As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on November 1, 2007
Securities Act File No. 33-43446
Investment Company Act File No. 811-06444
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 x
Pre-Effective Amendment No.
Post-Effective Amendment No. 74
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 x
Amendment No. 74
(Check appropriate box or boxes)
Legg Mason Partners Equity Trust
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
125 Broad Street, New York, New York |
10004 | |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) |
(Zip Code) |
Registrants Telephone Number, including Area Code (800) 451-2010
Robert I. Frenkel
Legg Mason Partners Equity Trust
300 First Stamford Place
Stamford, Connecticut 06902
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
COPY TO:
Burton M. Leibert, Esq.
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
787 Seventh Avenue
New York, New York 10019
Continuous
(Approximate Date of Proposed Offering)
It is proposed that this filing will become effective:
x immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
¨ on pursuant to paragraph (b)
¨ 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
¨ on pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
¨ 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
¨ on pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485.
This filing relates solely to Legg Mason Partners Convertible Fund.
Filed under Rule 497(c)
File Nos. 33-43446 and 811-6444
PROSPECTUS
November 1, 2007
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or determined whether this prospectus is accurate or complete. Any statement to the contrary is a crime.
Legg Mason Partners Convertible Fund
Class A, B, C and I Shares
INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED NO BANK GUARANTEE MAY LOSE VALUE
Legg Mason Partners Convertible Fund
Contents
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As part of a number of initiatives launched in 2006 to restructure and streamline the Legg Mason Partners fund complex, the fund assumed the assets and liabilities of a predecessor fund with the same name. The fund is now grouped for organizational and governance purposes with other Legg Mason Partners funds that are predominantly equity-type funds. Any information in this Prospectus relating to the fund prior to April 16, 2007 refers to the funds predecessor.
Investments, risks and performance
Investment objective
The fund seeks current income and capital appreciation.
Principal investment strategies
Key investments
Under normal market conditions, the fund invests at least 80% of the value of its net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, in convertible securities. These are either bonds or preferred shares which may be converted into common stock or other equity interests of the issuer at a predetermined price or rate. The fund also may invest up to 20% of its assets in synthetic convertible securities, equity securities and debt securities that are not convertible. Synthetic convertible securities are created by combining non-convertible preferred shares or debt securities with common stocks, warrants or call options. These synthetic instruments are designed to perform like convertible securities.
The fund may invest up to 25% of its assets in foreign securities. The fund may invest in securities rated below investment grade or, if unrated, determined by the subadviser to be of comparable quality. These securities are commonly known as junk bonds because they are rated in the lower rating categories by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations or, if unrated, determined by the subadviser to be of similar credit quality.
Selection process
In evaluating a convertible security, the portfolio manager analyzes both the equity and the fixed-income characteristics of the security.
Equity characteristics the portfolio manager looks for include:
n |
Companies with potential for real, sustainable growth |
n |
Companies with competent and accessible management |
n |
Companies with favorable cash flow |
n |
Securities of companies in which the portfolio manager believes the underlying common stock has the potential for significant appreciation over a 12-18 month period |
Fixed-income characteristics the portfolio manager looks for include:
n |
Favorable financial condition and capital structure |
n |
Securities structured in a manner that reduces risk |
n |
Securities where the yield more than compensates for the degree of risk |
Principal risks of investing in the fund
Convertible securities are subject both to the stock market risk associated with equity securities and to the credit and interest rate risks associated with fixed-income securities. As the market price of the equity security underlying a convertible security falls, the convertible security tends to trade on the basis of its yield and other fixed-income characteristics. As the market price of such equity security rises, the convertible security tends to trade on the
2 Legg Mason Partners Funds
basis of its equity conversion features. Therefore, investors could lose money on their investment in the fund, or the fund may not perform as well as other investments, if:
n |
A common stock or other security into which a security owned by the fund is convertible falls in value |
n |
The stock market declines |
n |
The issuer of a security owned by the fund defaults on its obligation to pay principal and/or interest, or has its credit rating downgraded |
n |
Interest rates increase, causing the prices of fixed-income securities to decline and reducing the value of the funds portfolio |
n |
Companies in which the fund invests fail to meet earnings expectations, fall out of favor with investors, or other events depress their stock prices |
n |
The portfolio managers judgment about interest rates or the attractiveness, value or income potential of a particular security proves incorrect |
Below investment grade bonds, commonly known as junk bonds, are speculative and their issuers may have diminished capacity to pay principal and interest. These securities have a higher risk of default, tend to be less liquid and may be more difficult to value.
Investments in foreign securities involve special risks, such as risk of political or economic instability, imposition of exchange controls or other restrictions on investments, and losses due to currency fluctuations.
Who may want to invest
The fund may be an appropriate investment if you:
n |
Are seeking to earn current income with some potential for capital appreciation |
n |
Are seeking limited exposure to the stock market, and understand the risks of investing in equity securities |
Performance information
The following shows summary performance information for the fund in a bar chart and an Average Annual Total Returns table. The information provides an indication of the risks of investing in the fund by showing changes in its performance from year to year and by showing how the funds average annual returns compare with the returns of a broad-based securities market index and an average of comparable mutual funds. The bar chart and the information below show performance of the funds Class B shares, but do not reflect the impact of sales charges (loads). If they did, the returns would be lower than those shown. Unlike the bar chart, the performance for Class A, B, C and I (1) shares in the Average Annual Total Returns table reflects the impact of the maximum sales charge (load) applicable to the respective classes, and, where indicated, the performance for Class B shares reflects the impact of taxes paid on distributions and the redemption of shares at the end of the period. The performance information shown below for the periods prior to April 16, 2007 is that of the funds predecessor. The funds past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.
(1) |
As of November 20, 2006, Class Y shares were renamed Class I shares. |
Legg Mason Partners Convertible Fund 3
Total Return for Class B Shares
Highest and lowest quarter returns (for periods shown in the bar chart):
Highest: 13.50% in 2nd quarter 2003; Lowest: (11.36)% in 3rd quarter 1998.
Year to date: 5.06% through 9/30/07.
Average Annual Total Returns (for periods ended December 31, 2006)
1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years |
Since Inception |
Inception
Date |
|||||||||
Class B |
9/2/86 | ||||||||||||
Return before taxes | 5.52 | % | 8.42 | % | 6.54 | % | N/A | ||||||
Return after taxes on distributions (1) | 3.35 | % | 6.25 | % | 4.38 | % | N/A | ||||||
Return after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares (1) | 3.58 | % | 5.94 | % | 4.31 | % | N/A | ||||||
Other Classes (Return before taxes only) | N/A | ||||||||||||
Class A (2) |
4.74 | % | 7.85 | % | 6.46 | % | N/A | 11/9/92 | |||||
Class C |
9.28 | % | 8.34 | % | N/A | 5.30% | 6/15/98 | ||||||
Class I (3) |
11.53 | % | 9.59 | % | 7.55 | % | N/A | 2/7/96 | |||||
Merrill Lynch All Convertibles Index (4)(6) | 12.83 | % | 7.81 | % | 8.58 | % | N/A | N/A | |||||
Lipper Average (5)(6) | 11.27 | % | 7.75 | % | 7.77 | % | N/A | N/A | |||||
(1) |
After-tax returns are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investors tax situation and may differ from those shown, and the after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. In some cases, the return after taxes may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit from any losses on a sale of fund shares at the end of the measurement period. After-tax returns shown above are for Class B shares only. After-tax returns for other share classes will vary. |
(2) |
On November 20, 2006, the maximum initial sales charge on Class A shares was increased for sales made on and after that date. The average annual returns for Class A shares in the table have been calculated as if the increased maximum initial sales charge had been in effect for the entire period. |
(3) |
As of November 20, 2006, Class Y shares were renamed Class I shares. |
(4) |
The Merrill Lynch All Convertibles Index is a widely used, unmanaged index that measures convertible securities performance. It measures the performance of U.S. dollar-denominated convertible securities not currently in bankruptcy with a total market value greater than $50 million at issuance. |
(5) |
The Lipper Convertible Securities Funds Peer Group Average is a total return performance average of funds tracked by Lipper, Inc. that invest in convertible securities. |
(6) |
It is not possible to invest directly in an index or an average. An index does not reflect deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. An average reflects fees and expenses but does not reflect deductions for sales charges or taxes. |
4 Legg Mason Partners Funds
Fee table
This table sets forth the fees and expenses you may pay if you invest in fund shares.
Shareholder Fees
(paid directly from your investment) | Class A | Class B | Class C | Class I (1) | |||||||
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a % of offering price) | 5.75 | % | None | None | None | ||||||
Maximum contingent deferred sales charge (load) (as a % of the lower of net asset value at purchase or redemption) | None | (2) | 5.00 | % | 1.00 | % | None | ||||
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(paid by the fund as a % of net assets) | Class A | Class B | Class C | Class I (1) | ||||||||
Management fees | 0.70 | % | 0.70 | % | 0.70 | % | 0.70 | % | ||||
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees | 0.25 | % | 0.75 | % | 1.00 | % | None | |||||
Other expenses (3) | 0.34 | % | 0.38 | % | 0.35 | % | 0.22 | % | ||||
Total annual fund operating expenses | 1.29 | % | 1.83 | % | 2.05 | % | 0.92 | % | ||||
Example
This example helps you compare the costs of investing in the fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. Your actual costs may be higher or lower. The example assumes:
n |
You invest $10,000 in the fund for the period shown |
n |
Your investment has a 5% return each year the assumption of a 5% return is required by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) for purposes of this example and is not a prediction of the funds future performance |
n |
You reinvest all distributions and dividends without a sales charge |
n |
The funds operating expenses (before fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, if any) remain the same |
Number of Years You Own Your Shares
1 year | 3 years | 5 years | 10 years | ||||||||||
Class A (with or without redemption) |
$ | 699 | $ | 960 | $ | 1,241 | $ | 2,042 | |||||
Class B (redemption at end of period) |
$ | 686 | $ | 876 | $ | 1,091 | $ | 2,007 | (4) | ||||
Class B (no redemption) |
$ | 186 | $ | 576 | $ | 991 | $ | 2,007 | (4) | ||||
Class C (redemption at end of period) |
$ | 308 | $ | 642 | $ | 1,103 | $ | 2,379 | |||||
Class C (no redemption) |
$ | 208 | $ | 642 | $ | 1,103 | $ | 2,379 | |||||
Class I (1) (with or without redemption) |
$ | 94 | $ | 294 | $ | 510 | $ | 1,132 | |||||
|
Because of voluntary waivers and/or reimbursements, actual total operating expenses are expected to be 1.17% for Class A, 1.71% for Class B, 1.89% for Class C and 0.78% for Class I. These voluntary fee waivers and/or reimbursements may be reduced or terminated at any time. |
(1) |
As of November 20, 2006, Class Y shares were renamed Class I shares. |
(2) |
You may buy Class A shares in amounts of $1,000,000 or more at net asset value (without an initial sales charge), but if you redeem those shares within 12 months of their purchase, you will pay a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00%. |
(3) |
Class A and C shares include a fee for recordkeeping services. |
(4) |
Assumes conversion to Class A shares approximately eight years after purchase. |
Legg Mason Partners Convertible Fund 5
More on the funds investments
The funds investment objective and principal investment strategies are described under the section entitled Investments, risks and performance above. This section provides further information about the investment strategies that may be used by the fund.
The funds investment objective may be changed without shareholder approval.
Derivative contracts
The fund may, but need not, use derivative contracts, such as options on securities or currencies, forward foreign currency contracts, interest rate futures and options on interest rate futures:
n |
To hedge against the economic impact of adverse changes in the market value of portfolio securities because of changes in interest rates or exchange rates or securities markets |
n |
As a substitute for buying or selling securities |
n |
To enhance the funds return |
n |
As a cash flow management technique |
A derivative contract will obligate or entitle the fund to deliver or receive an asset or cash payment based on the change in value of one or more indices or securities. Even a small investment in derivative contracts can have a big impact on the funds currency, securities market or interest rate exposure. Therefore, using derivatives can disproportionately increase losses and reduce opportunities for gains when interest rates, exchange rates or securities markets are changing. The fund may not fully benefit from or may lose money on derivatives if changes in their value do not correspond as anticipated to changes in the value of the funds holdings. The other parties to certain derivative contracts present the same types of default risk as issuers of fixed-income securities. Derivatives can also make the fund less liquid and harder to value, especially in declining markets. The fund may invest up to 10% of its assets in options for hedging purposes.
Equity securities
The fund may receive common stock as a result of the conversion of a convertible security held by the fund, and such common stock may continue to be held by the fund at the discretion of the portfolio manager. The portfolio manager applies essentially the same investment analysis to equity and convertible securities in determining whether to continue to hold a security, taking into account the differing risk/return characteristics of convertible and equity securities. Whether an equity security pays a dividend is a component of the analysis.
Short sales
The fund may engage in short sales against the box by borrowing and selling shares of common stock that the fund simultaneously holds in its portfolio or has a right to hold through conversion of another portfolio security.
Defensive investing
The fund may depart from its principal investment strategies in response to adverse market, economic or political conditions by taking temporary defensive positions in any type
6 Legg Mason Partners Funds
of money market instruments and short-term debt securities or cash without regard to any percentage limitations. If the fund takes a temporary defensive position, it may be unable to achieve its investment objective.
Other investments
The fund may also use other strategies and invest in other securities that are described, along with their risks, in the funds Statement of Additional Information (SAI). However, the fund might not use all of the strategies and techniques or invest in all of the types of securities described in this Prospectus or in the SAI. There also are many other factors, which are not described here, that could adversely affect your investment and that could prevent the fund from achieving its investment objective.
Portfolio holdings
The funds policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the funds portfolio securities are described in the SAI.
Legg Mason Partners Convertible Fund 7
Manager and subadviser
Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (LMPFA or the manager) is the funds investment manager. LMPFA, with offices at 620 Eighth Avenue, 49th Floor, New York, New York 10018, is a recently-organized investment adviser that has been formed to serve as the investment manager of the fund and other Legg Mason-sponsored funds. LMPFA provides administrative and certain oversight services to the fund and manages the funds cash and short-term instruments. As of September 30, 2007, LMPFAs total assets under management were approximately $190 billion. ClearBridge Advisors, LLC (ClearBridge or the subadviser) provides the day-to-day portfolio management of the fund, except for the management of cash and short-term instruments, as subadviser.
ClearBridge has offices at 620 Eighth Avenue, 48th Floor, New York, New York 10018 and is a recently-organized investment adviser that has been formed to succeed to the equity securities portfolio management business of Citigroup Asset Management (CAM), which was acquired by Legg Mason, Inc. (Legg Mason) in December 2005. As of September 30, 2007, ClearBridges total assets under management were approximately $107.6 billion.
LMPFA and ClearBridge are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Legg Mason. Legg Mason, whose principal executive offices are at 100 Light Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, is a global asset management company. As of September 30, 2007, Legg Masons asset management operation had aggregate assets under management of approximately $992 billion.
Prior to August 1, 2006, Smith Barney Fund Management LLC (SBFM) was the funds investment manager. SBFM is also a wholly-owned subsidiary of Legg Mason.
Portfolio manager
The fund is managed by Peter Luke who is supported by a team of highly qualified investment professionals. Mr. Luke has been responsible for the funds day-to-day management and oversight since 2001. Prior to 2001, Mr. Luke was employed as a portfolio manager by General Motors Investment Management Corporation. Mr. Luke is an investment officer of ClearBridge with over 34 years of investment management experience.
The SAI provides information about the compensation of the portfolio manager, other accounts managed by the portfolio manager and any fund shares held by the portfolio manager.
Management fee
For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2007, the fund paid a fee, after waivers and reimbursements, of 0.54% of the funds average daily net assets for management services.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Boards approval of the funds management agreement and subadvisory agreement is available in the funds Annual Report for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2006.
Distribution plan
Legg Mason Investor Services, LLC (LMIS), a wholly-owned broker/dealer subsidiary of Legg Mason, and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (CGMI) serve as the funds distributors.
8 Legg Mason Partners Funds
The fund has adopted a shareholder services and distribution plan for each of its Class A, B and C shares. Under the plan, the fund pays distribution and/or service fees. The plan provides for payments, based on annualized percentages of average daily net assets, of up to 0.25% for Class A shares; up to 0.75% for Class B shares; and up to 1.00% for Class C shares. These fees are an ongoing expense and, over time, will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than other types of sales charges.
In addition, the distributors may make payments for distribution and/or shareholder servicing activities out of their past profits and other available sources. A distributor may also make payments to dealers for marketing, promotional or related expenses. The amount of these payments is determined by the distributors and may be substantial. The manager or an affiliate may make similar payments under similar arrangements.
The payments described in the paragraph above are often referred to as revenue sharing payments. The recipients of such payments may include the funds distributors, affiliates of the manager, broker/dealers, financial institutions and other financial intermediaries through which investors may purchase shares of the fund. In some circumstances, such payments may create an incentive for an intermediary or its employees or associated persons to recommend or sell shares of the fund to you. Please contact your financial intermediary for details about revenue sharing payments it may receive.
Recent developments
On May 31, 2005, the SEC issued an order in connection with the settlement of an administrative proceeding against SBFM, the then-investment adviser or manager to the fund, and CGMI, relating to the appointment of an affiliated transfer agent for the Smith Barney family of mutual funds, including the fund (the Affected Funds).
The SEC order found that SBFM and CGMI willfully violated Section 206(1) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules promulgated thereunder (the Advisers Act). Specifically, the order found that SBFM and CGMI knowingly or recklessly failed to disclose to the boards of the Affected Funds in 1999 when proposing a new transfer agent arrangement with an affiliated transfer agent that: First Data Investors Services Group (First Data), the Affected Funds then-existing transfer agent, had offered to continue as transfer agent and do the same work for substantially less money than before; and that CAM, the Citigroup business unit that, at the time, included the Affected Funds investment manager and other investment advisory companies, had entered into a side letter with First Data under which CAM agreed to recommend the appointment of First Data as sub-transfer agent to the affiliated transfer agent in exchange for, among other things, a guarantee by First Data of specified amounts of asset management and investment banking fees to CAM and CGMI. The order also found that SBFM and CGMI willfully violated Section 206(2) of the Advisers Act by virtue of the omissions discussed above and other misrepresentations and omissions in the materials provided to the Affected Funds boards, including the failure to make clear that the affiliated transfer agent would earn a high profit for performing limited functions while First Data continued to perform almost all of the transfer agent functions, and the suggestion that the proposed arrangement was in the Affected Funds best interests and that no viable alternatives existed.
SBFM and CGMI do not admit or deny any wrongdoing or liability. The settlement does not establish wrongdoing or liability for purposes of any other proceeding. The SEC
Legg Mason Partners Convertible Fund 9
censured SBFM and CGMI and ordered them to cease and desist from violations of Sections 206(1) and 206(2) of the Advisers Act. The order required Citigroup to pay $208.1 million, including $109 million in disgorgement of profits, $19.1 million in interest, and a civil money penalty of $80 million. Approximately $24.4 million has already been paid to the Affected Funds, primarily through fee waivers. The remaining $183.7 million, including the penalty, has been paid to the U.S. Treasury and will be distributed pursuant to a plan submitted for the approval of the SEC. At this time, there is no certainty as to how the above-described proceeds of the settlement will be distributed, to whom such distributions will be made, the methodology by which such distributions will be allocated, and when such distributions will be made. The order also required that transfer agency fees received from the Affected Funds since December 1, 2004, less certain expenses, be placed in escrow and provided that a portion of such fees might be subsequently distributed in accordance with the terms of the order. On April 3, 2006, an aggregate amount of approximately $9 million held in escrow was distributed to the Affected Funds.
The order required SBFM to recommend a new transfer agent contract to the Affected Funds boards within 180 days of the entry of the order; if a Citigroup affiliate submitted a proposal to serve as transfer agent or sub-transfer agent, SBFM and CGMI would have been required, at their expense, to engage an independent monitor to oversee a competitive bidding process. On November 21, 2005, and within the specified timeframe, the Affected Funds Boards selected a new transfer agent for the Affected Funds. No Citigroup affiliate submitted a proposal to serve as transfer agent. Under the order, SBFM also must comply with an amended version of a vendor policy that Citigroup instituted in August 2004.
Although there can be no assurance, the manager does not believe that this matter will have a material adverse effect on the Affected Funds.
On December 1, 2005, Citigroup completed the sale of substantially all of its global asset management business, including SBFM, to Legg Mason.
10 Legg Mason Partners Funds
Choosing a class of shares to buy
Individual investors can generally choose among three classes of shares: Class A (1) , B and C shares. Individual investors that held Class I (formerly Class Y) shares prior to November 20, 2006, may continue to invest in Class I shares. Institutional and retirement plan investors and clients of financial intermediaries should refer to Retirement and institutional investors below for a description of the classes available to them. Each class has different sales charges and expenses, allowing you to choose the class that best meets your needs.
When choosing which class of shares to buy, you should consider:
n |
How much you plan to invest |
n |
How long you expect to own the shares |
n |
The expenses paid by each class detailed in the Fee table and Example at the front of this Prospectus |
n |
Whether you qualify for any reduction or waiver of sales charges |
If you are choosing between Class A and Class B shares, it will in almost all cases be the more economical choice for you to purchase Class A shares if you plan to purchase shares in an amount of $100,000 or more (whether in a single purchase or through aggregation of eligible holdings). This is because of the reduced sales charge available on larger investments of Class A shares and the lower ongoing expenses of Class A shares compared to Class B shares.
If you intend to invest for only a few years, the effect of Class B contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions made within five years of purchase, as well as the effect of higher expenses of that class, might make an investment in Class C shares more appropriate. There is no initial sales charge on Class C shares, and the contingent deferred sales charge does not apply to shares redeemed one year or more after purchase.
However, if you plan to invest a large amount and your investment horizon is five years or more, Class C shares might not be as advantageous as Class A shares. The annual distribution and service fees on Class C shares may cost you more over the longer term than the front-end sales charge you would have paid for larger purchases of Class A shares.
You may buy shares from:
n |
Certain broker/dealers, financial intermediaries, financial institutions or a distributors financial advisors or registered representatives that have entered into an agreement to sell fund shares (each called a Service Agent) |
n |
The fund, but only if you are investing through certain qualified plans or Service Agents |
Different types of shareholder services may be available to you under arrangements offered by different Service Agents. In addition, these services may vary depending on the share class in which you choose to invest. In making your decision regarding which share class to buy, please keep in mind that your Service Agent may receive different compensation depending on the share class in which you invest. Investors should consult with their Service Agent about comparative pricing of shareholder services available to them under each available share class, the compensation that will be received by their Service Agent in connection with each available share class, and other factors that may be relevant to the investors choice of share class in which to invest.
(1) |
On April 21, 2006, all Class O shares converted to Class A shares. |
Legg Mason Partners Convertible Fund 11
Not all Classes of shares are available through each Service Agent. You should contact your Service Agent for further information about available share classes.
Investment minimums
Minimum initial and additional investment amounts vary depending on the class of shares you buy and the nature of your investment.
Investment Minimum Initial/Additional Investments (1) |
||||||||
Class A | Class B | Class C |
Class I (formerly Y) |
|||||
General |
$500/$50 | $500/$50 | $500/$50 | n/a | ||||
IRAs and Uniform Gifts or Transfers to Minor Accounts |
$250/$50 | $250/$50 | $250/$50 | n/a | ||||
SIMPLE IRAs |
$1/$1 | $1/$1 | $1/$1 | n/a | ||||
Systematic Investment Plans |
$25/$25 | $25/$25 | $25/$25 | n/a | ||||
Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries |
$1/$1 | n/a | n/a | None/None | ||||
Retirement Plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of the fund |
None/None | n/a | None/None | None/None | ||||
Other Retirement Plans |
$50/$50 | $50/$50 | $50/$50 | n/a | ||||
Institutional Investors |
$500/$50 | $500/$50 | $500/$50 | $1 million/None | ||||
(1) |
Please refer to the section entitled Retirement and institutional investors below for additional information regarding the investment minimum and eligibility requirements for Retirement Plans, Institutional Investors and Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries. |
More information about the funds classes of shares is available through the Legg Mason Partners Funds website. Youll find detailed information about sales charges and ways you can qualify for reduced or waived sales charges, including:
n |
The front-end sales charges that apply to the purchase of Class A shares |
n |
The contingent deferred sales charges that apply to the redemption of Class B, Class C and certain Class A shares (redeemed within one year) |
n |
Who qualifies for lower sales charges on Class A shares |
n |
Who qualifies for a sales load waiver |
To access the website, go to http://www.leggmason.com/InvestorServices and click on the name of the fund.
12 Legg Mason Partners Funds
The following table compares key features of the funds classes. You should review the Fee table and Example at the front of this Prospectus carefully before choosing your share class. Your Service Agent can help you decide which class meets your goals. Your Service Agent may receive different compensation depending upon which class you choose.
Class A | Class B | Class C |
Class I (formerly Y) |
|||||
Key features |
n Initial sales charge n You may qualify for reduction or waiver of initial sales charge n Generally lower annual expenses than Class B and Class C |
n No initial sales charge n Contingent deferred sales charge declines over time n Converts to Class A after approximately 8 years n Generally higher annual expenses than Class A |
n No initial sales charge n Contingent deferred sales charge for only 1 year n Does not convert to Class A n Generally higher annual expenses than Class A |
n No initial or contingent deferred sales charge n Only offered to institutional and other eligible investors n Generally lower expenses than the other classes |
||||
Initial sales charge |
Up to 5.75%; reduced or waived for large purchases and certain investors. No charge for purchases of $1 million or more |
None |
None |
None |
||||
Contingent deferred sales charge |
1.00% on purchases of $1 million or more if you redeem within 1 year of purchase; waived for certain investors |
Up to 5.00% charged when you redeem shares. This charge is reduced over time and there is no contingent deferred sales charge after 5 years; waived for certain investors |
1.00% if you redeem within 1 year of purchase; waived for certain investors |
None |
||||
Annual distribution and/or service fees |
0.25% of average daily net assets |
0.75% of average daily net assets |
1.00% of average daily net assets |
None |
||||
Exchange Privilege (1) |
Class A shares of most Legg Mason Partners Funds |
Class B shares of most Legg Mason Partners Funds |
Class C shares of most Legg Mason Partners Funds |
Class I shares of most Legg Mason Partners Funds |
(1) |
Ask your Service Agent about the Legg Mason Partners Funds available for exchange. |
Legg Mason Partners Convertible Fund 13
Class A shares
You buy Class A shares at the offering price, which is the net asset value plus a sales charge. You pay a lower rate as the size of your investment increases to certain levels called breakpoints. You do not pay a sales charge on the funds distributions or dividends you reinvest in additional Class A shares.
The table below shows the rate of sales charge you pay, depending on the amount you purchase. The table below also shows the amount of broker/dealer compensation that will be paid out of the sales charge if you buy shares from a Service Agent. For Class A shares sold directly by LMIS, LMIS will receive the sales charge imposed on purchases of Class A shares (or any contingent deferred sales charge paid on redemptions) and will retain the full amount of such sales charge. For Class A shares sold by CGMI, CGMI will receive the sales charge imposed on purchases of Class A shares and will retain an amount equal to the broker/dealer commission paid out of the sales charge. LMIS will receive any portion not retained by CGMI. Service Agents (including CGMI) will also receive a service fee payable on Class A shares at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets represented by the Class A shares serviced by them.
Amount of investment |
Sales Charge
as % of offering price |
Sales Charge
as % of net amount invested |
Broker/Dealer
Commission as % of offering price |
|||
Less than $25,000 |
5.75 | 6.10 | 5.00 | |||
$25,000 but less than $50,000 |
5.00 | 5.26 | 4.25 | |||
$50,000 but less than $100,000 |
4.50 | 4.71 | 3.75 | |||
$100,000 but less than $250,000 |
3.50 | 3.63 | 2.75 | |||
$250,000 but less than $500,000 |
2.50 | 2.56 | 2.00 | |||
$500,000 but less than $750,000 |
2.00 | 2.04 | 1.60 | |||
$750,000 but less than $1 million |
1.50 | 1.52 | 1.20 | |||
$1 million or more (1) |
-0- | -0- | up to 1.00 | |||
(1) |
A distributor may pay a commission of up to 1.00% to a Service Agent for purchase amounts of $1 million or more. In such cases, starting in the thirteenth month after purchase, the Service Agent will also receive an annual distribution/service fee of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets represented by the Class A shares held by its clients. Prior to the thirteenth month, the distributor will retain this fee. Where the Service Agent does not receive the payment of this commission, the Service Agent will instead receive the annual distribution/service fee starting immediately after purchase. Please contact your Service Agent for more information. |
Investments of $1,000,000 or more
You do not pay an initial sales charge when you buy $1,000,000 or more of Class A shares. However, if you redeem these Class A shares within one year of purchase, you will pay a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00%.
Qualifying for a reduced Class A sales charge
There are several ways you can combine multiple purchases of Class A shares of Legg Mason Partners Funds to take advantage of the breakpoints in the sales charge schedule. In order to take advantage of reductions in sales charges that may be available to
14 Legg Mason Partners Funds
you when you purchase fund shares, you must inform your Service Agent or Legg Mason Partners Shareholder Services if you are eligible for a letter of intent or a right of accumulation and if you own shares of other Legg Mason Partners Funds that are eligible to be aggregated with your purchases. Certain records, such as account statements, may be necessary in order to verify your eligibility for reduced sales charges.
n |
Accumulation privilege allows you to combine the current value of Class A shares of the fund with other shares of Legg Mason Partners Funds that are owned by |
¨ |
you, or |
¨ |
your spouse and children under the age of 21 |
with the dollar amount of your next purchase of Class A shares for purposes of calculating the initial sales charge.
Shares of certain money market funds advised by the manager or its affiliates (other than money market fund shares acquired by exchange from other Legg Mason Partners Funds offered with a sales charge), Legg Mason Partners S&P 500 Index Fund and Class O shares of Legg Mason Partners Equity Fund may not be combined.
If you hold shares of Legg Mason Partners Funds in accounts at two or more Service Agents, please contact your Service Agents to determine which shares may be combined.
Certain trustees and fiduciaries may be entitled to combine accounts in determining their sales charge.
n |
Letter of intent allows you to purchase Class A shares of Legg Mason Partners Funds over a 13-month period and pay the same sales charge on Class A shares, if any, as if all the shares had been purchased at once. At the time you enter into the letter of intent, you select your asset goal amount. Generally, purchases of Legg Mason Partners Funds shares that are purchased during the 13-month period by |
¨ |
you, or |
¨ |
your spouse and children under the age of 21 |
are eligible for inclusion under the letter, based on the public offering price at the time of the purchase, and any capital appreciation on those shares. Purchases made 90 days prior to the 13-month period are also eligible to be treated as purchases made under the letter of intent. In addition, you can include towards your asset goal amount the current value of any eligible purchases that were made prior to the date of entering into the letter of intent and are still held.
Shares of certain money market funds advised by the manager or its affiliates (other than money market fund shares acquired by exchange from other Legg Mason Partners Funds offered with a sales charge), Legg Mason Partners S&P 500 Index Fund and Class O shares of Legg Mason Partners Equity Fund may not be credited toward your letter of intent asset goal.
If you hold shares of Legg Mason Partners Funds in accounts at two or more Service Agents, please contact your Service Agents to determine which shares may be credited toward your letter of intent asset goal.
If you do not meet your asset goal amount, shares in the amount of any sales charges due based on the amount of your actual purchases will be redeemed from your account.
Legg Mason Partners Convertible Fund 15
Waivers for certain Class A investors
Class A initial sales charges are waived for certain types of investors, including:
n |
Employees of Service Agents having dealer, service or other selling agreements with the funds distributors |
n |
Investors who redeemed Class A shares of a Legg Mason Partners Fund in the past 60 days, if the investors Service Agent is notified |
n |
Directors and officers of any Legg Mason-sponsored fund |
n |
Employees of Legg Mason and its subsidiaries |
n |
Investors investing through certain retirement plans |
If you qualify for a waiver of the Class A initial sales charge, you must notify your Service Agent or the transfer agent at the time of purchase and provide sufficient information at the time of purchase to permit verification that the purchase qualifies for the initial sales charge waiver.
If you want to learn about additional waivers of Class A initial sales charges, contact your Service Agent, consult the SAI or access the Legg Mason Partners Funds website, http://www.leggmason.com/InvestorServices, and click on the name of the fund.
Class B shares
You buy Class B shares at net asset value without paying an initial sales charge. However, if you redeem your Class B shares within 5 years of your purchase payment, you will pay a contingent deferred sales charge. The contingent deferred sales charge decreases as the number of years since your purchase payment increases.
Year after purchase | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th through 8th | ||||||||||||
Contingent deferred sales charge |
5 | % | 4 | % | 3 | % | 2 | % | 1 | % | 0 | % | ||||||
LMIS will generally pay Service Agents, including CGMI, selling Class B shares a commission of up to 4.00% of the purchase price of the Class B shares they sell, and LMIS will retain the contingent deferred sales charges. Service Agents also receive an annual distribution/service fee of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets represented by the Class B shares serviced by them.
16 Legg Mason Partners Funds
Class B conversion
After approximately 8 years, Class B shares automatically convert into Class A shares. This helps you because Class A shares have lower annual expenses. Your Class B shares will convert to Class A shares as follows:
Shares issued: At initial purchase |
Shares issued:
On reinvestment of dividends and distributions |
Shares issued:
Upon exchange from another Legg Mason Partners Fund |
||
Approximately 8 years after the date of purchase payment | In same proportion as the number of Class B shares converting is to total Class B shares you own (excluding shares issued as dividends) | On the date the shares originally acquired would have converted into Class A shares | ||
Class C shares
You buy Class C shares at net asset value without paying an initial sales charge. However, if you redeem your Class C shares within one year of purchase, you will pay a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00%.
LMIS will generally pay Service Agents selling Class C shares a commission of up to 1.00% of the purchase price of the Class C shares they sell, and LMIS will retain the contingent deferred sales charges and an annual distribution/service fee of up to 1.00% of the average daily net assets represented by the Class C shares serviced by these Service Agents until the thirteenth month after purchase. Starting in the thirteenth month after purchase, these Service Agents will receive an annual distribution/service fee of up to 1.00% of the average daily net assets represented by the Class C shares serviced by them.
Class I shares (formerly Class Y shares)
Class I shares are purchased at net asset value with no initial sales charge and no contingent deferred sales charge when redeemed.
Legg Mason Partners Convertible Fund 17
More about contingent deferred sales charges
The contingent deferred sales charge is based on the net asset value at the time of purchase or redemption, whichever is less, and therefore you do not pay a sales charge on amounts representing appreciation or depreciation.
In addition, you do not pay a contingent deferred sales charge:
n |
When you exchange shares for shares of another Legg Mason Partners Fund |
n |
On shares representing reinvested distributions and dividends |
n |
On shares no longer subject to the contingent deferred sales charge |
Each time you place a request to redeem shares, the fund will first redeem any shares in your account that are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and then the shares in your account that have been held the longest.
If you redeem shares of a Legg Mason Partners Fund and pay a contingent deferred sales charge, you may, under certain circumstances, reinvest all or part of the redemption proceeds within 60 days and receive pro rata credit for any contingent deferred sales charge imposed on the prior redemption. Please contact your Service Agent for additional information.
The funds distributors receive contingent deferred sales charges as partial compensation for their expenses in selling shares, including the payment of compensation to your Service Agent.
Contingent deferred sales charge waivers
The contingent deferred sales charge for each share class will generally be waived:
n |
On payments made through certain systematic withdrawal plans |
n |
On certain distributions from a retirement plan |
n |
For retirement plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of the fund |
n |
For involuntary redemptions of small account balances |
n |
For 12 months following the death or disability of a shareholder |
If you want to learn more about additional waivers of contingent deferred sales charges, contact your Service Agent, consult the SAI or access the Legg Mason Partners Funds website, http://www.leggmason.com/InvestorServices, and click on the name of the fund.
18 Legg Mason Partners Funds
Retirement and institutional investors
Eligible investors
Retirement Plans
Retirement Plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of the fund can generally choose among three classes of shares: Class C, Class A and Class I (formerly Class Y) shares.
Retirement Plans include 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit-sharing plans, non-qualified deferred compensation plans and other similar employer-sponsored retirement plans. Retirement Plans do not include individual retirement vehicles, such as traditional and Roth individual retirement accounts, Coverdell education savings accounts, individual 403(b)(7) custodial accounts, Keogh plans, SEPs, SARSEPs, SIMPLE IRAs, or Section 529 savings accounts. Although Retirement Plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of the fund are not subject to minimum initial investment requirements for any of these share classes, certain investment minimums may be imposed by a financial intermediary.
Other Retirement Plans
Other Retirement Plans can generally choose among three classes of shares: Class A, Class B and Class C. Other Retirement Plans include Retirement Plans investing through brokerage accounts, and also include certain Retirement Plans with direct relationships to the fund that are neither Institutional Investors nor investing through omnibus accounts. Individual retirement vehicles, such as IRAs, may also choose among these share classes. Other Retirement Plans and individual retirement vehicles are treated like individual investors for purposes of determining sales charges and any applicable sales charge reductions or waivers.
Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries
Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries may generally choose between two classes of shares: Class A and Class I. Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries are investors who invest in the fund through financial intermediaries that offer their clients fund shares through investment programs as authorized by LMIS. Such investment programs may include fee-based advisory account programs and college savings vehicles such as Section 529 plans. The financial intermediary may impose separate investment minimums.
Institutional Investors
Institutional Investors may invest in Class I shares if they meet the $1,000,000 minimum initial investment requirement. Institutional Investors may also invest in Class A, B and C shares, which have different investment minimums and fees and expenses. Institutional Investors generally include corporations, banks, insurance companies, foundations, retirement plans and other similar entities with direct relationships to the fund.
Class C Retirement Plans
Retirement Plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of the fund may buy Class C shares without paying a contingent deferred sales charge. LMIS does not pay Service
Legg Mason Partners Convertible Fund 19
Agents selling Class C shares to retirement plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of a fund a commission on the purchase price of Class C shares sold by them. Instead, immediately after purchase, LMIS will pay these Service Agents an annual distribution/service fee of up to 1.00% of the average daily net assets represented by the Class C shares serviced by them.
Class ARetirement Plans
Retirement Plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of the fund may purchase Class A shares through programs sponsored by financial intermediaries. Under these programs, the initial sales charge and contingent deferred sales charge for Class A shares are waived where:
n |
Such Retirement Plans recordkeeper offers only load-waived shares, |
n |
Fund shares are held on the books of the fund through an omnibus account, and |
n |
The Retirement Plan has more than 100 participants, or has total assets exceeding $1 million |
LMIS does not pay Service Agents selling Class A shares to Retirement Plans with a direct omnibus relationship with the fund a commission on the purchase price of Class A shares sold by them. However, for certain Retirement Plans that are permitted to purchase shares at net asset value, LMIS may pay Service Agents commissions of up to 1.00% of the purchase price of the Class A shares that are purchased with regular ongoing plan contributions. Please contact your Service Agent for more information.
Class I shares
On November 20, 2006, Class Y shares were renamed Class I shares. Class I shares are offered only to Institutional Investors who meet the $1,000,000 minimum initial investment requirement, Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries, and other investors as authorized by LMIS. However, investors that held Class Y shares prior to that date will continue to be permitted to make additional investments in Class I shares.
Other considerations
Plan sponsors, plan fiduciaries and other financial intermediaries may choose to impose qualification requirements for plans that differ from the funds share class eligibility standards. In certain cases, this could result in the selection of a share class with higher service and distribution-related fees than otherwise would have been charged. The fund is not responsible for, and has no control over, the decision of any plan sponsor, plan fiduciary or financial intermediary to impose such differing requirements. Please consult with your plan sponsor, plan fiduciary or financial intermediary for more information about available share classes.
With respect to Class A and Class C shares, as applicable, the fund may pay a fee for recordkeeping services performed for the share class.
Not all share classes may be made available by your Service Agent. Please contact your Service Agent for additional details.
20 Legg Mason Partners Funds
Generally | You may buy shares at their net asset value next determined after receipt by your Service Agent or the transfer agent of your purchase request in good order, plus any applicable sales charge. | |
Through a
Service Agent |
You should contact your Service Agent to open a brokerage account and make arrangements to buy shares. You must provide the following information for your order to be processed: n Class of shares being bought n Dollar amount or number of shares being bought n Account number (if existing account) Your Service Agent may charge an annual account maintenance fee. |
|
Through the fund |
Financial intermediary accounts, retirement plan accounts and certain other investors who are clients of certain Service Agents are eligible to buy shares directly from the fund. n Write the fund at the following address: Legg Mason Partners Funds c/o PFPC Inc. P.O. Box 9699 Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9699 n Enclose a check to pay for the shares. For initial purchases, complete and send an account application available upon request from Legg Mason Partners Shareholder Services at the number below n Specify the name of the fund, the share class you wish to purchase and your account number (if existing account) n For more information, please call Legg Mason Partners Shareholder Services at 800-451-2010 |
|
Through a systematic investment plan |
You may authorize your Service Agent or the transfer agent to transfer funds automatically from (i) a regular bank account, (ii) cash held in a brokerage account with a Service Agent or (iii) certain money market funds, in order to buy shares on a regular basis. n Amounts transferred must be at least $25 n Amounts may be transferred monthly, every alternate month, quarterly, semi-annually or annually n If you do not have sufficient funds in your account on a transfer date, your Service Agent or the transfer agent may charge you a fee
For more information, please contact your Service Agent or Legg Mason Partners Shareholder Services or consult the SAI. |
Legg Mason Partners Convertible Fund 21
Generally | You may exchange shares at their net asset value next determined after receipt by your Service Agent or the transfer agent of your exchange request in good order. | |
Legg Mason
Partners offers a distinctive family of funds tailored to help meet the varying needs of both large and small investors |
You should contact your Service Agent to exchange into other Legg Mason Partners Funds. Be sure to read the prospectus of the Legg Mason Partners Fund into which you are exchanging. An exchange is a taxable transaction, unless you are investing through a tax-qualified savings plan or account. n If you bought shares through a Service Agent, you may exchange shares only for shares of the same class of certain other Legg Mason Partners Funds made available for exchange by your Service Agent. Not all Legg Mason Partners Funds made available for exchange by your Service Agent may offer all classes. Please contact your Service Agent for more information about the funds and classes that are available for exchange n If you bought shares directly from the fund, you may exchange shares only for shares of the same class of another Legg Mason Partners Fund, other than shares of Legg Mason Partners S&P 500 Index Fund. Not all Legg Mason Partners Funds offer all classes n Not all Legg Mason Partners Funds may be offered in your state of residence. Contact your Service Agent or the transfer agent for further information n Exchanges of Class A, B and C shares are subject to minimum investment requirements (except for systematic investment plan exchanges), and all shares are subject to the other requirements of the fund into which exchanges are made n If you hold share certificates, the transfer agent must receive the certificates endorsed for transfer or with signed stock powers before the exchange is effective n The fund may suspend or terminate your exchange privilege if you engage in an excessive pattern of exchanges |
|
Sales charges |
In most instances, your shares will not be subject to an initial sales charge or a contingent deferred sales charge at the time of the exchange. Your contingent deferred sales charge (if any) will continue to be measured from the date of your original purchase of shares subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and you will be subject to the contingent deferred sales charge of the fund that you originally purchased. |
|
By telephone | If you do not have a brokerage account with a Service Agent, you may be eligible to exchange shares through the fund. You must complete an authorization form to authorize telephone transfers. If eligible, you may make telephone exchanges on any day the New |
22 Legg Mason Partners Funds
York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open. Shareholders should call Legg Mason Partners Shareholder Services at 800-451-2010 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time). You can make telephone exchanges only between accounts that have identical registrations. |
||
By mail | If you do not have a brokerage account, contact your Service Agent or write to the fund at the address on the following page. | |
Through a
systematic exchange plan |
You may be permitted to schedule exchanges of shares of any class of the fund for shares of the same class of other Legg Mason Partners Funds. n Exchanges may be made monthly, every alternate month, quarterly, semi-annually or annually n A predetermined dollar amount of at least $25 per exchange is required
For more information, please contact your Service Agent or Legg Mason Partners Shareholder Services or consult the SAI. |
Legg Mason Partners Convertible Fund 23
Generally |
You may redeem shares at their net asset value next determined after receipt by your Service Agent or the transfer agent of your redemption request in good order, less any applicable contingent deferred sales charge. Contact your Service Agent to redeem shares of the fund. If you hold share certificates, the transfer agent must receive the certificates endorsed for transfer or with signed stock powers with a signature guarantee before you may redeem. If the shares are held by a fiduciary or corporation, other documents may be required. Your redemption proceeds will normally be sent within 3 business days after your request is received in good order, but in any event within 7 days. Your redemption proceeds may be delayed for up to 10 days if your purchase was made by check. If you have a brokerage account with a Service Agent, your redemption proceeds will be sent to your Service Agent. In other cases, unless you direct otherwise, your redemption proceeds will be paid by check mailed to your address of record. |
|
By mail |
For accounts held directly at the fund, send written requests to the fund at the following address: Legg Mason Partners Funds c/o PFPC Inc. P.O. Box 9699 Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9699 Your written request must provide the following: n The name of the fund, the class of shares to be redeemed and your account number n The dollar amount or number of shares to be redeemed n Signature of each owner exactly as the account is registered n Signature guarantees, as applicable |
|
By telephone |
If you do not have a brokerage account with a Service Agent, you may be eligible to redeem shares (except those held in certain retirement plans) in amounts up to $50,000 per day through the fund. You must complete an authorization form to authorize telephone redemptions. If eligible, you may request redemptions by telephone on any day the NYSE is open. Shareholders should call Legg Mason Partners Shareholder Services at 800-451-2010 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time). Your redemption proceeds can be sent by check to your address of record or by wire or electronic transfer (ACH) to a bank account designated on your authorization form. You must submit a new authorization form to change the bank account designated to receive |
24 Legg Mason Partners Funds
wire or electronic transfers and you may be asked to provide certain other documents. The transfer agent may charge a fee on a wire or an electronic transfer (ACH). | ||
Automatic cash withdrawal plans |
You can arrange for the automatic redemption of a portion of your shares monthly, every alternate month, quarterly, semi-annually or annually. To qualify, you must own shares of the fund with a value of at least $10,000 ($5,000 for retirement plan accounts) and each automatic redemption must be at least $50. If your shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, the sales charge will be waived if your automatic redemptions are equal to or less than 2% per month of your account balance on the date the withdrawals commence, up to a maximum of 12% in one year. The following conditions apply: n Your shares must not be represented by certificates n All dividends and distributions must be reinvested
For more information, please contact your Service Agent or consult the SAI. |
Legg Mason Partners Convertible Fund 25
Other things to know about transactions
When you buy, exchange or redeem shares, your request must be in good order. This means you have provided the following information, without which your request may not be processed:
n |
Name of the fund |
n |
Your account number |
n |
Class of shares being bought, and if you own more than one class, the class of shares being exchanged or redeemed |
n |
Dollar amount or number of shares being bought, exchanged or redeemed |
n |
Signature of each owner exactly as the account is registered (redemptions only) |
The funds transfer agent or Legg Mason Partners Shareholder Services will employ reasonable procedures to confirm that any telephone exchange or redemption request is genuine, which may include recording calls, asking the caller to provide certain personal identification information, sending you a written confirmation or requiring other confirmation procedures from time to time. If these procedures are followed, neither the fund nor its agents will bear any liability for such transactions.
Signature guarantees
To be in good order, your redemption request must include a signature guarantee if you:
n |
Are redeeming over $50,000 |
n |
Are sending signed share certificates or stock powers to the transfer agent |
n |
Instruct the transfer agent to mail the check to an address different from the one on your account registration |
n |
Changed your account registration or your address within 30 days |
n |
Want the check paid to someone other than the account owner(s) |
n |
Are transferring the redemption proceeds to an account with a different registration |
You can obtain a signature guarantee from most banks, dealers, brokers, credit unions and federal savings and loan institutions, but not from a notary public.
The fund has the right to:
n |
Suspend the offering of shares |
n |
Waive or change minimum and additional investment amounts |
n |
Reject any purchase or exchange order |
n |
Change, revoke or suspend the exchange privilege |
n |
Suspend telephone transactions |
n |
Suspend or postpone redemptions of shares on any day when trading on the NYSE is restricted, or as otherwise permitted by the SEC |
n |
Pay redemption proceeds by giving you securities. You may pay transaction costs to dispose of the securities |
Small account balances/Mandatory redemptions
If at any time the aggregate net asset value of the fund shares in your account is less than $500 for any reason (including solely due to declines in net asset value and/or failure to invest at least $500 within a reasonable period), the fund reserves the right to ask you to bring your account up to the applicable minimum investment amount as determined by
26 Legg Mason Partners Funds
your Service Agent. In such case, you shall be notified in writing and will have 60 days to make an additional investment to bring your account value up to the required level. If you choose not to do so within this 60-day period, the fund may close your account and send you the redemption proceeds. In the event your account is closed due to a failure to increase your balance to the minimum required amount, you will not be eligible to have your account subsequently reinstated without imposition of any sales charges that may apply to your new purchase. The fund may, with prior notice, change the minimum size of accounts subject to mandatory redemption, which may vary by class, or implement fees for small accounts.
Subject to applicable law, the fund may, with prior notice, adopt other policies from time to time requiring mandatory redemption of shares in certain circumstances.
For more information, please contact your Service Agent or Legg Mason Partners Shareholder Services or consult the SAI.
Frequent purchases and redemptions of fund shares
Frequent purchases and redemptions of fund shares may interfere with the efficient management of a funds portfolio by its portfolio manager, increase portfolio transaction costs, and have a negative effect on the funds long-term shareholders. For example, in order to handle large flows of cash into and out of the fund, the portfolio manager may need to allocate more assets to cash or other short-term investments or sell securities, rather than maintaining full investment in securities selected to achieve the funds investment objective. Frequent trading may cause the fund to sell securities at less favorable prices. Transaction costs, such as brokerage commissions and market spreads, can detract from the funds performance. In addition, the return received by long-term shareholders may be reduced when trades by other shareholders are made in an effort to take advantage of certain pricing discrepancies, when, for example, it is believed that the funds share price, which is determined at the close of the NYSE on each trading day, does not accurately reflect the value of the funds portfolio securities. Funds investing in foreign securities have been particularly susceptible to this form of arbitrage, but other funds could also be affected.
Because of the potential harm to funds in the Legg Mason Partners Funds complex and their long-term shareholders, the Board of the fund has approved policies and procedures that are intended to discourage and prevent excessive trading and market timing abuses through the use of various surveillance techniques. Under these policies and procedures, the fund may limit additional exchanges or purchases of fund shares by shareholders who are believed by the manager to be engaged in these abusive trading activities in the fund or in other funds within the fund complex. In the event that an exchange request is rejected, the shareholder may nonetheless redeem its shares. The intent of the policies and procedures is not to inhibit legitimate strategies, such as asset allocation, dollar cost averaging, or similar activities that may nonetheless result in frequent trading of fund shares.
