 for each regular meeting of the Board of Directors, $2,000 for each committee meeting or special meeting of the Board of Directors attended in-person and $1,000 for each committee meeting or special meeting of the Board of Directors and Committee meeting attended telephonically. From January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2013, the Company paid each Director a retainer at the rate of $27,500 annually, $3,500 for each regular meeting of the Board
of Directors, $2,000 for each committee meeting or special meeting of the Board of Directors attended in-person and $1,000 for each committee meeting or special meeting of the Board of Directors and Committee meeting attended telephonically. From February 1, 2010 to December 31, 2011, the Company paid each Director a retainer at the rate of $17,500 annually, $3,500 for each regular meeting of the Board of Directors, $1,500 for each committee meeting or special meeting of the Board of Directors attended in person and $1,000 for each committee meeting or special meeting of the Board of Directors and Committee meeting attended telephonically. The Chairman of the Board receives an additional fee of $17,500 per year for his services in this capacity, and each Chairman of the Audit Committee, Nominating and Governance Committee and Regulatory Oversight Committee receives an additional fee of $4,000 per year for his services. From February 2, 2010 to December 31, 2011, The Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $12,000 per year for his services in this capacity.
Directors are reimbursed for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof. The Company also compensates its President and Chief Compliance Officer for his services to the Company. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013, each of the following members of the Board of Directors and the President and Chief Compliance Officer received compensation from the Portfolios in the following amounts:
Name of Director/Officer |
|
Aggregate
|
|
Pension or
|
|
Estimated
|
|
Total
|
||
FISCAL YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Independent Directors: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Julian A. Brodsky, Director |
|
$ |
0 |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
|
$ |
39,765.18 |
J. Richard Carnall, Director |
|
$ |
0 |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
|
$ |
53,227.64 |
Gregory P. Chandler, Director |
|
$ |
0 |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
|
$ |
51,227.33 |
Nicholas A. Giordano, Director |
|
$ |
0 |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
|
$ |
53,226.73 |
Arnold M. Reichman, Director and Chairman |
|
$ |
0 |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
|
$ |
70,610.72 |
Robert A. Straniere, Director |
|
$ |
0 |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
|
$ |
49,261.62 |
Interested Directors: |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jay F. Nusblatt, Director |
|
$ |
0 |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
Robert Sablowsky, Director |
|
$ |
0 |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
|
$ |
53,227.64 |
Officers: |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salvatore Faia, Esquire, CPA Chief Compliance Officer and President |
|
$ |
0 |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
|
$ |
339,996.00 |
* As of August 31, 2013, the Portfolios had not yet commenced operations.
Effective with the calendar year ending December 31, 2014, each compensated Director is entitled to participate in the Companys deferred compensation plan (the DC Plan). Under the DC Plan, a compensated Director may elect to defer all or a portion of his compensation and have the deferred compensation treated as if it had been invested by the Company in shares of
one or more of the portfolios of the Company. The amount paid to the Directors under the DC Plan will be determined based upon the performance of such investments.
As of December 31, 2012, the Independent Directors and their respective immediate family members (spouse or dependent children) did not own beneficially or of record any securities of the Companys investment advisers or distributor, or of any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment advisers or distributor.
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
As of the date of this SAI, there were no record or beneficial owners of 5% or more of the shares of the Portfolios. As of November 30, 2013, the Directors and officers of the Company as a group owned 5.48% of the Schneider Value Fund, 1.28% of the Schneider Small Cap Value Fund and less than 1% of the outstanding shares of each other portfolio and class within the Company.
CODE OF ETHICS
The Company and the Adviser have each adopted a code of ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act that permits personnel subject to the codes to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Company.
PROXY VOTING POLICIES
The Board of Directors has delegated the responsibility of voting proxies with respect to the portfolio securities purchased and/or held by each Portfolio to the Adviser, subject to the Boards continuing oversight. In exercising its voting obligations, the Adviser is guided by its general fiduciary duty to act prudently and in the interest of the Portfolios. The Adviser will consider factors affecting the value of the Portfolios investments and the rights of shareholders in its determination on voting portfolio securities.
The Adviser has adopted proxy voting procedures with respect to voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Portfolios. A copy of the Advisers Proxy Voting Policies is included with this SAI. Please see Appendix B to this SAI for further information.
Information regarding how the Portfolios voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available, without charge, upon request, by calling 1-888-261-4073 or by visiting the SECs website at www.sec.gov.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES
Investment Adviser
The Adviser renders advisory services to the Portfolio pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement (Advisory Agreement). The Adviser is not a subsidiary of or under the control of any other company. Mark E. Matson, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer
and a Director of the Adviser, owns approximately 90% of the Advisers voting stock, and members of Mr. Matsons family own all of the remaining shares of the Advisers voting stock.
Subject to the supervision of the Companys Board of Directors, the Adviser will provide for the overall management of the Portfolio including (i) the provision of a continuous investment program for the Portfolio, including investment research and management with respect to all securities, investments, cash and cash equivalents, (ii) the determination from time to time of what securities and other investments will be purchased, retained, or sold by the Portfolio, and (iii) the placement from time to time of orders for all purchases and sales made for the Portfolio. The Adviser will provide the services rendered by it in accordance with the Portfolios investment goal, restrictions and policies as stated in the Prospectus and in this SAI. The Adviser will not be liable for any error of judgment, mistake of law, or for any loss suffered by the Portfolio in connection with the performance of the Advisory Agreement, except a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty with respect to the receipt of compensation for services or a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Adviser in the performance of its duties, or from reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Advisory Agreement.
For its services to the Portfolio the Adviser is entitled to receive a monthly advisory fee at an annual rate of 0.50% of the first $1 billion of each Portfolios average daily net assets, 0.49% of each Portfolios average daily net assets over $1 billion to $5 billion and 0.47% of each Portfolios average daily net assets over $5 billion. The Adviser has voluntarily agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Portfolio operating expenses to 1.13%, 1.35% and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio, respectively. The Adviser may discontinue these arrangements at any time.
The Adviser will pay all expenses incurred by it in connection with its activities under the Advisory Agreement. Each Portfolio bears all of its own expenses not specifically assumed by the Adviser. General expenses of the Company not readily identifiable as belonging to a portfolio of the Company are allocated among all investment portfolios by or under the direction of the Companys Board of Directors in such manner as it deems to be fair and equitable. Expenses borne by the Portfolio include, but are not limited to the following (or the Portfolios share of the following): (a) the cost (including brokerage commissions) of securities purchased or sold by the Portfolio and any losses incurred in connection therewith; (b) fees payable to and expenses incurred on behalf of the Portfolio by the Adviser; (c) filing fees and expenses relating to the registration and qualification of the Company and the Portfolios shares under federal and/or state securities laws and maintaining such registrations and qualifications; (d) fees and salaries payable to the Companys Directors and officers; (e) taxes (including any income or franchise taxes) and governmental fees; (f) costs of any liability and other insurance or fidelity bonds; (g) any costs, expenses or losses arising out of a liability of or claim for damages or other relief asserted against the Company or the Portfolio for violation of any law; (h) legal, accounting and auditing expenses, including legal fees of special counsel for the independent Directors; (i) charges of custodians and other agents; (j) expenses of setting in type and printing prospectuses, statements of additional information and supplements thereto for existing shareholders, reports, statements, and confirmations to shareholders and proxy material that are not attributable to a class; (k) costs
of mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information and supplements thereto to existing shareholders, as well as reports to shareholders and proxy materials that are not attributable to a class; (1) any extraordinary expenses; (m) fees, voluntary assessments and other expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; (n) costs of mailing and tabulating proxies and costs of shareholders and Directors meetings; (o) costs of independent pricing services to value a portfolios securities; and (p) the costs of investment company literature and other publications provided by the Company to its Directors and officers. Distribution expenses, transfer agency expenses, expenses of preparation, printing and mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information, proxy statements and reports to shareholders, and organizational expenses and registration fees, identified as belonging to a particular class of the Company, are allocated to such class.
Disclosure relating to the material factors and the conclusions with respect to those factors that formed the basis for the Board of Directors approval of the Portfolios investment advisory agreement will be included in the Portfolios first annual or semi-annual report to shareholders, which may be obtained when available by calling (866) 780-0357 Ext. 3863 or visiting the SECs website at www.sec.gov. The Advisory Agreement is terminable by vote of the Companys Board of Directors or by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio, at any time without penalty, on 60 days written notice to the Adviser. The Advisory Agreement may be terminated by the Adviser at any time, without payment of any penalty, on 60 days written notice to the Portfolio. The Advisory Agreement terminates automatically in the event of its assignment.
The Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser shall at all times have all rights in and to the Portfolios name and all investment models used by or on behalf of the Portfolio. The Adviser may use the Portfolios name or any portion thereof in connection with any other mutual fund or business activity without the consent of any shareholder, and the Company has agreed to execute and deliver any and all documents required to indicate its consent to such use.
The Advisory Agreement further provides that no public reference to, or description of, the Adviser or its methodology or work shall be made by the Company, whether in the Prospectus, SAI or otherwise, without the Advisers prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. In each case, the Company has agreed to provide the Adviser a reasonable opportunity to review any such reference or description before being asked for such consent.
Portfolio Managers
Description of Compensation . The Portfolio managers currently and will continue to receive a base salary, a year-end incentive bonus based on company profitability and may receive a quarterly bonus based on services provided to the Adviser. Compensation of a portfolio manager is determined at the discretion of the Portfolio managers supervisor and is based on a portfolio managers experience, responsibilities, the perception of the quality of his or her work efforts and other subjective factors. The compensation of portfolio managers is not directly based upon the performance of the Portfolios or other accounts that they manage. The Portfolio managers supervisor reviews the compensation of each portfolio manager annually
and may make modifications in compensation as it deems necessary to reflect changes in the market.
Other Accounts . The table below discloses accounts, other than the Portfolios, for which each Portfolio Manager is primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management, as of August 31, 2013.
Name of Portfolio Manager
|
|
Type of Accounts |
|
Total
|
|
Total Assets |
|
# of Accounts
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1. Daniel J. List |
|
Other Portfolios of the Company: |
|
3 |
|
$3.632 billion |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
Other Registered Investment Companies: |
|
0 |
|
$0 |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles: |
|
0 |
|
$0 |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
Other Accounts: |
|
39,769 |
|
$4.326 billion |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2. Mark E. Matson |
|
Other Portfolios of the Company: |
|
3 |
|
$3.632 billion |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
Other Registered Investment Companies: |
|
0 |
|
$0 |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles: |
|
0 |
|
$0 |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
Other Accounts: |
|
39,769 |
|
$4.326 billion |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3. Steven B. Miller |
|
Other Portfolios of the Company: |
|
3 |
|
$3.632 billion |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
Other Registered Investment Companies: |
|
0 |
|
$0 |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles: |
|
0 |
|
$0 |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
Other Accounts: |
|
39,769 |
|
$4.326 billion |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
The portfolio managers utilize a team based approach to other accounts managed. The portfolio managers are jointly and primarily responsible for the management of a portion of the total assets and number of accounts shown.
Conflicts of Interest. Matson Money reviewed its conflicts of interest and risk factors and has attempted to develop policies and procedures to address these matters. Matson Money does not engage in transactions on behalf of client accounts with any affiliates. Matson Money does not have custody of any client securities or funds. Neither Matson Money nor any of its related persons act as general partners or managing members of any unregistered pooled investment vehicle. Matson Money does not manage its own proprietary account. Moreover, none of Matson Moneys officers or employees engage in any outside business activities that conflict with Matson Moneys duties to its clients. Finally, Matson Money does not purchase IPOs or individual securities for clients. Thus, Matson Moneys conflicts and risk factors are in the following areas: solicitation practices, suitability of Matson Moneys services for a client, trade errors, marketing practices, compliance with any client guidelines and restrictions, valuation of client accounts and calculation of fees, safeguarding of client assets, safeguarding of the privacy of client information, disaster recovery, accurate disclosure of information to clients and regulators, and accurate creation and secure maintenance of client records. Matson Moneys Compliance Manual is available upon request, which has more detailed explanations of policies and procedures currently in place to safeguard against potential conflicts/risks.
Securities Ownership . As of the date of this SAI, no Portfolio Manager owned shares of any Portfolio. Shares of the Portfolios are only offered to Separate Accounts of Participating
Insurance Companies for the purpose of funding various annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies and are not available for direct investment by the Portfolio Managers.
Custodian Agreement
The Bank of New York Mellon (BNY), One Wall Street, New York, NY 10286, serves as the custodian of the Portfolios assets pursuant to a custodian agreement between BNY and the Company dated as of July 18, 2011, as amended, and supplemented (the Custodian Agreement). Under the Custodian Agreement, BNY: (a) maintains a separate account or accounts in the name of each Portfolio; (b) holds and transfers portfolio securities on account of each Portfolio; (c) accepts receipts and makes disbursements of money on behalf of each Portfolio; (d) collects and receives all income and other payments and distributions on account of each Portfolios portfolio securities; and (e) makes periodic reports to the Companys Board of Directors concerning the Portfolios operations. BNY is authorized to select one or more banks or trust companies to serve as sub-custodian on behalf of the Portfolios, provided that BNY remains responsible for the performance of all of its duties under the Custodian Agreement and holds the Company harmless from the acts and omissions of any sub-custodian. The Portfolio has made arrangements with BNY Mellon Investment Servicing Trust Company to serve as custodian for Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). For its services to the Portfolios under the Custodian Agreement, BNY Mellon receives a fee, calculated daily and payable monthly, based on the Portfolios average gross assets; exclusive of transaction charges and out-of-pocket expenses, which are also charged to the Portfolios.
Transfer Agency Agreement
BNY Mellon, with corporate offices at 301 Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington, Delaware 19809, serves as the transfer and dividend disbursing agent for the Portfolios pursuant to a transfer agency agreement dated November 5, 1991, as supplemented (collectively, the Transfer Agency Agreement). Under the Transfer Agency Agreement, BNY Mellon: (a) issues and redeems shares of each Portfolio; (b) addresses and mails all communications by the Portfolios to record owners of Shares of the Portfolio, including reports to shareholders, dividend and distribution notices and proxy materials for its meetings of shareholders; (c) maintains shareholder accounts and, if requested, sub-accounts; and (d) makes periodic reports to the Companys Board of Directors concerning the operations of the Portfolios. For its services to the Portfolios under the Transfer Agency Agreement, BNY Mellon receives an annual fee based on the number of accounts in the Portfolios, subject to a minimum fee payable monthly on a pro rata basis and also receives reimbursement of its out-of-pocket expenses.
BNY Mellon also provides services relating to the implementation of the Companys Anti-Money Laundering Program. The Company pays an annual fee, ranging from $3,000 - $50,000, based on the number of open accounts in each portfolio. In addition, BNY Mellon provides services relating to the implementation of the Companys Customer Identification Program, including the verification of required customer information and the maintenance of records with respect to such verification. The Portfolios will pay BNY Mellon a fee for each customer verification and a monthly fee for each record result maintained.
Administration and Accounting Services Agreement
BNY Mellon also serves as the Portfolios administrator and fund accounting agent pursuant to an Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (the Administration Agreement). BNY Mellon has agreed to furnish to the Portfolios statistical and research data, clerical, accounting and bookkeeping services, and certain other services required by the Portfolios. In addition, BNY Mellon has agreed to prepare and file various reports with the appropriate regulatory agencies. The Administration Agreement provides that BNY Mellon shall be obligated to exercise care and diligence in the performance of its duties, to act in good faith and to use its best efforts, within reasonable limits, in performing services thereunder. BNY Mellon shall be responsible for failure to perform its duties under the Administration Agreement arising out of its willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard. For its services to each Portfolio, BNY Mellon is entitled to receive a fee calculated at an annual rate of 0.045% of the Portfolios first $1.5 billion of aggregate average net assets; 0.035% of the Portfolios next $1.5 billion of aggregate average net assets; 0.030% of the Portfolios next $2 billion of aggregate average net assets; and 0.020% of the Portfolios aggregate average net assets in excess of $5 billion.
The minimum monthly fee is $5,208 per month for each Portfolio, exclusive of costs of obtaining independent security market quotes, data repository and analytics suite access fees and out-of-pocket expenses.
The Administration Agreement provides that BNY Mellon shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or any loss suffered by the Company or a Portfolio in connection with the performance of the agreement, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard by it of its duties and obligations thereunder.
On June 1, 2003, the Company entered into a regulatory administration services agreement with BNY Mellon. Under this agreement, BNY Mellon has agreed to provide regulatory administration services to the Company. These services include the preparation and coordination of the Companys annual post-effective amendment filing and supplements to the Companys registration statement, the preparation and assembly of board meeting materials, and certain other services necessary to the Companys regulatory administration. BNY Mellon receives an annual fee based on the average daily net assets of the portfolios of the Company.
DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENTS
Distribution Agreement
Foreside Funds Distributors, LLC (Foreside Distributors or the Underwriter), whose principal business address is 400 Berwyn Park, 899 Cassatt Road, Berwyn, PA 19312, serves as the principal underwriter of the Portfolios pursuant to the terms of a distribution agreement, effective as of April 1, 2012, as supplemented (the Distribution Agreement) entered into by Foreside Distributors and the Company. The Distributor is a registered broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). The Distributor is not
affiliated with the Company, the Adviser, or any other service provider for the Portfolios. Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, the Underwriter will use appropriate efforts to solicit orders for the sale of each Portfolios shares. The Underwriter offers each Portfolios shares on a continuous basis to the Separate Accounts of Participating Insurance Companies in all states in which such Portfolio may from time to time be registered or where permitted by applicable law. Foreside Distributors does not receive compensation from the Company for the distribution of the Portfolios shares; however, the Adviser pays an annual fee to Foreside Distributors as compensation for underwriting services rendered to the Portfolios pursuant to the Distribution Agreement.
The Distributor may enter into agreements with selected broker-dealers, banks or other financial intermediaries for distribution of shares of the Portfolios. With respect to certain financial intermediaries and related fund supermarket platform arrangements, the Portfolios and/or the Adviser, rather than the Distributor, typically enter into such agreements. These financial intermediaries may charge a fee for their services and may receive shareholder service or other fees from parties other than the Distributor. These financial intermediaries may otherwise act as processing agents and are responsible for promptly transmitting purchase, redemption and other requests to the Portfolios.
Investors who purchase shares through financial intermediaries will be subject to the procedures of those intermediaries through which they purchase shares, which may include charges, investment minimums, cutoff times and other restrictions in addition to, or different from, those listed herein. Information concerning any charges or services will be provided to customers by the financial intermediary through which they purchase shares. Investors purchasing shares of the Portfolios through financial intermediaries should acquaint themselves with their financial intermediarys procedures and should read the Prospectus in conjunction with any materials and information provided by their financial intermediary. The financial intermediary, and not its customers, will be the shareholder of record, although customers may have the right to vote shares depending upon their arrangement with the financial intermediary. The Distributor does not receive compensation from the Portfolios for its distribution services except the distribution/service fees with respect to the shares of those classes for which a Rule 12b-1 distribution plan is effective. The Adviser pays the Distributor a fee for certain distribution-related services.
FUND TRANSACTIONS
Subject to policies established by the Board of Directors and applicable rules, the Adviser is responsible for the execution of portfolio transactions and the allocation of brokerage transactions for the Portfolios. In executing portfolio transactions, the Adviser seeks to obtain the best price and most favorable execution for the Portfolios, taking into account such factors as the price (including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), size of the order, difficulty of execution and operational facilities of the firm involved. While the Adviser generally seeks reasonably competitive commission rates, payment of the lowest commission or spread is not necessarily consistent with obtaining the best price and execution in particular transactions.
No Portfolio has any obligation to deal with any broker or group of brokers in the execution of portfolio transactions. The Adviser may, consistent with the interests of the Portfolios and subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, select brokers on the basis of the research, statistical and pricing services they provide to the Portfolios and other clients of the Adviser. Information and research received from such brokers will be in addition to, and not in lieu of, the services required to be performed by the Adviser under its respective contracts. A commission paid to such brokers may be higher than that which another qualified broker would have charged for effecting the same transaction, provided that the Adviser determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable in terms either of the transaction or the overall responsibility of the Adviser to a Portfolio and its other clients and that the total commissions paid by a Portfolio will be reasonable in relation to the benefits to a Portfolio over the long-term.
Investment decisions for each Portfolio and for other investment accounts managed by the Adviser are made independently of each other in the light of differing conditions. However, the same investment decision may be made for two or more of such accounts. In such cases, simultaneous transactions are inevitable. Purchases or sales are then averaged as to price and allocated as to amount according to a formula deemed equitable to each such account. While in some cases this practice could have a detrimental effect upon the price or value of the security as far as a Portfolio is concerned, in other cases it is believed to be beneficial to a Portfolio.
No Portfolio paid brokerage commissions on portfolio transactions for the past three fiscal years.
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION
You may purchase shares through an account maintained by your brokerage firm and you may also purchase shares directly by mail or wire. The Company reserves the right, if conditions exist that make cash payments undesirable, to honor any request for redemption or repurchase of a Portfolios shares by making payment in whole or in part in securities chosen by the Company and valued in the same way as they would be valued for purposes of computing that Portfolios NAV. If payment is made in securities, a shareholder may incur transaction costs in converting these securities into cash. A shareholder will also bear any market risk or tax consequences as a result of a payment in securities. The Company has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act so that each Portfolio is obligated to redeem its shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its NAV during any 90-day period for any one shareholder of the Portfolio. A shareholder will bear the risk of a decline in market value and any tax consequences associated with a redemption in securities.
Under the 1940 Act, the Company may suspend the right to redemption or postpone the date of payment upon redemption for any period during which the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the NYSE) is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings), or during which the SEC restricts trading on the NYSE or determines an emergency exists as a result of which disposal or valuation of portfolio securities is not reasonably practicable, or for such other periods as the SEC may permit. (The Company may also suspend or postpone the recordation of the transfer of its shares upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing conditions.)
Shares of the Company are subject to redemption by the Company, at the redemption price of such shares as in effect from time to time, including, without limitation: (1) to reimburse a Portfolio for any loss sustained by reason of the failure of a shareholder to make full payment for shares purchased by the shareholder or to collect any charge relating to a transaction effected for the benefit of a shareholder as provided in the Prospectus from time to time; (2) if such redemption is, in the opinion of the Companys Board of Directors, desirable in order to prevent the Company or any Portfolio from being deemed a personal holding company within the meaning of the Code; (3) or if the net income with respect to any particular class of common stock should be negative or it should otherwise be appropriate to carry out the Companys responsibilities under the 1940 Act.
Each Portfolio has the right to redeem your shares at current NAV at any time and without prior notice if, and to the extent that, such redemption is necessary to reimburse the particular Portfolio for any loss sustained by reason of your failure to make full payment for shares of the Portfolio you previously purchased or subscribed for.
TELEPHONE TRANSACTION PROCEDURES
The Companys telephone transaction procedures include the following measures: (1) requiring the appropriate telephone transaction privilege forms; (2) requiring the caller to provide the names of the account owners, the account social security number and name of the Portfolio, all of which must match the Companys records; (3) requiring the Companys service representative to complete a telephone transaction form, listing all of the above caller identification information; (4) permitting exchanges (if applicable) only if the two account registrations are identical; (5) requiring that redemption proceeds be sent only by check to the account owners of record at the address of record, or by wire only to the owners of record at the bank account of record; (6) sending a written confirmation for each telephone transaction to the owners of record at the address of record within five (5) business days of the call; and (7) maintaining tapes of telephone transactions for six months, if the Company elects to record shareholder telephone transactions. For accounts held of record by broker-dealers (other than Foreside Distributors), financial institutions, securities dealers, financial planners and other industry professionals, additional documentation or information regarding the scope of a callers authority is required. Finally, for telephone transactions in accounts held jointly, additional information regarding other account holders is required. Telephone transactions will not be permitted in connection with Individual Retirement Account or other retirement plan accounts or by an attorney-in-fact under a power of attorney.
VALUATION OF SHARES
In order to assist in the determination of fair value, the Companys Board of Directors may authorize the Portfolios to employ outside organizations, which may use a matrix or formula method that takes into consideration market indices, matrices, yield curves and other specific adjustments in determining the approximate market value of portfolio investments. This may result in the securities being valued at a price that differs from the price that would have been determined had the matrix or formula method not been used. All cash, receivables, and current payables are carried on a Portfolios books at their face value. Other assets, if any, are valued at
fair value as determined in good faith by the Portfolios Valuation Committee under the direction of the Companys Board of Directors.
TAXES
General
Shares of the Portfolios are offered to Separate Accounts that fund variable annuity contracts and variable insurance policies issued by Participating Insurance Companies. See the prospectuses for such contracts for a discussion of the special taxation of insurance companies with respect to the Separate Accounts, the variable annuity contracts, variable insurance policies and the holders thereof.
The following summarizes certain tax considerations generally affecting the Portfolios, the underlying investment companies, and Portfolio shareholders that are not fully described in the Prospectus. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of the tax treatment of the Portfolios, the underlying investment companies, or Portfolio shareholders, and the discussions here and in the Prospectus are not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. Potential investors should consult their tax advisers with specific reference to their own tax situations.
The discussions of the federal tax consequences in the Prospectus and this SAI are based on the Internal Revenue Code (the Code) and the regulations issued under it, and court decisions and administrative interpretations, as in effect on the date of this SAI. Future legislative or administrative changes or court decisions may significantly alter the statements included herein, and such changes or decisions may be retroactive.
The holders of variable life insurance policies or annuity contracts should not be subject to tax with respect to distributions made on, or redemptions of, Portfolio shares, assuming that the variable life insurance policies and annuity contracts qualify under the Code, as life insurance or annuities, respectively, and that the Separate Accounts (rather than the holders of such policies or contracts) are treated as owners of the Portfolio shares. Thus, this summary does not describe the tax consequences to a holder of a life insurance policy or annuity contract as a result of the ownership of such policies or contracts. Policy or contract holders must consult the prospectuses of their respective policies or contracts for information concerning the federal income tax consequences of owning such policies or contracts. This summary also does not describe the tax consequences applicable to the owners of the Portfolio shares because the Portfolio shares will be sold only to insurance companies. Thus, purchasers of Portfolio shares must consult their own tax advisers regarding the federal, state, and local tax consequences of owning Portfolio shares.
Each Portfolio and each underlying investment company intends to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of Subtitle A, Chapter 1, of the Code. As such, each Portfolio and underlying investment company generally will be exempt from federal income tax on its net investment income and realized capital gains that it distributes to shareholders. To qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company, each Portfolio and underlying investment company must meet three important tests each year.
First, each Portfolio and underlying investment company must derive with respect to each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, certain payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities or foreign currencies, other income derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities, or currencies or net income derived from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships.
Second, generally, at the close of each quarter of each Portfolios and each underlying investment companys taxable year, at least 50% of the value of the Portfolios and the underlying investment companies assets must consist of cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies and securities of other issuers (as to which the Portfolio or underlying investment company has not invested more than 5% of the value of its total assets in securities of such issuer and as to which the Portfolio or underlying investment company does not hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer), and no more than 25% of the value of each Portfolios and each underlying investment companys total assets may be invested in the securities of (1) any one issuer (other than U.S. government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies), (2) two or more issuers that the Portfolio or underlying investment company controls and which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses, or (3) one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships.
Each Portfolio and underlying investment company intends to comply with these requirements. If a Portfolio or underlying investment company were to fail to make sufficient distributions, it could be liable for corporate income tax and for excise tax in respect of the shortfall or, if the shortfall is large enough, the Portfolio or underlying investment company could be disqualified as a regulated investment company. If for any taxable year a Portfolio or underlying investment company were not to qualify as a regulated investment company, all its taxable income would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders. In that event, shareholders in a Portfolio or underlying investment company would recognize dividend income on distributions to the extent of the Portfolios or underlying investment companys current and accumulated earnings and profits, and corporate shareholders could be eligible for the dividends-received deduction.
The Code imposes a nondeductible 4% excise tax on regulated investment companies that fail to distribute each year an amount equal to specified percentages of their ordinary taxable income and capital gain net income (excess of capital gains over capital losses). Each Portfolio and underlying investment company intends to make sufficient distributions or deemed distributions each year to avoid liability for this excise tax.
Each Portfolio intends to comply with the diversification requirements imposed by Section 817(h) of the Code and the regulations thereunder. Under Code Section 817(h), a variable life insurance or annuity contract will not be treated as a life insurance policy or annuity contract, respectively, under the Code, unless the Separate Account upon which such contract or policy is based is adequately diversified. A Separate Account will be adequately diversified if it satisfies one of two alternative tests set forth in the Treasury regulations. Specifically, the Treasury regulations provide that, except as permitted by the safe harbor discussed below, as of the end of each calendar quarter (or within 30 days thereafter) no more than 55% of the Separate Accounts total assets may be represented by any one investment, no more than 70% by any two investments, no more than 80% by any three investments and no more than 90% by any four investments. For this purpose, all securities of the same issuer are considered a single investment, and each U.S. government agency and instrumentality is considered a separate issuer. As a safe harbor, a Separate Account will be treated as being adequately diversified if the diversification requirements under Subchapter M are satisfied and no more than 55% of the value of the accounts total assets are cash and cash items, U.S. government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies. In addition, a Separate Account with respect to a variable life insurance contract is treated as adequately diversified to the extent of its investment in securities issued by the United States Treasury.
Third, each Portfolio and underlying investment company must distribute an amount equal to at least the sum of 90% of the Portfolios or underlying investment companys investment company taxable income (net investment income and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss) before taking into account any deduction for dividends paid, and 90% of its tax-exempt income, if any, for the year.
For purposes of these alternative diversification tests, a Separate Account investing in shares of a regulated investment company generally will be entitled to look through the regulated investment company to its pro rata portion of the regulated investment companys assets, provided that the shares of such regulated investment company are generally held only by insurance companies and certain fund managers (a Closed Portfolio). Each Portfolio will be a Closed Portfolio.
If the Separate Account upon which a variable contract is based is not adequately diversified under the foregoing rules for each calendar quarter, then (i) the variable contract is not treated as a life insurance contract or annuity contract under the Code for all subsequent periods during which such account is not adequately diversified and (ii) the holders of such contract must include as ordinary income the income on the contract as defined in the Code for each taxable year. Further, the income on a life insurance contract for all prior taxable years is treated as received or accrued during the taxable year of the policyholder in which the contract ceases to meet the definition of a life insurance contract under the Code. In addition, if a Portfolio did not constitute a Closed Portfolio or, the holders of the contracts and annuities which invest in the Portfolio through a Separate Account were able, or were treated as able, to direct the Portfolios investment in any particular asset, those holders might be treated as owners of Portfolio shares and might be subject to tax on distributions made by the Portfolio.
State and Local Taxes
Although each Portfolio and underlying investment company expects to qualify as a regulated investment company and to be relieved of all or substantially all federal income taxes, depending upon the extent of its activities in states and localities in which its offices are maintained, in which its agents or independent contractors are located or in which it is otherwise deemed to be conducting business, a Portfolio or an underlying investment company may be subject to the tax laws of such states or localities.
Taxation of Certain Investments
The tax principles applicable to transactions in financial instruments, such as futures contracts and options, that may be engaged in by a Portfolio or an underlying investment company, and investments in passive foreign investment companies (PFICs), are complex and, in some cases, uncertain. Such transactions and investments may cause a Portfolio or an underlying investment company to recognize taxable income prior to the receipt of cash, thereby requiring the Portfolio or the underlying investment company to liquidate other positions, or to borrow money, so as to make sufficient distributions to shareholders to avoid corporate-level tax. Moreover, some or all of the taxable income recognized may be ordinary income or short-term capital gain, so that the distributions may be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.
In addition, in the case of any shares of a PFIC in which a Portfolio or an underlying investment company invests, the Portfolio or the underlying investment company may be liable for corporate-level tax on any ultimate gain or distributions on the shares if the Portfolio or the underlying investment company fails to make an election to recognize income annually during the period of its ownership of the shares.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING COMPANY SHARES
The Company has authorized capital of 100 billion shares of common stock at a par value of $0.001 per share. Currently, 81.073 billion shares have been classified into 145 classes, however, the Company only has 24 active share classes that have begun investment operations. Under the Companys charter, the Board of Directors has the power to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of common stock from time to time.
Each share that represents an interest in a Portfolio has an equal proportionate interest in the assets belonging to such Portfolio with each other share that represents an interest in such Portfolio, even where a share has a different class designation than another share representing an interest in that Portfolio. Shares of the Company do not have preemptive or conversion rights. When issued for payment as described in the Prospectus, shares of the Company will be fully paid and non-assessable.
The Company does not currently intend to hold annual meetings of shareholders except as required by the 1940 Act or other applicable law. The Companys amended By-Laws provide that shareholders collectively owning at least ten percent of the outstanding shares of all classes of Common Stock of the Company have the right to call for a meeting of shareholders to consider the removal of one or more directors. To the extent required by law, the Company will assist in shareholder communication in such matters.
Holders of shares of each class of the Company will vote in the aggregate and not by class on all matters, except where otherwise required by law. Further, shareholders of the Company will vote in the aggregate and not by portfolio except as otherwise required by law or when the Board of Directors determines that the matter to be voted upon affects only the interests of the shareholders of a particular portfolio. Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act provides that any
matter required to be submitted by the provisions of such Act or applicable state law, or otherwise, to the holders of the outstanding voting securities, as defined in the 1940 Act, of an investment company such as the Company shall not be deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of each portfolio affected by the matter. Rule 18f-2 further provides that a portfolio shall be deemed to be affected by a matter unless it is clear that the interests of each portfolio in the matter are identical or that the matter does not affect any interest of the portfolio. Under Rule 18f-2 the approval of an investment advisory agreement or distribution agreement or any change in a fundamental investment objective or fundamental investment policy would be effectively acted upon with respect to a portfolio only if approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of such portfolio. However, the Rule also provides that the ratification of the selection of independent public accountants and the election of directors are not subject to the separate voting requirements and may be effectively acted upon by shareholders of an investment company voting without regard to a portfolio. Shareholders of the Company are entitled to one vote for each full share held (irrespective of class or portfolio) and fractional votes for fractional shares held. Voting rights are not cumulative and, accordingly, the holders of more than 50% of the aggregate shares of common stock of the Company may elect all of the Directors.