Under the funds policies and procedures, the fund reserves the right to restrict or reject purchases of shares (including exchanges) without prior notice whenever a pattern of excessive trading by a shareholder is detected within the fund complex. A committee established by the manager administers the policy. The policy provides that the committee will use its best efforts to restrict a shareholders trading privileges in the Legg Mason Partners
Legg Mason Partners Convertible Fund 27
Funds if that shareholder has engaged in a total of four or more Round Trips across all Legg Mason Partners Funds during any rolling 12-month period. However, the committee has the discretion to determine that restricting a shareholders trading privileges is not necessary (or that a new limit on Round Trips should be established for the shareholder) if it is determined that the pattern of trading is not abusive or harmful. In making such a determination, the committee will consider, among other things, the nature of the shareholders account, the reason for the frequent trading, the amount of trading and the particular funds in which the trading has occurred. Additionally, the committee has the discretion to make inquiries or to take action against any shareholder whose trading appears inconsistent with the frequent trading policy. Examples of the types of actions the committee may take to deter excessive trading in a shareholder account include restricting the shareholder from purchasing additional shares in a fund altogether or imposing other restrictions (such as requiring purchase orders to be submitted by mail) that would deter the shareholder from trading frequently in the funds.
A Round Trip is defined as a purchase (including subscriptions and exchanges) into a fund followed by a sale (including redemptions and exchanges) of the same or a similar number of shares out of the fund within 30 days of such purchase. Purchases and sales of the funds shares pursuant to an automatic investment plan or similar program for periodic transactions are not considered in determining Round Trips. For purposes of these policies and procedures, the Legg Mason Partners Funds complex also includes certain Western Asset funds and Barrett Opportunity Fund, but does not include money market funds in the fund complex.
The policies apply to any account, whether an individual account, accounts with financial intermediaries such as investment advisers, broker/dealers or retirement plan administrators, commonly called omnibus accounts, where the intermediary holds fund shares for a number of its customers in one account. The funds ability to monitor trading in omnibus accounts may, however, be severely limited due to the lack of access to an individual investors trading activity when orders are placed through these types of accounts. There may also be operational and technological limitations on the ability of the funds service providers to identify or terminate frequent trading activity within the various types of omnibus accounts. The funds distributors have entered into agreements with intermediaries requiring the intermediaries to, among other things, help identify frequent trading activity and to prohibit further purchases or exchanges by a shareholder identified as having engaged in frequent trading. These agreements took effect on October 16, 2007.
The funds policies also require personnel such as portfolio managers and investment staff to report any abnormal or otherwise suspicious investment activity, and prohibits short-term trades by such personnel for their own account in mutual funds managed by the manager and its affiliates, other than money market funds. The fund has also adopted policies and procedures to prevent the selective release of information about the funds portfolio holdings, as such information may be used for market-timing and similar abusive practices.
The funds policies provide for ongoing assessment of the effectiveness of current policies and surveillance tools, and the Board reserves the right to modify these or adopt additional policies and restrictions in the future. Shareholders should be aware, however, that any surveillance techniques currently employed by the fund or other techniques that may
28 Legg Mason Partners Funds
be adopted in the future may not be effective, particularly where the trading takes place through certain types of omnibus accounts. As noted above, if the fund is unable to detect and deter trading abuses, the funds performance, and its long-term shareholders, may be harmed. In addition, shareholders may be harmed by the extra costs and portfolio management inefficiencies that result from frequent trading of fund shares, even when the trading is not for abusive purposes. Furthermore, the fund may not apply its policies consistently or uniformly, resulting in the risk that some shareholders may be able to engage in frequent trading while others will bear the costs and effects of that trading. The fund will provide advance notice to shareholders and prospective investors of any specific restrictions on the trading of fund shares that the Board may adopt in the future.
Share certificates
The fund does not issue share certificates. If you currently hold share certificates of the fund, such certificates will continue to be honored. If you would like to return your share certificates to the fund and hold your shares in uncertificated form, please contact your Service Agent or Legg Mason Partners Shareholder Services.
Record ownership
If you hold shares through a Service Agent, your Service Agent may establish and maintain your account and be the shareholder of record. In the event that the fund holds a shareholder meeting, your Service Agent, as record holder, will vote your shares in accordance with your instructions. If you do not give your Service Agent voting instructions, your Service Agent may nonetheless, under certain circumstances, be entitled to vote your shares.
Legg Mason Partners Convertible Fund 29
Dividends, distributions and taxes
Dividends and distributions
The fund generally pays dividends, if any, monthly, and makes capital gain distributions, if any, typically once or twice a year. The fund may pay additional distributions and dividends at other times if necessary for the fund to avoid a federal tax. The fund expects distributions to be from both income and capital gain. Capital gain distributions and dividends are reinvested in additional fund shares of the same class you hold. You do not pay a sales charge on reinvested distributions or dividends. Alternatively, you can instruct your Service Agent or Legg Mason Partners Shareholder Services to have your distributions and/or dividends paid in cash. You can change your choice at any time to be effective as of the next distribution or dividend.
Taxes
The following discussion is very general. Because each shareholders circumstances are different and special tax rules may apply, you should consult your tax adviser about your investment in the fund.
In general, you will have to pay federal income taxes, as well as any state and local taxes, when you redeem shares, exchange shares or receive a distribution (whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares). Any tax liability that you owe as a result of any of these taxable events is your responsibility. The federal income tax treatment of redemptions, exchanges and distributions is summarized in the following table:
Transaction | Federal tax status | |
Redemption or exchange of shares | Usually capital gain or loss; long-term only if shares owned more than one year | |
Distributions of net capital gain (excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) | Long-term capital gain | |
Distributions of qualified dividend income | Qualified dividend income | |
Other ordinary dividends (including distributions of net short-term capital gain) | Ordinary income | |
Distributions of net capital gain are taxable to you as long-term capital gain regardless of how long you have owned your shares. Distributions of qualified dividend income received by a non-corporate shareholder may qualify for a reduced tax rate, provided that the shareholder satisfies certain holding period requirements. Qualified dividend income generally is income derived from dividends from a U.S. corporation; dividends from certain foreign corporations may also qualify. You may want to avoid buying shares when the fund is about to declare a capital gain distribution or a dividend, because it will be taxable to you even though it may effectively be a return of a portion of your investment.
After the end of each year, your Service Agent or the fund will provide you with information about the distributions and dividends you received and any redemptions of shares during the previous year. If you are neither a citizen nor a resident of the United States, the fund will withhold federal income tax at the rate of 30% (or such lower rate as may be determined in accordance with any applicable treaty) on ordinary dividends and
30 Legg Mason Partners Funds
other payments that are subject to such withholding. If you do not provide the fund with your correct taxpayer identification number and any required certifications, you will be subject to backup withholding at the rate of 28% on your distributions, dividends, and redemption proceeds. Backup withholding will not, however, be applied to payments that have been subject to the 30% withholding tax on shareholders who are neither citizens nor residents of the United States.
Legg Mason Partners Convertible Fund 31
You may buy, exchange or redeem shares at their net asset value next determined after receipt of your request in good order, plus any applicable sales charge. The funds net asset value per share is the value of its assets minus its liabilities divided by the number of shares outstanding. Net asset value is calculated separately for each class of shares. The fund calculates its net asset value every day the NYSE is open. This calculation is done when regular trading closes on the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time). The NYSE is closed on certain holidays listed in the SAI.
The Board has approved procedures to be used to value the funds securities for the purposes of determining the funds net asset value. The valuation of the securities of the fund is determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board. The Board has delegated certain valuation functions for the fund to the manager.
The fund generally values its securities based on market prices determined at the close of regular trading on the NYSE. The funds currency valuations, if any, are done as of when the London Stock Exchange closes, which is usually at 12 noon Eastern time, as the manager believes that these valuations typically reflect the largest trading volume in the foreign currency markets. A material change in the value of currency during the period between the close of the London Stock Exchange and the calculation of the funds net asset value on the same date is considered a significant event, as described below, in response to which the fund may use fair valuation procedures to value the affected investments. For equity securities that are traded on an exchange, the market price is usually the closing sale or official closing price on that exchange. In the case of securities not traded on an exchange, or if such closing prices are not otherwise available, the market price is typically determined by independent third party pricing vendors approved by the funds Board using a variety of pricing techniques and methodologies. The market price for debt obligations is generally the price supplied by an independent third party pricing service approved by the Board, which may use a matrix, formula or other objective method that takes into consideration market indices, yield curves and other specific adjustments. Short-term debt obligations that will mature in 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, unless it is determined that using this method would not reflect an investments fair value. If vendors are unable to supply a price, or if the price supplied is deemed by the manager to be unreliable, the market price may be determined using quotations received from one or more broker/dealers that make a market in the security. When such prices or quotations are not available, or when the manager believes that they are unreliable, the manager may price securities using fair value procedures approved by the Board. Because the fund invests in securities rated below investment grade some of which may be thinly traded, for which market quotations may not be readily available or may be unreliable the fund may use fair valuation procedures more frequently than funds that invest primarily in securities that are more liquid, such as securities of large capitalization domestic issuers. The fund may also use fair value procedures if the manager determines that a significant event has occurred between the time at which a market price is determined and the time at which the funds net asset value is calculated. In particular, the value of foreign securities may be materially affected by events occurring after the close of the market on which they are valued, but before the fund prices its shares. The fund uses a fair value model
32 Legg Mason Partners Funds
developed by an independent third party pricing service to price foreign equity securities on days when there is a certain percentage change in the value of a domestic equity security index, as such percentage may be determined by LMPFA from time to time.
Valuing securities at fair value involves greater reliance on judgment than valuation of securities based on readily available market quotations. A fund that uses fair value to price securities may value those securities higher or lower than another fund using market quotations or its own fair value methodologies to price the same securities. There can be no assurance that the fund could obtain the fair value assigned to a security if it were to sell the security at approximately the time at which the fund determines its net asset value.
In order to buy, redeem or exchange shares at that days price, you must place your order with your Service Agent or the transfer agent before the NYSE closes. If the NYSE closes early, you must place your order prior to the actual closing time.
It is the responsibility of the Service Agents to transmit all orders to buy, exchange or redeem shares to the transfer agent on a timely basis.
Legg Mason Partners Convertible Fund 33
The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand the performance of each class for the past five years. Certain information reflects financial results for a single share. Total return represents the rate that a shareholder would have earned (or lost) on a fund share assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. The information in the following tables has been derived from the funds and the predecessor funds financial statements. These financial statements have been audited by KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with the funds financial statements, is included in the annual report (available upon request). The financial information shown below for the periods prior to April 16, 2007 is that of the funds predecessor. As of April 29, 2004, Class L shares of the fund were renamed Class C shares. As of April 21, 2006, all Class O shares converted to Class A shares. As of November 20, 2006, Class Y shares were renamed Class I shares.
(1) |
Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
(2) |
Performance figures may reflect fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. |
(3) |
Included in the expense ratios are certain non-recurring restructuring (and reorganization, if applicable) fees that were incurred by the fund during the period. Without these fees, the gross and net expense ratios would have been 1.29% and 1.16%, respectively. |
(4) |
As a result of an expense limitation, the ratio of expenses other than interest, brokerage, taxes and extraordinary expenses to average net assets of Class A shares will not exceed 1.17%. |
(5) |
Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. |
34 Legg Mason Partners Funds
(1) |
Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
(2) |
Performance figures may reflect fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. |
(3) |
Included in the expense ratios are certain non-recurring restructuring (and reorganization, if applicable) fees that were incurred by the fund during the period. Without these fees, the gross and net expense ratios would have been 1.83% and 1.70%, respectively. |
(4) |
As a result of an expense limitation, the ratio of expenses other than interest, brokerage, taxes and extraordinary expenses to average net assets of Class B shares will not exceed 1.71%. |
(5) |
Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. |
Legg Mason Partners Convertible Fund 35
For a share of each class of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each year ended July 31: | |||||||||||||||
Class C Shares (1) | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | ||||||||||
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year |
$16.64 | $17.86 | $16.91 | $15.33 | $12.71 | ||||||||||
Income From Operations: |
|||||||||||||||
Net investment income |
0.13 | 0.24 | 0.21 | 0.27 | 0.55 | ||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain |
1.77 | 0.30 | 1.28 | 1.78 | 2.64 | ||||||||||
Total Income From Operations |
1.90 | 0.54 | 1.49 | 2.05 | 3.19 | ||||||||||
Less Distributions From: |
|||||||||||||||
Net investment income |
(0.15 | ) | (0.24 | ) | (0.21 | ) | (0.37 | ) | (0.57 | ) | |||||
Net realized gains |
(0.75 | ) | (1.52 | ) | (0.33 | ) | (0.10 | ) | | ||||||
Total Distributions |
(0.90 | ) | (1.76 | ) | (0.54 | ) | (0.47 | ) | (0.57 | ) | |||||
Net Asset Value, End of Year |
$17.64 | $16.64 | $17.86 | $16.91 | $15.33 | ||||||||||
Total Return (2) |
11.53 | % | 3.07 | % | 8.96 | % | 13.42 | % | 25.76 | % | |||||
Net Assets, End of Year (000s) |
$22,105 | $26,353 | $37,340 | $43,288 | $19,824 | ||||||||||
Ratios to Average Net Assets: |
|||||||||||||||
Gross expenses |
2.10 | % (3) | 2.06 | % | 1.99 | % | 1.93 | % | 2.29 | % | |||||
Net expenses |
1.92 | (3)(4)(5) | 1.86 | (4)(5) | 1.97 | (5) | 1.93 | 2.29 | |||||||
Net investment income |
0.73 | 1.36 | 1.24 | 1.55 | 4.10 | ||||||||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate |
76 | % | 98 | % | 79 | % | 113 | % | 133 | % | |||||
(1) |
Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
(2) |
Performance figures may reflect fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. |
(3) |
Included in the expense ratios are certain non-recurring restructuring (and reorganization, if applicable) fees that were incurred by the fund during the period. Without these fees, the gross and net expense ratios would have been 2.05% and 1.89%, respectively. |
(4) |
As a result of an expense limitation, the ratio of expenses other than interest, brokerage, taxes and extraordinary expenses to average net assets of Class C shares will not exceed 1.89%. |
(5) |
Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. |
36 Legg Mason Partners Funds
(1) |
Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
(2) |
As of November 20, 2006, Class Y shares were renamed as Class I shares. |
(3) |
Performance figures may reflect fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. |
(4) |
Included in the expense ratios are certain non-recurring restructuring (and reorganization, if applicable) fees that were incurred by the fund during the period. Without these fees, the gross and net expense ratios would have been 0.92% and 0.78%, respectively. |
(5) |
As a result of an expense limitation, the ratio of expenses other than interest, brokerage, taxes and extraordinary expenses to average net assets of Class I shares will not exceed 0.78%. |
(6) |
Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. |
Legg Mason Partners Convertible Fund 37
(Investment Company Act file no. 811-6444)
FD04050 11/07
Legg Mason Partners Convertible Fund
You may visit the funds website at http://www.leggmason.com/InvestorServices for a free copy of a Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information (SAI) or an Annual or Semi-Annual Report, or to request other information.
Shareholder Reports Additional information about the funds investments is available in the funds Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to shareholders. In the funds Annual Report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the funds performance.
The fund sends only one report to a household if more than one account has the same last name and same address. Contact your Service Agent or Legg Mason Partners Shareholder Services if you do not want this policy to apply to you.
Statement of additional information The SAI provides more detailed information about the fund and is incorporated by reference into (is legally a part of) this Prospectus.
You can make inquiries about the fund or obtain shareholder reports or the SAI (without charge) by contacting your Service Agent, by calling Legg Mason Partners Shareholder Services at 800-451-2010, or by writing to the fund at Legg Mason Partners Funds, 125 Broad Street, New York, New York 10004.
Information about the fund (including the SAI) can be reviewed and copied at the Securities and Exchange Commissions (the SEC) Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-202-551-8090. Reports and other information about the fund are available on the EDGAR Database on the SECs Internet site at http://www.sec.gov . Copies of this information may be obtained for a duplicating fee by electronic request at the following E-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov , or by writing the SECs Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102.
If someone makes a statement about the fund that is not in this Prospectus, you should not rely upon that information. Neither the fund nor the distributors are offering to sell shares of the fund to any person to whom the fund may not lawfully sell its shares.
Filed under Rule 497(c)
File Nos. 33-43446 and 811-6444
November 1, 2007
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
LEGG MASON PARTNERS CONVERTIBLE FUND
125 Broad Street
New York, New York 10004
(800) 451-2010
This Statement of Additional Information (this SAI) is not a prospectus and is meant to be read in conjunction with the current prospectus of Legg Mason Partners Convertible Fund (the fund), dated November 1, 2007, as amended or supplemented from time to time, and is incorporated by reference in its entirety into the funds prospectus.
As part of a number of initiatives launched in 2006 to restructure and streamline the Legg Mason Partners fund complex, the fund assumed the assets and liabilities of a predecessor fund with the same name. The fund is now grouped for organizational and governance purposes with other Legg Mason Partners funds that are predominantly equity-type funds, and is a series of Legg Mason Partners Equity Trust (the Trust), a Maryland business trust. Other initiatives, including the election of a new Board of Trustees (the Board) and the approval of certain revised fundamental investment policies, have also been accomplished, and more information on these matters appears in this SAI. Certain historical information contained in this SAI is that of the funds predecessor.
Additional information about the funds investments is available in the funds annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. The annual report contains financial statements that are incorporated herein by reference. The funds prospectus and copies of these reports may be obtained free of charge by contacting a distributors financial advisor or registered representative, broker/dealer, financial intermediary or financial institution that has entered into an agreement with one of the funds distributors (each called a Service Agent), or by writing or calling the fund at the address or telephone number set forth above. Legg Mason Investor Services, LLC (LMIS), a wholly-owned broker/dealer subsidiary of Legg Mason, Inc. (Legg Mason), and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (CGMI) serve as the funds distributors.
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Appendix AClearBridge Advisors, LLC Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures |
A-1 | |
B-1 |
This SAI is NOT a prospectus and is authorized for distribution to prospective investors
1
The business affairs of the fund are managed by or under the direction of the Board. The Board elects officers who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the fund and who execute policies authorized by the Board.
The current Trustees, including the Trustees of the fund who are not interested persons of the fund (the Independent Trustees), as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), and executive officers of the fund, their years of birth, their principal occupations during at least the past five years (their titles may have varied during that period), the number of funds associated with Legg Mason the Trustees oversee, and other board memberships they hold are set forth below. The address of each Trustee is c/o R. Jay Gerken, 620 Eighth Avenue, 49th Floor, New York, New York 10018.
The following information relates to the Trusts recently elected Board.
Name and Year of Birth |
Position(s)
with Fund |
Term of
Time Served** |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
Number of Funds
in Fund
|
Other
Board
Past Five Years |
|||||
Independent Trustees: | ||||||||||
Paul R. Ades Born 1940 |
Trustee | Since 1983 | Law firm of Paul R. Ades, PLLC (since 2000) | 57 | None | |||||
Andrew L. Breech Born 1952 |
Trustee | Since 1991 | President, Dealer Operating Control Service, Inc. (automotive retail management) (since 1985) | 57 | None | |||||
Dwight B. Crane Born 1937 |
Trustee | Since 1981 | Professor, Harvard Business School (since 1969); Independent Consultant (since 1969) | 60 | None | |||||
Robert M. Frayn, Jr. Born 1934 |
Trustee | Since 1981 | Retired; formerly, President and Director, Book Publishing Co. (1970 to 2002) | 57 | None | |||||
Frank G. Hubbard Born 1937 |
Trustee | Since 1993 | President, Avatar International Inc. (business development) (since 1998) | 57 | None | |||||
Howard J. Johnson Born 1938 |
Trustee | From 1981 to 1998 and 2000 to Present | Chief Executive Officer, Genesis Imaging LLC (technology company) (since 2003) | 57 | None |
2
Name and Year of Birth |
Position(s)
with Fund |
Term of
Time Served** |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
Number of Funds
in Fund
|
Other Board
Memberships
Past Five Years |
|||||
David E. Maryatt Born 1936 |
Trustee | Since 1983 | Private Investor; President and Director, ALS Co. (real estate management and development firm) (since 1993) | 57 | None | |||||
Jerome H. Miller Born 1938 |
Trustee | Since 1995 | Retired | 57 | None | |||||
Ken Miller Born 1942 |
Trustee | Since 1983 | Chairman, Young Stuff Apparel Group, Inc. (apparel manufacturer) (since 1963) | 57 | None | |||||
John J. Murphy Born 1944 |
Trustee | Since 2002 | President, Murphy Capital Management (investment advice) (since 1983) | 57 | Director, Nicholas Applegate funds; Trustee, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds; formerly, Director, Atlantic Stewardship Bank (2004 to 2005); Director, Barclays International Funds Group Ltd. and affiliated companies (to 2003) | |||||
Thomas F. Schlafly Born 1948 |
Trustee | Since 1983 | Of Counsel, Blackwell Sanders Peper Martin LLP (law firm) (since 1984); President, The Saint Louis Brewery, Inc. (brewery) (since 1989) | 57 | Director, Citizens National Bank, Maplewood (2006) | |||||
Jerry A. Viscione Born 1944 |
Trustee | Since 1993 | Retired; formerly, Executive Vice President, Marquette University (1997 to 2002) | 57 | None |
3
Name and Year of Birth |
Position(s)
with Fund |
Term of
Time Served** |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
Number of Funds
in Fund
|
Other Board
Past Five Years |
|||||
Interested Trustee: | ||||||||||
R. Jay Gerken, CFA Born 1951 |
Trustee,
President,
|
Since 2002 | Managing Director, Legg Mason & Co., LLC (Legg Mason & Co.); Chairman of the Board and Trustee/Director of 149 funds associated with Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (LMPFA) and its affiliates; President, LMPFA (since 2006); Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates; formerly, Chairman, Smith Barney Fund Management LLC (SBFM) and Citi Fund Management, Inc. (CFM) (2002 to 2005); formerly, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Travelers Investment Adviser Inc. (2002 to 2005) | 134 | Former Trustee, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (2002-2006) |
* | Each Trustee serves until his respective successor has been duly elected and qualified or until his earlier death, resignation, retirement or removal. |
** | Indicates the earliest year in which the Trustee became a Board member for a fund in the Legg Mason Partners fund complex. |
| Mr. Gerken is an interested person, as defined in the 1940 Act, because of his position with the manager and/or certain of its affiliates. |
4
Name, Year of Birth and Address |
Position(s) with Fund |
Term of
Office* and
Served** |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
|||
Officers: |
||||||
Ted P. Becker Born 1951 620 Eighth Avenue, 49th Floor New York, NY 10018 |
Chief Compliance
Officer |
Since 2006 | Director of Global Compliance at Legg Mason (2006 to present); Managing Director of Compliance at Legg Mason & Co. (2005 to present); Chief Compliance Officer with certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. (since 2006); Chief Compliance Officer of LMPFA and certain affiliates; Managing Director of Compliance at Citigroup Asset Management (CAM, a group of affiliated investment advisers, which included SBFM, Smith Barney Asset Management and CFM and other affiliated investment advisory entities) (2002 to 2005) | |||
John Chiota Born 1968 300 First Stamford Place Stamford, CT 06902 |
Chief Anti-Money
Laundering Compliance Officer |
Since 2006 | Vice President of Legg Mason & Co. (since 2005); Vice President at CAM (since 2004); Chief Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. (since 2006). Prior to August 2004, Chief Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer of TD Waterhouse | |||
Robert I. Frenkel Born 1954 300 First Stamford Place Stamford, CT 06902 |
Secretary and
Chief Legal Officer |
Since 2003 | Managing Director and General Counsel of Global Mutual Funds for Legg Mason & Co. (since 2005); Managing Director and General Counsel of Global Mutual Funds for CAM (since 2000); Secretary and Chief Legal Officer of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. (since 2003). Previously, Secretary of CFM (2001 to 2004) |
5
Name, Year of Birth and Address |
Position(s) with Fund |
Term of
Office* and
Served** |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
|||
R. Jay Gerken, CFA Born 1951 620 Eighth Avenue, 49th Floor New York, NY 10018 |
Chairman,
President
and
Chief
|
Since
2002 |
Managing Director of Legg Mason & Co.; Chairman of the Board and Trustee/Director of 149 funds associated with LMPFA and its affiliates; President, LMPFA (since 2006); Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates. Previously, Chairman of SBFM and CFM (2002 to 2005); Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Travelers Investment Adviser Inc. (2002 to 2005) | |||
Thomas C. Mandia Born 1962 300 First Stamford Place Stamford, CT 06902 |
Assistant
Secretary |
Since
2000 |
Managing Director and Deputy General Counsel of Legg Mason & Co. (since 2005); Managing Director and Deputy General Counsel for CAM (since 1992); Assistant Secretary of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. | |||
Kaprel Ozsolak Born 1965 125 Broad Street, 11th Floor New York, NY 10004 |
Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer |
Since
2004 |
Director of Legg Mason & Co. (since 2005); Vice President at CAM (1996 to 2005); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. (since 2005); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of certain mutual funds associated with CAM (2004 to 2005). Previously, Mr. Ozsolak was Controller of certain mutual funds associated with CAM (2002 to 2004) |
6
Name and Year of Birth |
Position(s)
With Fund |
Term of
Office* and Length of Time Served |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
Number
of Funds in Fund Complex to be Overseen by Trustee |
Other Board
Memberships Held by Trustee During Past Five Years |
|||||
Steven Frank
|
Controller |
Since
2005 |
Vice President of Legg Mason or its predecessors (since 2002); Controller of certain funds associated with Legg Mason (since 2005); formerly, Assistant Controller of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason (2001 to 2005) | N/A | N/A | |||||
Albert Laskaj
|
Controller |
Since
2007 |
Controller of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason; formerly, Assistant Controller of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason (2005 to 2007); Accounting Manager of certain
mutual funds associated with certain predecessor firms of Legg Mason (2003 to 2005); Prior to 2003, Senior Analyst of certain mutual funds associated with certain predecessor firms of
Legg Mason |
N/A | N/A |
* | Each officer serves until his respective successor has been duly elected and qualified or until his earlier death, resignation, retirement or removal. |
** | Indicates the earliest year in which the officer took office for any funds in the Legg Mason Partners fund complex. |
Officers of the fund receive no compensation from the fund, although they may be reimbursed by the fund for reasonable out-of-pocket travel expenses for attending Board meetings.
The Board has three standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Governance Committee and the Pricing Committee. The Audit Committee and Governance Committee are composed of all of the Independent Trustees. The Pricing Committee is composed of the Chairman of the Board and one Independent Trustee.
The Audit Committee oversees, among other things, the scope of the funds audit, the funds accounting and financial reporting policies and practices and its internal controls. The primary purposes of the Boards Audit Committee are to assist the Board in fulfilling its responsibility for oversight of the integrity of the accounting, auditing and financial reporting practices of the fund and the qualifications and independence of the funds independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee approves, and recommends to the Independent Trustees for their ratification, the selection, appointment, retention or termination of the funds independent registered public accounting firm and approves the compensation of the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee also approves all audit and permissible non-audit services provided to the fund by the independent registered public accounting firm and all permissible non-audit services provided by the funds independent registered public accounting firm to its manager and any affiliated service
7
providers if the engagement relates directly to the funds operations and financial reporting. The Audit Committee also assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibility for the review and negotiation of the funds investment management and subadvisory arrangements.
The Governance Committee is responsible for, among other things, recommending candidates to fill vacancies on the Board. The Governance Committee may consider nominees recommended by a shareholder. Shareholders who wish to recommend a nominee should send recommendations to the Trusts Secretary that include all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for the election of Trustees. A recommendation must be accompanied by a written consent of the individual to stand for election if nominated by the Board and to serve if elected by the shareholders.
The Governance Committee also identifies potential nominees through its network of contacts and may also engage, if it deems appropriate, a professional search firm. The committee meets to discuss and consider such candidates qualifications and then chooses a candidate by majority vote. The committee does not have specific, minimum qualifications for nominees, nor has it established specific qualities or skills that it regards as necessary for one or more of the Trustees to possess (other than any qualities or skills that may be required by applicable law, regulation or listing standard). However, in evaluating a person as a potential nominee to serve as a Trustee, the Governance Committee may consider the following factors, among any others it may deem relevant:
|
whether or not the person is an interested person, as defined in the 1940 Act, and whether the person is otherwise qualified under applicable laws and regulations to serve as a Trustee; |
|
whether or not the person has any relationships that might impair his or her independence, such as any business, financial or family relationships with fund management, the investment adviser, service providers or their affiliates; |
|
whether or not the person serves on boards of, or is otherwise affiliated with, competing financial service organizations or their related mutual fund complexes; |
|
whether or not the person is willing to serve, and willing and able to commit the time necessary for the performance of the duties of a Trustee; |
|
the contribution which the person can make to the Board (or, if the person has previously served as a Trustee, the contribution which the person made to the Board during his or her previous term of service), with consideration being given to the persons business and professional experience, education and such other factors as the committee may consider relevant; |
|
the character and integrity of the person; and |
|
whether or not the selection and nomination of the person would be consistent with the requirements of the retirement policies of the Trust, as applicable. |
The Pricing Committee is charged with determining the fair value prices for securities when required.
As indicated above, the Trusts Board is recently elected and is newly constituted as the Board that oversees all of the equity-type funds in the fund complex. All members of the Board previously have served on Boards of Legg Mason Partners funds. The Audit and Governance Committees did not meet during the funds last fiscal year. The Pricing Committee met twice during the funds last fiscal year.
8
The following table shows the amount of equity securities owned by the Trustees in the fund and other investment companies in the fund complex supervised by the Trustees as of December 31, 2006.
Name of Trustee |
Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in the Fund |
Aggregate Dollar Range
Overseen by Trustee |
||
Independent Trustees : |
||||
Paul R. Ades |
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Andrew L. Breech |
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Dwight B. Crane |
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Robert M. Frayn, Jr. |
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Frank G. Hubbard |
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Howard J. Johnson |
None | None | ||
David E. Maryatt |
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Jerome H. Miller |
None | $50,001-$100,000 | ||
Ken Miller |
None | $50,001-$100,000 | ||
John J. Murphy |
None | None | ||
Thomas F. Schlafly |
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Jerry A. Viscione |
None | $10,001-$50,000 | ||
Interested Trustee : |
||||
R. Jay Gerken |
None | Over $100,000 |
As of October 12, 2007, none of the Independent Trustees or their immediate family members owned beneficially or of record any securities of the manager, subadviser or distributors of the fund, or in a person (other than a registered investment company) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with the manager, subadviser or distributors of the fund.
Information regarding compensation paid by the fund to its recently elected Board and its prior Board is set forth below. The Independent Trustees receive a fee for each meeting of the Board and Committee meetings attended and are reimbursed for all out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at such meetings. Mr. Gerken, an interested person, as defined in the 1940 Act, does not receive compensation from the fund for his service as Trustee, but may be reimbursed for all out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at such meetings.
The fund pays a pro rata share of the Trustee fees based upon asset size. The fund currently pays each of the Trustees who is not a director, officer or employee of the manager or any of its affiliates its pro rata share of: an annual fee of $100,000, plus $20,000 for each regularly scheduled Board meeting attended in person, and $1,000 for telephonic Board meetings in which that Trustee participates. The lead Independent Trustee will receive an additional $25,000 per year and the Chair of the Audit Committee will receive an additional $15,000 per year.
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Recently Elected Board
Information as to the compensation paid to Trustees for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2007 is shown below. Information as to the compensation paid to Trustees for the calendar year ended December 31, 2006 is also shown below.
Name of Trustee |
Aggregate
Compensation from the Fund for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2007 |
Total Pension
or Retirement Benefits Paid as Part of Fund Expenses |
Total
Compensation from the Fund Complex Paid to Trustee |
Number of
Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee |
|||||||
Independent Trustees: |
|||||||||||
Paul R. Ades |
$ | 204 | $ | 0 | $ | 131,900 | 12 | ||||
Andrew L. Breech |
$ | 151 | $ | 0 | $ | 107,250 | 3 | ||||
Dwight B. Crane (2) |
$ | 172 | $ | 444,463 | $ | 279,898 | 46 | ||||
Robert M. Frayn, Jr. |
$ | 151 | $ | 0 | $ | 97,500 | 1 | ||||
Frank G. Hubbard (1) |
$ | 151 | $ | 0 | $ | 125,400 | 12 | ||||
Howard J. Johnson |
$ | 163 | $ | 0 | $ | 115,500 | 1 | ||||
David E. Maryatt |
$ | 151 | $ | 0 | $ | 97,500 | 1 | ||||
Jerome H. Miller |
$ | 151 | $ | 0 | $ | 124,400 | 12 | ||||
Ken Miller |
$ | 151 | $ | 0 | $ | 123,900 | 12 | ||||
John J. Murphy (1) |
$ | 151 | $ | 0 | $ | 123,700 | 23 | ||||
Thomas F. Schafly |
$ | 151 | $ | 0 | $ | 106,750 | 3 | ||||
Jerry A. Viscione |
$ | 151 | $ | 0 | $ | 107,500 | 1 | ||||
Interested Trustee: |
|||||||||||
Jay Gerken (3) |
N/A | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | 162 |
(1) | Messrs. Hubbard and Murphy also received $5,200 and $2,200, respectively, during 2006 for attending on behalf of their former Boards an additional meeting relating to the selection of service providers for the funds in the Legg Mason Partners fund complex. This amount was paid by the manager or its affiliates, and not by the fund. |
(2) | Pursuant to a prior emeritus retirement plan, Mr. Crane has received in a lump sum (calculated on a net present value basis) an aggregate benefit having a net present value equal to $444,643. Each fund no longer overseen by Mr. Crane has paid a pro rata share (based upon asset size) of the aggregate benefit to Mr. Crane. Legg Mason or its affiliates have agreed to reimburse these funds an amount equal to 50% of the benefits paid to Mr. Crane. None of these amounts were paid during the period covered by this table. |
(3) | Mr. Gerken was not compensated for his services as Trustee because of his affiliation with the manager. |
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Name of Trustee |
Aggregate
Compensation from the Fund for the Calendar Year Ended December 31, 2006 |
Total Pension or
Retirement Benefits Paid as Part of Fund Expenses for the Calendar Year Ended December 31, 2006 |
Total
Compensation from Fund Complex Paid to Trustee for the Calendar Year Ended December 31, 2006 |
Number of
Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee |
||||||
Independent Trustees: |
N/A | |||||||||
Paul R. Ades |
N/A | $0 | $ | 86,200 | 12 | |||||
Andrew L. Breech |
N/A | $0 | $ | 35,750 | 3 | |||||
Dwight B. Crane |
N/A | (1 | ) | $ | 266,500 | 46 | ||||
Robert M. Frayn, Jr. |
N/A | $0 | $ | 17,500 | 1 | |||||
Frank G. Hubbard |
N/A | $0 | $ | 78,700 | 12 | |||||
Howard J. Johnson |
N/A | $0 | $ | 36,000 | 1 | |||||
David E. Maryatt |
N/A | $0 | $ | 17,500 | 1 | |||||
Jerome H. Miller |
N/A | $0 | $ | 73,500 | 12 | |||||
Ken Miller |
N/A | $0 | $ | 71,500 | 12 | |||||
John J. Murphy |
N/A | $0 | $ | 91,200 | 23 | |||||
Thomas F. Schlafly |
N/A | $0 | $ | 35,250 | 3 | |||||
Jerry A. Viscione |
N/A | $0 | $ | 29,500 | 1 | |||||
Interested Trustee: |
||||||||||
R. Jay Gerken (2) |
N/A | $0 | $ | 0 | 162 |
(1) | Pursuant to a prior emeritus retirement plan, Mr. Crane has received in a lump sum (calculated on a net present value basis) an aggregate benefit having a net present value equal to $444,643. Each fund no longer overseen by Mr. Crane has paid a pro rata share (based upon asset size) of the aggregate benefit to Mr. Crane. Legg Mason or its affiliates have agreed to reimburse these funds an amount equal to 50% of the benefits paid to Mr. Crane. None of these amounts were paid during the period covered by this table. |
(2) | Mr. Gerken was not compensated for his service as Trustee because of his affiliation with the manager. |
Prior Board
Information as to the compensation paid to the Trustees of the fund for the calendar year ended December 31, 2006 is shown below.
Name of Trustee |
Aggregate
for the Calendar
|
Total Pension or
Retirement Benefits Paid as Part of Fund Expenses for the Calendar Year Ended December 31, 2006 (1)(2) |
Total
|
Number of
Funds for Which Trustee Served Within Fund Complex |
||||||
Independent Trustees: | ||||||||||
Leopold Abraham II |
$ | 2,563 | (2) | $ | 79,900 | 27 | ||||
Jane Dasher |
$ | 2,656 | $0 | $ | 86,100 | 27 | ||||
Richard E. Hanson, Jr. |
$ | 2,513 | $0 | $ | 80,900 | 27 | ||||
Paul Hardin |
$ | 2,500 | (2) | $ | 146,800 | 34 | ||||
Roderick C. Rasmussen |
$ | 2,500 | (2) | $ | 80,000 | 27 | ||||
John P. Toolan |
$ | 2,406 | (2) | $ | 80,900 | 27 | ||||
Interested Trustee: | ||||||||||
R. Jay Gerken (3) |
$ | $0 | $ | 0 | 168 |
(1) | During the calendar year ended December 31, 2006, the following former Trustees received the following payments for their service as emeritus trustees: Mr. Allan J. Bloostein: $919; and Mr. Donald R. Foley: $1,554. |
(2) | Pursuant to prior emeritus retirement plans, the following former Trustees have received or are entitled to receive benefits (calculated on a net present value basis) as follows: Mr. Abraham: $288,607; Mr. Bloostein: $439,878; Mr. Foley: $245,580; Mr. Hardin: $539,396; Mr. Rasmussen: $288,607; and Mr. Toolan: $288,607. Benefits under the emeritus retirement plans are paid in quarterly installments unless the Trustee elected to receive them in a lump sum at net present value. Each fund no longer overseen by these Trustees will pay its pro rata share (based on asset size) of these aggregate benefits. Legg Mason or its affiliates have agreed to reimburse the fund an amount equal to 50% of these benefits. None of these amounts were paid during the period covered by this table. |
(3) | Mr. Gerken was not compensated for his service as Trustee because of his affiliation with the manager. |
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As of October 12, 2007, all Trustees and officers as a group owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the fund.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND OTHER SERVICES
Manager
Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (LMPFA or the manager) serves as investment manager to the fund pursuant to an investment management agreement (the Management Agreement) with the fund. LMPFA, with offices at 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10018, is a recently-organized investment adviser that has been formed to serve as the investment manager of the fund and other Legg Mason-sponsored funds. LMPFA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Legg Mason. Legg Mason, whose principal executive offices are at 100 Light Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, is a global asset management company. As of September 30, 2007, Legg Masons asset management operation had aggregate assets under management of approximately $ 992 billion. LMPFA provides administrative and certain oversight services to the fund and manages the cash and short-term investments of the fund.
Under the Management Agreement, subject to the supervision and direction of the Board, the manager is delegated the responsibility of managing the funds portfolio in accordance with the funds stated investment objective and policies, making investment decisions for the fund and placing orders to purchase and sell securities. The manager also performs administrative and management services necessary for the operation of the fund, such as (i) supervising the overall administration of the fund, including negotiation of contracts and fees with, and the monitoring of performance, and billings of, the funds transfer agent, shareholder servicing agents, custodian and other independent contractors or agents, (ii) providing certain compliance, fund accounting, regulatory reporting and tax reporting services, (iii) preparing or participating in the preparation of Board materials, registration statements, proxy statements and reports and other communications to shareholders, (iv) maintaining the funds existence, and (v) maintaining the registration and qualification of the funds shares under federal and state laws.
The Management Agreement has an initial term ending November 30, 2007 and will continue in effect from year to year thereafter provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (a) by the Board or by a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the fund (as defined in the 1940 Act), and (b) in either event, by a majority of the Independent Trustees with such Independent Trustees casting votes in person at a meeting called for such purpose.
The Management Agreement provides that the manager may render services to others. The Management Agreement is terminable without penalty on not more than 60 days nor less than 30 days written notice by the fund when authorized either by a vote of holders of shares representing a majority of the voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the fund (as defined in the 1940 Act) or by a vote of a majority of the Trustees, or by the manager on not less than 90 days written notice, and will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. The Management Agreement provides that neither the manager nor its personnel shall be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss arising out of any investment or for any act or omission in the execution of security transactions for the fund, except for willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence or reckless disregard of its or their obligations and duties.
For its services under the Management Agreement, LMPFA receives an investment management fee of 0.70% of the funds net assets, calculated daily and paid monthly.
For the period from December 1, 2005 through July 31, 2006, Smith Barney Fund Management LLC (SBFM) served as the manager to the fund pursuant to a prior management agreement. Fees payable to SBFM under the prior management agreement were the same as those payable to LMPFA as described above.
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Prior to December 1, 2005, SBFM served as the adviser and administrator to the fund pursuant to a prior advisory and administration agreement and received separate investment advisory and administration fees. The fees payable by the fund to SBFM under its prior advisory and administration agreement were computed daily and paid monthly at the following annual rates of the funds average daily net assets:
Advisory Fee
Rate |
Administration
Fee Rate |
Total Advisory Fee
and Administration Fee Rate |
||
0.50% | 0.20% | 0.70% |
For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2005, and for the period from August 1, 2005 through November 30, 2005, the fund paid SBFM the following advisory fees under a prior advisory agreement; for the period from December 1, 2005 through July 31, 2006, the fund paid SBFM the following management fees under a prior management agreement; and for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2007, the fund paid LMPFA the following management fees under the management agreement:
Advisory Fees
Payable For the Fiscal Year Ended July 31, 2005 |
Advisory Fees
Payable for the Period from August 1, 2005 through November 30, 2005 |
Management Fees
Payable for the Period from December 1, 2005 through July 31, 2006 |
Management Fees
Payable for the Fiscal Year Ended July 31, 2007 |
||||
$ | 909,413 | $185,802 | $473,000 | $621,142 |
For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2007, the fund was reimbursed for $138,766 in expenses.
For the fiscal years ended July 31, 2004 and 2005, and for the period from August 1, 2005 through November 30, 2005, the fund paid SBFM administration fees as follows. The fund did not pay an administrative fee in the fiscal year ended July 31, 2007.
For the Fiscal
Year Ended July 31, 2005 |
For the Period
from August 1, 2005 through November 30, 2005 |
||
$ | 363,765 | $74,321 |
Subadviser
ClearBridge Advisors, LLC (ClearBridge or the subadviser) serves as subadviser of the fund and performs the day-to-day portfolio management of the fund, except that LMPFA manages the cash and short-term investments of the fund. ClearBridge is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Legg Mason.
The subadviser serves as subadviser pursuant to a Sub-Advisory Agreement between the manager and ClearBridge (the Sub-Advisory Agreement).
Under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, subject to the supervision and direction of the Board and the manager, the subadviser will, except for the management of cash and short-term investments that is performed by LMPFA, manage the funds portfolio (or allocated portion thereof) in accordance with the funds stated investment objective and policies, assist in supervising all aspects of the funds operations, make investment decisions for the fund, place orders to purchase and sell securities, and employ professional portfolio managers and securities analysts who provide research services to the fund.
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The Sub-Advisory Agreement has an initial term ending November 30, 2007 and will continue in effect from year to year thereafter provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (a) by the Board or by a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the fund (as defined in the 1940 Act), and (b) in either event, by a majority of the Independent Trustees with such Independent Trustees casting votes in person at a meeting called for such purpose. The Board or a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the fund (as defined in the 1940 Act) may terminate the Sub-Advisory Agreement without penalty, in each case on not more than 60 days nor less than 30 days written notice to the subadviser. The subadviser may terminate the Sub-Advisory Agreement on 90 days written notice to the fund and the manager. The manager and the subadviser may terminate the Sub-Advisory Agreement upon their mutual written consent. The Sub-Advisory Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of assignment by the subadviser and shall not be assignable by the manager without the consent of the subadviser.
As compensation for its sub-advisory services, the manager pays the subadviser a fee equal to 70% of the management fee paid to LMPFA, net of expense waivers and reimbursements.
For the period from August 1, 2006 (the date the sub-advisory agreement went into effect) through July 31, 2007, the manager paid fees to ClearBridge of $348,378 for its services relating to the fund.
Prior to August 1, 2006, Salomon Brothers Asset Management Inc (SaBAM) served as subadviser to the fund pursuant to a written agreement dated November 22, 1999. Under this prior agreement, as compensation for sub-advisory services, SBFM paid SaBAM a fee of 40% from SBFMs fee.
For the fiscal years ended July 31, 2005 and 2006,
Expenses
In addition to amounts payable under its Management Agreement and 12b-1 plans (as discussed below), the fund is responsible for its own expenses, including, among other things: interest; taxes; governmental fees; voluntary assessments and other expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; organization costs of the fund; the cost (including brokerage commissions, transaction fees or charges, if any) in connection with the purchase or sale of the funds securities and other investments and any losses in connection therewith; fees and expenses of custodians, transfer agents, registrars, independent pricing vendors or other agents; legal expenses; loan commitment fees; expenses relating to share certificates; expenses relating to the issuing and redemption or repurchase of the funds shares and servicing shareholder accounts; expenses of registering and qualifying the funds shares for sale under applicable federal and state law; expenses of preparing, setting in print, printing and distributing prospectuses and statements of additional information and any supplements thereto, reports, proxy statements, notices and dividends to the funds shareholders; costs of stationery; website costs; costs of meetings of the Board or any committee thereof; meetings of shareholders and other meetings of the fund; Board fees; audit fees; travel expenses of officers, Trustees and employees of the fund, if any; and the funds pro rata portion of premiums on any fidelity bond and other insurance covering the fund and its officers, Trustees and employees; litigation expenses and any non-recurring or extraordinary expenses as may arise, including, without limitation, those relating to actions, suits or proceedings to which the fund is a party and the legal obligation which the fund may have to indemnify the funds Trustees and officers with respect thereto.
Management may agree to waive fees and/or reimburse operating expenses for one or more classes of shares, either through contractual or voluntary arrangements. Any such waivers and/or reimbursements are described in the funds prospectus. The contractual and voluntary fee waivers and/or reimbursements do not cover extraordinary expenses, such as (a) any expenses or charges related to litigation, derivative actions, demand related to litigation, regulatory or other government investigations and proceedings, for cause regulatory inspections and indemnification or advancement of related expenses or costs, to the extent any such expenses are considered extraordinary expenses for the purposes of fee disclosure in Form N-1A, as the same may be amended from time to time, (b) transaction costs (such as brokerage commissions and dealer and
14
underwriter spreads) and taxes, and (c) other extraordinary expenses as determined for the purposes of fee disclosure in Form N-1A, as the same may be amended from time to time. Without limiting the foregoing, extraordinary expenses are generally those that are unusual or expected to recur only infrequently, and may include such expenses, by way of illustration, as (i) expenses of the reorganization, restructuring, redomiciling or merger of a fund or class or the acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets of another fund or class, (ii) expenses of holding, and soliciting proxies for, a meeting of shareholders of a fund or class (except to the extent relating to routine items such as the election of board members or the approval of the independent registered public accounting firm), and (iii) expenses of converting to a new custodian, transfer agent or other service provider, in each case to the extent any such expenses are considered extraordinary expenses for the purposes of fee disclosure in Form N-1A, as the same may be amended from time to time.
Custodian and Transfer Agent
State Street Bank and Trust Company (State Street), located at One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, serves as the custodian of the fund. State Street, among other things, maintains a custody account or accounts in the name of the fund; receives and delivers all assets for the fund upon purchase and upon sale or maturity; collects and receives all income and other payments and distributions on account of the assets of the fund; and makes disbursements on behalf of the fund. State Street neither determines the funds investment policies, nor decides which securities the fund will buy or sell. For its services, State Street receives a monthly fee based upon the daily average market value of securities held in custody and also receives securities transaction charges, including out-of-pocket expenses. The fund may also periodically enter into arrangements with other qualified custodians with respect to certain types of securities or other transactions such as repurchase agreements or derivatives transactions. State Street may also act as the funds securities lending agent and, in that case, receive a share of the income generated by such activities.
PFPC Inc. (PFPC or transfer agent), located at P.O. Box 9699, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9699, serves as the funds transfer agent. Under the transfer agency agreement, the transfer agent maintains the shareholder account records for the fund, handles certain communications between shareholders and the fund and distributes dividends and distributions payable by the fund. For these services, the transfer agent receives a monthly fee computed on the basis of the number of shareholder accounts it maintains for the fund during the month, and is reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses. Prior to January 1, 2006, Citicorp Trust Bank, fsb served as the funds transfer agent and PFPC served as the funds sub-transfer agent.
Counsel
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, located at 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019-6099, serves as counsel to the fund.
Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP, 180 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10038, serves as counsel to the Independent Trustees.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154, has been selected to audit and report upon the funds financial statements and financial highlights for the fiscal
Code of Ethics
Pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, the Trust, the manager, the subadviser and the distributors have adopted Codes of Ethics that permit personnel to invest in securities for their own accounts, including securities that may be purchased or held by the fund. All personnel must place the interests of clients first and avoid activities, interests and relationships that might interfere with the duty to make decisions in the best interests of
15
the clients. All personal securities transactions by employees must adhere to the requirements of the Code of Ethics and must be conducted in such a manner as to avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest, the appearance of such a conflict, or the abuse of an employees position of trust and responsibility.
Copies of the Codes of Ethics of the Trust, the manager, the subadviser and the distributors are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC).
Proxy Voting Guidelines and Procedures
Although individual Trustees may not agree with particular policies or votes by the manager or subadviser, the Board has delegated proxy voting discretion to the manager, believing that the manager and/or the subadviser should be responsible for voting because it is a matter relating to the investment decision making process.
LMPFA delegates the responsibility for voting proxies for the fund to the subadviser through its contract with the subadviser. The subadviser will use its own Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures to vote proxies. Accordingly, LMPFA does not expect to have proxy-voting responsibility for the fund. Should LMPFA become responsible for voting proxies for any reason, such as the inability of the subadviser to provide investment advisory services, LMPFA shall utilize the proxy voting guidelines established by the most recent subadviser to vote proxies until a new subadviser is retained. In the case of a material conflict between the interests of LMPFA (or its affiliates if such conflict is known to persons responsible for voting at LMPFA) and the fund, the board of directors of LMPFA shall consider how to address the conflict and/or how to vote the proxies. LMPFA shall maintain records of all proxy votes in accordance with applicable securities laws and regulations, to the extent that LMPFA votes proxies. LMPFA shall be responsible for gathering relevant documents and records related to proxy voting from the subadviser and providing them to the fund as required for the fund to comply with applicable rules under the 1940 Act.
The subadvisers Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures, a summary of which is attached as Appendix A to this SAI, govern in determining how proxies relating to the funds portfolio securities are voted. Information regarding how the fund voted proxies (if any) relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge (1) by calling (888) 425-6432, (2) on the funds website at http://www.leggmason.com/InvestorServices, and (3) on the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov.
Portfolio Manager
The following tables set forth certain additional information with respect to the portfolio manager for the fund. Unless noted otherwise, all information
Other Accounts Managed by Portfolio Manager
The table below identifies the number of accounts (other than the fund) for which the portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities and the total assets in such accounts, within each of the following categories: registered investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles and other accounts. No accounts have fees based on performance.