Notwithstanding any provision of Maryland law requiring a greater vote of shares of the Companys common stock (or of any class voting as a class) in connection with any corporate action, unless otherwise provided by law (for example by Rule 18f-2 discussed above), or by the Companys Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, the Company may take or authorize such action upon the favorable vote of the holders of more than 50% of all of the outstanding shares of Common Stock voting without regard to class (or portfolio).
MISCELLANEOUS
Counsel
The law firm of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, One Logan Square, Ste. 2000, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-6996, serves as independent counsel to the Company and the Independent Directors.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Two Commerce Square, Suite 1700, 2001 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, serves as the Portfolios independent registered public accounting firm.
APPENDIX A
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS
Short-Term Credit Ratings
A Standard & Poors short-term issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation having an original maturity of no more than 365 days. The following summarizes the rating categories used by Standard & Poors for short-term issues:
A-1 A short-term obligation rated A-1 is rated in the highest category and indicates that the obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.
A-2 A short-term obligation rated A-2 is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.
A-3 A short-term obligation rated A-3 exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
B A short-term obligation rated B is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligors inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.
C A short-term obligation rated C is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
D A short-term obligation rated D is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the D rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless Standard & Poors believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligations rating is lowered to D if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.
Local Currency and Foreign Currency Risks Standard & Poors issuer credit ratings make a distinction between foreign currency ratings and local currency ratings. An issuers foreign currency rating will differ from its local currency rating when the obligor has a different capacity to meet its obligations denominated in its local currency, vs. obligations denominated in a foreign currency.
Moodys Investors Service (Moodys) short-term ratings are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations with an original maturity of thirteen months or less and reflect the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments. Ratings may be assigned to issuers, short-term programs or to individual short-term debt instruments.
Moodys employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:
P-1 Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
P-2 Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
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 issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity or security stream and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as short-term based on market convention. Typically, this means up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign and structured obligations, and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets. The following summarizes the rating categories used by Fitch for short-term obligations:
F1 Securities possess the highest short-term credit quality. This designation indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added + to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.
F2 Securities possess good short-term credit quality. This designation indicates good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.
F3 Securities possess fair short-term credit quality. This designation indicates that the intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.
B Securities possess speculative short-term credit quality. This designation indicates minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.
C Securities possess high short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility.
RD Restricted default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Applicable to entity ratings only.
D Default. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.
The DBRS® Ratings Limited (DBRS) short-term debt rating scale provides an opinion on the risk that an issuer will not meet its short-term financial obligations in a timely manner. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer and the relative ranking of claims. The R-1 and R-2 rating categories are further denoted by the sub-categories (high), (middle), and (low).
The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for commercial paper and short-term debt:
R-1 (high) - Short-term debt rated R-1 (high) is of the highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is exceptionally high. Unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.
R-1 (middle) Short-term debt rated R-1 (middle) is of superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is very high. Differs from R-1 (high) by a relatively modest degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.
R-1 (low) Short-term debt rated R-1 (low) is of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is substantial. Overall strength is not as favorable as higher rating categories. May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.
R-2 (high) Short-term debt rated R-2 (high) is considered to be at the upper end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.
R-2 (middle) Short-term debt rated R-2 (middle) is considered to be of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events or may be exposed to other factors that could reduce credit quality.
R-2 (low) Short-term debt rated R-2 (low) is considered to be at the lower end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events. A number of challenges are present that could affect the issuers ability to meet such obligations.
R-3 Short-term debt rated R-3 is considered to be at the lowest end of adequate credit quality. There is a capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due. May be
vulnerable to future events and the certainty of meeting such obligations could be impacted by a variety of developments.
R-4 Short-term debt rated R-4 is considered to be of speculative credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is uncertain.
R-5 Short-term debt rated R-5 is considered to be of highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet short-term financial obligations as they fall due.
D Short-term debt rated D is assigned when the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to D may occur, DBRS may also use SD (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a distressed exchange.
Long-Term Credit Ratings
The following summarizes the ratings used by Standard & Poors for long-term issues:
AAA An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poors. The obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.
AA An obligation rated AA differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.
A An obligation rated A is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.
BBB An obligation rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
BB, B, CCC, CC and C Obligations rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.
BB An obligation rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligors inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
B An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated BB, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligors capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
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. The CC rating is used when a default has not yet occurred, but Standard & Poors expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.
C An obligation rated C is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared to obligations that are rated higher.
D An obligation rated D is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the D rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless Standard & Poors believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligations rating is lowered to D if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.
Plus (+) or minus (-) The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
NR This indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that Standard & Poors does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.
Local Currency and Foreign Currency Risks - Standard & Poors issuer credit ratings make a distinction between foreign currency ratings and local currency ratings. An issuers foreign currency rating will differ from its local currency rating when the obligor has a different capacity to meet its obligations denominated in its local currency, vs. obligations denominated in a foreign currency.
Moodys long-term ratings are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations with an original maturity of one year or more. Such ratings reflect both the likelihood of default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moodys for long-term debt:
Aaa Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk.
Aa Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.
A Obligations rated A are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.
Baa Obligations rated Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.
Ba Obligations rated Ba are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.
B Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.
Caa Obligations rated Caa are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.
Ca Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.
C Obligations rated C are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.
Note: Moodys 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 cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.
AA Securities considered to be of very high credit quality. AA ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.
A Securities considered to be of high credit quality. A ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.
BBB Securities considered to be of good credit quality. BBB ratings indicate that expectations of credit risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.
BB Securities considered to be speculative. BB ratings indicate that there is an elevated vulnerability to credit risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met.
B Securities considered to be highly speculative. B ratings indicate that material credit risk is present.
CCC A CCC rating indicates that substantial credit risk is present.
CC A CC rating indicates very high levels of credit risk.
C A C rating indicates exceptionally high levels of credit risk.
Defaulted obligations typically are not assigned D ratings, but are instead rated in the B to C rating categories, depending upon their recovery prospects and other relevant characteristics. Fitch believes that this approach better aligns obligations that have comparable overall expected loss but varying vulnerability to default and loss.
Plus (+) or minus (-) may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the AAA obligation rating category, or to corporate finance obligation ratings in the categories below CCC.
The DBRS long-term rating scale provides an opinion on the risk of default. That is, the risk that an issuer will fail to satisfy its financial obligations in accordance with the terms under which an obligation has been issued. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer, and the relative ranking of claims. All rating categories other than AAA and D also contain subcategories (high) and (low). The absence of either a (high) or (low) designation indicates the rating is in the middle of the category. The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for long-term debt:
AAA - Long-term debt rated AAA is of the highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is exceptionally high and unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.
AA Long-term debt rated AA is of superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered high. Credit quality differs from AAA only to a small degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.
A Long-term debt rated A is of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is substantial, but of lesser credit quality than AA. May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.
BBB Long-term debt rated BBB is of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.
BB Long-term debt rated BB is of speculative, non-investment grade credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is uncertain. Vulnerable to future events.
B Long-term debt rated B is of highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet financial obligations.
CCC, CC and C Long-term debt rated in any of these categories is of very highly speculative credit quality. In danger of defaulting on financial obligations. There is little difference between these three categories, although CC and C ratings are normally applied to obligations that are seen as highly likely to default, or subordinated to obligations rated in the CCC to B range. Obligations in respect of which default has not technically taken place but is considered inevitable may be rated in the C category.
D A security rated D is assigned when the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to D may occur. DBRS may also use SD (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a distressed exchange.
Municipal Note Ratings
A Standard & Poors U.S. municipal note rating reflects Standard & Poors opinion about the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to the notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes with an original maturity of more than three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. In determining which type of rating, if any, to assign, Standard & Poors analysis will review the following considerations:
· Amortization schedule - the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and
· Source of payment - the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.
Municipal Short-Term Note rating symbols are as follows:
SP-1 A municipal note rated SP-1 exhibits a strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.
SP-2 A municipal note rated SP-2 exhibits a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.
SP-3 A municipal note rated SP-3 exhibits a speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.
Moodys uses the Municipal Investment Grade (MIG) scale to rate U.S. municipal bond anticipation notes of up to three years maturity. Municipal notes rated on the MIG scale may be secured by either pledged revenues or proceeds of a take-out financing received prior to note maturity. MIG
ratings expire at the maturity of the obligation, and the issuers long-term rating is only one consideration in assigning the MIG rating. MIG ratings are divided into three levels MIG-1 through MIG-3 while speculative grade short-term obligations are designated SG. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moodys for short-term municipal obligations:
MIG-1 This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.
MIG-2 This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.
MIG-3 This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.
SG This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.
NR Is assigned to an unrated obligation.
In the case of variable rate demand obligations (VRDOs), a two-component rating is assigned: a long or short-term debt rating and a demand obligation rating. The first element represents Moodys evaluation of risk associated with scheduled principal and interest payments. The second element represents Moodys evaluation of risk associated with the ability to receive purchase price upon demand (demand feature). The second element uses a rating from a variation of the MIG rating scale called the Variable Municipal Investment Grade or VMIG scale. The rating transitions on the VMIG scale differ from those on the Prime scale to reflect the risk that external liquidity support generally will terminate if the issuers long-term rating drops below investment grade.
VMIG rating expirations are a function of each issues specific structural or credit features.
VMIG-1 This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
VMIG-2 This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
VMIG-3 This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
SG This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term
rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
NR Is assigned to an unrated obligation.
About Credit Ratings
A Standard & Poors issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion reflects Standard & Poors view of the obligors capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.
Moodys credit ratings must be construed solely as statements of opinion and not statements of fact or recommendations to purchase, sell or hold any securities.
Fitchs credit ratings provide an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, repayment of principal, insurance claims or counterparty obligations. Fitch credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving the money owed to them in accordance with the terms on which they invested. Fitchs 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.
DBRS credit ratings are opinions based on the quantitative and qualitative analysis of information sourced and received by DBRS, which information is not audited or verified by DBRS. Ratings are not buy, hold or sell recommendations and they do not address the market price of a security. Ratings may be upgraded, downgraded, placed under review, confirmed and discontinued.
APPENDIX B
PROXY POLICY STATEMENT
INTRODUCTION
STATEMENT OF POLICY
Matson Money, Inc. (formerly known as Abundance Technologies, Inc.) views the fiduciary act of managing plan assets to include the voting of proxies appurtenant to shares held in the plan. As a rule, Matson Money, Inc. strives to ensure that all proxies are received from the custodian in a timely manner and then exercises its right to vote all proxies. In keeping with the ERISA definition of fiduciary responsibility and the Department of Labor directives, all proxy voting decisions are made solely in the best interest of the clients plan participants and beneficiaries.
This document represents what the firm believes to be important elements of sound corporate governance and social responsibility. In our opinion, good corporate governance should maintain an appropriate balance between the rights of shareholders (the owners of the corporation) and the needs of management to direct the corporations affairs devoid of distracting short-term pressures. As a responsible long term investment manager, Matson Money, Inc. acknowledges its responsibility to strive for improved corporate governance and performance discipline. Matson Money, Inc. offers this policy as a basis for dialogue with the objective of improving corporate governance and social practices. This statement identifies Matson Moneys voting guidelines on numerous proxy issues. These guidelines are not an exhaustive list of every issue that may arise. Proxy issues that are not described herein will be considered in light of the relevant facts and circumstances.
CRITERIA AND STANDARDS
Each proxy issue is reviewed on its own merits, on a case-by-case basis. Every proxy voting decision, whether on Corporate Governance or Social Issues, is made with the exclusive purpose of maximizing the economic value of the clients investment. Matson Money, Inc. gives special consideration to out of the ordinary matters and may vote against management on specific issues which are deemed to impair shareholder rights or value. Furthermore, Matson Money, Inc. would oppose any proposal which would entrench or protect management interest contrary to the financial interests of the stockholder.
PROXY ADMINISTRATION
The portfolio manager and compliance officer are primarily responsible for monitoring corporate actions, making voting decisions and ensuring that proxies are submitted timely, consistent with this policy. Matson Money, Inc. may form special committees, from time to time, to address unusual proxy voting issues or conflicts.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
All conflicts of interest will be resolved in the interest of the clients. Occasionally, Matson Money, Inc. may be subject to conflicts of interest in the voting of proxies due to business or personal relationships it maintains with persons having an interest in the outcome of certain votes. In situations where Matson Money, Inc. perceives a material conflict of interest, Matson Money, Inc. may disclose the conflict to the relevant clients; defer to the voting recommendation of the clients or of an independent third party provider of proxy services; send the proxy directly to the clients for a voting decision; abstain from voting; or take such other action in good faith, in consultation with counsel, to determine the appropriate method to resolve the conflict in the interest of clients, based upon the particular facts and circumstances. With respect to investment company clients, conflicts may arise as to votes involving the investment adviser, the underwriter, their affiliates or affiliates of the investment company. In such cases, Matson Money, Inc. will follow the voting guidelines described herein, including the process for handling conflicts. Under normal circumstances, if a conflict is determined not to be material, Matson Money, Inc. will vote the proxy in accordance with this policy. The method selected by Matson Money, Inc. to vote proxies in the presence of a conflict may vary depending upon the facts and circumstances of each situation and the requirements of applicable law.
I. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE:
A. BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
A companys board of directors represents the focal point of corporate governance. The board is a group of elected individuals which oversees the operation and direction of the company on behalf of its owners. The principal responsibility of the board is to further the long term success of the corporation while remaining true to its fiduciary responsibility to the shareholders. Matson Money, Inc. supports the primary authority of the board; however, at the same time, the firm believes that directors must remain accountable to the shareholders. Consequently, Matson Moneys guidelines are as follows:
1. Election of Directors: While Matson Money, Inc. normally votes for the boards nominees, the firm may decline to vote for unopposed candidates when their record indicates that their election to the board would not be in the interest of shareholders. Likewise, Matson Money, Inc. may vote for alternative candidates when its analysis indicates that these candidates will better represent shareholder interests.
2. Independent Directors: In Matson Moneys opinion, the ideal board should be comprised primarily of independent (non-management) directors who are both willing and qualified to serve in such capacity. In this context, independence means no present or former employment by the company or its management which could interfere with the directors loyalty to the shareholders.
3. Cumulative Voting: This voting procedure entitles each stockholder to as many votes as shall equal the number of shares owned multiplied by the number of directors to be elected. Such votes may all be cast for a single candidate or for any two or more as the stockholder sees fit. Matson Money, Inc. believes this method is an important democratic means of
electing directors and allows shareholders to obtain representation on the board by significant vote. Consequently, Matson Money, Inc. generally supports the practice of cumulative voting.
4. Classified Board: A classified board is a staggered board arrangement in which each director is elected for an established term of two, three, or four years, depending on the number of classes established. Only those directors in the class up for election can be approved or rejected by shareholders in any given year. In Matson Moneys opinion, a classified board serves to entrench management and limit shareholders ability to effect favorable change. Consequently, Matson Money, Inc. generally opposes classified boards.
5. Director Liability and Indemnification: A proper director liability policy should balance the need to hold directors accountable for improper actions with the need to attract competent and diligent individuals for board positions. The Corporation should be free to indemnify directors for legal expenses and judgments in connection with their service as directors and eliminate the directors liability for ordinary negligence. However, directors should be held liable to the corporation for violations of their fiduciary duty involving gross negligence. Similarly, proposals that indemnify directors who have committed fraud or dereliction of duty would be opposed.
6. Director Compensation: Normally, the remuneration of Directors is considered a routine item of business. Therefore, it is not usually submitted for a shareholder vote. However, non-employee director compensation has become a shareholder issue recently. Generally, Matson Money, Inc. would prefer to see more of the directors compensation based upon shareholder returns as measured by stock price appreciation or some other meaningful performance measure. Furthermore, Matson Money, Inc. encourages corporations to phase out pension or retirement plans for their non-employee directors. Most non-employee directors have retirement benefits from their primary employer; however, Matson Money, Inc. recognizes that a blanket vote to eliminate all such retirement plans could negatively impact a companys access to potentially valuable directors. Consequently, Matson Money, Inc. will not vote in favor of unilaterally eliminating retirement benefits.
7. General: Matson Money, Inc. recognizes the responsibilities of the board to organize its function and conduct its business in an efficient manner. Therefore, barring unusual circumstances, Matson Money, Inc. would favor management proposals related to board size and oppose shareholder resolutions calling for the separation of the CEO and Chairman positions, establishing age limits for directors, special interest representation, and the formation of shareholder advisory committees, or term limits for directors. Matson Money, Inc. is also against restricting the date or location of the annual meeting.
B. CAPITALIZATION ISSUES: Capitalization related proposals pertain to the creation, repurchase, or reclassification of securities. Matson Money, Inc. may support the authorization of additional stock if management provides a satisfactory explanation of its plans for the stock; however, Matson Money, Inc.
will oppose large unexplained increases in common stock. Matson Money, Inc. will also oppose the issuance of blank check preferred or convertible stock which could potentially be used as a takeover deterrent or dilute/jeopardize the clients common stock ownership.
1. Increase Authorized Common Stock: Matson Money, Inc. considers a proposal to increase the number of authorized but unissued shares of common stock on case-by-case basis. Matson Money, Inc. takes into account the size of the requested increase, its stated purpose, and how much authorized but unissued common stock remains. The firm generally supports a stock split or a reasonable replenishment after a stock split. Likewise, Matson Money, Inc. may approve an increase to support a shareholder value enhancing acquisition, to provide the necessary flexibility to maintain an optimal capital structure, or to fund stock option and stock purchase plans. Requests to significantly increase the number of authorized shares (those resulting in greater than 10% dilution) without a stated reason or demonstrated need would be opposed. Similarly, Matson Money, Inc. would oppose an increase when additional shares are to be used for anti-takeover measures.
2. Authorize Blank Check Preferred Stock: This proposal would grant authority to the board to create and issue a new class of preferred stock with unspecified terms and conditions. Blank check preferred stock could be granted special voting rights and be used to entrench management or deter takeover attempts. Matson Money, Inc. generally opposes proposals to vest the board with such power.
3. Authorize Convertible Stock: Matson Money, Inc. would review the rationale on a case-by-case basis taking into account the companys current capitalization structure, the stated purpose for the security and the potential dilution effect this security would have on existing common shareholders upon conversion. Matson Money, Inc. would oppose any request which is blank check in nature, where the companys rationale is unclear, and where the request appears to blunt possible takeover attempts.
C. SHAREHOLDERS RIGHTS AND PROXY VOTING: The proxy vote is the key mechanism by which shareholders render their opinion in corporate governance. In exercising its votes, Matson Money, Inc. believes:
1. Confidential Voting should be adopted by all corporations on all matters brought before the shareholders. Such provisions would protect the importance of the proxy vote and eliminate the appearance of any impropriety.
2. Multiple Classes of Common Stock with disparate voting rights should not exist. Rather, the board should adhere to the principle of one share-one vote.
3. Super-majority rules or requirements which interfere with the shareholders right to elect directors and ratify corporate actions should be opposed.
4. Changes in Corporations Domicile should only be proposed for valid business reasons, not to obtain protection against unfriendly takeovers.
5. Change of Control occurs when a third party becomes, or obtains the right to become, the beneficial owner of Company securities having 50%
or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding securities of the company. Change of Control also would occur when the directors prior to a given event cease to constitute a majority of the Board as a result of the event.
6. Fair Price Provisions and measures to limit the corporations ability to buy back shares from a particular shareholder at higher than market prices are generally supported.
7. Pre-emptive Rights allow shareholders the option to buy part of any new issue prior to its public offering. This provision allows existing shareholders to maintain their original ownership percentage. However, pre-emptive rights often raise the cost of capital by increasing both the time and expense of issuing new shares. Therefore, pre-emptive rights should generally be eliminated, except where Matson Moneys analysis concludes such rights have value to the shareholders.
8. Anti-Takeover measures should be submitted for shareholder approval. Matson Money, Inc. is generally against such measures.
9. Bundled Proposals: Occasionally management will attempt to tie a non-routine issue to one that is routine, attempting to pass both items in the form of a bundled proposal. Disparate issues should not be combined and presented for a single vote. Such proposals are generally not well received and must be carefully reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
10. Special Meetings of the Board of Directors, on such issues as takeovers and changes in the make-up of the Board, by its shareholders is permitted at most companies. Matson Money, Inc. is generally against limitations on the calling of Special Meetings.
D. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION: The board and its compensation committee should set executive compensation levels adequate to attract and retain qualified executives. These managers should be rewarded in direct relationship to the contribution they make in maximizing shareholder value. Matson Money, Inc. readily admits it is not qualified to thoroughly evaluate the specific issues of executive compensation for each of its portfolio holdings; however the firm does evaluate the reasonableness of compensation policies, criteria and formulas. Likewise, Matson Money, Inc. decides what constitutes adequate disclosure of executive compensation. Matson Money, Inc. generally supports sound pay for performance plans which ensure equitable treatment of both corporate management and shareholders. Compensation should include both salary and performance components. The salary should have a defined relationship to salaries in an industry peer group. Similarly, performance measures should relate to key industry success measurements and be judged over adequate time periods.
1. Incentive Plans should be set forth annually in the proxy statement. The criteria used to evaluate the performance of senior executives should be clearly stated. Terms of the awards, such as type, coverage and option price should be specified. Excess discretion will not be approved. Matson Money, Inc. generally supports management if the company defines their performance goals. However, Matson Money, Inc. opposes incentive plans where no specific goals are defined. Without specific performance goals, there is no assurance that awards will be paid based upon realistic performance criteria. Matson Money, Inc. also votes against plans where
performance hurdles are, in its opinion, set too low. Total potential dilution from existing and proposed compensation plans should not exceed 10% over the duration of the plan(s). Finally, Matson Money, Inc. generally opposes plans which grant reload options (favorable repricing of options) or where options become immediately exercisable following a change of control defined as anything less than 50%.
2. Stock/Stock Option Plans: Matson Money, Inc. generally votes against a plan if the exercise price is unspecified or below 90% of the fair market value on the date of the grant.
3. Golden Parachutes should always be put to shareholder vote because they often exceed ordinary compensation practices. We are generally against Golden Parachutes.
E. ROUTINE CORPORATE ISSUES: Proposals in this category, which have been seen repeatedly on an historical basis, are usually non-controversial. Generally, these issues revolve around items that are related to the normal operating procedures of the company. Matson Money, Inc., however, votes against a management proposal to approve any other business that properly comes before the meeting. As a fiduciary, Matson Money, Inc. opposes any attempt by management to get a blanket approval without full disclosure. Conversely, each of the proposals listed below are generally supported, unless compelling reasons exist to question why it is not in the best interest of shareholders.
1. Appointment of Auditors
2. Corporate Name and/or Ticker Change
3. Approval of Articles of Incorporation
4. Changes to the Articles of Incorporation
5. Changes in the Date, Time and/or Location of Annual Meeting
6. Stock Splits
7. Acceptance of Directors Report
8. Approval of Corporate Dividend
II. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ISSUES: Matson Money, Inc. acknowledges its duty both as a corporate citizen and as a manager of investment funds to address important social issues. The intention of our firm is not to impose its moral or social views upon clients. Nor should Matson Money, Inc. restrict in any way the day-to-day operating procedures of a corporation unless, in so doing, the economic value of the clients investment is enhanced.
DOCUMENTATION OF VOTING DECISIONS
Matson Money, Inc. maintains accurate records of each corporate proxy received and voted along with documentation of the proxy voting decisions on each issue. The records will be retained for such period of time as is required to comply with applicable laws and regulations.
REPORTING
In order to facilitate a clients monitoring of proxy decisions made and actions taken by Matson Money, Inc., a report summarizing each corporate issue and corresponding proxy vote is available to clients upon request.
THE RBB FUND, INC.
PEA 159
PART C: OTHER INFORMATION
Item 28 . |
EXHIBITS |
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Articles of Incorporation. |
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Articles of Incorporation of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 24, 1988, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
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(2) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 24, 1988, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
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(3) |
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Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 12, 1988, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
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(4) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 12, 1988, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
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(5) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on April 27, 1990, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
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(6) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 1, 1990, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
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(7) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 15, 1992, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
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(8) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 22, 1992, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
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(9) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1993, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
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(10) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1993, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
(11) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 19, 1994, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
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(12) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 19, 1994, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
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(13) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 19, 1994, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
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(14) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 19, 1994, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
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(15) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 31, 1995. |
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(16) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 34 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 16, 1996. |
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(17) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 11, 1996. |
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(18) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 9, 1997. |
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(19) |
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Articles of Amendment to Charter of the Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 25, 1997. |
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(20) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 25, 1997. |
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(21) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998. |
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(22) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998. |
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(23) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1998. |
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(24) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1998. |
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(25) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 30, 1999. |
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(26) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 29, 1999. |
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(27) |
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Articles of Amendment to Charter of the Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2000. |
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(28) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2000. |
(29) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2000. |
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(30) |
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Articles of Amendment to Charter of the Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2000. |
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(31) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 73 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 15, 2001. |
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(32) |
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Articles of Amendment of Registrant ( Boston Partners Bond Fund - Institutional Class and Boston Partners Bond Fund - Investor Class ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 77 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 15, 2002. |
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(33) |
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Articles Supplementary to Charter of the Registrant ( Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund - Institutional Class and Boston Partners Bond Fund - Institutional Class ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 77 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 15, 2002. |
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(34) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Schneider Value Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 16, 2002. |
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(35) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Institutional Liquidity Fund for Credit Unions and Liquidity Fund for Credit Union Members ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 84 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2003. |
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(36) |
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Articles of Amendment to Charter of the Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 89 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2004. |
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(37) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund Investor Class, Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund Institutional Class, Robeco WPG Tudor Fund Institutional Class, Robeco WPG Large Cap Growth Fund Institutional Class ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 93 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 4, 2005. |
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(38) |
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Certificate of Correction of Registrant is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 2005. |
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(39) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund Investor Class, Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund Institutional Class, Robeco WPG Tudor Fund Institutional Class, Robeco WPG 130/30 Large Cap Core Fund f/k/a Robeco WPG Large Cap Growth Fund Institutional Class ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 2005. |
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(40) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Senbanc Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 96 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 6, 2005. |
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(41) |
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Articles of Amendment of Registrant ( Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund Retirement Class) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 97 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on August 19, 2005. |
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(42) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund Investor Class) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 27, 2005. |
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(43) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Bear Stearns CUFS MLP Mortgage Portfolio) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 104 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 18, 2006. |
(44) |
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Articles of Amendment of Registrant (Bear Stearns CUFS MLP Mortgage Portfolio) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 108 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 2006. |
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(45) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Bear Stearns Ultra Short Income Fund f/k/a Bear Stearns Enhanced Income Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 109 to Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 15, 2006. |
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(46) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Marvin & Palmer Large Cap Growth Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 109 to Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 15, 2006. |
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(47) |
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Articles of Amendment of Registrant (Bear Stearns Ultra Short Income Fund f/k/a Bear Stearns Enhanced Income Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 111 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on February 28, 2007. |
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(48) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Bear Stearns Ultra Short Income Fund f/k/a Bear Stearns Enhanced Income Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 111 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on February 28, 2007. |
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(49) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund, Free Market Fixed-Income Fund) incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 1, 2007. |
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(50) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Robeco WPG 130/30 Large Cap Core Fund Investor Class) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No.113 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 13, 2007. |
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(51) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( SAM Sustainable Water Fund, SAM Sustainable Climate Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No.114 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 17, 2007. |
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(52) |
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Articles of Amendment of Registrant (Robeco WPG 130/30 Large Cap Core Fund Institutional Class) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No.116 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 4, 2007. |
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(53) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 123 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 17, 2007. |
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(54) |
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Articles of Amendment of Registrant (Bear Stearns Ultra Short Income Fund f/k/a Bear Stearns Enhanced Income Fund are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 124 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2007. |
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(55) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( SAM Sustainable Global Active Fund, SAM Sustainable Themes Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 128 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on April 23, 2009. |
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(56) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Perimeter Small Cap Growth Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 129 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 2, 2009. |
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(57) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( S1 Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 135 to Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 19, 2010. |
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(58) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 136 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on August 4, 2010. |
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(59) |
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Articles of Amendment of Registrant (Robeco WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund f/k/a Robeco WPG Small Cap Value Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 141 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2010. |
(60) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Robeco Boston Partners Global Equity Fund and Robeco Boston Partners International Equity Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 142 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 14, 2011. |
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(61) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 144 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 15, 2011. |
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(62) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund, Free Market Fixed-Income Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2012. |
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(63) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Robeco Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 152 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 29, 2013. |
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(64) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund Institutional Class) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 157 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827 ) filed on October 29, 2013. |
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(65) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio) are filed herewith. |
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(b) |
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By-Laws. |
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(1) |
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By-Laws, as amended, are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 143 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 28, 2011. |
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(c) |
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Instruments Defining Rights of Security Holders. |
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(1) |
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See Articles VI, VII, VIII, IX and XI of Registrants Articles of 1 Incorporation dated February 17, 1988 which are incorporated herein by reference to Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 24, 1988, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
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(2) |
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See Articles II, III, VI, XIII, and XIV of Registrants By-Laws as amended through August 25, 2004, which are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 89 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2004. |
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(d) |
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Investment Advisory Contracts. |
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(1) |
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Investment Advisory Agreement (Schneider Small Cap Value Fund) between Registrant and Schneider Capital Management Company is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998. |
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(2) |
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Investment Advisory Agreement (Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund) between Registrant and Bogle Investment Management, L.P. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 30, 1999. |
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(3) |
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Investment Advisory Agreement (Schneider Value Fund) between Registrant and Schneider Capital Management Company is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002. |
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(4) |
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Investment Advisory and Administration Agreement (Money Market Portfolio ) between Registrant and BlackRock Advisors, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 143 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 28, 2011. |
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(5) |
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Investment Advisory Agreement (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund, Free Market Fixed Income Fund) between Registrant and Matson Money, Inc. (f/k/a Abundance Technologies, Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 125 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on February 27, 2008. |
(6) |
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Amendment No. 1 to the Investment Advisory Agreement ( Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund and Free Market Fixed Income Fund ) between Registrant and Matson Money, Inc. (f/k/a Abundance Technologies, Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 157 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827 ) filed on October 29, 2013. |
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(7) |
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Form of Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement (Schneider Small Cap Value Fund) is is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 150 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2012. |
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(8) |
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Form of Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement (Schneider Value Fund) is is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 150 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2012.. |
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(9) |
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Form of Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement (Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund) is is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 150 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2012.. |
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(10) |
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Form of Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement (Robeco Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II, Robeco Boston Partners All Cap Value Fund, Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund, Robeco Boston Partners Global Equity Fund, and Robeco Boston Partners International Equity Fund) is is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 150 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2012.. |
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(11) |
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Investment Advisory Agreement (Perimeter Small Cap Growth Fund) between Registrant and Perimeter Capital Management is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 143 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 28, 2011. |
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(12) |
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Form of Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement (Perimeter Small Cap Growth Fund) between Registrant and Perimeter Capital Management is is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 150 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2012.. |
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(13) |
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Investment Advisory Agreement (S1 Fund) between Registrant and Simple Alternatives, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 138 to the Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2010. |
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(14) |
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Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement (S1 Fund) between Registrant and Simple Alternatives, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 150 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2012. |
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(15) |
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Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (S1 Fund) between Simple Alternatives, LLC and Roaring Blue Lion Capital Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 143 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 28, 2011. |
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(16) |
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Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (S1 Fund) between Simple Alternatives, LLC and Courage Capital Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 143 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 28, 2011. |
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(17) |
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Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (S1 Fund) between Simple Alternatives, LLC and Lauren Templeton Capital Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 143 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 28, 2011. |
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(18) |
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Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (S1 Fund) between Simple Alternatives, LLC and Starwood Real Estate Securities, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 143 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 28, 2011. |
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(19) |
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Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (S1 Fund) between Simple Alternatives, LLC and Maerisland Capital, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2012. |
(20) |
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Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement ( S1 Fund) between Simple Alternatives, LLC and Garelick Capital Partners, L.P. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 157 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827 ) filed on October 29, 2013. |
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(21) |
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Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement ( S1 Fund) between Simple Alternatives, LLC and Sonica Capital, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 157 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827 ) filed on October 29, 2013.. |
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(22) |
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Form of Investment Advisory Agreement ( Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund ) between Registrant and Summit Global Investments, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 144 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 15, 2011. |
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(23) |
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Form of Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement ( Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund ) between Registrant and Summit Global Investments, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 150 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2012. |
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(24) |
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Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Advisors, LLC ( Money Market Portfolio ) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2011. |
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(25) |
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Investment Advisory Agreement (Robeco Investment Funds) between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 157 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827 ) filed on October 29, 2013.. |
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(26) |
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Form of Addendum No. 1 to Investment Advisory Agreement ( Robeco Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund) between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 154 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 11, 2013. |
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(27) |
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Form of Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement (Robeco Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund) between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 154 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 11, 2013. |
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(28) |
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Form of Investment Advisory Agreement (Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio) is filed herewith. |
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(29) |
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Form of Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement ( Robeco Boston Partners Global Equity Fund and Robeco Boston Partners International Equity Fund) between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 157 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2013. |
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(e) |
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Underwriting Contracts. |
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(1) |
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Distribution Agreement between Registrant and Foreside Funds Distributors LLC ( f/k/a PFPC Distributors, Inc.) dated as of January 2, 2001 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 73 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 15, 2001. |
(2) |
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Distribution Agreement Supplement (Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund - Investor Class) between Registrant and Foreside Funds Distributors LLC ( f/k/a PFPC Distributors, Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002. |
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(3) |
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Distribution Agreement Supplement (Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund - Institutional Class ) between Registrant and Foreside Funds Distributors LLC ( f/k/a PFPC Distributors, Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002. |
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(4) |
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Distribution Agreement Supplement (Schneider Value Fund) between Registrant and Foreside Funds Distributors LLC ( f/k/a PFPC Distributors, Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002. |
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(5) |
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Distribution Agreement Supplement (Robeco WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund f/k/a Robeco WPG Small Cap Value Fund - Institutional Class) between Registrant and Foreside Funds Distributors LLC ( f/k/a PFPC Distributors, Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 101 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2005. |
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(6) |
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Distribution Agreement Supplement (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund) between Registrant and Foreside Funds Distributors LLC ( f/k/a PFPC Distributors, Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 24, 2008. |
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(7) |
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Distribution Agreement Supplement ( Free Market International Equity Fund ) between Registrant and Foreside Funds Distributors LLC ( f/k/a PFPC Distributors, Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 24, 2008. |
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(8) |
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Distribution Agreement Supplement ( Free Market Fixed Income Fund ) between Registrant and Foreside Funds Distributors LLC ( f/k/a PFPC Distributors, Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 24, 2008. |
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(9) |
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Distribution Agreement Supplement (Perimeter Small Cap Growth Fund) between Registrant and Foreside Funds Distributors LLC ( f/k/a PFPC Distributors, Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 157 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827 ) filed on October 29, 2013.. |
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(10) |
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Distribution Agreement between Registrant and Foreside Funds Distributors LLC ( f/k/a BNY Mellon Distributors, Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 136 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on August 4, 2010. |
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(11) |
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Distribution Agreement Supplement (S1 Fund and Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund) between Registrant and Foreside Funds Distributors LLC ( f/k/a BNY Mellon Distributors, Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 141 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2010. |
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(12) |
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Distribution Agreement Supplement (Robeco Boston Partners Global Equity Fund and Robeco Boston Partners International Equity Fund) between Registrant and Foreside Funds Distributors LLC ( f/k/a BNY Mellon Distributors, Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 157 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827 ) filed on October 29, 2013.. |
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(13) |
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Distribution Agreement Supplement (Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund) between Registrant and Foreside Funds Distributors LLC ( f/k/a BNY Mellon Distributors, Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 157 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827 ) filed on October 29, 2013.. |
(14) |
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Distribution Agreement between Registrant and Foreside Funds Distributors LLC dated March 31, 2012 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2012. |
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(15) |
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Distribution Agreement Supplement (Robeco Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund) between Registrant and Foreside Funds Distributors LLC to be filed by amendment. |
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(16) |
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Distribution Agreement Supplement ( Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International VI Equity Portfolio, Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio) between Registrant and Foreside Funds Distributors LLC to be filed by amendment. |
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(f) |
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Bonus or Profit Sharing Contracts. |
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(1) |