Portfolio Manager |
Registered Investment Companies |
Other
Pooled Investment Vehicles |
Other Accounts |
|||
Peter Luke | 2 registered investment companies with $ 0.10 billion in total assets under management | None | 1 other account with $ 0.38 billion in total assets under management |
16
Portfolio Manager Compensation
Investment Professional Compensation
Effective April 1, 2007, ClearBridge investment professionals receive base salary and other employee benefits and are eligible to receive incentive compensation. Base salary is fixed and typically determined based on market factors and the skill and experience of individual investment personnel.
ClearBridge has incentive and deferred compensation plans (the Plans) for its investment professionals, including the funds portfolio manager and research analysts. The Plans are designed to align the objectives of ClearBridge investment professionals with those of fund shareholders and other ClearBridge clients. Additionally, the deferred plans are designed to retain its investment professionals and reward long-term performance.
Incentive Compensation
Investment performance is the key component in determining the final incentive award for all of ClearBridges investment professionals. A portfolio managers initial incentive award is based on the investment professionals ongoing contribution to ClearBridges investment and business results and externally measured competitive pay practices for the portfolio managers position/experience within the firm. This award is then adjusted upward or downward (up to +/-50%) based on investment performance during the most recent year over a rolling 1, 3, and 5 year time period. Product performance is ranked among a peer group of non-ClearBridge investment managers and the products pre-tax investment performance against the applicable product benchmark (e.g. a securities index and, with respect to a fund, the benchmark set forth in the funds prospectus to which the funds average annual total returns are compared).
The peer group of non-ClearBridge investment managers is defined by product style/type, vehicle type and geography and selected by independent vendors that track and provide (for a fee paid by ClearBridge) relevant peer group performance and ranking data (e.g. primarily Lipper or Callan).
The 1, 3, and 5 year performance versus benchmark and peer group approximate effective weightings are 35% for trailing 1 year performance, 50% for trailing 3 year performance, and 15% for trailing 5 year performance.
Lastly, the incentive award for an investment professional may also be adjusted by the ClearBridge Chief Investment Officer(s) based on other qualitative factors such as contribution to the firm and the development of investment staff.
For ClearBridges centralized research professionals, there is an incentive compensation plan based on annual performance on a combined scorecard containing a portfolio manager questionnaire survey and stock picking performance. The analysts stock picks are tracked on a formal basis through Factset and make up a portion of the analysts overall scorecard performance. These stock picks are measured versus their respective sector indices.
Deferred Award
Up to 20% of an investment professionals annual incentive compensation is subject to deferral. For portfolio managers, 25% of this deferral is invested in their primary managed product while another 25% is invested in an elected proprietary ClearBridge sub-advised fund. Therefore, portfolio managers may potentially have 50% of their deferred award amount tracking the performance of their primary managed product. Every portfolio manager selects their primary product for the elective component. Legg Mason then makes a company investment in the Legg Mason Partners funds equal to the deferral amounts by fund. This investment is a company asset held on the Legg Mason balance sheet and paid out to the employees upon vesting over a four year deferral period. The remaining 50% of the deferral is received in the form of Legg Mason restricted stock shares.
17
For centralized research analysts, 50% of this deferral tracks the performance of up to two elected proprietary funds. Legg Mason then makes an investment at the company level into each of the funds in the deferral program based on the aggregate dollars deferred by each individual in that plan year (similar to the above description). The remaining 50% of the deferral is received in the form of Legg Mason restricted stock shares.
Potential Conflicts of Interest
Potential conflicts of interest may arise when the funds portfolio manager also has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to one or more other funds or other accounts, as is the case for the portfolio manager listed in the table above.
The manager, the subadviser and the fund have adopted compliance policies and procedures that are designed to address various conflicts of interest that may arise for the manager or the subadviser and the individuals that it employs. For example, each of the manager and the subadviser seeks to minimize the effects of competing interests for the time and attention of portfolio managers by assigning portfolio managers to manage funds and accounts that share a similar investment style. The manager and the subadviser have also adopted trade allocation procedures that are designed to facilitate the fair allocation of limited investment opportunities among multiple funds and accounts. There is no guarantee, however, that the policies and procedures adopted by the manager, the subadviser and the fund will be able to detect and/or prevent every situation in which an actual or potential conflict may appear. These potential conflicts include:
Allocation of Limited Time and Attention . A portfolio manager who is responsible for managing multiple funds and/or accounts may devote unequal time and attention to the management of those funds and/or accounts. As a result, the portfolio manager may not be able to formulate as complete a strategy or identify equally attractive investment opportunities for each of those accounts as might be the case if he or she were to devote substantially more attention to the management of a single fund. The effects of this potential conflict may be more pronounced where funds and/or accounts overseen by a particular portfolio manager have different investment strategies.
Allocation of Limited Investment Opportunities . If a portfolio manager identifies a limited investment opportunity that may be suitable for multiple funds and/or accounts, the opportunity may be allocated among these several funds or accounts, which may limit the funds ability to take full advantage of the investment opportunity.
Pursuit of Differing Strategies . At times, a portfolio manager may determine that an investment opportunity may be appropriate for only some of the funds and/or accounts for which he or she exercises investment responsibility, or may decide that certain of the funds and/or accounts should take differing positions with respect to a particular security. In these cases, the portfolio manager may place separate transactions for one or more funds or accounts which may affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the detriment or benefit of one or more other funds and/or accounts.
Selection of Brokers/Dealers . Portfolio managers may be able to select or influence the selection of the brokers and dealers that are used to execute securities transactions for the funds and/or accounts that they supervise. In addition to executing trades, some brokers and dealers provide brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), which may result in the payment of higher brokerage fees than might have otherwise been available. These services may be more beneficial to certain funds or accounts than to others. Although the payment of brokerage commissions is subject to the requirement that the subadviser determine in good faith that the commissions are reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided to the fund, a decision as to the selection of brokers and dealers could yield disproportionate costs and benefits among the funds and/or accounts managed. For this reason, the subadviser has formed a brokerage committee that reviews, among other things, the allocation of brokerage commissions to broker/dealers, best execution and soft dollar usage.
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Variation in Compensation . A conflict of interest may arise where the financial or other benefits available to the portfolio manager differ among the funds and/or accounts that he or she manages. If the structure of the investment managers management fee and/or the portfolio managers compensation differs among funds and/or accounts (such as where certain funds or accounts pay higher management fees or performance-based management fees), the portfolio manager might be motivated to help certain funds and/or accounts over others. The portfolio manager might be motivated to favor funds and/or accounts in which he or she has an interest or in which the investment manager and/or its affiliates have interests. Similarly, the desire to maintain assets under management or to enhance the portfolio managers performance record or to derive other rewards, financial or otherwise, could influence the portfolio manager in affording preferential treatment to those funds and/or accounts that could most significantly benefit the portfolio manager.
Related Business Opportunities . The investment manager or its affiliates may provide more services (such as distribution or recordkeeping) for some types of funds or accounts than for others. In such cases, a portfolio manager may benefit, either directly or indirectly, by devoting disproportionate attention to the management of funds and/or
Portfolio Manager Securities Ownership
The table below identifies ownership of portfolio securities by the portfolio manager.
Portfolio Manager |
Dollar Range of
Ownership of Securities |
|
Peter Luke | $100,001-$500,000 |
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND MANAGEMENT POLICIES
The fund seeks current income and capital appreciation. The funds prospectus discusses the funds investment objective and policies. The following discussion supplements the description of the funds investment policies in its prospectus.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal market conditions, the fund invests at least 80% of the value of its net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, in convertible securities. These are either bonds or preferred shares which may be converted into common stock or other equity interests of the issuer at a predetermined price or rate. The fund also may invest up to 20% of its assets in synthetic convertible securities, equity securities and debt securities that are not convertible. Synthetic convertible securities are created by combining non-convertible preferred shares or debt securities with common stocks, warrants or call options. These synthetic instruments are designed to perform like convertible securities.
The fund may invest up to 25% of its assets in foreign securities. The fund may invest in securities rated below investment grade or, if unrated, determined by the subadviser to be of comparable quality. These securities are commonly known as junk bonds because they are rated in the lower rating categories by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations
Additional Information
The funds principal investment strategies are described above. The following provides additional information about these principal strategies and describes other investment strategies that may be used by the fund.
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U.S. Government Securities. U.S. government securities include debt obligations of varying maturities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities (U.S. government securities). U.S. government securities include not only direct obligations of the United States Treasury, but also securities issued or guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration, Farmers Home Administration, Export- Import Bank of the United States, Small Business Administration, GNMA, General Services Administration, Central Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, Federal Land Banks, FNMA, Maritime Administration, Tennessee Valley Authority, District of Columbia Armory Board, Student Loan Marketing Association, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Resolution Trust Corporation. Certain U.S. government securities, such as those issued or guaranteed by GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC, are mortgage-related securities. Because the United States government is not obligated by law to provide support to an instrumentality that it sponsors, the fund will invest in obligations issued by such an instrumentality only if the subadviser determines that the credit risk with respect to the instrumentality does not make its securities unsuitable for investment by the fund.
Bank Obligations. Domestic commercial banks organized under federal law are supervised and examined by the Comptroller of the Currency and are required to be members of the Federal Reserve System and to be insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the FDIC). Domestic banks organized under state law are supervised and examined by state banking authorities, but are members of the Federal Reserve System only if they elect to join. Most state banks are insured by the FDIC (although such insurance may not be of material benefit to a fund, depending upon the principal amount of CDs of each held by the fund) and are subject to federal examination and to a substantial body of Federal law and regulation. As a result of federal and state laws and regulations, domestic branches of domestic banks are, among other things, generally required to maintain specified levels of reserves, and are subject to other supervision and regulation designed to promote financial soundness.
Obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks, such as CDs and TDs, may be general obligations of the parent bank in addition to the issuing branch, or may be limited by the terms of a specific obligation and governmental regulation. Obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks and foreign banks are subject to different risks than are those of U.S. banks or U.S. branches of foreign banks. These risks include foreign economic and political developments, foreign governmental restrictions that may adversely affect payment of principal and interest on the obligations, foreign exchange controls and foreign withholding and other taxes on interest income. Foreign branches of U.S. banks are not necessarily subject to the same or similar regulatory requirements that apply to U.S. banks, such as mandatory reserve requirements, loan limitations and accounting, auditing and financial recordkeeping requirements. In addition, less information may be publicly available about a foreign branch of a U.S. bank than about a U.S. bank. CDs issued by wholly owned Canadian subsidiaries of U.S. banks are guaranteed as to repayment of principal and interest, but not as to sovereign risk, by the U.S. parent bank.
Obligations of U.S. branches of foreign banks may be general obligations of the parent bank in addition to the issuing branch, or may be limited by the terms of a specific obligation and by federal and state regulation as well as governmental action in the country in which the foreign bank has its head office. A U.S. branch of a foreign bank with assets in excess of $1 billion may or may not be subject to reserve requirements imposed by the Federal Reserve System or by the state in which the branch is located if the branch is licensed in that state. In addition, branches licensed by the Comptroller of the Currency and branches licensed by certain states (State Branches) may or may not be required to: (a) pledge to the regulator by depositing assets with a designated bank within the state, an amount of its assets equal to 5% of its total liabilities; and (b) maintain assets within the state in an amount equal to a specified percentage of the aggregate amount of liabilities of the foreign bank payable at or through all of its agencies or branches within the state. The deposits of State Branches may not necessarily be insured by the FDIC. In addition, there may be less publicly available information about a U.S. branch of a foreign bank than about a U.S. bank.
In view of the foregoing factors associated with the purchase of CDs and TDs issued by foreign banks and foreign branches of U.S. banks, the subadviser or the manager will carefully evaluate such investments on a case-by-case basis.
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Corporate Debt Securities. Corporate debt securities include corporate bonds, debentures, notes and other similar debt securities issued by companies.
Ratings as Investment Criteria. In general, the ratings of NRSROs represent the opinions of these agencies as to the quality of securities that they rate. Such ratings, however, are relative and subjective, are not absolute standards of quality and do not evaluate the market value risk of the securities. These ratings will be used by the fund as initial criteria for the selection of portfolio securities, but the fund also will rely upon the independent advice of the manager and the subadviser to evaluate potential investments. Among the factors that will be considered are the long-term ability of the issuer to pay principal and interest and general economic trends. Appendix B to this SAI contains further information concerning the rating categories of NRSROs and their significance.
Subsequent to its purchase by the fund, an issue of securities may cease to be rated or its rating may be reduced below the minimum required for purchase by the fund. In addition, it is possible that a NRSRO might not change its rating of a particular issue to reflect subsequent events. None of these events will require sale of such securities by the fund, but the manager and the subadviser will consider such events in its determination of whether the fund should continue to hold the securities. In addition, to the extent that the ratings change as a result of changes in such organizations or their rating systems, or due to a corporate reorganization, the fund will attempt to use comparable ratings as standards for its investments in accordance with its investment objective and policies.
When-Issued Securities and Delayed-Delivery Transactions. In order to secure yields or prices deemed advantageous at the time, the fund may purchase or sell securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis. The fund will enter into a when-issued transaction for the purpose of acquiring portfolio securities and not for the purpose of leverage. In such transactions delivery of the securities occurs beyond the normal settlement periods, but no payment or delivery is made by the fund prior to the actual delivery or payment by the other party to the transaction. Due to fluctuations in the value of securities purchased or sold on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis, the yields obtained on those securities may be higher or lower than the yields available in the market on the dates when the investments are actually delivered to the buyers. The fund will establish a segregated account consisting of cash and liquid securities having a value equal to or greater than the funds purchase commitments, provided such securities have been determined by the subadviser to be liquid and unencumbered and are marked to market daily pursuant to guidelines established by the Board. Placing securities rather than cash in the segregated account may have a leveraging effect on the funds total assets.
Fixed-income securities are normally subject to changes in value based upon changes, real or anticipated, in the level of interest rates and, although to a lesser extent in the case of U.S. government securities, the publics perception of the creditworthiness of the issuers. In general, fixed-income securities tend to appreciate when interest rates decline and depreciate when interest rates rise. Purchasing these securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis, therefore, can involve the risk that the yields available in the market when the delivery takes place may actually be higher than those obtained in the transaction itself. Similarly, the sale of fixed-income securities for delayed delivery can involve the risk that the prices available in the market when the delivery is made may actually be higher than those obtained in the transaction itself.
In the case of the purchase of securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis by the fund, the fund will meet its obligations on the settlement date from then-available cash flow, the sale of securities held in the segregated account, the sale of other securities or, although it would not normally expect to do so, from the sale of the securities purchased on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis (which may have a value greater or less than the funds payment obligations).
Zero Coupon Bonds. A zero coupon bond pays no interest in cash to its holder during its life, although interest is accrued during that period. Its value to an investor consists of the difference between its face value at the time of maturity and the price for which it was acquired, which is generally an amount significantly less than its face value (sometimes referred to as a deep discount price). Because such securities usually trade at a deep
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discount, they will be subject to greater fluctuations of market value in response to changing interest rates than debt obligations of comparable maturities which make periodic distributions of interest. On the other hand, because there are no periodic interest payments to be reinvested prior to maturity, zero coupon securities eliminate reinvestment risk and lock in a rate of return to maturity. The fund may also invest in hybrid zero coupon securities which possess qualities of both zero coupon and coupon bonds.
Repurchase Agreements. The fund may engage in repurchase agreements with certain member banks of the Federal Reserve System and with certain dealers on the Federal Reserve Bank of New Yorks list of reporting dealers. Under the terms of a typical repurchase agreement, the fund would acquire an underlying debt obligation for a relatively short period (usually not more than one week) subject to an obligation of the seller to repurchase, and the fund to resell, the obligation at an agreed-upon price and time, thereby determining the yield during the funds holding period. This arrangement results in a fixed rate of return that is not subject to market fluctuations during the funds holding period. The value of the underlying securities will be at least equal at all times to the total amount of the repurchase obligation, including interest. Repurchase agreements could involve certain risks in the event of default or insolvency of the other party, including possible delays or restrictions upon the funds ability to dispose of the underlying securities, the risk of a possible decline in the value of the underlying securities during the period in which the fund seeks to assert its right to them, the risk of incurring expenses associated with asserting those rights and the risk of losing all or part of the income from the agreement. The subadviser, acting under the supervision of the Board, reviews on an ongoing basis the value of the collateral and creditworthiness of those banks and dealers with which the fund enters into repurchase agreements to evaluate potential risks.
Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the SEC, the fund, along with other affiliated entities managed by the manager, may transfer uninvested cash balances into one or more joint repurchase accounts. These balances are invested in one or more repurchase agreements, secured by U.S. government securities. Securities that are collateral for repurchase agreements are financial assets subject to the funds entitlement orders through its securities account at its custodian bank until the agreements mature. Each joint repurchase agreement requires that the market value of the collateral be sufficient to cover payments of interest and principal; however, in the event of default by the other party to the agreement, retention or sale of the collateral may be subject to legal proceedings.
Lending of Portfolio Securities. Consistent with applicable regulatory requirements, the fund may lend portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other financial organizations meeting capital and other credit requirements or other criteria established by the Board. The fund will not lend portfolio securities to affiliates of the manager unless it has applied for and received specific authority to do so from the SEC. Loans of portfolio securities will be collateralized by cash, letters of credit or U.S. government securities which are maintained at all times in an amount at least equal to the current market value of the loaned securities. From time to time, the fund may pay to the borrower and/or a third party which is unaffiliated with the fund, Legg Mason or CGMI and is acting as a finder a part of the interest earned from the investment of collateral received for securities loaned. Generally, the borrower will be required to make payments to the fund in lieu of any dividends the fund would have otherwise received had it not loaned the shares to the borrower. Any such payments, however, will not be treated as qualified dividend income for purposes of determining what portion of the funds regular dividends (as defined below) received by individuals may be taxed at the rates generally applicable to long-term capital gains (see Taxes below).
By lending its securities, the fund can increase its income by continuing to receive interest on the loaned securities as well as by either investing the cash collateral in short-term instruments or obtaining yield in the form of interest paid by the borrower when U.S. government securities are used as collateral. The fund will comply with the following conditions whenever its portfolio securities are loaned: (a) the fund must receive at least 100% cash collateral or equivalent securities from the borrower; (b) the borrower must increase such collateral whenever the market value of the securities loaned rises above the level of such collateral; (c) the fund must be able to terminate the loan at any time; (d) the fund must receive reasonable interest on the loan, as well as any dividends, interest or other distributions on the loaned securities, and any increase in market value; (e) the fund may pay only reasonable custodian fees in connection with the loan; and (f) voting rights on the loaned
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securities may pass to the borrower; provided, however, that if a material event adversely affecting the investment in the loaned securities occurs, the fund must terminate the loan and regain the right to vote the securities. The risks in lending portfolio securities, as with other extensions of secured credit, consist of a possible delay in receiving additional collateral or in the recovery of the securities or possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. Loans will be made to firms deemed by the subadviser to be of good standing and will not be made unless, in the judgment of the subadviser, the consideration to be earned from such loans would justify the risk.
Medium-, Low- and Unrated Securities. The fund may invest in medium- or low-rated securities and unrated securities of comparable quality. Generally, these securities offer a higher current yield than the yield offered by higher-rated securities, but involve greater volatility of price and risk of loss of income and principal, including the probability of default by or bankruptcy of the issuers of such securities. Medium- and low-rated and comparable unrated securities: (a) will likely have some quality and protective characteristics that, in the judgment of the rating organization, are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions; and (b) are predominantly speculative with respect to the issuers capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. Thus, it is possible that these types of factors could, in certain instances, reduce the value of securities held by the fund with a commensurate effect on the value of the funds shares.
While the market values of medium- and low-rated and comparable unrated securities tend to react less to fluctuations in interest rate levels than do those of higher-rated securities, the market values of certain of these securities also tend to be more sensitive to individual corporate developments and changes in economic conditions than higher-rated securities. In addition, medium- and low-rated and comparable unrated securities generally present a higher degree of credit risk. Issuers of medium- and low-rated and comparable unrated securities are often highly leveraged and may not have more traditional methods of financing available to them so that their ability to service their debt obligations during an economic downturn or during sustained periods of rising interest rates may be impaired. The risk of loss due to default by such issuers is significantly greater because medium- and low-rated and comparable unrated securities generally are unsecured and frequently are subordinated to the prior payment of senior indebtedness. The fund may incur additional expenses to the extent that it is required to seek recovery upon a default in the payment of principal or interest on its portfolio holdings. In addition, the markets in which medium- and low-rated or comparable unrated securities are traded generally are more limited than those in which higher-rated securities are traded. The existence of limited markets for these securities may restrict the availability of securities for the fund to purchase and also may have the effect of limiting the ability of the fund to: (a) obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing securities and calculating net asset value; and (b) sell securities at their fair value either to meet redemption requests or to respond to changes in the economy or the financial markets. A major economic recession could likely disrupt severely the market for medium- and low-securities and adversely affect the value of such securities. Any such economic downturn also could adversely affect the ability of the issuers of such securities to repay principal and pay interest thereon.
Fixed-income securities, including medium- and low-rated and comparable unrated securities, frequently have call or buy-back features that permit their issuers to call or repurchase the securities from their holders, such as the fund. If an issuer exercises these rights during periods of declining interest rates, the fund may have to replace the security with a lower yielding security, resulting in a decreased return to the fund.
Securities that are rated Ba by Moodys or BB by S&P have speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Securities that are rated B generally lack characteristics of a desirable investment and assurance of interest and principal payments over any long period of time may be small. Securities that are rated Caa or CCC are of poor standing. These issues may be in default or present elements of danger may exist with respect to principal or interest.
In light of the risks described above, the manager and the subadviser, in evaluating the creditworthiness of an issue, whether rated or unrated, will take various factors into consideration, which may include, as applicable,
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the issuers financial resources, its sensitivity to economic conditions and trends, the operating history of and the community support for the facility financed by the issue, the ability of the issuers management and regulatory matters.
Options on Securities . The fund may purchase and write covered call and secured put options. The fund may enter into closing transactions with respect to the options transactions in which it may engage.
The fund may utilize up to 10% of its total assets to purchase put options on portfolio securities and may do so at or about the same time that it purchases the underlying security or at a later time.
A call is covered if the fund (a) owns the optioned securities, (b) maintains in a segregated account cash or liquid securities having a value equal to or greater than the funds obligations under the call, provided such securities have been determined by the subadviser to be liquid and unencumbered pursuant to guidelines established by the Board (eligible segregated assets), or (c) owns an offsetting call option.
Writing call and put options. When the fund writes a call, it receives a premium and gives the purchaser the right to buy the underlying security at any time during the call period at a fixed exercise price regardless of market price changes during the call period. If the call is exercised, the fund forgoes any gain from an increase in the market price of the underlying security over the exercise price. When the fund writes a put, it receives a premium and gives the purchaser of the put the right to sell the underlying security to the fund at the exercise price at any time during the option period. When the fund purchases a put, it pays a premium in return for the right to sell the underlying security at the exercise price at any time during the option period. For the purchase of a put to be profitable, the market price of the underlying security must decline sufficiently below the exercise price to cover the premium and transaction costs, unless the put is sold in a closing sale transaction; otherwise, the purchase of the put effectively increases the cost of the security and thus reduces its yield.
The fund may write puts on securities only if they are secured. A put is secured if the fund maintains cash or other eligible segregated assets with a value equal to the exercise price in a segregated account or holds a put on the same underlying security at an equal or greater exercise price.
The principal reason for writing covered call options on securities is to attempt to realize, through the receipt of premiums, a greater return than would be realized on the securities alone. In return for a premium, the writer of a covered call option forfeits the right to any appreciation in the value of the underlying security above the strike price for the life of the option (or until a closing purchase transaction can be effected). Nevertheless, the call writer retains the risk of a decline in the price of the underlying security. Similarly, the principal reason for writing covered put options is to realize income in the form of premiums. The writer of a covered put option accepts the risk of a decline in the price of the underlying security. The size of the premiums that the fund may receive may be adversely affected as new or existing institutions, including other investment companies, engage in or increase their option-writing activities.
Options written by the fund normally will have expiration dates between 1 and 9 months from the date written. The exercise price of the options may be below, equal to or above the market values of the underlying securities at the times the options are written. In the case of call options, these exercise prices are referred to as in-the-money, at-the-money and out-of-the-money, respectively. The fund may write (a) in-the-money call options when the subadviser expects that the price of the underlying security will remain flat or decline moderately during the option period, (b) at-the-money call options when the subadviser expects that the price of the underlying security will remain flat or advance moderately during the option period, and (c) out-of-the- money call options when the subadviser expects that the price of the underlying security may increase but not above a price equal to the sum of the exercise price plus the premiums received from writing the call option. In any of the preceding situations, if the market price of the underlying security declines and the security is sold at this lower price, the amount of any realized loss will be offset wholly or in part by the premium received. Out-of-the-money, at-the-money and in-the-money put options (the reverse of call options as to the relation of exercise price to market price) may be utilized in the same market environments that such call options are used in equivalent transactions.
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So long as the obligation of the fund as the writer of an option continues, the fund may be assigned an exercise notice by the broker/dealer through which the option was sold, requiring the fund to deliver (in the case of a call) or take delivery of (in the case of a put) the underlying security against payment of the exercise price. This obligation terminates when the option expires or the fund effects a closing purchase transaction. The fund can no longer effect a closing purchase transaction with respect to an option once it has been assigned an exercise notice. To secure its obligation to deliver the underlying security when it writes a call option, or to pay for the underlying security when it writes a put option, the fund will be required to deposit in escrow the underlying security or other assets in accordance with the rules of the Options Clearing Corporation (the Clearing Corporation) or similar foreign clearing corporation and of the securities exchange on which the option is written.
Purchasing call and put options. The fund may purchase put and call options that are traded on a domestic securities exchange. By buying a put, the fund limits the risk of loss from a decline in the market value of the security until the put expires. Any appreciation in the value of the yield otherwise available from the underlying security, however, will be partially offset by the amount of the premium paid for the put option and any related transaction costs. A call option may be purchased by the fund in order to acquire the underlying securities for the fund at a price that avoids any additional cost that would result from a substantial increase in the market value of a security. The fund also may purchase call options to increase its return to investors at a time when the call is expected to increase in value due to anticipated appreciation of the underlying security.
Closing transactions. The fund may engage in a closing purchase transaction to realize a profit, to prevent an underlying security from being called or put or to unfreeze an underlying security (thereby permitting its sale or the writing of a new option on the security prior to the outstanding options expiration). To effect a closing purchase transaction, the fund would purchase, prior to the holders exercise of an option that the fund has written, an option of the same series as that on which the fund desires to terminate its obligation. The obligation of the fund under an option that it has written would be terminated by a closing purchase transaction, but the fund would not be deemed to own an option as the result of the transaction. There can be no assurance that the fund will be able to effect closing purchase transactions at a time when it wishes to do so. To facilitate closing purchase transactions, however, the fund will write options only if a secondary market for the options exists on a domestic securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market.
There can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist at a given time for any particular option. In this regard, trading in options on U.S. government securities is relatively new, so that it is impossible to predict to what extent liquid markets will develop or continue.
An option position may be closed out only where there exists a secondary market for an option of the same series on a recognized securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market. In light of this fact and current trading conditions, the fund expects to purchase only call or put options issued by the Clearing Corporation. The fund expects to write options only on U.S. securities exchanges.
The fund may realize a profit or loss upon entering into a closing transaction. In cases in which the fund has written an option, it will realize a profit if the cost of the closing purchase transaction is less than the premium received upon writing the original option and will incur a loss if the cost of the closing purchase transaction exceeds the premium received upon writing the original option. Similarly, when the fund has purchased an option and engages in a closing sale transaction, whether the fund realizes a profit or loss will depend upon whether the amount received in the closing sale transaction is more or less than the premium that the fund initially paid for the original option plus the related transaction costs.
Although the fund generally will purchase or write only those options for which the subadviser believes there is an active secondary market, there is no assurance that sufficient trading interest to create a liquid secondary market on a securities exchange will exist for any particular option or at any particular time, and for some options no such secondary market may exist. A liquid secondary market in an option may cease to exist for a variety of reasons. At times in the past, for example, higher than anticipated trading activity or order flow or other unforeseen events have rendered inadequate certain of the facilities of the Clearing Corporation as well as
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U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and resulted in the institution of special procedures such as trading rotations, restrictions on certain types of orders or trading halts or suspensions in one or more options. There can be no assurance that similar events, or events that may otherwise interfere with the timely execution of customers orders, will not recur. In such event, it might not be possible to effect closing transactions in particular options. If the fund as a covered call option writer is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction in a secondary market, it will not be able to sell the underlying security until the option expires or it delivers the underlying security upon exercise.
Securities exchanges generally have established limitations governing the maximum number of calls and puts of each class that may be held, written or exercised within certain time periods by an investor or group of investors acting in concert (regardless of whether the options are written on the same or different securities exchanges or are held, written or exercised in one or more accounts or through one or more brokers). It is possible that the fund and other clients of the manager, the subadviser and certain of their affiliates, may be considered to be such a group. A securities exchange may order the liquidation of positions found to be in violation of these limits and it may impose certain other sanctions.
In the case of options that are deemed covered by virtue of the funds holding convertible or exchangeable preferred stock or debt securities, the time required to convert or exchange and obtain physical delivery of the underlying common stocks with respect to which the fund has written options may exceed the time within which the fund must make delivery in accordance with an exercise notice. In these instances, the fund may purchase or borrow temporarily the underlying securities for purposes of physical delivery. By so doing, the fund will not bear any market risk because the fund will have the absolute right to receive from the issuer of the underlying security an equal number of shares to replace the borrowed stock, but the fund may incur additional transaction costs or interest expenses in connection with any such purchase or borrowing.
Additional risks exist with respect to certain U.S. government securities for which the fund may write covered call options. If the fund writes covered call options on mortgage-backed securities, the securities that it holds as cover may, because of scheduled amortization or unscheduled prepayments, cease to be sufficient cover. The fund will compensate for the decline in the value of the cover by purchasing an appropriate additional amount of those securities.
Currency Transactions. The funds dealings in forward currency exchange transactions will be limited to hedging involving either specific transactions or portfolio positions. Transaction hedging is the purchase or sale of forward currency contracts with respect to specific receivables or payables of the fund generally arising in connection with the purchase or sale of its securities. Position hedging, generally, is the sale of forward currency contracts with respect to portfolio security positions denominated or quoted in the currency. The fund may not position hedge with respect to a particular currency to an extent greater than the aggregate market value of the security at any time, or securities held in its portfolio denominated or quoted in, or currently convertible into (such as through exercise of an option or consummation of a forward currency contract) that particular currency. If the fund enters into a transaction hedging or position hedging transaction, it will cover the transaction through one or more of the following methods: (a) ownership of the underlying currency or an option to purchase such currency; (b) ownership of an option to enter into an offsetting forward currency contract; (c) entering into a forward contract to purchase currency being sold, or to sell currency being purchased, provided that such covering contract is itself covered by any one of these methods unless the covering contract closes out the first contract; or (d) depositing into a segregated account with the custodian or a sub-custodian of the fund cash or readily marketable securities in an amount equal to the value of the funds total assets committed to the consummation of the forward currency contract and not otherwise covered. In the case of transaction hedging, any securities placed in the account must be liquid debt securities. In any case, if the value of the securities placed in the segregated account declines, additional cash or securities will be placed in the account so that the value of the account will equal the above amount. Hedging transactions may be made from any foreign currency into dollars or into other appropriate currencies.
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At or before the maturity of a forward contract, the fund may either sell a portfolio security and make delivery of the currency or retain the security and offset its contractual obligation to deliver the currency by purchasing a second contract pursuant to which the fund will obtain, on the same maturity date, the same amount of the currency which it is obligated to deliver. If the fund retains the portfolio security and engages in an offsetting transaction, the fund, at the time of execution of the offsetting transaction, will incur a gain or loss to the extent movement has occurred in forward contract prices. Should forward prices decline during the period between the funds entering into a forward contract for the sale of a currency and the date that it enters into an offsetting contract for the purchase of the currency, the fund will realize a gain to the extent that the price of the currency it has agreed to sell exceeds the price of the currency it has agreed to purchase. Should forward prices increase, the fund will suffer a loss to the extent the price of the currency it has agreed to purchase exceeds the price of the currency it has agreed to sell.
The cost to the fund of engaging in currency transactions varies with factors such as the currency involved, the length of the contract period and the market conditions then prevailing. Because transactions in currency exchange are usually conducted on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved. The use of forward currency contracts does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities, but it does establish a rate of exchange that can be achieved in the future. In addition, although forward currency contracts limit the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, at the same time they limit any potential gain that might result should the value of the currency increase.
Futures Activities. The fund may enter into futures contracts and/or options on futures contracts that are traded on a U.S. exchange or board of trade. These investments may be made by the fund for the purpose of hedging against the effects of changes in the value of its portfolio securities due to anticipated changes in interest rates, currency values and/or market conditions, but not for purposes of speculation.
Futures Contracts. The fund may acquire or sell a futures contract to mitigate the effect of fluctuations in interest rates, currency values or market conditions (depending on the type of contract) on portfolio securities without actually buying or selling the securities.
In purchasing and selling futures contracts and related options, the fund will comply with the following policies: (a) futures and related options will be used solely for bona fide hedging purposes (or the underlying commodity value of the funds long positions will not exceed the sum of certain identified liquid investments); and (b) the fund will not enter into futures and related options for which the aggregate initial margin and premiums exceed 5% of the fair market value of the funds total assets. In order to prevent leverage in connection with the purchase of futures contracts by the fund, an amount of cash or other eligible segregated assets equal to the margin requirements of futures contracts purchased will be maintained in a segregated account on the books of the fund or with the funds custodian. The fund will engage only in futures contracts and related options which are listed on a national commodities exchange.
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) recently eliminated limitations on futures transactions and options thereon by registered investment companies, provided that the investment manager to the registered investment company claims an exclusion from regulation as a commodity pool operator. The fund is operated by a person who has claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term commodity pool operator under the Commodity Exchange Act and therefore is not subject to registration or regulation as a pool operator under the Commodity Exchange Act. As a result of these CFTC rule changes, the fund is no longer restricted in its ability to enter into futures transactions and options thereon under CFTC regulations. The fund, however, continues to have policies with respect to futures and options thereon as set forth above. The current view of the staff of the SEC is that a funds long and short positions in futures contracts as well as put and call options on futures written by it must be collateralized with cash or other liquid securities and segregated with the funds custodian or a designated sub-custodian or covered in a manner similar to that for covered options on securities and designed to eliminate any potential leveraging.
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Interest Rate Futures Contracts. The fund may purchase and sell interest rate futures contracts as a hedge against changes in interest rates. An interest rate futures contract is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell a security for a set price on a future date. Interest rate futures contracts are traded on designated contract markets which, through their clearing corporations, guarantee performance of the contracts. Currently, there are interest rate futures contracts based on securities such as long-term Treasury bonds, Treasury notes, GNMA certificates and three-month Treasury bills.
Generally, if market interest rates increase, the value of outstanding debt securities declines (and vice versa). Entering into an interest rate futures contract for the sale of securities has an effect similar to the actual sale of securities, although sale of the interest rate futures contract might be accomplished more easily and quickly. For example, if a fund holds long-term U.S. government securities and the subadviser anticipates a rise in long-term interest rates, the fund could, in lieu of disposing of its portfolio securities, enter into interest rate futures contracts for the sale of similar long-term securities. If interest rates increased and the value of the funds securities declined, the value of the funds interest rate futures contracts would increase, thereby protecting the fund by preventing the net asset value from declining as much as it otherwise would have declined. Similarly, entering into interest rate futures contracts for the purchase of securities has an effect similar to the actual purchase of the underlying securities, but permits the continued holding of securities other than the underlying securities. For example, if the subadviser expects long-term interest rates to decline, the fund might enter into interest rate futures contracts for the purchase of long-term securities, so that it could gain rapid market exposure that may offset anticipated increases in the cost of securities that it intends to purchase, while continuing to hold higher-yielding short-term securities or waiting for the long-term market to stabilize.
Stock Index Futures Contracts. The fund may purchase and sell stock index futures contracts. These transactions, if any, by the fund will be made solely for the purpose of hedging against the effects of changes in the value of its portfolio securities due to anticipated changes in market conditions and will be made when the transactions are economically appropriate to the reduction of risks inherent in the management of the fund. A stock index futures contract is an agreement under which two parties agree to take or make delivery of the amount of cash based on the difference between the value of a stock index at the beginning and at the end of the contract period. When the fund enters into a stock index futures contract, it must make an initial deposit, known as initial margin, as a partial guarantee of its performance under the contract. As the value of the stock index fluctuates, either party to the contract is required to make additional margin deposits, known as variation margin, to cover any additional obligation that it may have under the contract.
Successful use of stock index futures contracts by the fund is subject to certain special risk considerations. A liquid stock index futures market may not be available when the fund seeks to offset adverse market movements. In addition, there may be an imperfect correlation between movements in the securities included in the index and movements in the securities in the fund. Successful use of stock index futures contracts is further dependent on the subadvisers ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of the stock markets and no assurance can be given that its judgment in this respect will be correct.
No consideration is paid or received by the fund upon entering into a futures contract. Initially, the fund will be required to deposit with its custodian an amount of cash or cash equivalents equal to approximately 1% to 10% of the contract amount (this amount is subject to change by the board of trade on which the contract is traded and members of such board of trade may charge a higher amount). This amount, known as initial margin, is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the contract and is returned to the fund upon termination of the futures contract, assuming that all contractual obligations have been satisfied. Subsequent payments to and from the broker, known as variation margin, will be made daily as the price of the securities, currency or index underlying the futures contract fluctuates, making the long and short positions in the futures contract more or less valuable, a process known as marking-to-market. At any time prior to expiration of a futures contract, the fund may elect to close the position by taking an opposite position, which will terminate the funds existing position in the contract.
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Several risks are associated with the use of futures contracts as a hedging device. Successful use of futures contracts by the fund is subject to the ability of the subadviser to predict correctly movements in interest rates, stock or bond indices or foreign currency values. These predictions involve skills and techniques that may be different from those involved in the management of the portfolio being hedged. In addition, there can be no assurance that there will be a correlation between movements in the price of the underlying securities, currency or index and movements in the price of the securities which are the subject of the hedge. A decision of whether, when and how to hedge involves the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived hedge may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior or unexpected trends in interest rates or currency values.
Although the fund intends to enter into futures contracts only if there is an active market for such contracts, there is no assurance that an active market will exist for the contracts at any particular time. Most futures exchanges and boards of trade limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in futures contract prices during a single trading day. Once the daily limit has been reached in a particular contract, no trades may be made that day at a price beyond that limit. It is possible that futures contract prices could move to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of futures positions and subjecting some futures traders to substantial losses. In such event, and in the event of adverse price movements, the fund would be required to make daily cash payments of variation margin and an increase in the value of the portion of the portfolio being hedged, if any, may partially or completely offset losses on the futures contract. As described above, however, there is no guarantee that the price of the securities being hedged will, in fact, correlate with the price movements in a futures contract and thus provide an offset to losses on the futures contract.
If the fund has hedged against the possibility of a change in interest rates or currency or market values adversely affecting the value of securities held in its portfolio and rates or currency or market values move in a direction opposite to that which the fund has anticipated, the fund will lose part or all of the benefit of the increased value of securities that it has hedged because it will have offsetting losses in its futures positions. In addition, in such situations, if the fund has insufficient cash, it may have to sell securities to meet daily variation margin requirements at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. These sales of securities may, but will not necessarily, be at increased prices which reflect the change in interest rates or currency values, as the case may be.
Options on Futures Contracts. An option on an interest rate futures contract, as contrasted with the direct investment in such a contract, gives the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in the underlying interest rate futures contract at a specified exercise price at any time prior to the expiration date of the option. The fund may purchase put options on interest rate futures contracts in lieu of, and for the same purpose as, sale of a futures contract. It also may purchase such put options in order to hedge a long position in the underlying interest rate futures contract in the same manner as it may purchase puts on securities provided they are similarly secured. An option on a foreign currency futures contract, as contrasted with the direct investment in such a contract, gives the purchaser the right, but not the obligation, to assume a long or short position in the relevant underlying future currency at a predetermined exercise price at a time in the future. Upon exercise of an option, the delivery of the futures position by the writer of the option to the holder of the option will be accompanied by delivery of the accumulated balance in the writers futures margin account, which represents the amount by which the market price of the futures contract exceeds, in the case of a call, or is less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option on the futures contract. The potential for loss related to the purchase of an option on futures contracts is limited to the premium paid for the option (plus transaction costs). Because the value of the option is fixed at the point of sale, there are no daily cash payments to reflect changes in the value of the underlying contract; however, the value of the option does change daily and that change would be reflected in the net asset value of a fund investing in the option. The purchase of call options on futures contracts is intended to serve the same purpose as the actual purchase of the futures contract, and the fund will set aside cash and liquid securities sufficient to purchase the amount of portfolio securities represented by the underlying futures contracts.
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Several risks are associated with options on futures contracts. The ability to establish and close out positions on such options will be subject to the existence of a liquid market. In addition, the purchase of put or call options on interest rate and foreign currency futures will be based upon predictions by the subadviser as to anticipated trends in interest rates and currency values, as the case may be, which could prove to be incorrect. Even if the expectations of the subadviser are correct, there may be an imperfect correlation between the change in the value of the options and of the portfolio securities or the currencies being hedged.
Investment Company Securities . Subject to applicable statutory and regulatory limitations, the fund may invest in shares of other investment companies, including shares of other mutual funds, closed-end funds, and unregistered investment companies. Investments in other investment companies are subject to the risk of the securities in which those investment companies invest. In addition, to the extent the fund invests in securities of other investment companies, fund shareholders would indirectly pay a portion of the operating costs of such companies in addition to the expenses of the funds own operation. These costs include management, brokerage, shareholder servicing and other operational expenses.
The fund may invest in shares of mutual funds or unit investment trusts that are traded on a stock exchange, called exchange-traded funds or ETFs. Typically an ETF seeks to track the performance of an index, such as the S&P 500, the NASDAQ 100, the Lehman Treasury Bond Index, or more narrow sector or foreign indices, by holding in its portfolio either the same securities that comprise the index, or a representative sample of the index. Investing in an ETF will give the fund exposure to the securities comprising the index on which the ETF is based.
Unlike shares of typical mutual funds or unit investment trusts, shares of ETFs are designed to be traded throughout a trading day, bought and sold based on market values and not at net asset value. For this reason, shares could trade at either a premium or discount to net asset value. However, the portfolios held by index-based ETFs are publicly disclosed on each trading day, and an approximation of actual net asset value is disseminated throughout the trading day. Because of this transparency, the trading prices of index based ETFs tend to closely track the actual net asset value of the underlying portfolios and the fund will generally gain or lose value depending on the performance of the index. However, gains or losses on the funds investment in ETFs will ultimately depend on the purchase and sale price of the ETF. In the future, as new products become available, the fund may invest in ETFs that are actively managed. Actively managed ETFs will likely not have the transparency of index-based ETFs, and therefore, may be more likely to trade at a discount or premium to actual net asset values.
The fund may invest in closed-end investment companies which hold securities of U.S. and/or non-U.S. issuers. Because shares of closed-end funds trade on an exchange, investments in closed-end investment funds may entail the additional risk that the market value of such investments may be substantially less than their net asset value.
Foreign Investments. Investors should recognize that investing in foreign companies involves certain considerations which are not typically associated with investing in U.S. issuers. Since the fund may invest in securities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, and may temporarily hold funds in bank deposits or other money-market investments denominated in foreign currencies, the fund may be affected favorably or unfavorably by exchange control regulations or changes in the exchange rate between such currencies and the dollar. A change in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar will result in a corresponding change in the dollar value of the funds total assets denominated in that foreign currency. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates may also affect the value of dividends and interest earned, gains and losses realized on the sale of securities and net investment income and gain, if any, to be distributed to shareholders by the fund.
The rate of exchange between the U.S. dollar and other currencies is determined by the forces of supply and demand in the foreign exchange markets. Changes in the exchange rate may result over time from the interaction of many factors directly or indirectly affecting economic conditions and political developments in other countries. Of particular importance are rates of inflation, interest rate levels, the balance of payments and the extent of government surpluses or deficits in the United States and the particular foreign country. All these factors are in turn sensitive to the monetary, fiscal and trade policies pursued by the governments of the United
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States and other foreign countries important to international trade and finance. Government intervention may also play a significant role. National governments rarely voluntarily allow their currencies to float freely in response to economic forces. Sovereign governments use a variety of techniques, such as intervention by a countrys central bank or imposition of regulatory controls or taxes, to affect the exchange rates of their currencies.
Certain securities held by the fund will not be registered with, nor the issuers thereof be subject to reporting requirements of, the SEC. Accordingly, there may be less publicly available information about the securities and about the foreign company or government issuing them than is available about a domestic company or government entity. Foreign issuers are generally not subject to uniform financial reporting standards, practices and requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. issuers. In addition, with respect to some foreign countries, there is the possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, limitations on the removal of funds or other assets of the fund, political or social instability, or domestic developments which could affect U.S. investments in those countries. Moreover, individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payment positions. The fund may invest in securities of foreign governments (or agencies or instrumentalities thereof), and many, if not all, of the foregoing considerations apply to such investments as well.
Securities of some foreign companies are less liquid, and their prices are more volatile, than securities of comparable domestic companies. Certain foreign countries are known to experience long delays between the trade and settlement dates of securities purchased or sold. Due to the increased exposure of the fund to market and foreign exchange fluctuations brought about by such delays, and to the corresponding negative impact on fund liquidity, the fund will avoid investing in countries which are known to experience settlement delays which may expose the fund to unreasonable risk of loss.
The interest payable on the funds foreign securities may be subject to foreign withholding taxes, which will reduce the funds return on its investments. Additionally, the operating expenses of the fund can be expected to be higher than those of an investment company investing exclusively in U.S. securities, since the costs of investing in foreign securities, such as custodial costs, valuation costs and communication costs, are higher than the costs of investing exclusively in U.S. securities.
The fund may also purchase American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), American Depository Debentures, American Depository Notes, American Depository Bonds, European Depository Receipts (EDRs) and Global Depository Receipts (GDRs), or other securities representing underlying shares of foreign companies. ADRs are publicly traded on exchanges or over-the-counter in the United States and are issued through sponsored or unsponsored arrangements. In a sponsored ADR arrangement, the foreign issuer assumes the obligation to pay some or all of the depositorys transaction fees, whereas under an unsponsored arrangement, the foreign issuer assumes no obligation and the depositorys transaction fees are paid by the ADR holders. In addition, less information is available in the United States about an unsponsored ADR than about a sponsored ADR, and the financial information about a company may not be as reliable for an unsponsored ADR as it is for a sponsored ADR. The fund may invest in ADRs through both sponsored and unsponsored arrangements.
Securities of Developing Countries. The fund may invest in securities of developing (or emerging market) countries. A developing country generally is considered to be a country that is in the initial stages of its industrialization cycle. Investing in the equity and fixed-income markets of developing countries involves the risks discussed for foreign investments and exposure to economic structures that are generally less diverse and mature, and to political systems that can be expected to have less stability, than those of developed countries. Historical experience indicates that the markets of developing countries have been more volatile than the markets of the more mature economies of developed countries.
Convertible Securities and Synthetic Convertible Securities. Convertible securities are fixed-income securities that may be converted at either a stated price or stated rate into underlying shares of common stock. Convertible securities have general characteristics similar to both fixed-income and equity securities. Although to
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a lesser extent than with fixed-income securities generally, the market value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, tends to increase as interest rates decline. In addition, because of the conversion feature, the market value of convertible securities tends to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying common stocks and, therefore, also will react to variations in the general market for equity securities. A unique feature of convertible securities is that, as the market price of the underlying common stock declines, convertible securities tend to trade increasingly on a yield basis, and so may not experience market value declines to the same extent as the underlying common stock. When the market price of the underlying common stock increases, the prices of the convertible securities tend to rise as a reflection of the value of the underlying common stock. While no securities investments are without risk, investments in convertible securities generally entail less risk than investments in common stock of the same issuer.
As fixed-income securities, convertible securities are investments which provide for a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than common stocks. Of course, like all fixed-income securities, there can be no assurance of current income because the issuers of the convertible securities may default on their obligations. Convertible securities, however, generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality because of the potential for capital appreciation. A convertible security, in addition to providing fixed-income, offers the potential for capital appreciation through the conversion feature, which enables the holder to benefit from increases in the market price of the underlying common stock. However, there can be no assurance of capital appreciation because securities prices fluctuate.
Convertible securities generally are subordinated to other similar but nonconvertible securities of the same issuer, although convertible bonds, as corporate debt obligations, enjoy seniority in right of payment to all equity securities, and convertible preferred stock is senior to common stock of the same issuer. Because of the subordination feature, however, convertible securities typically have lower ratings than similar non-convertible securities.
Unlike a convertible security which is a single security, a synthetic convertible security is comprised of two distinct securities that together resemble convertible securities in certain respects. Synthetic convertible securities are created by combining non-convertible bonds or preferred shares with common stocks, warrants or stock call options. The options that will form elements of synthetic convertible securities will be listed on a securities exchange or on Nasdaq. The two components of a synthetic convertible security, which will be issued with respect to the same entity, generally are not offered as a unit, and may be purchased and sold by the fund at different times. Synthetic convertible securities differ from convertible securities in certain respects, including that each component of a synthetic convertible security has a separate market value and responds differently to market fluctuations. Investing in synthetic convertible securities involves the risk normally involved in holding the securities comprising the synthetic convertible security.
Temporary Investments. When the subadviser believes that market conditions warrant, the fund may adopt a temporary defensive posture and may invest in short-term instruments without limitation. Short-term instruments in which the fund may invest include: U.S. government securities; certain bank obligations (including CDs, TDs and bankers acceptances of domestic or foreign banks, domestic savings and loan associations and similar institutions); commercial paper rated no lower than A-2 by S&P or Prime-2 by Moodys or an equivalent rating by any other NRSRO or, if unrated, of an issuer having an outstanding, unsecured debt issue then rated within the three highest rating categories; and repurchase agreements with respect to securities in which the fund may invest.
Short Sales Against the Box. The fund may enter into a short sale of common stock such that, when the short position is open, the fund owns an equal amount of preferred stocks or debt securities convertible or exchangeable without payment of further consideration into an equal number of shares of the common stock sold short. The fund will enter into this kind of short sale, described as against the box, for the purpose of receiving a portion of the interest earned by the executing broker from the proceeds of the sale. The proceeds of the sale will be held by the broker until the settlement date, when the fund delivers the convertible securities to close out its short position. Although the fund will have to pay an amount equal to any dividends paid on the common stock sold short prior to delivery, it will receive the dividends from the preferred stock or interest from the debt
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securities convertible into the stock sold short, plus a portion of the interest earned from the proceeds of the short sale. The fund will deposit, in a segregated account with their custodian, convertible preferred stock or convertible debt securities in connection with short sales against the box.
Short Sales. The fund may seek to hedge investments or realize additional gains through short sales. Short sales are transactions in which the fund 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 fund borrows the security to make delivery to the buyer. The fund is obligated to replace the security borrowed by purchasing it at the market price at or prior to 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 fund. Until the security is replaced, the fund is required to repay the lender any dividends or interest that accrue during the period of the loan. To borrow the security, the fund also may be required to pay a premium, which would increase the cost of the security sold. A portion of the net proceeds of the short sale may be retained by the broker (or by the funds custodian in a special custody account), to the extent necessary to collateralize the broker and to meet margin requirements, until the short position is closed out. The fund will also incur transaction costs in effecting short sales.