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Deferred Compensation Plan and Form of Agreement to be filed by Amendment. |
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(g) |
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Custodian Agreements. |
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(1) |
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Custody Agreement dated July 18, 2011 between Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 143 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 28, 2011. |
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(2) |
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Foreign Custody Manager Agreement dated July 18, 2011 between Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 143 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 28, 2011. |
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(3) |
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Form of Amended and Restated Schedule II to the Custody Agreement ( Robeco Boston Partners Global Equity Fund and Robeco Boston Partners International Equity Fund ) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 143 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 28, 2011. |
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(4) |
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Form of Amended and Restated Schedule II to the Custody Agreement ( Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund ) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2011. |
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(5) |
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Amended and Restated Schedule II to the Custody Agreement ( Robeco Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund ) to be filed by amendment. |
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(6) |
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Amended and Restated Schedule II to the Custody Agreement ( Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio) to be filed by amendment. |
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(h) |
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Other Material Contracts. |
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(1) |
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Transfer Agency Agreement (Sansom Street) between Registrant and Provident Financial Processing Corporation, dated as of August 16, 1988 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 1989, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
(2) |
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Shareholder Servicing Agreement (Sansom Street Money Market) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 1989, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
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(3) |
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Shareholder Servicing Agreement (Sansom Street Government Obligations Money Market) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 1989, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
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(4) |
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Shareholder Services Plan (Sansom Street Money Market) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 1989, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
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(5) |
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Transfer Agency Agreement (Bedford Money Market) between Registrant and Provident Financial Processing Corporation, dated as of August 16, 1988 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 1989, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
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(6) |
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Transfer Agency Agreement and Supplements (Bradford, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, Zeta, Eta and Theta) between Registrant and Provident Financial Processing Corporation dated as of November 5, 1991 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 15, 1992, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
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(7) |
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Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company and PNC Global Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) dated February 1, 1995 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 6, 1995. |
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(8) |
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Supplement to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between Registrant, State Street Bank and Trust Company, Inc. and PNC Global Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) dated April 10, 1995 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 6, 1995. |
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(9) |
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Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated December 15, 1994 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 25, 1995. |
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(10) |
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Transfer Agreement and Service Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 37 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 30, 1996. |
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(11) |
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Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Boston Partners Mid Cap Value Fund - Institutional Class) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 25, 1997. |
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(12) |
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Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Boston Partners Mid Cap Value Fund - Investor Class) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 25, 1997. |
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(13) |
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Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Boston Partners Mid Cap Value Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) dated, May 30, 1997 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 25, 1997. |
(14) |
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Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Schneider Small Cap Value Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998. |
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(15) |
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Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Schneider Small Cap Value Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998. |
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(16) |
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Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II (formerly Micro Cap Value) - Institutional Class) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998. |
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(17) |
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Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II (formerly Micro Cap Value) - Investor Class) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998. |
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(18) |
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Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II (formerly Boston Partners Micro Cap Value Fund)) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998. |
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(19) |
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Administrative and Accounting Services Agreement (Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund (formerly Market Neutral) - Institutional and Investor Classes) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1998. |
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(20) |
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Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund (formerly Market Neutral) - Institutional and Investor Classes) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1998. |
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(21) |
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Form of Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Boston Partners Fund (formerly Long-Short Equity)) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 19, 1999. |
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(22) |
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Form of Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Boston Partners Fund (formerly Long-Short Equity)) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 19, 1999. |
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(23) |
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Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 30, 1999. |
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(24) |
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Non 12b-1 Shareholder Services Plan and Agreement (Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth - Investor Shares) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 30, 1999. |
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(25) |
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Agreement between E*TRADE Group, Inc., Registrant and Registrants principal underwriter is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 1, 1999. |
(26) |
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Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 1, 1999. |
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(27) |
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Form of Transfer Agency Supplement (Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002. |
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(28) |
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Form of Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 77 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 15, 2002. |
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(29) |
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Transfer Agency Supplement (Schneider Value Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002. |
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(30) |
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Form of Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Schneider Value Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 16, 2002. |
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(31) |
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Shareholder Servicing Agreement (Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002. |
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(32) |
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Form of Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Customer Identification Program) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 84 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2003. |
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(33) |
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Regulatory Administration Services Agreement between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 84 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2003. |
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(34) |
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Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund, Robeco WPG Large Cap Growth Fund, and Robeco WPG Tudor Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 25, 2005. |
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(35) |
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Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Robeco WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund f/k/a Robeco WPG Tudor Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 25, 2005. |
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(36) |
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Non-12b-1 Shareholder Services Plan and Related Form of Shareholder Servicing Agreement (Robeco WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund f/k/a Robeco WPG Tudor Fund Institutional Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 25, 2005. |
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(37) |
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Delegation Agreement (Money Market Portfolio) among Registrant, BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) , BlackRock Institutional Management Corp. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2012. |
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(38) |
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Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund ) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 24, 2008. |
(39) |
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Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Free Market International Equity Fund ) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 24, 2008. |
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(40) |
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Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Free Market Fixed Income Fund ) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 24, 2008. |
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(41) |
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Amended Schedule A to Regulatory Administration Services Agreement (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund, Free Market Fixed-Income Fund ) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 24, 2008. |
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(42) |
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Form of Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Red Flags Amendment) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PNC Global Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc . ) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 127 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2008. |
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(43) |
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Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Perimeter Small Cap Growth Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PNC Global Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2011. |
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(44) |
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Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Perimeter Small Cap Growth Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 141 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2010. |
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(45) |
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Amended Schedule A to the Regulatory Administration Services Agreement ( Perimeter Small Cap Growth Fund ) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PNC Global Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 141 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2010. |
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(46) |
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Administrative and Accounting Services Agreement (S1 Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. (f/k/a PNC Global Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2011. |
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(47) |
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Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (S1 Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc . (f/k/a PNC Global Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2011. |
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(48) |
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Amended Schedule A to Regulatory Administration Services Agreement (S1 Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. ( f/k/a PNC Global Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2011. |
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(49) |
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Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2011. |
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(50) |
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Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2011. |
(51) |
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Amended Schedule A to Regulatory Administration Services Agreement (Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2011. |
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(52) |
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Form of Money Market Fund Services Amendment to Delegation Agreement (Money Market Portfolio) between Registrant, BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc., and BlackRock Advisors, LLC (f/k/a BlackRock Institutional Management Corp.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No.33-20827 ) filed on October 29, 2012. |
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(53) |
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Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Robeco Boston Global Equity Fund and Robeco Boston Partners International Equity Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2012. |
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(54) |
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Amended Schedule A to Regulatory Administration Services Agreement (Robeco Boston Global Equity Fund and Robeco Boston Partners International Equity Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2012. |
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(55) |
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Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Robeco Boston Global Equity Fund and Robeco Boston Partners International Equity Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2012. |
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(56) |
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Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Robeco Boston Partners International Equity Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2012. |
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(57) |
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Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2012. |
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(58) |
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Amended Schedule A to Regulatory Administration Services Agreement (Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2012. |
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(59) |
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Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2012. |
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(60) |
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Form of Amendment No. 5 to Transfer Agency Agreement ( Robeco Boston Partners Global Equity Fund, Robeco Boston Partners International Equity Fund, Robeco WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund, Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, Robeco Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund and Robeco Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2012. |
(61) |
|
Form of Money Market Fund Services Amendment to Delegation Agreement (Money Market Portfolio) between Registrant, BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc., and BlackRock Advisors, LLC (f/k/a BlackRock Institutional Management Corp.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 141 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2010. |
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(62) |
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Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Robeco Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. to be filed by amendment. |
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(63) |
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Amended Schedule A to Regulatory Administration Services Agreement (Robeco Boston Global Long/Short Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. to be filed by amendment. |
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(64) |
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Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Robeco Boston Global Long/Short Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. to be filed by amendment. |
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(65) |
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Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. to be filed by amendment. |
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(66) |
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Amended Schedule A to Regulatory Administration Services Agreement ( Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. to be filed by amendment. |
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(67) |
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Administration and Accounting Services Agreement ( Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. to be filed by amendment. |
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(i) |
(1) |
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Opinion and Consent of Counsel is filed herewith. |
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(2) |
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Consent of Counsel is filed herewith. |
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(j) |
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None. |
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(k) |
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None. |
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(l) |
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Initial Capital Agreements. |
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(1) |
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Subscription Agreement, relating to Classes A through N, is incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 12, 1988, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
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(2) |
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Subscription Agreement between Registrant and Planco Financial Services, Inc., relating to Classes O and P is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1990. |
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(3) |
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Subscription Agreement between Registrant and Planco Financial Services, Inc., relating to Class Q is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1990. |
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(4) |
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Subscription Agreement between Registrant and Counsellors Securities Inc. relating to Classes R, S, and Alpha 1 through Theta 4 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 15, 1992, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
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(5) |
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Purchase Agreement between Registrant and Boston Partners Asset Management, L.P. relating to Classes TT and UU (Boston Partners Mid Cap Value Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 25, 1997. |
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(6) |
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Purchase Agreement between Registrant and Schneider Capital Management Company relating to Class YY (Schneider Small Cap Value Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998. |
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(7) |
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Purchase Agreement between Registrant and Boston Partners Asset Management, L.P. relating to Classes DDD and EEE (Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II (formerly Micro Cap Value)) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998. |
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(8) |
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Purchase Agreement between Registrant and Boston Partners Asset Management relating to Classes III and JJJ (Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund (formerly Market Neutral)) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1998. |
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(9) |
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Form of Purchase Agreement between Registrant and Boston Partners Asset Management, L. P. relating to Classes KKK and LLL (Boston Partners Fund (formerly Long-Short Equity)) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 19, 1999. |
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(10) |
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Purchase Agreement (Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund) between Registrant and Bogle Investment Management, L.P. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 30, 1999. |
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(11) |
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Purchase Agreement (Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund) between Registrant and Boston Partners Asset Management, L.P. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002. |
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(12) |
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Purchase Agreement (Schneider Value Fund) between Registrant and Schneider Capital Management Company is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002. |
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(13) |
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Purchase Agreement (Robeco WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund f/k/a Robeco WPG Tudor Fund) between Registrant and Weiss, Peck & Greer Investments is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 96 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 6, 2005. |
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(14) |
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Form of Purchase Agreement (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund) between Registrant and Matson Money, Inc. (f/k/a Abundance Technologies, Inc.), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 1, 2007. |
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(15) |
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Form of Purchase Agreement (Free Market International Equity Fund) between Registrant and Matson Money, Inc. (f/k/a Abundance Technologies, Inc.) , is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 1, 2007. |
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(16) |
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Form of Purchase Agreement (Free Market Fixed Income Fund) between Registrant and Matson Money, Inc. (f/k/a Abundance Technologies, Inc.) , is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 1, 2007. |
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(17) |
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Form of Purchase Agreement ( Perimeter Small Cap Growth Fund ) between Registrant and Perimeter Capital Management is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 134 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2009. |
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(18) |
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Purchase Agreement (S1 Fund) between Registrant and Simple Alternatives, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 138 to the Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2010. |
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(19) |
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Purchase Agreement (Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund) between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 136 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on August 4, 2010. |
(20) |
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Form of Purchase Agreement (Robeco Boston Partners Global Equity Fund) between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 142 t the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 14, 2011. |
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(21) |
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Form of Purchase Agreement (Robeco Boston Partners International Equity Fund) between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 142 t the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 14, 2011. |
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(22) |
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Purchase Agreement (Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund) between Registrant and Summit Global Investments, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 157 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827 ) filed on October 29, 2013.. |
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(23) |
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Purchase Agreement (Robeco Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund) between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management Inc. to be filed by amendment. |
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(24) |
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Purchase Agreement ( Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio) between Registrant and Matson Money, Inc. to be filed by amendment. |
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(m) |
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Rule 12b-1 Plan. |
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(1) |
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Plan of Distribution (Bedford Money Market) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 1989, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
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(2) |
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Plan of Distribution (Boston Partners Mid Cap Value Fund - Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 9, 1997. |
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(3) |
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Plan of Distribution (Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II (formerly Micro Cap Value) - Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 53 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on April 10, 1998. |
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(4) |
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Amendment to Plans of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1998. |
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(5) |
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Plan of Distribution (Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund (formerly Market Neutral) - Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 12, 1998. |
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(6) |
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Plan of Distribution (Boston Partners Fund (formerly Long Short Equity) - Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 19, 1999. |
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(7) |
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Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002. |
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(8) |
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Agreement between Registrant, Bear Stearns Securities Corp. and Foreside Funds Distributors LLC (f/k/a PFPC Distributors, Inc.) dated as of November 17, 2005 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 101 to the Registrants Registration Statement filed on December 29, 2005. |
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(9) |
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Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Perimeter Small Cap Growth Fund Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 132 to the Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 22, 2009. |
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(10) |
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Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1( Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund Investor Class ) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 141 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2010. |
(11) |
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Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (S1 Fund R Shares) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 137 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 1, 2010. |
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(12) |
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Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1( Robeco Boston Partners Global Equity Fund Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 142 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 14, 2011. |
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(13) |
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Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 ( Robeco Boston Partners International Equity Fund Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 142 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 14, 2011. |
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(14) |
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Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 ( Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund Retail Class) is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 144 to Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 15, 2011. |
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(15) |
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Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 ( Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund Class A) is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 144 to Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 15, 2011. |
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(16) |
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Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 ( Robeco Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 154 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 11, 2013. |
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(n) |
|
Rule 18f-3 Plan. |
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(1) |
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Amended Rule 18f-3 Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2011. |
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(p) |
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Code of Ethics. |
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(1) |
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Code of Ethics of the Registrant is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 110 to Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2006. |
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(2) |
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Code of Ethics of Robeco Investment Management is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2011. |
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(3) |
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Code of Ethics of Schneider Capital Management Company is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 129 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 2, 2009. |
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(4) |
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Code of Ethics of Bogle Investment Management, L.P. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 129 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 2, 2009. |
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(5) |
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Code of Ethics of Matson Money, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2011. |
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(6) |
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Code of Ethics of Perimeter Capital Management is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2012. |
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(7) |
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Code of Ethics of Simple Alternatives, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2012. |
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(8) |
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Code of Ethics of Blue Lion Capital Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2011. |
(9) |
|
Code of Ethics of Courage Capital Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2011. |
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(10) |
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Code of Ethics of Lauren Templeton Capital Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2011. |
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(11) |
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Code of Ethics of Starwood Real Estate Securities, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 137 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 1, 2010. |
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(12) |
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Code of Ethics of Foreside Funds Distributors LLC ( f/k/a BNY Mellon Distributors, Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 143 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 28, 2011. |
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(13) |
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Code of Ethics of Summit Global Investments, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2011. |
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(14) |
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Code of Ethics of Maerisland Capital, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2012. |
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(15) |
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Code of Ethics of Sonica Capital, LLC to be filed by amendment. |
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(16) |
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Code of Ethics of Garelick Capital Partners, L.P. to be filed by amendment. |
Item 29. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT
None.
Item 30. INDEMNIFICATION
Sections 1, 2, 3 and 4 of Article VIII of Registrants Articles of Incorporation, as amended, incorporated herein by reference as Exhibits (a)(1) and (a)(3), provide as follows:
Section 1. To the fullest extent that limitations on the liability of directors and officers are permitted by the Maryland General Corporation Law, no director or officer of the Corporation shall have any liability to the Corporation or its shareholders for damages. This limitation on liability applies to events occurring at the time a person serves as a director or officer of the Corporation whether or not s*uch person is a director or officer at the time of any proceeding in which liability is asserted.
Section 2. The Corporation shall indemnify and advance expenses to its currently acting and its former directors to the fullest extent that indemnification of directors is permitted by the Maryland General Corporation Law. The Corporation shall indemnify and advance expenses to its officers to the same extent as its directors and to such further extent as is consistent with law. The Board of Directors may by law, resolution or agreement make further provision for indemnification of directors, officers, employees and agents to the fullest extent permitted by the Maryland General Corporation law.
Section 3. No provision of this Article shall be effective to protect or purport to protect any director or officer of the Corporation against any liability to the Corporation or its security holders to which he would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office.