The fund 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 fund replaces the borrowed security. The fund will realize a gain if the security declines in price between those dates. The amount of any gain will be decreased, and the amount of any loss increased, by the amount of the premiums, dividends, interest or expenses the fund may be required to pay in connection with a short sale. An increase in the value of a security sold short by the fund over the price at which it was sold short will result in a loss to the fund, and there can be no assurance that the fund will be able to close out the position at any particular time or at an acceptable price. Thus, the funds losses on short sales are potentially unlimited.
Whenever the fund engages in short sales, it maintains cash or liquid securities in an amount that, when combined with the amount of collateral deposited with the broker in connection with the short sale, equals the current market value of the security sold short. The assets so maintained are marked to market daily.
Rule 144A Securities. The fund may purchase Rule 144A Securities, which are unregistered securities restricted to purchase by qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act). Because Rule 144A Securities are freely transferable among qualified institutional buyers, a liquid market may exist among such buyers. The Board has adopted guidelines and delegated to the subadviser the daily function of determining and monitoring liquidity of Rule 144A Securities. However, the Board maintains sufficient oversight and is ultimately responsible for the liquidity determinations. Investments in restricted securities such as Rule 144A Securities could have the effect of increasing the level of illiquidity in the fund to the extent that there is temporarily no market for these securities among qualified institutional buyers.
Real Estate Investment Trusts . The fund may invest in real estate investment trusts (REITs). REITs are pooled investment vehicles that invest primarily in either real estate or real estate related loans. The value of the REIT is affected by changes in the value of the properties owned by the REIT or security mortgage loans held by the REIT. A REIT is dependent upon cash flow from its investments to repay financing costs and the management skill of the REITs manager. REITs are also subject to risks generally associated with investments in real estate.
Restricted and Illiquid Securities. The fund may invest up to 15% of its total assets in securities with contractual or other restrictions on resale and other instruments that are not readily marketable, including (a) repurchase agreements with maturities greater than 7 days, (b) futures contracts and related options for which a liquid secondary market does not exist, and (c) time deposits maturing in more than 7 calendar days. The above restriction does not apply to Rule 144A Securities.
The sale of securities that are not publicly traded is typically restricted under the federal securities laws. As a result, the fund may be forced to sell these securities at less than fair market value or may not be able to sell them when the subadviser believes it desirable to do so. The funds investments in illiquid securities are subject to the risk that should the fund desire to sell any of these securities when a ready buyer is not available at a price that the fund deems representative of their value, the value of the funds total assets could be adversely affected.
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The following risk factors are intended to supplement the risks described above and in the funds prospectus.
General. Investors should realize that risk of loss is inherent in the ownership of any securities and that the funds net asset value will fluctuate, reflecting fluctuations in the market value of its portfolio positions.
Warrants. Because a warrant does not carry with it the right to dividends or voting rights with respect to the securities that the warrant holder is entitled to purchase, and because a warrant does not represent any rights to the assets of the issuer, a warrant may be considered more speculative than certain other types of investments. In addition, the value of a warrant does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying security and a warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date. Investments in warrants, valued at the lower of cost or market, may not exceed 10% of the value of the funds total assets. Included within that amount, but not to exceed 5% of the value of the funds total assets, may be warrants that are not listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the NYSE) or the American Stock Exchange. Warrants acquired by the fund in units or attached to securities may be deemed to be without value.
Securities of Unseasoned Issuers. Securities of unseasoned issuers in which the fund may invest may have limited marketability and, therefore, may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. In addition, certain securities may be issued by companies that lack a significant operating history and are dependent on products or services without an established market share.
Fixed-Income Securities. Investments in fixed-income securities may subject the fund to risks, including the following:
Interest Rate Risk: When interest rates decline, the market value of fixed-income securities tends to increase. Conversely, when interest rates increase, the market value of fixed-income securities tends to decline. The volatility of a securitys market value will differ depending upon the securitys duration, the issuer and the type of instrument.
Default Risk/Credit Risk: Investments in fixed-income securities are subject to the risk that the issuer of the security could default on its obligations, causing the fund to sustain losses on such investments. A default could impact both interest and principal payments.
Call Risk and Extension Risk: Fixed-income securities may be subject to both call risk and extension risk. Call risk exists when the issuer may exercise its right to pay principal on an obligation earlier than scheduled, which would cause cash flows to be returned earlier than expected. This typically results when interest rates have declined and the fund will suffer from having to reinvest in lower yielding securities. Extension risk exists when the issuer may exercise its right to pay principal on an obligation later than scheduled, which would cause cash flows to be returned later than expected. This typically results when interest rates have increased, and the fund will suffer from the inability to invest in higher yielding securities.
Lower Rated Fixed-Income Securities. Securities which are rated BBB by S&P or Baa by Moodys are generally regarded as having adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal, but may have some speculative characteristics. Securities rated below Baa by Moodys or BBB by S&P have predominantly speculative characteristics, including the possibility of default or bankruptcy of the issuers of such securities, market price volatility based upon interest rate sensitivity, questionable creditworthiness and relative liquidity of the secondary trading market. Because high yield bonds (junk bonds) have been found to be more sensitive to adverse economic changes or individual corporate developments and less sensitive to interest rate changes than higher-rated investments, an economic downturn could disrupt the market for high yield bonds and adversely affect the value of outstanding bonds and the ability of issuers to repay principal and interest. In addition, in a
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declining interest rate market, issuers of high yield bonds may exercise redemption or call provisions, which may force the fund, to the extent it owns such securities, to replace those securities with lower yielding securities. This could result in a decreased return.
Repurchase Agreements. The fund bears a risk of loss in the event that the other party to a repurchase agreement defaults on its obligations and the fund is delayed or prevented from exercising its rights to dispose of the underlying securities, including the risk of a possible decline in the value of the underlying securities during the period in which the fund seeks to assert its rights to them, the risk of incurring expenses associated with asserting those rights and the risk of losing all or a part of the income from the agreement.
Foreign Securities. Investments in securities of foreign issuers involve certain risks not ordinarily associated with investments in securities of domestic issuers. Such risks include fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, future political and economic developments, and the possible imposition of exchange controls or other foreign governmental laws or restrictions. Since the fund may invest in securities denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, changes in foreign currency exchange rates will, to the extent the fund does not adequately hedge against such fluctuations, affect the value of securities in its portfolio and the unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments so far as U.S. investors are concerned. In addition, with respect to certain countries, there is the possibility of expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, political or social instability or diplomatic developments which could adversely affect investments in those countries.
There may be less publicly available information about a foreign company than about a U.S. company, and foreign companies may not be subject to accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards and requirements comparable to or as uniform as those of U.S. companies. Foreign securities markets, while growing in volume, have, for the most part, substantially less volume than U.S. markets, and securities of many foreign companies are less liquid and their price more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. companies. Transaction costs on foreign securities markets are generally higher than in the U.S. There is generally less government supervision and regulation of exchanges, brokers and issuers than there is in the U.S. The fund might have greater difficulty taking appropriate legal action in foreign courts. Dividend and interest income from foreign securities will generally be subject to withholding taxes by the country in which the issuer is located and may not be recoverable by the fund. Capital gains are also subject to taxation in some foreign countries.
Currency Risks. The U.S. dollar value of securities denominated in a foreign currency will vary with changes in currency exchange rates, which can be volatile. Accordingly, changes in the value of the currency in which the funds investments are denominated relative to the U.S. dollar will affect the funds net asset value. Exchange rates are generally affected by the forces of supply and demand in the international currency markets, the relative merits of investing in different countries and the intervention or failure to intervene of U.S. or foreign governments and central banks. However, currency exchange rates may fluctuate based on factors intrinsic to a countrys economy. Some emerging market countries also may have managed currencies, which are not free floating against the U.S. dollar. In addition, emerging markets are subject to the risk of restrictions upon the free conversion of their currencies into other currencies. Any devaluations relative to the U.S. dollar in the currencies in which the funds securities are quoted would reduce the funds net asset value per share.
Special Risks of Countries in the Asia Pacific Region. Certain of the risks associated with international investments are heightened for investments in these countries. For example, some of the currencies of these countries have experienced devaluations relative to the U.S. dollar, and adjustments have been made periodically in certain of such currencies. Certain countries, such as Indonesia, face serious exchange constraints. Jurisdictional disputes also exist, for example, between South Korea and North Korea.
Securities of Developing/Emerging Markets Countries. A developing or emerging markets country generally is considered to be a country that is in the initial stages of its industrialization cycle. Investing in the equity markets of developing countries involves exposure to economic structures that are generally less diverse and mature, and to political systems that can be expected to have less stability, than those of developed countries.
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Historical experience indicates that the markets of developing countries have been more volatile than the markets of the more mature economies of developed countries; however, such markets often have provided higher rates of return to investors.
One or more of the risks discussed above could affect adversely the economy of a developing market or the funds investments in such a market. In Eastern Europe, for example, upon the accession to power of Communist regimes in the past, the governments of a number of Eastern European countries expropriated a large amount of property. The claims of many property owners against those governments may remain unsettled. There can be no assurance that any investments that the fund might make in such emerging markets would not be expropriated, nationalized or otherwise confiscated at some time in the future. In such an event, the fund could lose its entire investment in the market involved. Moreover, changes in the leadership or policies of such markets could halt the expansion or reverse the liberalization of foreign investment policies now occurring in certain of these markets and adversely affect existing investment opportunities.
Many of the funds investments in the securities of emerging markets may be unrated or rated below investment grade. Securities rated below investment grade (and comparable unrated securities) are the equivalent of high yield, high risk bonds, commonly known as junk bonds. Such securities are regarded as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuers capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligations and involve major risk exposure to adverse business, financial, economic or political conditions.
Derivative Instruments. In accordance with its investment policies, the fund may invest in certain derivative instruments, which are securities or contracts that provide for payments based on or derived from the performance of an underlying asset, index or other economic benchmark. Essentially, a derivative instrument is a financial arrangement or a contract between two parties (and not a true security like a stock or a bond). Transactions in derivative instruments can be, but are not necessarily, riskier than investments in conventional stocks, bonds and money market instruments. A derivative instrument is more accurately viewed as a way of reallocating risk among different parties or substituting one type of risk for another. Every investment by the fund, including an investment in conventional securities, reflects an implicit prediction about future changes in the value of that investment. Every fund investment also involves a risk that the subadvisers expectations will be wrong. Transactions in derivative instruments often enable the fund to take investment positions that more precisely reflect the subadvisers expectations concerning the future performance of the various investments available to the fund. Derivative instruments can be a legitimate and often cost-effective method of accomplishing the same investment goals as could be achieved through other investment in conventional securities.
Derivative contracts include options, futures contracts, forward contracts, forward commitment and when-issued securities transactions, forward foreign currency exchange contracts and interest rate, mortgage and currency transactions. The following are the principal risks associated with derivative instruments:
Market risk: The risk that the instrument will decline in value or that an alternative investment would have appreciated more, but this is no different from the risk of investing in conventional securities.
Leverage and associated price volatility: Leverage causes increased volatility in the price and magnifies the impact of adverse market changes, but this risk may be consistent with the investment objective of even a conservative fund in order to achieve an average portfolio volatility that is within the expected range for that type of fund.
Credit risk: The risk that the issuer of the instrument may default on its obligation to pay interest and principal.
Liquidity and valuation risk: Many derivative instruments are traded in institutional markets rather than on an exchange. Nevertheless, many derivative instruments are actively traded and can be priced with as much
36
accuracy as conventional securities. Derivative instruments that are custom designed to meet the specialized investment needs of a relatively narrow group of institutional investors such as the fund are not readily marketable and are subject to the funds restrictions on illiquid investments.
Correlation risk: There may be imperfect correlation between the price of the derivative and the underlying asset. For example, there may be price disparities between the trading markets for the derivative contract and the underlying asset.
Each derivative instrument purchased for the funds portfolio is reviewed and analyzed by the funds portfolio manager to assess the risk and reward of each such instrument in relation to the funds portfolio investment strategy. The decision to invest in derivative instruments or conventional securities is made by measuring the respective instruments ability to provide value to the fund and its shareholders.
Special Risks of Writing Options. Option writing for the fund may be limited by position and exercise limits established by national securities exchanges and by requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code) for qualification as a regulated investment company. In addition to writing covered call options to generate current income, the fund may enter into options transactions as hedges to reduce investment risk, generally by making an investment expected to move in the opposite direction of a portfolio position. A hedge is designed to offset a loss on a portfolio position with a gain on the hedged position; at the same time, however, a properly correlated hedge will result in a gain on the portfolio position being offset by a loss on the hedged position. The fund bears the risk that the prices of the securities being hedged will not move in the same amount as the hedge. The fund will engage in hedging transactions only when deemed advisable by the subadviser. Successful use by the fund of options will be subject to the ability of the subadviser to predict correct movements in the direction of the stock or index underlying the option used as a hedge. Losses incurred in hedging transactions and the costs of these transactions will affect the funds performance.
The ability of the fund to engage in closing transactions with respect to options depends on the existence of a liquid secondary market. While the fund generally will write options only if a liquid secondary market appears to exist for the options purchased or sold, for some options no such secondary market may exist or the market may cease to exist. If the fund cannot enter into a closing purchase transaction with respect to a call option it has written, the fund will continue to be subject to the risk that its potential loss upon exercise of the option will increase as a result of any increase in the value of the underlying security. The fund could also face higher transaction costs, including brokerage commissions, as a result of its options transactions.
Special Risks of Using Futures Contracts. The prices of futures contracts are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in interest rates, which in turn are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and national and international political and economic events.
At best, the correlation between changes in prices of futures contracts and of the securities or currencies being hedged can be only approximate. The degree of imperfection of correlation depends upon circumstances such as: variations in speculative market demand for futures and for debt securities or currencies, including technical influences in futures trading; and differences between the financial instruments being hedged and the instruments underlying the standard futures contracts available for trading, with respect to interest rate levels, maturities, and creditworthiness of issuers. A decision of whether, when, and how to hedge involves skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived hedge may be unsuccessful to some degree because of unexpected market behavior or interest rate trends.
Because of the low margin deposits required, futures trading involves an extremely high degree of leverage. As a result, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in immediate and substantial loss, as well as gain, to the investor. For example, if at the time of purchase, 10% of the value of the futures contract is deposited as margin, a subsequent 10% decrease in the value of the futures contract would result in a total loss of the margin deposit, before any deduction for the transaction costs, if the account were then closed out. A 15%
37
decrease would result in a loss equal to 150% of the original margin deposit, if the futures contract were closed out. Thus, a purchase or sale of a futures contract may result in losses in excess of the amount invested in the futures contract. The fund, however, would presumably have sustained comparable losses if, instead of the futures contract, it had invested in the underlying financial instrument and sold it after the decline. Where the fund enters into futures transactions for non-hedging purposes, it will be subject to greater risks and could sustain losses which are not offset by gains on other fund assets.
Furthermore, in the case of a futures contract purchase, in order to be certain that the fund has sufficient assets to satisfy its obligations under a futures contract, the fund segregates and commits to back the futures contract an amount of cash and liquid securities equal in value to the current value of the underlying instrument less the margin deposit.
Most U.S. futures exchanges limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in futures contract prices during a single trading day. The daily limit establishes the maximum amount that the price of a futures contract may vary either up or down from the previous days settlement price at the end of a trading session. Once the daily limit has been reached in a particular type of futures contract, no trades may be made on that day at a price beyond that limit. The daily limit governs only price movement during a particular trading day and therefore does not limit potential losses, because the limit may prevent the liquidation of unfavorable positions. Futures contract prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of futures positions and subjecting some futures traders to substantial losses.
Convertible Securities. Convertible securities are subject both to the stock market risk associated with equity securities and to the credit and interest rate risks associated with fixed-income securities. As the market price of the equity security underlying a convertible security falls, the convertible security tends to trade on the basis of its yield and other fixed-income characteristics. As the market price of such equity security rises, the convertible security tends to trade on the basis of its equity conversion features.
Preferred Stocks. Preferred stocks, like common stocks, represent an equity ownership in an issuer, but generally have a priority claim over common stocks, but not over debt, with respect to dividend payments and upon the liquidation or bankruptcy of the issuer. Therefore, preferred stock is subject to the credit risk of the issuer, but because of its subordinate position to debt obligations of the issuer, the deterioration of the credit of an issuer is likely to cause greater decreases in the value of preferred stock than in more senior debt obligations.
The Trust has adopted the fundamental and non-fundamental investment policies below with respect to the fund for the protection of shareholders. Fundamental investment policies may not be changed without the vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the fund, defined under the 1940 Act as the lesser of (a) 67% or more of the voting power present at a fund meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the voting power of the fund are present in person or represented by proxy, or (b) more than 50% of the voting power of the fund.
If any percentage restriction described below is complied with at the time of an investment, a later increase or decrease in percentage resulting from a
Fundamental Investment Policies
The funds revised fundamental investment policies are as follows:
1. The fund may not borrow money except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.
2. The fund may not engage in the business of underwriting the securities of other issuers except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority
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with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.
3. The fund may lend money or other assets to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.
4. The fund may not issue senior securities except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.
5. The fund may not purchase or sell real estate except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.
6. The fund may purchase or sell commodities or contracts related to commodities to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.
7. Except as permitted by exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, the Fund may not make any investment if, as a result, the funds investments will be concentrated in any one industry.
With respect to the fundamental policy relating to borrowing money set forth in (1) above, the 1940 Act permits a fund to borrow money in amounts of up to one-third of the funds total assets from banks for any purpose, and to borrow up to 5% of the funds total assets from banks or other lenders for temporary purposes. To limit the risks attendant to borrowing, the 1940 Act requires the fund to maintain at all times an asset coverage of at least 300% of the amount of its borrowings. Asset coverage means the ratio that the value of the funds total assets, minus liabilities other than borrowings, bears to the aggregate amount of all borrowings. Certain trading practices and investments, such as reverse repurchase agreements, may be considered to be borrowings and thus subject to the 1940 Act restrictions. Borrowing money to increase portfolio holdings is known as leveraging. Borrowing, especially when used for leverage, may cause the value of a funds shares to be more volatile than if the fund did not borrow. This is because borrowing tends to magnify the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the funds portfolio holdings. Borrowed money thus creates an opportunity for greater gains, but also greater losses. To repay borrowings, the fund may have to sell securities at a time and at a price that is unfavorable to the fund. There also are costs associated with borrowing money, and these costs would offset and could eliminate a funds net investment income in any given period. Currently, the fund does not contemplate borrowing money for leverage, but if the fund does so, it will not likely do so to a substantial degree. The policy in (1) above will be interpreted to permit the fund to engage in trading practices and investments that may be considered to be borrowing to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. Short-term credits necessary for the settlement of securities transactions and arrangements with respect to securities lending will not be considered to be borrowings under the policy. Practices and investments that may involve leverage but are not considered to be borrowings are not subject to the policy.
With respect to the fundamental policy relating to underwriting set forth in (2) above, the 1940 Act does not prohibit a fund from engaging in the underwriting business or from underwriting the securities of other issuers; in fact, the 1940 Act permits a fund to have underwriting commitments of up to 25% of its assets under certain circumstances. Those circumstances currently are that the amount of the funds underwriting commitments, when added to the value of the funds investments in issuers where the fund owns more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of those issuers, cannot exceed the 25% cap. A fund engaging in transactions involving the acquisition or disposition of portfolio securities may be considered to be an underwriter under the 1933 Act. Under the 1933 Act, an underwriter may be liable for material omissions or misstatements in an issuers registration statement or prospectus. Securities purchased from an issuer and not registered for sale under the
39
1933 Act are considered restricted securities. There may be a limited market for these securities. If these securities are registered under the 1933 Act, they may then be eligible for sale but participating in the sale may subject the seller to underwriter liability. These risks could apply to a fund investing in restricted securities. Although it is not believed that the application of the 1933 Act provisions described above would cause a fund to be engaged in the business of underwriting, the policy in (2) above will be interpreted not to prevent the fund from engaging in transactions involving the acquisition or disposition of portfolio securities, regardless of whether the fund may be considered to be an underwriter under the 1933 Act.
With respect to the fundamental policy relating to lending set forth in (3) above, the 1940 Act does not prohibit a fund from making loans; however, SEC staff interpretations currently prohibit funds from lending more than one-third of their total assets, except through the purchase of debt obligations or the use of repurchase agreements. (A repurchase agreement is an agreement to purchase a security, coupled with an agreement to sell that security back to the original seller on an agreed-upon date at a price that reflects current interest rates. The SEC frequently treats repurchase agreements as loans.) While lending securities may be a source of income to a fund, as with other extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery or even loss of rights in the underlying securities should the borrower fail financially. However, loans would be made only when the funds manager or subadviser believes the income justifies the attendant risks. The fund also will be permitted by this policy to make loans of money, including to other funds. A fund would have to obtain exemptive relief from the SEC to make loans to other funds. The policy in (3) above will be interpreted not to prevent the fund from purchasing or investing in debt obligations and loans. In addition, collateral arrangements with respect to options, forward currency and futures transactions and other derivative instruments, as well as delays in the settlement of securities transactions, will not be considered loans.
With respect to the fundamental policy relating to issuing senior securities set forth in (4) above, senior securities are defined as fund obligations that have a priority over the funds shares with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution of fund assets. The 1940 Act prohibits a fund from issuing senior securities except that the fund may borrow money in amounts of up to one-third of the funds total assets from banks for any purpose. A fund also may borrow up to 5% of the funds total assets from banks or other lenders for temporary purposes, and these borrowings are not considered senior securities. The issuance of senior securities by a fund can increase the speculative character of the funds outstanding shares through leveraging. Leveraging of a funds portfolio through the issuance of senior securities magnifies the potential for gain or loss on monies, because even though the funds net assets remain the same, the total risk to investors is increased to the extent of the funds gross assets. The policy in (4) above will be interpreted not to prevent collateral arrangements with respect to swaps, options, forward or futures contracts or other derivatives, or the posting of initial or variation margin.
With respect to the fundamental policy relating to real estate set forth in (5) above, the 1940 Act does not prohibit a fund from owning real estate; however, a fund is limited in the amount of illiquid assets it may purchase. Investing in real estate may involve risks, including that real estate is generally considered illiquid and may be difficult to value and sell. Owners of real estate may be subject to various liabilities, including environmental liabilities. To the extent that investments in real estate are considered illiquid, the current SEC staff position generally limits a funds purchases of illiquid securities to 15% of net assets. The policy in (5) above will be interpreted not to prevent the fund from investing in real estate-related companies, companies whose businesses consist in whole or in part of investing in real estate, instruments (like mortgages) that are secured by real estate or interests therein, or real estate investment trust securities.
With respect to the fundamental policy relating to commodities set forth in (6) above, the 1940 Act does not prohibit a fund from owning commodities, whether physical commodities and contracts related to physical commodities (such as oil or grains and related futures contracts), or financial commodities and contracts related to financial commodities (such as currencies and, possibly, currency futures). However, a fund is limited in the amount of illiquid assets it may purchase. To the extent that investments in commodities are considered illiquid, the current SEC staff position generally limits a funds purchases of illiquid securities to 15% of net assets. If a
40
fund were to invest in a physical commodity or a physical commodity-related instrument, the fund would be subject to the additional risks of the particular physical commodity and its related market. The value of commodities and commodity-related instruments may be extremely volatile and may be affected either directly or indirectly by a variety of factors. There also may be storage charges and risks of loss associated with physical commodities. The policy in (6) above will be interpreted to permit investments in exchange traded funds that invest in physical and/or financial commodities.
With respect to the fundamental policy relating to concentration set forth in (7) above, the 1940 Act does not define what constitutes concentration in an industry. The SEC staff has taken the position that investment of 25% or more of a funds total assets in one or more issuers conducting their principal activities in the same industry or group of industries constitutes concentration. It is possible that interpretations of concentration could change in the future. A fund that invests a significant percentage of its total assets in a single industry may be particularly susceptible to adverse events affecting that industry and may be more risky than a fund that does not concentrate in an industry. The policy in (7) above will be interpreted to refer to concentration as that term may be interpreted from time to time. The policy also will be interpreted to permit investment without limit in the following: securities of the U.S. government and its agencies or instrumentalities; securities of state, territory, possession or municipal governments and their authorities, agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions; securities of foreign governments; and repurchase agreements collateralized by any such obligations. Accordingly, issuers of the foregoing securities will not be considered to be members of any industry. There also will be no limit on investment in issuers domiciled in a single jurisdiction or country. The policy also will be interpreted to give broad authority to the fund as to how to classify issuers within or among industries.
The funds fundamental policies are written and will be interpreted broadly. For example, the policies will be interpreted to refer to the 1940 Act and the related rules as they are in effect from time to time, and to interpretations and modifications of or relating to the 1940 Act by the SEC and others as they are given from time to time. When a policy provides that an investment practice may be conducted as permitted by the 1940 Act, the policy will be interpreted to mean either that the 1940 Act expressly permits the practice or that the 1940 Act does not prohibit the practice.
Non-Fundamental Investment Policies
Under the non-fundamental investment policies adopted by the fund, the fund is prohibited from:
1. Investing in oil, gas or other mineral exploration or development programs, except that the fund may invest in the securities of companies that invest in or sponsor those programs.
2. Writing or selling puts, calls, straddles, spreads or combinations thereof, except as permitted under the funds investment objective and policies.
3. Purchasing restricted securities, illiquid securities (such as repurchase agreements with maturities in excess of 7 days) or other securities that are not readily marketable if more than 15% of the total assets of the fund would be invested in such securities.
4. Purchasing any security if, as a result, the fund would then have more than 10% of its total assets invested in securities of companies (including predecessors) that have been in continuous operation for fewer than 3 years.
5. Making investments for the purpose of exercising control or management.
6. Purchasing or retaining securities of any company if, to the knowledge of the Trust, any of the Trusts officers or Trustees or any officer or director of the manager individually owns more than 1 / 2 of 1% of the outstanding securities of such company and together they own beneficially more than 5% of the securities.
7. Investing in warrants other than those acquired by the fund as part of a unit or attached to securities at the time of purchase (except as permitted under the funds investment objective and policies) if, as a result, the investments (valued at the lower of cost or market) would exceed 10% of the value of the funds
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total assets. At no time may more than 5% of the funds total assets be invested in warrants not listed on a recognized U.S. or foreign stock exchange, to the extent permitted by applicable state securities laws.
8. Investing in securities of other investment companies, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act.
Diversification
The fund is currently classified as a diversified fund under the 1940 Act. This means that the fund may not purchase securities of an issuer (other than obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities) if, with respect to 75% of the funds total assets, (a) more than 5% of the funds total assets would be invested in securities of that issuer, or (b) the fund would hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that issuer. With respect to the remaining 25% of its total assets, the fund can invest more than 5% of its assets in one issuer. Under the 1940 Act, the fund cannot change its classification from diversified to non-diversified without shareholder approval.
Portfolio Turnover
For reporting purposes, the funds portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the fiscal year by the monthly average of the value of the portfolio securities owned by the fund during the fiscal year. In determining such portfolio turnover, all securities whose maturities at the time of acquisition were one year or less are excluded. A 100% portfolio turnover rate would occur, for example, if all of the securities in the funds investment portfolio (other than short-term money market securities) were replaced once during the fiscal year. Portfolio turnover will not be a limiting factor should the subadviser deem it advisable to purchase or sell securities.
In the event that portfolio turnover increases, this increase necessarily results in correspondingly greater transaction costs which must be paid by the fund. To the extent portfolio trading results in realization of net short-term capital gains, shareholders will be taxed on such gains at ordinary tax rates (except shareholders who invest through individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and other retirement plans which are not taxed currently on accumulations in their accounts).
For the fiscal years ended July 31, 2006 and 2007 the portfolio turnover rates of the fund were 98% and 76%, respectively.
Portfolio Transactions
Subject to such policies as may be established by the Board from time to time, the subadviser is primarily responsible for the funds portfolio decisions and the placing of the funds portfolio transactions, except that the manager manages the cash and short-term investments of the fund. Commissions are negotiated with broker/dealers on all transactions.
The cost of securities purchased from underwriters includes an underwriting commission, concession or a net price. The purchase by the fund of participations or assignments may be pursuant to privately negotiated transactions pursuant to which the fund may be required to pay fees to the seller or forgo a portion of payments in respect of the participation agreement. The aggregate brokerage commissions paid by the fund for its three most recent fiscal years are set forth below under Aggregate Brokerage Commissions Paid.
Pursuant to the Management Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement, each of the manager and the subadviser is authorized to place orders pursuant to its investment determinations for the fund either directly with the issuer or with any broker or dealer, foreign currency dealer, futures commission merchant or others selected by it. The general policy of the manager and the subadviser in selecting brokers and dealers is to obtain the best
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results achievable in the context of a number of factors which are considered both in relation to individual trades and broader trading patterns, including the reliability of the broker/dealer, the competitiveness of the price and the commission, the research services received and whether the broker/dealer commits its own capital.
In connection with the selection of such brokers or dealers and the placing of such orders, subject to applicable law, brokers or dealers may be selected who also provide brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) to the fund and/or the other accounts over which the manager, the subadviser or their affiliates exercise investment discretion. The manager and subadviser are authorized to pay a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction for the fund which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the manager or the subadviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer. This determination may be viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities that the manager, the subadviser and their affiliates have with respect to accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. The manager and/or subadviser may also have arrangements with brokers pursuant to which such brokers provide research services to the manager or subadviser, as applicable, in exchange for a certain volume of brokerage transactions to be executed by such brokers. While the payment of higher commissions increases the funds costs, neither the manager nor the subadviser believes that the receipt of such brokerage and research services significantly reduces its expenses as manager or subadviser. Arrangements for the receipt of research services from brokers may create conflicts of interest.
Research services furnished to the manager or subadviser by brokers who effect securities transactions for the fund may be used by the manager or subadviser in servicing other investment companies and accounts which it manages. Similarly, research services furnished to the manager or subadviser by brokers who effect securities transactions for other investment companies and accounts which the manager or subadviser manages may be used by the manager or subadviser, as applicable, in servicing the fund. Not all of these research services are used by the manager or subadviser in managing any particular account, including the fund.
For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2007, the fund did not direct any amounts to brokerage transactions related to research services and did not pay any brokerage commissions related to research services.
The fund contemplates that, consistent with the policy of obtaining the best net results, brokerage transactions may be conducted through affiliated broker/dealers, as defined in the 1940 Act. The Board has adopted procedures in accordance with Rule 17e-1 under the 1940 Act to ensure that all brokerage commissions paid to such affiliates are reasonable and fair in the context of the market in which such affiliates operate. Effective December 1, 2005, CGMI is no longer an affiliated person of the fund under the 1940 Act. As a result, the fund is permitted to execute portfolio transactions with CGMI or an affiliate of CGMI as agent (but not as principal) without being subject to the restrictions applicable to transactions with affiliated persons.
Aggregate Brokerage Commissions Paid
For the fiscal years ended July 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, the fund paid aggregate brokerage commissions as set out below:
Fiscal Year |
Aggregate Brokerage Commissions Paid |
||
2005 |
$ | 126,884 | |
2006 |
$ | 50,821 | |
2007 |
$ | 23,524 |
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For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2007, the percentage of the funds aggregate brokerage commissions paid to CGMI and its affiliates and the percentage of the funds aggregate dollar amount of transactions involving the payment of commissions effected through CGMI and its affiliates were zero.
As of December 1, 2005, LMIS became an underwriter of the fund under the 1940 Act. For the period December 1, 2005 through July 31, 2006 and the fiscal year ended July 31, 2007, the fund did not pay any brokerage commissions to LMIS or its affiliates.
In certain instances, there may be securities that are suitable as an investment for the fund as well as for one or more of the managers or subadvisers other clients. Investment decisions for the fund and for the managers or subadvisers other clients are made with a view to achieving their respective investment objectives. It may develop that a particular security is bought or sold for only one client even though it might be held by, or bought or sold for, other clients. Likewise, a particular security may be bought for one or more clients when one or more clients are selling the same security. Some simultaneous transactions are inevitable when several clients receive investment advice from the same manager, particularly when the same security is suitable for the investment objectives of more than one client. When two or more clients are simultaneously engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security, the securities are allocated among clients in a manner believed to be equitable to each. It is recognized that in some cases this system could adversely affect the price of or the size of the position obtainable in a security for the fund. When purchases or sales of the same security for the fund and for other portfolios managed by the manager or subadviser occur contemporaneously, the purchase or sale orders may be aggregated in order to obtain any price advantages available to large volume purchases or sales.
The fund may use CGMI as a commodities broker in connection with entering into futures contracts and options on futures contracts. CGMI has agreed to charge the fund commodity commissions at rates comparable to those charged by CGMI to its most favored clients for comparable trades in comparable accounts.
During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2007, the fund purchased securities issued by the following regular broker/dealer of the fund, which had the following value as of July 31, 2007:
Name of Regular Broker or Dealer or Parent (Issuer) |
Type of
Security Owned |
Value of
Securities Owned at End of Current Period |
|||
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith |
Debt | $ | 2,455,740 |
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
For funds in the Legg Mason Partners family of funds, the funds Board of Trustees has adopted policies and procedures developed by LMPFA with respect to the disclosure of the funds portfolio securities and any ongoing arrangements to make available information about the funds portfolio securities. The policy requires that consideration always be given as to whether disclosure of information about the funds portfolio holdings is in the best interests of the funds shareholders, and that any conflicts of interest between the interests of the funds shareholders and those of LMPFA, the funds distributors or their affiliates, be addressed in a manner that places the interests of fund shareholders first. The policy provides that information regarding the funds portfolio holdings may not be shared with non-Legg Mason employees, with investors or potential investors (whether individual or institutional), or with third parties unless it is done for legitimate fund business purposes and in accordance with the policy.
LMPFAs policy generally provides for the release of details of securities positions once they are considered stale. Data is considered stale 25 calendar days following quarter-end. LMPFA believes that this passage of time prevents a third party from benefiting from an investment decision made by the fund that has not been fully reflected by the market.
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Under the policy, the funds complete list of holdings (including the size of each position) may be made available to investors, potential investors, third parties and non-Legg Mason employees with simultaneous public disclosure at least 25 days after calendar quarter end. Typically, simultaneous public disclosure is achieved by the filing of Form N-Q or Form N-CSR in accordance with SEC rules, provided that such filings may not be made until 25 days following quarter-end and/or posting the information to LMPFA or the funds Internet site that is accessible by the public, or through public release by a third party vendor.
The policy permits the release of limited portfolio holdings information that is not yet considered stale in a number of situations, including:
1. The funds top ten securities, current as of month-end, and the individual size of each such security position may be released at any time following month-end with simultaneous public disclosure.
2. The funds top ten securities positions (including the aggregate but not individual size of such positions) may be released at any time with simultaneous public disclosure.
3. A list of securities (that may include fund holdings together with other securities) followed by the portfolio manager (without position sizes or identification of particular funds) may be disclosed to sell-side brokers at any time for the purpose of obtaining research and/or market information from such brokers.
4. A trade in process may be discussed only with counterparties, potential counterparties and others involved in the transaction (i.e., brokers and custodians).
5. The funds sector weightings, performance attribution (e.g., analysis of the funds out-performance or underperformance of its benchmark based on its portfolio holdings) and other summary and statistical information that does not include identification of specific portfolio holdings may be released, even if non-public, if such release is otherwise in accordance with the policys general principles.
6. The funds portfolio holdings may be released on an as-needed basis to its legal counsel, counsel to its Independent Trustees and its independent registered public accounting firm, in required regulatory filings or otherwise to governmental agencies and authorities.
Under the policy, if information about the funds portfolio holdings is released pursuant to an ongoing arrangement with any party, the fund must have a legitimate business purpose for the release of the information, and either party receiving the information must be under a duty of confidentiality, or the release of non-public information must be subject to trading restrictions and confidential treatment to prohibit the entity from sharing with an unauthorized source or trading upon any non-public information provided. Neither the fund, nor Legg Mason nor any other affiliated person may receive compensation or any other consideration in connection with such arrangements. Ongoing arrangements to make available information about the funds portfolio securities will be reviewed at least annually by the funds Board of Trustees.
The approval of the funds Chief Compliance Officer, or designee, must be obtained before entering into any new ongoing arrangement or altering any existing ongoing arrangement to make available portfolio holdings information, or with respect to any exceptions to the policy. Any exceptions to the policy must be consistent with the purposes of the policy. Exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis and are granted only after a thorough examination and consultation with LMPFAs legal department, as necessary. Exceptions to the policies are reported to the funds Board of Trustees at its next regularly scheduled meeting.
Currently, the fund typically discloses its complete portfolio holdings approximately 25 days after calendar quarter-end on Legg Masons website, http://www.leggmason.com/InvestorServices.
45
Set forth below is a list, as of August 31, 2007, of those parties with whom LMPFA, on behalf of the fund, has authorized ongoing arrangements that include the release of portfolio holdings information, the frequency of the release under such arrangements, and the length of the lag, if any, between the date of the information and the date on which the information is disclosed. The parties identified below as recipients are service providers, fund rating agencies, consultants and analysts.
Recipient |
Frequency |
Delay Before Dissemination |
||
State Street Bank and Trust Company (Fund Custodian and Accounting Agent) |
Daily | None | ||
Institutional Shareholder Services (Proxy voting services) |
As necessary | None | ||
Bloomberg |
Quarterly | 25 Days after Quarter End | ||
Lipper |
Quarterly | 25 Days after Quarter End | ||
S&P |
Quarterly | 25 Days after Quarter End | ||
Morningstar |
Quarterly | 25 Days after Quarter End | ||
Vestek |
Daily | None | ||
Factset |
Daily | None | ||
The Bank of New York Mellon |
Daily | None | ||
Thomson |
Semi-annually | None | ||
Dataware |
Daily | None | ||
ITG |
Daily | None |
Portfolio holdings information for the fund may also be released from time to time pursuant to ongoing arrangements with the following parties:
Recipient |
Frequency |
Delay Before Dissemination |
||
Baseline |
Daily | None | ||
Frank Russell |
Monthly | 1 Day | ||
Callan |
Quarterly | 25 Days after Quarter End | ||
Mercer |
Quarterly | 25 Days after Quarter End | ||
eVestment Alliance |
Quarterly | 25 Days after Quarter End | ||
CRA RogersCasey |
Quarterly | 25 Days after Quarter End | ||
Cambridge Associates |
Quarterly | 25 Days after Quarter End | ||
Marco Consulting |
Quarterly | 25 Days after Quarter End | ||
Wilshire |
Quarterly | 25 Days after Quarter End | ||
Informa Investment Services (Efron) |
Quarterly | 25 Days after Quarter End | ||
CheckFree (Mobius) |
Quarterly | 25 Days after Quarter End | ||
Nelsons Information |
Quarterly | 25 Days after Quarter End | ||
Investor Tools |
Daily | None | ||
Advent |
Daily | None | ||
BARRA |
Daily | None | ||
Plexus |
Quarterly (Calendar) | Sent 1-3 business days following the end of a Quarter | ||
Elkins/McSherry |
Quarterly (Calendar) | Sent 1-3 business days following the end of a Quarter | ||
Quantitative Services Group |
Daily | None | ||
AMBAC |
Daily | None | ||
Deutsche Bank |
Monthly | 6-8 business days | ||
Fitch |
Monthly | 6-8 business days | ||
Liberty Hampshire |
Weekly and Month End | None | ||
Sun Trust |
Weekly and Month End | None | ||
New England Pension Consultants |
Quarterly | 25 Days after Quarter End |
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Recipient |
Frequency |
Delay Before Dissemination |
||
Evaluation Associates |
Quarterly | 25 Days after Quarter End | ||
Watson Wyatt |
Quarterly | 25 Days after Quarter End | ||
S&P (Rating Agency) |
Weekly Tuesday Night | 1 business day | ||
Moodys (Rating Agency) |
Monthly | 6-8 business days | ||
Electra Information Systems |
Daily | None | ||
SunGard |
Daily | None |
General
Investors may purchase shares from a Service Agent. In addition, certain investors, including retirement plans purchasing through certain Service Agents, may purchase shares directly from the fund. When purchasing shares of the fund, investors must specify whether the purchase is for Class A, B, C or I* shares, as applicable. Service Agents may charge their customers an annual account maintenance fee in connection with a brokerage account through which an investor purchases or holds shares. Accounts held directly at the transfer agent are not subject to a maintenance fee.
For additional information regarding applicable investment minimums and eligibility requirements, please see the funds prospectus.
There are no minimum investment requirements for purchases of Class A shares by (i) current and retired board members of Legg Mason, (ii) current and retired board members of any fund advised by LMPFA (such board members, together with board members of Legg Mason, are referred to herein as Board Members), (iii) current employees of Legg Mason and its subsidiaries, (iv) the immediate families of such persons (immediate families are such persons spouse, including the surviving spouse of a deceased Board Member, and children under the age of 21), and (v) a pension, profit-sharing or other benefit plan for the benefit of such persons. The fund reserves the right to waive or change minimums, to decline any order to purchase its shares and to suspend the offering of shares from time to time.
Purchase orders received by the fund or a Service Agent prior to the close of regular trading on the NYSE on any day the fund calculates its net asset value are priced according to the net asset value determined on that day (the trade date). Orders received by a Service Agent prior to the close of regular trading on the NYSE on any day the fund calculates its net asset value are priced according to the net asset value determined on that day, provided the order is received by the funds agent prior to its close of business.
Systematic Investment Plan. Shareholders may make additions to their accounts at any time by purchasing shares through a service known as the Systematic Investment Plan. Under the Systematic Investment Plan, a distributor or the transfer agent is authorized through preauthorized transfers of at least $25 on a monthly, quarterly, every alternate month, semi-annual or annual basis to charge the shareholders account held with a bank or other financial institution as indicated by the shareholder, to provide for systematic additions to the shareholders fund account. A shareholder who has insufficient funds to complete the transfer will be charged a fee of up to $25 by a distributor or the transfer agent. The Systematic Investment Plan authorizes a distributor to apply cash held in the shareholders brokerage account or redeem the shareholders shares of certain money market funds managed by the manager or its affiliates to make additions to the account. Additional information is available from the fund or a Service Agent.
* | As of November 20, 2006, Class Y shares were renamed Class I shares. |
47
Sales Charge Alternatives
The following classes of shares are available for purchase. See the funds prospectus for a discussion of who is eligible to purchase certain classes and of factors to consider in selecting which class of shares to purchase.
Class A Shares. Class A shares are sold to investors at the public offering price, which is the net asset value (NAV) plus an initial sales charge, as described in the funds prospectus.
Members of the selling group may receive a portion of the sales charge as described in the funds prospectus and may be deemed to be underwriters of the fund as defined in the 1933 Act. Sales charges are calculated based on the aggregate of purchases of Class A shares of the fund made at one time by any person, which includes an individual and his or her spouse and children under the age of 21, or a trustee or other fiduciary of a single trust estate or single fiduciary account. For additional information regarding sales charge reductions, see Sales Charge Waivers and Reductions below.
Purchases of Class A shares of $1,000,000 or more will be made at NAV without any initial sales charge, but will be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% on redemptions made within 12 months of purchase. The contingent deferred sales charge is waived in the same circumstances in which the contingent deferred sales charge applicable to Class B and Class C shares is waived. See Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Provisions and Waivers of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge below.
Class B and C Shares. Class B and Class C shares are sold without an initial sales charge but are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge payable upon certain redemptions. See Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Provisions below.
Class I shares. Class I shares are sold at NAV with no initial sales charge on purchases and no contingent deferred sales charge upon redemption.
Sales Charge Waivers and Reductions
Initial Sales Charge Waivers. Purchases of Class A shares may be made at NAV without an initial sales charge in the following circumstances:
(a) | sales to (i) current and retired board members of Legg Mason, (ii) current and retired Board Members, (iii) current employees of Legg Mason and its subsidiaries, (iv) the immediate families of such persons (immediate families are such persons spouse, including the surviving spouse of a deceased Board Member, and children under the age of 21), and (v) a pension, profit-sharing or other benefit plan for the benefit of such persons; |
(b) | sales to any employees of Service Agents having dealer, service or other selling agreements with the funds distributors or otherwise having an arrangement with any such Service Agent with respect to sales of fund shares, and by the immediate families of such persons or by a pension, profit-sharing or other benefit plan for the benefit of such persons (providing the purchase is made for investment purposes and such securities will not be resold except through redemption or repurchase); |
(c) | offers of Class A shares to any other investment company to effect the combination of such company with the fund by merger, acquisition of assets or otherwise; |
(d) | purchases by shareholders who have redeemed Class A shares in the fund (or Class A shares of another Legg Mason Partners fund that is offered with a sales charge) and who wish to reinvest their redemption proceeds in the fund, provided the reinvestment is made within 60 calendar days of the redemption; |
(e) | purchases by accounts managed by registered investment advisory subsidiaries of Citigroup Inc. (Citigroup); |
48
(f) | purchases by certain separate accounts used to fund unregistered variable annuity contracts; and |
(g) | purchases by investors participating in wrap fee or asset allocation programs or other fee-based arrangements sponsored by (affiliated and non-affiliated) broker/dealers and other financial institutions that have entered into agreements with CGMI or LMIS. |
In order to obtain such discounts, the purchaser must provide sufficient information at the time of purchase to permit verification that the purchase qualifies for the elimination of the sales charge.
Accumulation Privilege. Please see the funds prospectus for information regarding accumulation privileges.
Letter of Intent helps you take advantage of breakpoints in Class A sales charges. You may purchase Class A shares of Legg Mason Partners funds over a 13-month period and pay the same sales charge, if any, as if all shares had been purchased at once.
You have a choice of seven Asset Level Goal amounts, as follows:
(1) $25,000 |
(5) $500,000 |
|||||
(2) $50,000 |
(6) $750,000 |
|||||
(3) $100,000 |
(7) $1,000,000 |
|||||
(4) $250,000 |
Each time you make a Class A purchase under a Letter of Intent, you will be entitled to the sales charge that is applicable to the amount of your Asset Level Goal. For example, if your Asset Level Goal is $100,000, any Class A investments you make under a Letter of Intent would be subject to the sales charge of the specific fund you are investing in for purchases of $100,000. Sales charges and breakpoints vary among the Legg Mason Partners funds.
When you enter into a Letter of Intent, you agree to purchase in Eligible Accounts over a 13-month period Eligible Fund Purchases in an amount equal to the Asset Level Goal you have selected, less any Eligible Prior Purchases. For this purpose, shares are valued at the public offering price (including any sales charge paid) calculated as of the date of purchase, plus any appreciation in the value of the shares as of the date of calculation, except for Eligible Prior Purchases, which are valued at current value as of the date of calculation. Your commitment will be met if at any time during the 13-month period the value, as so determined, of eligible holdings is at least equal to your Asset Level Goal. All reinvested dividends and distributions on shares acquired under the Letter of Intent will be credited towards your Asset Level Goal. You may include any Eligible Fund Purchases towards the Letter of Intent, including shares of classes other than Class A shares. However, a Letter of Intent will not entitle you to a reduction in the sales charge payable on any shares other than Class A shares, and if the shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, you will still be subject to that contingent deferred sales charge with respect to those shares. You must make reference to the Letter of Intent each time you make a purchase under the Letter of Intent.
Eligible Fund Purchases. Generally, any shares of a Legg Mason Partners fund may be credited towards your Asset Level Goal. Shares of certain money market funds advised by the manager or its affiliates (except for money market fund shares acquired by exchange from other Legg Mason Partners funds), Legg Mason Partners S&P 500 Index Fund and Class O shares of Legg Mason Partners Equity Fund are not eligible. This list may change from time to time. Investors should check with their Service Agent to see which funds may be eligible.
Eligible Accounts. Purchases may be made through any account in your name, or in the name of your spouse or your children under the age of 21. You may need to provide certain records, such as account statements, in order to verify your eligibility for reduced sales charges. Contact your Service Agent to see which accounts may be credited toward your Asset Level Goal.
49
Eligible Prior Purchases. You may also credit towards your Asset Level Goal any Eligible Fund Purchases made in Eligible Accounts at any time prior to entering into the Letter of Intent that have not been sold or redeemed, based on the current price of those shares as of the date of calculation.
Purchases made 90 days prior to the 13-month period are also eligible to be treated as purchases made under the Letter of Intent. Any Eligible Fund Purchases in Eligible Accounts made during that period will count towards your Goal and will also be eligible for the lower sales charge applicable to your Asset Level Goal. You will be credited by way of additional shares at the current offering price for the difference between (a) the aggregate sales charges actually paid for those eligible shares, and (b) the aggregate applicable sales charges for your Asset Level Goal.
Increasing the Amount of the Letter of Intent. You may at any time increase your Asset Level Goal. You must, however, contact your Service Agent, or if you purchase your shares directly through PFPC, contact PFPC prior to making any purchases in an amount in excess of your current Asset Level Goal. Upon such an increase, you will be credited by way of additional shares at the then current offering price for the difference between: (a) the aggregate sales charges actually paid for shares already purchased under the Letter of Intent; and (b) the aggregate applicable sales charges for the increased Asset Level Goal. The 13-month period during which the Asset Level Goal must be achieved will remain unchanged.
Sales and Exchanges. Shares acquired pursuant to a Letter of Intent, other than Escrowed Shares as defined below, may be redeemed or exchanged at any time, although any shares that are redeemed prior to meeting your Asset Level Goal will no longer count towards meeting your Asset Level Goal. However, complete liquidation of purchases made under a Letter of Intent prior to meeting the Asset Level Goal will result in the cancellation of the Letter of Intent. See Failure to Meet Asset Level Goal below. Exchanges in accordance with the funds prospectus are permitted, and shares so exchanged will continue to count towards your Asset Level Goal, as long as the exchange results in an Eligible Fund Purchase.
Cancellation of Letter of Intent. You may cancel a Letter of Intent by notifying your Service Agent in writing, or if you purchase your shares directly through PFPC, by notifying PFPC in writing. The Letter of Intent will be automatically cancelled if all shares are sold or redeemed as set forth above. See Failure to Meet Asset Level Goal below.
Escrowed Shares. Shares equal in value to 5% of your Asset Level Goal as of the date of your Letter of Intent (or the date of any increase in the amount of the Letter of Intent) is accepted, will be held in escrow during the term of your Letter of Intent. The Escrowed Shares will be included in the total shares owned as reflected in your account statement and any dividends and capital gains distributions applicable to the Escrowed Shares will be credited to your account and counted towards your Asset Level Goal or paid in cash upon request. The Escrowed Shares will be released from escrow if all the terms of your Letter of Intent are met.
Failure to Meet Asset Level Goal. If the total assets under your Letter of Intent within its 13-month term are less than your Asset Level Goal or you elect to liquidate all of your holdings or cancel the Letter of Intent before reaching your Asset Level Goal, you will be liable for the difference between: (a) the sales charge actually paid, and (b) the sales charge that would have applied if you had not entered into the Letter of Intent. You may, however, be entitled to any breakpoints that would have been available to you under the accumulation privilege. An appropriate number of shares in your account will be redeemed to realize the amount due. For these purposes, by entering into a Letter of Intent, you irrevocably appoint your Service Agent, or if you purchase your shares directly through PFPC, PFPC, as your attorney-in-fact for the purposes of holding the Escrowed Shares and surrendering shares in your account for redemption. If there are insufficient assets in your account, you will be liable for the difference. Any Escrowed Shares remaining after such redemption will be released to your account.
50
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Provisions
The contingent deferred sales charge shares are: (a) Class B shares; (b) Class C shares; and (c) Class A shares that were purchased without an initial sales charge but are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. A contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions of these shares.
Any applicable contingent deferred sales charge will be assessed on the NAV at the time of purchase or redemption, whichever is less.
Class C shares and Class A shares that are contingent deferred sales charge shares are subject to a 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge if redeemed within 12 months of purchase. In circumstances in which the contingent deferred sales charge is imposed on Class B shares, the amount of the charge will depend on the number of years since the shareholder made the purchase payment from which the amount is being redeemed, as further discussed in the funds prospectus. Solely for purposes of determining the number of years since a purchase payment, all purchase payments made during a month will be aggregated and deemed to have been made on the last day of the preceding statement month.
Class B shares will convert automatically to Class A shares approximately 8 years after the date on which they were purchased and thereafter will no longer be subject to any distribution fees. There will also be converted at that time such proportion of Class B dividend shares (Class B shares that were acquired through the reinvestment of dividends and distributions) owned by the shareholder as the total number of his or her Class B shares converting at the time bears to the total number of outstanding Class B shares (other than Class B dividend shares) owned by the shareholder.
In determining the applicability of any contingent deferred sales charge, it will be assumed that a redemption is made first of shares representing capital appreciation, next of shares representing the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions, next of shares that are not subject to the contingent deferred sales charge and finally of other shares held by the shareholder for the longest period of time. The length of time that contingent deferred sales charge shares acquired through an exchange have been held will be calculated from the date the shares exchanged were initially acquired in one of the other Legg Mason Partners funds. For federal income tax purposes, the amount of the contingent deferred sales charge will reduce the gain or increase the loss, as the case may be, on the amount realized on redemption. The funds distributors receive contingent deferred sales charges in partial consideration for their expenses in selling shares.
Waivers of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
The contingent deferred sales charge will be waived on: (a) exchanges (see Exchange Privilege below); (b) automatic cash withdrawals in amounts equal to or less than 2% per month of the shareholders account balance at the time the withdrawals commence, up to a maximum of 12% in one year (see Automatic Cash Withdrawal Plan below); (c) redemptions of shares within 12 months following the death or disability (as defined in the Code) of the shareholder; (d) mandatory post-retirement distributions from retirement plans or IRAs commencing on or after attainment of age 70 1 / 2 (except that shareholders who purchased shares subject to a contingent deferred sales charge prior to May 23, 2005 will be grandfathered and will be eligible to obtain the waiver at age 59 1 / 2 by demonstrating such eligibility at the time of redemption); (e) involuntary redemptions; (f) redemptions of shares to effect a combination of the fund with any investment company by merger, acquisition of assets or otherwise; (g) tax-free returns of an excess contribution to any retirement plan; and (h) certain redemptions of shares of the fund in connection with lump-sum or other distributions made by eligible retirement plans or redemptions of shares by participants in certain wrap fee or asset allocation programs sponsored by broker/dealers and other financial institutions that have entered into agreements with a distributor or the manager.
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The contingent deferred sales charge is waived on new Class C shares purchased by retirement plan omnibus accounts held on the books of the fund.
A shareholder who has redeemed shares from other Legg Mason Partners funds may, under certain circumstances, reinvest all or part of the redemption proceeds within 60 days and receive pro rata credit for any contingent deferred sales charge imposed on the prior redemption.
Contingent deferred sales charge waivers will be granted subject to confirmation by a distributor or the transfer agent of the shareholders status or holdings, as the case may be.
General
The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment postponed (a) for any period during which the NYSE is closed (other than for customary weekend and holiday closings), (b) when trading in the markets the fund normally utilizes is restricted, or an emergency exists, as determined by the SEC, so that disposal of the funds investments or determination of net asset value is not reasonably practicable, or (c) for such other periods as the SEC by order may permit for protection of the funds shareholders.
Any signature appearing on a written redemption request in excess of $50,000 must be guaranteed by an eligible guarantor institution such as a domestic bank, savings and loan institution, domestic credit union, member bank of the Federal Reserve System or member firm of a national securities exchange. Written redemption requests of $50,000 or less do not require a signature guarantee unless more than one such redemption request is made in any ten-day period. Redemption proceeds will be mailed to an investors address of record. The transfer agent may require additional supporting documents for redemptions made by corporations, executors, administrators, trustees or guardians. A redemption request will not be deemed properly received until the transfer agent receives all required documents in proper form.
If a shareholder holds shares in more than one class, any request for redemption must specify the class being redeemed. In the event of a failure to specify which class, or if the investor owns fewer shares of the class than specified, the redemption request will be delayed until the transfer agent receives further instructions. The redemption proceeds will be remitted on or before the seventh business day following receipt of proper tender, except on days on which the NYSE is closed or as permitted under the 1940 Act, in extraordinary circumstances. Redemption proceeds for shares purchased by check, other than a certified or official bank check, will be remitted upon clearance of the check, which may take up to ten days. Each Service Agent is responsible for transmitting promptly orders for its customers.
The Service Agent may charge you a fee for executing your order. The amount and applicability of such a fee is determined and disclosed to its customers by each Service Agent.
Additional Information Regarding Telephone Redemption and Exchange Program . Neither the fund nor its agents will be liable for following instructions communicated by telephone that are reasonably believed to be genuine. The fund and its agents will employ procedures designed to verify the identity of the caller and legitimacy of instructions (for example, a shareholders name and account number will be required and phone calls may be recorded). The fund reserves the right to suspend, modify or discontinue the telephone redemption and exchange program or to impose a charge for this service at any time following at least 7 days prior notice to shareholders.
52
Automatic Cash Withdrawal Plan
An automatic cash withdrawal plan (the Withdrawal Plan) is available to shareholders, as described in the funds prospectus. To the extent withdrawals under the Withdrawal Plan exceed dividends, distributions and appreciation of a shareholders investment in the fund, there will be a reduction in the value of the shareholders investment, and continued withdrawal payments may reduce the shareholders investment and ultimately exhaust it. Withdrawal payments should not be considered as income from investment in the fund. Furthermore, as it generally would not be advantageous to a shareholder to make additional investments in the fund at the same time that he or she is participating in the Withdrawal Plan, purchases by such shareholders in amounts of less than $5,000 will not ordinarily be permitted. The Withdrawal Plan will be carried over on exchanges between funds or classes of the fund. All dividends and distributions on shares in the Withdrawal Plan are reinvested automatically at net asset value in additional shares of the fund.
Distributions in Kind
If the Board determines that it would be detrimental to the best interests of the remaining shareholders of the fund to make a redemption payment wholly in cash, the fund may pay, in accordance with SEC rules, any portion of a redemption in excess of the lesser of $250,000 or 1.00% of the funds net assets by a distribution in kind of fund securities in lieu of cash. If a redemption is paid in portfolio securities, such securities will be valued in accordance with the procedures described under Share price in the funds prospectus. Securities issued as a distribution in kind may incur brokerage commissions when shareholders subsequently sell those securities.
Determination of Public Offering Price
The fund offers its shares to the public on a continuous basis. The public offering price for each class of shares of the fund is equal to the net asset value per share at the time of purchase, plus for Class A shares an initial sales charge based on the aggregate amount of the investment. A contingent deferred sales charge, however, is imposed on certain redemptions of Class A, B and C shares.
Set forth below is an example of the method of computing the offering price of the Class A shares of the fund based on the net asset value of a share of the fund as of July 31, 2007:
Class A (based on a net asset value of $17.62 and a maximum initial sales charge of 5.75%) |
$ | 18.69 |
General
The exchange privilege enables shareholders to acquire shares of the same class in a fund with different investment objectives when they believe that a shift between funds is an appropriate investment decision. This privilege is available to shareholders residing in any state in which the fund shares being acquired may legally be sold. Prior to any exchange, the shareholder should obtain and review a copy of the current prospectus of each fund into which an exchange is being considered. Prospectuses may be obtained from a Service Agent.
Upon receipt of proper instructions and all necessary supporting documents, shares submitted for exchange are redeemed at the then-current net asset value and the proceeds are immediately invested in shares of the fund being acquired at that funds then current net asset value. Each distributor reserves the right to reject any exchange request. The exchange privilege may be modified or terminated at any time after written notice to shareholders.
Class A and I Exchanges. Class A and I shareholders of the fund who wish to exchange all or a portion of their shares for shares of the respective class in another fund may do so without imposition of any charge.
53
Class B Exchanges. Class B shares of the fund may be exchanged for other Class B shares without a contingent deferred sales charge. Upon an exchange, the new Class B shares will be deemed to have been purchased on the same date as the Class B shares of the fund that have been exchanged.
Class C Exchanges. Class C shares of the fund may be exchanged for other Class C shares without a contingent deferred sales charge. Upon an exchange, the new Class C shares will be deemed to have been purchased on the same date as the Class C shares of the fund that have been exchanged.
Additional Information Regarding Exchanges
The fund is not designed to provide investors with a means of speculation on short-term market movements. A pattern of frequent exchanges by investors can be disruptive to efficient portfolio management and, consequently, can be detrimental to the fund and its shareholders. See Frequent purchases and redemptions of fund shares in the funds prospectus.
During times of drastic economic or market conditions, the fund may suspend the exchange privilege temporarily without notice and treat exchange requests based on their separate componentsredemption orders with a simultaneous request to purchase the other funds shares. In such a case, the redemption request would be processed at the funds next determined net asset value but the purchase order would be effective only at the net asset value next determined after the fund being purchased formally accepts the order, which may result in the purchase being delayed.
Certain shareholders may be able to exchange shares by telephone. See the funds prospectus for additional information. Exchanges will be processed at the net asset value next determined. Redemption procedures discussed above are also applicable for exchanging shares, and exchanges will be made upon receipt of all supporting documents in proper form. If the account registration of the shares of the fund being acquired is identical to the registration of the shares of the fund exchanged, no signature guarantee is required.
This exchange privilege may be modified or terminated at any time, and is available only in those jurisdictions where such exchanges may legally be made. Before making any exchange, shareholders should contact the transfer agent or, if they hold fund shares through a Service Agent, their Service Agent, to obtain more information and prospectuses of the funds to be acquired through the exchange. An exchange is treated as a sale of the shares exchanged and could result in taxable gain or loss to the shareholder making the exchange.
LMIS, a wholly-owned broker/dealer subsidiary of Legg Mason, located at 100 Light Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, and CGMI, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Citigroup, located at 388 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10013, serve as the distributors of the fund. The distributors serve pursuant to separate written agreements or amendments to written agreements, in each case dated December 1, 2005 (the distribution agreements). Prior to December 1, 2005, CGMI served as the distributor of the fund.
A distributors obligation is an agency or best efforts arrangement under which the distributor is required to take and pay only for such shares of the fund as may be sold to the public. A distributor is not obligated to sell any stated number of shares. Each distribution agreement is renewable from year to year if approved (a) by the Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the funds outstanding voting securities, and (b) by the affirmative vote of a majority of Trustees who are not parties to such agreement or interested persons of any party by votes cast in person at a meeting called for such purpose. Each distribution agreement provides that it will terminate if assigned. The LMIS distribution agreement may be terminated without penalty by either party on 60 days written notice, while the CGMI distribution agreement may be terminated upon 90 days written notice by CGMI.
LMIS and CGMI may be deemed to be underwriters for purposes of the 1933 Act.
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Services and Distribution Plan Arrangements
The fund has adopted an amended shareholder services and distribution plan (the Distribution Plan) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act with respect to its Class A, B and C shares.
Under the Distribution Plan, the fund pays service and/or distribution fees to LMIS and CGMI, as applicable, for services they provide and expenses they bear with respect to the distribution of Class A, B and C shares and providing services to Class A, B and C shareholders. The distributors will provide the Board with periodic reports of amounts expended under the Distribution Plan and the purposes for which such expenditures were made. In addition, the fund pays service and/or distribution fees accrued daily and payable monthly, calculated at annual rates as follows:
Service Fee As a
Percentage of Daily Net Assets |
Distribution
Fee As a Percentage of Daily Net Assets |
Total Service
and Distribution Fee As a Percentage of Daily Net Assets |
||||
Class A |
0.25% | N/A | 0.25% | |||
Class B |
0.25% | 0.50% | 0.75% | |||
Class C |
0.25% | 0.75% | 1.00% |
Fees under the Distribution Plan may be used to make payments to the distributors for distribution services, to Service Agents in respect of the sale of shares of the fund, and to other parties in respect of the sale of shares of the fund, and to make payments for advertising, marketing or other promotional activity, and payments for preparation, printing and distribution of prospectuses, statements of additional information and reports for recipients other than regulators and existing shareholders. The fund also may make payments to the distributors, Service Agents and others for providing personal service or the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The amounts paid to each recipient may vary based upon certain factors, including, among other things, the levels of sales of fund shares and/or shareholder services provided.
The Distribution Plan also provides that the distributors and Services Agents may receive all or a portion of the sales charges paid by Class A, Class B and Class C investors.
The Distribution Plan permits the fund to pay fees to distributors, Service Agents and others as compensation for their services, not as reimbursement for specific expenses incurred. Thus, even if their expenses exceed the fees provided for by the Distribution Plan, the fund will not be obligated to pay more than those fees and, if their expenses are less than the fees paid to them, they will realize a profit. The fund may pay the fees to distributors and others until the Distribution Plan or distribution agreement is terminated or not renewed. In that event, a distributors or other recipients expenses in excess of fees received or accrued through the termination date will be the distributors or other recipients sole responsibility and not obligations of the fund. In their annual consideration of the continuation of the Distribution Plan for the fund, the Trustees will review the Distribution Plan and the expenses for each class within the fund separately.
The Distribution Plan also recognizes that various service providers to the fund, such as the manager, may make payments for distribution-related expenses out of their own resources, including past profits, or payments received from the fund for other purposes, such as management fees, and that the funds distributors or Service Agents may from time to time use their own resources for distribution-related services, in addition to the fees paid under the Distribution Plan. The Distribution Plan specifically provides that, to the extent that such payments might be deemed to be indirect financing of any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of the fund within the context of Rule 12b-1, then the payments are deemed to be authorized by the Distribution Plan, if permitted by applicable law.
As contemplated by the Distribution Plan, each distributor acts as an agent of the fund in connection with the offering of shares of the fund pursuant to the respective distribution agreement.
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For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2007, CGMI incurred distribution expenses for advertising, printing and mailing prospectuses, support services and overhead expense and compensation to Service Agents as expressed in the following table:
Financial
Consultant Compensation |
Third Party
Service Fees |
Branch
Expenses |
Marketing
Expense |
Printing
Expense |
Total
Current Expenses |
|||||||||||
Class A |
$ | 27,645 | $ | 0 | $ | 39,020 | N/A | N/A | $ | 66,665 | ||||||
Class B |
$ | 12,652 | $ | 0 | $ | 17,924 | N/A | N/A | $ | 30,576 | ||||||
Class C |
$ | 81,238 | $ | 0 | $ | 109,803 | N/A | N/A | $ | 191,041 |
For the fiscal year end July 31, 2007, LMIS incurred distribution expenses for advertising, printing and mailing prospectuses, support services and overhead expenses and compensation to Service Agents and third parties as expressed in the following table:
Financial
Consultant Compensation |
Third Party
Service Fees |
Branch
Expenses |
Marketing
Expense |
Printing
Expense |
Total
Current Expense |
||||||||||||
Class A |
N/A | $ | 25,089 | N/A | N/A | N/A | $ | 25,089 | |||||||||
Class B |
$ | 48,172 | $ | 9,451 | N/A | $ | 698 | $ | 383 | $ | 58,704 | ||||||
Class C |
$ | 10,678 | $ | 28,981 | N/A | $ | 1,501 | $ | 889 | $ | 42,049 |
Dealer reallowances are described in the funds prospectus.
Under its terms, the Distribution Plan continues in effect for one year and thereafter for successive annual periods, provided such continuance is approved annually by vote of the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Distribution Plan. The Distribution Plan may not be amended to increase the amount of the service and distribution fees without shareholder approval, and all amendments of the Plan also must be approved by the Trustees, including all of the Independent Trustees in the manner described above. The Distribution Plan may be terminated with respect to a class at any time, without penalty, by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or, with respect to the fund, by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the fund (as defined in the 1940 Act).
Sales Charges
The following expenses were incurred during the periods indicated:
Initial Sales Charges
The aggregate dollar amount of commissions on Class A and Class C shares retained by LMIS and CGMI during the fiscal years ended July 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were as follows:
Class A Shares *
For the fiscal year ended July 31:
CGMI |
CGMI
and LMIS |
LMIS | |||||||
2007** |
$ | 9,052 | $ | 1,624 | |||||
2006 |
$ | 5,979 | |||||||
2005*** |
$ | 96,000 |
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Class C Shares
For the fiscal year ended July 31:
CGMI and LMIS | |||
2006 |
$ | 0 | |
2005 |
$ | 0 |
* | As of November 20, 2006, the initial sales charges schedule on purchases of Class A shares changed. |
** | CGMI was not an affiliated person of the fund under the 1940 Act during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2007. |
*** | All initial sales charges paid during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2005 were paid to CGMI. |
Contingent Deferred Sales Charges
Class A Shares
For the fiscal year ended July 31:
CGMI and LMIS | |||
2007 |
$ | 0 | |
2006 |
$ | 0 | |
2005* |
$ | 260 |
Class B Shares
For the fiscal year ended July 31:
CGMI and LMIS | LMIS | |||||
2007 |
$ | 54,344 | ||||
2006 |
$ | 12,335 | ||||
2005* |
$ | 63,142 |
Class C Shares
For the fiscal year ended July 31:
CGMI and LMIS | LMIS | |||||
2007 |
$ | 841 | ||||
2006 |
$ | 1,276 | ||||
2005** |
$ | 9,000 |
* | For the fiscal period December 1, 2005 through April 30, 2006. |
** | All contingent deferred sales charges paid during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2005 were paid to CGMI. |
Service and Distribution Plan Fees
Class A Shares
For the fiscal year ended July 31:
2007 |
$ | 95,925 | |
2006 |
$ | 120,857 | |
2005 |
$ | 122,180 |
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Class B Shares
For the fiscal year ended July 31:
2007 |
$ | 129,558 | |
2006 |
$ | 159,746 | |
2005 |
$ | 186,353 |
Class C Shares
For the fiscal year ended July 31:
2007 |
$ | 242,409 | |
2006 |
$ | 327,373 | |
2005 |
$ | 417,565 |
The net asset value per share of each class is calculated on each day, Monday through Friday, except days on which the NYSE is closed. The NYSE currently is scheduled to be closed on New Years Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas, and on the preceding Friday or subsequent Monday when one of these holidays falls on a Saturday or Sunday, respectively. Because of the differences in distribution fees and class-specific expenses, the per share net asset value of each class may differ. Please see the funds prospectus for a description of procedures used by the fund in valuing its assets.
The following is a summary of certain material U.S. federal (and, where noted, state and local) income tax considerations affecting the fund and its shareholders. The discussion is very general. Each current and prospective shareholder is therefore urged to consult his own tax adviser with respect to the specific federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of investing in the fund. The summary is based on the laws in effect on the date of this SAI and existing judicial and administrative interpretations thereof, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect.
The Fund and Its Investments
The fund has elected to be treated, and intends to qualify each year, as a regulated investment company or RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. To so qualify, the fund must, among other things: (a) derive at least 90% of its gross income in each taxable year from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities or foreign currencies, other income (including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies and net income derived from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships ( i.e. , partnerships that are traded on an established securities market or tradable on a secondary market, other than partnerships that derive 90% of their income from interest, dividends, capital gains, and other traditional permitted mutual fund income); and (b) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of the funds taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the market value of the funds assets is represented by cash, securities of other regulated investment companies, U.S. government securities and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the funds assets and not greater than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of its assets is invested in the securities (other than U.S. government securities or securities of other regulated investment companies) of any one issuer, any two or more issuers of which 20% or more of the voting securities are held by the fund and that are determined to be engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or related trades or businesses or in the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships.
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The funds investments in partnerships, including in qualified publicly traded partnerships, may result in the funds being subject to state, local or foreign income, franchise or withholding tax liabilities.
As a regulated investment company, the fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of its taxable investment income and capital gains that it distributes to its shareholders, provided that it satisfies a minimum distribution requirement. To satisfy the minimum distribution requirement, the fund must distribute to its shareholders at least the sum of (i) 90% of its investment company taxable income ( i.e. , income other than its net realized long-term capital gain over its net realized short-term capital loss), plus or minus certain other adjustments, and (ii) 90% of its net tax-exempt income for the taxable year. The fund will be subject to income tax at regular corporation rates on any taxable income or gains that it does not distribute to its shareholders.
On July 31, 2007, the fund had no unused capital loss carryforwards. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, these amounts are available to be applied against future capital gains, if any, realized by the fund that has the carryforwards prior to the expiration of the applicable carryforward. The carryforwards expire as follows:
The Code imposes a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the fund to the extent it does not distribute by the end of any calendar year at least the sum of (i) 98% of its ordinary income for that year and (ii) 98% of its capital gain net income (both long-term and short-term) for the one-year period ending, as a general rule, on October 31 of that year. For this purpose, however, any ordinary income or capital gain net income retained by a fund that is subject to corporate income tax will be considered to have been distributed by year-end. In addition, the minimum amounts that must be distributed in any year to avoid the excise tax will be increased or decreased to reflect any underdistribution or overdistribution, as the case may be, from the previous year. The fund anticipates that it will pay such dividends and will make such distributions as are necessary in order to avoid the application of this excise tax.
If, in any taxable year, the fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code or fails to meet the distribution requirement, it would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation and distributions to its shareholders would not be deductible by the fund in computing its taxable income. In addition, in the event of a failure to qualify, the funds distributions, to the extent derived from the funds current or accumulated earnings and profits, including any distributions of net tax-exempt income and net long-term capital gains, would be taxable to shareholders as ordinary dividend income for federal income tax purposes. However, such dividends would be eligible (i) to be treated as qualified dividend income in the case of shareholders taxed as individuals and (ii) for the dividends received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders. Moreover, if the fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company in any year, it must pay out its earnings and profits accumulated in that year in order to qualify again as a regulated investment company. If the fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company for a period greater than two taxable years, the fund may be required to recognize any net built-in gains with respect to certain of its assets ( i.e ., the excess of the aggregate gains, including items of income, over aggregate losses that would have been realized with respect to such assets if the fund had been liquidated) if it qualifies as a regulated investment company in a subsequent year.
The funds transactions in zero coupon securities, foreign currencies, forward contracts, options and futures contracts (including options and futures contracts on foreign currencies), to the extent permitted, will be subject to special provisions of the Code (including provisions relating to hedging transactions and straddles) that, among other things, may affect the character of gains and losses realized by the fund ( i.e ., may affect whether gains or losses are ordinary or capital), accelerate recognition of income to the fund and defer fund losses. These rules could therefore affect the character, amount and timing of distributions to shareholders. These provisions also (a) will require the fund to mark-to-market certain types of the positions in its portfolio ( i.e ., treat them as if they were closed out at the end of each year) and (b) may cause the fund to recognize income without receiving cash with which to pay dividends or make distributions in amounts necessary to satisfy the distribution requirements for avoiding income and excise taxes. In order to distribute this income and avoid a tax on the fund, the fund might be required to liquidate portfolio securities that it might otherwise have continued to hold, potentially resulting in additional taxable gain or loss. The fund will monitor its transactions, will make the appropriate tax elections and will make the appropriate entries in its books and records when it acquires any zero coupon securities, foreign currency, forward contract, option, futures contract or hedged investment in order to mitigate the effect of these rules and prevent disqualification of the fund as a regulated investment company.
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The funds investment in so-called section 1256 contracts, such as regulated futures contracts, most foreign currency forward contracts traded in the interbank market and options on most stock indices, are subject to special tax rules. All section 1256 contracts held by the fund at the end of its taxable year are required to be marked to their market value, and any unrealized gain or loss on those positions will be included in the funds income as if each position had been sold for its fair market value at the end of the taxable year. The resulting gain or loss will be combined with any gain or loss realized by the fund from positions in section 1256 contracts closed during the taxable year. Provided such positions were held as capital assets and were not part of a hedging transaction nor part of a straddle, 60% of the resulting net gain or loss will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss, and 40% of such net gain or loss will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss, regardless of the period of time the positions were actually held by the fund.
As a result of entering into swap contracts, the fund may make or receive periodic net payments. The fund may also make or receive a payment when a swap is terminated prior to maturity through an assignment of the swap or other closing transaction. Periodic net payments will generally constitute ordinary income or deductions, while termination of a swap will generally result in capital gain or loss (which will be a long-term capital gain or loss if the fund has been a party to the swap for more than one year). The tax treatment of credit default swaps is uncertain.
The fund may be required to treat amounts as taxable income or gain, subject to the distribution requirements referred to above, even though no corresponding amounts of cash are received concurrently, as a result of (1) mark-to-market, constructive sale or rules applicable to PFICs (as defined below) or partnerships or trusts in which the fund invests or to certain options, futures or forward contracts, or appreciated financial positions or (2) the inability to obtain cash distributions or other amounts due to currency controls or restrictions on repatriation imposed by a foreign country with respect to the funds investments (including through depositary receipts) in issuers in such country or (3) tax rules applicable to debt obligations acquired with original issue discount, including zero-coupon or deferred payment bonds and pay-in-kind debt obligations, or to market discount if an election is made with respect to such market discount. In order to distribute this income and avoid a tax on the fund, the fund might be required to liquidate portfolio securities that it might otherwise have continued to hold, potentially resulting in additional taxable gain or loss. The fund might also meet the distribution requirements by borrowing the necessary cash, thereby incurring interest expenses.
In general, gain or loss on a short sale is recognized when the fund closes the sale by delivering the borrowed property to the lender, not when the borrowed property is sold. Gain or loss from a short sale is generally considered as capital gain or loss to the extent that the property used to close the short sale constitutes a capital asset in the funds hands. Except with respect to certain situations where the property used by the fund to close a short sale has a long-term holding period on the date of the short sale, special rules would generally treat the gains on short sales as short-term capital gains. These rules may also terminate the running of the holding period of substantially identical property held by the fund. Moreover, a loss on a short sale will be treated as a long-term capital loss if, on the date of the short sale, substantially identical property has been held by the fund for more than one year. In general, the fund will not be permitted to deduct payments made to reimburse the lender of securities for dividends paid on borrowed stock if the short sale is closed on or before the 45th day after the short sale is entered into.
Foreign Investments . Dividends or other income (including, in some cases, capital gains) received by the fund from investments in foreign securities may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes in some cases. The fund does not expect to be eligible to elect to treat any foreign taxes it pays as paid by its shareholders, who therefore will not be entitled to credits or deductions for such taxes on their own tax returns. Foreign taxes paid by the fund will reduce the return from the funds investments.
Under Section 988 of the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates between the time the fund accrues income or receivables or expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time the fund actually collects such income or pays such liabilities are generally treated as ordinary
60
income or ordinary loss. Similarly, gains or losses on foreign currency, foreign currency forward contracts, certain foreign currency options or futures contracts and the disposition of debt securities denominated in foreign currency, to the extent attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates between the acquisition and disposition dates, are also treated as ordinary income or loss unless the fund were to elect otherwise.
Passive Foreign Investment Companies . If the fund purchases shares in certain foreign investment entities, called passive foreign investment companies (PFICs), it may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a portion of any excess distribution or gain from the disposition of such shares even if such income is distributed as a taxable dividend by the fund to its shareholders. Additional charges in the nature of interest may be imposed on the fund in respect of deferred taxes arising from such distributions or gains.
If the fund were to invest in a PFIC and elect to treat the PFIC as a qualified electing fund under the Code, in lieu of the foregoing requirements, the fund might be required to include in income each year a portion of the ordinary earnings and net capital gains of the qualified electing fund, even if not distributed to the fund, and such amounts would be subject to the 90% and excise tax distribution requirements described above. In order to distribute this income and avoid a tax on the fund, the fund might be required to liquidate portfolio securities that it might otherwise have continued to hold, potentially resulting in additional taxable gain or loss. In order to make the qualified electing fund election, the fund would be required to obtain certain annual information from the PFICs in which it invests, which may be difficult or impossible to obtain.
Alternatively, the fund may make a mark-to-market election that will result in the fund being treated as if it had sold and repurchased all of the PFIC stock at the end of each year. In such case, the fund would report any such gains as ordinary income and would deduct any such losses as ordinary losses to the extent of previously recognized gains. The election must be made separately for each PFIC owned by the fund and, once made, would be effective for all subsequent taxable years of the fund, unless revoked with the consent of the Internal Revenue Service (the IRS). By making the election, the fund could potentially ameliorate the adverse tax consequences with respect to its ownership of shares in a PFIC, but in any particular year may be required to recognize income in excess of the distributions it receives from PFICs and its proceeds from dispositions of PFIC stock. The fund may have to distribute this phantom income and gain to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement and to avoid imposition of the 4% excise tax. In order to distribute this income and avoid a tax on the fund, the fund might be required to liquidate portfolio securities that it might otherwise have continued to hold, potentially resulting in additional taxable gain or loss.
The fund will make the appropriate tax elections, if possible, and take any additional steps that are necessary to mitigate the effect of these rules.
Taxation of U.S. Shareholders
Dividends and Distributions . Dividends and other distributions by the fund are generally treated under the Code as received by the shareholders at the time the dividend or distribution is made. However, any dividend or distribution declared by the fund in October, November or December to shareholders of record on a specified date in such a month shall be deemed to have been received by each shareholder on December 31 of such calendar year and to have been paid by the fund not later than such December 31, provided such dividend is actually paid by the fund during January of the following calendar year.
The fund intends to distribute annually to its shareholders substantially all of its investment company taxable income, and any net realized long-term capital gains in excess of net realized short-term capital losses (including any capital loss carryovers). However, if the fund retains for investment an amount equal to all or a portion of its net long-term capital gains in excess of its net short-term capital losses (including any capital loss carryovers), it will be subject to a corporate tax (currently at a maximum rate of 35%) on the amount retained. In that event, the fund will designate such retained amounts as undistributed capital gains in a notice to its shareholders who (a) will be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as long-term
61
capital gains, their proportionate shares of the undistributed amount, (b) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the 35% tax paid by the fund on the undistributed amount against their U.S. federal income tax liabilities, if any, and to claim refunds to the extent their credits exceed their liabilities, if any, and (c) will be entitled to increase their tax basis, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, in their shares by an amount equal to 65% of the amount of undistributed capital gains included in the shareholders income. Organizations or persons not subject to U.S. federal income tax on such capital gains will be entitled to a refund of their pro rata share of such taxes paid by the fund upon timely filing appropriate returns or claims for refund with the IRS.
Distributions of net realized long-term capital gains, if any, that the fund designates as capital gains dividends are taxable as long-term capital gains, whether paid in cash or in shares, and regardless of how long a shareholder has held shares of the fund. Such distributions will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction. All other dividends of the fund (including dividends from short-term capital gains) from its current and accumulated earnings and profits (regular dividends) are generally subject to tax as ordinary income.
Special rules apply, however, to regular dividends paid to individuals. Such a dividend, with respect to taxable years beginning on or before December 31, 2010, may be subject to tax at the rates generally applicable to long-term capital gains for individuals (currently at a maximum rate of 15%), provided that the individual receiving the dividend satisfies certain holding period and other requirements. Dividends subject to these special rules are not actually treated as capital gains, however, and thus are not included in the computation of an individuals net capital gain and generally cannot be used to offset capital losses. The long-term capital gains rates will apply to: (i) 100% of the regular dividends paid by the fund to an individual in a particular taxable year if 95% or more of the funds gross income (ignoring gains attributable to the sale of stocks and securities except to the extent net short-term capital gain from such sales exceeds net long-term capital loss from such sales) in that taxable year is attributable to qualified dividend income received by the fund; or (ii) the portion of the regular dividends paid by the fund to an individual in a particular taxable year that is attributable to qualified dividend income received by the fund in that taxable year if such qualified dividend income accounts for less than 95% of the funds gross income (ignoring gains attributable to the sale of stocks and securities except to the extent net short-term capital gain from such sales exceeds net long-term capital loss from such sales) for that taxable year. For this purpose, qualified dividend income generally means income from dividends received by the fund from U.S. corporations and qualified foreign corporations, provided that the fund satisfies certain holding period requirements in respect of the stock of such corporations and has not hedged its position in the stock in certain ways. However, qualified dividend income does not include any dividends received from tax-exempt corporations. Also, dividends received by the fund from a REIT or another regulated investment company generally are qualified dividend income only to the extent the dividend distributions are made out of qualified dividend income received by such REIT or other regulated investment company. In the case of securities lending transactions, payments in lieu of dividends are not qualified dividend income. If a shareholder elects to treat fund dividends as investment income for purposes of the limitation on the deductibility of investment interest, such dividends would not be qualified dividend income.
The fund or your Service Agent will send you information after the end of each year setting forth the amount of dividends paid by us that are eligible for the reduced rates.
If an individual receives a regular dividend qualifying for the long-term capital gains rates and such dividend constitutes an extraordinary dividend, and the individual subsequently recognizes a loss on the sale or exchange of stock in respect of which the extraordinary dividend was paid, then the loss will be long-term capital loss to the extent of such extraordinary dividend. An extraordinary dividend on common stock for this purpose is generally a dividend (i) in an amount greater than or equal to 10% of the taxpayers tax basis (or trading value) in a share of stock, aggregating dividends with ex-dividend dates within an 85-day period or (ii) in an amount greater than 20% of the taxpayers tax basis (or trading value) in a share of stock, aggregating dividends with ex-dividend dates within a 365-day period.
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Distributions in excess of the funds current and accumulated earnings and profits will, as to each shareholder, be treated as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of a shareholders basis in his shares of the fund, and as a capital gain thereafter (if the shareholder holds his shares of the fund as capital assets). Shareholders receiving dividends or distributions in the form of additional shares should be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as receiving a distribution in an amount equal to the amount of money that the shareholders receiving cash dividends or distributions will receive, and should have a cost basis in the shares received equal to such amount. Dividends paid by the fund that are attributable to dividends received by the fund from domestic corporations may qualify for the federal dividends-received deduction for corporations.
Investors considering buying shares just prior to a dividend or capital gain distribution should be aware that, although the price of shares just purchased at that time may reflect the amount of the forthcoming distribution, such dividend or distribution may nevertheless be taxable to them. If the fund is the holder of record of any stock on the record date for any dividends payable with respect to such stock, such dividends will be included in the funds gross income not as of the date received but as of the later of (a) the date such stock became ex-dividend with respect to such dividends ( i.e. , the date on which a buyer of the stock would not be entitled to receive the declared, but unpaid, dividends) or (b) the date the fund acquired such stock. Accordingly, in order to satisfy its income distribution requirements, the fund may be required to pay dividends based on anticipated earnings, and shareholders may receive dividends in an earlier year than would otherwise be the case.
Under current law, the fund serves to block unrelated business taxable income (UBTI) from being realized by its tax-exempt shareholders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a tax-exempt shareholder could realize UBTI by virtue of its investment in the fund if shares in the fund constitute debt-financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt shareholder within the meaning of Code Section 514(b). Certain types of income received by the fund from REITs, real estate mortgage investment conduits (REMICs), taxable mortgage pools or other investments may cause the fund to designate some or all of its distributions as excess inclusion income. To fund shareholders such excess inclusion income may (1) constitute taxable income, as UBTI for those shareholders who would otherwise be tax-exempt such as individual retirement accounts, 401(k) accounts, Keogh plans, pension plans and certain charitable entities; (2) not be offset against net operating losses for tax purposes; (3) not be eligible for reduced US withholding for non-US shareholders even from tax treaty countries; and (4) cause the fund to be subject to tax if certain disqualified organizations as defined by the Code are fund shareholders. In addition, a tax-exempt shareholder could realize UBTI by virtue of, inter alia, its investment in the fund if shares in the fund constitute debt-financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt shareholder within the meaning of Code section 514(b).
Sales of Shares . Upon the sale or exchange of his shares, a shareholder will realize a taxable gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized and his or her basis in the shares. A redemption of shares by the fund will be treated as a sale for this purpose. Such gain or loss will be treated as capital gain or loss if the shares are capital assets in the shareholders hands, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares are held for more than one year and short-term capital gain or loss if the shares are held for one year or less. Any loss realized on a sale or exchange will be disallowed to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced, including replacement through the reinvesting of dividends and capital gains distributions in the fund, within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the disposition of the shares. In such a case, the basis of the shares acquired will be increased to reflect the disallowed loss. Any loss realized by a shareholder on the sale of a fund share held by the shareholder for six months or less will be disallowed to the extent of any exempt-interest dividends received by the shareholder with respect to such share and, to the extent not disallowed, will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any distributions or deemed distributions of long-term capital gains received by the shareholder (or amounts credited to the shareholder as an undistributed capital gain) with respect to such share.
If a shareholder incurs a sales charge in acquiring shares of the fund, and disposes of those shares within 90 days and then acquires shares in a mutual fund for which the otherwise applicable sales charge is reduced by reason of a reinvestment right ( e.g., an exchange privilege), the original sales charge will not be taken into
63
account in computing gain/loss on the original shares to the extent the subsequent sales charge is reduced. Instead, the disregarded portion of the original sales charge will be added to the tax basis in the newly acquired shares. Furthermore, the same rule also applies to a disposition of the newly acquired shares made within 90 days of the second acquisition. This provision prevents a shareholder from immediately deducting the sales charge by shifting his or her investment within a family of mutual funds.
Backup Withholding. The fund may be required to withhold federal income tax at the rate of 28% (backup withholding) from dividends, distributions and redemption proceeds payable to shareholders who fail to provide the fund with their correct taxpayer identification number or to make required certifications, or who have been notified by the IRS that they are subject to backup withholding. Certain shareholders are exempt from backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax and any amount withheld may be credited against a shareholders U.S. federal income tax liability. Backup withholding will not be applied to payments that have already been subject to the 30% withholding tax described below under Non-U.S. Shareholders.
Notices. Shareholders will receive, if appropriate, various written notices after the close of the funds taxable year regarding the U.S. federal income tax status of certain dividends, distributions and deemed distributions that were paid (or that are treated as having been paid) by the fund to its shareholders during the preceding taxable year.
Other Taxes. Dividends, distributions and redemption proceeds may also be subject to additional state, local and foreign taxes depending on each shareholders particular situation.
If a shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to the funds shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a regulated investment company are not excepted. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayers treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.
Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders
Dividends by the fund paid to non-U.S. shareholders are generally subject to withholding tax at a 30% rate (or such lower rate as may be determined in accordance with any applicable treaty) to the extent derived from investment income and short-term capital gains. In order to obtain a reduced rate of withholding, a non-U.S. shareholder will be required to provide an IRS Form W-8BEN certifying its entitlement to benefits under a treaty. The withholding tax does not apply to regular dividends paid to a non-U.S. shareholder who provides a Form W-8ECI, certifying that the dividends are effectively connected with the non-U.S. shareholders conduct of a trade or business within the United States. Instead, the effectively connected dividends will be subject to regular U.S. income tax as if the non-U.S. shareholder were a U.S. shareholder. A non-U.S. corporation receiving effectively connected dividends may also be subject to additional branch profits tax imposed at a rate of 30% (or a lower treaty rate). A non-U.S. shareholder who fails to provide any IRS Form W-8BEN or other applicable form may be subject to backup withholding at the appropriate rate.
In general, United States federal withholding tax will not apply to any gain or income realized by a non-U.S. shareholder in respect of any distributions of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses, exempt-interest dividends or upon the sale or other disposition of shares of the fund.
For fund taxable years beginning before January 1, 2008, properly-designated dividends are generally exempt from United States federal withholding tax where they (i) are paid in respect of the funds qualified net interest income (generally, the funds U.S. source interest income, other than certain contingent interest and interest from obligations of a corporation or partnership in which the fund is at least a 10% shareholder, reduced
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by expenses that are allocable to such income) or (ii) are paid in respect of the funds qualified short-term capital gains (generally, the excess of the funds net short-term capital gain over the funds long-term capital loss for such taxable year). However, depending on its circumstances, the fund may designate all, some or none of its potentially eligible dividends as such qualified net interest income or as qualified short-term capital gains, and/or treat such dividends, in whole or in part, as ineligible for this exemption from withholding. In order to qualify for this exemption from withholding, a non-U.S. shareholder will need to comply with applicable certification requirements relating to its non-U.S. status (including, in general, furnishing an IRS Form W-8BEN or substitute Form). In the case of shares held through an intermediary, the intermediary may withhold even if the fund designates the payment as qualified net interest income or qualified short-term capital gain. Non-U.S. shareholders should contact their intermediaries with respect to the application of these rules to their accounts.
A distribution from the fund to foreign shareholders who have held more than 5% of the fund at any time during the one-year period ending on the date of distribution is treated as real property gain subject to 35% withholding tax and treated as income effectively connected to a U.S. trade or business with certain tax filing requirements applicable, if such distribution is attributable to a distribution of real property gain received by the fund from a REIT and if 50% or more of the value of the funds assets are invested in REITs and other U.S. real property holding corporations. A distribution paid prior to 2008 attributable to the funds sale of a REIT or other U.S. real property holding company will also be treated as real property gain if 50% or more of the value of the funds assets are invested in REITs and other U.S. real property holding corporations and if the foreign shareholder has held more than 5% of a class of stock at any time during the one-year period ending on the date of the distribution. Restrictions apply regarding wash sales and substitute payment transactions.
However, a foreign shareholder achieves a different result with respect to the gains from the sale of USRPIs if the REIT or RIC is less than 50% owned by foreign persons at all times during the testing period, or if such gain is realized from the sale of any class of stock in a REIT which is regularly traded on an established US securities market and the REIT shareholder owned less than 5% of such class of stock at all times during the taxable year. In such event, the gains are treated as dividends paid to a non-U.S. shareholder.
The foregoing is only a summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax consequences (and, where noted, state and local tax consequences) affecting the fund and its shareholders. Current and prospective shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in the fund.
The Trust
The certificate of trust to establish Legg Mason Partners Equity Trust (referred to in this section as the trust) was filed with the State of Maryland on October 4, 2006. On April 16, 2007 the fund was redomiciled as a series of the trust. Prior to April 16, 2007, the fund was a series of Legg Mason Partners Investment Trust, a Massachusetts business trust. Prior to reorganization of the fund as a series of Legg Mason Partners Investment Trust, the fund was a series of Legg Mason Partners Income Funds, a Massachusetts business trust.
The fund is a series of the trust, a Maryland business trust. A Maryland business trust is an unincorporated business association that is established under, and governed by, Maryland law. Maryland law provides a statutory framework for the powers, duties, rights and obligations of the board of trustees (referred to in this section as the trustees) and shareholders of the trust, while the more specific powers, duties, rights and obligations of the trustees and the shareholders are determined by the trustees as set forth in the trusts declaration of trust (referred to in this section as the declaration). Some of the more significant provisions of the declaration are described below.
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Shareholder Voting
The declaration provides for shareholder voting as required by the 1940 Act or other applicable laws but otherwise permits, consistent with Maryland law, actions by the trustees without seeking the consent of shareholders. The trustees may, without shareholder approval, amend the declaration or authorize the merger or consolidation of the trust into another trust or entity, reorganize the trust or any series or class into another trust or entity or a series or class of another entity, sell all or substantially all of the assets of the trust or any series or class to another entity, or a series or class of another entity, or terminate the trust or any series or class.
The fund is not required to hold an annual meeting of shareholders, but the fund will call special meetings of shareholders whenever required by the 1940 Act or by the terms of the declaration. The declaration provides for dollar-weighted voting which means that a shareholders voting power is determined, not by the number of shares the shareholder owns, but by the dollar value of those shares determined on the record date. All shareholders of all series and classes of the trust vote together, except where required by the 1940 Act to vote separately by series or by class, or when the trustees have determined that a matter affects only the interests of one or more series or classes of shares.
Election and Removal of Trustees
The declaration provides that the trustees may establish the number of trustees and that vacancies on the board may be filled by the remaining trustees, except when election of trustees by the shareholders is required under the 1940 Act. Trustees are then elected by a plurality of votes cast by shareholders at a meeting at which a quorum is present. The declaration also provides that a mandatory retirement age may be set by action of two-thirds of the trustees and that trustees may be removed, with or without cause, by a vote of shareholders holding two-thirds of the voting power of the trust, or by a vote of two-thirds of the remaining trustees. The provisions of the declaration relating to the election and removal of trustees may not be amended without the approval of two-thirds of the trustees.
Amendments to the Declaration
The trustees are authorized to amend the declaration without the vote of shareholders, but no amendment may be made that impairs the exemption from personal liability granted in the declaration to persons who are or have been shareholders, trustees, officers or, employees of the trust or that limit the rights to indemnification or insurance provided in the declaration with respect to actions or omissions of persons entitled to indemnification under the declaration prior to the amendment.
Issuance and Redemption of Shares
The fund may issue an unlimited number of shares for such consideration and on such terms as the trustees may determine. Shareholders are not entitled to any appraisal, preemptive, conversion, exchange or similar rights, except as the trustees may determine. The fund may involuntarily redeem a shareholders shares upon certain conditions as may be determined by the trustees, including, for example, if the shareholder fails to provide the fund with identification required by law, or if the fund is unable to verify the information received from the shareholder. Additionally, as discussed below, shares may be redeemed in connection with the closing of small accounts.
Disclosure of Shareholder Holdings
The declaration specifically requires shareholders, upon demand, to disclose to the fund information with respect to the direct and indirect ownership of shares in order to comply with various laws or regulations, and the fund may disclose such ownership if required by law or regulation.
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Small Accounts
The declaration provides that the fund may close out a shareholders account by redeeming all of the shares in the account if the account falls below a minimum account size (which may vary by class) that may be set by the trustees from time to time. Alternately, the declaration permits the fund to assess a fee for small accounts (which may vary by class) and redeem shares in the account to cover such fees, or convert the shares into another share class that is geared to smaller accounts.
Series and Classes
The declaration provides that the trustees may establish series and classes in addition to those currently established and to determine the rights and preferences, limitations and restrictions, including qualifications for ownership, conversion and exchange features, minimum purchase and account size, expenses and charges, and other features of the series and classes. The trustees may change any of those features, terminate any series or class, combine series with other series in the trust, combine one or more classes of a series with another class in that series or convert the shares of one class into another class.
Each share of the fund, as a series of the trust, represents an interest in the fund only and not in the assets of any other series of the trust.
Shareholder, Trustee and Officer Liability
The declaration provides that shareholders are not personally liable for the obligations of the fund and requires the fund to indemnify a shareholder against any loss or expense arising from any such liability. In addition, the fund will assume the defense of any claim against a shareholder for personal liability at the request of the shareholder. The declaration further provides that a trustee acting in his or her capacity of trustee is not personally liable to any person other than the trust or its shareholders, for any act, omission or obligation of the trust. Further, a trustee is held to the same standard of conduct as a director of a Maryland corporation. This requires that a trustee perform his or her duties in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the trust or a series thereof, and with the care that an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would use under similar circumstances. The declaration also permits the limitation of a trustees liability to the full extent provided under Maryland law. Under current Maryland law, a trustee is liable to the trust or its shareholders for monetary damages only (a) to the extent that it is proved that he or she actually received an improper benefit or profit in money, property, or services, or (b) to the extent that a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to the trustee is entered in a proceeding based on a finding in the proceeding that the trustees action, or failure to act, was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty and was material to the cause of action adjudicated in the proceeding. The declaration requires the trust to indemnify any persons who are or who have been trustees, officers or employees of the trust for any liability for actions or failure to act except to the extent prohibited by applicable federal law. In making any determination as to whether any person is entitled to the advancement of expenses in connection with a claim for which indemnification is sought, such person is entitled to a rebuttable presumption that he or she did not engage in conduct for which indemnification is not available.
The declaration provides that any trustee who serves as chair of the board or of a committee of the board, lead independent trustee, or audit committee financial expert, or in any other similar capacity will not be subject to any greater standard of care or liability because of such position.
Derivative Actions
The declaration provides a detailed process for the bringing of derivative actions by shareholders in order to permit legitimate inquiries and claims while avoiding the time, expense, distraction, and other harm that can be caused to the fund or its shareholders as a result of spurious shareholder demands and derivative actions. Prior to
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bringing a derivative action, a demand by three unrelated shareholders must first be made on the trustees. The declaration details various information, certifications, undertakings and acknowledgements that must be included in the demand. Following receipt of the demand, the trustees have a period of 90 days, which may be extended by an additional 60 days, to consider the demand. If a majority of the trustees who are considered independent for the purposes of considering the demand determine that maintaining the suit would not be in the best interests of the fund, the trustees are required to reject the demand and the complaining shareholders may not proceed with the derivative action unless the shareholders are able to sustain the burden of proof to a court that the decision of the trustees not to pursue the requested action was not a good faith exercise of their business judgment on behalf of the fund. The declaration further provides that shareholders owning shares representing at least 5% of the voting power of the fund must join in bringing the derivative action. If a demand is rejected, the complaining shareholders will be responsible for the costs and expenses (including attorneys fees) incurred by the fund in connection with the consideration of the demand, if in the judgment of the independent trustees, the demand was made without reasonable cause or for an improper purpose. If a derivative action is brought in violation of the declaration, the shareholders bringing the action may be responsible for the funds costs, including attorneys fees.
The declaration further provides that the trust shall be responsible for payment of attorneys fees and legal expenses incurred by a complaining shareholder only if required by law, and any attorneys fees that the trust is obligated to pay shall be calculated using reasonable hourly rates. The declaration also requires that actions by shareholders against the fund be brought only in federal court in Baltimore, Maryland, or if not permitted to be brought in federal court, then in state court in Baltimore, Maryland, and that the right to jury trial be waived to the full extent permitted by law.
Annual and Semi-Annual Reports
The fund sends its shareholders a semi-annual report and an audited annual report, which include listings of investment securities held by the fund at the end of the period covered. In an effort to reduce the funds printing and mailing costs, the fund consolidates the mailing of its semi-annual and annual reports by household. This consolidation means that a household having multiple accounts with the identical address of record will receive a single copy of each report. In addition, the fund also consolidates the mailing of its prospectus so that a shareholder having multiple accounts (that is, individual, IRA and/or Self-Employed Retirement Plan accounts) will receive a single prospectus annually. Shareholders who do not want this consolidation to apply to their accounts should contact their Service Agent or the transfer agent.