Section 4. References to the Maryland General Corporation Law in this Article are to the law as from time to time amended. No further amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation shall decrease, but may expand, any right of any person under this Article based on any event, omission or proceeding prior to such amendment. Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors,
officers and controlling persons of Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
Section 12 of the Investment Advisory and Administration Agreement Registrant and BlackRock Advisors, LLC (BALLC), dated June 30, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(4), provides for the indemnification of BALLC against certain losses.
Section 12 of the Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management, Inc. (Robeco) , incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(25), provides for the indemnification of Robeco against certain losses.
Section 12 of the Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Bogle Investment Management, L.P. (Bogle), dated September 15, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2) provides for the indemnification of Bogle against certain losses.
Section 9 of the Distribution Agreement between Registrant and BNY Mellon Distributors Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Distributors, Inc. ), dated January 2, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (e)(1) provides for the indemnification of BNY Mellon Distributors Inc. against certain losses.
Section 12 of each of the Investment Advisory Agreements between the Registrant and Schneider Capital Management (Schneider) incorporated herein by reference as exhibits (d)(1) and (d)(3) provides for the indemnification of Schneider against certain losses.
Section 12 of the Investment Advisory Agreements between the Registrant and Matson Money, Inc. ( f/k/a Abundance Technologies, Inc.) , (Matson Money) and incorporated herein by reference as exhibits (d)(5) and (d)(28) provide for the indemnification of Matson Money against certain losses.
Section 12 of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Perimeter Capital Management (Perimeter) incorporated herein by reference as exhibit (d)(11) provides for the indemnification of Perimeter against certain losses.
Section 12 of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Simple Alternatives, LLC (SA) dated September 30, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference as exhibit (d)(13) provides for the indemnification of SA against certain losses.
Section 12 of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Summit Global Investments, LLC (SGI) incorporated herein by reference as exhibit (d)(22) provides for the indemnification of SGI against certain losses.
Item 31. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISERS.
1. BlackRock Advisors, LLC:
BlackRock Advisors, LLC (previously defined as the BALLC or the Adviser) principal business address is 100 Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington, Delaware 19809. BALLC is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and serves as an investment adviser for registered investment companies. BALLC is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc. BALLC was organized in 1994 for the purpose of providing advisory services to investment companies. The
information required by this Item 31 about officers and directors of BALLC, together with information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature engaged in by such officers and directors during the past two years, is incorporated by reference to Schedules A and D of Form ADV, filed by BALLC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (SEC File No. 801-47710).
2. Bogle Investment Management, LP:
The sole business activity of Bogle Investment Management, LP (Bogle), 2310 Washington Street, Suite 310, Newton Lower Falls, MA 02462, is to serve as an investment adviser. Bogle is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
The directors and officers have not held any positions with other companies during the last two fiscal years.
3. Schneider Capital Management Company:
The sole business activity of Schneider Capital Management Company (Schneider), 460 E. Swedesford Road, Suite 2000, Wayne, PA 19087, is to serve as an investment adviser. Schneider is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
Information as to the directors and officers of Schneider is as follows:
Name and Position with
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Other Company |
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Position With Other Company |
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Arnold C. Schneider, III
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Turnbridge Management Partners Corp. |
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President |
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Steven J. Fellin
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Turnbridge Management Partners Corp. |
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Vice President |
4. Robeco Investment Management , Inc.
The sole business activity of Robeco Investment Management, Inc. (RIM), 909 Third Avenue, New York 10022, is to serve as an investment adviser. RIM provides investment advisory services to the Robeco Boston Partners Funds and the Robeco Weiss, Peck, & Greer Funds.
RIM is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and serves as an investment adviser to domestic and foreign institutional investors, investment companies, commingled trust funds, private investment partnerships and collective investment vehicles. Information as to the directors and officers of Robeco Investment Management, Inc. is as follows:
Name and Position with
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Other Company |
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Position With Other Company |
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Mark E. Donovan
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Robeco Institutional Asset Management US Inc. |
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Director |
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Robeco Trust Company |
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Co-CEO, Director & Chairman of the Board |
Joseph F. Feeney, Jr.
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Robeco US Holding, Inc. |
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Director |
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William George Butterly, III
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Robeco Institutional Asset Management US Inc. |
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Chief Legal Officer, Chief Compliance Officer & Secretary |
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Robeco Securities, L.L.C. |
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Chief Legal Officer |
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Robeco Trust Company |
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Chief Operating Officer, Secretary & Director |
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RobecoSAM USA, Inc. |
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Chief Legal Officer, Chief Compliance Officer & Secretary |
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Matthew J. Davis
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Robeco Institutional Asset Management US Inc. |
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President, Treasurer & Director |
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Robeco Securities, L.L.C. |
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Chief Financial Officer |
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Robeco Trust Company |
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Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer & Director |
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Roderick Munsters
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Robeco Groep N.V. |
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Chief Executive Officer |
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Leni M. Boeren
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Robeco Groep N.V. |
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Chief Operating Officer |
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Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. |
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Director |
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RobecoSAM AG |
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Director |
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RobecoSAM USA, Inc. |
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Director |
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Martin Mlynár
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Corestone Investment Managers AG |
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Chief Executive Officer |
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Source Capital AG |
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Board Member |
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Source Capital Holding AG |
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Board Member |
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Michiel Prinsze
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Robeco Groep N.V. |
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General Counsel |
5. Matson Money, Inc.:
The sole business activity of Matson Money, Inc. (Matson Money), 5955 Deerfield Blvd., Mason, OH 45040, is to serve as an investment adviser. Matson Money is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
Below is a list of each executive officer and director of Matson Money indicating each business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each such person has been engaged within the last two years, for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, partner or trustee.
Name and Position with
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Name of Other Company |
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Position With Other Company |
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Mark E Matson
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Keep It Tight Fitness, LLC |
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50% owner |
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Mark E Matson
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The Wolfpack Foundation |
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100% owner |
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Michelle Matson
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None |
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None |
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Dan List
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None |
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None |
6. Perimeter Capital Management (Perimeter)
The principal business address of Perimeter is Six Concourse Parkway, Suite 3300, Atlanta, Georgia 30328.
Perimeter serves as the investment adviser for the Perimeter Small Cap Growth Fund. Perimeter is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The information as to the directors and officers of Perimeter is as follows:
Name and Position with
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Name of Other Company |
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Position With Other Company |
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G. Bradley Ball
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Perimeter Concourse Capital LLC |
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Member, Board of Directors |
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Mark D. Garfinkel, CFA Managing Partner and CIO Perimeter Capital Management |
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Perimeter Concourse Capital LLC |
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Member, Board of Directors |
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Christopher J. Paolella
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Perimeter Concourse Capital LLC |
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Director of Marketing & Consultant Relations |
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Adam C. Stewart, CFA Partner, Director of Trading Perimeter Capital Management |
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Perimeter Concourse Capital LLC |
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Director of Trading |
Theresa N. Benson
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Perimeter Concourse Capital LLC |
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Director of Third-Party Distribution & Client Relations |
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Laura B. Newberg
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Perimeter Concourse Capital LLC & Perimeter Capital Management LLC |
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Chief Compliance Officer |
8. Simple Alternatives, LLC (SA)
The principal business address of SA is 90 Grove Street, Suite 205, Ridgefield, CT 06877.
SA serves as the investment adviser for the S1 Fund. SA is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The information as to the directors and officers of SA is as follows:
Name and Position with
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|
Name of Other Company |
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Position With Other Company |
James K. Dilworth
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Dilworth Capital Management, LLC Dilworth Securities, Inc. |
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President, Chief Compliance Officer |
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Josh Kernan
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Charles Schwab & Co., Inc |
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Director of Alternative Investments & Managed Accounts |
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PJ Rossi
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TH Lee Putnum Ventures, LP |
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Director of Finance & Business Operations |
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Lelia Long
|
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Pemberwick Investment Advisors, LLC |
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Chief Compliance Officer |
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Vigilant Compliance Services |
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Director |
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The New Ireland Fund, Inc. |
|
Treasurer |
9. Summit Global Investments, LLC:
The sole business activity of Summit Global Investments, LLC (SGI), 620 South Main Street, Bountiful, Utah 84010, is to serve as an investment adviser. SGI is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
Below is a list of each executive officer and director of SGI indicating each business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each such person has been engaged within the last two years, for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, partner or trustee.
Name and Position with
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Name of Other Company |
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Position With Other
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David Harden |
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Ensign Peak Advisors, Inc. |
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Vice President |
President, Chief Investment Officer |
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Mark Kenison |
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Turning Point Financial, Inc. |
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President, Chief Compliance Officer |
Chief Operating Officer, |
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|
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Chief Compliance Officer |
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Turning Point Benefits Group |
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Bryce Sutton |
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LC Advisors |
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Vice President |
Partner, Managing Director |
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Kotak Mahindra, Inc. |
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Vice President, Institutional Sales & Marketing |
Item 32 . Principal Underwriter
(a) Foreside Funds Distributors LLC (f/k/a BNY Mellon Distributors LLC) (the Distributor) serves as principal underwriter for the following investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended:
1. Aston Funds
2. E.I.I. Realty Securities Trust
3. FundVantage Trust
4. GuideStone Funds
5. Highland Funds I (f/k/a Pyxis Funds I)
6. Highland Funds II (f/k/a Pyxis Funds II)
7. Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust
8. Matthews International Funds (d/b/a Matthews Asia Funds)
9. Metropolitan West Funds
10. The Motley Fool Funds Trust
11. New Alternatives Fund, Inc.
12. Old Westbury Funds, Inc.
13. The RBB Fund, Inc.
14. Stratton Mid Cap Fund, Inc. (f/k/a Stratton Multi-Cap Fund, Inc.)
15. Stratton Real Estate Fund, Inc.
16. The Stratton Funds, Inc.
17. The Torray Fund
18. Versus Capital Multi-Manager Real Estate Income Fund LLC (f/k/a Versus Global Multi-Manager Real Estate Income Fund LLC)
(b) The following are the Officers and Managers of the Distributor. The Distributors main business address is 400 Berwyn Park, Suite 110, 899 Cassatt Road, Berwyn, PA 19312.
Name |
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Address |
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Position with
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Position with
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Mark A. Fairbanks |
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Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 |
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President and Manager |
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None |
Richard J. Berthy |
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Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 |
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Vice President, Treasurer and Manager |
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None |
Bruno S. DiStefano |
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899 Cassatt Road, 400 Berwyn Park, Suite 110, Berwyn, PA 19312 |
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Vice President |
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None |
Ronald C. Berge |
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899 Cassatt Road, 400 Berwyn Park, Suite 110, Berwyn, PA 19312 |
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Vice President |
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None |
Susan K. Moscaritolo |
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899 Cassatt Road, 400 Berwyn Park, Suite 110, Berwyn, PA 19312 |
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Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer |
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None |
Lisa S. Clifford |
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Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 |
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Vice President, Managing Director of Compliance |
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None |
Jennifer E. Hoopes |
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Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 |
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Secretary |
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None |
Nishant Bhatnagar |
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Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 |
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Assistant Secretary |
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None |
(c) Not Applicable
Item 33. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS
(1) The Bank of New York Mellon, One Wall Street, New York, New York 10286 (records relating to its functions as sub-adviser and custodian).
(2) Foreside Funds Distributors, 400 Berwyn Park, 899 Cassatt Road, Berwyn, Pennsylvania 19312. (records relating to its functions as principal underwriter).
(3) BlackRock Advisors, LLC, Bellevue Corporate Center, 100 Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington, Delaware 19809 (records relating to its functions as investment adviser, sub-adviser and administrator).
(4) BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc., Bellevue Corporate Center, 103 Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington, Delaware 19809 (records relating to its functions as transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent).
(5) BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc., 301 Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington, Delaware 19809 (records relating to its function as administrator and accounting agent and Registrants Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws and Minute books).
(6) Robeco Investment Management, Inc., 909 Third Avenue, 32 nd floor, New York, New York 10022 (records relating to its function as investment adviser).
(7) Schneider Capital Management Co., 460 East Swedesford Road, Suite 1080, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087 (records relating to its function as investment adviser).
(8) Bogle Investment Management, L.P., 2310 Washington Street, Suite 310, Newton Lower Falls, Massachusetts 02462 (records relating to its function as investment adviser).
(9) Matson Money, Inc. (formerly Abundance Technologies, Inc.), 5955 Deerfield Blvd., Mason, OH 45040 (records relating to its function as investment adviser).
(10) Perimeter Capital Management, Six Concourse Parkway, Suite 3300, Atlanta, Georgia 30328 (records relating to its function as investment adviser).
(11) Simple Alternatives, LLC, 90 Grove Street, Suite 205, Ridgefield, CT 06877 (records relating to its function as investment adviser).
(12) Summit Global Investments, LLC, 620 South Main Street, Bountiful, Utah 84010 (records relating to its function as investment adviser).
Item 34. MANAGEMENT SERVICES
None.
Item 35. UNDERTAKINGS
(a) Registrant hereby undertakes to hold a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of considering the removal of directors in the event the requisite number of shareholders so request.
(b) Registrant hereby undertakes to furnish each person to whom a prospectus is delivered a copy of Registrants latest annual report to shareholders upon request and without charge.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act), and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this Registration Statement under Rule 485(b) under the 1933 Act and that it has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 159 to its Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized, in the City of Wilmington, and State of Delaware on the 20th day of December, 2013.
|
THE RBB FUND, INC. |
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By: |
/s/Salvatore Faia |
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Salvatore Faia |
|
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President |
Pursuant to the requirements of the 1933 Act, this Post-Effective Amendment to Registrants Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.
SIGNATURE |
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TITLE |
|
DATE |
/s/Salvatore Faia |
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President (Principal Executive Officer) and Chief Compliance Officer |
|
December 20, 2013 |
Salvatore Faia |
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/s/Joel L. Weiss |
|
Treasurer (Chief Financial Officer) |
|
December 20, 2013 |
Joel L. Weiss |
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*J. Richard Carnall |
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Director |
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December 20, 2013 |
J. Richard Carnall |
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*Julian A. Brodsky |
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Director |
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December 20, 2013 |
Julian A. Brodsky |
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*Arnold M. Reichman |
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Director |
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December 20, 2013 |
Arnold M. Reichman |
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*Robert Sablowsky |
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Director |
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December 20, 2013 |
Robert Sablowsky |
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*Robert Straniere |
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Director |
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December 20, 2013 |
Robert Straniere |
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*Nicholas A. Giordano |
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Director |
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December 20, 2013 |
Nicholas A. Giordano |
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*Gregory P. Chandler |
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Director |
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December 20, 2013 |
Gregory P. Chandler |
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*Jay F. Nusblatt |
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Director |
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December 20, 2013 |
Jay F. Nusblatt |
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*By: /s/Salvatore Faia |
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|
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December 20, 2013 |
Salvatore Faia |
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Attorney-in-Fact |
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THE RBB FUND, INC.
(the Company)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, Julian A. Brodsky, hereby constitutes and appoints Salvatore Faia, Michael P. Malloy, James G. Shaw and Joel L. Weiss, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.
DATED: |
May 7, 2009 |
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/s/ Julian A. Brodsky |
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Julian A. Brodsky |
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THE RBB FUND, INC.
(the Company)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, J. Richard Carnall, hereby constitutes and appoints Salvatore Faia, Michael P. Malloy, James G. Shaw and Joel L. Weiss, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.
DATED: |
May 7, 2009 |
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/s/ J. Richard Carnall |
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J. Richard Carnall |
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THE RBB FUND, INC.
(the Company)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, Nicholas A. Giordano, hereby constitutes and appoints Salvatore Faia, Michael P. Malloy, James G. Shaw and Joel L. Weiss, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.
DATED: |
May 7, 2009 |
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/s/ Nicholas A. Giordano |
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Nicholas A. Giordano |
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|
THE RBB FUND, INC.
(the Company)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, Arnold M. Reichman, hereby constitutes and appoints Salvatore Faia, Michael P. Malloy, James G. Shaw and Joel L. Weiss, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.
DATED: |
May 7, 2009 |
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/s/ Arnold M. Reichman |
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Arnold M. Reichman |
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|
THE RBB FUND, INC.
(the Company)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, Robert Sablowsky, hereby constitutes and appoints Salvatore Faia, Michael P. Malloy, James G. Shaw and Joel L. Weiss, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.
DATED: |
May 7, 2009 |
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/s/ Robert Sablowsky |
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Robert Sablowsky |
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THE RBB FUND, INC.
(the Company)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, Robert Straniere, hereby constitutes and appoints Salvatore Faia, Michael P. Malloy, James G. Shaw and Joel L. Weiss, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.
DATED: |
May 7, 2009 |
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/s/ Robert Straniere |
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Robert Straniere |
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THE RBB FUND, INC.
(the Company)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, Gregory P. Chandler, hereby constitutes and appoints Salvatore Faia, Michael P. Malloy, James G. Shaw and Joel L. Weiss, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.
DATED: |
October 15, 2012 |
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/s/ Gregory P. Chandler |
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Gregory P. Chandler |
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THE RBB FUND, INC.
(the Company)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, Jay F. Nusblatt, hereby constitutes and appoints Salvatore Faia, Michael P. Malloy, James G. Shaw and Joel L. Weiss, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.