Legal Matters
Beginning in June 2004, class action lawsuits alleging violations of the federal securities laws were filed against CGMI and a number of its then affiliates, including SBFM, which were then investment adviser or manager to certain of the funds (the Managers), substantially all of the mutual funds then managed by the Managers (the Defendant Funds), and Board Members of the Defendant Funds (collectively, the Defendants). The complaints alleged, among other things, that CGMI created various undisclosed incentives for its brokers to sell Smith Barney and Salomon Brothers funds. In addition, according to the complaints, the Managers caused the Defendant Funds to pay excessive brokerage commissions to CGMI for steering clients towards proprietary funds. The complaints also alleged that the defendants breached their fiduciary duty to the Defendant Funds by improperly charging Rule 12b-1 fees and by drawing on fund assets to make undisclosed payments of soft dollars and excessive brokerage commissions. The complaints also alleged that the Defendant Funds failed to adequately disclose certain of the allegedly wrongful conduct. The complaints sought injunctive relief and compensatory and punitive damages, rescission of the Defendant Funds contracts with the Managers, recovery of all fees paid to the Managers pursuant to such contracts and an award of attorneys fees and litigation expenses.
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On December 15, 2004, a consolidated amended complaint (the Complaint) was filed alleging substantially similar causes of action. On May 27, 2005, all of the Defendants filed motions to dismiss the Complaint. On July 26, 2006, the court issued a decision and order (1) finding that plaintiffs lacked standing to sue on behalf of the shareholders of the Defendant Funds in which none of the plaintiffs had invested, including the fund, and dismissing those Defendant Funds from the case (although stating that they could be brought back into the case if standing as to them could be established), and (2) other than one stayed claim, dismissing all of the causes of action against the remaining Defendants, with prejudice, except for the cause of action under Section 36(b) of the 1940 Act, which the court granted plaintiffs leave to replead as a derivative claim.
On October 16, 2006, plaintiffs filed their Second Consolidated Amended Complaint (Second Amended Complaint) which alleges derivative claims on behalf of nine funds identified in the Second Amended Complaint under Section 36(b) of the 1940 Act, against Citigroup Asset Management, Salomon Brothers Asset Management Inc, SBFM and CGMI as investment advisers to the identified funds, as well as CGMI as a distributor for the identified funds (collectively, the Second Amended Complaint Defendants). The fund was not identified in the Second Amended Complaint. The Second Amended Complaint alleges no claims against any of the Funds or any of their Board Members. Under Section 36(b), the Second Amended Complaint alleges similar facts and seeks similar relief against the Second Amended Complaint Defendants as the Complaint. The Defendants have filed a motion to dismiss the Second Amended Complaint. It is uncertain when the court will decide the motion. No assurances can be given as to the outcome of the matter.
Additional lawsuits arising out of these circumstances and presenting similar allegations and requests for relief may be filed against the Defendant Funds in the future.
* * *
On May 31, 2005, the SEC issued an order in connection with the settlement of an administrative proceeding against SBFM, the then-investment adviser or manager to the fund, and CGMI, relating to the appointment of an affiliated transfer agent for the Smith Barney family of mutual funds, including the fund (the Affected Funds).
The SEC order found that SBFM and CGMI willfully violated Section 206(1) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules promulgated thereunder (the Advisers Act). Specifically, the order found that SBFM and CGMI knowingly or recklessly failed to disclose to the boards of the Affected Funds in 1999 when proposing a new transfer agent arrangement with an affiliated transfer agent that: First Data Investors Services Group (First Data), the Affected Funds then-existing transfer agent, had offered to continue as transfer agent and do the same work for substantially less money than before; and that CAM, the Citigroup business unit that, at the time, included the Affected Funds investment manager and other investment advisory companies, had entered into a side letter with First Data under which CAM agreed to recommend the appointment of First Data as sub-transfer agent to the affiliated transfer agent in exchange for, among other things, a guarantee by First Data of specified amounts of asset management and investment banking fees to CAM and CGMI. The order also finds that SBFM and CGMI willfully violated Section 206(2) of the Advisers Act by virtue of the omissions discussed above and other misrepresentations and omissions in the materials provided to the Affected Funds boards, including the failure to make clear that the affiliated transfer agent would earn a high profit for performing limited functions while First Data continued to perform almost all of the transfer agent functions, and the suggestion that the proposed arrangement was in the Affected Funds best interests and that no viable alternatives existed. SBFM and CGMI do not admit or deny any wrongdoing or liability. The settlement does not establish wrongdoing or liability for purposes of any other proceeding.
The SEC censured SBFM and CGMI and ordered them to cease and desist from violations of Sections 206(1) and 206(2) of the Advisers Act. The order required Citigroup to pay $208.1 million, including $109 million in disgorgement of profits, $19.1 million in interest, and a civil money penalty of $80 million. Approximately $24.4 million has already been paid to the Affected Funds, primarily through fee waivers. The
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remaining $183.7 million, including the penalty, has been paid to the U.S. Treasury and will be distributed pursuant to a plan submitted for the approval of the SEC. At this time, there is no certainty as to how the above-described proceeds of the settlement will be distributed, to whom such distributions will be made, the methodology by which such distributions will be allocated, and when such distributions will be made. The order also required that transfer agency fees received from the Affected Funds since December 1, 2004, less certain expenses, be placed in escrow and provided that a portion of such fees might be subsequently distributed in accordance with the terms of the order. On April 3, 2006, an aggregate amount of approximately $9 million held in escrow was distributed to the Affected Funds.
The order required SBFM to recommend a new transfer agent contract to the Affected Funds boards within 180 days of the entry of the order; if a Citigroup affiliate submitted a proposal to serve as transfer agent or sub-transfer agent, SBFM and CGMI would have been required, at their expense, to engage an independent monitor to oversee a competitive bidding process. On November 21, 2005, and within the specified timeframe, the Affected Funds Boards selected a new transfer agent for the Affected Funds. No Citigroup affiliate submitted a proposal to serve as transfer agent. Under the order, SBFM also must comply with an amended version of a vendor policy that Citigroup instituted in August 2004.
Although there can be no assurance, the manager does not believe that this matter will have a material adverse effect on the Affected Funds.
On December 1, 2005, Citigroup completed the sale of substantially all of its global asset management business, including SBFM, to Legg Mason.
* * *
Beginning in August 2005, five class action lawsuits alleging violations of federal securities laws and state law were filed against CGMI and SBFM (collectively, the Defendants) based on the May 31, 2005 settlement order issued against the Defendants by the SEC as described above. The complaints seek injunctive relief and compensatory and punitive damages, removal of SBFM as the investment manager for the Smith Barney family of funds, rescission of the funds management and other contracts with SBFM, recovery of all fees paid to SBFM pursuant to such contracts, and an award of attorneys fees and litigation expenses.
On October 5, 2005, a motion to consolidate the five actions and any subsequently filed, related action was filed. That motion contemplates that a consolidated amended complaint alleging substantially similar causes of action will be filed in the future.
As of the date of this report, the funds manager believes that resolution of the pending lawsuit will not have a material effect on the financial position or results of operations of the fund or the ability of the funds manager and its affiliates to continue to render services to the fund under their respective contracts.
* * *
As previously disclosed, on September 16, 2005 the staff of the SEC informed SBFM and SaBAM, that the staff was considering recommending administrative proceedings against SBFM and SaBAM for alleged violations of Section 19(a) and 34(b) of the 1940 Act (and related Rule 19a-1). On September 27, 2007, SBFM and SaBAM, without admitting or denying any findings therein, consented to the entry of an order by the SEC relating to the disclosure by certain other funds that are closed-end funds of the sources of distributions paid by the funds between 2001 and 2004. Each of SBFM and SaBAM agreed to pay a fine of $450,000, for which it was indemnified by Citigroup Inc., its former parent. It is not expected that this matter will adversely impact the fund or its current manager.
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On July 24, 2007, NYSE Regulation, Inc. (NYSE Regulation) and the New Jersey Bureau of Securities (NJBS) announced they had censured and fined CGMI for failing to supervise trading of mutual fund shares and variable annuity mutual fund sub-accounts, failing to prevent deceptive market timing by certain brokers on behalf of hedge-fund customers, and failing to maintain adequate books and records during the period from January 2000 to September 2003. Under the settlement with NYSE Regulation and NJBS, CGMI agreed to pay a total of $50 million in disgorgement and penalties and neither admitted nor denied guilt. CGMI is a distributor of the fund. The funds manager believes that this settlement will not have any affect on the financial position or result of operations of the fund. The manager has been informed by CGMI that the settlement will not affect the ability of CGMI to continue to render services to the fund under its contract.
* * *
The foregoing speaks only as of the date of this SAI. Additional lawsuits presenting allegations and requests for relief arising out of or in connection with any of the foregoing matters may be filed against these and related parties in the future.
The fund offers shares currently classified into Class A, B, C and I * shares.
As of October 12, 2007, the following persons owned of record 5% or more of the shares of any class of the fund:
Class |
Name and Address |
Percent of
Shares |
||
A |
CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC 101 MONTGOMERY ST SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104-4122 |
8.3664% | ||
B |
MLPF&S FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT OF ITS CUSTOMERS ATTN: FUND ADMINISTRATION 4800 DEER LAKE DRIVE EAST 3RD FLOOR JACKSONVILLE, FL 32246 |
5.9218% | ||
I |
WACHOVIA BANK 1525 WEST WT HARRIS BLVD NC1151 CHARLOTTE, NC 282881151 |
85.674% | ||
I |
SMITH BARNEY INC 333 W 34TH STREET NEW YORK, NY 10001 |
14.326% |
* |
As of November 20, 2006, Class Y shares were renamed Class I shares. |
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The audited financial statements of the fund and the funds predecessor (Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of July 31, 2007, Statement of Operations for the year ended July 31, 2007, Statements of Changes in Net Assets for each of the years in the two-year period ended July 31, 2007, Financial Highlights for each of the years in the five-year period ended July 31, 2007, and Notes to Financial Statements along with the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, each of which is included in the Annual Report to Shareholders, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety (filed on October 5, 2007; Accession Number 0001133228-07-000298).
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ClearBridge Advisors 1 (ClearBridge) Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
The following is a brief overview of the Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (the Policies) that ClearBridge has adopted to seek to ensure that ClearBridge votes proxies relating to equity securities in the best interest of clients.
ClearBridge votes proxies for each client account with respect to which it has been authorized to vote proxies. In voting proxies, ClearBridge is guided by general fiduciary principles and seeks to act prudently and solely in the best interest of clients. ClearBridge attempts to consider all factors that could affect the value of the investment and will vote proxies in the manner that it believes will be consistent with efforts to maximize shareholder values. ClearBridge may utilize an external service provider to provide it with information and/or a recommendation with regard to proxy votes. However, the ClearBridge adviser (business unit) continues to retain responsibility for the proxy vote.
In the case of a proxy issue for which there is a stated position in the Policies, ClearBridge generally votes in accordance with such stated position. In the case of a proxy issue for which there is a list of factors set forth in the Policies that ClearBridge considers in voting on such issue, ClearBridge votes on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the general principles set forth above and considering such enumerated factors. In the case of a proxy issue for which there is no stated position or list of factors that ClearBridge considers in voting on such issue, ClearBridge votes on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the general principles set forth above. Issues for which there is a stated position set forth in the Policies or for which there is a list of factors set forth in the Policies that ClearBridge considers in voting on such issues fall into a variety of categories, including election of directors, ratification of auditors, proxy and tender offer defenses, capital structure issues, executive and director compensation, mergers and corporate restructurings, and social and environmental issues. The stated position on an issue set forth in the Policies can always be superseded, subject to the duty to act solely in the best interest of the beneficial owners of accounts, by the investment management professionals responsible for the account whose shares are being voted. Issues applicable to a particular industry may cause ClearBridge to abandon a policy that would have otherwise applied to issuers generally. As a result of the independent investment advisory services provided by distinct ClearBridge business units, there may be occasions when different business units or different portfolio managers within the same business unit vote differently on the same issue. A ClearBridge business unit or investment team ( e.g. , ClearBridges Social Awareness Investment team) may adopt proxy voting policies that supplement these policies and procedures. In addition, in the case of Taft-Hartley clients, ClearBridge will comply with a client direction to vote proxies in accordance with Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) PVS Voting Guidelines, which ISS represents to be fully consistent with AFL-CIO guidelines.
In furtherance of ClearBridges goal to vote proxies in the best interest of clients, ClearBridge follows procedures designed to identify and address material conflicts that may arise between ClearBridges interests and
1 |
ClearBridge comprises ClearBridge Advisors, LLC, ClearBridge Asset Management Inc, Smith Barney Fund Management LLC, and other affiliated investment advisory firms. On December 1, 2005, Citigroup Inc. (Citigroup) sold substantially all of its worldwide asset management business, Citigroup Asset Management, to Legg Mason, Inc. (Legg Mason). As part of this transaction, ClearBridge Advisors, LLC, ClearBridge Asset Management Inc and Smith Barney Fund Management LLC became wholly-owned subsidiaries of Legg Mason. Under a licensing agreement between Citigroup and Legg Mason, the names of ClearBridge Advisors, LLC, ClearBridge Asset Management Inc, Smith Barney Fund Management LLC and their affiliated advisory entities, as well as all logos, trademarks, and service marks related to Citigroup or any of its affiliates (Citi Marks) are licensed for use by Legg Mason. Citi Marks include, but are not limited to, Citigroup Asset Management, Salomon Brothers Asset Management and CAM. All Citi Marks are owned by Citigroup, and are licensed for use until no later than one year after the date of the licensing agreement. Legg Mason and its subsidiaries, including ClearBridge Advisors, LLC, ClearBridge Asset Management Inc, and Smith Barney Fund Management LLC are not affiliated with Citigroup. |
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those of its clients before voting proxies on behalf of such clients. To seek to identify conflicts of interest, ClearBridge periodically notifies ClearBridge employees in writing that they are under an obligation (i) to be aware of the potential for conflicts of interest on the part of ClearBridge with respect to voting proxies on behalf of client accounts both as a result of their personal relationships and due to special circumstances that may arise during the conduct of ClearBridges business, and (ii) to bring conflicts of interest of which they become aware to the attention of ClearBridges compliance personnel. ClearBridge also maintains and considers a list of significant ClearBridge relationships that could present a conflict of interest for ClearBridge in voting proxies. ClearBridge is also sensitive to the fact that a significant, publicized relationship between an issuer and a non-ClearBridge Legg Mason affiliate might appear to the public to influence the manner in which ClearBridge decides to vote a proxy with respect to such issuer. Absent special circumstances or a significant, publicized non-ClearBridge Legg Mason affiliate relationship that ClearBridge for prudential reasons treats as a potential conflict of interest because such relationship might appear to the public to influence the manner in which ClearBridge decides to vote a proxy, ClearBridge generally takes the position that relationships between a non-ClearBridge Legg Mason affiliate and an issuer ( e.g. , investment management relationship between an issuer and a non-ClearBridge Legg Mason affiliate) do not present a conflict of interest for ClearBridge in voting proxies with respect to such issuer. Such position is based on the fact that ClearBridge is operated as an independent business unit from other Legg Mason business units as well as on the existence of information barriers between ClearBridge and certain other Legg Mason business units.
ClearBridge maintains a Proxy Voting Committee to review and address conflicts of interest brought to its attention by ClearBridge compliance personnel. A proxy issue that will be voted in accordance with a stated ClearBridge position on such issue or in accordance with the recommendation of an independent third party is not brought to the attention of the Proxy Voting Committee for a conflict of interest review because ClearBridges position is that to the extent a conflict of interest issue exists, it is resolved by voting in accordance with a pre-determined policy or in accordance with the recommendation of an independent third party. With respect to a conflict of interest brought to its attention, the Proxy Voting Committee first determines whether such conflict of interest is material. A conflict of interest is considered material to the extent that it is determined that such conflict is likely to influence, or appear to influence, ClearBridges decision-making in voting proxies. If it is determined by the Proxy Voting Committee that a conflict of interest is not material, ClearBridge may vote proxies notwithstanding the existence of the conflict.
If it is determined by the Proxy Voting Committee that a conflict of interest is material, the Proxy Voting Committee is responsible for determining an appropriate method to resolve such conflict of interest before the proxy affected by the conflict of interest is voted. Such determination is based on the particular facts and circumstances, including the importance of the proxy issue and the nature of the conflict of interest.
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Description of Ratings
The ratings of Moodys Investors Service, Inc., Standard & Poors Ratings Group and Fitch Ratings represent their opinions as to the quality of various debt obligations. It should be emphasized, however, that ratings are not absolute standards of quality. Consequently, debt obligations with the same maturity, coupon and rating may have different yields while debt obligations of the same maturity and coupon with different ratings may have the same yield. As described by the rating agencies, ratings are generally given to securities at the time of issuances. While the rating agencies may from time to time revise such ratings, they undertake no obligation to do so.
Description of Moodys Investors Service, Inc.s Long-Term Obligation Ratings:
Moodys long-term obligation ratings are opinions of the relative credit risk of fixed-income obligations with an original maturity of one year or more. They address the possibility that a financial obligation will not be honored as promised. Such ratings reflect both the likelihood of default and any financial loss suffered in the event of default.
Aaa Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, with minimal credit risk.
Aa Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.
A Obligations rated A are considered upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.
Baa Obligations rated Baa are subject to moderate credit risk. They are considered medium-grade and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.
Ba Obligations rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements and are subject to substantial credit risk.
B Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.
Caa Obligations rated Caa are judged to be of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.
Ca Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.
C Obligations rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.
Note: 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.
Description of Moodys Investors Service, Inc.s U.S. Municipal and Tax Exempt Ratings:
Municipal Ratings are opinions of the investment quality of issuers and issues in the U.S. municipal and tax-exempt markets. As such, these ratings incorporate Moodys assessment of the default probability and loss severity of these issuers and issues. The default and loss content for Moodys municipal long-term rating scale differs from Moodys general long-term rating scale. (Please refer to Corporate Equivalent Ratings under Policies and Procedures.)
Municipal Ratings are based upon the analysis of four primary factors relating to municipal finance: economy, debt, finances, and administration/management strategies. Each of the factors is evaluated individually and for its effect on the other factors in the context of the municipalitys ability to repay its debt.
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Municipal Long-Term Rating Definitions:
Aaa Issuers or issues rated Aaa demonstrate the strongest creditworthiness relative to other U.S. municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.
Aa Issuers or issues rated Aa demonstrate very strong creditworthiness relative to other U.S. municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.
A Issuers or issues rated A present above-average creditworthiness relative to other U.S. municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.
Baa Issuers or issues rated Baa represent average creditworthiness relative to other U.S. municipal or tax- exempt issuers or issues.
Ba Issuers or issues rated Ba demonstrate below-average creditworthiness relative to other U.S. municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.
B Issuers or issues rated B demonstrate weak creditworthiness relative to other U.S. municipal or tax- exempt issuers or issues.
Caa Issuers or issues rated Caa demonstrate very weak creditworthiness relative to other U.S. municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.
Ca Issuers or issues rated Ca demonstrate extremely weak creditworthiness relative to other U.S. municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.
C Issuers or issues rated C demonstrate the weakest creditworthiness relative to other U.S. municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.
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.
Description of Moodys Investors Service, Inc.s U.S. Municipal Short-Term Debt And Demand Obligation Ratings:
There are three rating categories for short-term municipal obligations that are considered investment grade. These ratings are designated as Municipal Investment Grade (MIG) and are divided into three levelsMIG 1 through MIG 3. In addition, those short-term obligations that are of speculative quality are designated SG, or speculative grade. MIG ratings expire at the maturity of the obligation.
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.
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Description of Moodys Investors Service, Inc.s Demand Obligation Ratings:
In the case of variable rate demand obligations (VRDOs), a two-component rating is assigned; a long or short-term debt rating and a demand obligation rating. The first element represents Moodys evaluation of the degree of risk associated with scheduled principal and interest payments. The second element represents Moodys evaluation of the degree of risk associated with the ability to receive purchase price upon demand (demand feature), using a variation of the MIG rating scale, the Variable Municipal Investment Grade or VMIG rating. When either the long- or short-term aspect of a VRDO is not rated, that piece is designated NR, e.g. , Aaa/NR or NR/VMIG 1. VMIG rating expirations are a function of each issues specific structural or credit features.
VMIG 1 This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
VMIG 2 This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
VMIG 3 This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
SG This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
Description of Moodys Investors Service, Inc.s Short-Term Prime Ratings:
Moodys short-term ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to honor short-term financial obligations. Ratings may be assigned to issuers, short-term programs or to individual short-term debt instruments. Such obligations generally have an original maturity not exceeding thirteen months, unless explicitly noted.
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.
Note: Canadian issuers rated P-1 or P-2 have their short-term ratings enhanced by the senior-most long-term rating of the issuer, its guarantor or support-provider.
Description of Standard & Poors Ratings Groups Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings:
Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations: (1) likelihood of paymentcapacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on an obligation in
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accordance with the terms of the obligation; (2) nature of and provisions of the obligation; and (3) protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors rights.
The issue rating definitions are expressed in terms of default risk. As such, they pertain to senior obligations of an entity. Junior obligations are typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect the lower priority in bankruptcy, as noted above. (Such differentiation applies when an entity has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or operating company and holding company obligations.) Accordingly, in the case of junior debt, the rating may not conform exactly with the category definition.
AAA An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poors. The obligors capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is extremely strong.
AA An obligation rated AA differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligors capacity to meet its financial obligations 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.
C A subordinated debt or preferred stock obligation rated C is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed or similar action taken, but payments on this obligation are being continued. A C also will be assigned to a preferred stock issue in arrears on dividends or sinking fund payments, but that is currently paying.
D An obligation rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard &
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Poors believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.
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.
N.R.: This indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that Standard & Poors does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.
Active Qualifiers (Currently applied and/or outstanding)
i: This subscript is used for issues in which the credit factors, terms, or both, that determine the likelihood of receipt of payment of interest are different from the credit factors, terms or both that determine the likelihood of receipt of principal on the obligation. The i subscript indicates that the rating addresses the interest portion of the obligation only. The i subscript will always be used in conjunction with the p subscript, which addresses likelihood of receipt of principal. For example, a rated obligation could be assigned ratings of AAAp NRi indicating that the principal portion is rated AAA and the interest portion of the obligation is not rated.
L: Ratings qualified with L apply only to amounts invested up to federal deposit insurance limits.
p: This subscript is used for issues in which the credit factors, the terms, or both, that determine the likelihood of receipt of payment of principal are different from the credit factors, terms or both that determine the likelihood of receipt of interest on the obligation. The p subscript indicates that the rating addresses the principal portion of the obligation only. The p subscript will always be used in conjunction with the i subscript, which addresses likelihood of receipt of interest. For example, a rated obligation could be assigned ratings of AAAp NRi indicating that the principal portion is rated AAA and the interest portion of the obligation is not rated.
pi: Ratings with a pi subscript are based on an analysis of an issuers published financial information, as well as additional information in the public domain. They do not, however, reflect in-depth meetings with an issuers management and are therefore based on less comprehensive information than ratings without a pi subscript. Ratings with a pi subscript are reviewed annually based on a new years financial statements, but may be reviewed on an interim basis if a major event occurs that may affect the issuers credit quality.
pr: The letters pr indicate that the rating is provisional. A provisional rating assumes the successful completion of the project financed by the debt being rated and indicates that payment of debt service requirements is largely or entirely dependent upon the successful, timely completion of the project. This rating, however, while addressing credit quality subsequent to completion of the project, makes no comment on the likelihood of or the risk of default upon failure of such completion. The investor should exercise his own judgment with respect to such likelihood and risk.
preliminary: Preliminary ratings are assigned to issues, including financial programs, in the following circumstances. Preliminary ratings may be assigned to obligations, most commonly structured and project finance issues, pending receipt of final documentation and legal opinions. Assignment of a final rating is conditional on the receipt and approval by Standard & Poors of appropriate documentation. Changes in the information provided to Standard & Poors could result in the assignment of a different rating. In addition, Standard & Poors reserves the right not to issue a final rating. Preliminary ratings are assigned to Rule 415 Shelf Registrations. As specific issues, with defined terms, are offered from the master registration, a final rating may be assigned to them in accordance with Standard & Poors policies. The final rating may differ from the preliminary rating.
t: This symbol indicates termination structures that are designed to honor their contracts to full maturity or, should certain events occur, to terminate and cash settle all their contracts before their final maturity date.
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Local Currency and Foreign Currency Risks: Country risk considerations are a standard part of Standard & Poors analysis for credit ratings on any issuer or issue. Currency of repayment is a key factor in this analysis. An obligors capacity to repay foreign currency obligations may be lower than its capacity to repay obligations in its local currency due to the sovereign governments own relatively lower capacity to repay external versus domestic debt. These sovereign risk considerations are incorporated in the debt ratings assigned to specific issues. Foreign currency issuer ratings are also distinguished from local currency issuer ratings to identify those instances where sovereign risks make them different for the same issuer.
Description of Standard & Poors Ratings Groups Ratings of Notes:
A Standard & Poors U.S. municipal note rating reflects the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes maturing beyond three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. The following criteria will be used in making that assessment:
Amortization schedulethe larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and
Source of paymentthe more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.
Note rating symbols are as follows:
SP-1 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 Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.
SP-3 Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.
Description of Standard & Poors Ratings Groups Short-Term Issue Credit Ratings:
A-1 Short-term obligation rated A-1 is rated in the highest category by Standard & Poors. 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 commitments is extremely strong.
A-2 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 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 having significant speculative characteristics. Ratings of B-1, B-2 and B-3 may be assigned to indicate finer distinctions within the B category. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligors inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
B-1 A short-term obligation rated B-1 is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics, but the obligor has a relatively stronger capacity to meet its financial commitments over the short-term compared to other speculative-grade obligors.
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B-2 A short-term obligation rated B-2 is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics, and the obligor has an average speculative-grade capacity to meet its financial commitments over the short-term compared to other speculative-grade obligors.
B-3 A short-term obligation rated B-3 is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics, and the obligor has a relatively weaker capacity to meet its financial commitments over the short-term compared to other speculative-grade obligors.
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 payment default. The D rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poors believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.
Active Qualifiers (Currently applied and/or outstanding)
i: This subscript is used for issues in which the credit factors, terms, or both, that determine the likelihood of receipt of payment of interest are different from the credit factors, terms or both that determine the likelihood of receipt of principal on the obligation. The i subscript indicates that the rating addresses the interest portion of the obligation only. The i subscript will always be used in conjunction with the p subscript, which addresses likelihood of receipt of principal. For example, a rated obligation could be assigned ratings of AAAp NRi indicating that the principal portion is rated AAA and the interest portion of the obligation is not rated.
L: Ratings qualified with L apply only to amounts invested up to federal deposit insurance limits.
p: This subscript is used for issues in which the credit factors, the terms, or both, that determine the likelihood of receipt of payment of principal are different from the credit factors, terms or both that determine the likelihood of receipt of interest on the obligation. The p subscript indicates that the rating addresses the principal portion of the obligation only. The p subscript will always be used in conjunction with the i subscript, which addresses likelihood of receipt of interest. For example, a rated obligation could be assigned ratings of AAAp NRi indicating that the principal portion is rated AAA and the interest portion of the obligation is not rated.
pi: Ratings with a pi subscript are based on an analysis of an issuers published financial information, as well as additional information in the public domain. They do not, however, reflect in-depth meetings with an issuers management and are therefore based on less comprehensive information than ratings without a pi subscript. Ratings with a pi subscript are reviewed annually based on a new years financial statements, but may be reviewed on an interim basis if a major event occurs that may affect the issuers credit quality.
pr: The letters pr indicate that the rating is provisional. A provisional rating assumes the successful completion of the project financed by the debt being rated and indicates that payment of debt service requirements is largely or entirely dependent upon the successful, timely completion of the project. This rating, however, while addressing credit quality subsequent to completion of the project, makes no comment on the likelihood of or the risk of default upon failure of such completion. The investor should exercise his own judgment with respect to such likelihood and risk.
preliminary: Preliminary ratings are assigned to issues, including financial programs, in the following circumstances. Preliminary ratings may be assigned to obligations, most commonly structured and project
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finance issues, pending receipt of final documentation and legal opinions. Assignment of a final rating is conditional on the receipt and approval by Standard & Poors of appropriate documentation. Changes in the information provided to Standard & Poors could result in the assignment of a different rating. In addition, Standard & Poors reserves the right not to issue a final rating. Preliminary ratings are assigned to Rule 415 Shelf Registrations. As specific issues, with defined terms, are offered from the master registration, a final rating may be assigned to them in accordance with Standard & Poors policies. The final rating may differ from the preliminary rating.
t: This symbol indicates termination structures that are designed to honor their contracts to full maturity or, should certain events occur, to terminate and cash settle all their contracts before their final maturity date. Local Currency and Foreign Currency Risks: Country risk considerations are a standard part of Standard & Poors analysis for credit ratings on any issuer or issue. Currency of repayment is a key factor in this analysis. An obligors capacity to repay foreign currency obligations may be lower than its capacity to repay obligations in its local currency due to the sovereign governments own relatively lower capacity to repay external versus domestic debt. These sovereign risk considerations are incorporated in the debt ratings assigned to specific issues. Foreign currency issuer ratings are also distinguished from local currency issuer ratings to identify those instances where sovereign risks make them different for the same issuer.
Description of Standard & Poors Ratings Groups Ratings of Commercial Paper:
A Standard & Poors commercial paper rating is a current assessment of the likelihood of timely payment of debt having an original maturity of no more than 365 days. Ratings are graded into several categories, ranging from A for the highest-quality obligations to D for the lowest. These categories are as follows:
A-1 This designation indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely payment is strong. Those issues determined to possess extremely strong safety characteristics are denoted with a plus sign (+) designation.
A-2 Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is satisfactory. However, the relative degree of safety is not as high as for issues designated A-1.
A-3 Issues carrying this designation have an adequate capacity for timely payment. They are, however, more vulnerable to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances than obligations carrying the higher designations.
B Issues rated B are regarded as having only speculative capacity for timely payment.
C This rating is assigned to short-term debt obligations with a doubtful capacity for payment.
D Debt rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used when interest payments of principal payments are not made on the date due, even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poors believes such payments will be made during such grace period.
Description of Standard & Poors Ratings Groups Dual Ratings:
Standard & Poors assigns dual ratings to all debt issues that have a put option or demand feature as part of their structure.
The first rating addresses the likelihood of repayment of principal and interest as due, and the second rating addresses only the demand feature. The long-term debt rating symbols are used for bonds to denote the long-term maturity and the commercial paper rating symbols for the put option (for example, AAA/A-1+). With short-term demand debt, Standard & Poors note rating symbols are used with the commercial paper rating symbols (for example, SP-1+/A-1+).
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Description of Fitch Ratings International Long-Term Credit Ratings:
International Long-Term Credit Ratings (LTCR) may also be referred to as Long-Term Ratings. When assigned to most issuers, it is used as a benchmark measure of probability of default and is formally described as an Issuer Default Rating (IDR). The major exception is within Public Finance, where IDRs will not be assigned as market convention has always focused on timeliness and does not draw analytical distinctions between issuers and their underlying obligations. When applied to issues or securities, the LTCR may be higher or lower than the issuer rating (IDR) to reflect relative differences in recovery expectations. The following rating scale applies to foreign currency and local currency ratings.
Investment Grade
AAA Highest credit quality. AAA ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.
AA 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 High credit quality. A ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in circumstances or in economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.
BBB Good credit quality. BBB ratings indicate that there is currently expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse changes in circumstances and economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. This is the lowest investment-grade category.
Speculative Grade
BB Speculative. BB ratings indicate that there is a possibility of credit risk developing, particularly as the result of adverse economic change over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met. Securities rated in this category are not investment grade.
B Highly speculative. For issuers and performing obligations, B ratings indicate that significant credit risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is contingent upon a sustained, favorable business and economic environment. For individual obligations, B ratings may indicate distressed or defaulted obligations with potential for extremely high recoveries. Such obligations would possess a Recovery Rating of R1 (outstanding).
CCC For issuers and performing obligations, default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon sustained, favorable business or economic conditions. For individual obligations, may indicate distressed or defaulted obligations with potential for average to superior levels of recovery. Differences in credit quality may be denoted by plus/minus distinctions. Such obligations typically would possess a Recovery Rating of R2 (superior), or R3 (good) or R4 (average).
CC For issuers and performing obligations, default of some kind appears probable. For individual obligations, may indicate distressed or defaulted obligations with a Recovery Rating of R4 (average) or R5 (below average).
C For issuers and performing obligations, default is imminent. For individual obligations, may indicate distressed or defaulted obligations with potential for below-average to poor recoveries. Such obligations would possess a Recovery Rating of R6 (poor).
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RD Indicates an entity that has failed to make due payments (within the applicable grace period) on some but not all material financial obligations, but continues to honor other classes of obligations.
D Indicates an entity or sovereign that has defaulted on all of its financial obligations. Default generally is defined as one of the following: (i) failure of an obligor to make timely payment of principal and/or interest under the contractual terms of any financial obligation; (ii) the bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other winding-up or cessation of business of an obligor; or (iii) the distressed or other coercive exchange of an obligation, where creditors were offered securities with diminished structural or economic terms compared with the existing obligation.
Default ratings are not assigned prospectively; within this context, non-payment on an instrument that contains a deferral feature or grace period will not be considered a default until after the expiration of the deferral or grace period.
Issuers will be rated D upon a default. Defaulted and distressed obligations typically are rated along the continuum of C to B ratings categories, depending upon their recovery prospects and other relevant characteristics. Additionally, in structured finance transactions, where analysis indicates that an instrument is irrevocably impaired such that it is not expected to meet pay interest and/or principal in full in accordance with the terms of the obligations documentation during the life of the transaction, but where no payment default in accordance with the terms of the documentation is imminent, the obligation may be rated in the B or CCC-C categories.
Default is determined by reference to the terms of the obligations documentation. Fitch will assign default ratings where it has reasonably determined that payment has not been made on a material obligation in accordance with the requirements of the obligations documentation, or where it believes that default ratings consistent with Fitchs published definition of default are the most appropriate ratings to assign.
Description of Fitch Ratings International Short-Term Credit Ratings:
International Short-Term Credit Ratings may also be referred to as Short-Term Ratings. The following ratings scale applies to foreign currency and local currency ratings. A short-term rating has a time horizon of less than 13 months for most obligations, or up to three years for U.S. public finance, in line with industry standards, to reflect unique characteristics of bond, tax, and revenue anticipation notes that are commonly issued with terms up to three years. Short-term ratings thus places greater emphasis on the liquidity necessary to meet financial commitments in a timely manner.
F1 Highest credit quality. Indicates the strongest capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added + to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.
F2 Good credit quality. A satisfactory capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, but the margin of safety is not as great as in the case of the higher ratings.
F3 Fair credit quality. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate; however, near-term adverse changes could result in a reduction to non-investment grade.
B Speculative. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus vulnerability to near-term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.
C High default risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.
D Default. Indicates an entity or sovereign that has defaulted on all of its financial obligations.
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Notes to Fitch Ratings International Long-Term and Short-Term Credit Ratings:
The modifiers + or - may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the AAA Long-term rating category, to categories below CCC, or to Short-term ratings other than F1. (The +/- modifiers are only used to denote issues within the CCC category, whereas issuers are only rated CCC without the use of modifiers.)
Rating Watch: Ratings are placed on Rating Watch to notify investors that there is a reasonable probability of a rating change and the likely direction of such change. These are designated as Positive, indicating a potential upgrade, Negative, for a potential downgrade, or Evolving, if ratings may be raised, lowered or maintained. Rating Watch is typically resolved over a relatively short period.
Rating Outlook: An Outlook indicates the direction a rating is likely to move over a one to two-year period. Outlooks may be positive, stable or negative. A positive or negative Rating Outlook does not imply a rating change is inevitable. Similarly, ratings for which outlooks are stable could be upgraded or downgraded before an outlook moves to positive or negative if circumstances warrant such an action. Occasionally, Fitch Ratings may be unable to identify the fundamental trend. In these cases, the Rating Outlook may be described as evolving.
Program ratings (such as the those assigned to MTN shelf registrations) relate only to standard issues made under the program concerned; it should not be assumed that these ratings apply to every issue made under the program. In particular, in the case of non-standard issues, i.e., those that are linked to the credit of a third party or linked to the performance of an index, ratings of these issues may deviate from the applicable program rating.
Variable rate demand obligations and other securities which contain a short-term put or other similar demand feature will have a dual rating, such as AAA/F1+. The first rating reflects the ability to meet long-term principal and interest payments, whereas the second rating reflects the ability to honor the demand feature in full and on time.
Interest Only: Interest Only ratings are assigned to interest strips. These ratings do not address the possibility that a security holder might fail to recover some or all of its initial investment due to voluntary or involuntary principal repayments.
Principal Only: Principal Only ratings address the likelihood that a security holder will receive their initial principal investment either before or by the scheduled maturity date.
Rate of Return: Ratings also may be assigned to gauge the likelihood of an investor receiving a certain predetermined internal rate of return without regard to the precise timing of any cash flows.
PIF: Paid-in-Full; denotes a security that is paid-in-full, matured, called, or refinanced.
NR indicates that Fitch Ratings does not rate the issuer or issue in question.
Withdrawn: A rating is withdrawn when Fitch Ratings deems the amount of information available to be inadequate for rating purposes, or when an obligation matures, is called, or refinanced, or for any other reason Fitch Ratings deems sufficient.
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LEGG MASON PARTNERS CONVERTIBLE FUND
Statement of
Additional Information
November 1, 2007
Legg Mason Partners Convertible Fund
125 Broad Street
New York, New York 10004
PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 23. | Exhibits |
Unless otherwise noted, all references are to the Registrants initial registration statement on Form N-1A (the Registration Statement) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on October 21, 1991 (File Nos. 33-43446 and 811-6444).
(a)(1) The Registrants Declaration of Trust dated as of October 2, 2006 is incorporated by reference to Post -Effective Amendment No. 70 to the Registrants Registration Statement as filed with the SEC on April 13, 2007 (Post-Effective Amendment No. 70).
(2) Designation of Series of Shares of Beneficial Interests in the Trust effective as of February 8, 2007 is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 70.
(b) The Registrants By-Laws dated October 4, 2006 is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 70.
(c) Not Applicable.
(d)(1) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Partners Aggressive Growth Fund, and Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (LMPFA) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to the Registrants Registration Statement as filed with the SEC on January 8, 2007 (Post-Effective Amendment No. 61).
(2) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Partners Convertible Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 61.
(3) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Partners Diversified Large Cap Growth Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 61.
(4) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Partners Dividend Strategy Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 61.
(5) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Partners Emerging Markets Equity Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 61.
(6) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Partners Financial Services Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 61.
(7) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Partners Fundamental Value Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 61.
(8) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Partners International All Cap Opportunity, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 61.
(9) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Partners All Cap Fund, and Legg Mason Capital Management Inc. (LMCM) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 73.
(10) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Partners Small Cap Value Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 61.
(11) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Partners Appreciation Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to the Registrants Registration Statement as filed with the SEC on January 10, 2007 (Post-Effective Amendment No. 62).
(12) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Partners Capital and Income Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62.
(13) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Partners Capital Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62.
(14) Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Partners Classic Values Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 to the Registrants Registration Statement as filed with the SEC on January 17, 2007 (Post-Effective Amendment No. 63).
(15) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Partners Equity Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62.
(16) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 73.
(17) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Partners Investors Value Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62.
(18) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Partners Large Cap Growth Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62.
(19) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 100%, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 73.
(20) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 30%, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62.
(21) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 50%, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62.
(22) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 70%, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62.
(23) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 85%, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62.
(24) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Income Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62.
(25) Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Partners Mid Cap Core Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 63.
(26) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Partners S&P 500 Index Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62.
(27) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Partners Small Cap Core Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62.
(28) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Partners Small Cap Growth Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62.
(29) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Partners Social Awareness Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62.
(30) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge Advisors, LLC (ClearBridge), with respect to Legg Mason Partners Aggressive Growth Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 61.
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(31) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to Legg Mason Partners All Cap Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 61.
(32) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to Legg Mason Partners Convertible Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 61.
(33) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to Legg Mason Partners Diversified Large Cap Growth Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 61.
(34) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to Legg Mason Partners Dividend Strategy Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 61.
(35) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and Legg Mason International Equities Limited (LMIE), with respect to Legg Mason Partners Emerging Markets Equity Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 61.
(36) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and Barrett Associates, Inc. (Barrett), with respect to Legg Mason Partners Financial Services Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 73.
(37) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to Legg Mason Partners Fundamental Value Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 61.
(38) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC (Brandywine), with respect to Legg Mason Partners International All Cap Opportunity Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 73.
(39) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to Legg Mason Partners Small Cap Value Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 61.
(40) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to Legg Mason Partners Appreciation Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62.
(41) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to Legg Mason Partners Capital and Income Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62.
(42) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between ClearBridge and Western Asset Management Company (WAM), with respect to Legg Mason Partners Capital and Income Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62.
(43) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between WAM and Western Asset Management Company Limited (WAML), with respect to Legg Mason Partners Capital and Income Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 73.
(44) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to Legg Mason Partners Capital Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62.
(45) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and Olstein Capital Management, L.P. (Olstein), with respect to Legg Mason Partners Classic Values Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 73.
(46) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to Legg Mason Partners Equity Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62.
(47) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and Batterymarch Financial Management, Inc. (Batterymarch), with respect to Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 73.
(48) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to Legg Mason Partners Investors Value Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62.
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(49) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to Legg Mason Partners Large Cap Growth Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62.
(50) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and Legg Mason Global Asset Allocation, LLC (LMGAA), with respect to Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 100%, is filed herewith.
(51) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and LMGAA, with respect to Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 30%, is filed herewith.
(52) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and LMGAA, with respect to Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 50%, is filed herewith.
(53) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and LMGAA, with respect to Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 70%, is filed herewith.
(54) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and LMGAA, with respect to Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 85%, is filed herewith.
(55) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and LMGAA, with respect to Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Income Fund, is filed herewith.
(56) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to Legg Mason Partners Mid Cap Core Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 63.
(57) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and Batterymarch, with respect to Legg Mason Partners S&P 500 Index Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62.
(58) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to Legg Mason Partners Small Cap Core Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62.
(59) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to Legg Mason Partners Small Cap Growth Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62.
(60) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and Legg Mason Investment Counsel, LLC (LMIC), with respect to Legg Mason Partners Social Awareness Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 73.
(e)(1) Form of Distribution Agreement with Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. (CGMI) is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 30 to the Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on August 16, 2000 (Post-Effective Amendment No. 30).
(2) Form of Distribution Agreement with PFS Distributors, Inc. (PFS) is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 30.
(3) Form of Amendment to the Distribution Agreement with Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. (CGMI), dated as of December 1, 2005, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 filed on January 27, 2006 (Post-Effective Amendment No. 56).
(4) Form of Amendment of Distribution Agreement and Assumption of Duties and Responsibilities, among the Registrant, PFS Distributors, Inc. and PFS Investments, Inc. (PFS), dated as of December 1, 2005, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 56.
(5) Form of Distribution Agreement with Legg Mason Investor Services, LLC (LMIS) dated as of December 1, 2005 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 57 filed on March 30, 2006 (Post-Effective Amendment No. 57).
(f)(1) Emeritus Retirement Plan relating to certain funds, established effective as of January 1, 2007, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on December 5, 2006 (Post-Effective Amendment No. 60).
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(2) Amended and Restated Trustee Retirement Plan relating to certain funds dated as of January 1, 2005 (the General Retirement Plan), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 61.
(3) Legg Mason Investment Series (f/k/a Smith Barney Investment Series) Amended and Restated Trustees Retirement Plan dated as of January 1, 2005, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 61.
(4) Amendment to the General Retirement Plan and the Legg Mason Partners Investment Series Amended and Restated Trustees Retirement Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 61.
(5) Amended and Restated Emeritus Retirement Plan relating to certain funds, established effective as of January 1, 2007, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 61.
(g) Form of Custodian Services Agreement between the Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company dated as of January 1, 2006 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 56.
(h)(1) Transfer Agency and Services Agreement dated January 1, 2006 between the Registrant and PFPC Inc. (PFPC) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 56.
(2) Form of License Agreement between the Registrant Legg Mason Properties, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 58 to the Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on April 28, 2006 (Post-Effective Amendment No. 58).
(3) License Agreement between the Registrant and Citigroup Inc. dated December 1, 2005 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 58.
(4) Form of Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60.
(i)(1) Opinion of Counsel regarding legality of shares being registered is incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed on December 6, 1991 (Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1).
(2) Legal Counsels consent is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 24 to the Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on March 30, 1999 (Post-Effective Amendment No. 24).
(3) Opinion of Counsel regarding legality of Class FI and Class R Shares being registered is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60.
(4) Opinion and Consent of Counsel regarding the legality of shares being registered is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 70.
(j)(1) Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm is filed herewith
(2) Power of Attorney dated February 7, 2007 is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 70.
(k) Not Applicable.
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(l) Purchase Agreement between the Registrant and Shearson Lehman Brothers Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1.
(m) Shareholder Services and Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Partners 130/30 U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund; Legg Mason Partners Aggressive Growth Fund; Legg Mason Partners All Cap Fund; Legg Mason Partners Appreciation Fund; Legg Mason Partners Capital and Income Fund; Legg Mason Partners Capital Fund; Legg Mason Partners Classic Values Fund; Legg Mason Partners Convertible Fund; Legg Mason Partners Diversified Large Cap Growth Fund; Legg Mason Partners Dividend Strategy Fund; Legg Mason Partners Emerging Markets Equity Fund; Legg Mason Partners Equity Fund; Legg Mason Partners Financial Services Fund Legg Mason Partners Fundamental Value Fund; Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund; Legg Mason Partners International All Cap Opportunity Fund; Legg Mason Partners Investors Value Fund; Legg Mason Partners Large Cap Growth Fund; Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 100%; Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 30%; Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 50%; Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 70%; Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 85%; Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Income Fund; Legg Mason Partners Mid Cap Core Fund; Legg Mason Partners S&P 500 Index Fund; Legg Mason Partners Small Cap Core Fund; Legg Mason Partners Small Cap Growth Fund; Legg Mason Partners Small Cap Value Fund and Legg Mason Partners Social Awareness Fund, dated February 8, 2007, is filed herewith.
(n)(1) Amended Rule 18f-3(d) Multiple Class Plan of the Registrant is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 56.
(2) Amended Rule 18f-3(d) Multiple Class Plan of the Registrant is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60.
(o) Not Applicable
(p)(1) Code of Ethics of Citigroup Asset ManagementNorth America and Certain Registered Investment Companies, as amended September 13, 2005 (adopted by LMPFA and ClearBridge), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 56.
(2) Code of Ethics of LMIS dated December 1, 2005 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 56.
(3) Code of Ethics of CGMI, is to be filed by amendment.
(4) Code of Ethics of PFS, is to be filed by amendment.
(5) Code of Ethics of Barrett dated December 15, 2005 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 61.
(6) Code of Ethics of LMIE is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 61.
(7) Code of Ethics of Batterymarch dated February 1,2005 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 61.
(8) Code of Ethics of Brandywine, is to be filed by amendment.
(9) Code of Ethics of WAM and WAML dated as of February, 2005, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62.
(10) Code of Ethics of LMIC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62.
(11) Code of Ethics of Olstein, is to be filed by amendment.
(12) Code of Ethics of LMCM is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 73.
Item 24. | Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with Registrant |
Not Applicable.
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Item 25. | Indemnification |
The response to this item is incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1.
The directors and officers of the Registrant and the personnel of the Registrants manager are insured under an errors and omissions liability insurance policy. The Registrant and its officers are also insured under the fidelity bond required by Rule 17g-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Reference is hereby made to (a) Section 4 of the Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (the CGMI Distribution Agreement), incorporated by reference herein; (b) paragraph 7 of the Amendment to the CGMI Distribution Agreement incorporated by reference herein; (c) Section 4 of the Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and PFS Distributors, Inc. (the PFS Distribution Agreement), incorporated by reference herein; (d) paragraph 7 of the Amendment to the PFS Distribution Agreement incorporated by reference herein; (e) paragraph 9 of the Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and Legg Mason Investor Services, LLC, incorporated by reference herein.
Item 26. | Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser |
Investment Adviser Legg Mason Capital Management, Inc. (LMCM)
LMCM was formed in 1982 under the laws of the State of Maryland as a corporation. LMCM is a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Legg Mason, Inc. (Legg Mason).
LMCM is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The list required by this Item 26 of officers and directors of LMCM 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 LMCM pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (SEC File No. 801-18115).
Subadvisor Clearbridge Advisors, LLC (formerly known as CAM North America, LLC) (Clearbridge)
Clearbridge was organized under the laws of the State of Delaware as a limited liability company. Clearbridge is a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Legg Mason.
Clearbridge is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The list required by this Item 26 of officers and directors of Clearbridge 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 Clearbridge pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (SEC File No. 801-64710).
Subadviser Barrett Associates, Inc. (Barrett)
Barrett was organized under the laws of the State of New York as a corporation. Barrett is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Legg Mason.
Barrett is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The list required by this Item 26 of officers and directors of Barrett 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 Barrett pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (SEC File No. 801- 831).
SubadviserBatterymarch Financial Management, Inc. (Batterymarch)
Batterymarch was organized under the laws of the State of Maryland as a corporation. Batterymarch is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Legg Mason.
Batterymarch is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The list required by this Item 26 of officers and directors of Batterymarch 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 Batterymarch pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (SEC File No. 801- 48035).
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Subadvisor Legg Mason International Equities Limited (LMIE)
The list required by this Item 26 of officers and directors of LMIE, 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 LMIE pursuant to the Advisers Act (SEC File No. 801-57655).
Subadviser Western Asset Management Company (WAM) is an investment adviser registered with the SEC under the Advisers Act. The following is a list of other substantial business activities in which directors, officers or partners of WAM have been engaged as director, officer, employee, partner, or trustee.
Peter L. Bain | Director, WAM | |||||
Director, LMFM | ||||||
Manager, Brandywine | ||||||
Senior Executive Vice President, Legg Mason, Inc. | ||||||
Director, Nova Scotia | ||||||
Vice President and Director, BMML | ||||||
Director, LMCM | ||||||
Director, Bartlett | ||||||
Director, Berkshire | ||||||
Director, LM Funding | ||||||
Director, LM Properties | ||||||
Director, LMRG | ||||||
Director, LM Tower | ||||||
Director, PCM I | ||||||
Director, PCM II | ||||||
Manager, Royce | ||||||
Director, Western Asset Management Company Limited | ||||||
James W. Hirschmann III | Director, WAM | |||||
Director, Western Asset Management Company Limited | ||||||
D. Daniel Fleet | President and CEO, WAM | |||||
Gavin L. James | Director of Global Client Services, WAM | |||||
Senior Executive Officer, Western Asset Management Company Limited | ||||||
Gregory McShea | General Counsel and Secretary, WAM | |||||
General Counsel and Secretary, Western Asset Management | ||||||
Company Limited |
WAM is located at 385 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91101.
SubadviserWestern Asset Management Limited (WAML) was incorporated under the laws of England as a corporation. WAML is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Legg Mason.
WAML is registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act.
The following is a list of other substantial business activities in which directors, officers or partners of WAML have been engaged as director, officer, employee, partner, or trustee.
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Peter L. Bain | ||||||
Director, WAML | ||||||
Director, LMCM | ||||||
Manager, Brandywine | ||||||
Senior Executive Vice President, Legg Mason | ||||||
Director, Nova Scotia | ||||||
Director, LMFM | ||||||
Director, Barrett | ||||||
Director, Bartlett | ||||||
Director, Berkshire | ||||||
Director, LM Funding | ||||||
Director, LM Properties | ||||||
Director, LMRG | ||||||
Director, LM Tower | ||||||
Director, PCM I | ||||||
Director, PCM II | ||||||
Manager, Royce | ||||||
Director, WAM | ||||||
James W. Hirschmann III | ||||||
Director, WAML | ||||||
President, Legg Mason, Inc. | ||||||
Director, WAM | ||||||
Gavin L. James | ||||||
Senior Executive Officer, WAML | ||||||
Director of Global Client Services, WAM | ||||||
Gregory B. McShea | ||||||
General Counsel and CCO, WAML | ||||||
General Counsel and CCO, WAM |
Item 27. | Principal Underwriters |
(a) CGMI, a distributor of the Registrant, is the distributor for each series of the registrants listed: Legg Mason Partners Funds Trust, Variable Annuity Portfolios, Legg Mason Partners Premium Money Market Trust, Legg Mason Partners Institutional Trust, Legg Mason Partners Money Market Trust, Smith Barney Multiple Discipline Trust, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds, High Income Opportunity Fund Inc., Intermediate Muni Fund, Inc., Legg Mason Partners Equity Trust, LMP Real Estate Income Fund Inc., Managed High Income Portfolio Inc., Managed Municipals Portfolio Inc., Municipal High Income Fund Inc., Citigroup Investments Corporate Loan Fund Inc., Zenix Income Fund Inc., Barrett Opportunity Fund, Inc. ( prior to 12/1/06, Salomon Brothers Opportunity Fund Inc ), Western Asset 2008 Worldwide Dollar Government Term Trust Inc., Western Asset High Income Fund Inc., Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc., Western Asset Emerging Markets Income Fund Inc., Western Asset Emerging Markets Income Fund II Inc., Western Asset Emerging Markets Floating Rate Fund Inc., Western Asset Global High Income Fund Inc., Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc., LMP Capital and Income Fund, Inc., Western Asset Inflation Management Fund Inc., Western Asset Variable Rate Strategic Fund, Inc., Western Asset Global Partners Income Fund Inc., Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund Inc., Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc., Legg Mason Partners Variable Income Trust, Legg Mason Partners Income Trust, Smith Barney Institutional Cash Management Fund, Inc., and various series of unit investment trusts.
LMIS, a distributor of the Registrant is also a distributor of the following funds: Legg Mason Partners Funds Trust, Variable Annuity Portfolios, Legg Mason Partners Premium Money Market Trust, Legg Mason Partners Institutional Trust, Legg Mason Partners Money Market Trust, Smith Barney Multiple Discipline Trust, High Income Opportunity Fund Inc., Intermediate Muni Fund, Inc., Legg Mason Partners Equity Trust, LMP Real Estate Income Fund Inc., Managed High Income Portfolio Inc., Managed Municipals Portfolio Inc., Municipal High
- 9 -
Income Fund Inc., Citigroup Investments Corporate Loan Fund Inc., Zenix Income Fund Inc., Barrett Opportunity Fund, Inc. ( prior to 12/1/06, Salomon Brothers Opportunity Fund Inc ), Western Asset 2008 Worldwide Government Term Trust Inc., Western Asset High Income Fund Inc., Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc., Western Asset Emerging Markets Income Fund Inc., Western Asset Emerging Markets Income Fund II Inc., Western Asset Emerging Markets Floating Rate Fund Inc., Western Asset Global High Income Fund Inc., Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc., LMP Capital and Income Fund Inc., Western Asset Inflation Management Fund Inc., Western Asset Variable Rate Strategic Fund Inc., Western Asset Global Partners Income Fund Inc., Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund Inc., Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc., Legg Mason Partners Variable Income Trust, Legg Mason Partners Income Trust, Smith Barney Institutional Cash Management Fund, Inc., Travelers Series Fund Inc., Legg Mason Cash Reserve Trust, Inc., Legg Mason Charles Street Trust, Inc., Legg Mason Global Trust, Inc., Legg Mason Growth Trust, Inc., Legg Mason Income Trust, Inc., Legg Mason Investment Trust, Inc., Legg Mason Investors Trust, Inc., Legg Mason Light Street Trust, Inc., Legg Mason Special Investment Trust, Inc., Legg Mason Tax Exempt Trust, Inc., Legg Mason Tax-Free Income Fund, Legg Mason Value Trust, Inc., Western Asset Funds, Inc.
PFS Investments Inc. (PFS), a distributor of the Registrant, is also the distributor for certain series of the registrants listed: Legg Mason Partners Equity Trust, Legg Mason Partners Income Trust.
LMIS is the placement agent for Institutional Enhanced Portfolio, Prime Cash Reserves Portfolio, U.S. Treasury Reserves Portfolio, Tax Free Reserves Portfolio and Liquid Reserves Portfolio.
(b) The information required by this Item 27 with respect to each director, officer and partner of CGMI is incorporated by reference to Schedule A of Form BD filed by CGMI pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (SEC File No. 8-8177):
The information required by this Item 27 with respect to each director and officer of LMIS is listed below:
Timothy C. Scheve Managing Director
Mark R. Fetting Managing Director
D. Stuart Bowers Vice President
W. Talbot Daley Vice President
Thomas J. Hirschmann Vice President
Joseph M. Furey General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer
Ronald Holinsky Counsel
Robert E. Patterson Counsel
Theresa M. Silberzahn Chief Financial Officer
Elisabeth F. Craig AML Compliance Officer and Director of Continuing Education
All Addresses are 100 Light Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202.
The information required by this Item 27 with respect to each director, officer and partner of PFS is incorporated by reference to Schedule A of Form BD filed by PFS pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (SEC File No. 8-37352).
(c) Not applicable.
Item 28. | Location of Accounts and Records |
With respect to the Registrant:
(1) | Legg Mason Partners Equity Trust |
125 Broad Street
New York, New York 10004
With respect to the Registrants Investment Manager:
(2) | c/o Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC |
620 Eighth Avenue
New York, NY 10018
With respect to the Registrants Subadvisers:
(3) | c/o Legg Mason International Entities Limited |
620 Eighth Avenue
New York, NY 10018
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(4) | Barrett Associates, Inc. |
90 Park Avenue
34th Floor
New York, NY 10016
(5) | Batterymarch Financial Management, Inc. |
John Hancock Tower
200 Clarendon Street
Boston, MA 02116
(6) | c/o ClearBridge Advisors, LLC |
620 Eighth Avenue
New York, NY 10018
(7) | c/o Western Asset Management Company and Western Asset Management Company Limited |
620 Eighth Avenue
New York, NY 10018
(8) | c/o Legg Mason Investment Counsel, LLC |
620 Eighth Avenue
New York, NY 10018
(9) | c/o Causeway Capital Management LLC |
620 Eighth Avenue
New York, NY 10018
(10) | Olstein & Associates, L.P. |
105 Corporate Park Drive
White Plains, NY 10604
With respect to the Registrants Custodian:
(11) | State Street Bank & Trust Company |
One Lincoln Street
Boston, MA 02111
With respect to the Registrants Transfer Agent:
(12) | PFPC Inc. |
P.O. Box 9699
Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9699
With respect to the Registrants Distributors:
(13) | Citigroup Global Markets Inc. |
388 Greenwich Street
New York, New York 10013
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(14) | Legg Mason Investor Services, LLC |
100 Light Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
(15) | PFS Investments, Inc. |
3120 Breckinridge Blvd
Duluth, GA 30099-0062
Item 29. | Management Services |
Not applicable.
Item 30. | Undertakings |
Not applicable.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant, LEGG MASON PARTNERS EQUITY TRUST, certifies that it meets all requirements for effectiveness of this Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act and has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York, State of New York on this 1 st day of November, 2007.
LEGG MASON PARTNERS EQUITY TRUST , on behalf of Legg Mason Partners Convertible Fund.
By: |
/s/ R. Jay Gerken |
|
R. Jay Gerken | ||
President and Principal Executive Officer |
WITNESS our hands on the date set forth below.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated below on November 1, 2007.
Signature |
Title |
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/s/ R. Jay Gerken |
President, Principal Executive Officer and Trustee | |||
R. Jay Gerken |
||||
/s/ Kaprel Ozsolak |
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer | |||
Kaprel Ozsolak |
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/s/ Paul R. Ades* |
Trustee | |||
Paul R. Ades |
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/s/ Andrew L. Breech* |
Trustee | |||
Andrew L. Breech |
||||
/s/ Dwight B. Crane* |
Trustee | |||
Dwight B. Crane |
||||
/s/ Robert M. Frayn, Jr.* |
Trustee | |||
Robert M. Frayn, Jr. |
||||
/s/ Frank G. Hubbard* |
Trustee | |||
Frank G. Hubbard |
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/s/ Howard J. Johnson* |
Trustee | |||
Howard J. Johnson |
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/s/ David E. Maryatt* |
Trustee | |||
David E. Maryatt |
||||
/s/ Jerome H. Miller* |
Trustee | |||
Jerome H. Miller |
||||
/s/ Ken Miller* |
Trustee | |||
Ken Miller |
||||
/s/ John J. Murphy* |
Trustee | |||
John J. Murphy |
||||
/s/ Thomas F. Schlafly* |
Trustee | |||
Thomas F. Schlafly |
||||
/s/ Jerry A. Viscione* |
Trustee | |||
Jerry A. Viscione |
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*By: |
/s/ R. Jay Gerken |
|
R. Jay Gerken |
* | Attorney-in-Fact, pursuant to Power of Attorney dated February 7, 2007. |
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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit No. |
Description of Exhibit |
|
(d)(50) | Form of Subadvisory Agreement between Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (LMPFA) and Legg Mason Global Asset Allocation, LLC (LMGAA) on behalf of Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 100% | |
(d)(51) | Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and LMGAA on behalf of Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 30% | |
(d)(52) | Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and LMGAA on behalf of Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 50% | |
(d)(53) | Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and LMGAA on behalf of Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 70% | |
(d)(54) | Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and LMGAA on behalf of Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 85% | |
(d)(55) | Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and LMGAA on behalf of Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Income Fund | |
(j)(1) | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | |
(m) | Shareholder Services and Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Partners 130/30 U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund; Legg Mason Partners Aggressive Growth Fund; Legg Mason Partners All Cap Fund; Legg Mason Partners Appreciation Fund; Legg Mason Partners Capital and Income Fund; Legg Mason Partners Capital Fund; Legg Mason Partners Classic Values Fund; Legg Mason Partners Convertible Fund; Legg Mason Partners Diversified Large Cap Growth Fund; Legg Mason Partners Dividend Strategy Fund; Legg Mason Partners Emerging Markets Equity Fund; Legg Mason Partners Equity Fund; Legg Mason Partners Financial Services Fund Legg Mason Partners Fundamental Value Fund; Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund; Legg Mason Partners International All Cap Opportunity Fund; Legg Mason Partners Investors Value Fund; Legg Mason Partners Large Cap Growth Fund; Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 100%; Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 30%; Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 50%; Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 70%; Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 85%; Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Income Fund; Legg Mason Partners Mid Cap Core Fund; Legg Mason Partners S&P 500 Index Fund; Legg Mason Partners Small Cap Core Fund; Legg Mason Partners Small Cap Growth Fund; Legg Mason Partners Small Cap Value Fund and Legg Mason Partners Social Awareness Fund |
Exhibit (d)(50)
SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
This SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT (Agreement) is made this 13th day of April, 2007, by and between Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Manager), and Legg Mason Global Asset Allocation, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Subadviser).
WHEREAS, the Manager has been retained by Legg Mason Partners Equity Trust. (the Trust), a Maryland business trust registered as a management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act) to provide investment advisory, management, and administrative services to the Trust with respect to certain series of the Trust; and
WHEREAS, the Manager wishes to engage the Subadviser to provide certain investment advisory services to the Trust with respect to the series of the Trust designated in Schedule A annexed hereto (the Fund) and Subadviser is willing to furnish such services on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants herein contained, it is agreed as follows:
1. In accordance with and subject to the Management Agreement between the Trust and the Manager with respect to the Fund (the Management Agreement), the Manager hereby appoints the Subadviser to act as Subadviser with respect to the Fund for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement. The Subadviser accepts such appointment and agrees to render the services herein set forth, for the compensation herein provided.
2. The Manager shall cause the Subadviser to be kept fully informed at all times with regard to the securities owned by the Fund, its funds available, or to become available, for investment, and generally as to the condition of the Funds affairs. The Manager shall furnish the Subadviser with such other documents and information with regard to the Funds affairs as the Subadviser may from time to time reasonably request.
3. (a) Subject to the supervision of the Trusts Board of Trustees (the Board) and the Manager, the Subadviser shall regularly provide the Fund with respect to such portion of the Funds assets as shall be allocated to the Subadviser by the Manager from time to time (the Allocated Assets) with investment research, advice, management and supervision and shall furnish a continuous investment program for the Allocated Assets consistent with the Funds investment objectives, policies and restrictions, as stated in the Funds current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information. The Subadviser shall, with respect to the Allocated Assets, determine from time to time what securities and other investments will be purchased (including, as permitted in accordance with this paragraph, swap agreements, options and futures), retained, sold or exchanged by the Fund and what portion of the Allocated Assets will be held in the various securities and other investments in which the Fund invests, and shall implement those decisions (including the execution of investment documentation), all subject to the provisions of the Trusts Declaration of Trust and By-Laws (collectively, the Governing Documents), the 1940 Act, and the applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) and interpretive guidance issued thereunder by the SEC staff and any other applicable federal and state law, as well as the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund referred to above, and any other specific policies adopted by the Board and disclosed to the Subadviser. The Subadviser is authorized as the agent of the Trust to give instructions
with respect to the Allocated Assets to the custodian of the Fund as to deliveries of securities and other investments and payments of cash for the account of the Fund. Subject to applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the investment program to be provided hereunder may entail the investment of all or substantially all of the assets of a Fund in one or more investment companies. The Subadviser will place orders pursuant to its investment determinations for the Fund either directly with the issuer or with any broker or dealer, foreign currency dealer, futures commission merchant or others selected by it. In connection with the selection of such brokers or dealers and the placing of such orders, subject to applicable law, brokers or dealers may be selected who also provide brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) to the Fund and/or the other accounts over which the Subadviser or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. The Subadviser is authorized to pay a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction for the Fund which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the Subadviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer. This determination may be viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities which the Subadviser and its affiliates have with respect to accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. The Board may adopt policies and procedures that modify and restrict the Subadvisers authority regarding the execution of the Funds portfolio transactions provided herein. The Subadviser shall exercise voting rights, rights to consent to corporate action and any other rights pertaining to the Allocated Assets subject to such direction as the Board may provide, and shall perform such other functions of investment management and supervision as may be directed by the Board. The Subadviser may execute on behalf of the Fund certain agreements, instruments and documents in connection with the services performed by it under this Agreement. These may include, without limitation, brokerage agreements, clearing agreements, account documentation, futures and options agreements, swap agreements, other investment related agreements, and any other agreements, documents or instruments the Subadviser believes are appropriate or desirable in performing its duties under this Agreement.
(b) The Fund hereby authorizes any entity or person associated with the Subadviser which is a member of a national securities exchange to effect any transaction on the exchange for the account of the Fund which is permitted by Section 11(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 11a2-2(T) thereunder, and the Fund hereby consents to the retention of compensation for such transactions in accordance with Rule 11a2-2(T)(a)(2)(iv). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Subadviser agrees that it will not deal with itself, or with members of the Board or any principal underwriter of the Fund, as principals or agents in making purchases or sales of securities or other property for the account of the Fund, nor will it purchase any securities from an underwriting or selling group in which the Subadviser or its affiliates is participating, or arrange for purchases and sales of securities between the Fund and another account advised by the Subadviser or its affiliates, except in each case as permitted by the 1940 Act and in accordance with such policies and procedures as may be adopted by the Fund from time to time, and will comply with all other provisions of the Governing Documents and the Funds then-current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information relative to the Subadviser and its directors and officers.
4. The Subadviser may delegate to any other one or more companies that the Subadviser controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, or to specified employees of any such companies, certain of the Subadvisers duties under this Agreement, provided in each case the Subadviser will supervise the activities of each such entity or employees thereof, that such delegation will not relieve the Subadviser of any of its duties or obligations under this Agreement and provided further that any such arrangements are entered into in accordance with all applicable requirements of the 1940 Act.
5. The Subadviser agrees that it will keep records relating to its services hereunder in accordance with all applicable laws, and in compliance with the requirements of Rule 31a-3 under the
2
1940 Act, the Subadviser hereby agrees that any records that it maintains for the Fund are the property of the Fund, and further agrees to surrender promptly to the Fund any of such records upon the Funds request. The Subadviser further agrees to arrange for the preservation of the records required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act.
6. (a) The Subadviser, at its expense, shall supply the Board, the officers of the Trust, and the Manager with all information and reports reasonably required by them and reasonably available to the Subadviser relating to the services provided by the Subadviser hereunder.
(b) The Subadviser shall bear all expenses, and shall furnish all necessary services, facilities and personnel, in connection with its responsibilities under this Agreement. Other than as herein specifically indicated, the Subadviser shall not be responsible for the Funds expenses, including, without limitation, advisory fees; distribution fees; interest; taxes; governmental fees; voluntary assessments and other expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; organization costs of the Fund; the cost (including brokerage commissions, transaction fees or charges, if any) in connection with the purchase or sale of the Funds securities and other investments and any losses in connection therewith; fees and expenses of custodians, transfer agents, registrars, independent pricing vendors or other agents; legal expenses; loan commitment fees; expenses relating to share certificates; expenses relating to the issuing and redemption or repurchase of the Funds shares and servicing shareholder accounts; expenses of registering and qualifying the Funds shares for sale under applicable federal and state law; expenses of preparing, setting in print, printing and distributing prospectuses and statements of additional information and any supplements thereto, reports, proxy statements, notices and dividends to the Funds shareholders; costs of stationery; website costs; costs of meetings of the Board or any committee thereof, meetings of shareholders and other meetings of the Fund; Board fees; audit fees; travel expenses of officers, members of the Board and employees of the Fund, if any; and the Funds pro rata portion of premiums on any fidelity bond and other insurance covering the Fund and its officers, Board members and employees; litigation expenses and any non-recurring or extraordinary expenses as may arise, including, without limitation, those relating to actions, suits or proceedings to which the Fund is a party and the legal obligation which the Fund may have to indemnify the Funds Board members and officers with respect thereto.
7. No member of the Board, officer or employee of the Trust or Fund shall receive from the Trust or Fund any salary or other compensation as such member of the Board, officer or employee while he is at the same time a director, officer, or employee of the Subadviser or any affiliated company of the Subadviser, except as the Board may decide. This paragraph shall not apply to Board members, executive committee members, consultants and other persons who are not regular members of the Subadvisers or any affiliated companys staff.
8. As compensation for the services performed by the Subadviser, including the services of any consultants retained by the Subadviser, the Manager shall pay the Subadviser out of the management fee it receives with respect to the Fund, and only to the extent thereof, as promptly as possible after the last day of each month, a fee, computed daily at an annual rate set forth on Schedule A annexed hereto. The first payment of the fee shall be made as promptly as possible at the end of the month succeeding the effective date of this Agreement, and shall constitute a full payment of the fee due the Subadviser for all services prior to that date. If this Agreement is terminated as of any date not the last day of a month, such fee shall be paid as promptly as possible after such date of termination, shall be based on the average daily net assets of the Fund or, if less, the portion thereof comprising the Allocated Assets in that period from the beginning of such month to such date of termination, and shall be that proportion of such average daily net assets as the number of business days in such period bears to the number of business days in such month. The average daily net assets of the Fund or the portion thereof comprising the
3
Allocated Assets shall in all cases be based only on business days and be computed as of the time of the regular close of business of the New York Stock Exchange, or such other time as may be determined by the Board.
9. The Subadviser assumes no responsibility under this Agreement other than to render the services called for hereunder, in good faith, and shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law, or for any loss arising out of any investment or for any act or omission in the execution of securities transactions for the Fund, provided that nothing in this Agreement shall protect the Subadviser against any liability to the Manager or the Fund to which the Subadviser would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties hereunder. As used in this Section 9, the term Subadviser shall include any affiliates of the Subadviser performing services for the Trust or the Fund contemplated hereby and the partners, shareholders, directors, officers and employees of the Subadviser and such affiliates.
10. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the right of any director, officer, or employee of the Subadviser who may also be a Board member, officer, or employee of the Trust or the Fund, to engage in any other business or to devote his time and attention in part to the management or other aspects of any other business, whether of a similar nature or a dissimilar nature, nor to limit or restrict the right of the Subadviser to engage in any other business or to render services of any kind, including investment advisory and management services, to any other fund, firm, individual or association. If the purchase or sale of securities consistent with the investment policies of the Fund or one or more other accounts of the Subadviser is considered at or about the same time, transactions in such securities will be allocated among the accounts in a manner deemed equitable by the Subadviser. Such transactions may be combined, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, and consistent with the Subadvisers policies and procedures as presented to the Board from time to time.
11. For the purposes of this Agreement, the Funds net assets shall be determined as provided in the Funds then-current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and the terms assignment, interested person, and majority of the outstanding voting securities shall have the meanings given to them by Section 2(a) of the 1940 Act, subject to such exemptions as may be granted by the SEC by any rule, regulation or order.
12. This Agreement will become effective with respect to the Fund on the date set forth opposite the Funds name on Schedule A annexed hereto, provided that it shall have been approved by the Trusts Board and, if so required by the 1940 Act, by shareholders of the Fund in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act and, unless sooner terminated as provided herein, will continue in effect through November 30, 2007. Thereafter, if not terminated, this Agreement shall continue in effect with respect to the Fund, so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (i) by the Board or (ii) by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, provided that in either event the continuance is also approved by a majority of the Board members who are not interested persons of any party to this Agreement, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
13. This Agreement is terminable with respect to the Fund without penalty by the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, in each case on not more than 60 days nor less than 30 days written notice to the Subadviser, or by the Subadviser upon not less than 90 days written notice to the Fund and the Manager, and will be terminated upon the mutual written consent of the Manager and the Subadviser. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment by the Subadviser and shall not be assignable by the Manager without the consent of the Subadviser.
4
14. The Subadviser agrees that for any claim by it against the Fund in connection with this Agreement or the services rendered under this Agreement, it shall look only to assets of the Fund for satisfaction and that it shall have no claim against the assets of any other portfolios of the Trust.
15. No provision of this Agreement may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated orally, but only by an instrument in writing signed by the party against which enforcement of the change, waiver, discharge or termination is sought, and no material amendment of the Agreement shall be effective until approved, if so required by the 1940 Act, by vote of the holders of a majority of the Funds outstanding voting securities.
16. This Agreement, and any supplemental terms contained on Annex I hereto, if applicable, embodies the entire agreement and understanding between the parties hereto, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings relating to the subject matter hereof. Should any part of this Agreement 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 on and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors.
17. This Agreement shall be construed and the provisions thereof interpreted under and in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
[signature page to follow]
5
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their officers thereunto duly authorized.
LEGG MASON PARTNERS FUND ADVISOR, LLC | ||
By: |
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|
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
LEGG MASON GLOBAL ASSET ALLOCATION, LLC |
||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
The foregoing is acknowledged:
The undersigned officer of the Trust has executed this Agreement not individually but in his/her capacity as an officer of the Trust. The Trust does not hereby undertake, on behalf of the Fund or otherwise, any obligation to the Subadviser.
LEGG MASON PARTNERS EQUITY TRUST | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
6
ANNEX I
Not applicable.
SCHEDULE A
Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 100%
Date:
April 13, 2007
Fee:
The sub-advisory fee will be 70% of the management fee paid to Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC, net of expense waivers and reimbursements.
Exhibit (d)(51)
SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
This SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT (Agreement) is made this 13th day of April, 2007, by and between Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Manager), and Legg Mason Global Asset Allocation, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Subadviser).
WHEREAS, the Manager has been retained by Legg Mason Partners Equity Trust (the Trust), a Maryland business trust registered as a management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act) to provide investment advisory, management, and administrative services to the Trust with respect to certain series of the Trust; and
WHEREAS, the Manager wishes to engage the Subadviser to provide certain investment advisory services to the Trust with respect to the series of the Trust designated in Schedule A annexed hereto (the Fund) and Subadviser is willing to furnish such services on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants herein contained, it is agreed as follows:
1. In accordance with and subject to the Management Agreement between the Trust and the Manager with respect to the Fund (the Management Agreement), the Manager hereby appoints the Subadviser to act as Subadviser with respect to the Fund for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement. The Subadviser accepts such appointment and agrees to render the services herein set forth, for the compensation herein provided.
2. The Manager shall cause the Subadviser to be kept fully informed at all times with regard to the securities owned by the Fund, its funds available, or to become available, for investment, and generally as to the condition of the Funds affairs. The Manager shall furnish the Subadviser with such other documents and information with regard to the Funds affairs as the Subadviser may from time to time reasonably request.
3. (a) Subject to the supervision of the Trusts Board of Trustees (the Board) and the Manager, the Subadviser shall regularly provide the Fund with respect to such portion of the Funds assets as shall be allocated to the Subadviser by the Manager from time to time (the Allocated Assets) with investment research, advice, management and supervision and shall furnish a continuous investment program for the Allocated Assets consistent with the Funds investment objectives, policies and restrictions, as stated in the Funds current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information. The Subadviser shall, with respect to the Allocated Assets, determine from time to time what securities and other investments will be purchased (including, as permitted in accordance with this paragraph, swap agreements, options and futures), retained, sold or exchanged by the Fund and what portion of the Allocated Assets will be held in the various securities and other investments in which the Fund invests, and shall implement those decisions (including the execution of investment documentation), all subject to the provisions of the Trusts Declaration of Trust and By-Laws (collectively, the Governing Documents), the 1940 Act, and the applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) and interpretive guidance issued thereunder by the SEC staff and any other applicable federal and state law, as well as the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund referred to above, and any other specific policies adopted by the Board and disclosed to the Subadviser. The Subadviser is authorized as the agent of the Trust to give instructions
with respect to the Allocated Assets to the custodian of the Fund as to deliveries of securities and other investments and payments of cash for the account of the Fund. Subject to applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the investment program to be provided hereunder may entail the investment of all or substantially all of the assets of a Fund in one or more investment companies. The Subadviser will place orders pursuant to its investment determinations for the Fund either directly with the issuer or with any broker or dealer, foreign currency dealer, futures commission merchant or others selected by it. In connection with the selection of such brokers or dealers and the placing of such orders, subject to applicable law, brokers or dealers may be selected who also provide brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) to the Fund and/or the other accounts over which the Subadviser or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. The Subadviser is authorized to pay a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction for the Fund which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the Subadviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer. This determination may be viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities which the Subadviser and its affiliates have with respect to accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. The Board may adopt policies and procedures that modify and restrict the Subadvisers authority regarding the execution of the Funds portfolio transactions provided herein. The Subadviser shall exercise voting rights, rights to consent to corporate action and any other rights pertaining to the Allocated Assets subject to such direction as the Board may provide, and shall perform such other functions of investment management and supervision as may be directed by the Board. The Subadviser may execute on behalf of the Fund certain agreements, instruments and documents in connection with the services performed by it under this Agreement. These may include, without limitation, brokerage agreements, clearing agreements, account documentation, futures and options agreements, swap agreements, other investment related agreements, and any other agreements, documents or instruments the Subadviser believes are appropriate or desirable in performing its duties under this Agreement.
(b) The Fund hereby authorizes any entity or person associated with the Subadviser which is a member of a national securities exchange to effect any transaction on the exchange for the account of the Fund which is permitted by Section 11(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 11a2-2(T) thereunder, and the Fund hereby consents to the retention of compensation for such transactions in accordance with Rule 11a2-2(T)(a)(2)(iv). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Subadviser agrees that it will not deal with itself, or with members of the Board or any principal underwriter of the Fund, as principals or agents in making purchases or sales of securities or other property for the account of the Fund, nor will it purchase any securities from an underwriting or selling group in which the Subadviser or its affiliates is participating, or arrange for purchases and sales of securities between the Fund and another account advised by the Subadviser or its affiliates, except in each case as permitted by the 1940 Act and in accordance with such policies and procedures as may be adopted by the Fund from time to time, and will comply with all other provisions of the Governing Documents and the Funds then-current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information relative to the Subadviser and its directors and officers.
4. The Subadviser may delegate to any other one or more companies that the Subadviser controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, or to specified employees of any such companies, certain of the Subadvisers duties under this Agreement, provided in each case the Subadviser will supervise the activities of each such entity or employees thereof, that such delegation will not relieve the Subadviser of any of its duties or obligations under this Agreement and provided further that any such arrangements are entered into in accordance with all applicable requirements of the 1940 Act.
5. The Subadviser agrees that it will keep records relating to its services hereunder in accordance with all applicable laws, and in compliance with the requirements of Rule 31a-3 under the
2
1940 Act, the Subadviser hereby agrees that any records that it maintains for the Fund are the property of the Fund, and further agrees to surrender promptly to the Fund any of such records upon the Funds request. The Subadviser further agrees to arrange for the preservation of the records required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act.
6. (a) The Subadviser, at its expense, shall supply the Board, the officers of the Trust, and the Manager with all information and reports reasonably required by them and reasonably available to the Subadviser relating to the services provided by the Subadviser hereunder.
(b) The Subadviser shall bear all expenses, and shall furnish all necessary services, facilities and personnel, in connection with its responsibilities under this Agreement. Other than as herein specifically indicated, the Subadviser shall not be responsible for the Funds expenses, including, without limitation, advisory fees; distribution fees; interest; taxes; governmental fees; voluntary assessments and other expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; organization costs of the Fund; the cost (including brokerage commissions, transaction fees or charges, if any) in connection with the purchase or sale of the Funds securities and other investments and any losses in connection therewith; fees and expenses of custodians, transfer agents, registrars, independent pricing vendors or other agents; legal expenses; loan commitment fees; expenses relating to share certificates; expenses relating to the issuing and redemption or repurchase of the Funds shares and servicing shareholder accounts; expenses of registering and qualifying the Funds shares for sale under applicable federal and state law; expenses of preparing, setting in print, printing and distributing prospectuses and statements of additional information and any supplements thereto, reports, proxy statements, notices and dividends to the Funds shareholders; costs of stationery; website costs; costs of meetings of the Board or any committee thereof, meetings of shareholders and other meetings of the Fund; Board fees; audit fees; travel expenses of officers, members of the Board and employees of the Fund, if any; and the Funds pro rata portion of premiums on any fidelity bond and other insurance covering the Fund and its officers, Board members and employees; litigation expenses and any non-recurring or extraordinary expenses as may arise, including, without limitation, those relating to actions, suits or proceedings to which the Fund is a party and the legal obligation which the Fund may have to indemnify the Funds Board members and officers with respect thereto.
7. No member of the Board, officer or employee of the Trust or Fund shall receive from the Trust or Fund any salary or other compensation as such member of the Board, officer or employee while he is at the same time a director, officer, or employee of the Subadviser or any affiliated company of the Subadviser, except as the Board may decide. This paragraph shall not apply to Board members, executive committee members, consultants and other persons who are not regular members of the Subadvisers or any affiliated companys staff.
8. As compensation for the services performed by the Subadviser, including the services of any consultants retained by the Subadviser, the Manager shall pay the Subadviser out of the management fee it receives with respect to the Fund, and only to the extent thereof, as promptly as possible after the last day of each month, a fee, computed daily at an annual rate set forth on Schedule A annexed hereto. The first payment of the fee shall be made as promptly as possible at the end of the month succeeding the effective date of this Agreement, and shall constitute a full payment of the fee due the Subadviser for all services prior to that date. If this Agreement is terminated as of any date not the last day of a month, such fee shall be paid as promptly as possible after such date of termination, shall be based on the average daily net assets of the Fund or, if less, the portion thereof comprising the Allocated Assets in that period from the beginning of such month to such date of termination, and shall be that proportion of such average daily net assets as the number of business days in such period bears to the number of business days in such month. The average daily net assets of the Fund or the portion thereof comprising the
3
Allocated Assets shall in all cases be based only on business days and be computed as of the time of the regular close of business of the New York Stock Exchange, or such other time as may be determined by the Board.
9. The Subadviser assumes no responsibility under this Agreement other than to render the services called for hereunder, in good faith, and shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law, or for any loss arising out of any investment or for any act or omission in the execution of securities transactions for the Fund, provided that nothing in this Agreement shall protect the Subadviser against any liability to the Manager or the Fund to which the Subadviser would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties hereunder. As used in this Section 9, the term Subadviser shall include any affiliates of the Subadviser performing services for the Trust or the Fund contemplated hereby and the partners, shareholders, directors, officers and employees of the Subadviser and such affiliates.
10. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the right of any director, officer, or employee of the Subadviser who may also be a Board member, officer, or employee of the Trust or the Fund, to engage in any other business or to devote his time and attention in part to the management or other aspects of any other business, whether of a similar nature or a dissimilar nature, nor to limit or restrict the right of the Subadviser to engage in any other business or to render services of any kind, including investment advisory and management services, to any other fund, firm, individual or association. If the purchase or sale of securities consistent with the investment policies of the Fund or one or more other accounts of the Subadviser is considered at or about the same time, transactions in such securities will be allocated among the accounts in a manner deemed equitable by the Subadviser. Such transactions may be combined, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, and consistent with the Subadvisers policies and procedures as presented to the Board from time to time.
11. For the purposes of this Agreement, the Funds net assets shall be determined as provided in the Funds then-current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and the terms assignment, interested person, and majority of the outstanding voting securities shall have the meanings given to them by Section 2(a) of the 1940 Act, subject to such exemptions as may be granted by the SEC by any rule, regulation or order.
12. This Agreement will become effective with respect to the Fund on the date set forth opposite the Funds name on Schedule A annexed hereto, provided that it shall have been approved by the Trusts Board and, if so required by the 1940 Act, by shareholders of the Fund in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act and, unless sooner terminated as provided herein, will continue in effect through November 30, 2007. Thereafter, if not terminated, this Agreement shall continue in effect with respect to the Fund, so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (i) by the Board or (ii) by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, provided that in either event the continuance is also approved by a majority of the Board members who are not interested persons of any party to this Agreement, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
13. This Agreement is terminable with respect to the Fund without penalty by the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, in each case on not more than 60 days nor less than 30 days written notice to the Subadviser, or by the Subadviser upon not less than 90 days written notice to the Fund and the Manager, and will be terminated upon the mutual written consent of the Manager and the Subadviser. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment by the Subadviser and shall not be assignable by the Manager without the consent of the Subadviser.
4
14. The Subadviser agrees that for any claim by it against the Fund in connection with this Agreement or the services rendered under this Agreement, it shall look only to assets of the Fund for satisfaction and that it shall have no claim against the assets of any other portfolios of the Trust.
15. No provision of this Agreement may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated orally, but only by an instrument in writing signed by the party against which enforcement of the change, waiver, discharge or termination is sought, and no material amendment of the Agreement shall be effective until approved, if so required by the 1940 Act, by vote of the holders of a majority of the Funds outstanding voting securities.
16. This Agreement, and any supplemental terms contained on Annex I hereto, if applicable, embodies the entire agreement and understanding between the parties hereto, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings relating to the subject matter hereof. Should any part of this Agreement 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 on and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors.
17. This Agreement shall be construed and the provisions thereof interpreted under and in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
[signature page to follow]
5
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their officers thereunto duly authorized.
LEGG MASON PARTNERS FUND ADVISOR, LLC | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
LEGG MASON GLOBAL ASSET ALLOCATION, LLC |
||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
The foregoing is acknowledged:
The undersigned officer of the Trust has executed this Agreement not individually but in his/her capacity as an officer of the Trust. The Trust does not hereby undertake, on behalf of the Fund or otherwise, any obligation to the Subadviser.
LEGG MASON PARTNERS EQUITY TRUST | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
6
ANNEX I
Not applicable.
SCHEDULE A
Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 30%
Date:
April 13, 2007
Fee:
The sub-advisory fee will be 70% of the management fee paid to Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC, net of expense waivers and reimbursements.
Exhibit (d)(52)
SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
This SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT (Agreement) is made this 13th day of April, 2007, by and between Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Manager), and Legg Mason Global Asset Allocation, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Subadviser).
WHEREAS, the Manager has been retained by Legg Mason Partners Equity Trust (the Trust), a Maryland business trust registered as a management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act) to provide investment advisory, management, and administrative services to the Trust with respect to certain series of the Trust; and
WHEREAS, the Manager wishes to engage the Subadviser to provide certain investment advisory services to the Trust with respect to the series of the Trust designated in Schedule A annexed hereto (the Fund) and Subadviser is willing to furnish such services on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants herein contained, it is agreed as follows:
1. In accordance with and subject to the Management Agreement between the Trust and the Manager with respect to the Fund (the Management Agreement), the Manager hereby appoints the Subadviser to act as Subadviser with respect to the Fund for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement. The Subadviser accepts such appointment and agrees to render the services herein set forth, for the compensation herein provided.
2. The Manager shall cause the Subadviser to be kept fully informed at all times with regard to the securities owned by the Fund, its funds available, or to become available, for investment, and generally as to the condition of the Funds affairs. The Manager shall furnish the Subadviser with such other documents and information with regard to the Funds affairs as the Subadviser may from time to time reasonably request.
3. (a) Subject to the supervision of the Trusts Board of Trustees (the Board) and the Manager, the Subadviser shall regularly provide the Fund with respect to such portion of the Funds assets as shall be allocated to the Subadviser by the Manager from time to time (the Allocated Assets) with investment research, advice, management and supervision and shall furnish a continuous investment program for the Allocated Assets consistent with the Funds investment objectives, policies and restrictions, as stated in the Funds current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information. The Subadviser shall, with respect to the Allocated Assets, determine from time to time what securities and other investments will be purchased (including, as permitted in accordance with this paragraph, swap agreements, options and futures), retained, sold or exchanged by the Fund and what portion of the Allocated Assets will be held in the various securities and other investments in which the Fund invests, and shall implement those decisions (including the execution of investment documentation), all subject to the provisions of the Trusts Declaration of Trust and By-Laws (collectively, the Governing Documents), the 1940 Act, and the applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) and interpretive guidance issued thereunder by the SEC staff and any other applicable federal and state law, as well as the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund referred to above, and any other specific policies adopted by the Board and disclosed to the Subadviser. The Subadviser is authorized as the agent of the Trust to give instructions
with respect to the Allocated Assets to the custodian of the Fund as to deliveries of securities and other investments and payments of cash for the account of the Fund. Subject to applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the investment program to be provided hereunder may entail the investment of all or substantially all of the assets of a Fund in one or more investment companies. The Subadviser will place orders pursuant to its investment determinations for the Fund either directly with the issuer or with any broker or dealer, foreign currency dealer, futures commission merchant or others selected by it. In connection with the selection of such brokers or dealers and the placing of such orders, subject to applicable law, brokers or dealers may be selected who also provide brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) to the Fund and/or the other accounts over which the Subadviser or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. The Subadviser is authorized to pay a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction for the Fund which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the Subadviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer. This determination may be viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities which the Subadviser and its affiliates have with respect to accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. The Board may adopt policies and procedures that modify and restrict the Subadvisers authority regarding the execution of the Funds portfolio transactions provided herein. The Subadviser shall exercise voting rights, rights to consent to corporate action and any other rights pertaining to the Allocated Assets subject to such direction as the Board may provide, and shall perform such other functions of investment management and supervision as may be directed by the Board. The Subadviser may execute on behalf of the Fund certain agreements, instruments and documents in connection with the services performed by it under this Agreement. These may include, without limitation, brokerage agreements, clearing agreements, account documentation, futures and options agreements, swap agreements, other investment related agreements, and any other agreements, documents or instruments the Subadviser believes are appropriate or desirable in performing its duties under this Agreement.
(b) The Fund hereby authorizes any entity or person associated with the Subadviser which is a member of a national securities exchange to effect any transaction on the exchange for the account of the Fund which is permitted by Section 11(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 11a2-2(T) thereunder, and the Fund hereby consents to the retention of compensation for such transactions in accordance with Rule 11a2-2(T)(a)(2)(iv). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Subadviser agrees that it will not deal with itself, or with members of the Board or any principal underwriter of the Fund, as principals or agents in making purchases or sales of securities or other property for the account of the Fund, nor will it purchase any securities from an underwriting or selling group in which the Subadviser or its affiliates is participating, or arrange for purchases and sales of securities between the Fund and another account advised by the Subadviser or its affiliates, except in each case as permitted by the 1940 Act and in accordance with such policies and procedures as may be adopted by the Fund from time to time, and will comply with all other provisions of the Governing Documents and the Funds then-current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information relative to the Subadviser and its directors and officers.
4. The Subadviser may delegate to any other one or more companies that the Subadviser controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, or to specified employees of any such companies, certain of the Subadvisers duties under this Agreement, provided in each case the Subadviser will supervise the activities of each such entity or employees thereof, that such delegation will not relieve the Subadviser of any of its duties or obligations under this Agreement and provided further that any such arrangements are entered into in accordance with all applicable requirements of the 1940 Act.
5. The Subadviser agrees that it will keep records relating to its services hereunder in accordance with all applicable laws, and in compliance with the requirements of Rule 31a-3 under the
2
1940 Act, the Subadviser hereby agrees that any records that it maintains for the Fund are the property of the Fund, and further agrees to surrender promptly to the Fund any of such records upon the Funds request. The Subadviser further agrees to arrange for the preservation of the records required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act.
6. (a) The Subadviser, at its expense, shall supply the Board, the officers of the Trust, and the Manager with all information and reports reasonably required by them and reasonably available to the Subadviser relating to the services provided by the Subadviser hereunder.
(b) The Subadviser shall bear all expenses, and shall furnish all necessary services, facilities and personnel, in connection with its responsibilities under this Agreement. Other than as herein specifically indicated, the Subadviser shall not be responsible for the Funds expenses, including, without limitation, advisory fees; distribution fees; interest; taxes; governmental fees; voluntary assessments and other expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; organization costs of the Fund; the cost (including brokerage commissions, transaction fees or charges, if any) in connection with the purchase or sale of the Funds securities and other investments and any losses in connection therewith; fees and expenses of custodians, transfer agents, registrars, independent pricing vendors or other agents; legal expenses; loan commitment fees; expenses relating to share certificates; expenses relating to the issuing and redemption or repurchase of the Funds shares and servicing shareholder accounts; expenses of registering and qualifying the Funds shares for sale under applicable federal and state law; expenses of preparing, setting in print, printing and distributing prospectuses and statements of additional information and any supplements thereto, reports, proxy statements, notices and dividends to the Funds shareholders; costs of stationery; website costs; costs of meetings of the Board or any committee thereof, meetings of shareholders and other meetings of the Fund; Board fees; audit fees; travel expenses of officers, members of the Board and employees of the Fund, if any; and the Funds pro rata portion of premiums on any fidelity bond and other insurance covering the Fund and its officers, Board members and employees; litigation expenses and any non-recurring or extraordinary expenses as may arise, including, without limitation, those relating to actions, suits or proceedings to which the Fund is a party and the legal obligation which the Fund may have to indemnify the Funds Board members and officers with respect thereto.
7. No member of the Board, officer or employee of the Trust or Fund shall receive from the Trust or Fund any salary or other compensation as such member of the Board, officer or employee while he is at the same time a director, officer, or employee of the Subadviser or any affiliated company of the Subadviser, except as the Board may decide. This paragraph shall not apply to Board members, executive committee members, consultants and other persons who are not regular members of the Subadvisers or any affiliated companys staff.
8. As compensation for the services performed by the Subadviser, including the services of any consultants retained by the Subadviser, the Manager shall pay the Subadviser out of the management fee it receives with respect to the Fund, and only to the extent thereof, as promptly as possible after the last day of each month, a fee, computed daily at an annual rate set forth on Schedule A annexed hereto. The first payment of the fee shall be made as promptly as possible at the end of the month succeeding the effective date of this Agreement, and shall constitute a full payment of the fee due the Subadviser for all services prior to that date. If this Agreement is terminated as of any date not the last day of a month, such fee shall be paid as promptly as possible after such date of termination, shall be based on the average daily net assets of the Fund or, if less, the portion thereof comprising the Allocated Assets in that period from the beginning of such month to such date of termination, and shall be that proportion of such average daily net assets as the number of business days in such period bears to the number of business days in such month. The average daily net assets of the Fund or the portion thereof comprising the
3
Allocated Assets shall in all cases be based only on business days and be computed as of the time of the regular close of business of the New York Stock Exchange, or such other time as may be determined by the Board.
9. The Subadviser assumes no responsibility under this Agreement other than to render the services called for hereunder, in good faith, and shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law, or for any loss arising out of any investment or for any act or omission in the execution of securities transactions for the Fund, provided that nothing in this Agreement shall protect the Subadviser against any liability to the Manager or the Fund to which the Subadviser would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties hereunder. As used in this Section 9, the term Subadviser shall include any affiliates of the Subadviser performing services for the Trust or the Fund contemplated hereby and the partners, shareholders, directors, officers and employees of the Subadviser and such affiliates.
10. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the right of any director, officer, or employee of the Subadviser who may also be a Board member, officer, or employee of the Trust or the Fund, to engage in any other business or to devote his time and attention in part to the management or other aspects of any other business, whether of a similar nature or a dissimilar nature, nor to limit or restrict the right of the Subadviser to engage in any other business or to render services of any kind, including investment advisory and management services, to any other fund, firm, individual or association. If the purchase or sale of securities consistent with the investment policies of the Fund or one or more other accounts of the Subadviser is considered at or about the same time, transactions in such securities will be allocated among the accounts in a manner deemed equitable by the Subadviser. Such transactions may be combined, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, and consistent with the Subadvisers policies and procedures as presented to the Board from time to time.
11. For the purposes of this Agreement, the Funds net assets shall be determined as provided in the Funds then-current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and the terms assignment, interested person, and majority of the outstanding voting securities shall have the meanings given to them by Section 2(a) of the 1940 Act, subject to such exemptions as may be granted by the SEC by any rule, regulation or order.
12. This Agreement will become effective with respect to the Fund on the date set forth opposite the Funds name on Schedule A annexed hereto, provided that it shall have been approved by the Trusts Board and, if so required by the 1940 Act, by shareholders of the Fund in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act and, unless sooner terminated as provided herein, will continue in effect through November 30, 2007. Thereafter, if not terminated, this Agreement shall continue in effect with respect to the Fund, so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (i) by the Board or (ii) by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, provided that in either event the continuance is also approved by a majority of the Board members who are not interested persons of any party to this Agreement, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
13. This Agreement is terminable with respect to the Fund without penalty by the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, in each case on not more than 60 days nor less than 30 days written notice to the Subadviser, or by the Subadviser upon not less than 90 days written notice to the Fund and the Manager, and will be terminated upon the mutual written consent of the Manager and the Subadviser. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment by the Subadviser and shall not be assignable by the Manager without the consent of the Subadviser.
4
14. The Subadviser agrees that for any claim by it against the Fund in connection with this Agreement or the services rendered under this Agreement, it shall look only to assets of the Fund for satisfaction and that it shall have no claim against the assets of any other portfolios of the Trust.
15. No provision of this Agreement may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated orally, but only by an instrument in writing signed by the party against which enforcement of the change, waiver, discharge or termination is sought, and no material amendment of the Agreement shall be effective until approved, if so required by the 1940 Act, by vote of the holders of a majority of the Funds outstanding voting securities.
16. This Agreement, and any supplemental terms contained on Annex I hereto, if applicable, embodies the entire agreement and understanding between the parties hereto, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings relating to the subject matter hereof. Should any part of this Agreement 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 on and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors.
17. This Agreement shall be construed and the provisions thereof interpreted under and in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
[signature page to follow]
5
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their officers thereunto duly authorized.
LEGG MASON PARTNERS FUND ADVISOR, LLC | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
LEGG MASON GLOBAL ASSET ALLOCATION, LLC |
||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
The foregoing is acknowledged:
The undersigned officer of the Trust has executed this Agreement not individually but in his/her capacity as an officer of the Trust. The Trust does not hereby undertake, on behalf of the Fund or otherwise, any obligation to the Subadviser.
LEGG MASON PARTNERS EQUITY TRUST | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
6
ANNEX I
Not applicable.
SCHEDULE A
Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 50%
Date:
April 13, 2007
Fee:
The sub-advisory fee will be 70% of the management fee paid to Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC, net of expense waivers and reimbursements.
Exhibit (d)(53)
SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
This SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT (Agreement) is made this 13th day of April, 2007, by and between Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Manager), and Legg Mason Global Asset Allocation, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Subadviser).
WHEREAS, the Manager has been retained by Legg Mason Partners Equity Trust (the Trust), (the Trust), a Maryland business trust registered as a management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act) to provide investment advisory, management, and administrative services to the Trust with respect to certain series of the Trust; and
WHEREAS, the Manager wishes to engage the Subadviser to provide certain investment advisory services to the Trust with respect to the series of the Trust designated in Schedule A annexed hereto (the Fund) and Subadviser is willing to furnish such services on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants herein contained, it is agreed as follows:
1. In accordance with and subject to the Management Agreement between the Trust and the Manager with respect to the Fund (the Management Agreement), the Manager hereby appoints the Subadviser to act as Subadviser with respect to the Fund for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement. The Subadviser accepts such appointment and agrees to render the services herein set forth, for the compensation herein provided.
2. The Manager shall cause the Subadviser to be kept fully informed at all times with regard to the securities owned by the Fund, its funds available, or to become available, for investment, and generally as to the condition of the Funds affairs. The Manager shall furnish the Subadviser with such other documents and information with regard to the Funds affairs as the Subadviser may from time to time reasonably request.
3. (a) Subject to the supervision of the Trusts Board of Trustees (the Board) and the Manager, the Subadviser shall regularly provide the Fund with respect to such portion of the Funds assets as shall be allocated to the Subadviser by the Manager from time to time (the Allocated Assets) with investment research, advice, management and supervision and shall furnish a continuous investment program for the Allocated Assets consistent with the Funds investment objectives, policies and restrictions, as stated in the Funds current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information. The Subadviser shall, with respect to the Allocated Assets, determine from time to time what securities and other investments will be purchased (including, as permitted in accordance with this paragraph, swap agreements, options and futures), retained, sold or exchanged by the Fund and what portion of the Allocated Assets will be held in the various securities and other investments in which the Fund invests, and shall implement those decisions (including the execution of investment documentation), all subject to the provisions of the Trusts Declaration of Trust and By-Laws (collectively, the Governing Documents), the 1940 Act, and the applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) and interpretive guidance issued thereunder by the SEC staff and any other applicable federal and state law, as well as the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund referred to above, and any other specific policies adopted by the Board and disclosed to the Subadviser. The Subadviser is authorized as the agent of the Trust to give instructions
with respect to the Allocated Assets to the custodian of the Fund as to deliveries of securities and other investments and payments of cash for the account of the Fund. Subject to applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the investment program to be provided hereunder may entail the investment of all or substantially all of the assets of a Fund in one or more investment companies. The Subadviser will place orders pursuant to its investment determinations for the Fund either directly with the issuer or with any broker or dealer, foreign currency dealer, futures commission merchant or others selected by it. In connection with the selection of such brokers or dealers and the placing of such orders, subject to applicable law, brokers or dealers may be selected who also provide brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) to the Fund and/or the other accounts over which the Subadviser or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. The Subadviser is authorized to pay a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction for the Fund which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the Subadviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer. This determination may be viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities which the Subadviser and its affiliates have with respect to accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. The Board may adopt policies and procedures that modify and restrict the Subadvisers authority regarding the execution of the Funds portfolio transactions provided herein. The Subadviser shall exercise voting rights, rights to consent to corporate action and any other rights pertaining to the Allocated Assets subject to such direction as the Board may provide, and shall perform such other functions of investment management and supervision as may be directed by the Board. The Subadviser may execute on behalf of the Fund certain agreements, instruments and documents in connection with the services performed by it under this Agreement. These may include, without limitation, brokerage agreements, clearing agreements, account documentation, futures and options agreements, swap agreements, other investment related agreements, and any other agreements, documents or instruments the Subadviser believes are appropriate or desirable in performing its duties under this Agreement.