DATED: |
October 16, 2012 |
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/s/ Jay F. Nusblatt |
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Jay F. Nusblatt |
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PEA 159
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT |
|
DESCRIPTION |
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(a)(65) |
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Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio) |
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(d)(28) |
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Form of Investment Advisory Agreement (Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio) |
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(i)(1) |
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Opinion and Consent of Counsel |
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(i)(2) |
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Consent of Counsel |
Exhibit 99.B(a)(65)
THE RBB FUND, INC.
ARTICLES SUPPLEMENTARY
THE RBB FUND, INC., a Maryland corporation having its principal office in Baltimore, Maryland (hereinafter called the Corporation), hereby certifies to the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland that:
FIRST: In accordance with the requirements of Section 2-208 of the Maryland General Corporation Law, the Board of Directors of the Corporation has classified: 1) One Hundred Million (100,000,000) authorized but unclassified and unissued shares of Common Stock of the Corporation as Class LLLLL shares of Common Stock representing interests in the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio; 2) One Hundred Million (100,000,000) authorized but unclassified and unissued shares of Common Stock of the Corporation as Class MMMMM shares of Common Stock representing interests in the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio; and 3) One Hundred Million (100,000,000) authorized but unclassified and unissued shares of Common Stock of the Corporation as Class NNNNN shares of Common Stock representing interests in the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio; pursuant to the following resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of the Corporation on November 21, 2013:
RESOLVED, that pursuant to the authority expressly given to the Board of Directors in Article VI, Section (4) of the Corporations Charter, the Board hereby classifies authorized and unissued shares of Common Stock of the Corporation, par value $.001 per share, and hereby fixes and determines the rights, preferences, restrictions and other matters relating to such classes of Common Stock as follows:
1. Class LLLLL Shares . One Hundred Million (100,000,000) of the authorized, unissued and unclassified shares of the Corporation (par value $.001 per share) are hereby classified and designated as Class LLLLL shares of Common Stock representing interests in the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio.
2. Class MMMMM Shares . One Hundred Million (100,000,000) of the authorized, unissued and unclassified shares of the Corporation (par value $.001 per share) are hereby classified and designated as Class MMMMM shares of Common Stock representing interests in the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio.
3. Class NNNNN Shares . One Hundred Million (100,000,000) of the authorized, unissued and unclassified shares of the Corporation (par value $.001 per share) are hereby classified and designated as Class NNNNN shares of Common Stock representing interests in the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that a description of the shares so classified with the preferences, conversion and other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption as set or changed by the Board of Directors of the Corporation is as set forth in Article VI, Section (6) of the Corporations Articles of Incorporation and as set forth elsewhere in the Charter of the Corporation with respect to stock of the Corporation generally, and as follows:
1. To the full extent permitted by applicable law, the Corporation may, without the vote of the shares of any class of capital stock of the Corporation then outstanding and if so determined by the Board of Directors:
(A)(1) sell and convey the assets belonging to Class LLLLL, Class MMMMM, or Class NNNNN Common Stock (each a Class) to another trust or corporation that is a management investment company (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) and is organized under the laws of any state of the United States for consideration, which may include the assumption of all outstanding obligations, taxes and other liabilities, accrued or contingent, belonging to such Class and which may include securities issued by such trust or corporation. Following such sale and conveyance, and after making provision for the payment of any liabilities belonging to such Class that are not assumed by the purchaser of the assets belonging to such Class, the Corporation may, at its option, redeem all outstanding shares of such Class at the net asset value thereof as determined by the Board of Directors in accordance with the provisions of applicable law, less such redemption fee or other charge, if any, as may be fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Charter of the Corporation to the contrary, the redemption price may be paid in any combination of cash or other assets belonging to such Class, including but not limited to the distribution of the securities or other consideration received by the Corporation for the assets belonging to such Class upon such conditions as the Board of Directors deems, in its sole discretion, to be appropriate and consistent with applicable law and the Charter of the Corporation;
(2) sell and convert the assets belonging to a Class into money and, after making provision for the payment of all obligations, taxes and other liabilities, accrued or contingent, belonging to such Class, the Corporation may, at its option, redeem all outstanding shares of such Class at the net asset value thereof as determined by the Board of Directors in accordance with the provisions of applicable law, less such redemption fee or other charge, if any, as may be fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors upon such conditions as the Board of Directors deems, in its sole discretion, to be appropriate and consistent with applicable law and the Charter of the Corporation; or
(3) combine the assets belonging to a Class with the assets belonging to any one or more other classes of capital stock of the Corporation if the Board of Directors reasonably determines that such combination will not have a material adverse effect on the stockholders of any class of capital stock of the Corporation participating in such combination. In connection with any such combination of assets, the shares of the Class then outstanding may, if so determined by the Board of
Directors, be converted into shares of any other class or classes of capital stock of the Corporation with respect to which conversion is permitted by applicable law, or may be redeemed, at the option of the Corporation, at the net asset value thereof as determined by the Board of Directors in accordance with the provisions of applicable law, less such redemption fee or other charge, or conversion cost, if any, as may be fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors upon such conditions as the Board of Directors deems, in its sole discretion, to be appropriate and consistent with applicable law and the Charter of the Corporation. Notwithstanding any other provision of these Articles Supplementary or the Articles of Incorporation to the contrary, any redemption price, or part thereof, paid pursuant to this section may be paid in shares of any other existing or future class or classes of capital stock of the Corporation; and
(B) without limiting the foregoing, at its option, redeem shares of the Classes for any other reason if the Board of Directors has determined that it is in the best interest of the Corporation to do so. Any such redemption shall be at the net asset value of such shares of such Class being redeemed less such redemption fee or other charge, if any, as may be fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors and shall be made and effective upon such terms and in accordance with procedures approved by the Board of Directors at such time.
2. The shares of Class LLLLL, Class MMMMM, and Class NNNNN Common Stock will be issued without stock certificates.
SECOND: The shares aforesaid have been duly classified by the Board of Directors of the Corporation pursuant to authority and power contained in the Charter of the Corporation.
THIRD: (1) Immediately before the classification of additional authorized, unissued and unclassified shares of Common Stock as of Class LLLLL, Class MMMMM, and Class NNNNN Common Stock:
(a) the Corporation had the authority to issue one hundred billion (100,000,000,000) shares of its Common Stock and the aggregate par value of all the shares of all classes was one hundred million dollars ($100,000,000); and
(b) the number of authorized shares of each class was as follows:
Class A |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
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|
Class B |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
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|
Class C |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
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Class D |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
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Class E |
- |
five hundred million (500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
Class F |
- |
five hundred million (500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
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Class G |
- |
five hundred million (500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
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Class H |
- |
five hundred million (500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
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Class I |
- |
one billion five hundred million (1,500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
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Class J |
- |
five hundred million (500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
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Class K |
- |
five hundred million (500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
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Class L |
- |
one billion five hundred million (1,500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
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Class M |
- |
five hundred million (500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
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Class N |
- |
five hundred million (500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
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Class O |
- |
five hundred million (500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
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Class P |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
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Class Q |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
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Class R |
- |
five hundred million (500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
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Class S |
- |
five hundred million (500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
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Class T |
- |
five hundred million (500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
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Class U |
- |
five hundred million (500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
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Class V |
- |
five hundred million (500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
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Class W |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
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Class X |
- |
fifty million (50,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
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Class Y |
- |
fifty million (50,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
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Class Z |
- |
fifty million (50,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
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Class AA |
- |
fifty million (50,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
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Class BB |
- |
fifty million (50,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
Class CC |
- |
fifty million (50,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class DD |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class EE |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class FF |
- |
fifty million (50,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class GG |
- |
fifty million (50,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class HH |
- |
fifty million (50,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class II |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class JJ |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class KK |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class LL |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class MM |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class NN |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class OO |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class PP |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class QQ |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class RR |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class SS |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class TT |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class UU |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class VV |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class WW |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class YY |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class ZZ |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class AAA |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
Class BBB |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class CCC |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class DDD |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class EEE |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class FFF |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class GGG |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class HHH |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class III |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class JJJ |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class KKK |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class LLL |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class MMM |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class NNN |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class OOO |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class PPP |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class QQQ |
- |
two billion five hundred million (2,500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class RRR |
- |
two billion five hundred million (2,500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class SSS |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class TTT |
- |
fifty million (50,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class UUU |
- |
fifty million (50,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class VVV |
- |
fifty million (50,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class WWW |
- |
fifty million (50,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class XXX |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
Class YYY |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class ZZZ |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class AAAA |
- |
fifty billion (50,000,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class BBBB |
- |
one hundred million (200,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class CCCC |
- |
one hundred million (200,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class DDDD |
- |
one hundred million (200,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class EEEE |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class FFFF |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class GGGG |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class HHHH |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class IIII |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class JJJJ |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class KKKK |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class LLLL |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class MMMM |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class NNNN |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class OOOO |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class PPPP |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class QQQQ |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class RRRR |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class SSSS |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class TTTT |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class UUUU |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class VVVV |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
Class WWWW |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class XXXX |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class YYYY |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class ZZZZ |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class AAAAA |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class BBBBB |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class CCCCC |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class DDDDD |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class EEEEE |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class FFFFF |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class GGGGG |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class HHHHH |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class IIIII |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class JJJJJ |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class KKKKK |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Select |
- |
seven hundred million (700,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Beta 2 |
- |
one million (1,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Beta 3 |
- |
one million (1,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Beta 4 |
- |
one million (1,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Principal Money |
|
seven hundred million (700,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Gamma 2 |
- |
one million (1,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Gamma 3 |
- |
one million (1,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Gamma 4 |
- |
one million (1,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
Class Bear Stearns Money |
- |
two billion five hundred million (2,500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Bear Stearns Municipal Money |
- |
one billion five hundred million (1,500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Bear Stearns Government Money |
- |
one billion (1,000,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Delta 4 |
- |
one million (1,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Epsilon 1 |
- |
one million (1,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Epsilon 2 |
- |
one million (1,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Epsilon 3 |
- |
one million (1,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Epsilon 4 |
- |
one million (1,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Zeta 1 |
- |
one million (1,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Zeta 2 |
- |
one million (1,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Zeta 3 |
- |
one million (1,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Zeta 4 |
- |
one million (1,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Eta 1 |
- |
one million (1,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Eta 2 |
- |
one million (1,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Eta 3 |
- |
one million (1,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Eta 4 |
- |
one million (1,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Theta 1 |
- |
one million (1,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Theta 2 |
- |
one million (1,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Theta 3 |
- |
one million (1,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Theta 4 |
- |
one million (1,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
for a total of eighty billion, seven hundred seventy-three million (80,773,000,000) shares classified into separate classes of Common Stock.
(2) After the classification of additional authorized, unissued and unclassified shares of Common Stock as Class LLLLL, Class MMMMM, and Class NNNNN Common Stock:
(a) the Corporation has the authority to issue one hundred billion (100,000,000,000) shares of its Common Stock and the aggregate par value of all the shares of all classes is one hundred million dollars ($100,000,000); and
(b) the number of authorized shares of each class is now as follows:
Class A |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class B |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class C |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class D |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class E |
- |
five hundred million (500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class F |
- |
five hundred million (500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class G |
- |
five hundred million (500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class H |
- |
five hundred million (500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class I |
- |
one billion five hundred million (1,500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class J |
- |
five hundred million (500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class K |
- |
five hundred million (500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class L |
- |
one billion five hundred million (1,500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class M |
- |
five hundred million (500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class N |
- |
five hundred million (500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class O |
- |
five hundred million (500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class P |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Q |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class R |
- |
five hundred million (500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
Class S |
- |
five hundred million (500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class T |
- |
five hundred million (500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class U |
- |
five hundred million (500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class V |
- |
five hundred million (500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class W |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class X |
- |
fifty million (50,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Y |
- |
fifty million (50,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Z |
- |
fifty million (50,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class AA |
- |
fifty million (50,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class BB |
- |
fifty million (50,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class CC |
- |
fifty million (50,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class DD |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class EE |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class FF |
- |
fifty million (50,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class GG |
- |
fifty million (50,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class HH |
- |
fifty million (50,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class II |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class JJ |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class KK |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class LL |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class MM |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class NN |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class OO |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class PP |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
Class QQ |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class RR |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class SS |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class TT |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class UU |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class VV |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class WW |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class YY |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class ZZ |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class AAA |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class BBB |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class CCC |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class DDD |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class EEE |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class FFF |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class GGG |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class HHH |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class III |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class JJJ |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class KKK |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class LLL |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class MMM |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class NNN |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class OOO |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
Class PPP |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class QQQ |
- |
two billion five hundred million (2,500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class RRR |
- |
two billion five hundred million (2,500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class SSS |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class TTT |
- |
fifty million (50,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class UUU |
- |
fifty million (50,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class VVV |
- |
fifty million (50,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class WWW |
- |
fifty million (50,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class XXX |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class YYY |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class ZZZ |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class AAAA |
- |
fifty billion (50,000,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class BBBB |
- |
one hundred million (200,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class CCCC |
- |
one hundred million (200,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class DDDD |
- |
one hundred million (200,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class EEEE |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class FFFF |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class GGGG |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class HHHH |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class IIII |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class JJJJ |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class KKKK |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class LLLL |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
Class MMMM |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class NNNN |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class OOOO |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class PPPP |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class QQQQ |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class RRRR |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class SSSS |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class TTTT |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class UUUU |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class VVVV |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class WWWW |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class XXXX |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class YYYY |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class ZZZZ |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class AAAAA |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class BBBBB |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class CCCCC |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class DDDDD |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class EEEEE |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class FFFFF |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class GGGGG |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class HHHHH |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class IIIII |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class JJJJJ |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
Class KKKKK |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class LLLLL |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class MMMMM |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class NNNNN |
- |
one hundred million (100,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Select |
- |
seven hundred million (700,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Beta 2 |
- |
one million (1,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Beta 3 |
- |
one million (1,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Beta 4 |
- |
one million (1,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Principal Money |
|
seven hundred million (700,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Gamma 2 |
- |
one million (1,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Gamma 3 |
- |
one million (1,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Gamma 4 |
- |
one million (1,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Bear Stearns Money |
- |
two billion five hundred million (2,500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Bear Stearns Municipal Money |
- |
one billion five hundred million (1,500,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Bear Stearns Government Money |
- |
one billion (1,000,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Delta 4 |
- |
one million (1,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Epsilon 1 |
- |
one million (1,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Epsilon 2 |
- |
one million (1,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Epsilon 3 |
- |
one million (1,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
Class Epsilon 4 |
- |
one million (1,000,000), par value $.001 per share; |
for a total of eighty-one billion, seventy-three million (81,073,000,000) shares classified into separate classes of Common Stock.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, The RBB Fund, Inc. has caused these presents to be signed in its name and on its behalf by its President and witnessed by its Secretary on the 18th day of December, 2013.
WITNESS: |
THE RBB FUND, INC. |
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By: |
/s/ Jennifer Rogers |
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By: |
/s/ Salvatore Faia |
|
Jennifer Rogers |
|
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Salvatore Faia |
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Secretary |
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President |
CERTIFICATE
THE UNDERSIGNED, President of The RBB Fund, Inc., who executed on behalf of said Corporation the foregoing Articles Supplementary to the Charter, of which this certificate is made a part, hereby acknowledges that the foregoing Articles Supplementary are the act of the said Corporation and further certifies that, to the best of his knowledge, information and belief, the matters and facts set forth therein with respect to the approval thereof are true in all material respects, under the penalties of perjury.
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/s/ Salvatore Faia |
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Salvatore Faia |
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President |
Exhibit 99.B(d)(28)
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made as of , 2013, between THE RBB FUND, INC., a Maryland corporation (herein called the Company), and MATSON MONEY, INC. (herein called the Investment Adviser).
WHEREAS, the Company is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act), and currently offers or proposes to offer shares representing interests in separate investment portfolios;
WHEREAS, the Company desires to retain the Investment Adviser to render certain investment advisory services to the Company with respect to the Companys Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio, and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio (the Funds), and the Investment Adviser is willing to so render such services; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company and the sole shareholder of the Funds have approved this Agreement, and the Adviser is willing to furnish such services upon the terms and conditions herein set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein contained, and intending to be legally bound hereby, it is agreed between the parties hereto as follows:
SECTION 1. APPOINTMENT. The Company hereby appoints the Investment Adviser to act as investment adviser for the Funds for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement. The Investment Adviser accepts such appointment and agrees to render the services herein set forth for the compensation herein provided.
SECTION 2. DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS. The Company has furnished the Investment Adviser with copies properly certified or authenticated of each of the following:
(a) Resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Company authorizing the appointment of the Investment Adviser and the execution and delivery of this Agreement;
(b) Each prospectus and statement of additional information relating to any class of Shares representing interests in the Funds of the Company in effect under the Securities Act of 1933 (such prospectus and statement of additional information, as presently in effect and as they shall from time to time be amended and supplemented, are herein collectively called the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, respectively).
The Company will promptly furnish the Investment Adviser from time to time with copies, properly certified or authenticated, of all amendments of or supplements to the foregoing, if any.
In addition to the foregoing, the Company will also provide the Investment Adviser with copies of the Companys Charter and By-laws, and any registration statement or service contracts related to the Funds, and will promptly furnish the Investment Adviser with any amendments of or supplements to such documents.
SECTION 3. MANAGEMENT.