(b) The Fund hereby authorizes any entity or person associated with the Subadviser which is a member of a national securities exchange to effect any transaction on the exchange for the account of the Fund which is permitted by Section 11(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 11a2-2(T) thereunder, and the Fund hereby consents to the retention of compensation for such transactions in accordance with Rule 11a2-2(T)(a)(2)(iv). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Subadviser agrees that it will not deal with itself, or with members of the Board or any principal underwriter of the Fund, as principals or agents in making purchases or sales of securities or other property for the account of the Fund, nor will it purchase any securities from an underwriting or selling group in which the Subadviser or its affiliates is participating, or arrange for purchases and sales of securities between the Fund and another account advised by the Subadviser or its affiliates, except in each case as permitted by the 1940 Act and in accordance with such policies and procedures as may be adopted by the Fund from time to time, and will comply with all other provisions of the Governing Documents and the Funds then-current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information relative to the Subadviser and its directors and officers.
4. The Subadviser may delegate to any other one or more companies that the Subadviser controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, or to specified employees of any such companies, certain of the Subadvisers duties under this Agreement, provided in each case the Subadviser will supervise the activities of each such entity or employees thereof, that such delegation will not relieve the Subadviser of any of its duties or obligations under this Agreement and provided further that any such arrangements are entered into in accordance with all applicable requirements of the 1940 Act.
5. The Subadviser agrees that it will keep records relating to its services hereunder in accordance with all applicable laws, and in compliance with the requirements of Rule 31a-3 under the
2
1940 Act, the Subadviser hereby agrees that any records that it maintains for the Fund are the property of the Fund, and further agrees to surrender promptly to the Fund any of such records upon the Funds request. The Subadviser further agrees to arrange for the preservation of the records required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act.
6. (a) The Subadviser, at its expense, shall supply the Board, the officers of the Trust, and the Manager with all information and reports reasonably required by them and reasonably available to the Subadviser relating to the services provided by the Subadviser hereunder.
(b) The Subadviser shall bear all expenses, and shall furnish all necessary services, facilities and personnel, in connection with its responsibilities under this Agreement. Other than as herein specifically indicated, the Subadviser shall not be responsible for the Funds expenses, including, without limitation, advisory fees; distribution fees; interest; taxes; governmental fees; voluntary assessments and other expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; organization costs of the Fund; the cost (including brokerage commissions, transaction fees or charges, if any) in connection with the purchase or sale of the Funds securities and other investments and any losses in connection therewith; fees and expenses of custodians, transfer agents, registrars, independent pricing vendors or other agents; legal expenses; loan commitment fees; expenses relating to share certificates; expenses relating to the issuing and redemption or repurchase of the Funds shares and servicing shareholder accounts; expenses of registering and qualifying the Funds shares for sale under applicable federal and state law; expenses of preparing, setting in print, printing and distributing prospectuses and statements of additional information and any supplements thereto, reports, proxy statements, notices and dividends to the Funds shareholders; costs of stationery; website costs; costs of meetings of the Board or any committee thereof, meetings of shareholders and other meetings of the Fund; Board fees; audit fees; travel expenses of officers, members of the Board and employees of the Fund, if any; and the Funds pro rata portion of premiums on any fidelity bond and other insurance covering the Fund and its officers, Board members and employees; litigation expenses and any non-recurring or extraordinary expenses as may arise, including, without limitation, those relating to actions, suits or proceedings to which the Fund is a party and the legal obligation which the Fund may have to indemnify the Funds Board members and officers with respect thereto.
7. No member of the Board, officer or employee of the Trust or Fund shall receive from the Trust or Fund any salary or other compensation as such member of the Board, officer or employee while he is at the same time a director, officer, or employee of the Subadviser or any affiliated company of the Subadviser, except as the Board may decide. This paragraph shall not apply to Board members, executive committee members, consultants and other persons who are not regular members of the Subadvisers or any affiliated companys staff.
8. As compensation for the services performed by the Subadviser, including the services of any consultants retained by the Subadviser, the Manager shall pay the Subadviser out of the management fee it receives with respect to the Fund, and only to the extent thereof, as promptly as possible after the last day of each month, a fee, computed daily at an annual rate set forth on Schedule A annexed hereto. The first payment of the fee shall be made as promptly as possible at the end of the month succeeding the effective date of this Agreement, and shall constitute a full payment of the fee due the Subadviser for all services prior to that date. If this Agreement is terminated as of any date not the last day of a month, such fee shall be paid as promptly as possible after such date of termination, shall be based on the average daily net assets of the Fund or, if less, the portion thereof comprising the Allocated Assets in that period from the beginning of such month to such date of termination, and shall be that proportion of such average daily net assets as the number of business days in such period bears to the number of business days in such month. The average daily net assets of the Fund or the portion thereof comprising the
3
Allocated Assets shall in all cases be based only on business days and be computed as of the time of the regular close of business of the New York Stock Exchange, or such other time as may be determined by the Board.
9. The Subadviser assumes no responsibility under this Agreement other than to render the services called for hereunder, in good faith, and shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law, or for any loss arising out of any investment or for any act or omission in the execution of securities transactions for the Fund, provided that nothing in this Agreement shall protect the Subadviser against any liability to the Manager or the Fund to which the Subadviser would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties hereunder. As used in this Section 9, the term Subadviser shall include any affiliates of the Subadviser performing services for the Trust or the Fund contemplated hereby and the partners, shareholders, directors, officers and employees of the Subadviser and such affiliates.
10. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the right of any director, officer, or employee of the Subadviser who may also be a Board member, officer, or employee of the Trust or the Fund, to engage in any other business or to devote his time and attention in part to the management or other aspects of any other business, whether of a similar nature or a dissimilar nature, nor to limit or restrict the right of the Subadviser to engage in any other business or to render services of any kind, including investment advisory and management services, to any other fund, firm, individual or association. If the purchase or sale of securities consistent with the investment policies of the Fund or one or more other accounts of the Subadviser is considered at or about the same time, transactions in such securities will be allocated among the accounts in a manner deemed equitable by the Subadviser. Such transactions may be combined, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, and consistent with the Subadvisers policies and procedures as presented to the Board from time to time.
11. For the purposes of this Agreement, the Funds net assets shall be determined as provided in the Funds then-current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and the terms assignment, interested person, and majority of the outstanding voting securities shall have the meanings given to them by Section 2(a) of the 1940 Act, subject to such exemptions as may be granted by the SEC by any rule, regulation or order.
12. This Agreement will become effective with respect to the Fund on the date set forth opposite the Funds name on Schedule A annexed hereto, provided that it shall have been approved by the Trusts Board and, if so required by the 1940 Act, by shareholders of the Fund in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act and, unless sooner terminated as provided herein, will continue in effect through November 30, 2007. Thereafter, if not terminated, this Agreement shall continue in effect with respect to the Fund, so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (i) by the Board or (ii) by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, provided that in either event the continuance is also approved by a majority of the Board members who are not interested persons of any party to this Agreement, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
13. This Agreement is terminable with respect to the Fund without penalty by the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, in each case on not more than 60 days nor less than 30 days written notice to the Subadviser, or by the Subadviser upon not less than 90 days written notice to the Fund and the Manager, and will be terminated upon the mutual written consent of the Manager and the Subadviser. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment by the Subadviser and shall not be assignable by the Manager without the consent of the Subadviser.
4
14. The Subadviser agrees that for any claim by it against the Fund in connection with this Agreement or the services rendered under this Agreement, it shall look only to assets of the Fund for satisfaction and that it shall have no claim against the assets of any other portfolios of the Trust.
15. No provision of this Agreement may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated orally, but only by an instrument in writing signed by the party against which enforcement of the change, waiver, discharge or termination is sought, and no material amendment of the Agreement shall be effective until approved, if so required by the 1940 Act, by vote of the holders of a majority of the Funds outstanding voting securities.
16. This Agreement, and any supplemental terms contained on Annex I hereto, if applicable, embodies the entire agreement and understanding between the parties hereto, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings relating to the subject matter hereof. Should any part of this Agreement 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 on and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors.
17. This Agreement shall be construed and the provisions thereof interpreted under and in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
[signature page to follow]
5
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their officers thereunto duly authorized.
LEGG MASON PARTNERS FUND ADVISOR, LLC | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
LEGG MASON GLOBAL ASSET ALLOCATION, LLC |
||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
The foregoing is acknowledged:
The undersigned officer of the Trust has executed this Agreement not individually but in his/her capacity as an officer of the Trust. The Trust does not hereby undertake, on behalf of the Fund or otherwise, any obligation to the Subadviser.
LEGG MASON PARTNERS EQUITY TRUST | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
6
ANNEX I
Not applicable.
SCHEDULE A
Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 70%
Date:
April 13, 2007
Fee:
The sub-advisory fee will be 70% of the management fee paid to Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC, net of expense waivers and reimbursements.
Exhibit (d)(54)
SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
This SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT (Agreement) is made this 13th day of April, 2007, by and between Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Manager), and Legg Mason Global Asset Allocation, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Subadviser).
WHEREAS, the Manager has been retained by Legg Mason Partners Equity Trust. (the Trust), a Maryland business trust registered as a management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act) to provide investment advisory, management, and administrative services to the Trust with respect to certain series of the Trust; and
WHEREAS, the Manager wishes to engage the Subadviser to provide certain investment advisory services to the Trust with respect to the series of the Trust designated in Schedule A annexed hereto (the Fund) and Subadviser is willing to furnish such services on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants herein contained, it is agreed as follows:
1. In accordance with and subject to the Management Agreement between the Trust and the Manager with respect to the Fund (the Management Agreement), the Manager hereby appoints the Subadviser to act as Subadviser with respect to the Fund for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement. The Subadviser accepts such appointment and agrees to render the services herein set forth, for the compensation herein provided.
2. The Manager shall cause the Subadviser to be kept fully informed at all times with regard to the securities owned by the Fund, its funds available, or to become available, for investment, and generally as to the condition of the Funds affairs. The Manager shall furnish the Subadviser with such other documents and information with regard to the Funds affairs as the Subadviser may from time to time reasonably request.
3. (a) Subject to the supervision of the Trusts Board of Trustees (the Board) and the Manager, the Subadviser shall regularly provide the Fund with respect to such portion of the Funds assets as shall be allocated to the Subadviser by the Manager from time to time (the Allocated Assets) with investment research, advice, management and supervision and shall furnish a continuous investment program for the Allocated Assets consistent with the Funds investment objectives, policies and restrictions, as stated in the Funds current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information. The Subadviser shall, with respect to the Allocated Assets, determine from time to time what securities and other investments will be purchased (including, as permitted in accordance with this paragraph, swap agreements, options and futures), retained, sold or exchanged by the Fund and what portion of the Allocated Assets will be held in the various securities and other investments in which the Fund invests, and shall implement those decisions (including the execution of investment documentation), all subject to the provisions of the Trusts Declaration of Trust and By-Laws (collectively, the Governing Documents), the 1940 Act, and the applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) and interpretive guidance issued thereunder by the SEC staff and any other applicable federal and state law, as well as the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund referred to above, and any other specific policies adopted by the Board and disclosed to the Subadviser. The Subadviser is authorized as the agent of the Trust to give instructions
with respect to the Allocated Assets to the custodian of the Fund as to deliveries of securities and other investments and payments of cash for the account of the Fund. Subject to applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the investment program to be provided hereunder may entail the investment of all or substantially all of the assets of a Fund in one or more investment companies. The Subadviser will place orders pursuant to its investment determinations for the Fund either directly with the issuer or with any broker or dealer, foreign currency dealer, futures commission merchant or others selected by it. In connection with the selection of such brokers or dealers and the placing of such orders, subject to applicable law, brokers or dealers may be selected who also provide brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) to the Fund and/or the other accounts over which the Subadviser or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. The Subadviser is authorized to pay a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction for the Fund which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the Subadviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer. This determination may be viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities which the Subadviser and its affiliates have with respect to accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. The Board may adopt policies and procedures that modify and restrict the Subadvisers authority regarding the execution of the Funds portfolio transactions provided herein. The Subadviser shall exercise voting rights, rights to consent to corporate action and any other rights pertaining to the Allocated Assets subject to such direction as the Board may provide, and shall perform such other functions of investment management and supervision as may be directed by the Board. The Subadviser may execute on behalf of the Fund certain agreements, instruments and documents in connection with the services performed by it under this Agreement. These may include, without limitation, brokerage agreements, clearing agreements, account documentation, futures and options agreements, swap agreements, other investment related agreements, and any other agreements, documents or instruments the Subadviser believes are appropriate or desirable in performing its duties under this Agreement.
(b) The Fund hereby authorizes any entity or person associated with the Subadviser which is a member of a national securities exchange to effect any transaction on the exchange for the account of the Fund which is permitted by Section 11(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 11a2-2(T) thereunder, and the Fund hereby consents to the retention of compensation for such transactions in accordance with Rule 11a2-2(T)(a)(2)(iv). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Subadviser agrees that it will not deal with itself, or with members of the Board or any principal underwriter of the Fund, as principals or agents in making purchases or sales of securities or other property for the account of the Fund, nor will it purchase any securities from an underwriting or selling group in which the Subadviser or its affiliates is participating, or arrange for purchases and sales of securities between the Fund and another account advised by the Subadviser or its affiliates, except in each case as permitted by the 1940 Act and in accordance with such policies and procedures as may be adopted by the Fund from time to time, and will comply with all other provisions of the Governing Documents and the Funds then-current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information relative to the Subadviser and its directors and officers.
4. The Subadviser may delegate to any other one or more companies that the Subadviser controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, or to specified employees of any such companies, certain of the Subadvisers duties under this Agreement, provided in each case the Subadviser will supervise the activities of each such entity or employees thereof, that such delegation will not relieve the Subadviser of any of its duties or obligations under this Agreement and provided further that any such arrangements are entered into in accordance with all applicable requirements of the 1940 Act.
5. The Subadviser agrees that it will keep records relating to its services hereunder in accordance with all applicable laws, and in compliance with the requirements of Rule 31a-3 under the
2
1940 Act, the Subadviser hereby agrees that any records that it maintains for the Fund are the property of the Fund, and further agrees to surrender promptly to the Fund any of such records upon the Funds request. The Subadviser further agrees to arrange for the preservation of the records required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act.
6. (a) The Subadviser, at its expense, shall supply the Board, the officers of the Trust, and the Manager with all information and reports reasonably required by them and reasonably available to the Subadviser relating to the services provided by the Subadviser hereunder.
(b) The Subadviser shall bear all expenses, and shall furnish all necessary services, facilities and personnel, in connection with its responsibilities under this Agreement. Other than as herein specifically indicated, the Subadviser shall not be responsible for the Funds expenses, including, without limitation, advisory fees; distribution fees; interest; taxes; governmental fees; voluntary assessments and other expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; organization costs of the Fund; the cost (including brokerage commissions, transaction fees or charges, if any) in connection with the purchase or sale of the Funds securities and other investments and any losses in connection therewith; fees and expenses of custodians, transfer agents, registrars, independent pricing vendors or other agents; legal expenses; loan commitment fees; expenses relating to share certificates; expenses relating to the issuing and redemption or repurchase of the Funds shares and servicing shareholder accounts; expenses of registering and qualifying the Funds shares for sale under applicable federal and state law; expenses of preparing, setting in print, printing and distributing prospectuses and statements of additional information and any supplements thereto, reports, proxy statements, notices and dividends to the Funds shareholders; costs of stationery; website costs; costs of meetings of the Board or any committee thereof, meetings of shareholders and other meetings of the Fund; Board fees; audit fees; travel expenses of officers, members of the Board and employees of the Fund, if any; and the Funds pro rata portion of premiums on any fidelity bond and other insurance covering the Fund and its officers, Board members and employees; litigation expenses and any non-recurring or extraordinary expenses as may arise, including, without limitation, those relating to actions, suits or proceedings to which the Fund is a party and the legal obligation which the Fund may have to indemnify the Funds Board members and officers with respect thereto.
7. No member of the Board, officer or employee of the Trust or Fund shall receive from the Trust or Fund any salary or other compensation as such member of the Board, officer or employee while he is at the same time a director, officer, or employee of the Subadviser or any affiliated company of the Subadviser, except as the Board may decide. This paragraph shall not apply to Board members, executive committee members, consultants and other persons who are not regular members of the Subadvisers or any affiliated companys staff.
8. As compensation for the services performed by the Subadviser, including the services of any consultants retained by the Subadviser, the Manager shall pay the Subadviser out of the management fee it receives with respect to the Fund, and only to the extent thereof, as promptly as possible after the last day of each month, a fee, computed daily at an annual rate set forth on Schedule A annexed hereto. The first payment of the fee shall be made as promptly as possible at the end of the month succeeding the effective date of this Agreement, and shall constitute a full payment of the fee due the Subadviser for all services prior to that date. If this Agreement is terminated as of any date not the last day of a month, such fee shall be paid as promptly as possible after such date of termination, shall be based on the average daily net assets of the Fund or, if less, the portion thereof comprising the Allocated Assets in that period from the beginning of such month to such date of termination, and shall be that proportion of such average daily net assets as the number of business days in such period bears to the number of business days in such month. The average daily net assets of the Fund or the portion thereof comprising the
3
Allocated Assets shall in all cases be based only on business days and be computed as of the time of the regular close of business of the New York Stock Exchange, or such other time as may be determined by the Board.
9. The Subadviser assumes no responsibility under this Agreement other than to render the services called for hereunder, in good faith, and shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law, or for any loss arising out of any investment or for any act or omission in the execution of securities transactions for the Fund, provided that nothing in this Agreement shall protect the Subadviser against any liability to the Manager or the Fund to which the Subadviser would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties hereunder. As used in this Section 9, the term Subadviser shall include any affiliates of the Subadviser performing services for the Trust or the Fund contemplated hereby and the partners, shareholders, directors, officers and employees of the Subadviser and such affiliates.
10. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the right of any director, officer, or employee of the Subadviser who may also be a Board member, officer, or employee of the Trust or the Fund, to engage in any other business or to devote his time and attention in part to the management or other aspects of any other business, whether of a similar nature or a dissimilar nature, nor to limit or restrict the right of the Subadviser to engage in any other business or to render services of any kind, including investment advisory and management services, to any other fund, firm, individual or association. If the purchase or sale of securities consistent with the investment policies of the Fund or one or more other accounts of the Subadviser is considered at or about the same time, transactions in such securities will be allocated among the accounts in a manner deemed equitable by the Subadviser. Such transactions may be combined, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, and consistent with the Subadvisers policies and procedures as presented to the Board from time to time.
11. For the purposes of this Agreement, the Funds net assets shall be determined as provided in the Funds then-current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and the terms assignment, interested person, and majority of the outstanding voting securities shall have the meanings given to them by Section 2(a) of the 1940 Act, subject to such exemptions as may be granted by the SEC by any rule, regulation or order.
12. This Agreement will become effective with respect to the Fund on the date set forth opposite the Funds name on Schedule A annexed hereto, provided that it shall have been approved by the Trusts Board and, if so required by the 1940 Act, by shareholders of the Fund in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act and, unless sooner terminated as provided herein, will continue in effect through November 30, 2007. Thereafter, if not terminated, this Agreement shall continue in effect with respect to the Fund, so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (i) by the Board or (ii) by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, provided that in either event the continuance is also approved by a majority of the Board members who are not interested persons of any party to this Agreement, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
13. This Agreement is terminable with respect to the Fund without penalty by the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, in each case on not more than 60 days nor less than 30 days written notice to the Subadviser, or by the Subadviser upon not less than 90 days written notice to the Fund and the Manager, and will be terminated upon the mutual written consent of the Manager and the Subadviser. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment by the Subadviser and shall not be assignable by the Manager without the consent of the Subadviser.
4
14. The Subadviser agrees that for any claim by it against the Fund in connection with this Agreement or the services rendered under this Agreement, it shall look only to assets of the Fund for satisfaction and that it shall have no claim against the assets of any other portfolios of the Trust.
15. No provision of this Agreement may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated orally, but only by an instrument in writing signed by the party against which enforcement of the change, waiver, discharge or termination is sought, and no material amendment of the Agreement shall be effective until approved, if so required by the 1940 Act, by vote of the holders of a majority of the Funds outstanding voting securities.
16. This Agreement, and any supplemental terms contained on Annex I hereto, if applicable, embodies the entire agreement and understanding between the parties hereto, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings relating to the subject matter hereof. Should any part of this Agreement 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 on and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors.
17. This Agreement shall be construed and the provisions thereof interpreted under and in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
[signature page to follow]
5
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their officers thereunto duly authorized.
LEGG MASON PARTNERS FUND ADVISOR, LLC | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
LEGG MASON GLOBAL ASSET ALLOCATION, LLC |
||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
The foregoing is acknowledged:
The undersigned officer of the Trust has executed this Agreement not individually but in his/her capacity as an officer of the Trust. The Trust does not hereby undertake, on behalf of the Fund or otherwise, any obligation to the Subadviser.
LEGG MASON PARTNERS EQUITY TRUST | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
6
ANNEX I
Not applicable.
SCHEDULE A
Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 85%
Date:
April 13, 2007
Fee:
The sub-advisory fee will be 70% of the management fee paid to Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC, net of expense waivers and reimbursements.
Exhibit (d)(55)
SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
This SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT (Agreement) is made this 13th day of April, 2007, by and between Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Manager), and Legg Mason Global Asset Allocation, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Subadviser).
WHEREAS, the Manager has been retained by Legg Mason Partners Equity Trust (the Trust), (the Trust), a Maryland business trust registered as a management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act) to provide investment advisory, management, and administrative services to the Trust with respect to certain series of the Trust; and
WHEREAS, the Manager wishes to engage the Subadviser to provide certain investment advisory services to the Trust with respect to the series of the Trust designated in Schedule A annexed hereto (the Fund) and Subadviser is willing to furnish such services on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants herein contained, it is agreed as follows:
1. In accordance with and subject to the Management Agreement between the Trust and the Manager with respect to the Fund (the Management Agreement), the Manager hereby appoints the Subadviser to act as Subadviser with respect to the Fund for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement. The Subadviser accepts such appointment and agrees to render the services herein set forth, for the compensation herein provided.
2. The Manager shall cause the Subadviser to be kept fully informed at all times with regard to the securities owned by the Fund, its funds available, or to become available, for investment, and generally as to the condition of the Funds affairs. The Manager shall furnish the Subadviser with such other documents and information with regard to the Funds affairs as the Subadviser may from time to time reasonably request.
3. (a) Subject to the supervision of the Trusts Board of Trustees (the Board) and the Manager, the Subadviser shall regularly provide the Fund with respect to such portion of the Funds assets as shall be allocated to the Subadviser by the Manager from time to time (the Allocated Assets) with investment research, advice, management and supervision and shall furnish a continuous investment program for the Allocated Assets consistent with the Funds investment objectives, policies and restrictions, as stated in the Funds current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information. The Subadviser shall, with respect to the Allocated Assets, determine from time to time what securities and other investments will be purchased (including, as permitted in accordance with this paragraph, swap agreements, options and futures), retained, sold or exchanged by the Fund and what portion of the Allocated Assets will be held in the various securities and other investments in which the Fund invests, and shall implement those decisions (including the execution of investment documentation), all subject to the provisions of the Trusts Declaration of Trust and By-Laws (collectively, the Governing Documents), the 1940 Act, and the applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) and interpretive guidance issued thereunder by the SEC staff and any other applicable federal and state law, as well as the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund referred to above, and any other specific policies adopted by the Board and disclosed to the Subadviser. The Subadviser is authorized as the agent of the Trust to give instructions
with respect to the Allocated Assets to the custodian of the Fund as to deliveries of securities and other investments and payments of cash for the account of the Fund. Subject to applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the investment program to be provided hereunder may entail the investment of all or substantially all of the assets of a Fund in one or more investment companies. The Subadviser will place orders pursuant to its investment determinations for the Fund either directly with the issuer or with any broker or dealer, foreign currency dealer, futures commission merchant or others selected by it. In connection with the selection of such brokers or dealers and the placing of such orders, subject to applicable law, brokers or dealers may be selected who also provide brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) to the Fund and/or the other accounts over which the Subadviser or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. The Subadviser is authorized to pay a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction for the Fund which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the Subadviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer. This determination may be viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities which the Subadviser and its affiliates have with respect to accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. The Board may adopt policies and procedures that modify and restrict the Subadvisers authority regarding the execution of the Funds portfolio transactions provided herein. The Subadviser shall exercise voting rights, rights to consent to corporate action and any other rights pertaining to the Allocated Assets subject to such direction as the Board may provide, and shall perform such other functions of investment management and supervision as may be directed by the Board. The Subadviser may execute on behalf of the Fund certain agreements, instruments and documents in connection with the services performed by it under this Agreement. These may include, without limitation, brokerage agreements, clearing agreements, account documentation, futures and options agreements, swap agreements, other investment related agreements, and any other agreements, documents or instruments the Subadviser believes are appropriate or desirable in performing its duties under this Agreement.
(b) The Fund hereby authorizes any entity or person associated with the Subadviser which is a member of a national securities exchange to effect any transaction on the exchange for the account of the Fund which is permitted by Section 11(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 11a2-2(T) thereunder, and the Fund hereby consents to the retention of compensation for such transactions in accordance with Rule 11a2-2(T)(a)(2)(iv). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Subadviser agrees that it will not deal with itself, or with members of the Board or any principal underwriter of the Fund, as principals or agents in making purchases or sales of securities or other property for the account of the Fund, nor will it purchase any securities from an underwriting or selling group in which the Subadviser or its affiliates is participating, or arrange for purchases and sales of securities between the Fund and another account advised by the Subadviser or its affiliates, except in each case as permitted by the 1940 Act and in accordance with such policies and procedures as may be adopted by the Fund from time to time, and will comply with all other provisions of the Governing Documents and the Funds then-current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information relative to the Subadviser and its directors and officers.
4. The Subadviser may delegate to any other one or more companies that the Subadviser controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, or to specified employees of any such companies, certain of the Subadvisers duties under this Agreement, provided in each case the Subadviser will supervise the activities of each such entity or employees thereof, that such delegation will not relieve the Subadviser of any of its duties or obligations under this Agreement and provided further that any such arrangements are entered into in accordance with all applicable requirements of the 1940 Act.
5. The Subadviser agrees that it will keep records relating to its services hereunder in accordance with all applicable laws, and in compliance with the requirements of Rule 31a-3 under the
2
1940 Act, the Subadviser hereby agrees that any records that it maintains for the Fund are the property of the Fund, and further agrees to surrender promptly to the Fund any of such records upon the Funds request. The Subadviser further agrees to arrange for the preservation of the records required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act.
6. (a) The Subadviser, at its expense, shall supply the Board, the officers of the Trust, and the Manager with all information and reports reasonably required by them and reasonably available to the Subadviser relating to the services provided by the Subadviser hereunder.
(b) The Subadviser shall bear all expenses, and shall furnish all necessary services, facilities and personnel, in connection with its responsibilities under this Agreement. Other than as herein specifically indicated, the Subadviser shall not be responsible for the Funds expenses, including, without limitation, advisory fees; distribution fees; interest; taxes; governmental fees; voluntary assessments and other expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; organization costs of the Fund; the cost (including brokerage commissions, transaction fees or charges, if any) in connection with the purchase or sale of the Funds securities and other investments and any losses in connection therewith; fees and expenses of custodians, transfer agents, registrars, independent pricing vendors or other agents; legal expenses; loan commitment fees; expenses relating to share certificates; expenses relating to the issuing and redemption or repurchase of the Funds shares and servicing shareholder accounts; expenses of registering and qualifying the Funds shares for sale under applicable federal and state law; expenses of preparing, setting in print, printing and distributing prospectuses and statements of additional information and any supplements thereto, reports, proxy statements, notices and dividends to the Funds shareholders; costs of stationery; website costs; costs of meetings of the Board or any committee thereof, meetings of shareholders and other meetings of the Fund; Board fees; audit fees; travel expenses of officers, members of the Board and employees of the Fund, if any; and the Funds pro rata portion of premiums on any fidelity bond and other insurance covering the Fund and its officers, Board members and employees; litigation expenses and any non-recurring or extraordinary expenses as may arise, including, without limitation, those relating to actions, suits or proceedings to which the Fund is a party and the legal obligation which the Fund may have to indemnify the Funds Board members and officers with respect thereto.
7. No member of the Board, officer or employee of the Trust or Fund shall receive from the Trust or Fund any salary or other compensation as such member of the Board, officer or employee while he is at the same time a director, officer, or employee of the Subadviser or any affiliated company of the Subadviser, except as the Board may decide. This paragraph shall not apply to Board members, executive committee members, consultants and other persons who are not regular members of the Subadvisers or any affiliated companys staff.
8. As compensation for the services performed by the Subadviser, including the services of any consultants retained by the Subadviser, the Manager shall pay the Subadviser out of the management fee it receives with respect to the Fund, and only to the extent thereof, as promptly as possible after the last day of each month, a fee, computed daily at an annual rate set forth on Schedule A annexed hereto. The first payment of the fee shall be made as promptly as possible at the end of the month succeeding the effective date of this Agreement, and shall constitute a full payment of the fee due the Subadviser for all services prior to that date. If this Agreement is terminated as of any date not the last day of a month, such fee shall be paid as promptly as possible after such date of termination, shall be based on the average daily net assets of the Fund or, if less, the portion thereof comprising the Allocated Assets in that period from the beginning of such month to such date of termination, and shall be that proportion of such average daily net assets as the number of business days in such period bears to the number of business days in such month. The average daily net assets of the Fund or the portion thereof comprising the
3
Allocated Assets shall in all cases be based only on business days and be computed as of the time of the regular close of business of the New York Stock Exchange, or such other time as may be determined by the Board.
9. The Subadviser assumes no responsibility under this Agreement other than to render the services called for hereunder, in good faith, and shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law, or for any loss arising out of any investment or for any act or omission in the execution of securities transactions for the Fund, provided that nothing in this Agreement shall protect the Subadviser against any liability to the Manager or the Fund to which the Subadviser would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties hereunder. As used in this Section 9, the term Subadviser shall include any affiliates of the Subadviser performing services for the Trust or the Fund contemplated hereby and the partners, shareholders, directors, officers and employees of the Subadviser and such affiliates.
10. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the right of any director, officer, or employee of the Subadviser who may also be a Board member, officer, or employee of the Trust or the Fund, to engage in any other business or to devote his time and attention in part to the management or other aspects of any other business, whether of a similar nature or a dissimilar nature, nor to limit or restrict the right of the Subadviser to engage in any other business or to render services of any kind, including investment advisory and management services, to any other fund, firm, individual or association. If the purchase or sale of securities consistent with the investment policies of the Fund or one or more other accounts of the Subadviser is considered at or about the same time, transactions in such securities will be allocated among the accounts in a manner deemed equitable by the Subadviser. Such transactions may be combined, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, and consistent with the Subadvisers policies and procedures as presented to the Board from time to time.
11. For the purposes of this Agreement, the Funds net assets shall be determined as provided in the Funds then-current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and the terms assignment, interested person, and majority of the outstanding voting securities shall have the meanings given to them by Section 2(a) of the 1940 Act, subject to such exemptions as may be granted by the SEC by any rule, regulation or order.
12. This Agreement will become effective with respect to the Fund on the date set forth opposite the Funds name on Schedule A annexed hereto, provided that it shall have been approved by the Trusts Board and, if so required by the 1940 Act, by shareholders of the Fund in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act and, unless sooner terminated as provided herein, will continue in effect through November 30, 2007. Thereafter, if not terminated, this Agreement shall continue in effect with respect to the Fund, so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (i) by the Board or (ii) by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, provided that in either event the continuance is also approved by a majority of the Board members who are not interested persons of any party to this Agreement, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
13. This Agreement is terminable with respect to the Fund without penalty by the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, in each case on not more than 60 days nor less than 30 days written notice to the Subadviser, or by the Subadviser upon not less than 90 days written notice to the Fund and the Manager, and will be terminated upon the mutual written consent of the Manager and the Subadviser. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment by the Subadviser and shall not be assignable by the Manager without the consent of the Subadviser.
4
14. The Subadviser agrees that for any claim by it against the Fund in connection with this Agreement or the services rendered under this Agreement, it shall look only to assets of the Fund for satisfaction and that it shall have no claim against the assets of any other portfolios of the Trust.
15. No provision of this Agreement may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated orally, but only by an instrument in writing signed by the party against which enforcement of the change, waiver, discharge or termination is sought, and no material amendment of the Agreement shall be effective until approved, if so required by the 1940 Act, by vote of the holders of a majority of the Funds outstanding voting securities.
16. This Agreement, and any supplemental terms contained on Annex I hereto, if applicable, embodies the entire agreement and understanding between the parties hereto, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings relating to the subject matter hereof. Should any part of this Agreement 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 on and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors.
17. This Agreement shall be construed and the provisions thereof interpreted under and in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
[signature page to follow]
5
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their officers thereunto duly authorized.
LEGG MASON PARTNERS FUND ADVISOR, LLC | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
LEGG MASON GLOBAL ASSET ALLOCATION, LLC |
||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
The foregoing is acknowledged:
The undersigned officer of the Trust has executed this Agreement not individually but in his/her capacity as an officer of the Trust. The Trust does not hereby undertake, on behalf of the Fund or otherwise, any obligation to the Subadviser.
LEGG MASON PARTNERS EQUITY TRUST | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
6
ANNEX I
Not applicable.
SCHEDULE A
Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Income Fund
Date:
April 13, 2007
Fee:
The sub-advisory fee will be 70% of the management fee paid to Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC, net of expense waivers and reimbursements.
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Trustees
Legg Mason Partners Equity Trust
We consent to the use of our report, incorporated herein by reference, dated September 25, 2007, for Legg Mason Partners Convertible Fund, a series of Legg Mason Partners Equity Trust, as of July 31, 2007, and to the references to our firm under the headings Financial highlights in the Prospectus and Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm in the Statement of Additional Information.
New York, New York
October 31, 2007
Exhibit (m)
LEGG MASON PARTNERS EQUITY TRUST
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES AND
DISTRIBUTION PLAN
February 8, 2007
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of Legg Mason Partners Equity Trust (Trust) wishes to adopt this Shareholder Services and Distribution Plan (Plan) adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (the Rule) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act) for each series of the Trust (each a Fund and collectively, the Funds) listed in Appendix A, as it may be amended from time to time, to be effective as of the date set forth above.
NOW, THEREFORE, this Plan is adopted in accordance with the Rule with respect to those classes of shares (each a Class) of the Funds as listed in Appendix A, subject to the following terms and conditions:
Section 1. Annual Fee.
(a) Service and Distribution Fee for Class A shares . For each Fund with Class A shares, the Fund may pay to one or more principal underwriters, broker-dealers, financial intermediaries (which may include banks), and others that enter into a distribution, underwriting, selling or service agreement with respect to shares of a Fund or Class thereof (each of the foregoing a Servicing Party) a service and distribution fee, provided that the aggregate amount of all such payments with respect to Class A shares does not exceed an amount calculated at the annual rate set forth in Appendix A (the Class A Service Fee).
(b) Service and Distribution Fee for Class B shares . For each Fund with Class B shares, the Fund may pay to one or more Servicing Parties a service and distribution fee, provided that the aggregate amount of all such payments with respect to Class B shares does not exceed an amount calculated at the annual rate set forth in Appendix A (the Class B Service Fee).
(c) Service and Distribution Fee for Class C shares . For each Fund with Class C shares, the Fund may pay to one or more Servicing Parties a service and distribution fee, provided that the aggregate amount of all such payments with respect to Class C shares does not exceed an amount calculated at the annual rate set forth in Appendix A (the Class C Service Fee).
(d) Service and Distribution Fee for Class R shares . For each Fund with Class R shares, the Fund may pay to one or more Servicing Parties a service and distribution fee, provided that the aggregate amount of all such payments with respect to Class R shares does not exceed an amount calculated at the annual rate set forth in Appendix A (the Class R Service Fee).
(e) Service and Distribution Fee for Class O shares . For each Fund with Class O shares, the Fund may pay to one or more Servicing Parties a service and distribution fee, provided that the aggregate amount of all such payments with respect to Class O shares does not exceed an amount calculated at the annual rate set forth in Appendix A (the Class O Service Fee).
(f) Service and Distribution Fee for Class I shares . For each Fund with Class I shares, the Fund may pay to one or more Servicing Parties a service and distribution fee, provided that the aggregate amount of all such payments with respect to Class I shares does not exceed an amount calculated at the annual rate set forth in Appendix A (the Class I Service Fee).
(g) Service and Distribution Fee for Class FI shares. For each Fund with Class FI shares, the Fund may pay to one or more Servicing Parties a service and distribution fee, provided that the aggregate amount of all such payments with respect to Class FI shares does not exceed an amount calculated at the annual rate set forth in Appendix A (the Class FI Service Fee).
(g) Service and Distribution Fee for Class 1 shares . For each Fund with Class 1 shares, the Fund may pay to one or more Servicing Parties a service and distribution fee, provided that the aggregate amount of all such payments with respect to Class 1 shares does not exceed an amount calculated at the annual rate set forth in Appendix A (the Class 1 Service Fee, and collectively with the Class A Service Fee, the Class B Service Fee, the Class C Service Fee, the Class R Service Fee, the Class O Service Fee, the Class I Service Fee and the Class FI Service Fee, the Service Fees).
(h) Payment of Fees . The Service Fees described above will be calculated daily and paid monthly by the Fund with respect to each Class as provided in Appendix A.
The Trust is authorized to engage in the activities listed herein either directly or through other entities.
Section 2. Expenses Covered by the Plan.
With respect to the fees payable by each Class, the Service Fees for a Class may be used by a Servicing Party for expenses related to that Class, including without limitation: (a) costs of printing and distributing the Funds prospectuses, statements of additional information and reports to prospective investors in the Fund; (b) costs involved in preparing, printing and distributing sales literature pertaining to the Fund and reports for persons other than existing shareholders; (c) an allocation of overhead and other branch office distribution-related expenses of a Servicing Party; (d) payments made to, and expenses of, a Servicing Party (including on behalf of its financial consultants) and other persons who provide support or personal services to Fund shareholders in connection with the distribution of the Funds shares, including but not limited to, office space and equipment, communication facilities, answering routine inquiries regarding the Fund and its operations, processing shareholder transactions, promotional, advertising or marketing activity, sub-accounting and recordkeeping services (in excess of ordinary payments made to the Funds transfer agent or other recordkeeper), obtaining shareholder information and providing information about the Fund, asset allocation services, compensating sales personnel, maintaining and servicing shareholder accounts (including the payment of a continuing fee to financial consultants); and (e) interest-related expenses, or the cost of capital associated with, the financing of any of the foregoing; provided , however , that (i) the Service Fee for a particular Class that may be used by the Servicing Party to cover expenses primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of that Class, including, without limitation, payments to the Servicing Party and other persons as compensation for the sale of the shares (including payments that may be deemed to be selling concessions or commissions) may not exceed the maximum amount, if any, as may from time to time be permitted for such services under NASD Conduct Rule 2830 or any successor rule, in each case as amended or interpreted by the NASD (Rule 2830), and (ii) the Service Fee for a particular Class that may be used by the Servicing Party to cover expenses primarily intended for personal service and/or maintenance of shareholder accounts may not exceed the maximum amount, if any, as may from time to time be permitted for such services under Rule 2830. The Servicing Party may retain portions of the Service Fees in excess of its expenses incurred.
It is recognized that a Funds investment manager (Manager), principal underwriter, a Servicing Party, or an affiliate of the foregoing may use its management or advisory fee revenues, past profits or its resources from any other source, to make payment to a Servicing Party or any other entity with respect to
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any expenses incurred in connection with the distribution or marketing and sales of the Funds shares, including the activities referred to above. Notwithstanding any language to the contrary contained herein, to the extent that any payments made by the Fund to its Manager or any affiliate thereof, including payments made from such Manager or affiliates management or advisory fee or administrative fee or payments made for shareholder services should be deemed to be indirect financing of any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of Fund shares within the context of the Rule, then such payments shall be deemed to be authorized by this Plan but shall not be subject to the limitations set forth in Section 1.
It is further recognized that the Fund will enter into normal and customary custodial, transfer agency, recordkeeping and dividend disbursing agency and other service provider arrangements, and make separate payments under the terms and conditions of those arrangements. These arrangements shall not ordinarily be deemed to be a part of this Plan.
Section 3. Sales Charges
It is understood that, under certain circumstances, as disclosed in the Funds prospectus, an initial sales charge may be paid by investors who purchase Fund shares, and the Fund may pay to the Servicing Party, or the Fund may permit such persons to retain, as the case may be, such sales charge as full or partial compensation for their services in connection with the sale of Fund shares. It is also understood that, under certain circumstances, as disclosed in the Funds prospectus, the Fund or the Servicing Party may impose certain deferred sales charges in connection with the repurchase of such Fund shares, and the Fund may pay to a Servicing Party, or the Fund may permit such persons to retain, as the case may be, all or any portion of such deferred sales charges.
Section 4. Approval by Shareholders.
Except to the extent that, in accordance with Section 8 below, this Plan amends an existing plan adopted pursuant to the Rule with respect to a Fund or Class, the Plan will not take effect, and no fee will be payable in accordance with Section 1 of the Plan, with respect to a Class of a Fund until the Plan has been approved by a vote of at least a majority of the outstanding voting securities of that Class. The Plan will be deemed to have been approved with respect to a Class of each Fund so long as a majority of the outstanding voting securities of that Class votes for the approval of the Plan, notwithstanding that: (a) the Plan has not been approved by a majority of the outstanding voting securities of any other Class, or (b) the Plan has not been approved by a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund.
Section 5. Approval by Board Members.
Neither the Plan nor any related agreements will take effect, with respect to a Class of a Fund, until approved by a majority vote of both (a) the Board of Directors or Trustees (Board) and (b) those Board members who are not interested persons of the Trust and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan or in any agreements related to it (the Qualified Board Members), cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Plan and the related agreements.
Section 6. Continuance of the Plan.
The Plan will continue in effect with respect to each Class until June 30, 2007 and thereafter for successive twelve-month periods with respect to each Class; provided, however, that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board members of the Trust and by a majority of the Qualified Board Members in accordance with Section 5.
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Section 7. Termination.
The Plan may be terminated at any time with respect to a Class of a Fund (i) by the Fund without the payment of any penalty, by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of such Class of such Fund or (ii) by a majority vote of the Qualified Board Members. The Plan may remain in effect with respect to a particular Class of a Fund even if the Plan has been terminated in accordance with this Section 7 with respect to any other Class of such Fund.
Section 8. Amendments.
The Plan may not be amended with respect to any Class so as to increase materially the amounts of the fees described in Section 1, unless the amendment is approved by a vote of holders of at least a majority of the outstanding voting securities of that Class. No material amendment to the Plan may be made unless approved by the Trusts Board in the manner described in Section 5.
Section 9. Selection of Certain Board Members.
While the Plan is in effect, the Trust shall comply with Rule 12b-1(c).
Section 10. Written Reports.
In each year during which the Plan remains in effect, the proper officers of the Fund will prepare and furnish to the Trusts Board and the Board will review, at least quarterly, written reports complying with the requirements of the Rule, which set out the amounts expended under the Plan and the purposes for which those expenditures were made.
Section 11. Preservation of Materials.
The Trust will preserve copies of the Plan, any agreement relating to the Plan and any report made pursuant to Section 10, for a period of not less than six years (the first two years in an easily accessible place) from the date of the Plan.
Section 12. Meanings of Certain Terms.
As used in the Plan, the terms interested person and majority of the outstanding voting securities will be deemed to have the same meaning that those terms have under the rules and regulations under the 1940 Act, subject to any exemption that may be granted to the Trust under the 1940 Act, by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission), or as interpreted by the Commission.
Section 13. Limitation of Liability
Notice is hereby given that this Plan has been adopted on behalf of the Fund by the Trustees of the Trust in their capacity as Trustee of the Trust and not individually and that the obligations of or arising out of this instrument are not binding upon any of the Trustees, officers or shareholders individually but are binding only upon the assets and property of the Fund.
Section 14. Severability
The provisions of the Plan are severable for each Fund and Class covered by this Plan, and actions taken with respect to a Plan in conformity with the Rule will be taken separately for each such Fund or Class.
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Section 15. Governing Law
This plan shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
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APPENDIX A
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES AND DISTRIBUTION PLAN
AMENDED AUGUST 9, 2007
Name of Fund |
Name of Class |
Aggregate
Service Fee 1 |
|||
Legg Mason Partners 130/30 U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund |
Class A | 0.25 | % | ||
Class B | 1.00 | % | |||
Class C | 1.00 | % | |||
Class I | None | ||||
Class R | 0.50 | % | |||
Class FI | 0.25 | % | |||
Legg Mason Partners Aggressive Growth Fund |
Class A | 0.25 | % | ||
Class B | 1.00 | % | |||
Class C | 1.00 | % | |||
Class I | None | ||||
Class R | 0.50 | % | |||
Class FI | 0.25 | % | |||
Legg Mason Partners All Cap Fund |
Class A | 0.25 | % | ||
Class B | 1.00 | % | |||
Class C | 1.00 | % | |||
Class I | None | ||||
Class 1 | None | ||||
Legg Mason Partners Appreciation Fund |
Class A | 0.25 | % | ||
Class B | 1.00 | % | |||
Class C | 1.00 | % | |||
Class I | None | ||||
Class R | 0.50 | % | |||
Class FI | 0.25 | % | |||
Legg Mason Partners Capital and Income Fund |
Class A | 0.25 | % | ||
Class B | 0.75 | % | |||
Class C | 1.00 | % | |||
Class I | None | ||||
Legg Mason Partners Capital Fund |
Class A | 0.25 | % | ||
Class B | 1.00 | % | |||
Class C | 1.00 | % | |||
Class I | None | ||||
Legg Mason Partners Classic Values Fund |
Class A | 0.25 | % | ||
Class B | 1.00 | % | |||
Class C | 1.00 | % |
1 |
Expressed as an annual rate of the average daily net assets of the Fund attributable to that Class. |
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Name of Fund |
Name of Class |
Aggregate
Service Fee 1 |
|||
Class I | None | ||||
Legg Mason Partners Convertible Fund |
Class A | 0.25 | % | ||
Class B | 0.75 | % | |||
Class C | 1.00 | % | |||
Class I | None | ||||
Legg Mason Partners Diversified Large Cap Growth Fund |
Class A | 0.25 | % | ||
Class B | 1.00 | % | |||
Class C | 1.00 | % | |||
Class I | None | ||||
Legg Mason Partners Dividend Strategy Fund |
Class A | 0.25 | % | ||
Class B | 1.00 | % | |||
Class C | 1.00 | % | |||
Class I | None | ||||
Class 1 | None | ||||
Legg Mason Partners Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
Class A | 0.25 | % | ||
Class B | 1.00 | % | |||
Class C | 1.00 | % | |||
Class I | None | ||||
Legg Mason Partners Equity Fund |
Class A | 0.25 | % | ||
Class B | 1.00 | % | |||
Class C | 1.00 | % | |||
Class O | None | ||||
Class I | None | ||||
Legg Mason Partners Financial Services Fund |
Class A | 0.25 | % | ||
Class B | 1.00 | % | |||
Class C | 1.00 | % | |||
Class I | None | ||||
Legg Mason Partners Fundamental Value Fund |
Class A | 0.25 | % | ||
Class B | 1.00 | % | |||
Class C | 1.00 | % | |||
Class I | None | ||||
Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund |
Class A | 0.25 | % | ||
Class B | 1.00 | % | |||
Class C | 1.00 | % | |||
Class I | None | ||||
Class 1 | None | ||||
Legg Mason Partners International All Cap Opportunity Fund |
Class A | 0.25 | % | ||
Class B | 1.00 | % |
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Name of Fund |
Name of Class |
Aggregate
Service Fee 1 |
|||
Class C | 1.00 | % | |||
Class I | None | ||||
Legg Mason Partners Investors Value Fund |
Class A | 0.25 | % | ||
Class B | 1.00 | % | |||
Class C | 1.00 | % | |||
Class O | None | ||||
Class I | None | ||||
Legg Mason Partners Large Cap Growth Fund |
Class A | 0.25 | % | ||
Class B | 1.00 | % | |||
Class C | 1.00 | % | |||
Class I | None | ||||
Class R | 0.50 | % | |||
Class FI | 0.25 | % | |||
Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 100% |
Class A | 0.25 | % | ||
Class B | 1.00 | % | |||
Class C | 1.00 | % | |||
Class I | None | ||||
Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 30% |
Class A | 0.25 | % | ||
Class B | 0.75 | % | |||
Class C | 0.70 | % | |||
Class I | None | ||||
Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 50% |
Class A | 0.25 | % | ||
Class B | 1.00 | % | |||
Class C | 1.00 | % | |||
Class I | None | ||||
Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 70% |
Class A | 0.25 | % | ||
Class B | 1.00 | % | |||
Class C | 1.00 | % | |||
Class I | None | ||||
Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 85% |
Class A | 0.25 | % | ||
Class B | 1.00 | % | |||
Class C | 1.00 | % | |||
Class I | None | ||||
Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Income Fund |
Class A | 0.25 | % | ||
Class B | 0.75 | % | |||
Class C | 0.70 | % | |||
Class I | None | ||||
Legg Mason Partners Mid Cap Core Fund |
Class A | 0.25 | % |
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Name of Fund |
Name of Class |
Aggregate
Service Fee 1 |
|||
Class B | 1.00 | % | |||
Class C | 1.00 | % | |||
Class I | None | ||||
Class 1 | None | ||||
Legg Mason Partners S&P 500 Index Fund |
Class A | 0.20 | % | ||
Class D | None | ||||
Legg Mason Partners Small Cap Core Fund |
Class A | 0.25 | % | ||
Class B | 1.00 | % | |||
Class C | 1.00 | % | |||
Class I | None | ||||
Legg Mason Partners Small Cap Growth Fund |
Class A | 0.25 | % | ||
Class B | 1.00 | % | |||
Class C | 1.00 | % | |||
Class FI | 0.25 | % | |||
Class R | 0.50 | % | |||
Class I | None | ||||
Class 1 | None | ||||
Legg Mason Partners Small Cap Value Fund |
Class A | 0.25 | % | ||
Class B | 1.00 | % | |||
Class C | 1.00 | % | |||
Class I | None | ||||
Legg Mason Partners Social Awareness Fund |
Class A | 0.25 | % | ||
Class B | 1.00 | % | |||
Class C | 1.00 | % | |||
Class I | None |
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