(a) Subject to the supervision of the Board of Directors of the Company, the Investment Adviser will provide for the overall management of the Funds including (i) the provision of a continuous investment program for the Funds, including investment research and management with respect to all securities, investments, cash and cash equivalents in the Funds, (ii) the determination from time to time of what securities and other investments will be purchased, retained, or sold by the Company for the Funds, and (iii) the placement from time to time of orders for all purchases and sales made for the Funds. The Investment Adviser will provide the services rendered by it hereunder in accordance with the Funds respective investment objectives, restrictions and policies as stated in the applicable Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, provided that the Investment Adviser has actual notice or knowledge of any changes by the Board of Directors to such investment objectives, restrictions or policies. The Investment Adviser further agrees that it will render to the Companys Board of Directors such periodic and special reports regarding the performance of its duties under this Agreement as the Board may reasonably request. The Investment Adviser agrees to provide to the Company (or its agents and service providers) prompt and accurate data with respect to the Funds transactions and, where not otherwise available, the daily valuation of securities in the Funds.
(b) Sub-Advisers. The Investment Adviser may delegate certain of its responsibilities hereunder with respect to provision of the investment advisory services set forth in Section 3(a) above to one or more other parties (each such party, a Sub-Adviser), pursuant in each case to a written agreement with such Sub-Adviser that meets the requirements of Section 15 of the 1940 Act and rules thereunder applicable to contracts for service as investment adviser of a registered investment company (including without limitation the requirements for approval by the Board of Directors of the Company and the shareholders of the Funds), subject, however, to such exemptions as may be granted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission upon application or by rule. Such Sub-Adviser may (but need not) be affiliated with the Investment Adviser.
Any delegation of services pursuant to this Section 3(b) shall be subject to the following conditions:
1. Any fees or compensation payable to any Sub-Adviser shall be paid by the Investment Adviser and no additional obligation may be incurred on a Funds behalf to any Sub-Adviser; except that any Fund expenses that may be incurred by the Investment Adviser and paid by the Fund to the Investment Adviser directly may be incurred by the Sub-Adviser and paid by the Fund to the Sub-Adviser directly, so long as such payment arrangements are approved by the Fund and the Investment Adviser prior to the Sub-Advisers incurring such expenses.
2. If the Investment Adviser delegates its responsibilities to more than one Sub-Adviser, the Investment Adviser shall be responsible for assigning to each Sub-Adviser that portion of the assets of a Fund for which the Sub-Adviser is to act as Sub-Adviser, subject to the approval of the Companys Board of Directors.
3. To the extent that any obligations of the Investment Adviser or any Sub-Adviser require any service provider of the Company or a Fund to furnish information or services, such information or services shall be furnished by the Companys or the Funds service providers directly to both the Investment Adviser and any Sub-Adviser.
SECTION 4. BROKERAGE. Subject to the Investment Advisers obligation to obtain best price and execution, the Investment Adviser shall have full discretion to select brokers or dealers to effect the purchase and sale of securities. When the Investment Adviser places orders for the purchase or sale of securities for a Fund, in selecting brokers or dealers to execute such orders, the Investment Adviser is expressly authorized to consider the fact that a broker or dealer has furnished statistical, research or other information or services for the benefit of the Fund directly or indirectly. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Investment Adviser is authorized to cause a Fund to pay brokerage commissions which may be in excess of the lowest rates available to brokers who execute transactions for the Fund or who otherwise provide brokerage and research services utilized by the Investment Adviser, provided that the Investment Adviser determines in good faith that the amount of each such commission paid to a broker is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker viewed in terms of either the particular transaction to which the commission relates or the Investment Advisers overall responsibilities with respect to accounts as to which the Investment Adviser exercises investment discretion. The Investment Adviser may aggregate securities orders so long as the Investment Adviser adheres to a policy of allocating investment opportunities to each Fund over a period of time on a fair and equitable basis relative to other clients. In no instance will the Funds securities be purchased from or sold to the Companys principal underwriter, the Investment Adviser, or any affiliated person thereof, except to the extent permitted by SEC exemptive order or by applicable law.
The Investment Adviser shall report to the Board of Directors of the Company at least quarterly with respect to brokerage transactions that were entered into by the Investment Adviser, pursuant to the foregoing paragraph, and shall certify to the Board that the commissions paid were reasonable in terms either of that transaction or the overall responsibilities of the Investment Adviser to the Company and the Investment Advisers other clients, that the total commissions paid by the Company were reasonable in relation to the benefits to the Company over the long term, and that such commissions were paid in compliance with Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
SECTION 5. CONFORMITY WITH LAW; CONFIDENTIALITY. The Investment Adviser further agrees that it will comply with all applicable rules and regulations of all federal regulatory agencies having jurisdiction over the Investment Adviser in the performance of its duties hereunder. The Investment Adviser will treat confidentially and as proprietary information of the Company all records and other information relating to the Company and will not use such records and information for any purpose other than performance of its responsibilities and duties hereunder, except after prior notification to and approval in writing by the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld and may not be withheld where the Investment Adviser may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt proceedings for failure to comply, when requested to divulge such information by duly constituted authorities, or when so requested by
the Company. Where the Investment Adviser may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt proceedings for failure to comply with a request for records or other information relating to the Company, the Investment Adviser may comply with such request prior to obtaining the Companys written approval, provided that the Investment Adviser has taken reasonable steps to promptly notify the Company, in writing, upon receipt of the request.
SECTION 6. SERVICES NOT EXCLUSIVE. The Investment Adviser and its officers may act and continue to act as investment managers for others, and nothing in this Agreement shall in any way be deemed to restrict the right of the Investment Adviser to perform investment management or other services for any other person or entity, and the performance of such services for others shall not be deemed to violate or give rise to any duty or obligation to the Funds or the Company.
Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the Investment Adviser or any of its directors, officers, affiliates or employees from buying, selling or trading in any securities for its or their own account. The Company acknowledges that the Investment Adviser and its directors, officers, affiliates, employees and other clients may, at any time, have, acquire, increase, decrease, or dispose of positions in investments which are at the same time being acquired or disposed of for one or more of the Funds. The Investment Adviser shall have no obligation to acquire for the Funds a position in any investment which the Investment Adviser, its directors, officers, affiliates or employees may acquire for its or their own accounts or for the account of another client, so long as it continues to be the policy and practice of the Investment Adviser not to favor or disfavor consistently or consciously any client or class of clients in the allocation of investment opportunities so that, to the extent practical, such opportunities will be allocated among clients over a period of time on a fair and equitable basis.
The Investment Adviser agrees that this Section 6 does not constitute a waiver by the Company of the obligations imposed upon the Investment Adviser to comply with Sections 17(d) and 17(j) of the 1940 Act, and the rules thereunder, nor constitute a waiver by the Company of the obligations imposed upon the Investment Adviser under Section 206 of the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and the rules thereunder. Further, the Investment Adviser agrees that this Section 6 does not constitute a waiver by the Company of the fiduciary obligation of the Investment Adviser arising under federal or state law, including Section 36 of the 1940 Act. The Investment Adviser agrees that this Section 6 shall be interpreted consistent with the provisions of Section 17(i) of the 1940 Act.
SECTION 7. BOOKS AND RECORDS. In compliance with the requirements of Rule 31a-3 under the 1940 Act, the Investment Adviser hereby agrees that all records which it maintains for the Funds are the property of the Company and further agrees to surrender promptly to the Company any of such records upon the Companys request. The Investment Adviser further agrees to preserve for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act the records required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act.
SECTION 8. EXPENSES. During the term of this Agreement, the Investment Adviser will pay all expenses incurred by it in connection with its activities under this Agreement. Each Fund shall bear all of its own expenses not specifically assumed by the Investment Adviser. General expenses of the Company not readily identifiable as belonging to an investment portfolio of the
Company shall be allocated among all investment portfolios by or under the direction of the Companys Board of Directors in such manner as the Board determines to be fair and equitable. Expenses borne by the Funds shall include, but are not limited to, the following (or the Funds share of the following): (a) the cost (including brokerage commissions) of securities purchased or sold by the Funds and any losses incurred in connection therewith; (b) fees payable to and expenses incurred on behalf of the Funds by the Investment Adviser; (c) filing fees and expenses relating to the registration and qualification of the Company and the Funds shares under federal and/or state securities laws and maintaining such registrations and qualifications; (d) fees and salaries payable to the Companys directors and officers; (e) taxes (including any income or franchise taxes) and governmental fees; (f) costs of any liability and other insurance or fidelity bonds; (g) any costs, expenses or losses arising out of a liability of or claim for damages or other relief asserted against the Company or the Funds for violation of any law; (h) legal, accounting and auditing expenses, including legal fees of special counsel for the independent directors; (i) charges of custodians and other agents; (j) expenses of setting in type and printing prospectuses, statements of additional information and supplements thereto for existing shareholders, reports, statements, and confirmations to shareholders and proxy materials that are not attributable to a class; (k) costs of mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information and supplements thereto to existing shareholders, as well as reports to shareholders and proxy materials that are not attributable to a class; (1) any extraordinary expenses; (m) fees, voluntary assessments and other expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; (n) costs of mailing and tabulating proxies and costs of shareholders and directors meetings; (o) costs of independent pricing services to value a portfolios securities; and (p) the costs of investment company literature and other publications provided by the Company to its directors and officers. Distribution expenses, transfer agency expenses, expenses of preparing, printing and mailing, prospectuses, statements of additional information, proxy statements and reports to shareholders, and organizational expenses and registration fees, identified as belonging to a particular class of a Fund are allocated to such class.
SECTION 9. VOTING. The Investment Adviser shall have the authority to vote as agent for the Company, either in person or by proxy, tender and take all actions incident to the ownership of all securities in which the Funds assets may be invested from time to time, subject to such policies and procedures as the Board of Directors of the Company may adopt from time to time.
SECTION 10. RESERVATION OF NAME. The Investment Adviser shall at all times have all rights in and to the Funds name and all investment models used by or on behalf of the Funds. The Investment Adviser may use the Funds name or any portion thereof in connection with any other mutual Company or business activity without the consent of any shareholder and the Company shall execute and deliver any and all documents required to indicate the consent of the Company to such use.
SECTION 11. COMPENSATION. (a) For the services provided and the expenses assumed pursuant to this Agreement with respect to each Fund, the Company will pay the Investment Adviser from the assets of the Fund and the Investment Adviser will accept as full compensation therefor a fee, computed daily and payable monthly, at the annual rate of 0.50% of each Funds average daily net assets. For any period less than a full month during which this Agreement is in effect, the fee shall be prorated according to the proportion which such period bears to a full
month. (b) The fee attributable to a Fund shall be satisfied only against assets of that Fund and not against the assets of any other Fund or any other investment portfolio of the Company. The Investment Adviser may from time to time agree not to impose all or a portion of its fee otherwise payable hereunder (in advance of the time such fee or portion thereof would otherwise accrue) and/or undertake to pay or reimburse a Fund for all or a portion of its expenses not otherwise required to be borne or reimbursed by the Investment Adviser.
SECTION 12. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. The Investment Adviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Company in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty with respect to the receipt of compensation for services or a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Investment Adviser in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard by it of its obligations and duties under this Agreement (disabling conduct). The Funds will indemnify the Investment Adviser against and hold it harmless from any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (including reasonable counsel fees and expenses) resulting from any claim, demand, action or suit not resulting from disabling conduct by the Investment Adviser. Indemnification shall be made only following: (i) a final decision on the merits by a court or other body before whom the proceeding was brought that the Investment Adviser was not liable by reason of disabling conduct or (ii) in the absence of such a decision, a reasonable determination, based upon a review of the facts, that the Investment Adviser was not liable by reason of disabling conduct by (a) the vote of a majority of a quorum of directors of the Company who are neither interested persons of the Company nor parties to the proceeding (disinterested non-party directors) or (b) an independent legal counsel in a written opinion. The Investment Adviser shall be entitled to advances from a Fund for payment of the reasonable expenses incurred by it in connection with the matter as to which it is seeking indemnification in the manner and to the fullest extent permissible under the Maryland General Corporation Law. The Investment Adviser shall provide to a Fund a written affirmation of its good faith belief that the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the Fund has been met and a written undertaking to repay any such advance if it should ultimately be determined that the standard of conduct has not been met. In addition, at least one of the following additional conditions shall be met: (a) the Investment Adviser shall provide a security in form and amount acceptable to the Fund for its undertaking; (b) the Fund is insured against losses arising by reason of the advance; or (c) a majority of a quorum of disinterested non-party directors, or independent legal counsel, in a written opinion, shall have determined, based upon a review of facts readily available to the Fund at the time the advance is proposed to be made, that there is reason to believe that the Investment Adviser will ultimately be found to be entitled to indemnification. Any amounts payable by a Fund under this Section shall be satisfied only against the assets of that Fund and not against the assets of any other Fund or any other investment portfolio of the Company.
The limitations on liability and indemnification provisions of this Section 12 shall not be applicable to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses arising from the Investment Advisers rights to a Funds name. The Investment Adviser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company and each Fund for any claims arising from the use of the term Matson Money in the names of the Funds.
SECTION 13. DURATION AND TERMINATION. This Agreement shall become effective with respect to the Funds as of the date first above written and, unless sooner
terminated as provided herein, shall continue with respect to each Fund until August 16, 2015. Thereafter, if not terminated, this Agreement shall continue with respect to each Fund for successive annual periods ending on August 16, provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (a) by the vote of a majority of those members of the Board of Directors of the Company who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, and (b) by the Board of Directors of the Company or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Funds; provided , however , that this Agreement may be terminated with respect to the Funds by the Company at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by the Board of Directors of the Company or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Funds, on 60 days prior written notice to the Investment Adviser, or by the Investment Adviser at any time, without payment of any penalty, on 60 days prior written notice to the Company. This Agreement will immediately terminate in the event of its assignment. (As used in this Agreement, the terms majority of the outstanding voting securities, interested person and assignment shall have the same meaning as such terms have in the 1940 Act).
SECTION 14. AMENDMENT OF THIS AGREEMENT. No provision of this Agreement may be changed, discharged or terminated orally, except by an instrument in writing signed by the party against which enforcement of the change, discharge or termination is sought, and, unless otherwise permitted by the 1940 Act, no amendment of this Agreement affecting a Fund shall be effective until approved by vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of that Fund.
SECTION 15. MISCELLANEOUS. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or delimit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and shall be governed by Delaware law.
SECTION 16. NOTICE. All notices hereunder shall be given in writing and delivered by hand, national overnight courier, facsimile (provided written confirmation of receipt is obtained and said notice is sent via first class mail on the next business day) or mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested, as follows:
If to the Investment Adviser:
Matson Money, Inc.
5955 Deerfield Blvd.
Mason, OH 45040
Fax: 513-204-8005
If to the Company:
The RBB Fund, Inc.
103 Bellevue Parkway
Wilmington, DE 19809
Attn: Salvatore Faia
Fax: 302-791-2240
The effective date of any notice shall be (i) the date such notice is sent if such delivery is effected by hand or facsimile, (ii) one business day after the date such notice is sent if such delivery is effected by national overnight courier; or (iii) the fifth (5 th ) Business Day after the date of mailing thereof.
SECTION 17. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof.
SECTION 18. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
Exhibit 99.B(i)(1)
Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 988-2700 (Phone)
(215) 988-2757 (Facsimile)
www.drinkerbiddle.com
December 20, 2013
The RBB Fund, Inc.
Bellevue Park Corporate Center
103 Bellevue Parkway, 4 th Floor
Wilmington, Delaware 19809
Re: |
Shares Registered by Post-Effective Amendment No. 159 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 33-20827) |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to The RBB Fund, Inc. (the Company) in connection with the preparation and filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Post-Effective Amendment No. 159 (the Amendment) to the Companys Registration Statement on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Board of Directors of the Company has authorized the issuance and sale by the Company of the following classes and numbers of shares of common stock, $ .001 par value per share (collectively, the Shares), with respect to the Companys Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio:
PORTFOLIO |
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CLASS |
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AUTHORIZED
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Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio |
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LLLLL |
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100 million |
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Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio |
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MMMMM |
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100 million |
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Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio |
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NNNNN |
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100 million |
The Amendment seeks to register an indefinite number of the Shares.
We have reviewed the Companys Articles of Incorporation, ByLaws, resolutions of its Board of Directors, and such other legal and factual matters as we have deemed appropriate. This opinion is based exclusively on the Maryland General Corporation Law and the federal law of the United States of America.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion that the Shares, when issued for payment as described in the Companys Prospectuses offering the Shares and in accordance with the Companys Articles of Incorporation for not less than $ .0001 per share, will be legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable by the Company.
We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Amendment to the Companys Registration Statement.
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Very truly yours, |
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/s/ Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP |
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Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP |
Exhibit 99.B(i)(2)
Exhibit (i)(2)
CONSENT OF COUNSEL
We hereby consent to the use of our name and to the reference to our Firm under the caption Counsel in the Statement of Additional Information that is included in Post-Effective Amendment No. 159 to the Registration Statement (No. 33-20827; 811-5518) on Form N-1A of The RBB Fund, Inc., under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, respectively. This consent does not constitute a consent under section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, and in consenting to the use of our name and the references to our Firm under such caption we have not certified any part of the Registration Statement and do not otherwise come within the categories of persons whose consent is required under said section 7 or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.
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/s/ Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP |
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DRINKER BIDDLE & REATH LLP |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
December 20, 2013